I’d made demands on Aaron before, and I could be a persnickety client. Both traits were part of my DNA. But even I was impressed when he called me the following morning and asked me to meet him at his office near the center of town.
Aaron didn’t often work that fast.
“Please, have a seat,” he said as I followed him into the crisp, clean office. He’d decorated it with a lot of modern furniture and straight lines, all of which ran in sharp contrast to Palm Beach’s Mediterranean vibe. “We have a few things to discuss.”
“All good things, I hope.” I slid into one of the two black leather chairs located in front of his wide desk.
“I think you’re going to be pleased.” Aaron closed the door. He sat down in his chair and folded his hands on the desktop. “After we finished our game yesterday, I came straight here and did some digging.”
I settled into my own seat. “I already like what I’m hearing.”
“As you know, I have access to many of the Armstrong accounts, simply because of my position with your family. This means I can see a variety of income sources at any time.”
“I think you have better visibility than I do,” I admitted.
Aaron smiled at the joke. “I don’t like to exploit my position.”
“Still, sometimes it must be done, and this qualifies as one of those times.”
“Exactly.” Aaron picked up a pen and waved it at me. “And because you don’t ask me for very many favors, Davis.”
“Well, you’re the one who said I’m going to like what I’m about to hear.”
“You will. You’re going to like this very much.” He cleared his throat. “I went over your grandfather’s personal accounts, and I found a few interesting things. He doesn’t keep his money in many places, but I found an old Wells Fargo account I’m not certain you’re aware of.”
Wells Fargo? Interesting.
“Have you ever done business with Wells Fargo?”
I shook my head. “We work with Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and Chase. At least, as far as I know.”
“Well, it seems there’s a brokerage account in your name at Wells Fargo.” He opened a file folder on his desk and shifted through some paperwork. “Actually, it’s in all three of your names. It appears your father set it up shortly after you were born and named himself the custodian.”
I winced at the mention of my father. “Really? That’s very interesting.”
Aaron thumbed through some of the pages, pulled out an account summary, and handed it to me. “Now that you are an adult, it’s technically yours.”
I scanned the account summary. “Wait a minute. There’s a little over five hundred fifty thousand in bonds here.”
“Very conservative ones, but yes. It’s a significant amount.”
I looked from the page to Aaron. “I can’t believe an account this size has been overlooked.”
“Appears so. I called yesterday afternoon and inquired about it. Hasn’t had any activity in more than ten years, except general market gains.”
I looked at the page again, just to confirm what I was seeing. “Amazing.”
“If you like, we can transfer it over to your Deutsche account, the one only in your name. Once we roll that in, it should take two or three days for the funds to be available.” He sighed. “And then you’re welcome to do whatever you please with the money.”
Unbelievable. I studied the page once more. Here it was, the answer I needed. The money that would change everything for Samantha. I knew my grandfather wouldn’t approve handing it over to her. I won’t tell him. Yet. I needed more time to figure out a way to convince him Samantha and her mother deserved it. I looked up from the paper and noticed Aaron had crossed his arms.
“You’re not thrilled about this.”
“I’m not. I know you’re an adult, and you say you’ve thought this through, but I want you to consider it some more. This is half a million dollars, Davis. Three quarters of a million when you talk about adding that with existing funds.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “While that’s not a lot when it comes to having billions, it will be significant for someone like her.”
“And that is precisely what makes me want to do this for her. I can take care of her problem like that.” I snapped my fingers. “So, I don’t see why I shouldn’t.”
“Maybe because she will come to expect it?”
“You don’t know her, Aaron. She’s not like that. She’d never ask for help.”
“And how will you do that? With a check?”
I laughed. “When she accepts the money, we’ll set up an account for her. We can do it through your office if you like. That way, you’ll get the credit for it. And you can meet her for yourself, so you’ll understand why I’d want to do something like this for her.”
He studied me for a beat, his lips set in a hard line, but the rest of his face expressionless. “This isn’t what I would advise. I keep thinking about Luke, and all that love cost him.”
“But what did he get in return? I would say he’s happy. He’s in love and that’s worth more than some stupid inheritance.”
“Stupid, huh? Glad that you find large amounts of money stupid. Most people don’t, you know.”
He was right. I was sounding entitled. Arrogant even.
“That’s not now I meant it. Like I told you on the golf course, happiness is important. She’s different. All my life I’ve been around women who only want access to me because of my name. She never did. She liked me—for me.” I placed the account summary on his desk. “That’s why Samantha is worth it. So is her mom.”
“Fine,” Aaron said. “Even though I might think this is an awful idea, I’m not going to change your mind.”
“Good.” I grinned. “Because once I’ve made up my mind—”
“I know, I know.” A faint smile pulled at his lips too. “So, I’ll get the paperwork started this morning. Just call me a sucker for romance, I guess.” He handed me another paper from the file. “All I need for you to do is sign here.”
It was a bunch of legalese, all of which I didn’t bother to read. I’d seen this kind of thing before, and I knew what it would entail. When I was done signing the forms, I handed them over to him. “There. That should get us started.”
“It certainly will,” he replied.
Once again, my mother’s advice had been right. After I called Patty to fill her in, she came and collected me from the hospital and took me to grab my car. Falling asleep almost instantly, I had the best night’s rest I’d had in years.
