Chapter 27
CHAPTER 27
I ran down the steps of the plane like a bomb was about to go off. I didn’t say goodbye to Tyler or the pilot. I couldn’t stay there any longer. The sadness in her eyes, broke my heart. It took everything in me to be strong for her. She was doing the right thing. It made perfect sense in my head, but in my heart, it was wrong. All logic of allowing her this time to do what she needed to do and make the decision herself all went out the door. All I felt was regret and the impending sense of doom returned with a vengeance, but this time the stakes were much higher than screwing up my business.
While I knew in my heart she was the one for me, I didn’t tell her. I didn’t mention my own plans for our future because she was my future. At a minimum, I should have taken her back to school myself.
I sat in my car, squeezing and releasing the steering wheel and watching the plane taxi down the runway. I had to figure something out because I would not survive a year without her. Hell, I wasn’t going to survive the next minute.
I started the car and drove back to The Quad. I left the car with the keys in the ignition and ignored the staff, who attempted to greet me. I jogged across the lobby and ran up three flights of stairs and barreled into Josh’s office without knocking.
“I can’t let her go.” I blinked and settled back on my heels. The two Asian gentlemen in matching black suits and white shirts and black ties stood up and buttoned their jackets.
“Mr. Grant.” The shorter one, greeted me with outstretched hands. “It’s good to see you.”
“Mr. Takashi.” I shook his hand and gave him a slight bow. He eyed my casual attire up and down. I smoothed down my shirt and shook the other gentlemen’s hand.
“You remember my second, Mr. Soto.” Mr. Takashi said.
“Yes, of course.” I stepped back toward the door.
“Please, Mr. Grant, it seems you have a pressing matter and our business with Mr. Burroughs is complete.” He bowed, his associate followed suit, and they scurried out the door.
I closed the door and shook my head. I collapsed into the chair opposite Josh’s desk and rubbed my beard.
“Well, that was professional.” Josh slunk off his suit jacket and hung it on the coat rack in the corner. “I didn’t think you were giving her up, just giving her some freedom.”
“Yeah, that was the idea.” I sat up.
“But” Josh sat on the edge of his desk.
“But I didn’t think I would miss her so much.” I wrung my hands together. “Or that she would look so sad when she left.”
“What did you think?” Josh chuckled. “Daddy/little relationship is not something easy to walk away from. I saw the way you were with each other . . . all in. It’s going to take a minute for it to settle back to normal.”
“I don’t want to settle back to normal.” I stood up.
“What happened to making sure she was with you because she wanted to be with you and not because she was forced to stay with you? What happened to giving her some freedom to decide what she really wants?” Josh stood and placed his hands on my shoulders. “What happened to letting it be her choice to come back?”
“What if she doesn’t come back?” I asked.
“Well, buddy.” He squeezed my shoulders. “I guess that’s a chance you are just going to have to take.”
His hands dropped to his sides. He shoved them in his pocket and winked at me.
He was right. I had thought this out, and it was the right thing to do. Give her some time and space and the opportunity to make the decision to be with me on her own. She knows how I feel about her. If she wants to come back, she can and if I must wait a few months or God forbid a year for her to come back, then fuck it. I’ll wait.
Right?!?!?!
“Fuck, that.” I shook my head and pushed past Josh into the hallway. He followed close behind.
“I’m heading to New York tonight.” Josh frowned. “And, then Paris on Friday. You want to hitch a ride.”
“Uhm,” I stopped and opened my mouth. Josh had a lot on his plate, and he needed to focus on business. Someone had to. I was going to be useless until I had my sweet Rayna in my arms again. “No, go ahead.” I stepped into my office, fell into the chair, and powered up my laptop.
“What are you going to do?” He stood in my doorway.
“I don’t know.” I tapped away on my computer. “But as soon as I figure it out, I’ll let you know.”
I pulled up a map of New Jersey near Rutger’s University. It showed the building where Rayna lived a few miles from campus. It showed a few other apartment buildings closer to campus, one right across the street. I looked up the building in question and, to my surprise, it was a new structure near completion. The grand opening was slated for three weeks. Just in time for the new semester.
I dug my phone out of my pocket and shot off a text.
Kyler: Check into this property. Inquire as to how much it would cost to rent for a year.
I sent her the link.
Joan: You want to rent an apartment in the building.
Kyler: No, I want to rent the whole building.
