Carpe Diem Rach & Liz: A Story of Love and Triumph

By April Mueller

Rachel is a well-established business woman who has her head screwed on properly. She is self-sufficient and a highly successful woman. You could say she has a pretty good life and isnt missing much, but when she meets Liz she realizes just how much she is actually missing.
This story takes us behind the romance and into the lives of Rach and Liz. My hope is that through this book my writing will give you a sense that life may send you rain, it may even send you storms, but that love can endure and
love can triumph.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Jun 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499004533

April Mueller

April is singlehandedly, the most intriguing and captivating woman I know. She has experienced more in her years than most would ever dream of, and yet maintains a grounded and genuine persona. I am proud of her for not only putting pen to paper, but for also being willing to share with the world a story symbolic of what she herself would do for the love of her life. I wish her every success with this book and any that are to follow, and I hope that one day she too finds that perfect woman, capable of loving her more than I do. Doc (The Bestie)

Book preview

CARPE DIEM

Rach & Liz

A STORY OF LOVE AND TRIUMPH

April Mueller

Copyright © 2014 by April Mueller.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 05/16/2014

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-800-455-039

www.xlibris.com.au

[e-mail]

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Contents

A Note to the Reader

Chapter 1. Brave

Chapter 2. Make you feel my Love

Chapter 3. Show Me Heaven

Chapter 4. You’ve got a way with me

Chapter 5. Angel

Chapter 6. The dance

Chapter 7. My immortal

Chapter 8. Better in Time

Chapter 9. Marry me

Chapter 10. If i could

Chapter 11. Here

Chapter 12. When you say you love me

Chapter 13. Fight for you

Chapter 14. Answer

Chapter 15. I’m scared

Chapter 16. You’re still the one

A Note from the Author

A Note to the Reader

Both Liz and Rach have a heart of gold, but both bear their scars. These two characters have both endured more than anyone should in a life time. I believe that this adversity in life allows the formation of unbreakable bonds, like the one Rach and Liz have developed. It is as a result of the tests they have faced that they can stand tall as strong, courageous women.

Can ‘true love’ exist? Can we have all we want in a partner? Why can’t we long for that fulfilment? I have to believe that it’s possible, my heart yearns for it, and at times it aches for it. But I believe strongly that we have to love ourselves before we can receive that love from another person, and be able to give it back. When it comes to a relationship two halves don’t make a whole, they can make one big mess. Two whole people coming together however, can make one big success. I believe there to be a difference between the two and I believe we all want success.

Rachel is a well-established business woman who has her head screwed on properly. She is self-sufficient and a highly successful woman. She has a brother and sister in law with two nieces whom she adores. You could say she has a pretty good life and isn’t missing much, but when she meets Liz she realizes just how much she is actually missing.

This story takes us behind the romance and into the lives of Rach and Liz. My hope is that through this book my writing will give you a sense that life may send you rain, it may even send you storms, but that love can endure and love can triumph.

Chapter 1

BRAVE

We laugh and giggle as we step off the bus, a trip into town for odds and ends and to stretch our legs. Day trips are a treasure and we look forward to our monthly Thursdays together. Our driver Neil is a real character. Small in height but full of life, and a little too much beer I do feel. He is a joy to us all and always has a story to tell. The short ride into the city has provided us all with an insight into Neil’s life and times. His wife is the love of his life, and the reason he has this job is to earn enough money to take care of her. We sense she is unwell though he never burdens us with details. We let him entertain us with his jokes and we chuckle along with him. I often wonder if we are his relief or release. I step off the bus and acknowledge his wink, noting to myself to bring him back a treat. I don’t want or need anything in town today; I’m only along for the ride and the company.

Lisa mentions she is getting a haircut and Jayne says she might too. Sara says she wants a new pair of shoes and maybe a clutch to match. Liz and Nic wander off together and a few others head straight to a cafe. Coffee sounds good so I join them.

The cafe is a sweet little space seating around 30. We fill the place with our presence and our laughter. We are such a happy bunch and thoroughly enjoy each other’s company. Over the chatter I hear Rachel!!! . . . . Rach!!! I spin around and see an old and dear friend. Oh wow Fran it’s been years, you look great. She tells me I haven’t aged a day, sweet but completely untrue. I take the compliment and smile. We reminisce and share stories about what we’ve been up to in the past few years.

I look at my watch and see that an hour has passed. Fran and I make the usual promise to catch up again soon. We both know we won’t, not because we don’t truly want to, but because life seems to have a way of keeping you busy with the ‘to dos’ of existence. Before you know it, two years have passed since you’ve had that catch up coffee. We embrace and again promise to catch up soon as we go our separate ways.

