Chapter 3
You’re Family
Lynn
“I just gotoff the phone with your aunt. She’s not in the country right now, but it seems some of your family is already heading to Texas on business. She said to let her know if you need anything from them while you’re there. You know that part of your family scares me,” Elise says and frowns with a visible shiver.
“In all honesty, I don’t think this would be my life if not for who they are. My daddy knew what he was doing when he chose New York over Nashville. I get that now.”
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
I drop the shirt in my hand and turn. Elise is watching me with a cautious expression on her face. I sigh and sit down on my bed. The weight of the day catching up to me.
I blow out a breath. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I’m not that girl anymore. I’d like to think I can handle this now. I’ve run from my home long enough.”
“And yet, I’ve booked us in a hotel,” she says with an amused smile on her lips.
“Oh hush, you know why. Besides, you have your own business to worry about. Have you called him?”
“No, I think he’s done talking. Would you look at us? I’m sure Pook is laughing at us both.”
“Only one laughing at me is that letter,” I say and point at the worn page resting on top of my things.
I took it out to build my resolve. As a reminder that Trevor wants nothing to do with me. I have no reason to seek him out or wonder about him while I’m in Texas.
Not that I’m in the business of dating married men. That letter only proves as a reminder that he made his decision and wants nothing to do with me. As long as I remember that, I’ll be fine.
“I hate that letter. Every time I see you take it out, it’s a reminder of the nineteen years you’ve been robbed of. I know I promised never to speak of him, but Cakes?—”
“Oh, no. Not now, Elise. Don’t.”
She purses her lips and I believe she’s going to let it go. The joke is on me because I know her better than that. I sigh and get ready to deal with it now because if I don’t, she’ll corner me later.
“Have you ever read it out loud to yourself?”
“Well, duh, I wrote a whole song about it.”
“Fair point. So tell me something. Can you honestly say it sounds like him?
“I don’t care that’s it’s in his handwriting. I get that, but I also know him, and that’s not how he speaks to you. I don’t think there’s a time in space where that man would fix himself to address you like that.
“Cakes, something ain’t right and ain’t never been right about that letter. I need you to make me a promise this time. If you see him, you’ll ask him about it. Please.”
“What difference does it make? It’s nineteen years later and he’s married.”
“Not for long. My mama couldn’t wait to tell me he’s getting a divorce. They’ve been separated for about two years now.”
“That’s still not divorced. Elise, I don’t want to know anything else.”
“Cakes, she’s horrible. Trev has been miserable for years. Honey?—”
“Please stop. I’m not going home for him. I’m going to see my daddy. Remember, the man who just had a stroke.”
“Visiting hours don’t last all day,” she mutters.
“Well, it’s a good thing I have songs to write, ain’t it?”
“All I’m saying is, I don’t believe he wrote it to you,” she huffs.
“Then to who? And how did I end up with it? You know what, don’t answer that.
“It doesn’t matter because the fact is, he did marry someone else. I’m positive he signed that marriage certificate and that’s the only ink that matters. That was all the confirmation I needed to know we were done.”
“Lynn, you cut him off.”
“I’m done with this conversation. I’m going home to make sure my daddy is okay and then I’m gonna get him the best care I can find him. Once I know my mama has everything handled and Daddy is okay, I’m coming back home and continuing with my life.”
“You’re wrong, Lynn. I’m your friend so I’m not going to lie to you. You’re dead wrong and you know it deep down in your heart.
“That’s the real reason you never go back. You know if you come face-to-face with him, you’re going to come face-to-face with your truth.”
I jump up from the bed and place my hands on my hips. “Oh, yeah. And what’s that since you know it all?”
“You’ve been alone and hurting for a lie. That man has been pining for you all this time and if you would have shown up, he would have placed the world at your feet because it’s always been you, Cakes. Always,” she shouts back at me, her chest heaving.
“It works both ways, Elise. If he wanted me, he could have come for me.”
“Not when he believes you’re happy. Trev would never strip you of your happiness. Even if it means he’s not there.”
