Chapter 57
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Sebastian
M y jet landed in New York the next day, and I woke up to a text from Titus saying that he had closed the deal that morning. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the bastard’s natural talent of charming everyone from women to family business owners. It must’ve been those goddamn eyes that everyone seemed mesmerized by each time the guy blinked.
I was still taken aback that Titus had met Darcy and even more unpleasantly surprised that they’d had a date , but I was also happy about it. If it had not been for my conversation with Titus, I wouldn’t have been landing in New York now. I had to do whatever it took to get Darcy back, primarily setting aside my preconceived notions that I knew what was best for her.
Once in my car, I dialed Jim because he was my best bet at getting information on Darcy’s whereabouts.
“Aster,” he answered. “What can I do for you?”
“Oh, are we back to business associates again, Mitchell?”
“I’m not the one who decided that. You are, remember?” he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. “What’s going on?”
It was almost like he knew it was a matter of time before I came crawling back, begging for Darcy.
“I’m curious if Darcy has been in contact with you. I need to speak with her.”
“Last I checked, she didn’t change her number,” Jim said.
“Last I checked, I skipped town on the woman and have been out of contact since. I don’t want to call her out of the blue. I owe her more than that to make things right.”
“I see,” he said. “So, is it safe to assume that if I give you her location, you’re going to ride up on your white horse and give her the storybook happy ending you think all women dream about?”
“You know Darcy well enough to know that if I tried to pull a happily ever after stunt on her, she’d probably punch me in the throat and walk away.”
I heard him softly laugh, enjoying my uncomfortable situation.
“You’re prepared for her not to take you back, correct?”
“What have I to lose if I’ve already lost her, man?” I said, feeling a pang in my heart at Jim’s pragmatic response.
“I’m glad your head is in the right place,” he answered. “I don’t say that because she’s upset anymore, or perhaps heartbroken is the better word,” he paused and exhaled. “It’s just that she’s worked hard to get where she is now. She’s happy again.”
“Have you seen her lately?”
“Avery and Darcy grew much closer after you disappeared,” he said, “and since she’s moved to Mexico, and I’ve invested with the Hawk brothers in a resort close to where she lives, it’s become my family’s new vacation destination.”
I half smiled, but I needed Jim to be straight and direct like always. This roundabout way of discussing things was annoying me. I just wanted answers.
“So that means you’ve seen her?” I said, trying to keep the fluff he was bringing into my inquiries out of this.
“Yes. She’s made a good life for herself in a short time living there. I only say this to warn you that it will take some effort and work on your part if you want her back. She’s living for happiness, and it’s easy to see that nothing tempts her. Not even you, groveling for a second chance.”
“I’m happy that she’s happy,” I said, concerned that my sudden appearance might ruin things for her.
“If you go at things from that angle, you might have a chance,” Jim said. “I’ve got an appointment walking in with Spence right now, so I need to jump off this call, but just keep what I said in mind. Maybe just go at things from a friendship standpoint since that wasn’t something either of you shared before you fell head-over-heels in such a short time,” he advised. “Give me an hour, and I’ll text her job location to you. I’d advise booking a scuba excursion with her, if you get what I’m saying?”
“So, book a dive with her instead of showing up at her front door?”
“Exactly, and give her a big tip for the time she’s already wasted on your ass,” he chuckled. “Give me an hour, and I’ll get the info over to you.”
“It’s a shame money doesn’t tempt her,” I joked.
“Then you better come up with something that does,” he joked, and then we ended the call.
My driver was about four blocks from my penthouse in Manhattan. Since Jim would have Darcy’s info to me within the hour, that gave me the perfect amount of time to get Charlotte packed while the pilots prepared the jet to leave for Mexico after I sent the itinerary.
“Darling,” my mother said as I stepped off the elevator and into my foyer, my driver close behind with my luggage. “Is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine,” I said with confusion. “Why are you here?”
“I had no idea it was a crime for me to visit my grandchild while you were away for work.”
