Chapter 43
Chapter Forty-Three
Weston
Finn and I had just left a meeting in the conference room and headed to my office.
“Wes,” Rose said. “Your daughter is in there waiting for you.”
“Thanks, Rose.” I stepped inside my office. “Hi, sweetheart. What are you doing here?”
“Hi, honey.” Finn kissed her cheek.
“Hi, Finn. Dad, there’s a dumpster fire that needs to be put out.”
“What happened?” My brows furrowed as I sat behind my desk.
“You know how we went wedding dress shopping today?”
“Yeah. Did your mom find the perfect dress?”
“She did. But Kleinfeld’s said it would take at least eight months for the dress to come in, and they won’t sell her the one she tried on and then alter it.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. It’s their stupid policy. Anyway, Mom was crying the whole way home. She’s really upset. You need to do something. She needs that dress. Believe me when I tell you, you’re the one who’s going to pay the price if she doesn’t get it.”
“There are a million bridal shops around the city. I’m sure another store will have it.”
“Kleinfeld’s is non-compete. The dresses they have there are one of a kind.”
“How bad was she crying?”
“Hard. I mean, really hard.”
“Finn, find out who owns the building for Kleinfeld’s.”
“On it. I’ll be right back.”
A few moments later, he stepped into my office. “Robert Durham.”
I picked up the phone, dialed Robert, and put him on speaker.
“Robert Durham.”
“Robert, it’s Weston Castile.”
“Weston, long time no talk. How are you?”
“I’m good. And you?”
“No complaints. What can I do for you?”
“You own the building where Kleinfeld’s is located, correct?”
“I do. Interested in buying it from me?”
I looked at Finn, and we both frowned.
“You’re selling?”
“Yeah. I’m selling all the buildings on that block. I’m surprised you didn’t hear.”
“I can’t say that I have. Why are you selling?”
“I’m retiring. The wife and I are moving to Hawaii to spend our golden years under the sun and salty air.”
“Congratulations. Sounds like a dream.”
“It truly is. Is that why you’re calling?”
“Well, it wasn’t, but now I’m interested.”
“The deal is for all the buildings on the block. I really want to get this taken care of before we move. I don’t want anything business hanging over my head.”
“Draw up the sales contract for all the buildings.”
“I haven’t even told you my price yet.” He laughed.
“I trust you, and you have yourself a deal. I just need one thing from you within the next ten minutes.”
“What’s that?”
“I need an email stating that you’re selling the building to me, effective immediately.”
“That’s it?”
“Yep. That’s it. Ten minutes, Robert.”
“I’ll have my secretary send it in five. Thanks, Wes.”
“No, thank you, Robert.”
I ended the call and looked at Zoey.
“Your mother will get her dress. Let’s go.” I stood and buttoned my suitcoat.
“Where?”
“To Kleinfeld’s.” I hooked my arm around her.
The email from Robert came as promised. Zoey and I stepped into Kleinfeld’s.
“You’re back.” A blonde consultant looked at Zoey.
“I am, and I brought my father with me this time.”
“Mr. Castile, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Thank you. Can I speak to your manager, please?”
“She’s not in at the moment, but the owner is here.”
“Even better.”
I did remember Kleinfeld’s was sold about five years ago and is now under new ownership.
“Can I help you?” An older woman approached us.
“My fiancée was in here earlier and saw the dress of her dreams, but was told it would be at least eight months for the dress to come in.”
“Sounds about right.”
“The consultant also told her that you do not sell the dresses you have in the store.”
“Correct. Everything here is custom-ordered.”
“They just got the dress in, Dad. Mom was the first one to try it on.”
“Well, our wedding is this coming December,” I said.
“Oh, what a shame. Perhaps she should have come in a few months ago.”
“She had a baby.”
“I’m so sorry, but policy is policy,” Mr. Castile.”
“So you do know who I am?”
“Yes, of course.”
I pulled out my phone and brought up the email from Robert.
“Read this.” I handed her my phone.
“I don’t understand.” She looked up at me.
“He’s your new landlord,” Zoey said. “Your old one is retiring to Hawaii.”
“Oh, I see.”