The rest of the group leaves and I decide to take a walk to the park. It’s a large open field with a few trees and several benches. The day is lovely and warm and I feel like some quiet reflective time. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and friends to bits, but times of solitude strengthen my soul and encourage my reliance on my own abilities and assets.

There is a bench under a tree, the sun is poking through the leaves and gently warming the seat. As I sit down and take in a few breaths I feel invigorated and at peace with life. I begin to count my blessings of which there are so many. I have a thriving company that I am proud to have built from the ground up. I have a beautiful two storey home in a gated community called The Village. I live towards the end of the street and have a beautiful view of the lake from my back deck. It’s peaceful, clean and fresh. The air is filled with the soft scent of jasmine and the wildlife roams the estate unafraid. There are 12 houses in The Village, some with couples and some with single ladies. We all have our own lives but we like to meet on a Thursday afternoon once a month for an outing and perhaps dinner together in the hall in The Village afterward.

When we do have dinner we all bring a plate; I’ve made tiramisu for tonight. It’s my sister’s recipe and it’s always a big hit with the ladies. In the hall there is a games room where we can play pool and table tennis. There is a dart board and a juke box. There is an indoor pool and a small gym off to the side. I don’t use the pool or the gym often, for years I’ve been a morning runner. I find I’m at one with the earth when I run; it’s just me and the road. No chores, no pressures of life or business, just freedom. I’ve got a little slower with age though I’m still quite fit and run 10 kilometres every morning.

I’m lost in thought when I see a mum with her two little children walk in to the park. The little girls have brought a ball and begin to play as their mother carefully sits down to watch them. I notice she is pregnant and looks a little uncomfortable, and rather eager to see her new child enter this world.

I don’t have children of my own. I am however lucky to have two amazing nieces whom I cherish above all else. I remember when they were this age, so innocent, with the world at their feet. Maree, the older of the two, is married now with three kids of her own. All are pure bundles of joy. Patricia, or Pat as we affectionately call her, is a free spirited girl who I’m thrilled to say works with me and has a love for the business. She is in many ways my right hand. She came to work for me after she finished school and couldn’t find where she fits into this world.

Maree has always known where she was going to fit; a loving husband and adoring children have always been the essence of her desire. It just wasn’t as clear cut for Pat. She has always had a zest for life and is a little too much like me in some ways I think. We both have a thrill seeking side to us and a slight distaste for strict rules and regulations. We like to carve out our own paths in life and be unique. Unique is exactly what Pat is.

Both girls are beautiful and successful. Maree is the best mother I have ever seen and Pat is an amazing leader in her field and has a thriving career. She is the head of production and has earned her place by working hard and applying herself. They fill my heart with an abundance of love and joy.

I remember that tomorrow I leave for the country house. My whole family reunites there once a year for a week of laughs. It’s a time for us all to be together and enjoy each other’s company. The young kids make us laugh and we smile and remember days gone by. It’s just my dad left now as my mother passed years ago, but Dad comes every year, as does my brother Richard and his wife Katie; Maree, her husband Dave and their kids; and Pat, any boy she may be seeing at the time. And then there is me.

I’ve not had a partner for many years now. I’m accustomed to being alone. I make the distinction between being alone and being lonely. I have great love in my life and I’m far from lonely, though I do often yearn for a special loved one to fill the sheets at night and the space in my heart that only a good woman could possibly fill.

I bring to the forefront of my mind feelings I have for one of the ladies in The Village. Feelings that have gone unrequited for several years now, in fact I don’t think she cares for me in the least. She rarely says hello or acknowledges my presence. I don’t believe she dislikes me, only that she prefers the company of the others.

Before my thoughts are completely carried away with images of her beautiful smile I notice the time and rush back to make the bus.

I’m the last to board and the ladies are quick to let me know it. I apologize and pause to hand Neil a rock I picked up at the park. It is shaped like a heart, almost perfect in shape but not so in texture. It is rough and rugged in parts. It has divots and scratches in places, time etched onto its surface. Words are not needed to explain to Neil how this signifies our own hearts, filled with trials and tribulations. That the rough surface is like the scars that mark our hearts over time, or the holes and divots deposited by events and loss that only tears and time can attempt to heal. Neil simply knows and as tears fill his eyes he flashes that wink I’ve become so familiar with, the wink that says I get it and thank you.

With that I take my seat. The ride home is filled with laughter at Neil’s stories. Sometimes they are the same stories repeated but we laugh anyway. He is a pure delight. We talk on the bus and agree on a time to meet in the hall for dinner. Lisa and Jayne throw down a challenge for a game of pool, and Sara has the perfect lasagne to bring. We are all looking forward to topping off a lovely afternoon.

