Chapter 11
CHAPTER 11
HUNTER
My dad enters the parlor room where Jonah and I are waiting for him. “What do I owe the pleasure of having both my sons show up unexpectedly on a Saturday?”
Any future with Dorothy hinges on how this meeting goes. It’s freezing outside, but you wouldn’t know it based on the sweat coming off my brow.
I hug my dad. “Thanks for making time for us. It means a lot.”
He pats my back a couple of times and then pushes away. “Time with my sons is a blessing.”
“Hey, Dad.” Jonah takes his turn getting his welcome. “I’m along for the ride. Today’s all about Hunter.”
We take our respective seats around the room. The formal space alone says this is anything but a casual chat.
The room falls silent. Only the crackling of the fire fills the space.
My dad’s gaze connects to mine. “Hunter, since Jonah says this is about you, why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “I’m here to ask for something highly unusual.”
Jonah laughs, and my dad and I both turn his way .
“Sorry,” Jonah says. “It’s just I know where this is going. Unusual wasn’t the term I would’ve used.”
My dad’s brows raise. “And what term would you have used?”
“I would’ve said personal, but unusual works. Just wait, Dad. You can weigh in at the end.” Jonah gestures to me. “Go on, Hunter. The floor is all yours.”
“Thanks, Jonah.” I get to my feet and pace in front of the fireplace. “You know how we have the Christmas ball on Thursday?”
My dad rests back and crosses his legs. “Yes.”
I stop and address my dad. “Jonah and I would like to take a couple of women from the office.”
My dad glances at Jonah, to which he nods.
“Okay, boys. What’s the catch?” My dad waves his hand between us.
“One of the women is on the executive team, meaning there might be a problem with how it’s perceived.” I slide my hands into my pockets. “I’d like to take Dorothy Fisher and I know she has the clause in her contract about dating anyone at Efron Worldwide.”
My dad sits expressionless as if waiting for me to say I’m joking. I sweat more, so I move away from the fireplace to the window.
I know my dad well enough not to say anything while he calculates the risks in his head. He gets frustrated if he’s interrupted, which would result in him shutting down the entire idea.
“Who’s the other lady you’d like to go with?” He tips his chin at Jonah.
“Her name is Melanie Yamada. She’s Dori’s best friend. She’s not in upper management, so there’s nothing in her employment agreement that states she can’t date anyone. It’s Dori who Hunter’s concerned about.” Jonah looks in my direction .
I’ve never understood why the board only made the rule for executives and not the other employees. But what I’ve come up with is it’s about the money it would cost to police all those people. With the executive team, there’s more at stake, and it’s easier to control.
My dad studies me for a second. “I was wondering if you were ever going to come out with it.”
“What do you mean?” I swallow nervously.
“I see how you look at Dori. Every time she moves, you watch her like she’s the most fascinating person in the room.”
“She is.” I point at Jonah to get his input. He’s shaking his buried head in his hands. I address my dad again. “She’s a good woman. Her loyalty is with Efron Worldwide. She would never go after the business.”
Jonah groans.
“Is there something you’d like to add, Jonah?” My dad cocks his head to him.
Jonah sighs heavily. “I think Hunter’s trying to say he’d like you to recommend how he goes about dating someone with such a clause in her contract. Fuck, Hunter. You’re usually better with the issues we bring to Dad. You’re losing your touch.”
I place my hand against my chest. “That’s because this is something close to my heart. I’ve never done this before, so forgive me for not approaching it with the tact and grace of a seasoned pro.”
“Maybe you should’ve practiced this speech in the mirror.” Jonah rolls his eyes.
“Fuck you, Jonah. I’d like to see you do better.”
He rises to his feet. “I already did better than you?—”
“Boys, that’s enough. Going at each other over ways to approach a subject such as this is pointless. I’m your father and I like to know what’s happening in your life. If one of you is interested in someone who could sue the company?—”
“She never would.” I spin to my dad. “Ask Jonah. ”
“Hunter’s right. I don’t see Dori doing that at all. She would fight for this company before she’d sue. Her loyalty is clear.” Jonah rounds his chair and rests against his hands on the back of it.
My dad sighs and brings himself to our level. “I don’t know, Hunter. I like Dori, but can you say you know her well enough? She’s only been in the position for a short while.”
Jonah takes the reins. “She’s been with the company for years. I’ve worked closely with her. She’s told me many times this is her dream job. She comes from money anyway, so she’s not motivated by it.”
I barrel out a laugh. “That’s an understatement.”
My father’s brows crease. “Why do you say that?”
I huff. “Because she has enough money from her salary to buy a nice house or apartment, yet she chooses to live in a box that doesn’t even have an elevator to her floor.”
My dad’s house manager enters from the doorway. “Excuse me, Mr. Efron. Would you and your sons care for anything to eat or drink?”
“Please set the table for brunch and prepare us a continental-style spread. We’ll be out in about thirty minutes.” My dad smiles her way. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” She dips her head and steps out of the room.
