Breaking Hearts

By Lydia Mirabella Obrien

Miami Girls Sharon, Nickie, Veronica, and Marleine are four high school friends who went their separate ways after high school, each one becoming successful in her chosen field. Five and a half years later they have reconnected and become best friends again, but now they are faced with the personal and professional trials of adulthood, and navigating the tricky world of love, loss, and figuring out where they belong. Luckily, they have each other to help them navigate their complicated lives. Sharon especially needs their help. Not knowing why her father left, she searches for her dad, only to finally realize that she should have been searching out her mothers past all along.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lydia Mirabella Obrien
• Release date: Apr 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310869457

Book preview

Breaking Hearts

By

Lydia Mirabella Obrien

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2014 by Lydia Mirabella Obrien

Published by Brexhaul Entertainment llc.

All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 1

Good afternoon. You have reached Clarence Holdings. How may I help you? I said mechanically.

I was staring out the window to this new office that Daniel Clarence, my best friend’s boyfriend had set up. People were passing by happily, like they all had something to look forward to. The sun was up so high and was shining down mightily at us. I wish I could go out and get some tan but I was stuck in this office, however lucky I am to be, and wished I was doing something else.

I had a couple of things in mind, aside from getting under the hot sun. I wanted to write about my life. I used to be good at it, writing I mean, and my therapist told me I should try to do so. If I write about my problems, my stress, my thoughts, I would be able to vent them out on paper (or on the monitor at least) and get them out of my system.

But the computer on my table was turned off for the first time since Monday. I was just usually playing some computer game about zombies or fishes anyway since I can’t write right here with Dean’s eyes on me. Sometimes, I could feel them bore a hole inside my skull. He and I barely had any work to do because we just opened and I don’t know why this branch even did.

Three months after I came to Miami, I finally decided to stay. My friends were all here and I didn’t have anyone with me back at home. So after one night of heavy thinking and booze with the girls, on my third month, I decided.

‘What the hell, right?’ And so I stayed.

My friends and I go way, way back in high school. After years of separation, we reconnected and timely so, if I may add. One of our besties, Veronica or Ronnie got engaged and Nicky, my other bestie looked all over for me and brought me back. The marriage happened two months after but we couldn’t really run out of things to do together. That was the reason why I came back here, after 10 years at most of being away.

But I wasn’t planning on abusing Nicky’s hospitality. I looked for a job but the girls didn’t want me working anywhere else but within the group. So Mr. Clarence hired me as a clerk for this new office. He intends to venture beyond restaurants and delve into canned production as well.

I heard the voice over the line and fell back to Earth, to Florida and down to my little rolling seat.

Sharon! Jeez, you sound like a freaking answering machine. Nicky chuckled on the other end of the line. Can I interrupt you for a minute? Are you busy?

I almost laughed because of her question. There were only three of us in this satellite office. First, there was me. I was assigned to man the phone, accept orders, email people about our products and other stuff. Then there was Dean Grohl who’s the Assistant Director and then thirdly, there’s Joseph who serves as our liaison/messenger who is always out and rarely in the office for the whole day.

"Not really… I’m actually beginning to understand the phrase – Bored to Death. I responded sadly. You can interrupt me all you want."

I was indeed bored out of my mind. I was doing nothing the whole week but answer calls and email someone a copy of something.

Well, you’ll be happy to know that we’re planning a weekend getaway. Just us girls on the road… maybe stay at Tallahassee and just get some sun in our cheeks. Nicky happily reported to me. We can sight-see, boy-hunt…

I thought you were married, girl. Kidding! It sounds nice, sounds absolutely fun. I interrupted her speech and commented in monotones. Is everyone coming?

Yes I thought I said that already. It will be just us girls. The four of us… what else? Uh, didn’t you hear me? She sounded irritated. Earth to Sharon?

Oh okay… I replied and then sighed. I know I’m staying here because of them. But I think it’s gotten to this point, however prematurely it may seem that I was getting annoyed at how happy these three girls were all the time.

My friends must be the only girls in Miami without a tan. For crying out loud, the beach is just twenty minutes away. They were always happy and clinging to their boyfriends’ arms. It sort of makes me sick of all of it but I love my girlfriends… although they are an unusually happy bunch.

My whole day sucks unlike theirs. I was stuck in this office listening to RnB music that Dean played on his computer while the girls were often together because they’re schedule permits them to.

My life sucks compared to them. This office sucks compared to their work spaces. I watched the doors open and saw Joseph come in. He took his helmet off and brushed his hair with his fingers. He looked so hot and gorgeous with that dirty blonde hair all over his head like there was a storm outside but he kind of reminded me of a hairy dog.

