I Remember (Remembrance Series) (29 page)

“You did a wonderful job of getting my favorites. You know, you spoil me way too much,” I said, jokingly.

“I would like to spoil you more, if you would let me.”

We leaned close to one another as we began to eat, making idle chatter about the weather, how the rest of the week looked for both of us and just enjoying the scenery and the company. My heart was whole for the first time in my life.

When we were done eating, Gregory asked, “Do you mind if we sit and talk for awhile?”

I couldn’t imagine what he wanted to talk about, but I definitely wasn’t ready to leave this peaceful and tranquil moment.

”Are you ok with meeting my parents this weekend?”

My emotions were mixed. “I would love to meet your parents, but do we really need the entire weekend?

“My parents have a nice house on a lake where we can go boating, jet skiing or just relax by the pool. You can come down to my place Saturday morning and we can take my car over. Then, you can either drive back Sunday night or stay with me and head back to your Mom’s on Monday, after work. The choice is entirely yours.”

I took a deep breath. “I know that you have my best interest at heart, but don’t you think you should include me in some of the planning?”

“I’m sorry. I just want you to have an enjoyable, relaxing weekend and my family’s place is a perfect retreat. You’ll love it, I promise. And they’ll love you.”

I was still contemplating the pool, the lake and the fun when all of a sudden his shoulders tensed.

“Is everything alright?”

He looked deep into my eyes. “I hope so. I haven’t been entirely honest with you, Jordan, and I need to tell you a few things before you meet my family.”

“You know you can tell me anything, Gregory. No secrets, remember?”

He took a deep breath. “I was born Gregory Anthony Worthington. My grandfather and father created Worthington Enterprises. Then, as technology advanced, my father branched off and started Teleco Wireless.

“Oh my…” I started.

He stopped me. “Please, let me finish”

“I had everything I ever wanted or dreamed of, as a child. My brothers both loved all the attention our name got us in school. They were always hanging out with the ‘in-crowd’ and having tons of parties. But, they only kept friends by picking up the tab and buying things, especially for the girlfriends.”

“But, that isn’t your style.”

He shook his head in agreement. “I began to see my friends were fake, only there for me as long as I was able to do things for them. My parents noticed I was unhappy, so we discussed some options. My father offered to transfer me to another school, but my last name was recognizable.

“My mother suggested I use her maiden name, at least temporarily, to give me the opportunity to experience a normal life. So, documents were drawn up to change my name and they put me in public school.”

He paused for a moment and I squeezed his hand lightly, in encouragement.

“Life was better, because no one knew me. I was able to blend in with everyone and, while I didn’t have a lot of friends, the one’s I did have were true, who liked me for me.”

“And?”

“Remember the girl I talked about briefly dating? She knew my brothers and recognized me. I thought we had something special, but she was only after my money. I didn’t realize it until one day she accidently called me by my real last name. As a result, my trust was shattered when it came to dating.”

I took a deep breath in before responding. “I think I understand why you did it, but why wait to tell me?”

“Because I wanted to make sure you fell in love with me and not my name.”

I kissed him gently on the cheek. “Thank you for sharing this with me. Trust is a hard thing to come by. And once it’s shattered, it is hard to gain it back.”

“Do I still have your trust, Jordan?”

“I trust you with my life, Gregory; just no more secrets.”

“I promise, unless it is meant to surprise or protect you.”

“So, if you work for your family, why are you keeping up the illusion of a different name?”

“My grandfather and father built both companies from the ground up. They worked hard to make them what they are, today. Because of that, they have the respect of all the employees.

“I wouldn’t have the same respect if I just waltzed in and got a Vice Presidency, straight out of college. I would only be the kid lucky enough to be born with a silver spoon in my mouth.

“It was our family’s decision to have me come on board as an intern during school and then as an employee after graduation. They made sure I would be hired, but the rest was up to me, to get to where I am at now. I am working my way up the ladder and proving my ability and loyalty to the company.”

“Does anyone, besides your dad and grandfather, know who you are?”

He smiled for the first time since our conversation started. “Yes. The head of Human Resources and a couple of Vice Presidents are aware.”

“So, that’s how you were able to help Jerry find employment?”

“Yes. Being the boss’s grandson or son does give me a heads-up on what positions are available and how all the departments work.”

He went on. “My grandfather wants my father to take over Worthington Enterprises in five years, when he retires. That puts me in line for my father’s position at Teleco Wireless. If I show I can do the work and know all the in’s and out’s of the various departments, the company might accept me better than if I just came in out of nowhere as the new CEO.”

I was dumbstruck by his revelation, but still curious. Do you enjoy your work?”

His face beamed with delight. “I love it! I have always had a fascination with anything electronic. My parents used to get mad at me for taking apart the television, VCR, and any small appliance I could get my hands on to see how they worked.”

He pulled me against his chest and held me for what seemed like an eternity before asking, “Are you upset with me?”

“I probably should be, because I don’t like to be lied to, but no. And now I see how you are able to afford all these gifts. But how am I supposed to keep up, when you have so much?”

He laughed. “This is what you are worried about?”

His lifted my chin so our eyes met. “I buy you things because I am deeply in love with you. While I do enjoy perks from my family, everything has been purchased with the money I’ve earned.”

