Touched (31 page)

“But it’s your life you should get to do what makes you happy.”

“When you’re born into a family such as mine you’re as happy as they allow you to be. Your life is not what you really want. Your life is what is expected of you – which is one reason I dated a certain type of woman, a woman that would meet their approval.”

“Oh,” I said, knowing I hadn’t received the Raine endorsement.

“They haven’t been very vocal about it but I know they don’t approve of my relationship with you. I thought maybe, just maybe if they saw how happy I was with you, that they’d let it be, that they’d accept you … accept us.”

I thought back to Allison’s ballet. Aiden’s parents’ and their friends’ reactions were rather bizarre when they realized I was Aiden’s date. I had also been offended when Aiden told me that he would not have invited me had he known his parents would be there. I understood better now what he’d meant by that. He wasn’t ashamed of me, he was ashamed of them.

“Mom and Dad argued about it incessantly. I didn’t get it. I mean, what’s the big deal, right? He told her it would be the demise of the family and the business. She was extremely proud of me and wanted me to be happy. She tried to make my father see that, but he wouldn’t budge and made her feel guilty for supporting me. She cried quite often – fighting my battles for me. It lasted until the end of my sophomore year at Harvard and I’d had enough so I changed my major and went along with what Dad wanted. Every summer I was with him, learning the business.  Hell, I probably know more about it than he does at this point. When I finally accepted my fate, that’s when Aiden Wyatt was born. It was my escape.”   

“So basically you’re doing all this for your mother?”

“I suppose it appears that way, but that’s only part of it.  Dad has huge oppositions to this family being traded publicly. He’s adamant about it remaining a privately owned business and he refuses to seat anyone at the throne that’s not family.”

“You have siblings and I’m sure there are other family members,” I said.

“I’ve played that card several times over. He feels that I’m the best choice. I’ve never said it to him but given his choices, I’m the ideal candidate. Nicholas was the charismatic playboy until a few years ago when Dad cut him off and now he wants in, but Dad’s thrown up his hands. Sloan does have a bit of a business edge but not to the degree needed to run R.I.  And then there’s Allison, she only sees dance. She’s always been that way so he never really bothered to change it.”

“And what about your relatives?” I asked.

“Most of them have some position in one of the companies but nothing comparable to this. My cousin, Stewart would be next in line I would imagine but, of course, Dad prefers his offspring run the company that he built.”

“Your mother seems to be fine with this so I find it surprising that she fought for anything else.”

“You wouldn’t know it to look at her or to even speak with her but she has a lot of insecurities and worries that I’ve taken on and to reduce those, I do what I have to do. She lost both of her parents at an early age and she was sent to live with her grandmother who was also raising great-grandchildren. It was very hard for them. She didn’t want that for us.”

“Excuse me for saying this, but that’s ridiculous. You’re one of the richest families in the world.”

“I guess, but sometimes no matter how your present is, you can’t shake off the remnants of the past.”

That much I could agree with. I didn’t think I would ever shake off my past.  “Yet she still encourages your music?”

“To a certain degree but not to the extreme it once was. It will remain a source of tension between my parents.”

“That would explain why your father responded the way he did when your mother gave you the sheet music at the penthouse. His reaction was really odd; now I understand why.”

“He feels as though she feeds into the music thing and he’s absolutely against it. She knows the passion that I have for music and she knows the sacrifice that I’ve made so she tries to walk the thin line between the two of us.”

“I understand now why you were so upset and didn’t want to talk about it after breakfast. I’m sorry I pushed.”

He turned to look at me.  “You couldn’t have known Aria. I’ve never explained this to anyone before.”

I grabbed some rocks and attempted to mimic his rock skipping.  He laughed when he saw my first attempt. I tossed the next one and it skipped almost as far as his. He turned to look at me and smiled.

“Was that luck or am I missing something?”

“What? Only guys are allowed to skip rocks?” I asked.

“Yes, something like that.”

