Chapter 9
Robert had to admit to himself that he had run away. He could have sent someone over to deal with the problem. His company employed the best people that money could buy and he had more than enough people who could have flown over to deal with things.
If Sonya had invited him in or if she had suggested that she would come over to his place, he would not have hesitated or even thought of leaving.
But her rejection had cut deep. He had poured himself – all of him into her over the last few days and to have her telling him basically that she needed space had been a big letdown. Hell, it had been more than that. It had broken his heart, broken him into tiny pieces.
Now he was here in his hotel room, wondering if he should call her. The flight had been uneventful and had given him time to contemplate and brood. The briefcase stacked with documents had not held his attention for very long.
Not to mention the fact that the flight attendant, kept hovering, a clear invitation in her light green eyes. He made a mental note to have her transferred elsewhere. He was and never had been one to dip into the company pool. That was cause for disaster and the beginning of complications, he would rather avoid.
Even if he was not helplessly and hopelessly in love with Sonya, he would not even be thinking about it.
But the woman serving him brandy at his request was the least of his problem. Also, the problems brewing at the soybean factory. That could easily be dealt with.
He was accustomed to rooting out problems and dealing with them accordingly. His reputation of being ruthless was well earned. He was a street fighter, had spent years clawing to the top to allow anything or anyone to take it away from him.
He was careful not to think too highly of himself. He had achieved greatness and he was grateful for what it afforded him. But he knew that fortunes could tumble. He had seen men go through millions in just weeks, companies destroyed by arrogance and carelessness.
Robert had learned from other people mistakes. He was very hands on. He had studied business and software in college and taught himself several languages. He dealt with a lot of foreign associates and did not trust anyone to interpret anything for him. A lot got lost in translation.
He knew the names of every manager he had on payroll and what they earned. He was very short on trust and was very cautious who he let into his inner circle. He had had a few slip through the cracks.
One Harvard genius had come to work for him with the intention of spying on the company. The man had been paid to do just that. It had taken several weeks, but the leak had been discovered and Robert had dealt with him personally.
He had enemies. One did not achieve so much without stepping on toes. He was forceful in business, but fair. He did not believe in stamping down anyone. He would swoop in to take over a company, but it had to be thoroughly investigated first. People were constantly surprised by his moves.
A small software company had come up for sale, because it was going bankrupt. But after careful investigation, it turned out that one of the managers had been secretly stealing money and putting it into an offshore account.
The company was owned and operated by a family and had been in that family for generations. Robert had taken that into consideration and sorted it out.
He had loaned the money to the family and had his own team sort things out for them. He did not believe in adding to someone’s family. If it had been discovered that someone in the family had been the culprit, he would not have hesitated to buy them out.
Ignoring the dinner that had been brought to his suite, he stood at the window staring out at the bleak horizon. The hotel was one of his and had been remodeled over the past year to retain its elegance and ‘old world’ look. It constantly surprised him when he was shown deference.
People sprang to attention whenever he was around and the manager himself had bustled out to ask if there was anything he needed. The man had looked anxious, and Robert had seen the quick glance he took around the lobby to ensure that everything was up to the usual standard.
Sonya. He name settled in his subconscious and it took only that to have him yearning. What was she doing now? He wondered. Walking back to his desk, he opened the drawer and took out the folder he had on her. A smile touched his lips as he wondered what she would make of it.
He had her discreetly checked into, not because he suspected anything untoward, but because he wanted it for his own personal satisfaction. His security detail had taken several candid shots of her. The photos did not do her justice. Using a finger, he traced the delicate cure of her cheek.
It did not capture the sparkle of her dark brown eyes or properly pin down the smooth complexion. Neither did it capture the whiteness of her teeth or the lush shape of her lips. Or the taste of her, the sweet addictive taste of her lips. Ones he had become obsessed with. Ones he was crying out for now.
Closing the folder with a snap, he shoved from the chair and went to pour himself a large glass of scotch. He had an early meeting tomorrow, but he needed something to make him go to sleep. Something to take the edge off the desire raging through his body.
*****
“Darling, is everything all right? You seem a little distracted?”
Realizing belatedly that she had been toying with her pasta salad, Sonya forced a smile to her lips. She should not have agreed to the luncheon with her mother, but it had been necessary.
Deidre was the executive of several accounts and was also a top player on several of the charities that Sonya oversaw. Her mother had a powerful presence. She would prefer to have complete control but was forced to bide her time.
“I am a little tired.”
“You do look a little worse for wear.”
“Thanks, mother,” she said dryly.
“Well, it’s true. How long will your husband be away and why are you not with him?”
“He said a week or less and he knows I have work to do. I simply cannot drop everything and follow him around.” She was aware that she sounded defensive but could not help it. It has been two days since he left, and she had not heard a word from him.
It bothered her that she was feeling hurt and abandoned, which was ridiculous. They did not owe each other anything and he happened to be a very busy man.
