Chapter 74 Bronson

My fingers find my temple and I rub for the millionth time today. I’ve been at work all day, and much like the last couple of weeks, I have thought only of what lies at home.

Nikki.

She is the only constant thought on my mind, and knowing today is her first day of work, its an even stronger thought. I didn’t see her leave, but by the time I woke this morning and went to her room, she was gone.

Would I have said something to her? Would I have wished her luck, or offered her a ride on her first day? I don’t know the answer to those questions. I have spent this past week ignoring her, ignoring this tension between us, because I couldn’t face her after throwing my heart into hands, only to pull it back immediately.

Why didn’t I end things with Cassandra? Clara’s visit has my mind constantly off, and even now, as I sit and listen on the third conference call of the day, all I can think about are my mistakes. Nikki didn’t steer away at my past, but I couldn’t continue to taint her with the darkness of who I am lurking around my mind.

Putting an end to my misery, I decide to send a message to George, asking him how Nikki’s first day is going. I didn’t want to show any sort of weakness, especially to someone that could manipulate the relationship between the two of us, but knowing Nikki was somewhere on the other side of the city without me, going through her first day of the rest of her life, I had to find out how it was going.

Me: How is she doing?

George McCall: She’s great, glad you recommended her.

Placing my phone back down on the desk, I blow out a deep breath and try to get some work done, while listening dozily on the conference call. Finally, once it ends, I stand and go around my desk, stopping at the large window that reflects the other side of the world. The streets of New York are busy, bustling with people running back and forth to their latest ventures.

The buzzer on my desk goes off, and I walk over and open the door for Bethany whom walks in with a box in one hand, while the other is carrying a handful of messages, no doubt from the hundreds of people attempting to get a hold of me in the last few hours.

“Morning Sir. I have a few things for you.”

“I can see that.” She places down the messages, then while still carrying the box, reaches out to hand it to me. “What’s this?”

“I wanted to get you something to show my appreciation for giving me those days off last week. It isn’t much, but it means a lot to me, and since it’s nearly Christmas, I thought I would just give you an early Christmas present.”

I had given Bethany the time off that she requested for her wedding. Her fiancé had been given notice of his deployment, making them tie the knot earlier than expected. No longer wanting to be the business mogul my grandfather wanted from me, I gave her the time off she needed, shocking the both of us. But that is not what has me retreating back into the darkness, that is not what brings back the man she used to be afraid of.

“Christmas?”

“Yes sir. Christmas is on Friday.” She looks unsure as she continues to hang on to the box meant for me. Its golden ribbon balanced perfectly atop the bright crimson red wrapping.

“And you thought you would give me a Christmas present?” This time she looks down as I tower over her. I hate this feeling, this feeling of losing the control I have over my employees. I haven’t celebrated Christmas in years, and I have no means of doing it now.

“I just thought….” Her eyes narrow and look down at the box in hand.

“That will be all I need from you for now Bethany. Please return back to your desk.” I announce. I can see the tears in her eyes threatening to fall, but she gives me a small smile, then places down the box and walks out of my office.

I don’t know how long I stare at the box until I finally blow out a deep breath, come around my desk and grab it. I can’t remember the last time I opened a present, Cassandra always leaves right before Christmas for Paris, and normally spends it working, leaving me the same way. This year declares no differently, but with Nikki home with me, I feel a certain sense of gratitude towards a holiday meant to appreciate all you have.

Opening the gift, I’m a little taken back by what is located inside. A tie, blue, bland with small prints of fish scattered throughout is what I pull out then locate the small note directly behind it. I read it, then place it down on my desk like it could spontaneously catch fire.

-It was my grandfather’s and although he may no longer be here with us, I thought you could carry on the tradition.

My feet march me right outside my office where I stop just before Bethany’s desk, my hand still gripping the tie tightly.

“Why did you give this to me?” She looks up looking from the tie back to me and then twice more. “You have a husband now, why wouldn’t you want him to carry your grandfather’s tie, his legacy.” I’m practically screaming, but I don’t care, my emotions are too tight right now. Too filled with anger and guilt.

Bethany stands and walks around her desk, stopping just before me. “Because Mr. Fortworth, you remind me of him most. He was a workaholic shortly after he returned from the Vietnam war, burying everything inside that he wanted to unleash after his service. He refused to let go, until my mother was born. He told me that he fell in love the day she was born and that it changed him. She got it for him when she was twelve, giving him something to wear with pride.” She looks at me with tears in her eyes and I have to fight mine back. “I have many things of my grandfather’s that I can not only pass to my husband but to my own children someday, but this meant something else to me. This was meant to be yours, and I think my grandpa would agree with me.”

I stand there, a blank expression on my face as I listen to her words. After she is done speaking, I stand up straighter and look down at her. “I need you to call a meeting, now.”

“Yes sir, who would you like me to call Mr. Fortworth?” She asks, her voice a little defeated.”

“Everyone.” I shout before going back into my office and slamming the door.

I have an idea. And it may just be the craziest thing I have ever done.