Page 24 of The Seductress

“What is?” I’m not sure we were talking about the same thing. She seemed rather relaxed while my whole world was falling apart. “Look honey. Your dad and I have always done our best to give you the things you need. Now you have this man showering you with gifts and giving you a card with no limit, bless his heart.” She smiled and shook her head.

“Of course you’re gonna want to shop, who wouldn’t? But it doesn’tmake you a bad person. Did you ask him for the card?”

“Of course not.” I wiped new tears from my eyes and listened. I was already starting to feel better from the soothing tone of her voice.

“Well, there you have it, you didn’t ask and he gave it freely of his own free will. I’d think he’d expect you to use the thing. Besides, as the wife of such an established man you’re going to need to change a few things don’t you think? So what if he wants you to look nice? I think it’s sweet. Your dad gives me money all the time, does that make me a gold digger?”

“No but that’s different.”

“How so? Okay, so your Simon has a bit more in the bank than dadbut it’s the same principle dear. I think it shows that he doesn’t think that of you.” She spent the next half hour calming me down and trying to get me to see the light. I felt better for coming and that sick feeling soon evaporated.

We spent the next few hours chatting and going over wedding stuff, but always in the back of my mind was that damn card. I suddenly had an idea and jumped up from the table. “I know exactly what I need to do. Come with me mom I’m going get Simon something nice, it will be my first purchase.” The idea, made me feel a whole lot better.

“That’s a sweet idea but I can’t. Your dad is expecting a package and someone needs to sign for it. If I miss it again he’ll probably shoot me.” Shegrinned and I hoped that I would still be that warm toward Simon when we’d been together as long as they have.

“Well can I take the car? Tony’s supposed to pick me up when I’m ready so I’ll just come back here when I’m done and have him pick me up.”

“Sure, you know where the keys are, have fun. And no speeding.”

I ignored her, since I do not speed and grabbed the keys on my way out. I was feeling ten times better than I did when I showed up here and my step was much lighter. Of course she was right. Simon loved me. And besides, he’s not the type to make such a gesture unless he meant it.

The morning’s angst fadedaway as I drove on, my excitement growing with each mile that went by. Now, I could enjoy the air that streamed through the slightly opened window and I even turned up the carols that were playing on the radio. This was going to be a spectacular holiday; I could feel it.

I made it to the mall in record time and was bubbling over with new joy as I parked and got out. The parking lot as was to be expected this time of year, was packed from one end to the next, so I had to park a ways away from the entrance. No bother, it was the middle of the day and I wasn’t planning on being here long. I didn’t see the man that approached until he was right there and then it was too late. I didn’t even have time to scream.

***

Simon

***

Where the hell is she? I’d taken a much- needed break from my work and she was the first thing on my mind once I came up for air. She wasn’t answering the house phone and her cell went straight to voicemail.

I didn’t panic right away, she could be out in the gardens or in the tub, but something niggled at the back of my mind. I called Tony on the off chance that he was driving hersomewhere. “Hey Tony, where’s Ashley?”

“I took her to her mom’s a few hours ago. Everything okay?”

“It’s fine, I didn’t know she was going over there today. I’ll just call her there.” I hung up and searched for the number in my phone. She was probably knee deep in wedding plans instead of studying.

Her mom answered on the second ring and I breathed a little easier. “Hello Ms. Janet, it’s Simon, can I talk to Ashley?”

“She’s not back yet.”

“Not back from where?” Now the panic was beginning to set in.

“She drove my car to the mall I think…”

“Okay thanks.” I hung up and called Sam right away.

“Sam where are you?”

“Sitting outside her office. She hasn’t moved since she got here this morning why?”

“I can’t find Ashley, she’s at the mall. Get there now I’ll meet you.” I rushed out of the office and headed for my truck with a sickening pain in my gut.

I was probably fretting for nothing, her phone could’ve died or something as simple as that, but better safe than sorry. A million scenarios ran through my head as I made my way to her, none of them good. If anything happened to her…no I won’t let myself think it. No way I was going to lose her now; life wouldn’t beso cruel. There was still so much more we had yet to share.

I pulled into the parking lot just as Sam entered from the other side. It was only then I realized I had no idea what her mom’s car looked like and the place was crowded. Sam saw me and drove to meet me halfway. I was about to call her mother and ask for a description of her vehicle when something caught my eye and I was afraid I’d found it.

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