Catch Me (The Winters Family Series: Book 1) Page 12

  Jane stood and held out her hand, "You were truly one of our best young reporters. Good luck in Wilmington." She smiled, "So you have made friends, as in male close friends?"

  Isabel stood, "Thank you so much for the kind words, Jane." Laughing, a little embarrassed to be talking like this with her former boss. "Yes, a male friend. It was not planned, but he is wonderful."

  Uncharacteristically, Jane leaned in and gave Isabel a hug. "Well, go enjoy your family for a few days. I do appreciate you coming to talk with me."

  "Can you do me one favor, Jane? Don't tell Chad my decision. He really thinks I am going to take the position. He is under the impression I still care for him. Not sure where he came up with that thought. I want him to hear it from me."

  Jane and Isabel were laughing as they exited her office. Isabel said her goodbyes, and headed out to spend a few days with her family on her old station's dime.

  "My Sweet Izzy!" Camille was so excited when Isabel pulled into her parents driveway. Camille walked to her rental car, "I am so happy to see you, baby!"

  Isabel smiled as she got out of her car, "Hi mom, I missed you, too." They hugged for what seemed like 20 minutes.

  Jack walked onto their patio, "Hey you two, why not take that inside? I think Dane and I need a hug too."

  Dane joined his father on the patio, "I'm good!"

  Jack playfully smacked Dane in the back of his head, "Really? You haven't seen your sister in months."

  Dane just laughed, "I'm kidding, dad, jeez."

  Isabel and her mother had their arms around each other, as they walked up the steps to the patio. Camille just laughed, "Dane, admit it, you miss your sister like crazy."

  Isabel looked at Dane and raised one eyebrow, "Miss me like crazy, huh?" She started poking him, laughing, "you still miss me now, huh?"

  Dane grabbed her laughing, and started tickling her, "Not anymore."

  Camille looked at them both, shook her head, "ok you two, get in here and help with dinner." They all were laughing as they headed into the house.

  Isabel was hit with an array of aromas that made her happy to be home. "Mom, it smells amazing in here as always." She was so happy to be home, but was missing Drew. She decided to send him a text. She sat down at their dining room table.

  Isabel found Drew in her messages, "Hi, baby! Good news!" She decided to keep him hanging for just a few minutes.

  Her phone pinged back, "Hi, Sweet Izzy! Tell me, quickly!"

  Isabel laughed, thumbs flying across her phone's keyboard. "I didn't accept the job. It was a bunch of bullshit. So enjoying a few days with my parents, and my brother. Should be home Sunday around lunchtime."

  Drew wrote back immediately, "That is wonderful news. Not the bullshit part, just that you didn't accept the job."

  Isabel just smiled, "I'll talk to you later, okay? Before I crash tonight?"

  Drew wrote back, "Sounds perfect, talk to you soon!"

  Camille walked into the dining room, "How is Drew doing?"

  Isabel looked up and smiled, "Absolutely wonderful."

  Dane started making gagging sounds as he walked into the dining room. "Mom was sharing how you two are inseparable. I was surprised to hear you were actually thinking about the anchor position. Unless Drew planned on moving here?"

  Isabel sat on his lap, and playfully messed with hair, "You are just jealous, big brother. You just wait, you will fall hard over a girl very soon."

  Dane held her arms to her side to stop her, "Don't bet on it, Siss. I am too busy with work anyways."

  Isabel got off Dane's lap and looked down at him, "Trust me when I tell you, It happens when you least expect."

  CHAPTER 12

  On Friday afternoon Drew was in the office with Danny. "So, what do think if I surprise Isabel in Philly? Maybe head up there tomorrow morning, and then she and I can drive back down together on Sunday, or fly maybe."

  Danny was at the computer working on the schedule. "I thought you worked Saturday and Sunday?" Holding in a grin, "or at least that is what it says right here?"

  Drew looked at his friend with suspicion, "You are yanking my chain aren't you? Do you really think that is funny?"

  Danny just laughed, "It is funny, my friend." Smiling, "I love the idea of you surprising her, I bet she would love it."

