Episode 36
Episode 36
How the Other Half Lives
NAOMI
I smiled as Memphis took in the helicopter. We’d just flown from Vegas to JFK and now needed to transfer to my father’s helicopter for the 40-minute ride to the Hamptons.
“This is yours?” He continued to gawk.
I shook my head. “No, it’s my father’s.”
“How rich are you?” He gasped, then must have realized what he’d said because he lifted his hand. “That was rude. Don’t answer that.”
I chuckled as the vessel door was opened. “Have you ever been in a helicopter?”
“Naw, this isn’t something I ever considered a possibility.” He hauled his large body in after me.
“Are you afraid of heights?” I reached out and gave his thigh a comforting squeeze.
“I wasn’t before now.” He grinned in that sexy way that made me want to kiss him. Then I realized I could kiss this man whenever the hell I wanted and did exactly that.
He teased my bottom lip and then my top lip before smiling as I pulled away. “What was that for?”
I shrugged. “Just wanted to. You’re my fiancé, which means I can kiss you anytime I want.”
He cocked an eyebrow and leaned forward until our faces were only a couple inches apart. “Then that means I can do the same.” He pressed his lips to mine.
I sighed into his kiss as the engine hummed to life and the rotors started to whirl, which made the aircraft tremble.
Memphis snapped back to attention and adjusted his seatbelt. He lifted his chin toward my lap. “Buckle up, Nay,” he instructed as if this was my first time in a helicopter.
I’d grown up zipping from one location to another in many helicopters over my lifetime. It’s my father’s favorite mode of travel. He’d never admit it, but I think it made him feel like he’d “made it” as a one percenter if he could afford to travel in this manner.
I indulgently buckled my belt and leaned back as the pilot handed us each a pair of headphones.
“What are these for?” Memphis asked.
“Sound protection and so we can talk to one another and the pilot.” I settled the pair on my head.
“Cool, cool,” he murmured, following my lead.
The co-pilot passed a bag back to Memphis. “Inside you’ll find today’s issue of The New York Times , some bottled water, and a few snacks.”
“Wow, you fellas thought of everything. This a pleasure helicopter?” He chuckled and dug through the bag as they did preflight checks and communicated with the tower before takeoff.
“Nay,” he gasped the nickname he’d given me, one I’d already come to adore. “They have candy bars in here?” He pulled out a couple and waggled his eyebrows.
I laughed. “Looks like they thought of everything. My father likes to have his creature comforts, that’s for sure.” I inhaled fully and let out a slow breath as I thought about what it would be like when we arrived at the hospital. I sent up a silent prayer that my father would be on his best behavior, even though I knew it was unlikely.
A few minutes later the pilot took off, and we were headed to my family’s vacation home. The co-pilot asked if we’d like information about New York when we flew over it and Memphis exuberantly agreed.
Me, I’ve seen it all before, but seeing how he hung on every detail the co-pilot shared about one of my favorite cities was a sight to behold.
Memphis pointed out the window, his forehead touching the glass. “Whoa, there’s the Statue of Liberty. Baby, did you see it?” he exclaimed, pointing out the window.
I’d seen it a thousand times, but I dutifully snuggled up to his side and looked over his shoulder, mostly to be close to him. He smelled like the hotel body wash and a cologne that had hints of oak and leather. I pressed my nose to his neck and breathed in his scent to ease the tumultuous emotions running through my mind about what we would find when I saw my mother…and my father.
Memphis took my hand from his thigh and held it over his heart while we stared out over Long Island. A sense of peace soared through my body as we cuddled.
“I know this is a shit reason to be taking a helicopter ride over New York City, but it’s still pretty magical, Naomi. Thank you for sharing this with me.” He kissed my forehead, and I couldn’t help sighing and closing my eyes, soaking the moment in.
“You’re welcome. I think it’s pretty magical experiencing this with you too.” I nuzzled against his side as far as my seat belt would let me go.
Too soon we were hovering over our family vacation estate in the Hamptons.
“Tell me that isn’t your house.” Memphis’ face twisted into an expression of wonder.
“It’s not my house,” I clarified. “It belongs to my father and mother.”
“Which means you’re going to inherit it one day?” He tilted his head to the side and pursed his lips.
“Maybe.”
“Day-umm. I knew I was marrying a wealthy woman, but this is insane. Helicopter rides, mansions overlooking the Atlantic Ocean…”
“Like I said, it’s not mine. I think you’ll find our home in Manhattan to be a bit more discreet.”
He frowned as the helicopter landed on the pad.
“We’re moving to New York?” He swallowed as if this was the first time he realized he’d be moving to somewhere other than Atlanta.
“That’s where my headquarters are. I thought I told you that?”