Before dinner I call my office and return a few business calls. I have set up a meeting with all the department heads. I want to go over a few things before I leave in the afternoon for the country house. I have a few meetings in the morning; it is going to be a busy day. I am very much looking forward to my week away with the family. I see the girls and the kids quite often, even my dad, but I don’t see my brother and his wife all that often. I am happy at the thought of our reunion. After dinner tonight I will pack and organize so I can leave for the country straight after my meetings tomorrow.

I am last to the hall just like I was last on the bus. After a few hellos I take my seat and begin a meal prepared with such love from loving friends. We share an array of dishes from across the globe. Sara was right, her lasagne is indeed perfect. Naomi has made an incredibly aromatic Thai curry. Veronica has brought her twice cooked pork belly which she says is her mother’s secret recipe. We talk for a few hours and enjoy an amazing feast. Dessert and coffee follow and as expected the tiramisu is a hit, as is Liz’s Pavlova. She shrugs off the compliments with a smile. Nothing seems to faze her. She is a tall, elegant, woman who always looks a million bucks. I run past at six o’clock on my morning run and see her getting the mail or bringing the bins in, and she is already dressed and looking like she has just stepped out of a salon. Her yard is as immaculate as I assume her home is, though I have never been inside. I’ve stopped a few times over the years on my runs; she is often very short in conversing so I let her be. Now I just smile and wave and she returns the gesture. I’ve had few conversations with Liz but I’ve enjoyed them all the same, she is well spoken and clearly well educated.

As you would expect in a small community, gossip and speculation are rife. This is certainly the case for poor Liz. There are rumours that she is so reserved because she had lost her wife of 21 years in a car accident. A drunk driver is the general assumption. Others say she is a spy now retired and hiding away here. I think she is neither a widow nor a retired spy, but rather a solitary soul seeking a place of refuge in a busy world. Maybe she is even a little like my Pat, unsure as to where she fits in this world. For the time being anyway she fits here with us.

My mother used to say It takes all sorts to make this world turn. I agree and I am glad of that fact as I feel it would be a bore if we were all the same. To share experiences and knowledge gained from our upbringing combined with our personalities is truly how one grows as an individual and a caring being. I’m as grateful for the Lizs of the world as I am for the Saras and the Jaynes, and especially the Neils.

I decline a game of pool as I have some packing to do, so I say my goodbyes and make my exit. Naomi offers to gather my mail and Jayne will water my plants and put out my bin while I’m away, which is such a great help.

As I leave I notice Liz and Nic outside having a slightly heated conversation. Liz seems a little flustered; I’ve never seen her like that. Nic is encouraging Liz to do something it is quite clear Liz doesn’t want to do. I stop to ask if they are OK. Liz says Fine thank you and looks away, while Nic shakes her head to the left then the right and sighs. Nic motions to Liz and says Tell her. Liz replies No it’s OK. She smiles at me, excuses herself from the conversation with grace and motions to leave. Nic grabs her arm stopping her in her tracks. Nic demands that Liz tell me what was distressing her so, saying You tell her or I will. Liz sees red and is not impressed. I get the impression Liz does not appreciate the pressure and isn’t used to being made a spectacle of in public. Liz is a woman of grace, and this is far from graceful. Nic barks one more time Tell her, but this time Liz looks at Nic and softly says Leave it be. With that Liz excuses herself one last time and takes her leave. Nic lets her this time. I say nothing only smile back at Liz as she turns to leave. Clearly something is amiss here. Had I walked into a lover’s tiff? Had they just had a fight, or worse, maybe just broken up? Not that I know for sure that they are a couple but it is one rumour around the mill.

I tell Nic that if there is anything I can do for either of them to please call me and I take my leave.

I get to the path and I hear Nic calling after me. I pause while she joins me at the path. She says Liz is going through something and she feels Liz would greatly benefit from discussing it with me. I again offer an ear or a shoulder if it is required but I don’t see how I can be of any help to Liz. Not me, maybe Jayne or Naomi, she at least converses regularly with them. Nic says No Rach you’re the one who can help her. With that said Nic leaves and I walk home.

I’m the one that can help her. How can I possibly help Liz? What in the world could I possible give to assist someone like Liz? She is strong, independent, secure and wealthy, at least as far as I know. Could it be money problems? That I could certainly help her with, that has to be it. There is nothing else it could be. That would explain her discomfort when talking to me. No one likes to ask for financial help, especially someone like Liz.

On the walk home I decide the issue must be financial. I am convinced. I pledge to write a little note and drop it in her mail box on my way out in the morning. It will read.

