Page 31 of Taking A Chance
“I’d have been there sooner, if it hadn’t been for this damn case. I have a few things I need to get done, but then I’ll be flying over for a week. Looks like Isaac will have me tied up most of the time, but the evenings are for you.”
“When do you get here?” I’m gripping the phone hard, trying to keep myself grounded.
“I’ve not got the confirmed date yet, but I’ll message you as soon as I do. Make sure you're free, because I’m planning on spending as much time with you as possible.”
“Cade.”
“Yes?”
“I can’t wait to be with you.” My breathing is uneven and my voice deep and sultry.
“Oh, baby. Say that again.”
Every day for the last month has seemed to drag, but at last I’m walking up the tunnel off the BA206 flight at Heathrow Airport. It’s 7.45 am, which makes me over an hour later than scheduled, and I’m hoping that Isaac checked the departure of my flight before setting off to collect me. If not, he’s going to be pissed.
I’ve not flown into this airport for a long time, but with Isaac’s decidedly descriptive directions, I collect my checked-in bag and find my way to our meeting point with ease.
Isaac is standing with his back to me, talking on his phone and oblivious to my arrival. I sneak up behind him. It becomes apparent that he’s talking to Amy because of the sweet nothings he’s saying. I get up close, making sure I don’t touch him, but near enough to lean in nearer to the handset.
“Oooh! Isaac, sugar, who are you talking to?” I say in my best high pitched, lady impression. As Isaac spins around, it’s clear I’m not fooling anyone as I hear Amy’s laugh and the words “Hi Cade,” filter across the airwaves.
“Hi sister-in-law,” I holler back, having to shout because Isaac has already bumped me away with his elbow.
“So, the answer to your question is yes, he has arrived, finally.” Isaac continues his conversation with Amy, but not missing the chance to throw me a stern look. “Okay, I’ll let you know when we get back to the office… Yes baby, I do too.” Isaac finishes the call and stands firm footed in front of me.
“You’re so pussy whipped, brother,” I say, shaking my head in disgust.
“You’re such a jackass, brother.” He barks back before we pull each other into a man hug, giving each other a slap or two on the back. “I’ve missed you, you asshole.”
“The feelings mutual.” The closeness we share, no one would believe that we weren’t true blood.
“The car’s out this way in the parking lot.” He indicates to the exit. We start to walk in that direction. “What’s with the suitcase, are you planning on stopping more than a couple of days?”
“Seven days, but don’t worry brother, I won’t be imposing on you and Amy, as the last thing I need to listen to, is the sound of you two fucking every chance you can get.”
“Do I sense a touch of jealousy?” Isaac sniggers. “Not been getting enough, big boy?”
“I do more than alright douche-bag.”
“You know Amy won’t hear of you stopping in a hotel when we have plenty of room for you to stay with us. I’ll put you as far away from our room as possible. She doesn’t mind being gagged either, so you won’t hear a thing.”
“What the fuck, Isaac. I really don’t need to hear that shit.” We stop at the side of a black Audi Q8 and Isaac pops the trunk. I place my suitcase in the back and walk towards the passenger side. Isaac follows me and then I notice the steering wheel, I change direction and walk around to the other side. Isaac shakes his head and laughs at my error. I show him my middle finger across the roof of the car before getting in.
“Anyway, I’m not staying at a hotel. If all goes well, I’ll be staying with someone.” I offer as we pull away from the airport perimeter.
“Who?”
“Just a friend.”
“You? Friends?” Isaac gives out a loud chuckle. “Didn’t realise you had any.”
“Fuck you, asshole.” I punch him in his bicep and by the feel of it, he’s still hitting the gym regularly. “Just drive and less of the verbal crap.”
We chat idly and get to the Bath office in record time. Mainly due to Isaac being unable to resist showing off some of his driving skills that he picked up in his younger years. Skills that were useful back in the day, when he was stealing cars to make enough money to get a discount motel and put food in his stomach.
He’s not proud of what he did back then, but he was homeless, and what little cash he had, when he ran away from home, went quickly. It seemed to be the only option at the time, his only chance of survival.
When you see him now, what he’s achieved, you can’t help but admire him for the man he has become. He insists it was all thanks to my dad, for taking in him, bringing him into our family and the faith he had in him. Truth is, Isaac has worked his butt off to get to where he is today. His pure determination to change his world. From dirty back alley and breaking the law, to a law-abiding citizen, earning his own money, thriving businesses and keeping people in jobs. My admiration for him is vast. My respect for him huge. His actions are the reason why I worked tirelessly to get my law degree and, in turn, excel in everything that I do. He inspires me. But I’ll be damned if I’ll ever tell him.