“You only need a half an hour to decide?” I return to my chair and sit, tense with the small bit of time I have to convince him.
“Yes. I don’t need more time to know you’ll find a way to be with her, so let’s see how we can make it work.” He relaxes back in his seat. “How long have you had this little crush of yours?”
“It’s not a crush. That’s not saying she couldn’t stomp out my heart, but how I feel about her is much deeper than a simple infatuation.” My throat gets dry.
“What exactly is it then? I need to understand your level of interest because if you’re saying this is something long-term, we need to put safeguards in place.”
His eyes bore into mine. “The woman of your dreams may be the very one that takes you down. Trust me on this, son. I experienced it with your mother. I know what I’m talking about.”
My mother did a number on him. Since she left, he hasn’t had a serious relationship, and he says he hates her. But sometimes, I wonder if he still loves her. The line between love and hate is thin.
“The way I feel about Dorothy is the real thing. I love her, Dad. And if I can get her to see I could provide her with a great life full of closeness and a deep connection, then I’ll marry her.” My heart tightens, my hands sweat, and my pulse pounds in my ears.
Telling my dad how deeply I care about Dorothy brings out my insecurities and vulnerabilities in full force. He could shut this down immediately. Worse, he could take this to the board and get her fired. That would ruin everything between her and me.
Jonah interjects, “Dad, Hunter’s been dating her for a while. If she wanted to take down the company, she would’ve put something in motion. And she’s had a few opportunities to do it, but she hasn’t. Give her a chance. Let him take her to the ball and witness it for yourself.”
“Christ, Hunter. You’ve been in a relationship with her without talking to me about it? That’s the most egregious thing I’ve heard all day.” My dad shakes his head as he spears me with a look of disappointment. “It’s time you fill me in on everything.”
I spend the next thirty minutes spilling my guts about our relationship, leaving out the parts that don’t put Dorothy in the best light.
By the end, Dad finally agrees with our plan to take Melanie and Dorothy to the ball as long as we present it as a group function. He also gives me the green light to bring her to Christmas dinner.
Things may finally be falling into place. Now, if only I could get her to see it for herself.
I’m in my bathroom, freshening up from my anxiety producing meeting with my dad.
Seeing Jamison earlier wasn’t expected, and talking to him wasn’t even something I considered.
But if I’m going to make myself a better man, I can’t have threats hanging over someone’s head. And I can only hope he listens to my warning because I’m afraid of what could happen if he doesn’t.
My mother delivering that chip to Ava can only mean one thing. Something sinister is in motion and Jamison unknowingly inserted himself into it.
And that right there is even more dangerous than if he knew. He won’t see it coming, which could lead him to his grave. A growing iron vest covers me as I try not to think about what my mother has in store.
Dorothy and Melanie’s voices carry down the hall and into my bathroom. I take a second to enjoy the laughter. I didn’t think I’d hear the sound from Dorothy for a while. Melanie seems to be the key. My insides warm with their joy.
I check my reflection in the mirror. I’d like to say I appear relaxed, but the stress of this situation is scratching away my brave exterior. My red eyes and the dark circles forming underneath them are a dead giveaway.
As I venture out, Dorothy and Melanie come into view, wrestling on the floor.
I thought only boys did that.
Dorothy tries to pry something away from Melanie’s hands. “Give it to me.”
She swipes her leg up and pushes her foot into Melanie’s hip for leverage. Melanie tries to curl into a ball, bringing her clutched fists to her stomach.
“Not on your life, sweet pea.” She grunts and tries to roll away from Dorothy.
I stop and lean against the wall.
Dorothy’s red in the face and desperately trying to peel Melanie’s hand off the item. But Melanie twists away again and almost breaks free. Dorothy grabs a fistful of Melanie’s hair, stopping her.
“You dirty little bitch.” Melanie laughs through her words. “You sure you wanna play that way? I’m the filthiest bitch you’ll ever know.”
She takes one hand and karate chops Dorothy’s pressure point in her neck. Dorothy’s eyelids flutter.
“Okay. That’s enough.” I rush in to break up their fight before Melanie takes Dorothy out.
I get to Melanie first and lift the tiny little devil off the floor.
“What the hell, Hunter? I was about to win.” She wiggles in my arms.
Dorothy pops to her feet. “Butcha didn’t.”
She laughs like a madwoman and Melanie bursts out along with her.
They’re insane, so I join them in their crazed exchange—I can’t help it.
I laugh as I place Melanie’s feet on the floor.
She holds out her phone. “You still want this? Huh? Huh? I dare ya to come and get it.”
I snatch it out of her hands. “The fighting is done for the day.”
She spins to me with her mouth hanging open .
Dorothy juts out her chin. “Betcha didn’t expect to have a two-on-one.”
Something flickers in Melanie’s eyes. “Was that an invitation?”
Damn.
This just got interesting.
“Um…no. But…” Dorothy stammers. “What the hell, Melanie? Why would you bring sex into this? We were having fun.”
