The Heart of Tomorrow (Book Two) (The Tomorrow Series 2) (10 page)

Thirteen

I hated saying goodbye to him, but it was inevitable. He’d kissed me before turning and heading out of the apartment around nine o’clock to catch the red eye back to L.A., and a knot formed in my stomach because I didn’t know when he’d be back.

I managed to get some restless sleep before I had to get up for work myself. I was grateful to have a job that kept me busy and my mind occupied instead of focusing on the fact I was returning to an empty apartment every night in a city I was basically alone in.

I walked into the office and opened my email, not surprised to see a packed inbox of tasks for the day. Two stories for the noon broadcast that needed editing and a luncheon I would need to arrange with the caterers for a producers’ meeting next week were at the top of my list. I downloaded the first story about an animal shelter hosting an adoption event and got to work.

“Natalie.” My head jerked up from my computer screen to see Ava standing a few feet from my desk.

“Good morning,” I said. “I’m working on this adoption story for noon.”

“I was thinking after you finish that, you might like to join me in the field.”

“Field?”

“Kara is covering that adoption story at the shelter and I thought you might want to tag along to see how it’s done.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes,” she said with a grin. “I figured it’s time to move you beyond editing.”

“I’d love that. Thank you.”

“Will you be done in a half hour?”

“I’ll be sure I’m done,” I said and she nodded before turning and leaving.

I got back to editing, trying not to make any mistakes in my hurry to finish.

Ava had given me thirty minutes, but all I needed was twenty-five. I emailed my finished edit off to the producer and then grabbed my coat, meeting Ava in her office. She led me to the lobby where we met Kara and the cameraman, Mitch.

“Are you sure it’s okay if I tag along?” I asked Kara as she looked through her purse. She was wearing black slacks and a Channel 5 fleece. Her black hair was pulled back into a stylish ponytail and her makeup was perfect. She definitely looked ready for the camera.

“Of course not. I think it’s great. An extra set of hands never hurt anyone,” she said and then turned to Mitch. “Do you know Mitch?”

I shook my head and looked over to him.

“I’ve seen you around, but we’ve never been introduced.”

He stuck out his hands and I shook it briefly. He was a burly man in jeans and a flannel shirt. That, along with his coarse brown beard, reminded me of a lumberjack.

“Welcome aboard,” he said and then motioned for us to follow him outside.

We climbed into a van with the Channel 5 logo on it and Mitch pulled into traffic. Kara looked through notes as we drove and we made occasional small talk, but I couldn’t help but notice how different it was than when we’d gone out for drinks together after work.

Once we got to Brooklyn, it didn’t take long to find the shelter. The event was already in full swing with balloons and streamers. The dogs were all decked out in colorful bandanas and a sizeable group of people were walking around and meeting the dogs. Kara got out and went to the director while Ava and I joined the crowd looking at all of the dogs hoping to find a home today. It broke my heart to see all these homeless animals. I wanted to take them home with me, but since I couldn’t, the least I could do was show them love for as long as I was here.

Kara and Mitch set up in front and I stood by Ava as they prepared to go on the air. Mitch gave her a signal and then Kara started talking into the microphone. I couldn’t hear everything she was saying, but she had a smile on her face as she looked at the camera. The director joined her then, along with a shepherd mix, whose tail was wagging as his tongue hung out of his mouth. Kara bent down and started petting him as she introduced him to the audience.  She then went around showing other dogs and speaking with more of the volunteers. The whole segment only lasted maybe five minutes and then Kara looked into the camera saying, “I’m Kara Summers for Channel 5 news.” She stood still for a few minutes and then Mitch set the camera down, signaling they were done.

“Short and sweet,” Kara said, looking over to us. “And without getting bit or peed on.” We all started laughing and we decided to spend a little more time with the dogs.

“How long have you been doing this?” I asked Kara as we were each holding a puppy from a litter of Chihuahuas.

“Two years in the field.”

“And do you like it?”

“I love it,” she answered without hesitation. “Someday I’d love to sit behind the desk in the studio, but until that day, I love doing stories out here. Especially ones like these.”

“What’d you have to do…I mean what kind of education do you have?”

“I did my undergraduate in communication, but then I went back to NYU to get my master’s in journalism and mass communication.”

