Chapter 3

Darek

I couldn’t believe my luck with finding not only someone with proper experience, but she seemed like a real go-getter. She came in and got right on scolding me, which was a bit annoying; I respected the hell out of her for taking such initiative. Not only did she seem professional, but she was indeed a real beauty.

Having her around would be a nice change of pace, and at least, if I’m honest, she’d be pleasant to look at.

An hour and a half later there came a knock on the door that I was certain was her returning, but when I peeked into the security cam, I saw Maya holding a plate and staring at the floor.

I quickly opened the door. “To what do I owe the honors?”

“I thought I better make good on my promise,” she said, walking past me.

“Your promise to bake me brownies? Thank you!”

“No, my promise to your doctor. I’m supposed to make sure you’re behaving yourself, remember?” She waggled her brows and held out the plate of chocolatey goodness.

“James didn’t make these, did he?”

“No, but his were better than mine, so you better be nice. I did manage to bring you the crunchy edges; turns out James prefers the soft gooey center ones.”

“It figures. There’s something wrong with that guy. Are you sure you’re in love with him? If it’s a marriage you want, I’ll get down on my sore knee right now.” I loved to tease her about James, but I knew she’d never give me the time of day; at least not romantically.

As we stepped toward the kitchen, a knock interrupted us. “You’re a very popular man. I’ll get it and save you the steps.”

“You’re an angel. It’s probably just my new assistant.”

She glanced back over her shoulder as she approached the door. “You work fast.” She opened the door, and the look on Sadie’s face was pure confusion until she saw me over Maya’s shoulder.

“Hello, I’m Sadie Simpson, Mr. Dillon’s new assistant.” She stuck her hand out and offered a warm smile.

“I’m Maya Benton.”

“Are you Mr. Dillon’s girlfriend?” Her question was innocent enough, but Maya turned pink with blush.

“No, I have my own sexy billionaire upstairs. This one’s single though.” Maya gave her a wink, and Sadie’s expression grew serious.

“You’ll have to excuse Maya. She’s always trying to fix me up. Maya, Ms. Simpson isn’t interested in the likes of me. I’m an old crippled man.” I hadn’t thought to ask Sadie’s age, but she did seem a couple of years younger than Maya.

The elevator sounded on my floor. “My things are being brought up to the lobby. I should get them.”

Maya stepped out with her. “I’ll help.” I felt helpless as Maya and Sadie gathered the suitcases and bags and hauled them in.

All I could do was point them in the direction of the hallway. “Choose any room you like, except for mine, of course.” Or mine if you like, I’ll share. I thought a moment about how nice it would be to have someone to share my bedroom with, not just for a few hours of passion, but for the rest of my life.

Maya came out on her phone. “I’ve got to run, Darek. I’m so sorry. James wants me to come down to the café.” She glanced over my shoulder. “Sadie, it was so nice to meet you. Come on up and see me. I’d love to chat.”

“Sure thing. Good to meet you too.” Sadie walked Maya to the door and then locked it behind her. “You’re supposed to be using your walker, Darek.” She walked over and got the clunky thing and put it in front of me. “Please.” She gave me a soft smile and then headed back to her room. I tromped down the hall with the walker and turned to see she’d chosen the room right next to mine.

“Good choice. We’re neighbors.”

“I hope it’s okay. I didn’t mean to bring so much. Honestly, I probably forgot a few things.”

“It’s fine. If you find you’ve forgotten anything, we’ll send up for it. It’s no bother.”

“Thank you.” She stood in the center of the room, and after an awkward moment, I was about to speak, but the doorbell rang.

“I guess I am popular today,” I mumbled. Before I could get turned around in the fucking piece of scrap metal, Sadie was already on her way to the door.

I could hear her around the corner. “Hello. May I help you?”

“I’m Jack Jones, Darek’s manager, and you are?” His tone was acidic, and I hobbled out as fast as I could.

“I’m Sadie Simpson, his new assistant.”

I rounded the corner to see him give her a disgusted look. His head lifted and pushed past her when he saw me. “What’s this? You hired a new assistant?”

“Doctor’s orders, and besides, it’s long overdue. Sadie, meet Jack; Jack, Sadie.” I looked him dead in the eye. “Be nice.” He didn’t always play well with others but this wasn’t one of his business deals he was negotiating for me, this was my fucking home, and Sadie deserved to be treated with respect.

“Yeah, sure.” He walked over to the bar to help himself to my scotch. “So, I got a call, and you’ve been invited to play in a charity softball game. It’s going to be awesome, man. Those things are always a good time and great for PR.”

Those games were always fun, but I hadn’t played ball in years. “When is it?” I figured he’d say I had a few months to get in shape.

“It’s a few weeks away.” Sadie’s eyes got wide, and she shook her head.

“I can’t play softball. I can barely walk. What makes you think I’ll be in top physical shape in three weeks?” The guy downed his drink, and his nose was a little twitchy. In fact, he was a little twitchy too. I had known that he had a habit of dabbling in cocaine on occasion, which I tried my best to ignore, but I feared with our schedule winding down for my surgery, he’d found more creative ways to spend his time. I only hoped that Sadie hadn’t noticed.

“Well, fuck. When are you going to be able to work? I’ve got shows canceling right and left with his surgery, and frankly, I need the money.” He gave another snort, and Sadie shook her head and went to her room.

I made my way over and got in his face. “Are you high right now? You fucking came to my house like this? You’re being rude to my fucking staff and drinking up my scotch? I should put you out on your ass is what I should do.”

“Hey, I’m working my ass off for you. Do you think it’s easy to cancel two months of fucking speeches when most people have already bought their fucking tickets? I’m the one having to coddle these fucks, so don’t give me that shit.” This wasn’t the first time he and I had butted heads, and it wouldn’t be the last. The guy had only skimmed by because when it came to managing me, he was a genius, but as a person, I wanted to beat his ass.

“Lose your fucking attitude in my house, and I’ll cut you some slack.”

“Mr. Dillon, it’s time for your afternoon rehab.” I glanced over to see Sadie standing across the room with my machine, which was still wrapped in plastic because I hadn’t used it yet. “If you two gentlemen are done discussing business, I’ll encourage you to let’s get this done.”

“This is ridiculous. I’ll call you.” He turned and glared at Sadie. “Make him better, Sweetheart. We’ve got fucking shows to book.”

With that, the guy turned and left, and Sadie cut me a glare. “You have to work with that asshole?”

“Daily,” I said as the elevator sounded outside in the lobby.

“Excuse me for speaking out of turn, but I wouldn’t put up with that doped up asshole another minute.” She went about tending to the machine as I smiled. A woman that speaks her mind, and isn’t afraid of a little hard work, or two bickering assholes. I might fall in love.