“And we can continue to if that’s what you want.” She slides into my arms and runs her palm down my front.
I grab her wrist in the nick of time. She was about two inches from my dick.
“Not today, Melanie.” I glance at Dorothy.
She has a frightened glow in her eyes. “Good God. That took a strange turn.”
She strides toward the sofa near the gigantic window she loves gazing through.
I show Melanie her phone. “What’s this about, anyway?”
“Oh, nothing.” She takes the phone out of my hand. “I was just going to have a little chat with one Isabella Carter. Dori didn’t want me to and attacked me.”
My stomach wrenches. Them talking about Isabella can’t be good for me.
Dorothy spins to us. “Hunter, Mel was going to make matters worse.”
I nod. “I’m sure she was.”
“Wait until you hear my side of the story.” Melanie stabs her thumb into her chest. “Isabella called me earlier when we were in the hot tub. She was asking all sorts of questions, digging for information on you and Dori. Actually, she was asking for details about everyone’s lives. I’m telling you, she’s dangerous.”
Anxiety creeps up my spine. “Dangerous? How so? ”
Dori chews on her thumbnail and flashes me a fake smile when she notices me staring at her.
“Isabella’s up to something.” Melanie strolls to the kitchen. “I don’t know what it is, but she asked questions that aren’t normal for someone who just met all of us.”
Katy appears from down the hall. “Sorry, Hunter.”
I glance her way. “For what?”
“It’s my fault.” She stops near the foyer. “I had to make a call in your study. They got out of hand before I could break it up.”
Dorothy walks to where Melanie is and gives me a guilt-ridden, lopsided smile as she passes. They huddle in the corner near the door to the wine cellar. I’ve always said she confuses the fuck out of me, but now I’m upside down and confused.
I face Katy. “I feel like I’m missing something.”
“They barely ate anything and had three espresso martinis each.” She shrugs an apology. “They may have also gotten into your wine collection.”
“Well, that explains a lot. I’ll take it from here. Go home and enjoy the rest of the weekend. I’ll text if I need anything.” I show her to the front door.
So Melanie and Dorothy are drunk.
This should be fun.
I return to them in the kitchen. They’re sitting at the island, staring at me like I’m going to scold them.
“It sounds like you two ladies had a fun day, but you need to eat. What do you want?” I round the counter and stand on the other side.
“I’m not hungry.” Dorothy slides off her stool and moseys into the bar area.
I should stop her, but she’s dealing with a lot, so her escaping for one day won’t hurt.
“Can we have the chicken parm that’s in the fridge?” Melanie joins Dorothy .
“Pasta it is.” I fix them a late lunch while they thumb through the wine selection.
They pick out a nice cab and get themselves a drink. Dorothy pours one for me and brings it over. That little action releases tiny butterflies in my chest.
They get back on the stools and watch me prepare the meal. Having them here has happiness balloon in my chest.
“You cook too.” Melanie rests her chin in her palm. “But I have to ask. If you love my best friend, why hurt her like you did?”
“Melanie!” Dorothy slaps Melanie’s arm.
Concrete fills my stomach. I deserve the question, but I didn’t expect it at this exact moment.
Dorothy turns to me. “I’m sorry, Hunter. She just doesn’t know when to stop.”
I smile with understanding. “It’s fine. Melanie’s question is fair. She’s looking out for you and that’s what friends do.”
Melanie nods and looks at Dorothy. “See. It’s a good thing I’m the way I am.”
I step in before they argue. “My behavior hasn’t always been the best. I’ve manhandled her, manipulated our relationship, and hurt her in ways I didn’t think I would, but I’m trying to make up for that.
“I’ve never loved anyone like I love her, and I’m trying to be a better man for her. Hopefully, she’ll see that. And if she does, I plan on showing her that every day for the rest of our lives.”
Melanie jabs her finger at me across the island. “I hope you mean that because if you hurt her again, you’ll be answering to me.”
“Duly noted. But I don’t plan on causing her any more pain.” I turn, put the chicken parmesan in the oven, and grab some pasta to boil.
Dorothy’s staring at me warily when I turn back. My throat constricts and I shrink while Melanie runs her hand across Dorothy’s back, soothing her.
“I believe you mean that, Hunter.” Melanie squeezes Dorothy’s shoulders. “But what are you going to do about the big problem that’s getting ready to take center stage between you and Dori?”
My concern spikes. “What problem is that?”
“Isabella,” Dorothy whispers.
“What about her?” I ask.
Dorothy rolls back her shoulders. “She wants something from you. We can’t figure it out, but Melanie’s right. She’s trying to get her claws into you.”
Those words have me wanting to run for the hills because Isabella’s made it known she’s not stopping until she gets what she wants. And what she wants is me.
Not only are Ava and my mother threatening my future with Dorothy, but now Isabella has joined their fight. I’m outnumbered, and it’s beginning to look like I might lose this war, which will leave me shredded and beyond repair.