Not What It Seems Ch. 10

The words did not fully sink in until Jared asked Sara to bring in the champagne.

Charles could not believe his luck. A few minutes ago he was shitting himself about Jared finding out all shit he's been doing. Now as he sat in the seat looking out into the famous New York skyline, drinking champagne with his negligent boss, he had never felt more alive.

As Jared clinked his glass to Charles's he looked at his employee of eleven years. His expression was of a man who had just had a brush with death and then found out he had won the lottery. He could see that Charles was so happy that he couldn't wipe off that shit-eating grin off his face. A 35% pay rise? He must be more deluded than people paying an extortion amount for modern art.

"Charles, may we have many more successful years..." Jared said as he smiled at what he had in store for him.

Though patience was not his virtue, he knew timing was everything in this situation. And although he couldn't wait to wipe that smug look off Charles's face, he knew that when the right time came, it would be worth the wait...

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The following Monday, Ryan decided enough was enough. After pondering for most of Sunday, upon learning the truth from Naomi, he knew an intervention was long overdue. He was getting sick of seeing his two friends going round in circles. he had decided if Jared was too scared to approach Alin and tell her the truth, he would. Ryan wasn't sure what the reception would be, but regardless he knocked on Alin's office door and when she told him to come in, he sat down and looked at her intently.

"Are you okay, Ryan?" She said when he just looked at her without saying a word.

"Alin, do you trust me?"

"Of course I do, Ryan? Tell me, is something wrong?" Alin said with worry.

"Last Friday I was at Jared's apartment-"

She shuffled the papers, and broke eye contact from Ryan. "I don't really want to hear this."

"Alin, you have to believe that Haltor pulled so much shit. Jared wasn't to blame-"

"Ryan, no offence, but to tell you the truth, I don't really care-"

Ryan stared at her. Never had Alin been so dismissive. He knew Jared had a lot of work cut out if he thought he could just walk back into her life.

"Okay, Okay fine," Ryan held his hands up, "I know you don't care, but hear me out. Please?"

When she made no sound of disapproval, Ryan continued, "About a month ago, Jared hired someone to check if someone was possibly selling company secrets since it seemed insider information were being leaked out."

Ryan took a deep breath, "Alin, Haltor that sneaky bastard paid Charles for the information. And the pictures of you and Haltor, he hired Charles to do it for him. That night when you went out to dinner with him, they hired a photographer to follow your every movement with him. Also, Faye Morlan, Jared's ex-girlfriend contacted you five years ago insinuating an affair. They set all of it up for you to be there when he was with Faye. It was all Haltor pulling strings."

Alin had heard just about enough. It was something she didn't need. How could Jared after all this time, finally with hard evidence believe her? If he had faith in her in the beginning nothing would have happened. He had avenged against her in the most unforgivable way, constantly belittling her. How could she forget that? Learning the truth had changed nothing. You can't forgive him, you can't forgive him...

"Ryan, thanks for letting me know." Alin said as she resumed her work.

Being in shock was an understatement. "That's all you have to say?!"

"What do you want me to say, Ryan?" Alin cried, "that we can live happily ever after and I can forget how he's treated me? Call me narrow-minded, call me whatever you want but whoever was behind this, it doesn't make a difference! What if someone was to come and make up lies again? Would he distrust me again? We both have trust issues, and sooner or later we'd be back to square one." Alin dropped her pen, looking at the blank piece of paper as her tears slowly dropped onto it, crinkling the once pristine paper.

"It's taken me nearly a month to even have a life, get back on track and my thoughts not being constantly plagued by him." Alin whispered, "and I don't want to go back there again, Ryan."

Ryan went round to embrace her," A-Alin, I'm sorry. I just...you're both my best friends. It hurts me seeing you guys like this. I promise if you don't like it I won't interfere, but-" he lifted her face to his and used the pad of his thumb to wipe her tears away, "just know that I'll always slyly mention Jared one way or another." Alin laughed even through her tears, "and no more tears, next time I see you cry, it's gonna be happy tears, 'kay?" Preferably, as lamely as it sounds because Jared has swept her off her feet, he thought, but of course he wouldn't tell her that.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"I'm disappointed in you."