“Do not patronize me, Mother. You never come here to visit Charlotte,” I said, stopping at the foot of the marble staircase and turning to face her. “Charlotte is most likely asleep, hence the reason she didn’t answer the door with you, so you are here to receive me because you must’ve known when my jet landed.”
“Ah,” she smiled, her eyebrow raised sharply at me. “You’re onto me.”
“I have no time for games. I’m having the nanny pack for herself and Charlotte to come to Mexico with me once I get Darcy’s location. And, no, I’m not speaking with you about my plans once I reunite with her either.”
“It’s what I want to speak to you about,” she said.
I sighed. “There is nothing you can possibly say that will change my situation for better or worse,” I answered her, “so you’ve wasted your time by showing up here.”
“I realize that; however, I’m here because I want to tell you how proud I am of you,” she said.
“Right,” I answered with a frown, trying to figure out what manner of manipulation she was attempting with this unexpected move.
“In the last few months, I’ve watched you and Charlotte grow close, and, in the beginning, I found myself quite jealous that you’d managed something your father and I never could.”
I remained quiet, curious about where my mother was going with this. I would’ve been a fool to think she didn’t have something up her sleeve.
“You are a good father and an amazing man who I am proud to call my son,” she said and then went on. “I don’t even think Melissa could’ve managed what you’ve accomplished with Charlotte these past months.”
“Your point, Mother?” I said, losing patience and knowing I didn’t need my mother’s approval.
“I do not wish to speak ill of Melissa,” she said.
“So don’t,” I answered. “You know I’ve moved past her death. I said my final farewell at her grave, and I’ve made peace with our flawed marriage and her passing.”
“I’m happy to see you’ve successfully grieved her untimely death,” she said. “Here is what I want to say: Even though your father and I have never cared for Darcy Burke, we are grateful she found her way into your heart.”
I heard the sincerity in my mother’s voice but kept my lips in a tight line, attempting to keep my jaw from dropping to the floor in shock.
“Son,” she said softly, “your father and I are bound by tradition and perhaps antiquated ways , but they are all we have ever known. Between you and John—and even Mark,” she chuckled, shaking her head at the mention of my brother who ultimately had become a bartender on a beach somewhere in French Polynesia, “you’re breaking all those old rules, and though it has been extremely uncomfortable for your father and me, we want our sons to be happy.”
“You’ve both worn yourselves out trying to mold us into robots, I see?”
Surprisingly, she smiled. “One way of putting it,” she answered. “I’ve seen my granddaughter blossom in a short time, and after such a long, dreadful grieving period that you two have endured, her happiness brings me joy. Your happiness and ability to overcome insurmountable odds have given me great relief, and I know you made those strides because of the persuasion of the young woman who stole your heart. So, I’m thankful to her for that. With that said,” she eyed me, “your father and I approve of your relationship with her.”
“That’s great to know now that it no longer exists,” I said. “And if I get her back, you should know that I would’ve pursued a future with her with or without your approval.”
“You made that very clear when you and Darcy were a couple,” she chuckled, and I was pleased with her honesty.
“Good. It is important that you know I’m not living for anyone but myself and Charlotte anymore,” I answered. “And since I fucked it all up with Darcy, it’s going to take some work to get her back now.”
“Nothing is worth having if it’s given freely,” she said. “If Darcy didn’t make you work for her affection, you probably wouldn’t appreciate it.”
“I understand what you’re saying, but I already appreciate what I have with Darcy. I just had to lose it to understand.”
“Well, I am deeply sorry that your father and I behaved childishly and harshly, trying to sabotage your happiness with the young woman,” she said. “You should go find her.”
“I appreciate your apologies,” I said, wanting to wrap this up. Although I was pleased to have their approval, knowing I didn’t need it gave me a sense of satisfaction I couldn’t explain. “I need to talk to Callie and have her pack a bag for her and Charlotte to come to Mexico.”
“Your father will arrange the bodyguards,” my mother said. “I know you don’t worry for yourself, but you must keep your nanny and Charlotte’s safety in mind while visiting.”
