Chapter 2: Dream

Weeks later I arrived at my destination after making a few stops in New York with a publishing company that was interested in my work. I am a writer and love the creative freedom I have which comes from working for myself and the fortunate blessing of having various publishing companies in different locations interested in my work.

Currently I am working on the fifth installment of a book series which has a lot of people impatiently waiting for it to come out and be turned into a movie like the first four books. The fourth movie is still in the works along with another book I am currently working on and has the publishers in a bidding war for it. Family and friends who know caught wind of it have been encouraging me to go out and meet the different publishers and see what they have to offer since it may be more than the current publisher.

Who knew that out of all places I would run into Hunter at an airport in Europe? In Madrid of all places. He barely ever left the country except when he absolutely had to leave the country. It was weird and awkward and nice and a part of me thought about what if I see him again. I played around with different scenarios in my mind and I none happened exactly how it went when I actually saw him.

I had never seen him the way he did out in public. Unshaven, sad as if his world was falling apart but eager, almost as if desperate, to speak to me. It was an unshakeable memory.

He was always so well put together when out in public. Dressed according to what he needed to get done. Unlike me who dresses according to her mood. I may lay out clothes the night before but when morning comes, I may pick out a different set of clothes as mentioned, according to my mood.

"Mrs. Harrington, good morning." My estate manager said as my tea was being served. I love tea too much that I drink all day some days.

"Good morning, Tessa. How are you?"

Tessa has been with me these past few years. My career is still fresh. Not long ago I was working a day job and struggling to make it as an author. When I got my first break on a book deal, I could not believe it. I was beyond excited about it but tried not to show it and act on it so as to not ruin my chance. My dream to write and not have to interact with clients and customers on a daily basis was coming true. I pictured myself in a large room with glass walls while I sat on a sofa shaped like a bed with a laptop table dressed in lingerie with the ocean spread out in front of me. A cup of tea and 2 slices of iced lemon pound cake next to me.

I wanted that dream to become reality. I was starving for it. I stayed up late writing and writing story after story. Both short and long ones. I researched best publishing companies and cross referenced them while sending them copies of my works. It was nerve-racking but I did not give up. One day I was checking my emails and saw the response from one of the publishing companies letting me know that they are interested and from there things took off. I, sometimes, still cannot believe that I am now living my dream now. I have book signings, non-stop round the clock meetings, constant business calls, business trips, lavish vacations, the glass room with a beach view and tea with iced lemon pound cake and a sofa shaped like a bed with a laptop table, etc. I am beyond excited.

"I am good. How are you?" Tessa responded.

"I am good too."

"Is there anything specific you would like to have accomplished today?"

"Besides finishing this book? No." I said jokingly. We both laughed.

"You'll be finished in no time. You always do." Tessa said reassuringly.

Tessa is good at what she does. She gets things done and she also anticipates what I want and need and gets those done too. She makes sure the housekeeper and the chef along with the groundskeeper, nanny, and chauffeur get their jobs done as well. She has been great. She has short dark hair with grassy green eyes and always dresses professionally. She makes my life easier.

"Thank you." I responded.

"I will go check on the lunch menu." Tessa excused herself.

"Alright. Would you tell the chef to add some crab legs with beer butter sauce? I am craving it right now."

"Absolutely. I will go let him know to prepare it and have it brought over to you as soon as possible."

"Thank you so much."

"Would you like the shrimp cocktail brought over in the meantime?"

"Yes, please. And some orange juice, please."

"Right away." Tessa said and left.

I love seafood. The taste is amazing. I love the various choices and colors and different ways to prepare them.

I usually have seafood snacks such as a shrimp cocktail and lobster dipped in beer butter sauce in between meals along with either tea, protein shake, smoothie or juice.

My mind kept going back to Hunter. Have you ever had a man in your life that you could not get out of your mind no matter what you did? Even if you were with someone else you still found yourself thinking of them without meaning to or wanting to. Have you ever realized you love someone but did not want to be with the person?

Lately, he feels more like a disease I cannot get rid of. At times I found myself thinking of the good times we shared. Those are the sweet moments that felt like I was coming up for a breath of fresh air after being under water for too long.

I finished the food the chef had brought to me then continued working. I had placed the do not disturb sign at the door so I could focus more on the work and get further ahead of schedule. By the time I decided it was enough writing for one day, I realized it was evening and my mind and body were both in need of a cool ocean's breeze. I saved my work, placed the laptop away and went out to the balcony.