Come What May (9 page)

10

Mike

I sat at a booth in the corner and waited for Cassandra to arrive. I wore dark jeans and a tight fitting gray t-shirt. I almost wore a suit but I didn’t want to be intimidating. She already knew I was a billionaire. I didn’t need to remind her.

I noticed her as soon as she walked inside. She was wearing skinny jeans, heels, and a tea
l blouse. It was loose around her body, but I could still spot every curve. A golden bracelet and matching earrings adorned her body. I noticed every feature and every mark.

When she spotted me, she walked to the bo
oth. Her posture and stature were perfect. She carried herself like a lady. I was glad to see she wasn’t wearing a short dress or skirt. She respected her body. I could tell she wasn’t a slut and didn’t sleep around. That was good for me. I was looking for a keeper.

I stood up and greeted her. “Hey.” Every time I was around her, I was nervous. She made me crumble into an awkward loser. My usual suaveness and coolness was gone.

“Hi.” She sat down.

I moved across from her. We were only a foot away from each other and she was staring at me head on. I stared at her face, marveling at her beauty up close. She barely wore any makeup and she was still gorgeous. In fact, that made her hotter.

She held her confidence under my stare until she finally looked down and read the menu.

“What are you getting?” I asked.

“Long Island iced tea.”

“You like it strong?” I asked with a smile.

“If I wanted something strong, I’d order a scotch.”

“You like scotch?” I asked in surprise.

“Yes. Why is that surprising?”

I didn’t know any woman who drank scotch. “No reason.”

She leaned back, her back still perfectly straight.

“You look—nice. I like your top.” I was really bad at this. I wanted to compliment her without using words like ‘beautiful’ and ‘gorgeous’. She probably got compliment
s like that all the time. And I’m sure they got old.

“Thank you.” She eyed my shirt. “You look nice too.”

“Thank you.”

The waiter
arrived and took our order. Cassandra was polite when she ordered. Even when the waiter repeated the order incorrectly, she was still graceful about it and patient. I liked that. I didn’t like it when people were rude to others. She was getting high marks in every category. After the drinks were brought, she sipped it then placed it on the coaster.

Now what do I say? I’ve never been on a real date. I always had one thing on
my mind; getting into the girl’s pants. But now I was trying to get to know her and get a second date. That was way harder. “You are very…fit.”
God, I sounded so stupid.
I watched everything I said so my words were forced and unnatural.

“Thanks, I guess. I like working out.
It helps me sleep at night.”

I wondered what her tattoo meant. But should I ask her? Would she be offended that I was staring at her and noticed it? I would just stay away from that topic. “Sean works out there too.”

“Yeah,” she said. “I saw him. He seems really excited about his baby.”

“Yeah.” I smiled. “We’re all excited about it.”

“Are you ready to be an uncle?”

“More than ready. I’m going to take them out for all the good things. They’ll
hate Sean, but they’ll love me.”

She chuckled at my words.

I liked the sound. At least I made her laugh.

“Do you have any nieces or nephews?”

“I have two nieces,” she said with a smile. “Two and four. They are adorable but annoying.”

Now I laughed. “I’m glad I get to see the kids when I’m in the mood, and my brother has to deal with all the bad crap that comes with being a parent.”

“Does that mean you don’t want to be a parent yourself?”

“No, I do. I can’t wait to have kids.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yeah. I love kids.”

She stirred her drink then sipped it.

“Why is that surprising?”

Cassandra shrugged. “You just don’t seem like the father type of guy.”

“Well, I am,” I said firmly.

She nodded but didn’t say anything else.

“I know I’m a little older but I do want to settle down and have kids.”

“Is that a line?” she blurted.

That stung. “No…I’m being genuine.”

She studied my face, searching for a lie.

“Look. This is how it is. My brother got married to this amazing girl. And I see how happy they are. I want that too. I’ve realized how stupid I’ve been and how much I’ve wasted my time. I want what they have. And that’s what I’m trying to do. I want the house with the
white picket fence, the kids, the basketball hoop in front of the house, the whole nine yards.”

“So, when you asked me out on
a date, you were being genuine?”

I nodded. “On scouts honor.”

“You were in the scouts?” she asked with a smile.

“Yep. Ten
years.”

“Impressive.” She finished half her glass then put it down. I was impressed how well she handled her liquor.

“Where did you go to college?” She seemed more open now that she knew I wasn’t being a disgusting pig.

“A state school
.”

“Were you born and raised in New York?”

“Yep.”

When I studied her face, I couldn’t determine how old she was. She looked younger than me but I couldn’t tell by how much. She could pull of
f any age with the right clothes. “May I ask how old you are?”

She smirked. “You should never ask a woman that.”

“I just want to make sure I’m not an ancient dinosaur in comparison.”

“Good response.” She rested her elbows
on the table. “I’m twenty-seven.”

Good. She was only a few years younger than me. And if she was single, she probably wanted to settle down too. I wouldn’t have to worry about being played like a fool. “Do you ever want to get married?”

