Page 58 of Convincing Him
“That’s the thing, it isn’t a drug which gets anyone high,” explained Gabe. “It is a chemical agent which contains potassium ion. We use it in operating rooms to stop the heart during heart surgeries.”
“Has anyone spoken to Gerrit about this yet? Maybe it wasn’t him,” ventured a hopeful Max.
“It is Gerrit. He got a keycard and a code somehow. Parker is going to talk to him since he’s now the head of the Ramesly HMC,” Gabe shrugged. “Hopefully, it was all some big misunderstanding. We’re trying to keep it quiet within the family for now.”
“Maybe Gerrit has a reasonable explanation,” hoped Max.
“Maybe,” murmured Gabe with some doubt. There was no reason Gerrit should be taking anything from one of the family hospitals. A woman caught his eye. There was a brunette walking at the cross street. Gabe’s eyes followed her but, in his heart, he knew she wasn’t Britney.
“How are you holding up?” quietly asked Max. “You know, losing your position with Ramesly HMC and not marrying Britney.”
“I’ll get another job,” shrugged Gabe. “As for Brit, I only can hope our relationship is not beyond repair.”
“Gabe the mighty has fallen,” Max gave a low whistle. “I wasn’t sure I would ever see the day.”
“I’m going to win her back,” murmured Gabe.
“I recommend groveling,” a sympathetic Max advised. “Flowers can help too, candy, anything she likes is a good start. Promise things but not if you don’t plan to deliver on them. Did I mention groveling sometimes works?”
Somehow Gabe didn’t think it would be easy. He wasn’t charming like Max and Britney had been pretty clear in voicing she wanted to be left alone. “Do you mind going back inside? I would like a few minutes alone to think.”
“Sure thing, but if you need more advice just call,” Max nodded agreeably. He gave Gabe a pat on the shoulder then reentered the hotel.
It was just Gabe and the doorman again. A couple of pigeons cooed nearby.
Gabe sighed, feeling the weight of the entire world settling on his shoulders. How long he stood there, contemplating the sunset, Gabe didn’t know. A movement caught the corner of his eye and he looked as a car pulled up at the construction barriers at the end of the street. Squinting against the sunlight, Gabe could see someone in a tux exit the vehicle, holding the door open for a woman in a blue colored dress.
Someone who was late to the wedding. Or trying to crash it, Gabe surmised.
Then the woman in the blue dress put a couple of bouquets in the man’s hands. She turned and helped a dark-haired woman who was wearing a white dress out of the car. The blue dress woman fussed over hair, took back the bouquets, handing one to the woman in white. The trio started walking toward the hotel.
Gabe’s heart skipped a beat as he recognized Britney. He stood frozen, watching as she and Tara approached. It seemed almost unbearable to breathe. Gabe had been looking for Britney all night, trying to spot her in the crowd and here she was, coming towards him.
“Brit?” he managed to croak in disbelief. Hope started to rise within him.
Britney stopped within a dozen feet of him. A tremulous smile graced her lips, uncertainty in her eyes. “I saw the house. It is beautiful.”
“I compromised on the shower,” Gabe cleared his throat, feeling nervous. “Did you like the yard?”
“I like the yard the best,” replied Britney. “Especially the treehouse.”
Gabe had an uncertain smile. “I thought you would like the pantry the best.”
“The pantry was a surprise,” nodded Britney. “You had to reduce your office.”
“It was worth it,” Gabe stated firmly. “If it made you happy then it was definitely worth it.”
Britney pleated her dress with her fingers. “That’s why I’m here.”
“The pantry?” questioned Gabe.
“No,” Britney had a little laugh. “You compromised to make me happy. The shower and the pantry were proof. Then there was the back yard. I met Tom. He told me about all the hard work you and he did to make the back yard happen.”
“The ornamental tree is crooked,” muttered Gabe. “No matter which way I try to angle it, the tree is always crooked. I’m sorry it wasn’t done professionally. I’m sure a landscaping company would have done a better job, but I couldn’t get anyone on short notice after the company I had was double booked.”
“I love it more because you did it,” confessed Britney. “I love you more because you proved you can be an equal part of this relationship. You made the house a home for us. It gives me hope you’ll keep trying and be half of the equation of us.”
“That’s all I want,” Gabe said truthfully. “I know I don’t deserve any more chances from you, but if you want to try again Britney, I would like to try again too. Whatever you want, I’m willing to be a part of as long as it is with you.”