“Is that a requirement?” I asked and one side of her mouth curled up into a smile.

“No, but it doesn’t hurt. Are you thinking you might want to do this?”

“I don’t know. I never have until now. It looks fun…like something I might want to do.”

“I think you’d be good at it. I’ll help you in any way I can if you decide to pursue it.”

“Thanks, but it’s just a crazy thought,” I said with a laugh.

“Crazy ideas are sometimes the best ideas,” she said and I thought she might be right.

~~~

“Thanks for taking me out with you today…to see Kara and Mitch in action,” I said to Ava when we got back.

“You’re welcome. What’d you think?”

“I had a good time. Kara’s good at her job.”

“She’s excellent.”

“Have you ever thought about being a reporter?”

“I entertained it for about a second until I realized I freeze up every time I see that little red dot on the camera,” she laughed. “Behind the scenes is where I’m meant to be.”

She hung her coat up and then sat down at her computer. I knew I should leave her alone and get back to my own work, but I didn’t go right away.

“Can I ask you something?” I asked her and she looked up at me curiously.

“Go ahead.”

“I know I’ve only been here a couple of months, but what are the chances of me taking a few days off?”

“A vacation already?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not exactly,” I said, sitting down across from her desk.

“Are you okay?” she asked and I could see concern on her face.

“Yes, I’m fine. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“Then what is it?”

“Drew, my boyfriend, the one you met at the bar,” I began and she grinned again.

“Of course I remember Drew,” she said, raising her eyebrows.

“A few weeks back, he had to go to L.A. for work. His company’s in the middle of an acquisition and he’s got to be there to oversee it. We’re not sure how long he’ll have to be there, but he wants me to come out for a short visit. I told him I wasn’t even sure I could get the time off, but he asked me to try and so I am.” I was rambling now, something I tended to do all too frequently when I was nervous.

“It’s fine. You have personal time. Use a bit of it and go see Drew.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. You’ll only be gone a few days…that’s assuming you even come back.”

“Of course I’m coming back.”

“I wouldn’t if I was going to see that man,” she said and we both laughed.

“Thank you, Ava,” I said and then went back to my cubicle.

After looking at the calendar and deciding on a good date, I cleared the time officially and then picked up the phone to call Drew.

He was ecstatic when I told him I’d gotten the time off and he immediately went about finding a flight, telling me he’d call me back when he’d arranged something. Drew didn’t waste any time because he called me back ten minutes later.

“I sent you a flight. Check your email and tell me how it looks.”

I opened my inbox and clicked on his message. It was a straight flight from JFK to LAX at seven o’clock on Friday after work and arrived at nine o’clock West Coast time. Then I noticed the price. Nearly $2,000 and then I saw why.

“I don’t need a first class ticket, Drew.”

“Yes, you do. It’s a nearly a six hour flight and you’ll be coming after a full day’s work. Believe me; you’ll thank me halfway through the flight.”

“It’s not necessary. I’ve always flown coach…until you came along that is.”

“And thank God I did. Economy is no way to fly,” he said and then he was silent for a second. “Okay…done.”

“You bought it?”

“Sure did.”

“I didn’t need first class.”

“Well, too bad. It’s done,” he said and I could hear the triumph in his voice. “No more arguing. I thought you would’ve learned arguing with me is futile, Natalie. I always get what I want,” he said and although he was joking, there was seriousness in his voice as well. I knew very well that he was used to getting what he wanted.

“I don’t know why I even bother trying when it comes to you.”

“I don’t know either,” he said with a laugh.

Fourteen

I told myself two weeks wouldn’t be that long. I reminded myself of husbands and wives in the military who didn’t see each other for months at a time and that put things into perspective for me. I would stay busy at work, learning more about the job and even going out with Kara into the field a few more times. At night, I looked forward to my Skype sessions with Drew. Sometimes we’d turn it to the same station on the TV and watch a show together, the way we would’ve done had he been home.

He started sending me links to different places he wanted to take me while I was there. I reminded him that he was there for work, questioning how he planned on being my tour guide as well.  Per the usual Drew, he told me not to worry about it and that everything was under control. To be honest, I was actually quite curious as to what he’d come up with. My traveling throughout my life had been limited and I was excited to see California.