  Drew looked at his friend, "Remember, payback is a bitch." Then just started laughing as he left the office.

  Saturday morning Isabel was just starting to wake up. She had slept horribly. After three nights away from Drew, she was ready to head home. On her way to Philly she was thinking about her decision. Would she regret not taking the position? Now it was three days later, and she was 100% sure of her decision.

  The sun was shining brightly in her eyes. She rolled over and hid her head under the covers. Her phone started ringing, she grumbled, "What?" She forgot to look at who was calling.

  "Good morning, gorgeous."

  Isabel sat up quickly. Looked at her phone screen and groaned, "What do you want, Chad?"

  Chad laughed, "You used to be a morning person. Has North Carolina changed you, Isabel?"

  Isabel rolled her eyes, and said more forcefully, "Chad, what do you want?"

  "I thought I would stop by and say hi later, will you all be around? I would love to say hi to your parents. I haven't seen your family in a long time."

  Isabel was thinking about going back to sleep, and starting today over. "Chad, really? Why do you feel you need to come to my house?"

  Chad blew off what she had asked him. "I'll stop by later, maybe I can catch one of Camille's delicious dinners."

  Isabel was done, it was like talking to a wall with him. Exasperated, "Whatever Chad."

  "Great, see you soon, gorgeous."

  Isabel seriously wanted to punch him. She was contemplating going back to sleep, or just getting up and starting the day. She got up and headed to the kitchen. She was looking at her phone when she approached the kitchen.

  Dane was sitting on a bar stool at the island, "I think it would be funny if you fell. Walking and playing on your phone could be dangerous... just sayin'!"

  Isabel was laughing and hit the back of his head, "Be nice, my morning already sucks."

  Dane looked at her with concern, "What happened?"

  Isabel shivered, "Sleazy Chad called, he wants to come visit."

  Dane looked at her, "Um... did he forget you broke up? What the Hell, Izzy?"

  Isabel looked at Dane, "That's not all. He's the reason I was brought here for the interview."

  Camille and Jack were coming in from outside. Camille looked quickly at Isabel, "What happened?"

  Isabel proceeded to tell them what Jane the News Director had shared in their meeting. "I asked Jane to not to tell Chad yet that I declined the position. We figured it would be funny if he heard it from me. Now I have a feeling it may be my nightmare. He called me this morning wanting to stop by later to see everyone. He doesn't listen to anything I say, like, for example telling him we are broke up. So, expect a visit from sleazy Chad tonight."

  Dane looked pissed, "Seriously, all I want to do is punch that guy. What did you see in him anyways?" He put his hand on Izzy's shoulder, "I'm sorry, that was out of line."

  Isabel just laughed, "No, that's a fair question, and one I am trying to answer myself." She looked at her mom and dad, "Is it a big deal if he stops by?"

  They both looked at each other. Camille spoke first, "We all can handle him, Izzy. I am more concerned about you, are you okay with him stopping by?"

  Isabel smiled, "No! The sooner he leaves the better."

  They all agreed to kick him out quickly. Isabel loved her family even more now. They were always so supportive of her decisions. Not moving back here was hard on everyone, but she knew it was the right choice.

  She decided to try to text Drew, that would make her feel much better. She wanted to call, but couldn't remember if he worked today. She texted, "Hi, Handsome Drew! You working today?"

 
Drew usually wrote back quickly. Ten minutes went by, and she still had not received a text message. She figured he was busy. So she decided to go shower instead.

  Drew had woke up at 6:00 AM, his flight to Philly left at 9:30. He had to make sure both cottages were closed up, and locked. Last night he had packed his bag. When he arrived at the airport, the place was hopping. So much for having plenty of time. The line was long at the ticket counter, and crazy long at security.

  He was just finishing going through security, when his phone pinged. He knew he couldn't answer it yet, plus he had to go check-in for boarding the plane. About 30 minutes later he finally looked at his phone. A text from Izzy, shit.

  "Hey sweet Izzy, good morning, baby!"

  Isabel was just towel drying her hair when her phone pinged. She smiled and felt her body warm, she sent a text, "Hey baby, you okay? I figured I must be bothering you, since I didn't hear back from you right away?"