He looked at me and smiled and continued inside to his table while Dean came out of hibernating in his office to meet him. I heard Nicky’s voice continue over the line, telling me all about the trip.

Sharon are you alright? You don’t sound so happy about this when you’ve been the one constantly asking when we were planning to go out and enjoy the sun, nature and all that… Nicky was getting annoyed at my non-reaction.

Yes, I would love to come with you guys. Of course… I tried to liven up my voice a little but Nicky had another question coming.

Oh and by the way, are you coming to Maddy’s birthday get-together? She asked perkily.

Yes, of course. I replied quickly, trying to recover some breath of life. I’ll be there… later than all of you of course because I still have to work until 6:00pm.

That’s okay… Daniel’s asking, by the way, if you’re happy there. Nicky just kept going on and on.

Yes, I am happy right here. I’m just lounging around today, getting bored out of my wits because it’s been really slow. I answered properly but I wanted to scream at her and make her shut her face up. But instead, I continued in a whisper so my office mates won’t hear. Hey I’ve got an idea. Maybe you could tell Daniel that I need to go home early for his girlfriend’s birthday party.

Oh shoot Sha-sha… I don’t think that’s a good idea because he’s giving Dean full reigns to handle his office… so you know… it would be improper if… Daniel wouldn’t want to impose… she began to explain but I zoned out and stared at the two men discussing matters seriously.

That’s okay Nick. Look, I got to go… See you later at Madeline’s place, okay? I cut the conversation abruptly because it was getting too painful to hear Nicky’s excuses.

Okay, take care. She responded and I put the phone down immediately without waiting to hear another word.

Sharon, come over here… you need to see this. Dean called out as soon as I put the phone down.

I got out of my chair and walked towards them and pulled my hair back as I leaned towards the piece of paper Jo was holding up. What’s up?

We’ve just received a letter from the main… it’s about an order for a large shipment of extra virgin olive oil. The main office is unable to oversee it because Mrs. Jenkins and Tim are both away. Jenkins had her tonsils removed and she’ll be on a two-week leave and Tim will be leaving the company soon. Dean explained with a sly smile.

So what are you smiling about? Tim’s my friend, you know? Joseph asked in disbelief. And not to mention that this is a lot of work for us three alone.

It is so do-able you guys! It’s a chance for us to show-off our value. Dean looked and sounded inspired. Come on guys, do you think they’ll keep this office running if we were doing nothing useful?

Dean, with all do respect, this is not our idea. I was happily working in Coral Gables when they pulled me out here.

But Dean explained fervently. Geez Joseph, what is wrong with you? If we get this task, we could handle this whole account with the Cutler Bay restaurant and take over the orders from that side of the bay.

You’re right and we’re closer anyway… which is the point of this whole satellite office. I nodded and agreed. When will the shipment arrive?

Here are the papers. You should make a more realistic schedule and I’ll head over to Cutler Bay myself to talk to the restaurateur. Dean took a deep breath and looked so motivated.

It’s your call boss. We’ll back you up. Joseph finally chimed in.

Good… then let’s check the things we need to do first. Call the main office Sharon and tell them that we’re going to handle this order ourselves. I’ll send them a memo tomorrow morning. Dean was quick on assigning what was to be done.

There was finally something solid for us to do. I’ve been waiting to see how Dean works and finally, there was a chance to show-off. I don’t want to be the employee who was here only because of connections, so I guess Dean feels the same way. So we talked about all the things we needed, had and should do and was too busy to notice the time and that it was already dark outside.

By seven-thirty, we knew what was supposed to be done by tomorrow and we all had our tasks to complete. We were also very hungry and decided to try the new diner a block away.

But as we got out, I was surprised to see a car waiting outside for me as I walked out of the office with the guys.

Nicky! I exclaimed and ran up to her. Oh my, you didn’t have to pick me up, you know!

I don’t mind at all. She replied and we embraced quickly. The girls thought you were standing us up and by girls; I also mean Marty and Danny.

We laughed out loud and smiled at Dean and Jo who were behind me, locking the office as we left to go home all at the same time. Then they walked over to us and joined our conversation.

Hey guys… She greeted me right back. Looks like you had a pretty busy day today.

Yup and even busier by tomorrow. Dean replied and walked to Nicky to give her a quick hug. You guys going somewhere?

Oh crap, I completely forgot about Madeline’s birthday party! I slapped my forehead as I said this.

