In his clandestine effort, he tried not to anger Margaret, knowing that Natalie would suffer the consequences. He would visit only when he knew she was tied up in meetings or out of town on company business.
But Charles Dumont forgot about the suspicions of others.
The two of them were constantly on the phone. So much so, that Charles’ boss brought it to the forefront. “We need to talk, Charles,” said Ralph.
“Okay, let’s talk,” replied Charles, smiling.
“There are a lot of rumours floating around about you and Natalie Brentwood.” Ralph’s captivated audience of one listened intently. “Care to comment on the situation?” he asked.
The smile vanished. Charles studied Ralph’s expression carefully, the eyes in particular. Did he really know something, or was he just fishing? “What kind of rumours?”
“C’ mon Charles, you know damn well what I’m talking about. The two of you seem to be joined at the hip. The two of you spend a lot of time together, a lot of it on the phone.”
Ralph threw down the computer print-out. It didn’t lie. There for all to see was the ammo for a lot of the speculation. A lot of calls were to Natalie’s home number, most of the others, to her extension here at work. The evidence clearly showed that Charles was coming in on his weekends and calling Natalie at home. “So what’s going on?”
Charles had been backed into a corner, and exiting would require fast thinking. “Those phone calls that everyone seems so concerned about are regarding the proposed new Co-Generation plant we are putting in. There are a lot of details that need to be part of the plan going to the town council meeting. Maybe you forgot, Ralph, but that’s the communication department’s area of expertise. Natalie Brentwood calls me, I call her. I am forthcoming with any and all information that may seem relevant. Anything else?”
“Yes. What about these phone calls to her home number?”
“What about them? This is a big project. Sometimes I have to come in on weekends. I keep her updated. That’s all there is to it. If you or someone else is unhappy with the way I do business, then fine, get someone else to run the damned project! There is nothing going on here.”
“I hope not. After all this is a place of business and, as such, I expect you to do your job. What you do after hours is your business, just as long as it doesn’t interfere with work.”
“This is work and I am doing my job, goddammit!”
“Okay, okay, Charles, calm down. It just doesn’t look good that’s all. People are talking.”
“Then it’s obvious,” said Charles, looking around the office, “that some people around here don’t have enough to do.”
There was no further discussion and Ralph left the office. He had made his point. He was a good boss and Charles enjoyed working for him. But now, they were under the watchful eye of many.
***
As time moved on, Natalie and Charles became closer, their feelings growing for one another. At lunchtime, they would meet secretly in a parking lot in town.
“Natalie. I couldn’t wait to see you. I’ve been busier than a toothless beaver trying to build a dam. What a day. How’s your day going?” He stopped and took a long pause as if noticing for the first time the beautiful woman who stood before him. “Wow! You look great.”
“Thank you, Charles. It’s been a hectic day. Margaret is on a tear today for some reason. I wasn’t even sure if I could get away for lunch. I miss not seeing you. With the project going forward and, of course, you-know-who watching over my shoulder, it’s tough these days. I don’t think she likes you very much, Charles.”
“Yes. I miss you too. And as far as Margaret is concerned, the feeling is mutual. I really think you should apply for that job in the training centre. You’d like it a lot better. You deserve a better fate.”
“Perhaps you’re right,” she said. “I should be getting back to the office ,though.”
“Okay, Nat. See you tomorrow. Same time, same place?”
Soon they were taking walks along the river, holding hands as they talked. Sometimes Natalie would pick Charles up in her car and they would drive down to the marina for lunch.
“I love being by the water,” she told him. “The walk along the river is such a soothing reprieve from the office.”
“Yes, it is beautiful,” he replied. Charles wasn’t looking at the water; instead he was staring at Natalie, taking in every square inch of her form. Holding her hand tightly in his, he admired the beautiful creation before him. Something magical was in the air.
“Charles?” She had turned now to face him.
He tried not to look into her eyes, tried to look away in fact, but he couldn’t. He was always drawn back to those eyes. He pulled her body close to his and leaned in to kiss her. Embracing one another, they kissed passionately.
He pulled away quickly. “Natalie, I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Don’t say anything. Shut up and kiss me again.” Again, they kissed.
“I’ve loved you from the first day I saw you,” he told her.
“I know. I felt the same way about you. Charles, what are we going to do? I’m frightened. We have families to consider.”
“I know, I know,” he replied. “I’m scared also. But if we’re committed to one another, and to this relationship, then we can survive any hardship. You just have to remain strong and trust me. Can you do that?”
“Yes,” she replied. “I love you. I’m not letting you go.”
“To us and our new life together,” said Charles.
“To us,” replied Natalie. She reached up to kiss him.
Together, they enjoyed love’s embrace and dreamed of a better tomorrow.
***
