Page 86 of Tangled Trust

Ella is waiting for me somewhere in this melee of carefree people. The hotel I’m staying at is easy enough to find. The woman at reception is stuck up. Clearly, she’s used to dealing with the elite. I don’t pay her any mind as I book in and grab a bite to eat in the restaurant across the road.

The message from Ella comes through while I’m finishing my tea. She’s different from the way she used to be. I wonder what prompted her radical change in direction. Her letter was quite clear. She left and she wasn’t planning on seeing me again. Perhaps, she finally appreciates me for who I was to her. They say the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and I think this is the perfect metaphor for Ella’s current situation.

Leaving one’s country, friends, and family behind without looking back isn’t as easy as it would seem. I guess, America, with its land of the free and home of the brave ideology turned out to deliver less of the goods than expected. Not that I’m complaining. I have what I wanted. I’m happy. I will, however, make it clear to the ungrateful Ella that what she did to me will not go completely unpunished. Nothing too severe, but payment must be made. She’s on the back foot, and that’s precisely where I prefer my women to be.

Excellent. I now have an address. I’m tempted to go there this evening, but Ella tells me she won’t be there, so I wait. What the hell? I’ve waited this long, I’ll survive one more night.

What to do? Perhaps, I’ll procure a spot of amusement for the evening. That way I’ll work out much of the frustration Ella’s caused me before I see her tomorrow. I’ll troll the LA websites for a lady of the night that closely resembles my runaway Ella and have at it. It’s a solid plan. I feel better already. I pay the lunch bill and leave.

* * *

It’s early when I text Sebastian.

Sebastian, my love. Please, come see me this afternoon at 1 p.m. I’ll send you the location. I can’t wait to be in your arms again.

All my love.

Ella.

The stage is set.

Around 12:45, I send Ella a text.

Hi, Ella.

I’m so sorry, but I’m running a few minutes late. Please, let yourself into the house and relax in the living room. I won’t be too long.

See you very soon.

Amanda

Last night was fantastic. I wish all women were as accommodating as prostitutes. They seem to get the job done without the bloody fuss. No apologies needed, and no useless bouquets required. Just straightforward fucking.

I’m on a high this morning. Today's the day that I’ll be reunited with Ella. Fortunately for her, I worked out most of my anger last night, so today is all about pretending to be the loving and caring boyfriend who was gutted when the love of his life dumped him like a bag of rotten fruit.

I check the time. It’s 12:10 and I’ve already mapped out the route to Ella’s on my hire car’s GPS. It should take me exactly half an hour to get there, traffic permitting. I hate tardiness. Being late, in any instance, is just bad ruddy manners.

* * *

It’s 12:40 when I park on the curb in front of the beach house. I can’t see the whole house, as it’s sizable, but I am able to see the kitchen window. I stare intently at that spot when I see movement. It’s Ella. I’ve almost forgotten how stunningly beautiful she is. She looks so relaxed—must be the California sunshine. It could also be the thought of being with me again. Either way, she’s gorgeous.

I switch off the engine and sit and watch her while she pours water from the tap into a glass and then drinks from it. I can almost taste her sweet lips as I watch her wrap them around the rim of the glass. Such a mundane act, yet so sensual.

Oh, Ella. I’ve missed you. Why did you do this to me?

It’s time. Time to meet with the woman who will be mine again. And, this time, I will not let her get away so easily. I’ll be keeping Ella close to me. I can’t have her getting any ideas again. Perhaps we’ll leave London and move to the country where she can raise our children away from the distraction that city life brings with it. Ella will be much happier if she dedicates herself to me and our children and forgets all this career nonsense. Mother insists that having a family should be every woman’s highest priority, and I agree.

I grab the flowers I bought for Ella from the passenger seat. Tulips. They’re quite beautiful. I know she’s going to love them.

* * *

Ugh! Amanda’s going to be late. I’m anxious enough as it is being here in her domain. I hope she isn’t going to leave me sitting here for too long.

I have to give her credit for her style. The beach house is exquisitely furnished. I recognize the deft hand of Kelly Weastler as I roam about taking in the decor elements. Very impressive.

I’m thirsty. Our baby is busy today. Who knows what the little one is up to but I can feel the telltale flutters as my angel leaps about whilst exploring the womb. I wonder what it is. Boy? Girl? Who knows? It could be one of each. There are twins on my father’s side of the family. Personally, I’d prefer one challenge at a time. The thought of juggling two newborns is far too daunting.

I’m sure Carter and I will have a slew of minders and nannies to help, but I want to be with my baby. Too many kids are brought up by strangers. My baby will be mine and Carter’s. No one else’s.

---