  Drew knew he would be on the plane soon. So he had to make up a reason for his absence. He sent a text, "It's busy here today, and we are a little short-handed. Sorry love. I miss you so much."

  Isabel smiled and typed, "I miss you more. We will chat later, then. Take care, baby."

  "Chat soon, love." Drew wanted to write, 'I love you.' He just wasn't for sure if he should yet. He was so looking forward to seeing her that night.

  When he arrived at the gate, he was told the flight was delayed. Instead of leaving at 9:30, he would be leaving at 2:00pm Well, so much for worrying about being late. Instead he settled into a seat, and pulled out a book.

  Isabel enjoyed the afternoon with her family. She and Dane went to town for some groceries. They made an unplanned stop at the wine outlet. They decided they may need extra wine tonight if sleazy Chad was making an appearance.

  Izzy grabbed a case of her favorite wine. She was sitting it in the cart. Dane stopped, looked at the wine, then at her. Laughing, "So, do you think that will be enough? Or should I grab more?"

  Isabel looked at the case and shrugged her shoulders, "You think we may need another case? I thought you liked beer."

  Dane's eyebrows shot up, "Isabel! Are you serious?"

  She started laughing, loudly. "No, silly. It is cheaper by the case. So I figured mom and dad would enjoy it after I head out." She was still laughing.

  Dane started laughing with her, "I was thinking, man North Carolina made my sister a lush."

  Isabel smacked Dane playfully on the back of his head. "Nice, real nice."

  They arrived home about 3:00. Isabel helped her mom put some of the groceries away. Then they all started prepping for dinner. Jack poured the wine. Dane put on some music. Izzy and Camille started dancing and singing, a Sloane family tradition.

  Camille prepared roast beef with carrots, potatoes, and onions. A perfect comfort food, and one Isabel had missed dearly. For dessert, Isabel prepared a cheesecake. For the twist she added some amaretto and lime Greek yogurt. On the top of the cheesecake, she pitted cherries and cooked them down with more amaretto. They also had a veggie salad to go with dinner.

  About 5:00 the doorbell rang. Dane walked with Isabel to the door. They all agreed to not leave her alone with Chad tonight. Before Isabel opened the door, she took in a deep breath to avoid vomiting.

  When she opened the door, Chad smiled brightly, "Isabel, how are you?" He had a bouquet of flowers hidden behind his back. He quickly brought them out and handed them to her. "I thought you might enjoy these."

  Isabel hated receiving flowers. She was one of those rare women who was just not into them. Of course, another thing Chad should know by now. With a look of disdain, "Oh, thank you Chad. Please come in."

  Chad looked at Dane, "Hey Dane, how are you? It has been awhile since I've seen you."

  Dane never smiled, but curtly said, "Hi, Chad." Never answering his question about how he was doing. Saying less to Chad was always better.

  They all walked into the kitchen together. Chad smiled at Camille and Jack, "It is so good to see you both. I've missed you all. Since Isabel up and left, I feel so out of touch with you all."

  Isabel took in a deep breath, "Because I broke up with you Chad. "

  Chad continued to ignore her, "Camille, everything smells so wonderful as usual."

  Jack just looked at his family, shook his head, "Chad, what can I get you to drink?"

  "Oh, wine sounds good. Red or white is fine."

  Isabel grabbed three bottles from the case. Chad eyed her suspiciously, "Wow, you planning on getting drunk, gorgeous?"

  Izzy felt bile rise in her throat, "My name is I-S-A-B-E-L, and I'm going to need a few extra glasses while you are here, yes." She starting working on uncorking each bottle.

  Chad just laughed, then turned serious. "If we're going to work together, it may be best to work out our differences. Well your differences. I still care about you deeply, Isabel."

  Isabel had uncorked the first bottle, right when he said this. She looked at Dane, then lifted the bottle to her lips, and took two very large gulps. Then she forcefully put it on counter. She turned and went to say something. Instead Dane interjected, "So, is it time to eat?"