* * *
Kyler exited the plane, and I was two minutes from running after him. A champagne glass appeared in my hand again. I didn’t pause. I down it in one gulp.
Tyler flopped into the seat next to me with another glass. I reached for it.
“Maybe you should slow down.”
I grunted.
“Okay, here.” He handed me the glass. “But that is it until you get some food in you.”
Great, just what I need. Another Grant brother telling me what to do.
I sipped the next glass.
“Listen, I know you're sad, but it’s going to be alright.” Tyler buckled his seat belt.
“No, it’s not.” I said between sips.
“Sure.” Tyler shrugged. “I’m sure you’ll be back together soon.”
“Listen.” I mocked him. “Could you sit somewhere else, please?”
“Why?” He narrowed his eyes.
“Because, I’ve been holding it in for the last three days and I’d rather not have an audience when the damn breaks.” I blinked, but one tear escaped.
“Oh, Rayna.” Tyler sighed. “Kyler is stubborn, but he’s doing what is best for you.”
“Breaking up with me, is what’s best for me?” The plane moved and my stomach flipped.
“He didn’t break up with you.”
“Yes, he did.” I peeked out the window. “If he didn’t, then where is he? Why isn’t he coming with me? Why didn’t he ask me to stay?”
“Did he actually say, I’m breaking up with you?” Tyler turned in his seat to face me.
“Putting me on the first thing out of Vegas is a pretty good indication.” I downed the rest of the champagne. I waved the glass. Tyler took it from me. The plane took a left turn and proceeded down the runway.
“Is anyone flying this plane?” I giggled.
“I hope so.” He looked toward the cockpit.
“Mr. Grant.” A deep voice came out of a speaker above us. “We are cleared for takeoff. Please make sure you and your guest are seated with your seat belts fastened. I’ll update you on our flight time when we are at our cruising altitude.”
“See. Pilots up there doing his thing.” Tyler took my hand. “Relax. You’re perfectly safe.”
“Why are you being nice to me?” I took my hand back. “You don’t even like me.”
“Why would you think that?” He looked taken aback. “I don’t even know you.”
“You called me a brat.”
He blinked.
“At dinner on Friday, you told Kyler to keep his brat in check.” I pouted.
“It was a term of endearment.” He waved it off and took my hand again. “And, if I recall you called me one to my face.”
“I call’em like I see them.” I shook my head.
“Takes one to know one.” He shook his head back at me.
We stared daggers into each other’s eyes before we both exploded into giggles. I knew he was a little. Now, I just had to make him admit it.
“I have no doubt you a Kyler belong together.” Tyler took my hand.
“Too bad, Kyler doesn’t think so.” I frowned.
“Rayna, all of this happened so fast, he probably trying to organize some thing’s and allow you to get back to your own life before he makes some grand gesture.” He petted my hand like I was a puppy. “You guys were thrown together from a dangerous situation and maybe he wants you to make sure you really want to be with him. And, he is the head of a billion-dollar enterprise, so it’s not like he can run off at the drop of a hat. He has responsibilities. I promise you. The two of you will be together in no time. Now, what would you like for breakfast?”
His words offered no comfort. He was right about one thing. It might have been better if Kyler told me he had broken up with me. This unknown limbo feeling was messing with my mind. He loved me, but he let me go. We didn’t have a discussion on when we’d see each other. Would he come to me? Did I go to him? Would he even be my Daddy anymore?
The plane took off. I gripped the armrest. Tyler continued stroking my other hand. It creeped me out. Why was he being so agreeable? He had a lightness to him. It wasn’t there two days ago. He looked happy.
Great. Even the grouchy one in the group had found his joy. I thought I could at least count on him for a sulk session. I’ll have to sulk alone.
Tears dripped down my face and I didn’t bother wiping them away.
The speaker squawked again. “We have reached our cruising altitude. Our flight time to Newark will be four hours and two minutes. Let us know if there is anything we can do to make you flight more comfortable.”
That was it. I’d give myself four hours and two minutes to cry and feel every bit of my broken heart. Then I had to get over it and get on with my life.
* * *
The plane landed at a private airport in Newark. We didn’t have to go inside the terminal, two black SUVs pulled right up to the tarmac. An older gentleman with grey hair wore a black suit and fedora stood near the front car. A younger guy in jeans and a white button down with a blond pompadoured blowing in the wind stood by the second car.
As we came to a stop, I unbuckled my seatbelt, stood and stretched. Tyler was on his phone. I followed him down the steps.