“So, one more week, huh?” Court’s voice said when we met up at another club the following Saturday night. He’d asked me if I wanted to see Sammy and Masons again and rather than spend a lonely night in the apartment, I agreed.

“Yes,” I said as we got in line.

“You’re going to love L.A. It’s so different than New York.”

“We’ll see,” I said and he raised a curious eyebrow at me.

“We’ll see? You seem doubtful.”

“I guess I just don’t know what to expect. I’m all for visiting, but he wants me to move out there with him.”

“What?” he said, grabbing my arm. “You didn’t tell me that.”

“I guess I left out that little detail,” I said and then looked at my friend, hoping he could give me some insight Drew wasn’t giving me. “How long do you think he’ll have to stay in L.A.?”

“I don’t know, Natalie,” he said, his voice sounding more somber now. “These things take time. It’s really huge for him…for the whole company actually. He just wants to make sure everything goes all right.”

“What are you and Anna Beth doing now that Drew’s in L.A.?”

“What we normally do, but with more focus on the merger. He mentioned needing one of us to come out possibly and help train the new assistants. He hasn’t decided yet though.”

“New assistants?”

“Well, not new. They were part of the old company, but things are done a little differently at Taylor and Saben and he wants it all streamlined, plus there’s a new project he was just awarded yesterday.”

“I had no idea. Sometimes I feel so out of the loop.”

“He didn’t tell you any of this?”

“No. Ever since I stopped working there, he hardly ever talks shop with me.”

“Do you blame him? Work is work. When he comes home to your sweet little ass, that’s the last thing he wants to talk about.”

I chose to ignore his comment, although it made me laugh.

“Maybe it wouldn’t be such a big deal if I hadn’t been in the thick of it for so long. If I’d met Drew without working for him, I probably wouldn’t know better.”

“You give him that release he needs and I actually find it very romantic that he’s so desperate to be with you when he’s got a whole bevy of California girls at his fingertips.”

“Bevy?”

“Perhaps that’s a little much, but from the video conferencing we’ve had, it appears a majority of the new office is women, and young, attractive women at that.”

I felt a little knot forming in my stomach. I trusted Drew, but I’d be lying if I said the thought of him surrounded by women didn’t bother me a little.

“I take it he left out that little tidbit as well,” Court continued. “Don’t let it bother you, Natalie. That man adores you. He’d probably walk through fire for you.”

“I’m not bothered by it,” I said and he nudged me in the side with his elbow.

“Liar,” he said and I rolled my eyes at him as we approached the bouncer, showing our IDs and paying the cover charge before walking into the crowded club.

I thought I recognized the song that was playing when we walked inside. Obviously, we’d either been late or Sammy and Masons took the stage earlier than scheduled.

“I think I know this song,” I shouted to Court over the noise.

“It’s a cover of
Pictures of You
by The Cure,” he said, then looked at me skeptically. “You have heard of The Cure before, right?”

“I’ve heard of them,” I said as we settled into the crowd.

“You have so much to learn, Natalie.” He laughed as we got closer to the stage.

“Are you drinking tonight?” Court asked a few minutes later and I shook my head.

“No. I think last week set my limit for the month.”

I was surprised he didn’t harass me about it. Instead, he focused his attention back on the music.

The band played for another hour and I was hot from the jumping around and dancing Court and I had done.

“I have to run to the restroom. Don’t disappear on me,” I told Court a little while later.

“I’m not making any promises,” Court teased and then I pushed my way through the crowd to find the ladies room. I shouldn’t have been surprised to see there was a line. It moved quickly though and when I was done, I washed my hands and made my way back into the club. The crowd seemed to have gotten bigger and I could barely make my way through. I glanced to my right and saw an open path along the wall and thought that looked like my quickest route.

It took a little effort, but I eventually made it out, but before I could make my way to Court, I was staring into a set of deep brown eyes I’d recognize anywhere. I couldn’t breathe for a second as I tried to register the fact that Ethan was only a foot away. We’d nearly crashed into each other and he seemed just as startled as I was to see him.

