So how did you like the introduction of maybe the most important character of my story!? The name is a combination of suggestions from my chatters. Chatters, if I remember correctly, you were very enthusiastic and creative about this particular!
Life has been busy for me. New job, lots of meetings, tiring traffic. How's life treating you!?
This is what Bentley looks like - /i/s!AoK3tXkGN9GWhrYdptP-oag7Z0XThA
That's an old pic of the love of my life!
BTW, the Italics are either flashbacks or Texts or Doggie Thoughts..
Chapter 4
Darcy was being attacked! There was a big black animal, very heavy, pressing down on his chest, alternately sniffing and licking him!
He could hear Lizzie's melodious laughter. She was just laughing, not moving a muscle to shoo the animal away!
At last, Bentley got up, satisfied that he had welcomed his Mistress's guest properly.
Darcy, still shocked, turned his head around to stare at a pair of big brown eyes. The huge black Labrador cocked his head to the side and licked Darcy's nose. Lizzie stifled her laughter and pulled Darcy up.
"What! Who? What?", sputtered a still shell shocked Darcy.
"Sorry for his over the top welcome. He's a nice quiet doggie," said Lizzie as she patted Bentley on the head. "Benny, this is Will Darcy. He's a good friend of mamma's."
Will, still trying to recover from the attack, offered his hand to the dog who immediately raised his paw for a handshake.
Darcy was happy. He had met a girl, she was awesome, her kisses were perfect and her eyes were magic. Yes, he was starting to sound cheesy, but then again who cared. Her dog, well, he was a scary being. Lovable but scary.
Darcy was shaken from his thoughts by a loud ding. Lizzie had messaged!
Hey Will! It's Lizzie here! Hope you've recovered from the welcome! Save my number and we can plan our next date.
He smiled as he typed out his reply.
Hello Lizzie! Your Bentley is a lovable beast! I've saved the number. Let me know your convenient time and I'll make the reservations. Just do not wear today's dress. One time is enough to give a man an early heart attack.
She instantly replied back.
So you liked the dress! Maybe I'll save that masterpiece for another date.. Just to be clear, I never go further than a kiss on a first date. But today was something else.
Darcy had a full blown grin on his face.
Of course I loved the dress. It knocked my socks off. I would've loved to go further, with your permission, but this is different for me as well. Not just some random date. It feels special. Good night Lizzie. I'm sorry, I've an early meeting today. Let me know regarding the date.
Goodnight Will XOXO
Darcy entered his office whistling. He greeted his staff with a smile and some of them actually stopped to gape at their boss.
"Say Darce! What's gotten into you?" Said a voice snapping out Darcy from his day dreams as he sat grinning in his office.
Darcy looked up to see his cousin Richard Fitzwilliam leaning against his office door.
Richard was the CRO of his company and a former FBI Agent. He had retired after roughly 8 years of service due to a small but painful leg injury. Around 33 year old, he was a handsome man with blonde hair and striking green eyes.
"Hello Rich!" said Darcy sighing.
"So How did the date go?" asked Richard wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"It was ok" Darcy looked down to hide his blush, but obviously Richard caught on.
"Oh My God! You like her! You actually like a woman! After so, so, so many years!" said Richard with a real huge grin on his face.
"Ok, you caught me! Yes I like her. She is beautiful, intelligent, kind and... everything!" said Darcy with a dreamy smile on his face, recalling the soft skin of her shoulder.
"So this lady, she's Charlie's angel's sister, right?" asked Richard.
"Yes, she is! Lizzie is Jane's twin. She is really great."
Richard actually was a little jealous of Darcy. But really happy for him as well. After so many years, his cousin had finally gotten over that bitch.
Richard smiled at Darcy and suggested lunch.
Lizzie was day dreaming. She had a great date with a really nice guy. Bentley had liked a guy she went out with, for a change. Speaking of Bentley..
"Bentley! What are you doing?" screamed Lizzie as she spotted her dog licking her spoon clean.
"How many times have I told you, you dumb dog! No licking the spoons." said Lizzie as she got up and pushed her dog away from the coffee table.
Bentley looked up and innocently tried to lick Lizzie's hand. If my human gets distracted, I will get away with another spoon licking.
Lizzie just shook her head and plopped down on the sofa, with Bentley's head on her lap.
My human is so soft. I love her so much.
That huge human yesterday was a yummy treat. He tasted good. Maybe next time I can sit on his lap, while my human makes me food.
"Bentley, you are a good dog." said Lizzie as she scratched him behind the ears.
"You know, Will is a good guy. He was a gentleman and I was a hussy. Only if you knew what I did last night! I am still blushing!"
Bentley, being the good doggie he was, just licked Lizzie's free palm, calming her down.
"You make me feel better, love." said Lizzie and told him about her date.
I do not understand what she is saying, thought Bentley, but she is happy. I like when my human smiles.
Charlie was busy replying to his emails, when his phone gave a loud ping.
It was Jane. With a smile, Charlie opened the text message.
Love, are you busy? I am hungry and wanted to go out for lunch.
Charlie replied I am not busy and I am really hungry. Indian?
Sounds good. The Indian place near your office? Delhi on Wheels? - came the reply.
Done.
Ok, love. Be there in fifteen minutes. Jane replied.
Charlie got up and went to the attached washroom of his office. He quickly rinsed his mouth with a mouthwash, popped in a mint, washed his face and combed his hair to perfection.
He wanted to look good for Jane.
His intercom ranged and he rushed to pick it up.
"Yes, Ms. Hastings" he said trying to sound calm.
"Mr. B, Jane is here." said Ms Hastings in a happy voice.
Ms. Claudia Hastings was Charlie's PA. A lady of about 50, she was very motherly and helpful. Charlie often forgot small things. Claudia reminded him and made sure he ate his lunch and did not overwork.
Claudia also adored Jane and thought she was perfect for her Mr. B.
Charlie picked up his wallet and walked out to greet Jane. She was standing near Claudia's desk and looking like a vision.
She gave him a brilliant smile and continued chatting with Claudia.
"This really is the best mint chocolate cookie ever, Claudia. I hope you can share your recipe with me." said Jane and offered one to Charlie.
"Sure dear. I hope you bake them for your children." said the ever witty Claudia and winked at Charlie who blushed.
Jane smiled and looked down. I hope so too, she thought.
CRO - The chief risk officer (CRO) or chief risk management officer (CRMO) of a corporation is the executive accountable for enabling the efficient and effective governance of significant risks, and related opportunities, to a business and its various segments. Risks are commonly categorized as strategic, reputational, operational, financial, or compliance-related. (Taken from Wikipedia)O
So AHA readers, liked it? I love when any author has the pets think about their owners. Pets are the best!
Ok so a very, very large part of this chapter was written in like 20-25 minutes in a sprint race. Thanks Ann for the suggestion. Despite the backache, I wrote more that 700 words! That's like a huggggeee think for a slow writer like me.
Bentley acts a lot like my dog, who passed away 3 years ago. He was a saint and I am happy he is not in pain anymore.
Karen has a lot of Betaing to do today (not sure if that's a word)
Thank you chit chatters for the awesome suggestions and encouragement. Lucy you pushed me everyday to write!
Life has been good to me. What about you?