“Hi Jasper.” Tyler greeted the older guy. “Robbie.” He hugged him. They seemed like friends. “Thanks for coming.”
“Please, you threaten me with life and limb.” Robbie giggled.
“Ms. Smith.” Jasper tipped his hat in my direction. “My name’s Jasper. I am at your service.”
“Rayna.” I nodded.
“Nice to meet you, Rayna.” He nodded back. “I’ll get your bags and we’ll be on our way.”
“Rayna, this is my best friend, Robbie.” He pulled Robbie over to me. My feet seemed to be glued to the ground. It felt surreal to be on the other side of the country, so far away from the last three months.
“Hi.” I waved.
“Nice to meet you.” He looked me up and down.
“Jasper’s going to take you to your place.” Tyler took my arm and pulled me toward the front car. “You can use him for the day if you want to get some groceries or something.”
“I could get an Uber.” I stepped away.
“Nope. Kyler insists.” He opened the back seat of the car. Jasper came back around the plane with two huge suitcases in tow. The flight attendant had my bag, and another rolling carry on. Tyler packed a lot for two days.
Jasper put the suitcases in the back of the SUV.
“Those aren’t mine.” I pointed to my small suitcase. “Just that one.”
“I’m pretty sure those belong to you, too.” Tyler grinned. “I’m a clothes whore, but even I don’t need two bags for a thirty-six-hour trip.”
Robbie giggled next to him. I wondered if Robbie knew Tyler was a little. It didn’t matter. I had more important things to worry about. Like what the heck was in those suitcases.
“Give me your phone.” Tyler held his hand out.
I searched in my backpack, found my phone, and unlocked it, hoping to find a text from Kyler. Nothing. I handed it to Tyler.
“I’m giving you my number.” He typed into the contact’s screen. “You need anything or just want to talk, give me a call.”
He had sent himself a text to get my number. He leaned in and kissed both my cheeks. “Take care, little Rayn Drop.” He winked and shut me into the car.
Jasper slid into the driver’s seat.
“Ms. Rayna,” He half turned in his seat. “Where to?”
I gave him my address, and we were off.
We pulled up in front of my apartment twenty minutes later. The place looked the same. Run down and kind of scary. I chalked it up to my new appreciation for the finer things in life.
“I have to get the key from the leasing office. Can you give me a minute?” I slid out of the back seat.
“Of course.”
I scampered up the stairs and into the building. The office was to the left of the entrance. I didn’t recognize the woman sitting behind the front desk.
“Hi.” I smiled. “My names Rayna Smith. I need to pick up my key for room 305.”
She barely looked up. She typed something into her computer.
“What was your name again?” She asked.
“Rayna Smith.”
“I don’t have a Rayna Smith moving in today.” She scrunched her face up and sucked her teeth.
“I’ve lived here for the last two years.” I tried to keep my voice strong. “305.”
She typed on her computer again and then turned the monitor to face me. “Nope. No Rayna Smith.” She pointed. “And 305 is not being rented this semester.”
“What are you talking about?” She turned the monitor back toward her, but I grabbed it and turned it back. I read down the list of apartments and my name wasn’t on it. “You rented out my apartment?”
“You know, when you move out for the summer, you have to submit a request if you’re returning the next semester.” She grabbed the computer again. “We don’t just hold the room open.”
“I did.”
Her phone rang.
“Apparently you didn’t.” She tilted her head.
I flicked my thumb and forefinger back and forth.
“Good afternoon, Pinewood Apartments, this is Gina. How may I help you today?” Her sugary sweet greeting contrasted with the bitch glare she threw in my direction.
I picked up my bag and walked back out into the lobby. Jasper stood by the back of the truck, ready to pull my bags out. What was I going to tell him? I had nowhere else to go. I should have him unload my stuff and let him go, then figure something out. I couldn’t let it get back to Kyler or Tyler that I couldn’t take care of myself.
I placed a smile on my face and opened the door, and stepped out.
“Rayna Smith.” A voice rang out from behind me. “Rayna.”
A tall blonde in a black business suit and heels stepped out and shielded her eyes from the sun. “Are you Rayna Smith?”
“Yes.”
Jasper stepped toward me.
“I’m so sorry.” She was out of breath. “I thought I would be back before you arrived.” She took a big exhale.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“I’m Ella.” She pushed her hair behind her ear. “I manage the building.”