“How do you know?” I bite out.
“Because he was Pook’s best friend and so was I. I may not know him like you two did, but I know enough to know his heart”—she points to the letter. Anger and hurt dance in her eyes—“that bullshit ain’t it.”
I burst into laughter. She looks at me like I’m crazy. I swipe at tears as I continue to laugh. Elise folds her arms across her chest.
“What’s so damn funny?”
“You’ve been holding that in for nineteen years, haven’t you? You couldn’t wait to get that all out.”
“Like you bottled it all up for nineteen years until you had to write an album about it?”
“You deal with your feelings your way. I’ll deal with mine my way.” I shrug.
“Ugh, you’re so stubborn and get on my nerves.” She rolls her eyes at me.
“Help me pack,” I say and move to bump her with my hip.
“Only if you’ll at least consider what I’ve said. If you see him, ask. You have to get the truth from the horse’s mouth.”
“Fine, I’ll consider it.”
* * *
Trevor
Brad hadto step out to take a call and Nico has gone to the restroom as we wait for the rest of our party to arrive. I glance around the restaurant. Nothing but the best—something I’ve become used to when dealing with Uri and his family.
“We have no problem backing you for this endeavor. We all see Brad as family. It’s LaSalle’s wife who wants to meet you and test your character.
“We are a family. We take care of our own. They want to ensure you have this brand of loyalty. You will have powerful names backing your New York branch.
“Do you think you are up for this? I don’t vouch for just anyone, but my wife likes you. It is because of her I have come all this way,” Uri says in that unusual accent of his.
I give him a nod. “My family means everything to me. I’m doing this for them. I want to leave my children a legacy when I’m gone. I’m forty.
“With the stress I have going on, this may be my last chance to do something to leave them with something that will last a few generations.”
Uri frowns. “Stress? You are still not divorced?”
I sigh. Uri and his wife know my situation because of my sister-in-law and brother. They have met Donna for themselves. I know she didn’t leave a good impression.
Again, my mind shifts to Val’s offer. I don’t think I’m quite there yet. I’m angry, but not homicidal … yet. However, it stings that so many people know the shit I have going on.
“Not yet. Her attorney has been dragging this out. I believe Brad shared with you that he’ll be signing all the paperwork until the divorce is final.”
“Yes, I’m aware of this. However, I must say. This is cause for concern.
“I know how vindictive your wife can be. Nico told me what she did at Brad’s engagement party. I have been doing all I can to keep my wife from sticking her nose in your affairs.
“She doesn’t like your wife. I can’t say she left me with the best impression either. However, these situations …” He pauses and pulls a face as if looking for the right words. “They should be handled with care. Once it’s done, it is done. I have options for you, Trevor. From handling things with gentle care to making things go away with a deadly silence.
“I’m not comfortable with closing this deal with her still attached to you. I’m sure my partners are going to tell you the same. It could end badly for all parties and then the options will not be yours alone.
“You have my number. If you get the green light today, I will need you to pick an option so this deal can close. One way or the other, it’s time for this to be done.”
I nod in understanding. However, I’m conflicted. There’s a part of me that doesn’t care what happens to Donna. Then there’s a part that’s telling me a good man wouldn’t allow harm to come to the mother of his children.
It’s almost as if I’d be letting Pook down. If I’m honest with myself, I stayed married for as long as I did because of her. I’ve been trying for nineteen years to be the man I thought she wanted me to be.
It feels like Uri is suggesting something so far from that. I don’t know that I’m that man. I tighten my fists on top of my thighs.
“Will I know what those options are before I choose?”
He leans in and lowers his voice. “I will give you a legal team who will crush all this”—he waves his hands in the air—“all this bloody procrastination and stress. The other option.
“She meets the black death and the noise in your life will be hushed,” he deadpans, as he looks me in the eyes. “You take that for what it is, mate.”
I sit back and pull a hand down my face. “Can I have a few days to think about this?”