Dear Liz,

I’m sorry to know something troubles you so. If there is anything I can do to be of any assistance to you at this time, please don’t hesitate to call me. I will be away for a week but you can get me either at the office today or on my mobile after that. For anything at all Liz, please call. Be it financial, family or friends, whatever the issue if I can help I will.

Best Regards,

Rachel

I place it in her letter box on the way to the office.

My bags are packed, meetings booked. I have my morning run and a nourishing breakfast. It is going to be a big day with a great reward at days end.

There is the usual Friday buzz in the office, the weekend is near. The building is three stories, with production on ground level. Middle management and supplies occupy level one and senior management and the board room are located on level two. There is a small cafe on the ground level and a seating area on the roof for staff to get some air or take a break in the sunshine. There is a great camaraderie amongst the team; it is truly great to see.

I’ve always believed that the right people in the right places can achieve amazing feats. I have built my business on this principle and both my business and my team are thriving. My business to date is worth in excess of $3.4 million. But what truly warms my heart is that I have 97 employees, all of whom own their own homes and enjoy coming to work. I know them all by name and call them friends.

John is my second in charge, my go to man. He is the best chief executive officer I have ever worked with. It is both an honour and a pleasure to know and work with John. He has a lovely wife, Tiffany, and 5 boys. Oh how I feel for Tiffany, over run by boys. But she is thrilled and is a great mother. The boys are good kids, pleasant and well mannered. The oldest, Nathan is into motocross, and Jess the second oldest, is into women at the ripe old age of eight. Nicholas is six and he likes cars, while Bill and Thomas, four and two respectively, both love their model planes.

No dolls or pretty dresses for Tiffany to tend to, just bucket loads of sweaty socks and grass stained clothes. Rarely have I entered a home and felt more love or genuine happiness. I take my hat off to that woman, and what a woman she is. John takes her flowers and her favourite chocolates every Friday night. He is a good man, an excellent CEO, a loving husband and adoring father. He is a gentleman in a dying breed.

My business plan is simple, to put my product in every home in the country. My business model is also simple. To pour my heart and soul into my six key senior management personnel, who then pour their hearts and souls into their middle management and so on down the line. I’m thrilled to say that most of the senior management have worked their way up from ground level, including John.

I arrive at the office and do the usual rounds, poking my head into offices to say hello. I get distracted in conversations until my personal assistant, Brenda, finds me and drags me away, telling me I’ll be late for my first meeting. I’m led to my office, delivering more quick greetings on the way. On my desk is John’s report ready for this afternoons meeting. He is on it. Looks very thorough but I’ll have to read it properly later and get into my first meeting with a new supplier.

Two well-dressed ladies and a man in a suit await me and John in the boardroom. After the introductions and a round of coffee John drives the meeting. I lose focus on the flow of the meeting for a moment as I can’t help but glow at the thought of how far John has come and that my business is in good hands.

Directly following is meeting number two. We are joined by Pat who ushers in our next guests; they desire to take our product overseas thus expanding our business to neighbouring shores. They are from a company called Le Cheile.

Pat is impressive in her black power suit, very professional with immaculate make up and hygiene, though I could be slightly biased. I often encourage Pat to take a few days off and get away, see some sights, take in a few delights. She declines saying she is married to this place. That was very much me 10 years ago. Life is about balance though and I wish her that necessity.

Last time she took a few days off she went to the coast and drove back with the love of her life, Steve the surfer who thought work was for losers. Thankfully she drove him home the very next day. What is life if it’s not trial and error?

The meeting goes for a little over two hours and we break for a late lunch. We thank our guests for their time in joining us today. As we walk them out, giving them a tour on the way, Pat offers to see them to their cars. John and I then join Tiffany, who has stopped in for a coffee, and a few others on the roof for a quick bite to eat. I am handed a note from my personal assistant Brenda that reads.

Rach,

Can you call me? I have a slight hiccup; Granddad has an appointment so we will be a little late to the country house tonight. Please call me ASAP.

Maree

I call her right away. Hi Maree, what’s up Hunny?

Oh it’s Granddad, his darn doctor’s appointment isn’t until three.

OK Hunny that’s alright, just take your time and get there when you can it’s fine. I say, relieved that it is nothing serious.

But we were going to do dinner for everyone. she reminds me.

That’s OK, I’m sure Pat and I can do it.

Oh thank you, how is your day?

Better than yours it sounds, haha.

You can say that again. OK see you tonight. Are you still driving up with Pat in her car? She sounds flustered, like her whole day has been thrown out of balance.

Yes, I’m leaving my car here.

"OK good I’m glad, alright Rach