“I understand your concern,” I said, trying not to roll my eyes, “but that won’t be necessary. Nobody’s life will be at risk.”
“They’ll just be on site,” she said.
“Mom?” I arched an eyebrow at her. “Let me worry about those matters. I do not need you or Dad to get involved. I’m a grown-ass man; allow me to remain that way.”
“Very well,” she said, holding up her hands in surrender.
I nodded and swiveled on my heel, taking the steps two at a time to get upstairs and get everything situated with Charlotte and Callie.
“Are you ready?” I asked Charlotte once we were boarded on the jet.
“Where are we going?” she asked, her blue irises lit with excitement. “Disneyland?”
“Is it your birthday?” I smirked at her.
“No, Daddy,” she frowned. “We can go when it’s not my birthday, too.”
She pouted, and I exhaled in fake annoyance.
“We could go every day if we wanted to,” I arched an eyebrow at her, “but then it wouldn’t be special, like when we went to Disney in Paris for your third birthday.”
“Fine,” she said, pushing out her bottom lip. “Can I go sit with Callie?”
I was grateful that Charlotte and I had become bonded more than my own father had ever been with me or my brothers, but these struggles were tiresome. Callie had told me more than once that this was typical behavior for her age. She’d just finished up with her terrible twos, but in my estimation, this three-year-old backtalking, pouty stage was more taxing. The manipulative shit always tugged on my heartstrings until the nanny caught on and informed me that I was being played by a toddler.
Now, it was clear as day when my daughter used her adorable poutiness to get her way with me. I didn’t want Darcy to think I was an idiot of a father, so I needed to try my hardest not to fall for little Char’s tactics and stay tight on my game. If I could put captains of industry in their respective places worldwide, I should be able to manage my three-year-old daughter as well.
“Please, Daddy?” Charlotte asked again.
“Why don’t we allow Callie to take a break while we’re flying?”
She folded her arms together across her chest and attempted to glare at me.
“Are you mad at me?” I asked, trying not to smile—another parenting skill I learned was crucial when holding your own against a three-year-old.
“Yes.”
“Well, that’s a shame.”
“Yes.”
“So, now we’re back to one-word sentences again?”
She shrugged and looked out the window.
“Char?” I said, knowing she favored her nickname over her full name, which always reminded me of Darcy.
She ignored me.
“Charlotte?” I said in a deeper tone to keep my status in the pecking order between us, something that was not easy for me to do at times.
“Yes?”
She looked back at me, and I loved that these small moments brought about amusing memories of her mother. They were subtle things that made me recall the better times with Melissa, making me thankful for the lessons I learned from being married to a woman like her. Instead of looking back and thinking I’d wasted so many years being unhappily married, there were things I knew now about love and relationships that helped me appreciate the feelings I’d developed for Darcy.
“Mr. Aster,” Becky, the flight attendant, brought my attention to her. “While I am preparing dinner, perhaps Miss Charlotte would like to join the captain and his first officer in the cockpit as she usually does?”
“Yes! Thank you, Becky,” Charlotte boomed with excitement, ready to tear out of her seat to get her way with something.
This was her favorite part of being on the jet because the captain and his crew spoiled the hell out of her, but I couldn’t let this behavior stand.
“Not at this time,” I said, arching an eyebrow of reproach at Charlotte, damn proud of myself for holding firm in the face of breaking my daughter’s heart today. “When Charlotte’s behavior improves, I’ll reconsider her joining the crew in the cockpit.”
“Ugh,” Charlotte groaned, prompting Becky to look away so Charlotte couldn’t see her smile.
“Very well, sir. Allow me about twenty minutes to prepare your meals,” she said, leaving me to deal with a disgruntled three-year-old.
“Listen, Char,” I said, somewhat losing my patience not even an hour into our flight to Mexico, “you must stop this behavior before we arrive in Mexico.”
“Why?” she protested.
Stand your ground. She’s testing you.
