Chapter 12: LIAM
I know I'm not supposed to be worried that Cara is all alone at home because of the estate security but I am. I shouldn't have come here. You've never had a problem with Rosa’s mandatory getaway breaks. I don't have a problem with it I just feel it's bad timing that is all.
What happens when you have to travel for work related matters?
She'll come along. After all, she's my assistant.
“Have you been listening to anything I've been saying.?” “Not really, I'm sorry.”
“Care to share?” Rosa asks.
“Don’t give this a wrong meaning.” “Okay?”
“Cara is home alone.”
“And? Last I checked, she's an adult.”
“Yeah, I am aware. The thing is you know I stay in a lonely estate and you know how big my house is. I’m not so comfortable.”
“With how tight the security of the estate is, a fly can't pass by without being noticed. You and I both know that. Any other excuse?”
“Rosa, believe me these are not excuses.”
“From all you've told me and from our chats, I honestly just want to put this out there that you still like this girl or maybe love is the word.”
I couldn't help but laugh so hard I almost thought I would pass out.
“Like? Love? Come on Rosa, slow your horses. As common as attraction, I don't feel for her. I'm doing this all because of mother. You know how she can be and Cara for some weird reason happens to be her favourite person of course after Laura.”
“Lie to yourself all you want, but I'll be here to say I told you so. You know deep down she's attractive. I saw her myself today and that suit dress she had on complimented her skin and figure. If you are so worried about her safety why not just call her?”
Idial her number and it goes straight to voice mail. I try it four more times and every single one of it goes straight to voice. Cara Bloom pick up for phone for goodness sake!
“What’s happening?” Rosa questions. “It’s going straight to voicemail.”
“You should probably go check up on her.” “I should. I call you.”
“No problem at all. Just let me know if she's doing okay.” “Sure.” I respond picking up my wallet and car keys.
Cara Bloom, you drive me crazy. I park in the lot and head over to how apartment. Why are the lights off? Isn't it to early to be sleeping? Or maybe she's out with Veronica. Most of her close childhood friends were no longer in Dublin so it only makes sense that if she's not home, she's probably with Veronica.
I get to the apartment and see there are no signs of anyone being in there. I'm going to call Veronica and ask if they've closed for the day and then proceed to inquire about their whereabouts like I need something to be picked up from the office. That's the only way Veronica won't find it weird that I called to ask if Cara was out with her.
“Hello Sir.”
“How are you Veronica? Have you guys left the office?” “Yes sir. Do you need something from the office?”
“If you've gotten home, I can call Cara to get it since her house is closer except both of you are spending the weekend together. I wouldn't want to interrupt especially because it's impromptu.”
“Not at all sir. In fact I'm home.” “Ok then. Enjoy your weekend.” “And you too sir.”
Where on planet Earth is Cara Bloom? If I call the company's security and she's not at work, I'm calling mother to find out if she's with her. I won't be surprised if mother invited her for a girls sleepover. It's something she's capable of doing.
“Hello Gregory.” “Good evening sir.”
“Is Miss Cara Bloom still in the office? I've been trying to reach her but her line’s not connecting.”
“She left the office an hour ago with Mr James.” “Jeffery James?”
“Yes sir. I think he dropped her off because she didn't come with a car.”
“Thank you very much.”
Because she didn't come with a car? That's why Uber was created. She should have taken one. It's not even safe to ride on that death thing he calls a bike. Even if he decided to drop her off, she should have gotten home by now. At least I know she's with Jeffery James. She scared the hell out of me. Let's just seat and wait for her to arrive. I enter my house and slam the door behind me. You don't have to take out your frustration on the innocent innate object.
Finally, she arrives. I look at the time and see it's 10:33. “Where have you been?”
“Is something wrong?”
“You disappearing without the decency to notify me or anyone is what is wrong! I shouldn't even be surprised because that's what you know how to do best.”
“I’m lost Liam.” “Mr Johnson.”
“Cara deep breath. Mr Johnson, why do I need to inform you of my whereabouts when we are out of the office?”
“You need to inform me of your whereabouts in or outside the office because you live in my house, two because it's not safe out there and three, mother is going to have my head if anything happens to you.”
“Have you forgotten I grew up here and I know places I'm supposed to be at and where I'm not. If you wanted to know where I was so badly, you should have just called me.”
“Oh I did and guess what? Your phone kept going to voicemail and I know you were out with Jeffrey.”
“Did you have me trailed?”
“Why on earth will I have you trailed? I have way better things to do. I just have ears allover. For the sake of the company's image and mine, can you stop cavorting around town?”
It was after seeing her mouth drop open I realised the gravity of my word. I should apologise, but on a second thought, I won't. She has me so worried.
“Did you say cavorting?”
“You heard me right. I'm not going to repeat myself or isn't that what you were doing?”
“I’m not going to do this with you?” Cara responds tears running down her cheek.
“I’m sorry, I didn't mean it.” I say standing in her way.
“Get out of my way and get your filthy hands off my face.” she says swatting my hands away from her eyes.
She pushes me out of her way and dashes to her apartment. She shuts the door in my face leaving me standing out alone.
“I am sorry croissant.” A name I used to call her while we were still dating. It was her favourite snack and her favourite nickname.
She rushes out of the apartment and my eyes lands on the small bag in her hand.
“Don’t you dare call me that. Never.” “Where are you going?”
“Far away from you.”
“I said I'm sorry. You really don't have to. I’m sorry.” “You clearly didn't want me here to start with.”
“I am sorry. I was worried sick only to find out you were out with Jeffery. Mother will feel bad if she hears you left.”
“ It's just for the weekend. I'll be in the office on Monday.”
“Where will you stay? I can drop you off. Please tell me you are not staying with Jeffery?”
“Where I'll stay and who I'm with is none of your business and I don't need you to drop me off.”
A car pulls up and honks. That was very fast. She must have been placing a ride while she was typing away on her phone. But her phone was going to voicemail when I called her. Before I knew what was going on she was off.