magazine. “Mr. Rutherford is not home Ms. Reed”. Bridget was not used to anyone telling her what to do especially the help. “I left a couple of things in our bedroom and it won’t take but a minute to get them” Willa did not budge or indicate that she’d even heard her. “Fine..I will just wait for him in our den”. Willa crossed her arms “I’m afraid that won’t be possible either”. Vicky came over to the door next to Willa “Is there a problem Willa? Can I help?” Bridget’s attention was transferred from Willa to Vicky. At first, it was a look of relief “Jason finally decided to hire more help. Maybe once you’re trained and dressed properly he’ll fire Willa”. Bridget glared at the woman when she said it. Vicky’s hair was starting to stand up on the back of her neck “I’m sorry Ms. Reed I’m not the ‘help’ I’m his girlfriend and Jason is not home right now. Maybe you should call him and schedule a time to pick up your things”. Bridget was shocked but recovered quickly. She took a really good look at Vicky slowly from her head to her feet then back up again. “Interesting, I find that very hard to believe. You said you were his new girlfriend? Hmmm…Well, you know men; they’ll go anywhere and do anyone to lick their wounds. This must be his way of dealing with me breaking off our engagement”. Vicky had heard enough but before she could say anything Willa backed Bridget up until she was standing on the outside of the door threshold “Ms. Reed, Jason is not home. Please call next time before arriving unannounced”. Then, she firmly closed the door in her face. Vicky just stood there. She was rooted to the floor. All her doubts and insecurities resurfaced tenfold. Jason was engaged? That meant he had to have loved her..right? Bridget was very beautiful and looked exactly like someone Jason would probably date. Vicky couldn’t help but compare herself to her. Vicky looked at what she was wearing..a t-shirt, sweatpants, and her hair in a messy pony-tail. No wonder she thought Vicky was the help and not Jason’s girlfriend. Bridget was very beautiful. She said she broke off the engagement. Did Bridget want him back? Was that the reason she came to the house? If she did there was no way she could compete with someone like her. If Jason took her back where would that leave her and Angel? Heartbroken that’s where it would leave them. Although Vicky tried to put on a brave front she was embarrassed. Vicky stammered “I was just heading to the library to grab a book I hope that’s ok”. Willa’s heart softened for the girl “Mr. Rutherford gave you free reign of the house while he was gone. I’m sure he would be happy for you to do anything you’d like” Vicky nodded and went off into the direction of the library.
Chapter 18
Over at Jason’s parent’s estate he walked into their home. The house was being transformed. Workers were still everywhere. People were dusting, waxing floors, vacuuming and who only knows what else. He heard his mother’s voice raised above all the noise from across the room “Jason we’re in here”. Jason went into the family room and went over to his mother who was sitting at her desk. He kissed her on the cheek “Hey mom and dad” then he went over by his dad, squeezed his shoulder and sat down. John Rutherford was sitting on the sofa reading the financials while his mother was looking over what looked liked seating arrangements. John peered over his glasses and cut straight to the point “What was so important that I had to cancel my tee time so you could meet with us this afternoon?” Jason smiled. He wondered if he’d be like his dad when he got to be his age. Anyway, he shook his head and smiled “Well..I came over to tell you both that…I’ve met someone” his mother stop mid motion to really focus on Jason. She was joyously intrigued. She quickly put her papers down and came over to sit with them. “She is incredible actually. Although we’ve only been dating a few weeks I feel like I’ve known her my whole life. I think she could be the one”. Jason’s mother jumped up and hugged him tightly. Jason’s father was more reserved “Ok..Obviously there is more to this story since you’ve never come to us before to discuss someone you were dating. Not even when you were dating Bridget and I thought that was pretty serious”. Mrs. Rutherford shooed her husband “Oh John, this isn’t just someone he’s dating. He said she could be ‘the one’. That’s a big deal. Well, do we know her? Do we know her parents? Are you bringing her to our anniversary dinner?” Jason sat up on the edge of the sofa. Truth be told he’d forgotten all about that dinner. “Dad, you’re right to a certain degree. Mom, no you don’t know her or her parents I’m sure. Her name is Victoria Martin. Vicky is one of our employees at CkR International. She’s been with the company for a little better than a year. Honestly, I hadn’t thought about bringing her to the dinner with so much going on it slipped my mind” Jason paused like he had lost his train of thought. However, John put down his paper and really prodded Jason “Go on…I can hear it in your voice that there is more”. Jason nodded “You right there is more. First, let me be clear I want Vicky by my side and if she’ll have me no matter what that is exactly where she will be. But secondly, I want to make the coming adjustments less difficult for her. She doesn’t come from money. She is an amazing woman and I’m very proud of her. She’s a little skittish right now and