“I saw him on TV just last night. He has presence and is very scary when making a point.” Deidre’s lips curved slightly. “I have to admit that I quite admire him. And you were right to choose him darling, he is a brilliant man and attractive in a harsh sort of way.” A frown touched her brow.
“But I noticed how taken he is with you. He couldn’t take his eyes off you at the wedding and at the reception, he was determined to keep you next to him. I hope he makes you happy.”
“You know I am never one to depend on another person for my happiness.”
Diedre stared at her for a few seconds before picking up her wine glass and taking a delicate sip. They were at the Café la Monde again, but at this time of the day, the place was practically empty.
“You are determined to prove that you are an independent woman and that is admirable. But there comes a time when a woman needs a man, not only in her bed, but by her side to act as support. You are no different from the rest of us, you know.”
“I certainly am not going to use a man as a crutch.”
“And you think that’s what I do?” Taking another sip of the wine, Diedre put away the glass. “Perhaps you are right. I have always known how beautiful I am. I was constantly told by my mother who urged me to use it to my advantage. I did that and when I met your father, he was bowled over.” She shook her head.
“But he was different from all the other men vying for my attention. As smitten as he was, he never allowed me to walk all over him. He loved me, really loved me and it took me a while to figure it out.” She stared at her daughter.
“I loved him too, so damn much and when he died, he took the best part of me with him. I was angry with him for leaving me, for leaving us.” She sighed softly. “I married all those men out of defiance as well as trying to recapture what I had with your father. I never did and I don’t think, I ever will.”
Sonya had no idea how to process all that information. Her mother had never spoken to her this way before and it left her shaken.
“I had no idea.”
“How could you?” She shrugged elegantly. “It was my business and speaking about it was not something I felt comfortable doing. Now it is up to you to discover what you feel about your husband and decide what to do about it. What you do, your charities are all well and good, but at the end of it, you will need someone.”
*****
She was a fan of the opera and should have been enjoying the performance, but her mind was not on what was happening on stage. She had finally given into the pressure of attending with a few friends.
It was four days since he had left, and he had not called. She had suffered first from anger and then had settled into resentment and then jealousy. Her mind was working overtime.
Perhaps he had gone there with someone. And had given her the excuse about having a crisis. But she had seen the evidence in the papers and on the internet. Robert Faulkner was news and apparently taking over the factory was a big deal, big enough to be reported on CNN and other major networks.
So, he was where he said he would be. And apparently making waves. But what was he doing with his nights? Was he with someone? Doing the things with her that he did while they were at the cottage? Damn him for making her so insecure and constantly thinking of him. Why hadn’t he called? Was it punishment for turning him away?
Determined to shake him from her mind, she concentrated fiercely on what was happening in front of her.
It was an Italian play, and the soprano was brilliant, her voice sultry and provocative. The scenes were well put together and incredibly moving. For the duration, she was caught up in the acts and felt herself riveted and moving to the edge of her seat until it was all over.
“What do you think?” Arlene Buckingham was a brilliant environmental lawyer and an acquaintance of hers.
“I think it was worth the exorbitant fee.”
The older woman laughed softly as they made their way to the front of the theater where the others were waiting for them. “I completely agree. We have a reservation at Kelly’s. Care to join us?”
“Why the hell not.”
And she had to admit that being among friends and having an excellent meal had made her forget her problems. But when she got home, they came back full force.
*****
“Michael, I am sorry, but I am swamped today. You could not have chosen a worse time to call. I have meetings…”
“I really need to see you Sonya.” He sounded tense and harried.
“What’s this about?”
“Something I cannot discuss over the phone. Can you meet me?”
She glanced at her appointments and let out an irritated sigh. “I have two meetings that I absolutely cannot reschedule.” She bit her lip and decided to put off meeting a minor sponsor. “All right, how does four sound? It’s the best I can do.”
“That will do. I will meet you at Sadie’s, he agreed, referring to a bar and grill several blocks away.
“I’ll be there. And Michael?”
“Yes?”
“Please don’t waste my time by being tardy.”
“I will be there before you.” He promised, something she seriously doubted. Hanging up from him, she went back to what she was doing. Five days and counting, she thought dismally.
She had called his office on the pretext that she had misplaced his number and asked the very efficient and proper assistant if she knew if he would be back on Friday and the woman had told her that she had not heard from him in two days.
“He is staying at The Royale as you know, Mrs. Faulkner and he should still be there. As far as I am aware, he is still scheduled to be back on Friday.”
She missed him, there, she had said it. She missed him so much; it was affecting her thinking and everything else. What does that mean?
Glancing up at the knock on the door, she ushered Gloria in.
“Is he here?”
“With his wife,” she smiled slightly.
“They both look as if they are on a mission.”
“Good.” Firming her lips, Sonya gathered her files. “Where did you put them?”
“In the conference room. I also brought refreshments in.”
“Thanks. Wish me luck.”