“Natalie.” His voice was almost a whisper and I took a moment to look him over. I hadn’t seen him since November. We’d been the biggest part of each other’s lives for four years and then we were just finished. I’d hurt him and I hated that I’d hurt him. I’d loved Ethan so deeply once, but people change and they don’t always change together. We had grown apart, but a piece of my heart would always belong to Ethan. First loves do that. They grab on and never let go.

He looked good. His brown hair was a little longer than I was used to and he had a light shadow on his face like he hadn’t shaved in a couple of days.

“Ethan. Hi,” I said, finally finding my voice and it was quiet again for a few awkward seconds.

“How are you?” he finally asked.

“I’m good. You?” I asked, feeling guilty that I could ask him such a mundane question.

“I’m alive, so I guess I can’t complain,” he said with a forced grin and I nodded awkwardly. “What brings you out here tonight?”

“Court likes the band,” I answered and he looked around curiously.

“Court? No Drew?”

“He’s in L.A. for work. I’m actually heading out there next week to visit.”

“L.A. Sounds nice.”

“Yeah,” was all I could think to say and the silence that settled between us was killing me.

“Well, I should get back to my friends,” he said. “Take care, Natalie.” He brushed gently past me, his familiar scent catching my attention as he did so and I turned to watch the back of him as he walked away.

“Wait, Ethan,” I called out and he stopped and looked at me. “How are you? Really?” I could hear the guilt oozing from my voice and he didn’t answer me right away

“I’m fine, Natalie. Believe it or not, you leaving me didn’t destroy me how you may think.” There was a harshness in his voice that I didn’t like hearing.

“I…I didn’t think that,” I stammered. “I just want to know you’re okay.”

“I’m okay. You can stop feeling guilty for what you did,” he said and then paused for a moment before continuing. “I know the last time we spoke, it wasn’t good. I was angry, but we changed, Nat. Plain and simple. Everything happens for a reason. I’m still trying to figure out that reason, but I’m okay.”

I could feel myself starting to choke up. I’d hurt him so badly and yet he was trying to help me let go and move on.

“I’m glad,” I said softly and then he walked towards me, his hand resting on my arm. He looked as if he wanted to say something more, but he didn’t. He just smiled a little and then I felt his lips on my cheek, warm and soft, just as I remembered. He pulled away a moment later, meeting his gaze with mine again and then he was gone, disappearing into the crowd as abruptly as he had appeared. I swallowed through the lump in my throat and then exhaled deeply, finally able to breathe again. 

“What’s the matter with you?” Court asked when I returned. “You look all pale. You could definitely use some blush.”

He started pinching my cheeks, but when I shooed his hands away, he could tell I wasn’t in the mood.

“Seriously, Natalie, what’s wrong?” he asked again and I sighed.

“I just ran into Ethan,” I told him and I saw Court flinch a little.

“How was it? Did he rip your head off?” he said with a little laugh.

“No. He was actually very cordial. Too cordial. He seems totally fine,” I said and I told myself it shouldn’t bother me so much.

“That’s a good thing. You can let go of the guilt now,” Court said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

“I know,” I said quietly. “I’m glad he’s doing okay. It just brings up a lot of memories seeing him again.”

“Having second thoughts about choosing the rich stud over old faithful?”

“No, Court,” I said firmly. “I don’t have second thoughts, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still care about Ethan.”

“I wish my life was as exciting as yours.”

“No, you don’t,” I assured him.

“Buck up, Natalie,” he teased.

“Not gonna happen, Court,” I sighed. “I actually think I’m going to head home.”

“I have no clue why I even bother inviting you out. I might as well ask my mother. She likes to turn in before nine as well.”

“Then ask your mother next time.” I laughed and then waved before he could say anything and headed towards the door, but not before I caught a glimpse of Ethan again, deep in conversation with a girl who seemed completely enamored with my former boyfriend. I remembered conversations with Ethan like that and I suddenly missed them. My life had been so different then. It was so much simpler, even though I hadn’t realized it then. A little part of me missed the way we used to sit up talking all night and the innocence of our relationship. We’d had nothing but each other when we moved to New York, but obviously that hadn’t been enough and I’d ended up losing my best friend. I loved Drew, but that didn’t mean I still didn’t miss Ethan sometimes. He was just different than Drew and as I glanced at him once more before walking out, I knew he was happy.