“My dad taught me how to skip rocks,” I said.

He was quiet for a moment. He sensed that I wanted to say more and he was allowing me to do that without interruption.

“I think Dad wanted a boy but there he was with three half-Italian girls. We were feisty to say the least. Since I was the oldest, I was lucky enough to do some of the things a father would typically do with a boy.”

“So does that mean that you can do everything that I can do?” he asked, jokingly.

“Yes, but better,” I said, smiling. “I loved my mother dearly but with my dad, it was just different. We had this special father-daughter thing. Maybe it was partially because he did the boyish things with me, I don’t know. I remember the first day he taught me to catch a baseball. It was my tenth birthday and the one gift that he was the most excited about was a glove and a bag of baseballs.”

I threw another rock. It wasn’t as successful as my previous toss, only skipping once.

“Every weekend we’d all go to the park. Mom would pack a huge picnic lunch. Mom and my sisters would play on the swings while Dad and I tossed the ball around. I think I grew to love it as much as he did. I still have that glove. It’s the one reminder of him, other than my memories, that I brought from Dayton.” Many of those memories were in the box in the bottom drawer of my closet.

I was quiet for several minutes as I pictured those days in the park. I guess in a way I took that all for granted in much the same way that Aiden had taken his lifestyle for granted. But we were both kids. What kid thought outside of that?

“I didn’t really mind the tomboy stuff … well not that much anyway because I loved doing everything with him. What I wouldn’t give for just one more day in the park with my family …with him. He was the one I would go to when I needed help with homework or some stupid grade school drama. He always told me to ignore the ones that didn’t matter and that they were just envious because they couldn’t be me. Dad was my idol.  I looked up to him; he was great with us, so attentive and patient. I loved everything about him.  I remember watching how tender and loving he was with Mom … the way he looked at her, the way he made her smile. He seemed to totally adore her and I wanted someone to treat me that way one day. When he left, I wondered if it was all just a show or why he even bothered to do any of it. I was heartbroken for Mom, my family and for me. I cried every night for weeks.  I think I knew then that I didn’t want to be the person that could ever be left in the ashes. I couldn’t be my mom so I did what I thought was best for me. I started building those walls and they became taller with each passing year.  I never planned to have anyone ever. Then along came this cocky intern who flipped my world inside out.”

“Fucking intern,” he said, grinning.

“That’s what I said,” I replied, grateful that he was trying to make this easy for me.

Aiden continued skipping rocks as I spoke. I reached down for a few more and attempted to rival his rock toss.

“So you know how to throw a baseball?” he asked.

“Yes don’t you?”

“Yes, but not because my dad taught me.”

“Who did?”

“The servants.  I was on a little league team; they took me to all of the practices.”

“Did your dad come to any of your games?”

“Maybe one or two. He would have the servants record my games with the pretense of watching them later but I’m not sure if he ever watched any of them.”

I watched as he threw another rock over the pond; it skipped several times before sinking into the water.

“It was the same for all of us; it’s all we knew. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized it wasn’t quite so normal. But we did have someone to stand in to a certain degree. The kids I work with … some of them don’t have that which is why my companies and charities are so important to me. It’s also why I make it a point to support Allison and attend as many of her ballets as possible. I support pretty much all of her crazes, not that ballet is a craze, it’s just that she’s … well you’ve seen Allison. She’s every animated and tends to experiment.”

“You’re a great brother. I’m sure your support means the world to her.”

“I know how it feels to not have that support and I don’t want her to feel that. Actually, we were both blown over when our parents attended her ballet last year.”

We tossed a few more rocks, laughing when mine failed to skip at all. We were quiet for several moments after that. I turned to face him, grabbing his hand and staring into his beautiful eyes. “You know, you’ve done something I didn’t think was ever possible. Slowly, you’ve pulled the pieces of my heart together,” I said

“I want to be everyone and everything to you. I want you heart, your body and your soul Aria.”

