Chapter 25
Vanessa
“So what are you going to do?” Amelia asked as she stood just inside my office door.
The question of the hour.
The day.
The week.
The year.
“I don’t know.” I shifted my hand and was immediately reminded I was engaged to be married.
The ring proved it. I stared at the giant bauble, uncertain of everything.
I’d listened to my father’s message three additional times and just by doing so had become even more enraged.
It was obvious my father didn’t want anything to do with me.
I’d tried talking to my mother, and while she’d answered her phone, she’d acted miffed I’d bothered calling her. Her excuse in getting off the phone? She had a luncheon to get ready for.
My father thought I was intent on doing what exactly? I didn’t have any idea what Christian wanted from me except perhaps trying to develop some twisted alliance between the two companies. I’d tried to tell him before that wasn’t possible, but as usual, the man was stubborn.
“You’re going to need to figure it out,” she said, frowning as she folded her arms, walking further into my office.
One line rang on her phone in the reception area followed by a second.
“Let me guess,” I barked. “Reporters.”
“We had a couple earlier this morning, but that’s not the bulk of calls. I can’t keep up with them.”
“Then what is it, hateful callers my father sent our way?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Uh, no. Suddenly, Perfect Pairing is a hot commodity. I’ve got people requesting everything under the sun from short-term to long-term gigs. I’m letting the answering service take a few calls. I’m exhausted.”
“Really?”
“Yep. That’s how being one hot tamale works, sunshine. You might consider this marriage caustic for you personally, but professionally it’s a goldmine. I’d keep that in mind before you end things abruptly. Now, what do you want me to do about the requests?”
“Rack ‘em and stack ‘em,” I said with a little glee in my voice. She didn’t get the movie reference. “Take names and numbers and see what you can fill easily. I’ll carry my laptop home with me so I can try to create a spreadsheet.” I wasn’t entirely certain how I felt about gaining business from lies.
At least the articles I’d read had faith we’d fallen head over heels in love.
How long would that remain intact?
I wouldn’t put it past my father to spread the news that my relationship was a ruse. What then?
“Okay, but which home will you be at?” Her smile was more wicked than normal.
“Ugh. I guess I’ll go back to his house.”
“You need to talk to him. From what you told me, you were with him all night and all day. I’m not certain when he had time to suddenly tip off reporters or make any social media announcements.”
I bit my lip and looked out the window. That was true and something I hadn’t thought about. He’d said almost nothing else on the way home after I’d demanded we leave Naples. He’d stood and stared at me then walked upstairs, leaving me to myself.
When I’d come down for coffee, the house had been empty.
“I know I do. I just don’t know what to say.”
“You said you enjoyed part of yesterday and that he was your rock with Donovan. That has to say something.”
She was right. I’d called Rosewood bright and early, expecting them to tell me he’d tried to escape or worse, but I’d gotten a brief glowing report.
Maybe whatever Christian had said had truly gotten through to my brother.
“I did and it does. You’re right.” I glanced at my now bare wall, already missing the neon sign.
Maybe the glow and show hadn’t been me at all.
Maybe I should offer services to companies who couldn’t afford to run a glitzy campaign.
Maybe.
The phone rang again and she groaned.
“Duty calls. Think about what I said. You’ll kick yourself if you don’t talk to him. I know you.”
I half laughed and glanced at the keys I’d tossed on my desk. Before I changed my mind, I closed my laptop lid and grabbed the canvas bag from the bottom drawer. I could work a few hours before he got home. Then we would talk. Really talk.
Whether he liked it or not.
The house was quiet when I walked in, which allowed me to breathe easier. I’d taken my little beat-up car to the office, refusing to continue living the lie. I’d felt much more myself than I had in a few days.
Just wearing the ring was enough of a reminder.
With it being so quiet in the house, I found myself tiptoeing toward the kitchen where I planned on setting up the laptop. At least I’d have a lovely view of the afternoon sun.
As soon as I walked in, I felt a sense of sadness. The silliness we’d shared a couple of nights before seemed like weeks ago now. How strange that I could feel so differently about him from one minute to the next.
Sighing, I headed to the table and instantly, a jolt of electricity shot through me.
I lifted my head, realizing I’d sucked in my breath.
There he was sitting under one of the four umbrellas by his pool, seemingly staring at the water.