You’re all welcome to drop by. Nicky invited my office mates with a smile. Food, booze, chitchat and you’re boss Daniel serving you dinner.

Wow… normally, I wouldn’t pass up this chance, but there’s a lot of work to do tomorrow and I have to be up real early for a visit at Cutler Bay. Dean excused himself. But I have to go home and get some rest.

Okay… you’re loss. Nicky chuckled. Gosh, I hope my store was as busy as you guys. But we just open the store, wait for customers and close the store in the evening. That’s basically it…

Well if you’ve began distributing ingredients to restaurants all over Florida and outside, you’d need people like us to take care of business for you. Dean explained proudly.

I smiled at Dean and he smiled right back. Then he excused himself and touched my arm before he said goodbye. It was nice to know that my effort to dress up today wasn’t wasted at all. I was wearing a yellow silk tank top, with a blue ruffle cardigan and a pair of cream trousers. I removed the cardigan the whole time I was in the office and loved the times both my office mates stole a glance at me.

But at the moment, I was focused on my friend and wasn’t about to let her know I was flirting with Dean. They’d make a big deal out of it immediately and expect us to be engaged by the end of the month. So I stood beside Nicky as we watched the boys leave us standing by the car. Too bad they weren’t coming. I would have loved to interact with them outside of the office.

Joseph on the other hand, didn’t even say a word. He just smiled, tipped his helmet as he got on his motorcycle and drove away. It was a bit rude of him not to even greet my friend Nicky but after getting to know him on our first week, I’ve given up on him already. It was like looking for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie.

So Nicky and I drove to Madeline’s place with the car stereo turned on really loud. We were singing out loud to all the songs we knew and she smoked and held her cigarette with one hand and the other hand at the wheel. These were mindless moments and I loved sharing them with my friends. Any effort to intentionally fortify our friendship made me squeamish but this, this was life.

Nicky looked to pretty in her floral shift dress. It was created by Maddy’s mom, Joyce who is now thinking of starting a new line of clothes designed by her and my friend Nicky here. She looked carefree and absolutely happy when in fact; she was going through a rough patch in her marriage. Her husband, Robert, had cheated on her a couple of times. She forgave him but when he got a business partner’s daughter pregnant, she decided it was enough.

But she loved her man so much that when things didn’t work out with the other woman who gave Rob a daughter, he moved back in with Nicky and she let him. She always told us that she couldn’t blame her husband because it was her fault because she had some problems with her ovary and was not likely to get pregnant. It was not completely impossible for Nicky to get pregnant but it would require a stroke of luck and lots of prayers for a miracle.

I sometimes catch her looking out towards nothing and just remain motionless. Her eyes told me that she was sad although everything else told everyone she was alright.

I sighed as we reached our destination. Nicky turned the radio off and I prepared to screw on a smile on my face. We arrived at Madeline’s place and saw that we were the only ones they were waiting for to arrive.

Can you imagine that years after high school, we’d still be together like this? Nicky commented airily as she turned off the engine.

Ten years, I’ve been away. I didn’t even think I would ever see you guys again after I left Miami but then again we’re all here. It’s unbelievable really and I didn’t think this would all be possible. I left and I was out of the loop. But you found me Nick and brought me back here. I haven’t thanked you enough really. I said this right back at her and got out of the car. Then I continued, My life went through hell but then here I am. I even have a job… although it’s boring at times. But I’m happy at times too. I have never been more alive than I am right now.

So you’re admitting that you did the right thing coming back here with us. Nicky stopped in her tracks and faced me. She looked me straight in the eye. You know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say this out loud.

Yeah… you know I don’t talk much. I replied shyly.

I know…and I won’t pester you about it. I’m just happy we are all together again and I don’t want it any other way. She smiled and pulled me towards the door.

You are such a great friend… you looked for me and brought me back. I am so thankful to you and even if I don’t get to say it much, I am… thankful. I said it properly this time.

You are most welcome, girl! Nicky smiled graciously at me and was about to say something but the door opened and we were ushered inside.

As soon as we got inside, Nicky immediately broke away from me and headed to Ron and Maddy. It was just me at the moment, wiping my shoes on the welcome mat. Madeline’s place was a bit small; it wouldn’t have fit more than fifteen people. Her mom, Joyce, was away with Katherine Clarence, Daniel’s aunt and they had a relationship that we rarely talked about. But Joyce had been really nice to us three back in high school and we often hung out in this place and she’d make us most comfortable.

I never thought about her being gay and quite frankly, there were times when I would have loved to tell my friends that there was nothing wrong in it. The fact that we never talked about it made me think of how much Madeline and the rest accepted Joyce.