“It looks like we’ll be here for a bit. Of course, they couldn’t allow Brad and Tam to spend a summer away without them. I will end up with a home here,” he says and rolls his eyes.
I can tell he doesn’t mind as long as his wife is happy. To have a wife who makes you want to see her happiness. That must be the life.
He continues, cutting into my self-deprecating thoughts. “We’ll be here a month or two, I believe. This has turned into Val’s little project. If all goes well, I will need your decision by then.”
Some of the tension leaves me. I won’t have blood on my hands or on my conscience. In six weeks, this will all be over. Although, I do consider the legal team offer.
My lawyer has proven to have shit for brains. This shouldn’t have been dragged out this long if you ask me. I go to open my mouth, but the air shifts in the restaurant, causing me to look toward the door.
In walks Val with two other women, one on each side. All three walk in like they own the place. There’s a guy in a suit bringing up the rear with Brad. The guy exudes authority and power, but the women walking in front of him aren’t to be ignored.
Val is dressed in a form-hugging black leather dress that stops right above the knees, with a matching crop jacket that has a stylish asymmetrical collar and long sleeves. Red heels grace her feet.
On her right is a mocha-brown woman with auburn hair and oval eyes. Her outfit is playful and sweet with a full leather skirt that reaches the top of her knees, bringing attention to her shiny brown legs. Her black satin-looking blouse is tucked into the skirt as red patent leather shoes grace her feet as well.
Then there’s the woman to Val’s right. The one with the sharp gaze. Her chocolate brown face is pretty. She too is dressed to the nines in leather. She’s in a tailored black leather pants suit. Red pointed-toe shoes peeking out from under her wide-legged pants.
All three women are gorgeous, but I won’t be fooled by that. They give off an air that’s undeniable. One thing I note right away—these women hold just as much power as the man I’m sitting with.
“Trevor,” Val sings as Uri and I stand to greet them.
She pulls me into a hug and kisses my cheek. I return the embrace, not holding onto her for too long. When I met Uri and Val at Ellie’s fourth birthday party, we all gravitated toward each other.
I enjoyed talking to Val. However, I’m not about to incur the wrath of her husband. She pulls away and smiles up at me.
“I’d like you to meet Paige. She’s the lawyer I was telling you about. For now, she’s here to handle contracts for the deal. However, you have my number. She can do so much more while here,” Val says with a mischievous light in her eyes.
“Nice to meet you, Paige. That’s my youngest daughter’s name,” I say.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Trevor. I’ve heard so much about you,” she says knowingly.
Val takes a step back, then moves to Uri’s side. “I’d also like to introduce you to the reason we’re here. Meet Lasalle and Tasha Locatelli. This is Brad’s brother and a dear friend of mine, Trevor Monroe,” Val says.
The woman with the sharp gaze zones in on me. Her husband places a hand on her back and tugs her closer to his side. I turn my gaze to his.
His gray eyes are keen as well. The two read power couple. I don’t miss that he and Uri have on red ties with their black suits and dress shirts.
I reach my hand out. “It’s nice to meet, y’all. Thank you so much for coming all this way to meet me. With four children, it hasn’t been easy to take off for meetings.”
“No problem,” Lasalle says as he gives me a firm shake.
His wife is still staring at me as if she’s trying to see through me. I go to shake her hand as well, but she covers my hand with her other one after taking mine in hers and tugs me in close, leaning in.
I dip my head to allow her to get closer. “I’ve heard a lot about you. You have a temper, but you’re good at what you do. Your wife, she’s a problem.
“If she’s not careful, I’m going to solve her. Cody said to tell you hi and for you to fix it. You would know what he meant,” she whispers.
I pull away staring with my mouth hanging open. I haven’t seen Cody Billings in years. He never returned to Texas to live. From his mama, I know he’s been in New York still working for his mentor’s family.
Now that I think of it, my mama did mention he’s been in town handling some family business. Well, hell. Are all the ghosts returning? I have nothing but questions now.
“It’s nice to meet you, Trevor,” she says with a smile as she pulls away and looks me in the eyes knowingly.