Jared sat in his office staring out the window when his cell rang. Without looking he had picked up. The words uttered on the other line couldn't have been more depressing. His grandma was back.

Every year his grandma would go travelling for god knows how long. Ever since Jared had made a name for himself, he had paid for his grandmother's travel after years of her raising him on her own and working tirelessly to keep food on the table. A few years back she had met his step grandfather, and together they travelled the world. She hardly ever came back to see his grandson, choosing to update him with postcards and videos.

"Granna-"Jared started

"Do not call me that!" She said angrily, "Why is it that every time I come back, I have a surprise waiting for me? To read something about you that I-I... god I'm speechless you know that?"

Whenever his grandma goes travelling, she likes to cut off almost all contact with the world, choosing to enjoy life whilst travelling peacefully. However she would ask Jared to tell her if anything needed her attention.

"I'm sorry, Granna-"

"I don't care that you haven't spoken to me in months. What I care about is this trash I'm reading in the papers? Why have you broken up with Alin? N-no actually why didn't you tell me you were dating again? Do you know how hurt I was when your messy personal life caused you to lose that sweet girl five years ago? I bet this time it was your fault again. Seriously you get a second chance with her and, still you f-fuck up. Y-you are unbelievable you know that?"

Jared almost laughed when his grandma cursed. She was a graceful and elegant lady even with a tough upbringing. She seldom cursed. This was serious shit. Her scolding always made him feel like a five year old child.

"It's not like that, Granna! W-we...it's so complicated between us."

"I don't want to see you unless she comes with you"

"But-"

"No buts. I'm serious Jared. Either she comes or nothing."

His grandma hung up on him. She had never been this angry. When he broke up with Alin five year ago, the shit hit the fan and his grandma was so mad at him, seeing as she had refused his side of the story. Though he groaned at the ultimatum his grandma had given him, it wasn't all bad news. Jared knew how much Alin respected and loved his grandma. Maybe, just maybe using this he could finally see her?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Alin, maybe you don't want to see me, I understand. But Granna's back... and she'd really like to see you... Alin, I'm so sorry, but can we please put what happened between us aside for now? I know you're mad at me, hell I'm mad at myself but please...j-just please call me back?

Alin sighed as she dialled Jared's number. She had pondered all day and all night whether to return his calls. She had stopped listening to his messages a few days ago. Willing herself to be strong, she had deleted most of his messages. But today, she had a feeling that maybe it was important. Therefore, after listening to his message and hearing that Granna was back, she was in serious dilemma. The truth was, she wasn't sure if she was using this as an excuse to contact him. Alin was battling with the inner voices. After tossing and turning in bed for hours upon hours, she got up at 2am and decided to call him back, reasoning with the voices that she called him back not because of him, but because of Granna.

Jared kept his cell close all day. Every time his phone vibrated he would check it eagerly and every time all he got was disappointment. So when a faint buzzing sound roused him from his deep sleep, he reached across somewhat annoyed and growled, "Hello?!"

The other end was silent which further infuriated him. He took the phone away to look at who the caller was and he groaned at the realization. "Alin?" he rubbed his sleepy eyes. "I'm sorry, it's just that I didn't expect you to call...especially this late.. n-not that I didn't want you to call, I do. I'm really glad you did." He said, fully aware that he was rambling but unable to stop himself.

"When is Granna coming? Just give me the time and date."

He felt grim. He was beyond happy that she had called him back. But from her tone, she was definitely still indifferent to him.

"When would you be free? I don't think Granna has a plan."

"Next week Friday at 7 is good for me..."

"Ok." He paused not wanting the conversation to end so soon. "Alin, I-" I love you. "I...thanks for doing this for me. It means a lot-"

"I'm not doing this for anyone. I'm doing it because I want to see Granna." She said cutting him off. "I'll see you next Friday at 7." And with that she hung up the phone. Jared sighed as the other end went dead. Lying back down, he tried to sleep.

