Chapter 17

Darek

I sat in my office going over the schedule and making sure everything was going right, as Sadie worked on another test.

She’d been working hard to finish her business courses, and I was proud of her.

I hoped that when she was ready, she could be a part of my team and I’d meant what I said about putting her ideas to use.

Letting go of Jack was like dropping a sixteen-ton load off my shoulders. If I had known how wonderful it would feel to finally cut his apron strings, I’d have done it years ago. I’d done all I could to be a friend, but he wasn’t ever going to stop taking advantage.

Putting his hands on Sadie was the biggest mistake of his life, and he’s lucky all I did was fire him. I knew for Sadie’s sake, and in building of our trust, I had to take it easy and not let my temper get the best of me. If it weren’t for that, he’d be out finding new teeth.

But I needed her to know she could tell me anything and I’d take her feelings into consideration before I reacted.

The phone rang bringing my head up, and I answered it and sat back to rub my eyes. Had I seen that name on my screen? Doug Lord was calling, and he was someone I’d wanted to have on my team for a long time.

“How’s it going, Doug? Am I dreaming?”

Laughter tickled my ears. “How are you, Darek. It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Too long. Are you in town? We should grab a drink or dinner or something.”

“Actually, I am flying into the city next week. I heard through the grapevine you let go of Jack, and I know you’re going to need to replace him.”

I leaned forward in my chair and pumped my fist, but contained the level of control in my voice. “Yes, I am going to replace him, actually. I’m thinking outside the box a bit. You know Jack handled pretty much everything, but I’m not sure I want to put my eggs all in one basket again. I’d like to form a management team. I know your strongest with the financial game anyway, and I have someone in mind for coordinating my events already.”

“Well, that would work, I don’t want to be your damned secretary anyway, my friend, no offense of course.”

“None taken. I think Jack wanted too much control over things. So, when do we meet? My schedule’s wide open. I’m sure you heard about my little accident, too.”

“I heard about that. Someone said you were attacked by some thug with a golf club?”

I laughed, loving the fact that a crazy story was going around portraying James as a thug. “Kind of. If you consider my billionaire neighbor a fucking thug.”

“Ah, you have to love the grapevines around here.”

“Yeah, I never drink the wine.”

“Let’s meet up on the fifteenth, around dinner. I’ll call back to narrow down if that’s okay?”

“Sounds wonderful. I’ll have to get you out on the golf course sometime when I’m healed.”

“It’s a deal, but leave your neighbor at home.” The guy gave a chuckle as I scribbled down the meeting on my desk calendar and circled it with a highlighter. I couldn’t miss this opportunity.

We ended the call, and I was so tempted to run and tell Sadie the good news, but I knew I couldn’t interrupt her.

Knowing I wanted to hire her as my coordinator, I decided to use the opportunity to surprise her.

Her ideas were going to take my brand to the next level, and I loved the idea of being able to sail and ski too. I was sure she’d help me think of the best ways to pull the plans off, and it was only right to hire her for the job since they’d been her ideas to start with.

I imagined us together, traveling and working side by side. We could see the world together.

I let out a cleansing breath as I realized something; I wanted to spend my life with her. I knew the first thing I had to do was solidify our relationship by making it official.

I remembered she’d never been to the Lovehouse, so that was what I needed to do, make reservations. Even being a celebrity of sorts, getting a good table was going to be tough. But then, I had an idea.

I hurried upstairs to see Maya and James. I was long overdue a visit, and I had a favor to ask.

James opened the door after I rang the bell. “I told her if we fed you we’d never get rid of you.”

“It’s always good to see you too, James. Especially when you don’t have a golf club in your hand.”

He let out a chuckle and shook my hand. “Come on in. We’re watching the Food Network.”

Maya was curled up on the couch snuggled under a blanket, and James sat next to her. I took the chair beside their loveseat.

“Why do you two have this obsession with food lately?” They’d been taking classes and sending baked goods weekly, not that I was complaining.

“You know I have allergies, right? So, we just thought it would be good to learn how to prepare food at home, so I don’t go accidentally eating any strawberries.” She’d gotten one in her salad, and it had sent her to the ER.

“Besides, it’s brought us closer together.” James kissed her shoulder and put his arms around her. Who knew the guy was such a romantic? “So, what are you doing here?”

James winced as Maya gave him an elbow. “What he means is, it’s good to see you.”

“Actually, I did come to ask a favor. I want to take Sadie out to dinner to celebrate our new relationship and business agreement, but I want a good table; the best in the house, actually.” I hoped he’d get the hint.

“What do you know, I happen to have standing reservations at the Lovehouse. You’re welcome to use my table. I’ll call and make sure they know; you just let me know when.”

“Your new relationship, huh?” She leaned forward a bit. “Are you two getting really serious? Like wedding serious?”

“Whoa, they can’t beat us to the altar.”

“It’s okay; we’ve got another first,” she said. He gave her a kiss, and their cuteness was almost more than I could stand. I wondered if me and Sadie would be as sappy. “Can I tell him?” Maya seemed a bit eager to share her news.

James kissed her again. “Sure. Everyone will know sooner or later.”

She hopped up and ran to the bedroom as I exchanged a look with James who gave me a cocky grin. She came out and handed me something.

“A positive pregnancy test. Holy shit, you’re expecting!” I pulled her in for a hug and then gave James a high five. “Great work, man. That was fast.”

“It was unexpected, really, but we’re happy. We’re foregoing a huge wedding and are thinking about a Vegas ceremony.”

“You and Sadie should come!” Maya bounced up and down as I handed her the pee stick.

“Sounds fun, let me know when, but you know, she’s going to be pissed I found out first.” I would tell her the good news over dinner too unless Maya got to her sooner.

“I’ll call you when I figure out a date and time, but it will be in the next couple of days. I can’t wait to tell her. And also, I fired Jack.”

“Good, that asshole deserved it,” said James, cracking his knuckles.

“Yeah, things will be better now. Sounds like things will be better for all of us. And I want first dibs on godfather.”

“You’re out of your mind!” James laughed so hard he doubled over.

“I think that would be a wonderful idea.” Maya elbowed James and shook his head.

“You owe me one, man.”

“I’ll make you a deal. If you and Sadie get married, I’ll consider it. She’s a good girl, and you better hold onto her. Not many people can bear your fucking ego.” He covered his mouth, and Maya held out her hand.

“That’s one for the swear jar.” She gave him a scolding look.

“Swear jar?” I hoped I hadn’t used any vulgar language, but couldn’t remember.

James sighed. “Yeah, she thinks I let too many F-bombs slip here around the house.”

“When the baby is here, you’re not going to be able to use that kind of language. I figured he needed the incentive to quit, and so every time he curses the baby gets a dollar for the piggy bank.”

“A whole dollar? Wow.”

“Yeah, the kid’s got a hundred dollars already, no shittin’.” He winced realizing what he’d said. “Fuck. Ugh, dammit.” He covered his mouth as Maya and I laughed.

“At this rate, it will have a cool million by his birthday.” As Maya threw her head back with laughter, I knew she was going to be an amazing mother. It was good to see my friends happy. Even James.