Big Top Billionaire

The Call

EMMELINE

It has been an entire year since I moved to Virginia and left my home behind. John’s anniversary of his death was today and it was an emotional moment for me, but that didn’t stop me from going to work. The company had depended on me since I started working for them. 

Walking into the building, the one that had been like a lifeline for me, I could feel the joy in my heart, especially since everyday, I would get to see Christian Cole, CEO and the guy I have been dating for the past six months. 

I know it hasn't been too long since I lost my husband, but in my hardest moments, he was there for me. He gave me a job, gave me his shoulder to cry on and even his apartment keys in case I wanted to pay him a nightly visit. 

“Hello, Laura. How are you today?” I asked the receptionist while she returned my greeting with a sympathetic smile, something I wasn’t sure what it was about. Trying to shake the thoughts off, I got inside the elevator, hitting the penthouse button to reach the floor I worked in with Christian. 

Excitement ran through my body the higher I went up and when the elevator’s door finally opened, everyone in the office looked at me, falling silent. A frown made its way to my face as I walked towards my office, the same one I shared with him. 

“I wouldn't go in there, dear,” Rosario, one of the secretaries who I considered a mother, said. My hand was already on the doorknob, closer to opening the door. Knowing what was on the other side, I still turned the knob and walked in, seeing Christian with a blonde woman bend over the desk while he kneeled on the floor behind her, her panties down to her ankles as he ate her shamelessly. 

“This is a beautiful sight,” I said, sarcastically while he turned to face me as she pulled her underwear up and hurried out of the office without a single word. 

“Oh, sweetheart. You know what you and I have is just an affair. I am not a man to have just one woman and you know it,” he replied, wiping his mouth from the obvious o****m he had given her. 

“Don’t worry. I was very well aware. But guess what?” I asked while he crossed his arms on his chest, studying me as I sat on the chair in front of his desk, “I played you as well. You reminded me of my late husband physically and maybe the fantasy of him being alive, giving me the best s*x of my life was what made me date you. Isn’t it funny?” 

I giggled, standing back up before heading towards the exit with my head held high. As I reached the door, I looked at him over my shoulder.

“One more thing...I quit,” I winked as I closed the door behind me, leaning against it and surprisingly feeling relieved. This was such a great job opportunity and I loved every single bit of it, but I had to be honest to myself. 

I missed my family, the circus crew who have been there for me.

Taking a deep breath, I smiled as I passed by the office staff. Not even bothering with taking anything from the office, since nothing was really mine, I hit the button on the elevator and walked in as soon as the doors opened. 

When they closed, I let out the loudest and happiest scream I could have. I have felt guilty all this time for thinking I cheated on John by dating Christian, but now…

Now I felt like I was off the hook. 

As the elevator doors opened in the lobby, the look on some of the employees' faces had me laughing on the inside while I made my way out without looking at anyone. 

The warm air of the summer hit my face as I stepped outside, the sudden ring of my phone pulling me out of my thoughts before I grabbed it from my jacket pocket. The name of the screen brought a smile on my face, and without any hesitation I hit the answer button and put it against my ear. 

“Hey, you! You have no idea how happy it makes me to see your call on my phone!” I said, excitedly while I walked down the street towards my apartment. 

“Hello, lovely dove. It makes me happy to hear your voice,” Freddie replied on the other side of the call, his voice sounded jovial. 

“Likewise. To what do I owe the honor of your call?”

Freddie cleared his throat, and I knew the sound of his breathing when he was about to ask me something I might not be able to refuse.

“So…” he started, the silence taking over a minute before he was able to talk again, “We have a huge show this weekend, and I was wondering if you could be the closing act.”

A chill went up my spine like a bucket of ice cold water, freezing my insides. The memory of my husband falling from the hoop made its way to my mind and a shaky breath escaped my lips. 

“Emma?” 

“Yes, I’m here,” I replied in a soft voice. I was so engrossed in the short conversation, that I didn’t realize I had arrived at the apartment already. Putting the key in the doorknob, I walked in, still holding the phone on my ear as I locked it back and sat on the couch. 

“I don’t know, Freddie. It scares me to go back and I don’t think I can get over that fear,” I said, honestly. 

“I know, princess. But it would be amazing if you came back. We can help you get over your fear, together. Besides, you promised John,” he mentioned with a hint of manipulation in his voice. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Thank you for using that promise card on me. But I am not sure I can keep it. It was all too traumatic.”

There was another moment of silence as he let out a deep breath while I looked at the ceiling in my living room, trying to keep my tears at bay. 

“Listen, Emma. I understand you’re scared. But I know that you’re dying to get on that silk once again. You always loved getting on that thing, and seeing you back in the air would mean the whole world to me. I know John would have liked to see you as well, doing what you love.”

I sobbed at the mention of John, especially a day like today. But maybe this was a sign from him. Maybe, just maybe, I needed to keep that promise. 

“Okay, Freddie. Give me a couple of days and I’ll be there.”

“Great! It will be great to see you. Can’t wait, flying dove.”

With that, we both hung up before I stood up from the couch and walked towards my window to see the city outside, the sun high up and shining down the majestic buildings. 

“I must be crazy, John. But I’ll fulfill my promise to you. You have my word, my love.”