  Somehow Chad weaseled his way next to Izzy. They all tried to stay polite to him, make him feel welcome. Except Isabel of course, who was still nursing that bottle. When they finished with dinner, Chad actually put his arm around Isabel. "Isabel, did you start drinking more in the last few months? I'm concerned you may have a problem."

  Problem? Was he joking? Isabel wanted to hurt him, and badly. She looked at her bottle, which unfortunately was empty. She briefly fantasized bashing him over the head with the empty bottle. but bless her father who walked in at that moment with a fresh new bottle for her. "Problem Chad?" She took a big gulp. "What on earth gave you that thought? I thought drinking from the bottle was totally normal?" She was shaking from rage, possibly turning red.

  Chad rubbed her arm and pulled her closer to him, "You're shaking, are you cold?"

  Drew finally made it to Philly, this day was beyond tiring. He went from the airport to Isabel's place. The drive took about an hour. Of course there was a fender-bender on the freeway, making his day even better. When he finally arrived at her house, he could see several lights on. He was hoping they would be home.

  When he was walking up the walk-way, he could see they were all seated, having dinner. When he noticed Isabel his heart started racing. God, he missed her so much. Then something seemed off, there was a guy sitting next her. She was drinking straight from a wine bottle, and the guy had his arm around her shoulders. Then her father handed her another bottle? What the hell? The guy then pulled her in to him more, and rubbed her arm.

  Drew was unable to move. He came all this way to see her with another man? This couldn't be happening.

  When Jack handed Isabel another bottle, he glanced out the window. There was a man standing on their walk-way. Then he registered who it was. He looked at Dane, "Son, I need you to help me with something. Come with me, please."

  Dane looked at his dad curiously, "um... okay."

  In the kitchen, Jack grabbed Dane, "Come outside with me, quickly."

  Dane was just about to protest, but noticed the concern in his dad's eyes. When they stepped outside, Drew was just walking back to his car.

  Jack quietly said, "Drew, wait."

  Dane looked at his dad, "That's Drew? Oh, thank God, are we happy to see you."

  Drew looked between the two men, a little hurt. "I don't understand? You all seemed cozy in there, especially Izzy."

  Dane covered his mouth and let out a muffled laugh, then said, "We're far from cozy."

  Drew looked confused, "Why are we whispering?"

  Jack spoke up, "Did Isabel tell you about her boyfriend she had before she left Philly?"

  "Yes. She said he was a jerk, tried to make her be someone..." His voice trailed off, "That's him, isn't it?"

  Jack and Dane answered, "Yep," at the same time.

  Drew now look
ed pissed, "Why is he here? Why is his arm around her, and rubbing her arm?"

  Dane then filled him in more on what a horrible person Chad was. He shared about Chad calling and inviting himself to dinner. "Basically the guy does not listen to her. Still thinks they are together. Plus, he has no clue she declined the position."

  Drew started heading that way, "May I just enter your home sir?"

  Jack and Dane just laughed. Jack immediately said, "Please, our home is your home."

  Camille tried to find things to talk about, but talking to Chad was like talking to a wall. She was starting to get frustrated that Dane and Jack left without a word. If they didn't get back soon, Isabel would finish that second bottle.

  Isabel felt her insides hurling, she pushed away from him. She hated that he actually touched her, a second shower was now necessary. She had the bottle to her lips when at that moment her skin started to tingle, and the hairs on the back of her neck rose. Camille casually looked up without letting Chad see. Isabel felt a flush rise up her, her heart rate start to increase. She sat her bottle down, and turned in her chair to see Drew. She couldn't explain it, but the moment he entered the room she felt stronger.

  Isabel took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Okay, I have had just about enough of this charade."

  Chad was taking a bite of food, he put his fork down, "What are you talking about?" Laughing, "Has the wine started to affect your head?"

  Drew went to say something, but Isabel casually raised her hand to stop him. Chad still did not know Drew was there. She stood suddenly, frustrated, "Chad, seriously, one might think you have been drinking too much. You sit there trying to look all innocent, but continue to ignore me. We were together almost two years..." under her breath, "and how I survived those two years is beyond me."