“Honey, you don’t need it.” Gloria gave her teal blue suit an admiring look. “You’ve got this.”
*****
“I’d say this calls for a celebration.” Gloria was grinning like a Cheshire cat. “We should really stock on champagne. I am going to make a note of it.”
“Two million dollars.” Sonya could not blame the woman for her glee, she felt like dancing herself. “It was a hard sell and William Blagrove hesitated several times, but I pressed the point that the shelter is necessary for women who have been abused by their spouses and have nowhere to turn to.”
“I bet that got the attention of the wife,” Gloria had rummaged through a cabinet and produced a bottle of sherry. “This will do.” She set about opening the bottle pouring the wine into two glasses. “You did your research.”
“We did the research. I hated to use the woman’s past to get through to them, but I was desperate.”
“Honey, you did the right thing,” Gloria brought over the glass and handed it to her.
“I know. The place is really needed and after the last episode where that husband killed his wife, I was determined to do something about it.” Her expression turned morose. “I feel responsible.”
“You know that’s utter nonsense.”
“I keep telling myself that.” She took a sip of the wine and continued to reflect. “Sometimes I feel as if there is so much to be done and so little time to do it.” She sighed. “And here I go leaping ahead when I should be enjoying the win.”
“That’s what makes you so special.” Gloria looked up as the phone rang. “Now back to the real world. You are running a little behind.”
*****
He went to the club. His business was finished with, but he decided that he should stop off for a few days instead of going back home to his empty apartment. He had to decide where to go from here. The last few days had been hell for him but getting through the tangles of business had kept him steady.
Mrs. Glover, his very efficient and capable assistant had told him that his wife had called to find out if he would be back in the allotted time. The fact that she had not called him personally had pissed him off. She had his mobile as the hotel where he was staying. If she had wanted to talk to him, she would have extended the effort.
He was through making excuses for her.
So, with that in mind, he was here at the club, and it amused him to realize that he was rubbing shoulders with people who would not have looked in his direction when he was dirty and ragged and clawing his way out of poverty. Now he was highly respected and sought after. Money sure had a way of greasing the wheels.
He was not a country club type and had balked at the idea when it was suggested. But he had been told by his PR department that it would be particularly good for his image. And he had met some friends along the way who were also members.
He also knew the history of the place. A hundred or more years ago, he would not have been allowed to step foot in the hallowed halls, no matter how much money he had in his back account.
Mostly because of his background. In the distant past, one had to come from old money to be given a coveted membership. That had died out several years ago when old money was no longer in style. Hence, people like him could be admitted and revered.
But aside from the grandiose setting and lofty appearance of the place. Robert enjoyed the many and varied amenities his membership covered. The annual fee was exorbitant, but the Elite Club had gone from being exclusive, haughty, and prejudiced to being a haven for the very wealthy and a tremendous source of charitable functions.
‘The wives’ were always putting on one function after another. The African American presence in the once all white hallowed halls was another drastic change, something he was certain the ‘old boys’ still had a problem with. But they were so few in numbers, they did not really have a voice.
Striding into the lofty hallway, he made it to the bar tucked in between a very pretty and inviting blue and white salon and a card room. His bags had already been taken to the rooms he occupied whenever he was here.
The air was chilly, but that did not prevent several members from taking advantage of the full moon night by indulging in several games.
“The usual, sir?” The bartender asked him politely and he nodded.
He had not come for conversation, but he supposed it was inevitable. A scan around the room showed that several members were already leaving to go into the dining room where supper was being served. He had already eaten a full meal on the plane and was not in the least bit hungry.
He would have a drink or two and find a card game or a game of pool to take his mind off his problems.
“I’ll have one of what he’s drinking and please free to put it on his tab.” The sultry familiar voice sounded at his elbow and had the bartender looking at him.
With a nod of permission, he turned towards the stunning brunette. Emerald green eyes twinkled, reminding him why he had been so attracted to her in the first place.
He had broken things off with her, but in her usual inimitable manner, she had put it behind her and was not holding it against him.
“I had no idea you were into drinking bourbon,” he teased, shifting so that he was facing her.
“Is that what it is?” Her smile widened. “And here I thought it was Cabernet.” She pouted at him. “You owe me dinner.”
“I owe you a hell of a lot more than that. Might I say how very lovely you look tonight?”
“Flattery, darling? Works every time.” Thanking the man for the drink, she turned her attention back to Robert. “Where is the lovely wife?”
“At home, I imagine.”
Something in his voice had her lifting her brows. “Don’t tell me there’s trouble in paradise already?”
His expression became neutral as he took a sip of his drink. “Why would there be?”
She eyed him for a minute. “How about you buy me that dinner and tell me all about it and why I should not hate you terribly for breaking my heart.”
He grinned at her. “I sincerely doubt I have the power to do any such thing. But yes, dinner is a good idea and there is nothing to tell.” Taking his drink with him, he touched her elbow as they made their way towards the dining room.