“You rented my apartment out?” I grunted.
“No. Of course not. Never mind Gina, she was supposed to call me when you arrived, but.” She waved her off. “Some of our apartments were damaged this summer with a pipe bursting and the renovations are going slow.”
What little hope I had, faded.
“But” she held her hands clasped in front of her. “We are so fortunate to be able to put you up in our new building on Cooper Street. It just opened for this semester, but it isn’t full, so we were able to secure you a furnished studio.” She took a folder out of the bag slung over her arm. “Here’s the address and all the information.”
She handed me the folder. On the front was a sketch rendering of a high-rise building, morphing into a photo of the actual building. The whole campus talked about this new building going up, but I didn’t realize it would be open for the fall semester.
“I can’t afford this place.”
“Oh, no. The rent will be the same because of the mishap with your apartment here.” She motioned toward the lobby. “When you get to the building, ask for Jules or Daniel and they will get you settled. My card is in the folder. If you have any problems, give me a call.”
I looked up at her, and she nodded. “Okay, thank you.”
“You are welcome.” I took one step toward Jasper. “You’re going to love it there.”
I held the folder up and then went back to the car.
“It seems I’ve moved.”
Jasper looked confused.
“My apartment was damaged, and they put me up at their new property.” I gave Jasper the address and hopped back into the car, and we were off. My old apartment was a good twenty-minute walk to campus. We pulled into the new building in no time, and it was directly across the street from the Liberal Arts Building.
We pulled up into the circular driveway and two people stood outside looking official. A man and woman, both dressed in similar black suits. The guy had blond hair and dark eyes, but the woman had a fiery red hair and a resting bitch face. When I stepped out, her face transformed, and she smiled.
“Rayna Smith.” She approached first. “Hi. I’m Jules, and this is Daniel.”
“Welcome to the Stonegate.” They both said in unison.
Daniel wheeled a luggage cart over to the car and helped Jasper retrieve my bags
“We’ll take you on up to your place so you can get settled.” Jules approached the elevator. We followed. She and Daniel went back and forth, telling me about the amenities and features of the place. I barely listened. We got off on the seventh floor and turned left. Halfway down the hall, we arrived at my apartment, 508.
Jules opened the door and then stepped to the side.
I peered inside and gasped. It was beautiful. It was a large rectangular shaped room with a small L shape to the right. The small kitchen and living room were separated by a bar with four chairs. The stainless-steel appliances shined like new. The living room had a beige couch with a chaise lounge on one end. A coffee table sat in front and an overstuffed chair by the window. A half wall separated the living room from the bedroom where a queen-size bed and nightstand sat. I walked around inside the apartment. A desk was built into the other side of the half wall. I sat my backpack on the desk.
Jules had laid out some papers on the island.
“Jasper, you can bring those in here.” I motioned toward the wall next to the bed and the bathroom.
“Yes, ma’am.” He left the cart in the hallway and hauled the bags in.
“We just need you to sign a few papers and we’ll be out of your hair.” Daniel waved a pen in my direction. The paperwork seemed legit. The rent was the same as my old apartment. I looked at both Daniel and Jules, but they patiently waited for me to finish reading the lease. Kyler would be proud.
Jasper stood off to the side while Jules continued to tell me about the apartment.
“If you need anything, give us a call.” Jules patted the folder and then left the key fob for my place on the counter.
“Thank you.” I walked them toward the door.
When they left, I turned to Jasper. “You must need to get going.”
“If you like, I could run you to the store or make me a list and I can go shopping for you.” He looked around the space. “I’d hate to leave you here without provisions.”
“Really, I’ll be fine.” I walked back over to the door and opened it. “I’m exhausted. I need to get some sleep before dealing with all of that.”
“You have to eat, young lady.” Jasper frown.
His concern brought tears to my eyes. I had no one to take care of me anymore and I missed it all ready. “There’s a sandwich place and a grocery store in the shopping center next door. I’ll be fine.”
After a few seconds, he nodded. “Okay.” He stepped into the hallway. “If you need me for anything, please let Tyler know. After dealing with the Grant boys all my life, it’s nice to see a young lady in the mix.”
“Oh, I’m —”
“Good night Ms. Smith.” He tilted his fedora and headed toward the elevator. “Lock up now and be safe.”
I narrowed my eyes but did as he said.
No point in arguing with him about being in the mix. I had been deposited here in Jersey a long way from the Grant men and their way of life.