“You have it,” I said.

“I love you,” he said.

“And I love you. It’s almost as if I don’t have a choice.”

“Are we really doing this?” he asked.

“I think so.”

“Don’t sound so uncertain and don’t be afraid Aria; I’m going to take better care of you than you take care of yourself.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

I sat on the precipice of life altering decision. I knew it would never be the same after this. It was as though I was watching the scenes of someone else’s life play out before me. Today was yet another pivotal point of the plot that was consistently catching me off guard. The mere thought of how quickly my life had shifted was mind boggling. A few weeks ago, I was happily immersed in a relationship that I could have never envisioned. Fast forward to today to view my departure from the city that I had called home since college. I was leaving Boston … for good. I tendered my resignation a few hours ago which, as I had planned, had come as a huge shock to Raina and Aiden. I hadn’t let on that I would be leaving RPH, let alone Boston.  If I had revealed my hand, even in the slightest, Aiden would have been the one obstacle I couldn’t overcome. Today would be especially difficult, but I knew I had no other option.

I couldn’t tell Aiden the truth; not only would he thwart my efforts he would extend the same level of spying as he had before, involving whomever he had to in order to keep taps on me … only this time would be a thousand times worse.  I couldn’t chance that happening. I was doing the same thing to him that I had given him hell for doing to me. I didn’t want to leave but I knew I had to.

I’d gone as far as continuing my relationship with him; we were together at his place last night and drove in to work together this morning. He knew something was off despite my constant reassurances that I was worried about my sisters. That was partially true because my decision to relocate yielded another abrupt change they had to endure.

“What the hell is this Aria?” he asked, after having read my letter.

“I’m resigning Aiden, effective immediately,” I replied, unable to meet his eyes.

“Did something happen?” he asked, confused.

“No. Nothing happened; I merely decided that I didn’t want this anymore,” I replied.

“I didn’t get a sense that you were unhappy as CEO. But if that’s the issue, we can come up with something that’s more to your liking.”

“No Aiden, it isn’t that.”

“Is it your salary? We can adjust that,” he offered.

“Aiden, I’m moving. I’m leaving Boston,” I blurted out.

He dropped the letter and leaned back in his chair as he considered what I’d divulged.

“What the fuck Aria? Don’t you think this is something that you should’ve made me aware of before now? Is it for another position? Whatever they’re offering, I’ll beat it.”

“This is not about money or another job. I’m just leaving. Please don’t try to convince me otherwise because it will be a waste of your time,” I said, resolutely.

He looked at me intently; he was at a total loss. I could see the wheels turning in his head as he attempted to grasp the gravity of my revelation.

“You aren’t just leaving RPH … you’re leaving me aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Aria, what’s going on? Is it that Dane fucker? Has he contacted you?”

“No, I haven’t heard from or seen him since the day you met with him. This isn’t about anyone other than me. I just want a fresh start without any entanglements or obligations.”

“Is that how you see us?” he asked.

“It’s just not easy to be with you and I can’t keep fighting everyone and every instinct that has guided me for years. It shouldn’t be this hard.”

“Things between us have been great Aria. We both know that there were some stumbling blocks along the way but we removed every obstacle. Together. There’s nothing standing in our way. This doesn’t make sense. Surely there’s more to this. I don’t want to lose you. I can’t lose you.”

“It’s too late. You already have. We just don’t fit Aiden. We never did and we never will. You need someone like Nadia … someone who’s already firmly implanted and accepted, not someone broken like me.” It was like acid on my tongue to mention her name paired with his but maybe that’s what it would take for him to accept what I was saying.

“Aria, I don’t see you that way and you fucking know it. There’s more to this. So stop with this Nadia bullshit and tell me what’s going on.”

“It’s too late Aiden. Just let me go … please. You’ve told me that you love me. Well today I’m asking you to prove it. Give me this. Let me go.”