Maddy once told us the details. Joyce and Katherine fell in-love when they were much younger and in that time, love between the same sex was not only frowned upon but judged harshly. Then they separated for decades and thanks to a stroke of luck, they reconnected and Maddy and Daniel became a couple as well. That part was kind of weird for me… but then again, Daniel is only a nephew and not Katherine’s son.

I tried to help out with serving the food but they wouldn’t let me. They had everything under control. So I just chatted with the staff of Bella Ragazza who was here to cater for us.

Hello! I smiled at the lovely woman in front of me. She seemed to be a supervisor or something. I’m Sharon…

Hello… I’m Jona. I’m the new assistant chef at Bella. She smiled sweetly at me.

Wow, you look pretty young for a chef. I commented but followed it up with a nice smile.

Yes, I just graduated. She responded politely. Did you like the food?

Whoa, are you asking me if the Braised Beef and Horseradish Mash were good? I asked in surprise. It was wonderful!

Thank you. It’s a modified version of my dad’s recipe. It’s actually new in the menu at Bella... She shyly explained.

I smiled right back at her as she waited for the crew to finish cleaning up. They would be leaving right after they served dessert.

I learned that Daniel had a little caucus about the do’s and don’ts at work with the new staff. Jona, as I learned, was barely a month in but she was already making headlines with her recipes.

Talking to her was a happy relief. But she wasn’t really in the mood for chitchat. I bet she was tired from cooking in the restaurant and accepting catering too. So I made my way back to the living room.

My friends look like they’re the happiest people in the world. And while I maybe smiling, holding a drink in my hand, watching them laugh and tell stories about how wonderful their lives are - I wasn’t really with them at the moment. The truth was I was lost in thoughts again.

I was actually thinking of the beach and how I loved to go there in the wee mornings to just walk and enjoy the cold air and the sounds the waves make. The trip would be a welcome relief. I hope it really happens though. We all planned something earlier, after the New Year. But it never materialized because something always came up.

So I thought about the beach I used to go to back when I was just a little girl. On good days, the whole beach was white and there was little to no visitors at all. I would sit there and watch the waves and just empty my mind off any thoughts or worries.

Right now though, it was totally impossible not to think about how sad my life is. And while my friends and their respective boyfriends or husbands happily gathered around in Madeline’s home, celebrating her birthday I stood beside the tall book cabinet that contained interesting books she must have read over and over again. She’s one smarty-pants who is lucky enough to bag a hot and rich young businessman.

Sharon! Come over here… Look at mom’s pictures in Amsterdam! Maddy shouted.

Hang on a sec. I need to go to the little ladies room. I smiled sheepishly as I lied through my teeth. Be right back.

I didn’t wait for my friend Madeline to tell me where it was. I wasn’t really headed to the bathroom but the door. I wanted to go outside and get some air maybe… or wait for a cab to take me anywhere but here. I knew it would probably piss my friends off if I left so early and so unannounced but I just wasn’t in the mood.

I stood by the bathroom door and carefully assessed my situation. I decided it would be better to just leave and text them later about why I did than stay and be such a party pooper. And with that, I headed straight to the back door, quietly got out and headed straight for the street.

Chapter 2

I reached the office earlier than usual. We had a big day today and I was responsible for several tasks including the inventory. Dean followed behind me ten minutes later. Soon we were chatting idly as we waited for Joseph to arrive.

If I could, I would spend all day at the beach. Dean revealed easily. Maybe after this is over… this weekend, I mean. And I’d love the company. Maybe you could…

He seemed a little unsure while he was speaking so I took it upon myself to ease this painful conversation.

Me too… I mean, I’d like to enjoy the comforts of living near a beach. It’s like, what’s the point of living in Miami if you are not frequenting the beach, right? I agreed. And if you’re inviting me then, I would gladly come along. That is, if you are…

Dean smiled nervously. He replied, Why not?

I nodded and looked down the folders in my lap. It was almost eight in the morning and yet he still wasn’t here. We three are supposed to drive to Cutler Bay as soon as Jo checks in.

The shipments of olive oil were on the way to our client and instead of just Dean, he asked the rest of us to come with him. We were going to supervise the inventory and assist if needed in whatever related matters.

I had all the necessary paperwork needed prepared and in folders I held across my chest or down on my lap. I felt a little conscious sitting directly in-front of Dean, who was in Jo’s chair, staring right at me. He seemed to be excited for this task that fell onto our laps so I made sure I didn’t disappoint him with the work he assigned to me. Actually, I think it was kind of impressive for me to have completed all that was assigned to me in two days time although I had to research some business letter how-to on the net.