He shook his head, a solemn expression crossing his handsome face before it was replaced by what I immediately recognized was a fake smile. I’ve seen the man smile many times, mostly at me, and this was not a real one. Something we’d discuss after I checked on my mother. Once I confirmed that she was okay, we would need to have a real discussion about our future.
Surprisingly, he took my hand and squeezed it with intention. “Where you go, Naomi, I go. If that’s New York, then that’s where we’ll be.”
This man was too good to be true. Still, I didn’t want him feeling like he was giving up his whole life for me. I know it’s what was expected of the marriage auction candidates, but there was something about it being all about me that didn’t feel right. Which was strange since it was the reason I signed up in the first place. I wanted a man to fit into my life, not the other way around. Yet, I felt the need to jump into his world with both feet too. Experience everything that had made him the incredible man he was today. And after hearing about his big family, I knew being close to them was what would make him happiest.
I shook off the niggle of worry that had infiltrated my subconscious. I’d dissect those feelings later and Memphis and I could come up with a plan. I could easily buy us a home near his family, and we could go there regularly. I’d bet that would make his eyes light up with excitement once more.
Pushing the idea to the back of my mind to discuss later, I followed him out of the helicopter.
My father’s staff met us at the entrance.
“Miss Shaw, it’s so good to see you,” Rupert, my father’s personal butler, and a man I loved like an uncle, stated as he bowed in greeting.
I rolled my eyes and held out my arms. “Rupert, you’ve known me since I was born. You’ve changed my diapers. Get over here and give me a hug.”
The older man shuffled over and held me close. “I’m sorry about your mother, dear heart,” he whispered into my hair.
My tears immediately stung against the dry grit of travel. I sniffed, and he pulled back, removed a handkerchief from his breast pocket and handed it to me.
I patted my tears away with the cloth. “Thank you. She’s going to be okay though. I just know it.”
He nodded, his eyes lighting up when he noticed Memphis hovering close.
“And who is this strapping young man?” He smiled kindly.
“This is Memphis Taylor, my fiancé.”
His eyes widened. “Well then, it seems congratulations are in order to you both.”
I slid my arm around Memphis’ waist and leaned my head against his chest. “Thank you. We’re excited too.”
Memphis reached out and shook the man’s hand. “Good to meet ya, Rupert.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Taylor.” Rupert responded. “I’ll have your bags brought to your room. I imagine you will want to head to the hospital soon.”
I nodded.
“I’ll have a car brought around to take you where you need to go. It will be waiting when you’re ready.”
“That would be lovely. Thank you, Rupert.” I tugged on my man’s hand and gestured to the open entrance. “Come on, I’ll show you where we’ll be sleeping.”
We stepped into the grand foyer, and Memphis whistled. “So this is how the other half lives. My folks would never believe this. It’s almost like a museum,” he gushed, and I winced.
The home was nice but very cold. “My father loves art and anything that gives him more status among his circle of associates.”
Memphis sucked his bottom lip between his teeth and nodded silently as I led him up the sprawling staircase to my room. It was at the opposite wing of the house from where my parents’ rooms were, which I now realized was a blessing in disguise. Because I had no plans to keep my hands off my fiancé once the lights went out. But first, I had to see my mom. I’d checked my phone when we landed and my father had texted that she would be released tomorrow. Still, I wanted to see her myself.
“Let’s get situated and then head to the hospital. Unless you want to stay here and take a nap while I go.” I swallowed down the fear that he might accept the offer. I really wanted him by my side for support, but we were still new. This wasn’t the ideal scenario for meeting one’s future in-laws.
His head jolted back in offense. “Naomi, I would never leave you hanging to handle such a stressful situation without me. What kind of man do you think I am?” He scowled, a hurt timbre to his voice.
I quickly approached where he stood ramrod straight and wrapped my arms around his middle, resting my chin on his chest and staring up at him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend, but I also didn’t want to assume anything. We’re new…”
His jaw hardened. “We’re going to be a family soon. Family takes care of one another.”
I almost laughed because that was not at all the type of family I had. Sure, we put on an air of the perfect family for my father’s precious reputation, but it wasn’t real. I hadn’t seen my family since they donated a bunch of money to a charity event they demanded I attend. That was eight months ago and most of the time we lived in the same city. I certainly didn’t go over and help with manual labor like Memphis did, pitching in with his mom’s garden before coming to Las Vegas. And the fact that he selflessly entered into the auction to provide monetary assistance for his sister’s schooling so they’d have a better life, proved how close knit they were.
That was not how my family showed their love.
“You’re right. Forgive me?” I pouted and fluttered my lashes.
He smiled, dipped his head and took my mouth in a slow, gentle, luxurious kiss. “Always, Nay. Let’s go see your mom. I’ll bet you’re itching to check on her.” Then he pecked me on the lips once more.
* * * *
We approached the hospital suite hand in hand. I squeezed his tight as I knocked and pushed open the door to the room the person at the nurses’ station gave us.