But I still woke up at the sound of my alarm, which rang at ten on the dot. I dragged myself to the shower in our small bathroom, turned on the water, and took the longest rinse. It felt…decadent. Then I pulled on a robe, shuffled to the kitchen, found the last of the coffee in the pantry, and turned on the coffee maker. We needed more than coffee, though. We still needed bread, eggs, milk, peanut butter, juice, and the protein drinks my mother downed to keep weight on her bones.
Add that to the list of ways I’m not handling the responsibilities. Perfect.
I found my phone on its charger and opened it, found the notes application, and typed a long list. But then a text message stopped me from typing the word “eggs.”
My heart jumped. Davis. Seeing him again after all this time still felt surreal if I was honest. Was it meant to be like he thought or only a matter of time? I was undecided, but one thing I knew was I had to be careful. Was he all I thought he’d grow up to be? Yes, and more. But I knew where my energy was needed, and if he was serious about wanting something with me, he’d wait. And if not…well, life went on.
But in a way, the text’s timing was perfect. The kiss hadn’t been very far from the forefront of my mind. It had mixed with the stress of our current situation, permeating the air and dancing around me. I’d loved that kiss. I’d loved feeling alive too, if only for a moment.
So, even though I wanted to deny my feelings for him, I had to admit I wanted more.
Davis: Hey, hate to bother you, but can I stop by the hospital in a few minutes?
I tapped out a reply.
Me: I’m not at the hospital right now. I’m at the apartment.
His answer came seconds later.
Davis: Do you mind if I stop by before you go?
Me:…
Davis: It’s important.
Important? I studied the phone, considering all the possibilities of that last sentence. I couldn’t come up with a decent explanation. I also knew I should say no. I needed to push him away. But I didn’t want to…
Me: Sure, come on over.
Davis: Be there in 15.
My stomach dropped. Great. No time at all, and my hair was still wet from the shower. I dashed into the bathroom and found my hairdryer underneath the sink.
Few memories in my life had given me the kind of anticipation I had driving from Aaron’s office to Samantha’s apartment. I knew I should have waited until the transaction was complete, but I had Aaron’s assurance the money was en route to the new account, and that was confirmation enough for me. $753,354.68, enough to take care of whatever bills her mother had and provide them with extra.
A good deed for a worthy person.
I grinned as I drove across the bridge from Palm Beach to West Palm. I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face. The documents were in a thin file folder on the passenger seat of my Mercedes.
This is the right thing to do.
I wouldn’t just tell Sam about the money and drive away. I wanted her to understand that I was all-in, and that this gesture was to help her feel less hopeless, to show her how much I cared. When I’d parked the car in the visitor lot of her apartment complex, I was more confident of my decision than ever.
I just needed to convince her that this would be the right step to take.
It will be, Davis. It will be. No one can resist this.
I grabbed the folder, got out of the car, dashed up to her apartment front door, and gave it three quick raps. She answered five seconds later.
“Hi,” I said, not bothering to wipe the goofy smile off my face. What was about to happen was going to be as much fun for me as it would be life-changing for her. “You look great.”
“Thanks.” She glanced down at her black skirt and white polo shirt emblazoned with the Royal Palm logo. “It’s…it’s just my uniform. No big deal.”
“But you wear it well.” I strode into the apartment, even though she hadn’t invited me inside. I was a man with a purpose, and one who was more than just being the heir to the Armstrong fortune.
“Come right in,” she said behind me as she closed the door.
“I’m sorry.” I looked back at her. “I’m just…I think—I know—I have a solution to your problems. At least, to your bills. And that’s half the battle.”
“What do you mean?”
“You need help and so does your mom. And I’m the man to give it to you.”
“What?” Her eyes widened, and some of the color drained from her face. Not exactly the kind of reaction I’d expected. I chose to disregard it, though, and settled into the threadbare couch. “Listen, Davis, I—”
I held up a hand. “I know you’re not asking me for anything. You’re too proud for that and too stubborn. You’re not the type to be indebted to others. I get that, and I admire that about you. You work two jobs. Gave up college when your mom got sick. You fight for what you want, and you’re willing to work hard.”
“Thanks,” she said, but her voice wavered. She sat in the chair opposite the sofa. “I appreciate the compliment.”
“You’re welcome.”
I moved to the edge of the couch and locked eyes with her.
“That’s why I want to do something for you, Samantha. I want to help you in whatever way I can.” I held up the folio. “I met with Aaron Shields this morning. He’s been a trusted advisor to us for years, and he helped me locate some money we can redistribute.” I handed the folder to her. She grasped the other side of the folio, but I didn’t drop my side. Not yet. I wanted her to get the full effect of what I was suggesting, and in a way, I was hanging on to her, hanging on to the change the money would bring her. “And that’s what this is. It’s a summary of some money I’m having placed into an account in your name. Once you fill out the corresponding paperwork, which you will find in here, the money will be yours.”
She took a few deep breaths. “How…what are you—?”
“How much? A little over seven fifty.”
“Thousand?”
I nodded.
“No,” she gasped. “No way. You’re joking.”
“I’m not. Just over seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars.” I still stared at her. “I don’t know how much you owe in medical bills, but this should take care of most of it, and maybe give you some money left over. Samantha, this is what you need. I have the power to wipe away your debts, and I want to. Let me do this.”
She didn’t reply for a long time, and when she did, she was paler and more stricken than I expected. Didn’t this please her?
“I’m sorry,” she finally said. “But I can’t take this. I can’t take the money.”