“If you don’t, then once we arrive there, and Becky is no longer serving your favorite snacks on the plane, you’ll be forced to eat what people with bad behavior must eat while in Mexico.”
That got her attention.
“What do people with bad behavior eat in Mexico, Daddy?”
“Bugs. Mostly grasshoppers,” I said, raising my eyebrows as she wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“Grasshoppers?” she giggled. “No way. You’re fibbing.”
“I wish I was.” I started thinking this would be a good way to talk about Darcy with her. “Do you remember when daddy was always angry, and you never saw me?”
She nodded. “Kind of,” she answered.
Charlotte didn’t have many memories of her mother’s passing or the dark time I’d had after that, but she did seem to have some.
“Remember when you would rather play with the nanny than with me?”
“Yes,” she chuckled.
“Well, back then, I was sort of rotten. I was behaving a bit like you are currently,” I said with a knowing arch of my eyebrow.
“I’m not angry like you were, Daddy,” she shot back with a silly grin.
“Oh? So, you’re happy that you don’t get to sit up there with Captain Steve, and you’re also happy that you aren’t getting your way to go sit with Callie?”
“I’m not happy about that at all,” she said with authority, prompting me to bite my lip to stop me from laughing again.
Children could be so cute when they were little brats sometimes. Sometimes.
“Well, I felt the same way then, and that’s why you only wanted to be with Callie.”
“Because she was nice,” she stated factually.
“Exactly my point, and I had to eat bugs in Mexico for the same ugly behavior you’re showing me now.”
That got the laugh out of Charlotte I loved hearing almost more than anything else in the world.
“Did Mexico make you eat their bugs to make you nice again, Daddy?” she said through her laughter.
“Mexico came up with the idea, but my very special friend is the one who made me eat them,” I said, watching her face grow curious.
“You have a friend?”
“I know it doesn’t seem like your dad has any friends, but I have more than just one, child,” I said dryly.
“ Sure , Daddy,” she said playfully.
“That amuses you more than your daddy being fed dead grasshoppers?” I said, rolling my eyes.
“Don’t roll your eyes, Daddy. It’s very rude.”
“You’re right,” I said. “Listen, I have a very dear friend that I’m taking you to meet. Her name is Darcy. She is very kind and very sweet. She’s the one that helped me be happy again.”
“Because she made you eat grasshoppers?”
“Pretty much. I wasn’t so happy about it in the beginning, though. I acted like you’re acting right now by not getting your way.”
“Oh.” I could see her wheels turning.
“Now you understand why you must eat grasshoppers when you go to Mexico,” I teased.
Charlotte’s face grew somber, “I don’t want to meet Darcy…I don’t want to eat bugs!”
Oh, fuck.
“No, no, no, honey. Darcy only feeds me grasshoppers,” I said, trying to fix the godawful impression I was giving Charlotte about Darcy.
“She’s mean,” she said. “She’s not a very good friend, Daddy.”
Fuck my life.
“Listen,” I said, scrambling to make Charlotte excited to meet Darcy, “do you remember the monkeys at the zoo you loved so much?”
“Yes,” she smiled.
Please forgive me, Darcy…
“Well, my friend Darcy was named after a very special monkey because she is that special of a person.”
“Really?” Charlotte said, lighting up like a Christmas tree.
“Yes. In fact, her real name is Darcel. She was named after a baby monkey who lived all alone in a rainforest.”
“I like her name,” she said with a smile.
I royally fucked myself on this one. I was so very beyond fucked at this point that I was glad I didn’t expect Darcy to take me back. If my abhorrent treatment of Darcy hadn’t been bad enough, I’d made her out to be some monkey-girl sadist who force-fed people bugs.
Now, because karma was a dish best served cold and with grasshoppers on top, Char had latched onto the name Darcy hated most in the world, compounding the mountain of shit that I was going to have to climb to make Darcy give me a second chance.
My only hope was that Darcy had made peace with her jungle name as part of her growth and personal evolution, and she wouldn’t hate me even more when we met again.