Chapter 3
Betty at there for a second embarrassed with herself. She slowly moved around the cart as she looked up she met Henrys eyes, and ounce again her heart started beating faster and she could feel her palms beginning to sweat…
" Henry …Hi"
He recognized that high pitched tone in her voice to … the one she always has when she gets nervous. Betty was still working her brain to find a good excuse to explain why she was on the lobby floor.
" I was just um …um"
" Did you lose a contact?" Henry laughed
Betty looked at him she could feel her face turning every shade of red, remembering the office Christmas party when Henry had caught her underneath the reception desk…
" Yea that's it"
" Do you want some help" Henry held out his hand
" Oh no I've got it" as Betty got up Henry pulled back his hand slightly embarrassed.
He could sense that she was resisting … in fact he was also resisting a little . They were now face to face just staring at each other, mixed emotions filled the air, both on sure what to say or do . Then Henry felt a soft tap on his shoulder followed by a soft cough. Looking back to find everyone staring at the both of them.
" Well Henry dear are you going to introduce me"
" Uh yes Betty this is my Mother, Mother this is Betty"
Betty held out her hand but was soon rushed into a hug.
" It's very nice to meet you Mrs. Grubstick"
" It is wonderful to meet you Betty, and please call me Evelyn… Henry has told me such wonderful things about you"
Another sweet smile at each other again and then ounce again silence. Christina felt the need to step in.
" Well then know that everyone 'as gotten acquainted … why do we go up stairs and freshen up a bit, eh' Betty"
Betty turned to look at Christina she was only half listing to her at the time but agreed. Daniel walked over and handed Christina their room key.
"Thanks Daniel … Betty"
"Yea …ok" she turned back to Henry " Ill uh see you later maybe"
" Yea that could be good"
Betty finally started walking along with Christina the bell boy following them with their luggage. Henry watched her every step . Evelyn stepped next to her son and could see in his eyes his mind wondering.
"Henry, sweetheart … are you alright"
"I have to convince her to stay mom… I know that it would be a lot for her and I know the sacrifices she would have to make but I love her … and I should have asked her in the first place"
"Henry hunny you do what you feel you need to do … just try not to hurt any one or yourself"
"I know mom but I have to try"
They both walked back to the desk. Henry tried to get his head back into work but his mind kept drifting back to her….
Now in her room Betty was feeling like a complete fool …
" Christina what am I going to do … he's here and ugh well you know"
"Yea Sweetheart I know, You love him"
"Yea" Betty now nearly in tears.
Christina ran over to comfort her friend
"Betty … do you want to be with Henry"
" More than anything, but what about my dad and Hilda and Justin, plus my job and…" Betty started to talk faster and faster
" Ok … hey calm down"
Betty took a deep breath and tried to relax
"I don't think I could be as strong as my mother and leave my family. I know I love him I do."
Tears were now streaming down Betty's face. Christina went to the side table then handed her a tissue and glass of water.
" Thanks"
" So … Wha' are we gonna do about this"
" I'll just have to avoid him" Betty thought for a second how much she just wanted to run back down stairs and into his arms but new this would somehow be for the best ….
TBC…………….