Chapter 7: Obligations Obligations

Reece's POV

Charles was late.

He had offered to pick me up as we headed for the luncheon, joking that it was just a precautionary move to make sure I was there. Of course he knew I’d never slack off on anything concerning the business but he also knew how such informal gatherings made me uncomfortable. This was his way of showing his support, by constantly being by my side. My folks must have been in on the secret of making friends.

He’d sent a message earlier saying he’d be a little late and to pass the time, I decided to once again look through the magazine Alec had sent to me. With every gala one hosted they would have an interview and an article on the CEO and the concerned manager. They even had a freaking photo-shoot! This, of course is where Gwen always came in handy. The interview had happened before the gala ad with all the chaos of planning the gala, I had forgotten about it.

As I looked over the pictures from the little photo-shoot, I had to admit that I looked really good in them. I had just finished running through my interview when I flipped the page and found an endearing photo of myself in a highly flattering dress with the caption; THE MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELORETTE YET!

They went on to give as much detail about me as they could. And though it was quite an interesting read, they still hadn't captured half of me. That fascinated me to no end. I preferred it that way anyway.

My phone rang and with one last glance at the magazine I closed it.

"Most eligible bachelorette yet, huh?"

"Hello to you to Gabby." I replied, glad she wasn't here to see the effect her words had on me. I really needed to rein in all this blushing.

"Hello love. You're lost." She cried.

"I'm sorry. The gala took up everything. My time, energy. Sanity!"

"Hmmm..... I think I can help with the last part." She said with feigned seriousness.

"You already give us some much of your time, sweetie."

"No I meant a referral to a psychiatrist."

"Hey!" I called back as she laughed heartily.

"Are you up for this weekend?" She asked when she finally calmed down.

"Yeah. I'll be away for the next one." I said feeling my mood change suddenly.

"I know sweetie." She replied immediately taking note of the change in my tone.

"You good though?" I asked, changing the subject. I noticed her pause as if she was thinking about it.

That's new! I thought, trying to remember when Gabby had ever seemed unsure.

"Gabby? You alright?"

"Yeah. I'm good just got a lot going on. I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"I'm good. Nothing to worry about."

"Hmmm...… I'm not convinced." I said making a mental note to call Victoria about it later. "We're here for you, you know that right?"

"Of course…. Got to go, love. It's good hearing from you."

"Same here. I'll catch you later. Take care of yourself."

"You too.” she called back before hanging up.

I couldn't help wonder what's wrong. Gabby and Victoria were the ones who always seem to have it all together. Was she taking care of us while falling apart herself? I needed to see her soon.

I was pulled away from my thoughts when my office phone pinged. "Miss Hale, Mr. Falkland is here to see you."

"Send him in Eva. Thank you." I called back to my assistant and a few seconds later he walked in.

"Hello child." He called lovingly as I walked over to him and hugged him.

"Hello Charles. How are you?”

“I’m doing great, really looking forward to lunch.” He said before looking at me sheepishly. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

“It’s alright. You ready to go?”

"Yes please.” He said, offering me his arm and I took it after grabbing my bag.

“Everyone is looking forward to seeing you.” He said as we walked out of my office, causing me to groan.

He laughed heartily to himself. “Oh it’s not so bad!”

“Easy for you to say.” I retorted to which he just chuckled as we headed out of the building and in to his car.

Knowing this luncheon would have approximately a dozen people, I was not looking forward to it at all. If only I could send someone in my stead.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“I’ve been reading reviews on the gala and I have to say, splendid work honey.” Mrs. Langdon said gently to me. “Your father would be so proud.”

I nodded, feeling myself getting choked up at the mention of my father. Horning in on my emotions, Mrs. Langdon patted my hand gently before bidding me goodbye. She was one of the last to leave along with Dr. Dickson who Charles was seeing off. The sweet doctor stopped to say his farewell before exiting the restaurant.

The luncheon had not taken long as expected. All members of our board were very busy people and they could only spare so much time. I was still grateful for all their support. Most of them were friends to my parents and had stuck around to help my sister and me in any way they could. It was their way of honoring my folks and it never ceased to warm my heart.

“Ready to go?” Charles asked offering me his arm once more. Taking it, he led me outside and towards his car. When we settled down and the driver pulled away from the curb and towards my office, Charles turned to me.

"Dinah is already organizing things for the memorial. She said to call her if you need any updates on how it's progressing.

"Can you believe it?" I asked and he kept quiet waiting for me to continue. "Can you believe it’s been ten years?"

"No. It still feels like its yesterday." He sighed. "We're worried about you child. I still remember you took the news harder than your sister."

"I'll be okay Charles. “ I reassured him.

"Regardless, Dinah thinks you should stay over. Just for a few days. She's convinced you shouldn't be alone and she's even extended the invitation to Riley too."

"Will it get you two to stop worrying about me?"

"Yes it will." He said with a hopeful smile.

"Fine. I'll come over tonight."

"Great! Dinah will be thrilled to have you over.” He said as the car pulled up at my office building. Ever the gentleman, Charles stepped out first and helped me out of the car.

"Did Riley agree to come?" I asked turning to him.

"Surprisingly, yes." He beamed and I almost groaned.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my sister but our relationship seemed to work better when we were far apart. So having her in the same city was going to be a handful. But having already agreed to stay over with the lovely couple, I knew I couldn’t back out without it looking suspicious. So yet again I found myself wishing I could send someone in my stead but more so with family, that wouldn’t be possible.

This was going to be one hell of a week! I thought with a quiet sigh.