“Are you fucking serious? You can’t expect to drop this on me in one minute and then have me agree to let you go in the next. Aria, we need to talk about this.”

“Aiden, I’m not dragging this out. My decision is made and I’m not going to change my mind. I’m leaving Boston today and I’m not coming back. All I ask is that you don’t follow me or try to find me. I want this to be over – once and for all. Can you give me that, please?”

I could see the confusion and pain in his eyes. The most intoxicatingly beautiful eyes I’d ever seen. Eyes that had taken in every inch of my body. Eyes that once looked at me with absolute love and adoration. It was heart wrenching to watch the pain and confusion in them now. His eyes held mine. I couldn’t look away; I was forced to watch as the look in his beautiful green eyes slowly morphed into revulsion and rage.

“Fine Aria.  You want out, you’ve got it. I’m not doing this shit with you anymore. I’ve had to continuously assure you of my feelings … of my intentions and despite it all, you still leave. I accept your resignation. You needn’t worry about my following you or looking for you Princess. I’m not in the business of keeping someone who doesn’t want to be kept.”

That’s what I wanted … but fuck it hurt to see the look on his face and to hear the disdain in his voice. It was killing me. I maintained my resolve but it was fucking torture.

“I think we’re done here.” All traces of emotion had evaporated from his tone. “Please see yourself out,” he said, turning to his computer. He moved the mouse and clicked on something and began typing. He didn’t look at me again. I took one final glance at him and slowly turned and walked out. Raina and Bailey were standing near Bailey’s desk when I walked toward the elevators. I couldn’t face either of them, especially Raina. I quickly turned away from their questioning eyes and proceeded to the elevators. I pressed the down button and was relieved when the doors finally opened. I stepped in and pressed the button to the first floor. I looked up to see that Aiden had joined Bailey and Raina. Our eyes locked until the elevator doors closed. I inhaled, hoping I wouldn’t cry.

The short walk from the elevator to the awaiting cab outside seemed like an eternity. I reached for the door and turned to take one final look at the RPH building before settling inside the cab.

“Your destination ma’am?” asked the driver.

“Boston International Airport,” I replied.

“Yes ma’am,” he replied, and we were off. I turned, looking over my shoulder at the building until it was out of sight and the dam of tears I’d been struggling to hold finally spilled over.

“Are you okay ma’am?” asked the driver, looking at me in his rear-view mirror.

“Yes, I’m fine. I just now said goodbye to someone and it was more difficult than I’d anticipated.”

“Maybe that means you shouldn’t say good-bye,” he casually tossed out, and returned his focus to the busy street.

If only it had been that simple. I thought back to the discussion I’d had with Aiden’s mother.

“You’re a very intelligent, accomplished and beautiful woman, Aria … but you are not suited for Aiden.”

I recoiled at her statement. We’d been getting along so much better; I was actually starting to think that I could tolerate
her
. Where had this this come from? Had Nadia been whispering things in her ear?

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“I don’t wish to offend you. This is not a personal attack on you, but more of what you represent and quite frankly, this is not the time for Aiden to be involved to this degree.”

“What exactly do you think I represent?” I asked.

“A disruption to his priorities.”

“Are you serious? Do you actually think Aiden is incapable of working and having a relationship?”

“It depends on the nature of the relationship and what he has with you is more than he needs at this point in his life.”

“Aiden should be the judge of that, not you. Aiden feels that I’m exactly what he needs and for you to think any less is rather presumptuous and demeaning to both Aiden and me.”

“It’s not that at all Aria, I assure you. To be honest, I envy you. Your strength and resilience are quite remarkable and you’re a brilliant business woman. I never had the aptitude for business or any type of career. This is what I knew I would be, the person who stood quietly by her strong man. Being present, but not interfering with what he needed to accomplish. But you, you’re very different; you will not be that quiet woman who sits back and allows her man to take on the world. That’s not a bad thing though, Aria. As I said, you’re an exceptional woman.”