He went on to explain. “When I was in school, my parents paid for everything. My internship was a paid position, so I banked my earnings to save up for when I graduated. The position I was offered came with a decent salary and I took over my own expenses. Most everything I have is because I have earned or bought it, myself. There have been a few gifts from my parents, but I pay my own bills and day-to-day expenses. I do have a trust fund that I’ll get when I turn 25, but I have to show that I can contribute to society and take care of myself, in order to earn it. Personally, I don’t need money to be happy. All I need is you.”

I was overwhelmed by his declaration of love. There was a long period of silence before he finally asked, “Jordan, are you all right with everything?”

“How am I going to live up to your family’s standards? I am just an everyday person, making a small salary. I don’t have much to offer,” I said nervously.

“They had to work hard to get where they are, now. They may live in nice houses, but they are very down-to-earth people. They already love you because I do.” He paused for a moment. “You have given me more than anyone ever has. You’ve given me your heart.”

His words made all my apprehensions toward the weekend, and his family, melt away.

We were both quiet on the drive back to my office. As Gregory pulled up to the building’s entryway, he leaned over for a kiss. It was soft and a little shy, asking ,
“Are we ok?”

My lips responded in accord with his. His lips trailed upward, toward my ear. He whispered, “I know I have given you a lot to think about, but I needed you to know everything. None of it changes who I am or how much I love you.”

I opened the car door. “I know. Thank you for the wonderful lunch and for trusting me with your secret.” I hesitated for a moment. “Will your last name remain Riley or will it change back to Worthington?”

“What would you like it to be?”

I smiled. “Whatever you are happiest with.”

His face was beaming, finally realizing that things were going to be just fine.

“I love you, Jordan, more than you know.”

“I love you, too. I’ll call you when I get off work.”

I snuck in through the back stairwell, opening the door slightly to make sure the hallway was clear. No one was in sight and Caroline’s door was closed.
No one even knew I was gone
.

On the drive home, my mind began to recap the day’s events. Before I could analyze everything, the phone rang. It was Gregory. “I was just thinking about you.”

“I hope only good thoughts.”

I laughed. “Of course. I was about to call you but you beat me to it. You gave me a lot to contemplate, this afternoon.”

“I know and I am truly sorry about that. But I wanted you to know everything so you wouldn’t be shocked when you meet my family.”

“Gregory, I didn’t fall in love with your last name. I fell in love with who you are. However, I do have a few questions.”

“Like?”

“What kind of clothes do I need to bring for the weekend? Do I need dress clothes? I’ve never really been around anyone wealthy, before.”

He laughed.

“Pack what you normally wear on the weekend, but definitely throw in a swimsuit. As far as a dress, I can see what their plans are. Normally they just stay at home and grill out on the patio, if the weather is nice.”

“Do you want to join Mom and me for dinner, tonight?”

“I would love to, Jordan, but I am trying to finish up a project that needs to be completed by tomorrow afternoon. Could I have a rain check for next week?”

“Sure. I’m home, so I need to go. Call me after you get home and have talked with your parents.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to you soon, Babe. Until then, know I can’t stop thinking about you and love you.”

“Same, here. Bye.”

Mom smiled, modestly, as I walked through the door. “How was your day, Jordan?”

“It was nice, thanks to two co-conspirators.” I mused.

“I know you don’t like surprises, but Gregory and I had a long talk last night. He made me promise not to say anything.”

“Mom, are you sure you are ok with me spending the weekend with Gregory’s family?”

“The decision is up to you. I know he is anxious to introduce you. He has already asked if there is a weekend when we can all get together for dinner; so I can meet them, too.” Mom smiled and shook her head. “That boy is head over heels for you.”

“What all did you talk about last night?”

I had never seen my mom hesitant to talk before, and I watched as she struggled to choose the right words.

“You know who he is, don’t you?”

She nodded. “We discussed it last night. He was trying to find a way to tell you, but wasn’t sure how you would react.”

I couldn’t believe my mother would keep this kind of secret from me. To my surprise, I raised my voice. “Mom, how could you?”

“I promised I would let him reveal everything. He wanted to wait until this weekend. But, I suggested he might want to tell you now, so you wouldn’t have a bombshell dropped on you in a strange environment.”

Mom was right; I needed to know ahead of time. “So what was your first reaction when he mentioned who he really is?”

“I was surprised, but had suspected there was more to Gregory than he let on. He explained the reasons behind it and was sincere with his apologies for the deception. I had to forgive him.

“Go have some fun this weekend.” Mom smiled and gave me a big hug.

I was excited that Gregory wanted me to meet his family. But, I had reservations about how fast our relationship was progressing. We’d really only started dating a few weeks ago. Then, suddenly, my father’s words came back to me.
“Love does not have a plan or a timeline. When it‘s real, you know.”

The phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. “Hello?”

His voice was very seductive. “Hello, Beautiful. I talked with my mother and they’re planning to stay at home this weekend; so, no need to bring a dress, unless you want to.”

“That makes packing a little easier. However, I will need to drop a dress off at your place so I have one to wear to work on Monday.”

He gasped loudly on the other end of the phone. “You’re staying through Monday?!”

“Mom doesn’t return until Monday and she doesn’t want me to spend Sunday night alone. She trusts me.” I smiled to myself, knowing this is the scenario he’d hoped for.

We talked for several more minutes before I had to go. “I hate to do this, but I need to get off so I can do a couple loads of laundry for this weekend.”

“No need to apologize. I need to go, too. I just got home and need to eat before heading to bed. I have a long day, tomorrow.”

“Gregory, you need to take better care of yourself.”

“I know. I have some leftovers in the fridge that I can easily reheat. Did you want me to seek you out in our dreams, tonight?”