With his eyes covered by dark shades, it was impossible to tell.
I stood by the window, watching him intently.
The only movement was when he brought a bottle of beer to his lips. He was barefoot, still sitting in his trousers and starched shirt. At least he’d removed his tie and had unbuttoned his shirt, rolling up the sleeves.
As with so many times before, there was much to say, but reservations on how to get started. The difference was that there was an ache deep inside that refused to go away, a pull to not only talk to him, but to just be in his presence.
We certainly had our differences, but there were many things about him I wanted to like. No, that I did like. Maybe too much.
I placed my laptop case on the kitchen table and took off the thin jacket I’d worn. At least I’d worn long business shorts and a sleeveless top since the day was scorching. Or maybe I was just hot and bothered from the thought of being near the man.
Half laughing, I took off my shoes and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator door, popping the top. After donning my sunglasses, I headed to the door.
Very quietly I headed outside, trying to make no noise whatsoever. Yet the moment I was only a few feet away, he stiffened.
“I thought you’d left.”
I was surprised hearing his words. “You could have checked my bedroom. My clothes are still in the closet.” Moving closer, I chose the chair on the other side of the table, sitting down and facing the pool as he was doing.
We remained quiet for what seemed like an eternity and I hated the tension. I’d had enough of that in my lifetime with my dad and my former home life.
“I understand why you can’t believe me, but I wouldn’t betray you that way. I knew you needed time to know what to say to your father.”
“You know what? It wouldn’t have mattered if I’d taken all the time in the world. Not only does he not care if I am happy, but he also obviously wouldn’t consider doing any business with your company. My dad thinks he’s king of the world.”
He chuckled. “Mine does as well. Just another cog in a wheel to help keep the momentum going and the money flowing.”
“Well, you certainly have plenty of money. At least I’m getting more calls now that I’m marrying a famous man.”
“More calls?”
“For business. I’m fashionable again.” I laughed sadly. Bitterly. I hated it. I used to be basically a happy person. Okay, maybe not.
“I’m glad. Have you heard from Donovan?”
“He’s not allowed calls yet, but he’s doing well. I know it’s only been twenty-four hours, but during one rehab stint, he managed to climb out a sixth-story window within two hours of being there. He was AWOL for two weeks after that.” I lifted my bottle as if in salute to the feat, taking a sip.
“My brother did that as well. Exactly the same thing except eight stories. The asshole almost broke his neck, but it didn’t keep him from getting a fix.”
Choking, I spit out the gulp. “What? Your brother?”
He huffed. “My brother. Isn’t it funny how our lives were dragged along similar paths?”
“But he’s doing well. Right?” I’d seen his brother’s pictures in the various tabloids. He looked hot and happy, another rich kid enjoying life.
“He’s not doing well. When I confronted him today, he was coming off a high of God knows what. At least he had the decency to admit he’d leaked the information.”
“Why did he do it?” I could tell he wasn’t lying. There was too much pain in his voice.
“I don’t honestly know. Maybe jealousy. Dad never saw him seriously for several reasons including the drugs.”
“Like Donovan, although my brother wanted a career in football, which my father thought was stupid. At least Donovan was exceling in what he loved. NFL scouts were looking at him. Then the horrible game where he was tackled. Well, Dad got his way when my brother was injured. He’d forced Donovan to study marketing, something he hated.
All because we were supposed to follow in our father’s footsteps. Anyway. Enough sad stories.”
“I hope you can trust me, Vanessa, but I don’t know how that’s possible. You’ve been right about me all along. I’m nothing but a conniving businessman who will use anything to make money. I’ve done some bad things in my life, including with the contract you signed.”
“How?”
“If I want out, I can get out without paying you a fucking dime beyond what you’ve already received.” He lifted the bottle, laughing so bitterly I was stunned.
“What? Why didn’t my attorney find that?”
“Because Michael is that much better. Don’t worry. A new one will be signed, but you’ll need to trust me that I’ll protect you no matter what.”
I had no idea what to say. “If we’re confessing our sins, then I need to tell you something.
My father recently spent time in Spain. I planned on grilling him about why, although I can guess given what you’ve said about Barchella, but I wasn’t given the opportunity.
At this point, even if he did take my call, he’d know why I was asking. ”