“And you’d prefer Aiden have someone who isn’t as exceptional?” I asked.

“It’s not that dear ... I’m sorry … Aria.  Aiden has a huge responsibility to this family, to Raine Industries and to ultimately millions of employees, consumers and the economy.”

“I’m not sure what that has to do with me,” I said. Sloan’s conversation about the person that Aiden’s parents wanted at his side tinkered in the background. She was right. They hadn’t approved of me and they never would.

“You’re too much of a distraction for him. Since meeting you, he’s changed … he’s lost his focus and I’m concerned about what this could mean for the future of the family and, of course, Raine Industries.”

I can’t believe a person, a mother, could be this fucking selfish and unconcerned about her son’s happiness. This was unbelievable.

“And Aiden’s father, does he agree?” I asked. I was sure he was the ring leader but I had a sliver of hope.

“He adores you Aria, that’s obvious … but why would he not? Look at you. As I’ve said, you’re a remarkable young lady. However, he needs Aiden’s focus primarily on Raine Industries and that will never be the case if the two of you continue this relationship. You may be what Aiden thinks he wants but you’re simply not what he needs. You’re not the type that fits for someone at the helm of a company such as ours … with a family such as ours.”

“And Nadia, where does she fit in all of this?”

“Nadia and Aiden have a lengthy and rather complex relationship.” That was the umpteenth fucking time I’d heard that relationship described as complex or complicated. What the fuck did that mean? Was there more than what Aiden had told me?

“Forget I asked that, I will take that up with Aiden.”

“Aria, this is not only what’s best for Aiden. It’s best for you also. I’m sure you have dreams of marriage and family. Aiden is not to that point in his life and it’s quite possible that he won’t be for several years to come, if at all.”

“Marriage and family never entered my mind, but it’s pretty unsettling to know that Aiden’s parents are willing to sacrifice his happiness.”

“We aren’t sacrificing his happiness, we’re ensuring it,” Sienna replied. It was obvious that she really did believe the truth in her words.

“It’s sad that you see it that way Sienna and I’m sorry you feel this way. I’d hoped we would all get along. We obviously won’t but ultimately the decision of a relationship lies with Aiden and me.”

“I understand that Aria which is why I’m hoping to appeal to your sense of understanding and allow Aiden to follow the plan that has been laid out for him for years.”

“My sense of understanding? What about your sense of understanding that this is none of your business. I can’t do what you’re asking. I know that’s not what you want to hear but Aiden and I have made a commitment to each other and we’re the only ones who have the right to amend that.”

Aiden had walked in at that time and the conversation ceased. He knew something was wrong but I never mentioned that talk with Sienna to him as I was sure it would have caused a rift and thereby provide another reason for them to dislike me.

Well Sienna, you got what you wanted. I’m out of his life. Not that my conversation with her had yielded these results but it had played a large part in my decision to say goodbye to Aiden. 

By the time I’d reached the airport, I was a blubbering mess. Kellan was to meet me at the ticket counter and I didn’t want him to see me like this. I reached in my bag for a tissue and wiped my eyes and nose.  We were headed to my new home in Belize.  Lia and Bianca had relocated to Ohio. I didn’t feel good about leaving them but they wanted the chance to experience college life on their own. I was glad that Ohio State was one of their final choices because it resulted in them being with someone who would love them like family. They had an apartment off-campus and had gotten settled in time for the start of the semester. We promised to video chat every day and I warned them that I would visit often, especially since I would no longer be working, at least not anytime in the foreseeable future. 

I spotted Kellan waiting for me near the baggage check area and he walked over to meet me. I wasn’t handling this as I would have wanted. He reached out to me and I fell into his arms holding on for dear life.

“Everything’s going to be okay Aria. I promise,” he said, as he grasped my hand. We checked our bags and made our way to the terminal. With my hand firmly placed within his, he led me toward my new life, leaving Boston and Aiden Raine far behind.