7. Alex
7
Alex
A few days after Dara’s visit and her swift exit, which I found highly amusing, she sent me a text message with two lists of items I still needed to purchase for the dinner party. The first list included the utensils, trays, and serving dishes she would need. The second was all the food.
Having never cooked for eight people, I had no idea how much I was going to need, and I will admit, I was surprised, and yet delighted, when I read it. Dara really was going all out to impress, and my mouth began watering as I read her grocery requirements.
I sent the list off to Barbara, leaving her the lion’s share of the work. I didn’t worry, though. The wonderful woman has not failed me yet.
I had a surgery this morning, so I find myself in the city. Instead of remaining at the clinic, I return to the apartment, telling Barbara I’ll be available on my cell if she needs me.
After a little lunch, I settle down to work when my phone rings. I check the number and answer it.
“You miss me already,” I tease.
“Always,” Barbara replies with a smile in her voice. “I have Jack Norton on the line. Would you like me to put him through?”
The CEO of Spire Healthcare? Of course I wanted her to put him through. “Sure. Thanks, Barbara.”
A second later, I hear Jack’s voice. “Alex, is that you?”
“Hi, Jack. How are you?”
“I’m great,” the older man declares. He has an enthusiasm for life that’s quite inspiring. “How are things on your end?”
“All good here, thanks. Busy as always.”
“It’s not a bad way to be, my friend,” Jack says with a smile in his voice. “I was calling about that meeting we talked about last time we met. I know things have been a bit hectic here, and I apologize I haven’t got back to you sooner. But is there a time when my team and I could come out to see you? I know you’re a busy man too, Alex.”
Jack is in his mid-fifties, broad at the shoulders, with a good strong handshake. I liked him immediately, which is another reason I want to partner with Spire Healthcare. He’s the CEO, and probably the most genuine man I’ve ever met, at least in business.
But I still have a problem. I’ve got the house, I just don’t have anyone to live in it, which is exactly what’s going through my mind while Jack’s talking.
“We certainly can,” I reply. “I’m a little tied up for the next couple of weeks, and I need to check my diary, but can I get Barbara to call you with a time and date?”
“Sure,” Jack says, his voice full of commitment, “that sounds swell.”
“Okay. You’ll be hearing from us soon, Jack.”
“Great. Talk soon.”
When I hang up, I’m a little more stressed than I was before I got the call. I mean, I could wing it and tell them that I’m on the lookout for my future wife. Do I want to chance that? Could it make a difference to their decision? It’s a risk, and I’m not sure whether I want to take it.
How am I supposed to showcase how much I appreciate their family values when I don’t even have a family?
I try to put it at the back of my mind and concentrate on my work, but the niggle remains, and I find myself highly distracted. I’ve done so much already and spent an absolute fortune to secure this deal. I need to figure this out.
Later, when I know he’s home, I ring my brother.
“Hey, man. Long time no hear,” Mike says jovially.
“I know. I’m sorry. Things have been a bit crazy at work, and then I’ve been dealing with the new house in Riverdale.”
“Hey, you’re a hot shot surgeon. You don’t have time for us lowly folk. I get it,” he teases.
I smile. “How’s Cathy and the kids?”
“Well, the kids are maniacs, but that’s nothing new. And Cathy can’t decide if she wants to throttle me for wanting three of them, or whether she wants to pack up and move to Alaska.”
Mike chuckles down the phone at his own wit, and I can’t stop myself from laughing at him. Like I said, he’s far more easygoing than I am.
“So, what’s new with you?” He continues. “How’s work? How’s the big house in the country? Did you find yourself a cowgirl yet?”
“Funny you should say that,” I begin.
“No? Have you really?” he exclaims.
I can nearly imagine him shifting in his large armchair with excitement.
“Are you crazy? Of course not.”
“Oh,” he says, sounding utterly disappointed.
“You know how I feel, Mike. I’m not going to change my mind.”
“Well, you’re a fool,” he replies, huffing in frustration.
“No. If I remember, I was a fool the first time. What’s that saying? Once bitten twice shy.”
“You can’t tar all women with the same brush just because of what Cindy did to you, Al. That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. And you’re not a stupid man.”
“I certainly felt like I was for a while there. Anyway,” I say, changing my tone to something a little lighter, “I didn’t call you up to talk about my ex-wife. I have a situation and I need your little gray cells to help me out.”
“Shoot,” he says.
That’s what I love about my brother. He would drop everything and be here in a heartbeat if I needed him. We were always close, even with our many differences. There were only the two of us growing up, so when we weren’t trying to kill each other, we were best buddies. Siblings, eh? But I’m lucky to have him as a brother.
“So, I’m trying to get things in place,” I begin.
Mike knows all about my plans. When I told him what I was doing and why, he was fully on board with the idea and thought it was great.
“I have the house, but I don’t have the family to go with it. Jack Norton was on the phone this afternoon wanting to organize a meeting, and I’m trying to put him off while I figure this out. Any ideas?”
“You can have mine,” Mike says dryly.
I shake my head. “I don’t think so. I’m desperate, but not that desperate. I need the house to still be standing when the meeting is over.”
Mike chuckles. “You know I’d never be able to guarantee that.”
“Exactly. Any other options?”
“You should hire a girlfriend for the night,” he teases. “I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? Whoever she is, she couldn’t possibly be any worse than your last relationship.”
“Thanks for that,” I reply dryly.
“Always a pleasure, brother. If I’m honest, I don’t know what you’re going to do. Could you put some toys about the place and tell them that the wife and kids are away for the weekend or something?”
That’s an option, I suppose. At the moment, it’s the best option I’ve got.
“I’ve been so busy concentrating on getting the house ready that this little detail of having a family has fallen to the wayside.”
“I don’t know, Al. I think you’re overthinking it. Get them to the house. Tell them the wife and kids are away, and get the meeting done. I can’t see any other way you can do it, unless you grab the first girl you see and ask her to marry you.”
I nod. “Yes. I suppose you’re right.”
“So, when do we get to come and see this new house of yours?” Mike asks, now we’ve confirmed that I don’t have a lot of choices.
“Are my nephews coming with you? I’ll need to childproof the place before you get here,” I joke.
“By that, do you mean leave before we arrive, and padlock the place up?” Mike says, jumping straight onto my wavelength.
“Exactly,” I reply. And then we both laugh.
Sometime later, I grab my bag and head out to the gym. There’s one in the apartment complex, but I prefer one where no one really knows me. I’ve found, far too many times, that I end up being accosted by residents of our building, all wanting to know the answers to some medical situation they’re suffering. I spend more time consulting than working out.
Instead, I travel a little way across the city to a gym I frequent. It’s usually quiet at this time of night, and this evening is no different. There’s maybe eight or nine other people in here, which means I should get my circuit down with few delays.
But even as I try and concentrate on my reps, my situation lingers in my head. I’m not giving up. I can’t. I’ve already put too much into this. I can’t let a little thing like not having a wife get in the way of a multimillion-dollar deal. But where do I get one?
What a ridiculous question.
Yes. it is. It’s not like I can just order one from Amazon.