She shrugged. “I’m not sure yet.”

That was an odd response. “May I ask why?”

“Well, I’ve already been married.”

Oh. I guess I should have expected that.
There was no way this gorgeous woman wasn’t claimed at one point in time.  “I see. I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”

“Well, if it did
we wouldn’t be here.” She was a very optimistic person.

“It sounds like the divorce wasn’t painful.”

“It was at the time. But when we were over, I let everything go. There’s no point in carrying the pain around forever. It’s not good for you.”

She had a good attitude. Now I was becoming smitten with her. “May I ask what happened?”

“He cheated on me.”

“Dumbass,” I blurted. I didn’t mean to curse in front of her. I tried to recover. “I’m sorry about the language.”

“Are you from the fifties?” she asked with a laugh. “If I drink scotch I can handle some bad words.”

God, she was cool. I smiled at her.
“Well, I think your ex is a dumbass.”

“You hardly know me. I could be the wicked witch of the west.”

I shook my head. “You’re one of the most upbeat and nicest people I’ve ever met. I don’t need to spend a month with you to figure out you’re a catch. I can’t believe you even agreed to go out with me. You’re way out of my league.” I wasn’t feeding her lines. I really meant it.

Her eyes softened. “You’re the handsome billionaire.”

“Looks and money don’t mean much.” I learned that quickly.

Cassandra stared at me with a new look. “Your brother’s marriage really changed you, huh?”

I nodded. “It was revolutionary.”

“I’ve heard through the grapevine at work that you’re a huge player. But you don’t seem to be that way in real life.”

“No, those rumors are true. But I’m not the same man. My guy friends have serious girlfriends and they’re all really cool. I want that connection, that happiness. It’s hard to find cool girls though. You’re the first one I’ve found in a long time.”

“You think I’m cool?” She smiled.

“So far. I’d like another date to take a deeper look.”

She shrugged. “You might get one.”

I liked her playful attitude. “I guess I’ll wait in anticipation.”

“You will.”

“So, do you have any kids?”

“Nope.”

I nodded. That was good. I liked kids, but I didn’t want to be a stepdad.  “Do you want me to beat up your ex for you?”

She laughed. “No. That would
n’t even be a fair fight.”

“Because I’d demolish him?”

She nodded. “You’re very strong.”

“I work out hard.”

“I can tell.” She glanced at my chest then looked away.

“Are you flirting with me?”

She nodded her head but said, “No,” with a smile on her face.

God, she was cool
.

We spent the evening talking about work, politics, and life living in the city. Not only was she beautiful,
but she was smart and funny. If I were the man I used to be, I would picture her naked body and think about fucking her, but I didn’t do that once. I really liked this girl and couldn’t afford to fuck it up.

When we left the bar, we headed to the sidewalk.

“Can I take you home?” I asked.

“As long as you don’t expect to come inside.”

I smiled. “I’m a perfect gentleman.”

“Now you are,” she teased.

We walked to my Jaguar and I opened the door for her. She smiled in approval and got inside.

When I got into the driver’s seat, she eyed the leather interior and the radio. “Nice car.”

“Thanks. It’s my one luxury.”

“I like your brother’s car too.”

“Well, he let the money go to his head,” I said with a laugh.

“He’s still a sweetheart.”

“Why do you say that?” I asked.

“Because he loves his wife so much. He’s so obsessed with her. It’s cute.”

“You know, he used to be a piece of shit like me. Scarlet turned his life around.”

“Scarlet?”

“His wife.”

“That makes him sweeter.”

“Then I have a feeling you’re going to think I’m sweet.” I winked at her and pulled onto the road. I turned on my iPod and we listened to Coldplay. She whispered along to a few of the lyrics. She had good taste in music. She was getting golden stars in every category.

When we arrived at her apartment, I walked her to her door, my hands in my pockets.

She pulled her keys from her purse and gripped them in her hand. “So…my divorce doesn’t bother you?”

“No. Why would it?”

She shrugged. “Some guys are weird about it.”

“How long ago did it happen?”

“Two years ago.”

“Then I don’t see why it matters. That’s your business.”

She looked me up and down. “Mature…I like it.”

I smirked. “Aren’t you glad you went on a date with me?”

“Now you’re just cocky,” she teased.

I laughed at her joke. I had a great time with her tonight. She was easy to talk to, and just a joy to be around. I didn’t expect a kiss or to be let into her apartment, but I would like a hug. I wondered if she would give that to me. “Can I have a hug before I go?”

“Yes, you may.”

I wrapped my arms around her and held her to my chest. I liked the feeling. I rested my chin on her head and smelled her hair. This was my first real date, one where I didn’t want it to end in sex. I was content with this. “Can I take you out again?”

“I was hoping you’d ask.”

“Dinner this weekend?”

“Good. I like food.”

I pulled away then smiled at her. “I look forward to it.”

She opened the door and walked inside. “Good night, Mike.”

“I’m glad you finally said my name right.”

