The Meeting

Charlotte glanced at her watch again. She was taking a late lunch that day because Gordon had arranged a meeting for her with Sara, but Sara was late. Charlotte hoped she hadn't changed her mind at the last minute.

She looked up to see a familiar mother and daughter pair headed toward her. Charlotte smiled what she hoped was a welcoming smile. Sara looked uncomfortable but gave a tiny smile in return.

"Sara?" Charlotte asked gently.

"Yes. You must be Charlotte."

"Yes. And you're Bella!" Charlotte said looking down at the sweet little girl who favored her father's family so much.

"Hello, pretty sister!" Bella said cheerfully.

"Bella, this is your aunt. Remember meeting your Uncle Gordon? This is his wife, Auntie Charlotte.

"Hello, Auntie! Did you know my Daddy too?" She asked as they all sat down.

"No, I didn't have the honor of meeting your Daddy. Uncle Gordon has told me many good things about your Daddy though. And I've heard recordings of him playing piano. He was very talented." Charlotte said.

"Do you play too, Auntie?" Bella asked.

"Yes, I actually do. I started taking lessons when I was five and studied through college. However, I can honestly say your Daddy had a gift and I can't compare. Do you play any instruments?" Charlotte asked.

"Piano. Mommy says Daddy would be proud." Bella said.

"I believe your mom is right. What other things do you enjoy doing?" Charlotte asked.

"Playing Barbies and ping pong." Bella said.

"Wow! Ping pong? That's awesome!"

Charlotte said.

Charlotte noticed that Sara seemed a little more relaxed. Good.

"Gordon mentioned you're expecting a baby?" Sara asked suddenly.

"Yes. I'm just over twelve weeks now. I'll have to ask you and my friend, Rachel for advice since I know nothing about babies." Charlotte said honestly.

"Can I see the baby when it's born?" Bella asked.

"Sure, if your mom says it's okay." Charlotte said. "Oh, and Sara, before I forget, I'd like to invite you and Bella to dinner with us Next Saturday evening. Charlotte continued.

Sara immediately became guarded again.

"It would just be Gordon and myself. And maybe my sister but she usually goes out with her fiancé for dinner. We have a ping pong table in the game room, but I'm afraid Bella would have to challenge her Uncle Gordon because I'm not good at ping pong." Charlotte explained.

"It's super easy! I could teach you! Please Mommy, can we go?" Bella asked.

Sara nodded.

"I'm not ready to see anyone else." Sara whispered.

"I promise to respect your wishes." Charlotte said solemnly.

"Thank you." Said Sara.

——————————

Amy left her apartment for a morning jog when she noticed a note taped to her apartment door.

Curious, she pulled it off. Maybe it was from Calvin. She opened the note and read:

"Miss Ling,

Calvin Zhou is not the kind man that he seems. He is actually very cold and harsh. He won't stay faithful to you. He is a cheater and a liar. Stay away from him or you'll end up hurt."

There was what looked like blood splatter on the note. What in the heck? She hurried back inside her apartment and immediately called Calvin . He was probably still asleep but she didn't care. She needed to see him.

He immediately got out of bed and threw some clothes on. He arrived at her home in record time. He didn't know what was wrong but he knew something had really frightened Amy.

She opened the door before he could knock.

"Sweetheart, what happened?" He asked. She burst into tears and buried her face in his chest.

"I was going for a jog when I saw that on my door." She pointed to the table in the living room.

Calvin picked it up and scanned it quickly. Without a word to Amy he pulled out his phone.

"Li, I want you to set a twenty-four protection team for Miss Ling. And a driver as well. And pull the video footage of the hallway outside her apartment door. I want it done today."

He then turned his attention to her.

"I'd be more comfortable if you moved into my place. I could keep a better eye on you." Calvin told her.

"Who would send me something like that?" She asked, her voice trembling.

"I don't know specifically. An ex or even my ex-wife? Maybe an angry business associate or disgruntled former employee. It could be a lot of people. Which makes it harder to keep you safe. They threatened you outright and I won't stand for it." Calvin assured her.

She wrapped her arms tightly around him. "I've been on my own for a long time but this is the first time I've been truly afraid." Amy said.

"Pack your things for the weekend. You're staying with me. With any luck you'll let me have your apartment packed up and stay with me." Calvin said. He wasn't just saying it because he wanted her in his bed either. Even with security detail assigned, anything could happen and he had more peace of mind when she was where he knew he could protect her.

They rode back to his condo in silence. When they arrived, Amy took her things directly to the master bedroom. She'd stayed overnight a few times, so she was familiar with the layout of the place.

He followed her to the bedroom and said, "Seeing your things put away like this makes me happy. You belong with me." He told her honestly.

"This from the man who said you wanted to be cautious and move slowly in our relationship." Amy teased, coming to stand before him and wrapping her arms around his neck.

His hands slipped up and down her body. He groaned.

"That was before I tasted how good you are. And before I made you my woman on that bed. Once I realized I was the first man to touch you, I decided then I'd never let another man have the chance to touch. You're mine."