I entered first, Memphis trailing behind.
My mother was sitting up in bed, a deep scowl on her face, her arms crossed. “I want to go home…NOW!” She snapped at a man wearing a white coat.
“We advise against that, Mrs. Shaw. We need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and we are still keeping an eye on several of your lab values…”
My father interrupted the doctor. “Couldn’t we just hire an in-home nurse?”
The door shut behind us, making a loud noise.
Three heads turned to take in Memphis and me.
“Thank God, Naomi!” My mother held out her arms and wiggled her fingers.
I dashed over to her and hugged her fiercely. The stupid tears came back. “Mom, what happened?” I cried into her shoulder.
“I’m fine, my darling. I’ll be in tip-top shape in no time. Provided this doctor lets me go home immediately.” Her tone was snide and derogatory.
I shook my head and then sat on the side of her bed. “Mom, you do whatever they say. They are the experts, not you or Dad.” I gave Dad the side-eye but he only had eyes for the man hovering near the door. “Besides, you had a heart attack. That’s serious business.”
My mother waved her hand as if it was all the same to her. “Mild heart attack, and it happened when I was running on the treadmill. I pushed too hard for too long. I’ll cut back.”
“That is not why you had a heart attack, Mrs. Shaw. Ma’am, I don’t think you understand the severity of your situation. If you don’t make some serious life changes immediately, you could have a bigger, possibly catastrophic cardiac event, such as heart failure or even a full arrest.” The doctor sighed, obviously a long-suffering veteran of this kind of backlash.
“Mom, that sounds serious. Why did this happen?”
“Your mother has a condition called ACM,” he started, and my mother glared.
“I just need to layoff the afternoon cocktail now and again,” she stated nonchalantly.
The doctor shook his head. “You have alcoholic cardiomyopathy. ACM isa condition where your heart changes shape because of long-term heavy alcohol use. These changes often cause long-term damage, leading to severe problems such as what you experienced this weekend. If this condition goes untreated, it will likely progress to heart failure. You need to cut out all alcohol intake, not to mention smoking, as it’s also detrimental and can make your condition much worse.”
“I don’t smoke,” my mother bald faced lied.
“Mother…” I chastised.
“Okay, I only smoke socially,” she tutted.
“Since when?” my father challenged.
“Since my entire life!” I bit out ignoring him and turning to her. “Mom, do not lie to your doctors or your family. You’re cutting out the booze and cigarettes immediately. Period. Your health is more important than anything else. Remember—you’re the one that taught me your health is your wealth.”
“Listen to your daughter. She’s making sense… for once .” A backhanded compliment from my father? Could the world be ending?
“Mrs. Shaw, we’re going to keep you one more day and check your labs again in the morning. If everything remains stable, I’ll discharge you tomorrow afternoon,” the doctor announced and left the room.
My mother sighed deeply. “At least give me some good news,” her shrewd gaze turned to me.
“Well, since I’m engaged, you’ve got a wedding to focus on.” I dropped the bomb, knowing my mother loved nothing more than planning a huge party to show off all they had.
She gasped and covered her mouth. Finally, her gaze reached past where I sat to Memphis, who was leaning against the wall giving silent support. I stood up and walked over to him, took his hand and brought him to my mother’s bedside.
“Memphis, I’d like to introduce you to my parents, Chantelle and Abraham.” I gestured to my mom then my dad. “This is Memphis Taylor, my fiancé.” I beamed and hugged his side.
He smiled wide. “Sorry to meet you under these circumstances Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, though I’m very glad to see you are on the mend.”
“You must be joking.” My father looked Memphis up and down with a sneer. “Naomi, this is beneath you, to trick us like this during such a traumatic time.”
Memphis’ fingers dug into my side. “This is no joke. I’m marrying Memphis and I’m doing it in a month.”
“I cannot believe you!” he roared. “A college dropout? An ex-footballer? Really, Naomi. You can’t be serious. You’ve done a lot of things to disappoint me, but this? I’ll never accept it,” my father snarled.
“Sir, it’s obvious you’ve had time to look into me since our call this morning, but I assure you, I will be devoted to your daughter.”
“Oh, I’m sure you will. She’s your meal ticket. Sugar momma is what I think the younger generation is calling it these days,” he sneered.
Memphis clapped back. “Excuse me? Your daughter is far more than a meal ticket. She’s the whole damn buffet, but none of that matters. I’m going to worship the ground she walks on as her husband. I doubt any other man could say the same. Now, I think I’ll go wait outside until the three of you have had some time to chat.” Memphis turned to face me. “Nay, I’ll be just outside in the waiting area. You need me, I’m there.” He kissed my forehead and then pecked me on the lips before he squeezed my arms and left the room.
“How could you!” I fired at my father the second Memphis left the room.