“So, this is how I see things,” I said. “You will let my fiancée buy the dress she tried on, and you will alter it, or you will be out of here within three months when your lease is up for renewal. And you know why? Because I clearly don’t give a damn whether your store is here or not.
In fact, I’d rather turn this into a bookshop. ”
“Yeah. A hybrid hot mess coffee shop/bookstore,” Zoey said.
“Are we in agreement?” I asked.
“Yes, Mr. Castile. Which dress was it?”
“Ask her.” Zoey pointed to the blonde. “You will also call my mother and tell her the dress is hers.” Zoey rattled off Sam’s number. “I expect you’ll call her now. Am I correct?”
“Yes. I will call her now. What is her name?”
“Samantha Hollis,” I said.
“I’ll make the call as soon as you leave.”
“No, you’ll call her now so we get verification that you did,” Zoey said, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Very well,” she pulled out her cellphone and dialed Sam’s number.
“Hello.”
“Is this Samantha Hollis?”
“Yes.”
“This is Claudine from Kleinfeld’s. You were in earlier and found a dress you loved?”
“Yes.”
“I’m happy to tell you that we will indeed sell you the one you tried on and we will alter it for you.”
“For real?” Sam’s voice perked up. “You’re not joking, right?”
“No, Miss Hollis. How about you come in tomorrow, and we’ll get the dress fitted for you?”
“I would love that. I can stop by in the afternoon.”
“Perfect. We look forward to seeing you.”
“Thank you so very much. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.”
“That’s all we want is for our brides to be happy. Have a good day.”
“You too.”
“Thank you,” I said. “Now, not a word of this to Samantha. Understand?”
“Of course, Mr. Castile. My lips are sealed.”
Zoey and I left the shop.
“I’m impressed.” I hooked my arm around her. “You are going to make one hell of a lawyer.”
“Thanks, Dad. You were impressive as well. Throwing your status around like that. You make me proud.”
“Thanks, kid.” I kissed the side of her head. “Remember, not a word to your mother.”
“I won’t tell her. Although I do have something now to hold over your head.” She gave me the side eye.
“You wouldn’t.”
“Oh, but I would, daddy dear.” She grinned.
“I was going to take you for ice cream, but now forget it.”
“Don’t you have to get back to the office?” she asked.
“I should, but there’s no harm in taking the rest of the day off and spending it with my daughter.”
As we walked down the street to the ice cream shop, a man passed us and stared Zoey up and down like a fucking creeper.
“Creep,” Zoey mumbled to me.
“Excuse me,” a voice from behind said.
We turned, and it was the man who showed a little too much interest in my daughter.
“I’m sorry for staring the way I did. Are you by chance related to Samantha Hollis?” he asked Zoey.
My heart literally escaped my chest.
“Yes. She’s my mother.” Zoey’s brows furrowed.
“You look exactly like her. I can’t believe it.”
“Excuse me. How do you know, Sam?” I asked.
“Umm, we dated back in the day.” He tucked his hands into his pants pockets and seemed very nervous.
I glanced at Zoey, who stood there, intently staring at him.
“You disappeared after she told you she was pregnant.” Zoey cocked her head.
“Yeah.” He looked down.
“Dad, meet my biological father,” she said.
I swallowed hard and didn’t know how to process any of this.
“Weston Castile.” I extended my hand.
“Scott Louis.” He shook my hand. “And your name?” he asked Zoey.
“None of your business Hollis,” she said.
“Fair enough. I deserve that.”
“If you came to New York to—”
“I didn’t. I was just walking down the street, and when I saw you, I couldn’t believe how much you looked like your mother. So, your mom ended up marrying?”
“No. She is getting married to Wes here. My dad. The one who stepped up and takes care of us. So, keep on walking to wherever you’re headed, and forget you ever saw me. Because I know I will.” She walked away.
“Do you really blame her?” I asked.
“No. Not at all. Here, let me give you my number. I’ll be in New York for the next month on business. I would like to get to know my daughter.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” I said as I walked away.
I ran and caught up with Zoey.
“I don’t want ice cream anymore. I want to go home.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” She wiped the tears from her eyes.
The ride back to the brownstone was a quiet one.
“How are we going to explain to your mom why we’re together?”
“I don’t care. Tell her what you want.”
We climbed out of the car and went inside the house.