Chapter 45: Tell Your Wife I Said, Hi

Rich Taylor was exhausted. Since shooting the LeVy Strauzz Jeans advertisement a few weeks back, his schedule had been fully booked with both international and domestic assignments. At this moment all he wanted to do was to take a hot shower and have a good night's rest. 

After having a light meal and a quick shower, Rich finally got to lay in his firm but comfortable super King Sized bed. Yet naru a few minutes passed before his phone rang. A glance at the screen showed that it was from an unknown number.

"Oh Bloody Hell! Come on!" Rich cussed as he tousled his thick black hair, his emerald green glinting in frustration. 

"This is Rich," he said in a deep baritone as he picked up the call.

"Rich it's me Noah," Noah Montgomery spoke from the other line. 

"..." Rich didn't speak but his hand tightened visibly on the phone. 

"It's been a while. Have you been well? I've be-" Noah asked in a lighthearted manner.

"I'm not in the mood for small talk. So hurry up and state your business," Rich interjected brusquely. 

"Heh. You haven't changed. Still direct, as always." Noah said with a soft and sad laugh.

"I have no intention of reminiscing with you. Get to the point," Rich 

"Rich, I... I'd like to ask a favor," Noah tentatively spoke.

"I don't think you're in any position to be asking for favors, mate," he responded with a chuckle tinged with sarcasm.

"I know...I….[sigh] It's Liz. She wants to study uni in C Country," Noah said with a tone of resignation.

"What?! That troublemaker's staying?!" Rich asked, surprised.

"Yeah. Normally I would've picked her up and hauled her back to the UK myself but..the company is having some issues. I can't leave right now," Noah explained.

"And?" (Rich)

"I'd hate to ask this of you. And I know I have no right but you know how much she gets herself into trouble. If you could just keep an eye out for her. I'd be really grateful." (Noah)

"..." (Rich)

"I...I thought about asking Jesse but he just rejected Liz so..I could only think of you," Noah could only sadly point out.

"Hahaha. Noah. You must think I'm some kind of joke huh?" Rich gave an angry laugh.

"No! You know that's not the case. I'm sorry. I just thought it's better to ask you than Jesse," Noah answered, attempting to relieve the other man's indignation.

After a minute or so of silence, Rich finally spoke, "Don't bother Jesse. I'll check-in on your sister from time to time."

"Thank you. I really appreciate it. Uhh..Have you been well?" Noah asked, speaking softly.

"... If that's all then I'll hang up," Rich curtly responded.

"Wait, Rich! I missed you! I miss you a lot. Can we--," Noah said in an almost pleading manner.

"...Tell your wife I said hi," Rich  and he promptly hung up the call. 

No longer feeling sleepy, Rich stood up from the bed with the moonlight illuminating the defined muscles of his lean body. Putting on a shirt and a pair of shorts, Rich walked out to the balcony of the luxury apartment he currently shared with Jesse for a much needed smoke.

......…..

Elsewhere in another continent, Noah sat alone in the study brooding about the first phone call he's had with Rich since the past 3 years. 'As expected, he still hasn't forgiven me,' the auburn haired hazel eyed gentleman thought with a sigh. 

Noah Joel Montgomery, the current interim CEO of Montgomery Shipping Lines rubbed his aching temples. He'd spent the past months in business negotiations with suppliers for more favorable pricing and just when he had managed to successfully wrap up the affair, the employees who were part of the union went on strike. Now the company is only functioning at 50% capacity.

To top things off, his younger sister just chooses this time to abscond to C Country. Lord knows what trouble she would get herself into if left to her own devices. It would be a headache to try and bring her back by force and she's outwitted the body guards assigned to her several times previously. Now that Noah is neck deep in matters with the company and is unable to keep an eye on her, he decided it's best to let Liz stay in C Country. 'If we forcefully drag her here, she'll somehow just make her way back there. Then in that case, she might as well experience life trying to achieve whatever goal she set out for herself. It would be a boon for everyone if she matures in the process.'

When everything is settled here, Noah plans to go to C Country himself to pick up his sister and win back Rich. He only hopes it's not too late by then.