Chapter 4

Meg followed the Bellboy to her room, reminding herself never to go out without her key, there were so many floors and rooms. The room was large with a seating area one end and a large double bed and bathroom at the other. The Bellboy put her case and laptop on the bed, and with an explanation that all tips and extras would be paid by her company, wished her a good stay then left.

Getting used to the luxury she sorted her things out, showered and changed glad she'd packed a smart dress, and knew she'd have to buy another couple of outfits soon, perhaps from the shops close by. She finished styling her hair then went over to the bed, and sat on it looking out of the window at the city scene with the lights glowing in the evening gloom. Fascinated by it, she gradually realised this was a different kind of beauty from the one of Sunset Beach or on her parent's farm.

With those thoughts she got up and put her laptop on the table and connected it to write her e-mail, then stopped as her memories flashed back to her on-line chats with Ben. She took a breath and stopped those thoughts then opened the laptop – these were not the same by any means and would not be answered immediately - with a gentle shake of her head she keyed in the address and started.

Hi Sis

Guess I jumped again. I know I said I wanted to get away from it all, but this far away!

Nope I'm not telling, just know I'm safe and excited.

The city (not one you've been to) looked huge as we flew over it, and now beautiful from my hotel window as I look out. I am so far up!

Okay not as high up as some I can see, can't wait to explore the City!

Contacted everyone and cancelled everything, they will send you the refunds. The people at the workshop will send new catalogue with a few things added, they are thinking of starting a web page!

Okay … okay … a few details just for you and your blood pressure.

Flight was great, room to move around and food was edible, no I mean really edible! Information mind numbing … only hope I can get everything right. Of course, you don't know … I with a group and am working! … as in PA work.

Boss is nice and married with family in Seattle, new office in Sunset Beach, (don't hunt it out or tell Dad, really don't want to find him on my doorstep!)

AJ vouched for new boss and I told him not to tell so don't press him.

How did it happen, his PA had family crisis at the airport so I stepped in as I thought it would be easier than coming back home and explaining over and over again why I was back. I know you'll understand.

Conference is for two weeks, and as I am so far away I'm going to stay longer, possibly stop off on the way back if I don't find anything here.

Remember in your phone calls home you said the city lights were beautiful, well so are these and so different from anything I've seen before … must be the height of the room. As for the size of my room, think of my lounge/diner (only with bed and sofa etc in) and all mod cons of course. Bellboy is good looking, but don't get ideas I'm not a baby snatcher! Lift attendant way too old! Other guests don't even go there!

Hope no one was worried when the news came on air about the crash. Will let you know how I get on of course. I've still got a lot of things to do and did lots on the plane, so those letters and things you gave me will have to wait a couple of days, can't hurt I see some are dated 1999 most probably junk mail.

By the way the pay I get will cover everything and more, so don't worry about my money your end.

Love to everyone and make sure you rest.

Meg.

As she keyed it to send there was a knock on the door … Robert was waiting for her.

They made their way down to the restaurant where he introduced her to some friends; during the evening as they chatted together she found her past did not matter. By the time she returned to her room to sleep, she'd forgotten about being nervous regarding the conference meetings the next day, everyone had been so friendly she felt perfectly at home.

oxoxo

Next day she popped into her room during their lunchtime break to check her mail and found one from Sara.

Hey Meg

Where are you?

Long flight … Food edible guess that means private plane … Big City … Hey there are loads of those in USA!

Dad is not going to bite! (Casey will make sure of that.) and especially if you are that far away. Also Mum has him on a tight lead.

Everyone is fine, thanks to your very short phone message to Casey before you left we realised you were not involved in the crash, but were worried about what you were doing. You know that thing everyone says to children especially girls … the one about talking to strangers … obviously went straight over your head (LOL).

Mum says if AJ knows about it she is fine about it. (Got a funny feeling she made a call just to be sure … whatever … she is really okay about it. I'm dying of curiosity though!) Blood pressure is okay thanks ... more information will keep it down.

Love you, seems quiet without you! (no one to tease or nag Oh could try Casey I suppose. Nah he's bigger than me)

Anyway enjoy.

Sara.

Meg smiled as she read it and decided to answer it straight away.

Hi Sis

Glad everyone is fine.

Please forgive me, I trust you but if you don't know Dad cannot wangle it out of you, and you will not have to watch what you say all the time.

I know it sounds unfair but I don't trust Dad yet.

I thought he had learnt not to meddle when things went wrong with Tim. Looking back I can see his influence now … yes I know Tim was my choice but there was a limited choice when you think about it. I also realise that every time Ben tried to work things out Dad was difficult, a sort of short acceptance of an apology but quick to bite when things went wrong again. No real support. I think it would be the same with me at the moment because he'll want me back under his thumb.

I wish I realised it sooner and could have helped Ben, not that it would have made much difference in the long run, just made things easier for both of us at the time.

So tell Dad I love him and will contact him when I think the time is right. You can show him this if you wish so he knows you are not lying.

First meeting was great, although I nearly died when I walked into the room 150 people! lots of bosses and PAs, but after a while felt at home everyone seems friendly. Had to answer a few questions, got them right thank goodness, and asked a few, but that was when we had broken up into smaller working groups.

Looking forward to lots more talks and film shows. … about business of course! (your mind!)

There's a group of us going out on the town tonight, Robert has made sure one of the girls is local so we don't get lost! Yep before you ask girls group only - mixed group perhaps tomorrow.

I want all local gossip (will not have time to read on the internet paper) (know you will love that excuse … hehe) will think about coming back for Bette's wedding but no promises.

Love to you all, give Mum a hug for me.

Big kisses and yes I am happy.

Meg

There was a gentle knock on the door as she sent it, knowing the door was slightly open and called out for the person to come in, and smiled as she saw who it was.

The blonde beauty came in carrying a couple of files and said with a smile. "Found these lying around reckon we should check them over before facing the lion's den again."

Meg nodded as Sylvia went over to the sofa and putting the files on the table added in a casual tone. "Oh I've ordered food extras to be delivered to keep us happy and save our legs … 'on the house' of course."

Meg laughed and asked, "Do we need the laptop?"

"Good idea, the rest of the gang are being lazy till 2.30. … So which do you want Johnson and Johnson or the delightful Hogwash Company."

"Oh I fancy Hogwash Company!" Meg replied laughing. "Who on earth thought of that name?"

Sylvia grinning handed the file to Meg then commented. "Don't knock it, they earned 1million dollars in the first quarter of the year, and about half in the last quarter."

Her interest peaked Meg opened the file and really laughed as she saw what the company did, her friend laughed as well.

They both tried to control themselves and failed.

Meg took a deep breath and huffed saying. "Okay fun over, serious business."

She had a presentation and ideas to put forward so browsed the next page, saw the firm photo and muttered. "Mind you the boss is good looking but …" and giggled again.