Lasalle claps his hands. “Let’s get this lunch started. These ladies are dressed for New York. My brother will kill me if I allow his wife to melt before he arrives, and we know how Tasha gets when she’s sweaty and irritable,” he chuckles.
“A woman does what she must to look good at all times. You know this, Lasalle,” Val says in Italian, causing me to chuckle.
“Oh, you understood that?” Tasha asks with an amused smile. “That’s right, you’re fluent. Your father owns a horse ranch with Italian horses and other exotic breeds.”
“You did your homework,” I say impressed.
“I have. In fact, I want to see this ranch and meet this Cousin Cliff. My friend here and her sister love horses,” Tasha says pointing to Paige.
What doesn’t this woman know about me? I glance at her husband who has a proud smile on his lips. I finally allow it to set in that my little brother is in business with the type of people you don’t cross or piss off.
Which means, I’m aligning myself with the same type. From what I hear, to make things really happen in New York, I’m making the right connections.
Nico returns and makes his rounds to greet the women. I notice he sits beside Val. She begins to speak to him in Italian, and the smile on her face is telling. Nico means a lot to her.
I can’t help wondering if that’s the reason she took to me. Nico is the link between her and Brad. Brad is married to Nico’s wife’s best friend.
If not for my sister-in-law Tam, I wouldn’t have this opportunity. The waitress comes over and takes everyone’s order. I feel Lasalle’s and Tasha’s gazes on me the entire time.
“You think you can handle both branches?” Lasalle asks as the waitress leaves to put in our order.
“If this deal goes through, I’m willing to figure it out. Brad has offered for me to stay at his home until I find a New York residence.”
“Not a problem. You have four children. One college age. We’ll make sure you have a place that will accommodate your family,” Tasha says.
“Our partners who have children and travel a lot usually have a team of tutors and nannies. I’ll take care of that for you as well,” Val says.
“Cody will help with your New York team. He knows you, he knows my family, and he knows how I handle business. Any objections?” Lasalle asks.
I’m taken back at the mention of Cody’s name again. I think on this a bit. I’ve never resolved my issues with Billings face-to-face. However, I was wrong.
I’m not going to allow any of that to ruin this deal. I lost the woman on my own. I can’t blame Billings for that.
“No, that’s fine. I can work with that.”
“Good,” Tasha says with a smile. “Cody has become my assistant since … well, since our family has taken on a new role.
“He understands how to stand in the gap. My husband is who calls the shots, but I keep all the details in order, so to speak. Cody helps me with that. He’s a good friend to have in our organization,” she adds.
“Good to know.” I nod.
Lasalle looks over at Paige and nods. She pulls a stack of papers from her briefcase and hands them over to me. I take them and scan the top page.
“I’ve drafted the contracts with Brad listed as the signer. However, this is your deal, so you need to read it through and be sure you’re in agreement with the terms and conditions,” Paige says.
“As well as the terms I gave you,” Uri adds.
I nod and lick my lips. There’s no way I’m allowing Donna to mess this up for me. She’s taken enough from me and the kids. This is for them.
“You don’t have to rush. We’ll be here for a few months. The ladies have planned a retreat of sorts. Our associates and their wives and families will be joining us. For the next two months, Texas will be our home base.
“I would like to get to know you as a person while we’re here. I’m a fair man, so if you see something you want to discuss, come to me. We only do good business. Not business for the sake of business,” Lasalle says.
“I’ll look this over. I’ll let you know if anything comes up. You and your family are welcome out to the ranch. My cousin will show you around the stables,” I reply.
“Good, I will see you there this weekend,” Tasha says.
“Pam and I will come too,” Paige says.
“Sounds good. Do y’all know where you’re staying?”
“We’re renting the Billings hospitality ranch to accommodate our friends,” Tasha replies.
My phone buzzes with a text. I look down to see it’s from Donna. I lose the battle with the frown that comes to my face.
I can feel my face turning red. There goes my appetite. I’m so sick of this.