I guess, like me, Dean didn’t want to disappoint the people who put their fate in him. Like me, he wanted to show Daniel that he didn’t make a mistake hiring his buddy for a job that had so much potential. We were in the same position really, in a rising company that was owned by someone we have a connection to.

I didn’t want to think about this because it adds to the pressure I was already feeling build up. So, I focused on the handsome man talking nicely to me. Good thing I was dolled up with nice clothes, accessories and make-up. I was wearing my straight hair in a high pony-tail and put on minimal make-up except for this luscious red lipstick I was so fond of. And then I thought, I could spice things up with a little high-waist black and white dress that had a lacy long-sleeve and a layered sheer skirt that was cut a couple of inches above the knees, quite short for office wear but we were going out anyway.

Dean on the other hand was his usual cool self with his hair styled as slick back when at work and wavy long and loose when at play. Today, with his thick black hair slicked back and his light mustache and goatee unshaven; he looked like Hugh Jackman during the premiere of his movie based on a French historical novel by Victor Hugo. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the shape of his face, which was oblong, and having his hair brushed up seems to make his face extra long and thin. But when he leaves it slightly messy but parted to favor one side, he looks so much better.

But how would this man know about that? I bet he doesn’t give that much care for his hair. He looked like a former beach boy who went straight and took on responsibilities. But the guy can dress, I give him that. Dean pulled off the no-jacket, semi-formal ensemble perfectly. His black trousers were topped with a smart V-neck shirt exposing some enough of the firm-collar dress shirt, sleeves pushed up to keep the watch in view while revealing a peek of the shirt cuff. And when he smiled, he revealed pearly white teeth in perfect alignment, his dentist must be so proud. He almost looked like a movie star.

But what drew me to him was his casual and spontaneous self, the beach-boy side of him.

There’s this rugged way he moves, you’d think he’s this totally carefree rocker type but then makes sure responsibilities are prioritized. He was cool through and through and I especially like the two tattoos on his back which I saw accidentally in Daniel’s Christmas party last year, and the way he plays guitar and sings rock and roll tunes... but he was style the type you bring home to meet your mom and dad. And my mom would totally fall for him. They were both musicians who had a deep respect for their fellow artists.

I’ve seen Dean perform once at Daniel’s and another time in a bar in Little Haiti in 2nd Avenue. He looked so yummy that night I wanted to take him home and put Tabasco all over his body and eat him the whole day. But then he became my boss and I automatically tried not to flirt with him.

But being in close proximity with each other, in this little office, just the two of us here usually – it was almost impossible. And since he was making moves at me on his own, I knew he only needed to ask. That was the only redeeming factor for me and working here, seeing Dean a lot and having to interact with him all the time. But then again, he would usually lock himself in his office and study business administration courses online.

I can’t wait to see Daniel after today. I bet he’d be complimenting us for a job well done. We did it, Sharon... We successfully handled a large order on our freaking own. We were just supposed to be accepting, not processing… but now, we are going to be noticed. Dean beamed as he said this. Then he stood up and moved towards me. He sat beside me on top of my table and smiled. Then he continued with a charming smile and. You did a great job Sharon and your turn-around time is amazing. You did a lot of paperwork in two days.

Thank you boss but I do believe I deserve more than a commendation. I said slyly and with a wink. I could think of a couple of rewards… like dessert!

Yes, you’re right. He smiled sweetly and looked at me in the eyes. Will dinner… just the two of us in a romantic setting suffice? If you’re comfortable with it.

Wow, suffice… I don’t think I’ve heard anyone say that word after my grade school teacher. But I think so… I replied casually but avoided his gaze. If I looked directly at him, I would choke and die, I knew it. That would be a perfect reward for my hard work.

How about me? I worked hard too, you know? After this project, maybe we should go out on a weekend R and R. Us three, I mean. Joseph chimed in. He placed his things on his desk and chuckled before he continued. We didn’t really notice him come in. It’s not just the two of you who did all that running around like a bunch of headless chickens. This is our first big shindig and I think we all did great, right boss? We deserve a reward to keep us motivated!

We did not do anything like running around like headless chickens. We did exactly what we needed to do unless you can’t say the same for yourself. I smiled sweetly at Joseph as I unleashed my inner bitch. Then I continued with, And I personally think that it’s too early for a rest and recreation for newly established office, don’t you agree?

As I argued with him, I threw a crumpled piece of paper towards Jo who easily caught it. He