Alin's heart was beating rapidly. Her hand was slightly shaking. It was hard not to talk to him. It was difficult to keep up the pretence of being indifferent, almost cold to him. She sighed massaging her temples and fell back onto the bed. She knew sleep was not going to come easy.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Alin, honey, come here! I can't believe you're finally coming to see me. It upsets me that you hadn't seen me for five years." Granna said as she embraced the young woman. After a few moments they broke apart and the older woman smiled at her. Holding onto her hand she studied her, "Alin, you've lost too much weight. I hope you're eating properly. Well, anyway by the time I'm done with you this week I promise I'd get you healthy again."

Alin smiled affectionately and looped her arms with Granna, "I'm sorry for not making the effort to see you Granna for the past five years. I've just had a lot going on. I promise I'd never ever do that again. These past few months work has been hectic. Maybe I've forgotten to eat."

Jared looked at her and indeed realised she had lost a lot of weight. She was slim already but now he could see how gaunt she looked. He hated himself, for he knew he was the one who made her like this. Both women had ignored his presence as they talked.

"Still, work or not, being like this is not normal. Five years ago, you were a lot healthier. How are you suppose to have my great grandchildren if you're not healthy-"

"Granna, Jared and I-" Alin started but was cut off by Jared to save any more awkwardness. "Granna, our reservation's at 8, we should head out."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Throughout the meal, Alin felt Jared's eyes on her. In the beginning it was awkward. Jared would try to speak with her but her attention would only be on Granna. Eventually all conversations exchanged were either between Jared and Granna or Alin and Granna. The old woman tried hard to get the two talking, however Alin always diverted the conversation back to Granna's travels or changed the topic.

After the meal they leisurely drank a sweet wine while eating dessert. The ambience returned to an almost relaxed state compared to the hostility in the beginning. Seeing Alin had somewhat relaxed and starting to enjoy herself, Granna suddenly said,

"Alin, do you remember this restaurant?"

She smiled at the old woman, holding onto her hand she nodded. "Yes, I remember this was when we-" she stopped herself suddenly. This was the restaurant she had gone to when they had announced their engagement to Granna. She had burst into tears and blubbered how blessed her life was. Maybe it was because she heard the happy news, but Granna had said she had never been to such an amazing restaurant, thus vowing to return here with the happy couple.

Granna sighed. Holding Alin's hand in one and then reaching for Jared's she put the two together. They suddenly looked up at each other. Alin quickly diverted her attention elsewhere not wanting to look at him. Granna spoke quietly, as she remained the link between their hands. "There's nothing more I would like than seeing you two happy. This is my only wish. Damn I'm seventy-three. Maybe not that long to live."

Granna was a wise woman. Maybe it was slightly on the verge of emotional blackmail, but it was true there was nothing she would like to see more than her grandson settled down with this sweet beautiful girl.

Alin leaned over and kissed Granna on the cheek. "I want you to be happy too Granna, and I will visit you more often when you come back. We need more alone time together. Just the two of us, so you can tell me more about your travels."

Jared couldn't help but feel defeated. She hated him and it didn't seem there was anything he could do.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After the meal, Granna had hugged Alin and told her how they have to see each other for the remaining week before she left again for another exotic location. Unexpectedly, Granna had whipped out her smart phone and said that she had a date tonight. Indicating that Jared should drive Alin back, Granna had caught a cab and waved the two off.

Now standing awkwardly outside of the restaurant waiting for the valet to drive his car round, Jared stood next to Alin, as she continued to stare at the direction Granna's cab drove away. Whilst she looked away from him, Jared used this opportunity to openly gaze at her. She was dressed in a summery white dress with a thin belt cinched around her waist. Her hair was styled in a boho-chick style, with two plaits on either side of her head and pinned to the back. The rest of her hair was wavy. The slight breeze blowing her hair, Jared just couldn't tear his gaze away from her. It was so simple, yet on her it was angelic, elegant and beautiful. Hell, he thought anything she wore looked good. He missed her.

Yet again, Alin felt his eyes on her. Not only was it awkward, it made her feel extremely self conscious. Did she maybe have chocolate cake on her face? Or was he staring at her because... Alin tried to tell herself over and over she didn't care what he thought about her anymore, hoping that the more she told herself, the more likely it is that she was to believe it.

