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Chapter 40: Nikki
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Withstanding the Odds Chapter 41: Bronson
What was I thinking?That's the question that was continuously running around in my mind. What the hell was I thinking?"Are you coming?" I turn and watch as Nikki giggles then pushes the loose strands of blonde hair out of her face. Her eyes are dancing with humor and her cheeks are flush from the cool breeze November is bringing us."Are you sure this is what you want to spend your free day doing?" I take one more long look around the front of the amusement park and shake my head in disgust. When I told Nikki that I was willing to grant her this wish, to do something from what she calls fun, I had no idea it would result in us going to a small-town amusement park.What was I thinking?"Bronson." My eyes match up with hers and I see the excitement growing in waves. "Let go. For once in your controlled life, just let go and have some fun with me."Nikki extends her hand out towards mine. I don't hesitate when I take it and allow her to lead me through the throng of people in line. Nik
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 42: Bronson
The ride begins and ends as quickly as it started. Nikki and I laughed the whole time at my attempt to sit upright on the uncomfortable metal bord. I may have done most of the falls on purples to see the woman laugh and smile.We're walking out of the small red and white tent and heading for the next ride when Nikki stops, grabbing my hand and pulling herself closer to my side. She speaks softly, so soft that I have to hold her form tighter to mine and lean my head down to listen. Anyone walking by would assume we are a couple of love birds that can't keep their hands off each other."I know this isn't exactly what you thought I would have in mind for doing something fun, but the truth is, I've embraced this trip as something more. You were right in pushing me. I was afraid of your original words to me because they spoke in volumes of truth.""Nikki…" I start. I hated the cruel words I said to her when I first met her. I wanted to save her, but it wasn't the right way to go about it.
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 43: Nikki
I'm an idiot.How could I do something so daring? So pathetic? So completely stupid and ruin everything I have been working hard on?My phone chimes in the background and I cringe automatically. Mick has been trying to get a hold of me since yesterday morning, but I didn't want to answer him, I didn't want his voice to ruin what Bronson and I shared.He told me he was going to grant my request and do something fun, I had nothing planned, just didn't want to be cooped up in another hotel room while he went out and played mogul. I found the first thing that caught my mind, a small amusement park that was going on fifty years old. It was spontaneous, but just seeing Bronson's face register with shock as I revealed what we would be devoting the remainder of our day doing was worth it, even if we chose not to go inside.Instead, he surprised me. He laughed, had fun, even spoiled me with hidden glances and light humor. Everything was perfect, until it wasn't.Another chime from my phone goes
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 44: Bronson
The plane lands swiftly and without any complications. I stand once I see the seatbelt lights flicker off and walk right over towards Nikki.She's been ignoring me all morning and with this being our last city, I know I need to mend things with Nikki, to mend the friendship that I felt growing. I know I need to speak with her about Cassandra, especially with her being home in the next few days, but I've been enjoying our time together so much, I want nothing to ruin that.Nikki's eyes look up at me with a boring expression marring her natural beauty. Her eyes take me in from head to toe, like they often do, only this time when she reaches my eyes, they quickly look away. I understand she's upset, but it seems like so much more than that. Indifference maybe? Whatever it is, I won't allow her to pull away from me. Not when I've done so much work tearing down the massive wall she's put in place of her feelings."We're here." I announce like an absolute tool. Of course, she knows we've lan
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 45: Bronson
Thirty minutes later, we enter the city of Chicago, my next venture, and the one I am most eager to obtain. It's close enough to home, that I can fly out anytime and check on my investment. The CEO of Northington Enterprise is one of the most technical establishments. It's low on the podium for its size but something I saw extreme potential in. Especially when I heard that they are now dipping into medical machinery.The SUV pulls up at the Viceroy Hotel and I exit the car and come around the other side to wait on Nikki, a fact she ignores by walking right past me and right for the entrance. She's still angry with me, but it's starting to feel like so much more.What the hell happened in the last two days?Why is she treating me with such anger and resentment?Shaking my head, I follow her lead and head right for the entrance, stopping short when I see a man quietly speaking with Nikki. Her body is stiff and her posture tight. Rand beats me to the man by stepping in between the two, pu
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 46: Nikki
My hands pull the opening of my pea coat closer together as the breeze flows through my hair. I'm used to the cold, used to the frigid air being harsh on skin not covered by any type of clothing, but that's not why my body is shivering.My hand comes up and stops mid knock as every fiber of my body stays undecided if it's warm or cold. Shaking my head, riding it of the doubt circling around, I whisper a quick 'f*ck it' and knock three times.I wait.And wait.And wait, but the heavy steal door with wrought iron vines throughout the paneling, mocks me by remaining closed.I turn, shaking my head at the dumb idea of coming here, of even attempting to get a few pieces of my messed-up life, but I stop at the unmistakable sound of the door opening from behind me. I turn, one again, and this time come face to face with the only woman to show me love after my parents died and my aunt and uncle learned how to jump off the face of the Earth."Nicole?" My eyes close instinctively when I recogniz
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 47: Bronson
I check my phone for what feels like the hundredth time in the last hour. I can feel the migraine growing at an alarming rate as my pacing drags my feet across the room."Is there something wrong Mr. Fortworth?" I stop mid step, looking back over at Miss Romsley, the CEO here at Northington Incorporated. I've been in her office for over two hours and yet, I do not believe we have actually gotten any work done.Not since I read the message from Rand regarding Nikki. Instinctively I check my phone once again.Rand: She's gone sir, the room is empty. Landen and I are out looking.Me: What do you mean she is gone?Rand: Checked her room, everything is still there, but her backpack is gone. Wherever she is sir, its temporary.Me: F*ck, just find her. I need to know she is safe. Do not let her know you are tailing her. Find her, report back, and make sure she is safe."Mr. Fortworth?"I give Miss Romsley a genuine smile, then place my phone back into my pocket. I have to trust Rand now, trus
Withstanding the Odds Chapter 48: Nikki
"I see you have your own entourage." Maggie responds as Landen makes his way over towards me. Rand and Jim are standing near the two large SUV's that are scattered in the middle of the small quiet street. The doors are still open, and the lights are bright, indicating that they haven't turned the cars off.It looks like a damn crime scene."I just feel for your neighbors.""Oh, please honey, people are nosy by nature. Even your presence here earlier probably has them peering out of the windows to see what's happening." I look around instinctively and sure enough there are a few people peering through only to reside back into their homes when they see that I have noticed.My smile quirks up at that."Miss Myers?" I turn to Landen and notice he not only looks like he wants to scream and shout but looks also relieved. He turns his head towards my former foster mother and gives her a curt nod. He looks hysterical with his sunglasses still intact making me cross my arms and roll my eyes."I
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