“Well, you aren’t just my boss anymore.” She smiled then shut the door.

I waited for her to lock it before I walked back to my car. I had a smile on my face for the entire drive, feeling happy for the
first time in a really long while.

11

Ryan

The shop was doing so well, I needed to hire help. I used to close my shop at five in Seattle, but I was realizing New York never slept. I could double my profits if I stayed open until nine. So I decided to hire other artists. And the constant business of the store was giving me a headache. I usually didn’t get home until seven, which Janice didn’t appreciate. My woman wanted me home as soon as I got off work.

I closed the shop for lunch so I could eat and look through the applicants I’d be interviewing. When someone knocked on the door, I sighed in annoyance. But it was Scarlet on the other side of the glass.

I quickly unlocked it and let her in. “What brings you here?”

“I miss my big brother.”

I locked the door behind her then approached the counter. Scarlet grabbed my half eaten sandwich and took a big bite.

“That’s mine,” I said.

She chewed it then swallowed. “This is good.”

I rolled my eyes.
“You came here for a free meal?”

“I’m a freeloader like that.”

“No, you’re a brat.” I leaned over the counter and looked at the paperwork. Scarlet and I returned to normal after the big blowout. We never spoke of it again. I realized I was overreacting. I knew Scarlet had my back no matter what.

“Sean told me you guys worked out your differences.”

I nodded. “I can’t hold that against him. And he’s your husband.”

“I still appreciate it anyway.”

I eyed her stomach. “We got a baby on the way. We can’t let him see all the sick incest that goes on in this family.”

She laughed. “Oh my god. I slept with Cortland, Sean slept with Janice, you slept with Janice, and Sean slept with Janice. We’ve double-dipped at some point.”

I cringed. “Disgusting…”

She laughed again. Then she eyed my applications. “What’s going on?”

“I need to hire employees.”

“Wow. Business is really booming.”

“Yep.”

“You should hire a bunch of people and just retire. Just do the banking.”

“Nah. I like inking. I would like to do it at least part-time.”

“That’s weird.”

“You’re a billionaire and you still have your editing company,” I countered.

“Damn…”

“And I’m not a billionaire.”

“Yet.”

I laughed. “I’ll never be, but I’m perfectly happy with my income. But I’ll be able to pay Sean back in no time.”

“You don’t need to pay him back at all.”

I glared at her. “We aren’t having this argument again.”

“Fine.”

I looked at her stomach again. “How’s the monster doing?”

“Monster?” she asked incredulously.

“If he’s anything like you, he’ll be a damn demon.”

“Hey! That’s my baby you’re talking about.”

I laughed. “I’m just getting you prepared.”

“You better be nice to your niece or nephew.”

“It’s going to be a boy,” I said.

“Why do you think that?”

“I’m just psychic like that.”

“Sean thinks it’s a girl.”

“Well, he’s dumb.”

“That’s my husband you’re talking about.” She stared me down.

“You’re dumb too. Now do you feel better?”

She rolled her eyes then shook her head.

I put the papers aside and finished my sandwich before Scarlet could scarf it down.

Her happy demeanor disappeared. “What ar
e we going to do about Cortland?”

That was a sad topic for everyone. “I don’t know.”

“Monnique has been gone for three weeks. She hasn’t called him once.”

“I feel bad for the guy.”

She shook her head. “I’m trying to stay neutral, but I don’t think Monnique is being fair. Cortland didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t think it’s enough reason to break his heart like that.”

“What would you do if you were in the same situation?”

“Is that a serious question?” she asked sarcastically. “Sean put me through hell and I still took him back. Every time. And what he did was much worse than what Cortland did. In fact, Cortland didn’t do anything. Can she honestly tell me she’s never been with someone she couldn’t have? Does that mean he can never move on and honestly love someone else?”

“So he told you the truth?”

She nodded.

“Are you okay with that?”

“Sean said he doesn’t have a problem with it and neither do I. Cortland is still my best friend. Nothing will change that.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that.”

“But I can’t stand to see Cortland like his. Every time he cries, I cry.

“Yeah.”

She drummed her fingers on the counter. “I’m thinking about going to Seattle and talking to Monnique.”

My eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“I have to do something. Cortland refuses to call her. He says they’re over.”

“And what do you think you can accomplish?”

“I don’t know…convince her that he loves her more than he ever loved me, which is completely true. “

I shook my head. “I don’t know, Scar. You might just piss her off.”

“We’re still friends, for my part. She’ll listen to me.”

“You think you have more influence than you really do.”

The frustration exploded inside her. “I can’t stand by and do nothing! Cortland was so happy with her. I just want him to have what he wants. If he cheated on her or did something bad, I would let her go. But he didn’t. Cortland has been an outstanding boyfriend from the beginning. And if she’s too damn stupid to realize that, I’ll smack her in the head until she realizes it.”

“It sounds like you’ve already made up your mind.”

“I have. Cortland is my best friend. And I’ll do anything for him.”