Just as she was about to think deeper in to the matter, a cab was driving past and Alin flagged it down quickly. Granna's plan was so obvious. She was never going to give her or even him the chance to 'talk', because frankly what was there to talk about that hadn't already been said?

Jared caught on quickly, "Alin what are you doing? I'm taking you home!"

"I don't need you to." She replied coldly and as the cab pulled onto the curb Alin was about to get in, when Jared shut the door, and then handing the driver $100 to tell him he was taking her home.

Sensing the girl was in no danger and this was a very possible lover's tiff the driver smiled in return at having received the money for doing nothing, he bid the couple goodnight and drove off.

Jared never understood the expression, 'if looks could kill,' but right now the way Alin looked at him, he finally knew what it meant.

"What did you do that for?!" She demanded angrily.

"I said I was going to take you home-"

"So, again, it's always what Jared Valentine wants he gets?"

"That's not what I mean." At that moment the valet returned with his car and handed the keys over. Opening the door for her, Jared said in defeat, "Alin...please, let me take you home, if not for me, then at least for your convenience and for Granna's peace of mind."

Also defeated, Alin got in the car, and wondered why she had agreed to not drive there herself. For the rest of the journey they exchanged no words.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As Jared pulled over outside her apartment, Alin had already begun opening the door, but momentarily stopped when Jared said, "Alin, I..."

She turned to him upon hearing the uncertainty in his tone and for a glimpse Jared saw warmth... how it was a month ago, but then it was quickly replaced with coldness.

...Love you, need you... but Jared knew those words would not go down well. Instead he chose the lamest excuse, "I heard that your bathroom has a leakage, I was wondering if you needed someone to fix it for you..."

He left it hanging as he realized how ridiculous and desperate he sounded. Ryan had called him for a catch up and he had also mentioned briefly Alin's bathroom. However now that he thought about it, maybe Ryan was hinting it. Ryan had said that Alin was going to get someone round to fix it but they had told her they were not willing to work weekends and instead would come round the following Monday.

Unbeknownst to the both of them, Ryan had purposely not helped Alin, even though he could have probably fixed it with ease, but neither of them needed to know that- Alin would kill him, and Jared would refuse to stoop so low to win her back.

Alin pondered his offer. The truth was it was an annoyance and she really didn't want to ask her neighbour, Richard, after imposing on his kindness way too much. She couldn't well ask Ryan, seeing as he treasured his weekend. There was a moment of silence as Alin looked at him, but her pride marginally won. She softly whispered, "I don't think it's a good idea-"

Jared could detect her uncertainty and he couldn't but smile inside. Any improvement from how she treated him before, (not that he didn't think he deserved it) was indeed significant, because it was one step closer to him winning her back. "It's just I know a bathroom leak can be more serious than you think it is. And you don't want to wait till next week for someone to fix it." Jared knew he was rambling but if he had to recite 100 reasons why she should let him come to her apartment to fix it, so be it, "A leak can cause a lot of damage. Especially-"

Alin opened the car door suddenly and Jared pushed his hand through his hair, defeated. Then suddenly Alin turned round and briefly smiled, "Are you really going to fix it for me?"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Jared was lying on the floor looking at the leakage coming from her sink. He was mumbling to himself as he tried to screw the things in the right place.

Alin watched his profile from behind. She couldn't help but picture him in her life. It was so easy to imagine it as he lay so casually on her bathroom floor trying to fix her sink. Just as she was about to turn away, Jared turned around and their gaze locked.

Jared had long ago felt her presence. He wasn't sure what he should have done, because just when he felt her come in, he had almost finished up. After laying there for a few minutes he decided to turn, and was surprised to see her looking back at him, dare he say with longing in her eyes? He got up and dropped the screwdriver in his hands. Walking over to her, he watched as she fought an inner battle.

Alin watched as he came closer to her. She wanted to run. She wanted to hide. But her legs wouldn't give. At that moment, his arms went round hers and she felt warmth and safe.

He'll hurt you again. He'll throw you away as if you're nothing. Don't give in, be strong...

She pushed away from him and started to walk but he was too fast and he quickly held on to her wrist.