Chapter 22
Miles
“You look like shit,” Levi said as I approached the booth.
“Thanks.” I slid in across from him.
“I took the liberty of ordering you a coffee, but looking at you, I think you want something stronger.”
“Coffee is fine.” I picked up the cup and brought it to my lips.
“What the fuck is going on, Miles?”
“Stella is pregnant.”
“Oh shit.” His eyes widened.
The waitress walked over and took our lunch order.
“I’ll have the smoked wagyu brisket,” I said, closing the menu.
“I’ll have the same,” Levi said. “When did this happen? Better yet, how did this happen?”
“Apparently, six weeks ago.” I shook my head. “I asked her if she had done it on purpose. Of course, she denied it and said it was an accident.”
“You weren’t using a condom?” His brow arched.
“She’s my wife and was on birth control.”
“Fake wife.” He pointed at me.
“She stormed out of the penthouse last night after we argued. I told her I didn’t want kids, and she told me I didn’t have to worry about it.”
“What did she mean by that?” he asked.
“She said I’ve been manipulated and emotionally abandoned my whole life, and she doesn’t want that for her child. Can you fucking believe that?”
“What? That she doesn’t want that for her kid?”
“No. That I’ve been manipulated and emotionally abandoned.”
“Well, she does speak the truth.” He sipped his coffee. “Listen, Miles. I’ve known you since we were kids. Your father was never around because Bradshaw Capital was his life. The same went for your mother. And I think she realized what they’d done to you. That’s why she did what she did before she passed away.”
“Before I found out Stella was pregnant, I took her to dinner last night to tell her the good news about my company. I told her I would deposit the rest of the money in her account and have the annulment papers drawn up for us to sign.”
“I’m going to ask you something, and I want an honest answer. You already know you can’t bullshit me, Miles. Do you love her? Are you in love with her?”
“I don’t know.” I turned my head and stared out the window. “I don’t even know what love is, Levi.”
Our waitress walked over with our food and asked if we needed anything else.
“Two bourbons, neat,” Levi said.
He stared at me with a sympathetic look.
“I know I think about her first thing in the morning, and she’s the last thing on my mind at night. She hadn’t been feeling well, and I was concerned.”
“Well, now you know why she wasn’t feeling well. She’s pregnant and probably has morning sickness.”
I cocked my head at him. “That explains why she left my bed in the mornings before I woke up.”
Our waitress brought over our bourbons and set them in front of us.
“Thank you,” I said, picking up the glass.
“Listen, Miles. This is exactly what your mother and uncle were talking about. You don’t know how to live life outside of your work.”
“That is not true!” I threw back my bourbon.
“Yes, it is. Yeah, back in the day, we partied too much. We would go out, get drunk, pick up women, go home, get up for work, and repeat. Then I met Laurel, and she changed that for me. Your entire life, you’ve been in work mode. It’s what your parents drilled into your head. And like I said, I think your mother realized that. You chose Stella for a reason. She wasn’t just some random chick you picked up in Vegas. I saw the way your eyes lit up when she stepped onto the plane. I saw how you looked at her at the courthouse when you two married. I was happy because I said to myself that she was the one. She was the one who was going to make him happy and realize there’s more to life than work. And from the bottom of my heart, I knew you wouldn’t have the marriage annulled once your year was up. But I guess I was wrong since you told her last night you’re having your attorney draw up the papers.”
“She deserves a better man than me.”
“That’s for her to decide, Miles. For fuck’s sake. She’s carrying your baby. YOUR BABY. You must have some sort of feeling in that heart of stone. God. If Laurel told me she was pregnant, I’d be over the moon with happiness. This child is yours and the heir to Bradshaw Capital.” He pointed at me.
“I can’t be a father.”
“Why?”
“I already failed as a husband.”
“You weren’t a real husband to begin with. You can make up all kinds of excuses to convince yourself that you aren’t in love with her. But I know what I know and what I see.” He stood up and threw some cash on the table. “Lunch is on me, friend. Figure your shit out and call me when you do.” He shook his head and walked away.
Pulling out my phone, I called Nolan.
“What’s up, Miles?”
“I need the annulment papers done today.”
“I’m working on them now. You’ll have them by the end of the day.”
“Thanks, Nolan.”
I left the restaurant and had Sean drive me back to Bradshaw Capital. When I passed Isla’s desk, she told me my new office was ready. When I stepped inside, I sighed.
“I want the walls painted a different color and get these pictures off the wall.”
“Why?” Isla asked.
“Because it reminds me too much of my mother and my uncle. Get it taken care of. Until it’s done, I’ll be down at my old office, and you’ll be sitting at your old desk.”
“Damn you, Miles,” she whined. “You couldn’t have said anything before everything was moved?”
“I’m heading to the art gallery to find new artwork. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I called a dear friend of mine as I sat in the back of the Escalade.
“Mr. Miles Bradshaw. Long time no talk, my friend.”
“Shaun Kind. It’s good to hear your voice. How are you?”
“I’m great. Living my best life here in Los Angeles. How are you?”
“I’m doing okay.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your mother. My sympathies, friend.”
“Thank you. I’m calling because I’ve taken over Bradshaw Capital and need some new blood on the board of directors.”
“Looking to clean house?” he asked.
“I am. Now that the company is mine, it’s time to get rid of the old and bring in the new.”
“I’ll be in New York next week. Let’s meet up and talk,” he said. “I’m very interested in helping you out.”
“Excellent. I’m looking forward to seeing you, my friend.”
“You too, Miles.”
I walked into the art gallery and began looking around.
“Miles Bradshaw, it’s been a while.”
“Chloe Bennett. You look as beautiful as always.” I kissed her cheek and hugged her.
“Thank you, Miles. What brings you in? Are you looking for new artwork?”
“I am. For my new office.”
“We just got in a new collection I think you’ll like. Follow me.”
“How’s Sebastian doing?”
“He’s amazing as always.” She grinned.
“And your parents?” I smirked.
“Crazy as always.” She laughed. “Let me know if you see anything you like.”
“I will. Thank you, Chloe.”
I found a couple of pieces that would look perfect in my office. When I turned around, I saw Sebastian standing there, smiling.
“Sebastian.” I walked over and hugged him.
“My wife told me you were here looking at art when I walked in. How are you, Miles?”
“I’m good.”
“I’m sorry that Chloe and I weren’t able to attend your mother’s funeral. We were in Europe. You did get the flowers we sent, right?”
“I did, and they were beautiful. Thank you. I’m happy to see you. I was going to give you a call.”
“You were?”
“I want to clean house. The board of directors needs some new blood.”
“You want me on your board of directors?” he asked.
“I do.” I smiled. “Shaun Kind is coming in next week, and we’re meeting. Join us, and we can discuss it.”
“I definitely will. Just shoot me a text with the time and place. By the way, Miles. Word on the street is you got married.” His brow arched.
“But yet I don’t see a wedding band on your finger,” Chloe said.
“Yes, I did get married, but it’s complicated.”
“It was complicated marrying the Kensington’s ex-nanny?” Sebastian’s brow raised.
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’ll tell you about it next week.”
“Looking forward to it.” Sebastian smiled, extending his hand. “It was good seeing you, my friend.”
“It was good to see you too, Sebastian. We’ve let too much time pass.” I shook his hand.
“Bye, sweetheart. I love you.” Sebastian kissed Chloe’s lips.
“I love you too. See you at home.” She smiled. “Do you want the artwork delivered to your office, Miles?” she asked.
“Yes, please.”
Watching the two of them interact put an ache in my heart. I needed to think, so I walked to Central Park and sat on a bench in the Conservatory Gardens.