Dream Man (Executive Women in Love Book 1) (14 page)

Max leaned in and kept his voice down. “Listen, I get it. It’s in the past. What she did. What I did. Now we’re here in this moment and it’s time for forgiveness. I want to make up for lost time. I want to help her. And I want to make sure she’s going to get the help she needs with the drinking.”

Tommy shook his head. “She doesn’t need anything. We have managed just fine without you. Just because you stroll into town for a week and throw some money around doesn’t mean you get us back. Or have a say in Mom’s life. It’s gonna take a lot more than that.”

The waitress arrived and served Tommy’s eggs over easy with bacon, hash browns, and toast, and Max’s vegetable omelet. They ate in silence. Max could cut the tension with a knife.

Max pushed his half-finished plate aside. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get you, Mom and Roberta to trust and let me be back in your lives.”

Despite the subject matter, Tommy seemed to have a voracious appetite. Puzzling, but at the same time while they ate, Max used the time to think of a way to redeem himself.

The doubt niggled at Max, and he suspected Tommy either didn’t care or didn’t believe anything Max said. “All I ask is that you give me a chance.”

“Take whatever chance you want. Like I said, it means nothing to me.” Tommy stabbed his hash browns and shoveled them into his mouth.

Max took a deep breath. “I’d like to meet your wife and the girls.”

Tommy glanced at him with a blank stare. “We’re not here for you to pick us up and put us down again whenever you want. Like all the women you have sprinkled about the country.” He shook his head. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. I don’t want my daughters meeting an uncle they never had and will probably not see again.”

“I deserve all of your suspicions. I directed most of my angst in the past toward Mom. And she didn’t deserve it either. She needs us to be reunited. That’s probably why she’s driven to drink.”

“Don’t even try to pin it on me. She’s been far gone for a long time now.”

“It’s not too late for her to get help. Maybe if she has restored faith, in me, at least, it might give her some hope for a better life. If I accomplish anything while I’m here, I’d like to at least give her that.”

Tommy seemed to consider everything Max said and remained silent for a few moments. “I know it took a lot for you to come here. It’s long overdue, but you did it. And, maybe, it’s not too late for Mom. I don’t think you should blame yourself for her drinking because it’s been a problem even in her heyday. But, if she keeps on going like this, she won’t be with us long. So far, she refused any kind of twelve step program, so if you think you can make a difference by all means you should try to do so.”

“Are you willing to give me a chance at being your brother again?”

“I-I don’t know.” Max’s brother cast his gaze downward and wet his lips.

The waitress returned, refilled their coffee, and asked if they needed anything else to which they replied no. She dropped the bill and scooped up the plates.

Max promptly took the bill.

Tommy sat there for a moment and seemed to contemplate Max’s last question further. “How long will you be in town?”

“For the next week, then I’m headed to New York.”

“Tell you what. I’d be willing to give you a chance. But, if you lose touch with Mom again, I can’t forgive it. I won’t. She can’t take another let down, by you or anyone else for that matter.”

Tommy words about Max’s current actions being long overdue ran through Max’s mind. If it weren’t for Felicity coming into his life he wondered if he’d ever face his past. Yet it didn’t matter that meeting Felicity spurred him forward to be the man he should be. What mattered most is that he finally did it. And if Max was sure about anything, he knew from this day forward he wouldn’t let his mother or anyone in his family down again.

Felicity decided to spend her Sunday doing some important research. She dug up whatever she could on Charlotte Winters. When she got started in the restaurant business, what locations she opened, what permits she’d applied for, her restaurant concept and menu specialties. By the end of the day, she’d been prepared for the perfect pitch.

Felicity tried Charlotte office first thing Monday morning. She introduced herself to Charlotte and was pleasantly surprised Max had mentioned
Executive Women
to Charlotte on a prior occasion.

“I watch the show. In fact, I love it,” she said.

Felicity heard voices in the background and feared Charlotte would soon have to get off the phone. She knew she’d have to talk quickly. “I have a proposal for you. I think we should do an episode during restaurant week. I believe our show can increase exposure to the community and to the nation.”

“Go on.”

“My research shows you wish to expand your restaurant chain locally and the additional exposure through an
Executive Women
clip, simultaneously with the feature film you’re doing for the Food Network, could give you a break into parts of the country you haven’t considered.”

“At the moment, we’re planning to expand the individually themed restaurants from lower Manhattan into the other boroughs, all within the next twenty-four months. But, the idea of going nationally had never occurred to me. Fabulous idea.”

“We can have our camera crew take in our filming while the feature on the New York restaurants is in progress. Then perhaps you can give me the inside scoop of running the place. So, I can probably get everything together with my crew and be there as early as tomorrow.”

Felicity hoped like hell she wasn’t too late.

“Tomorrow? Oh, I’m sorry. The feature and Restaurant Week isn’t scheduled until the later part of next week . . .” Felicity heard the rustling of papers over the line “. . . uh, it opens the Friday after next.”

WHAT?
Max had left two weeks ago. So where, exactly, had he been? She needed to not act surprised by this interesting detail and carry on the conversation as planned. “Oh, well, I—I’m sure we can arrange to be there. I must have gotten my dates mixed up.”

“It’s no problem. Now, you know we’ll have Maxwell Marx on location. Having him around will give us raving reviews, especially by our female viewers.”

“Actually Max is partners on the
Executive Women
show. However, in view of the fact that we are taping a reality show, I’d like to make this a surprise shoot. If you don’t mind, don’t mention that we’re coming on the set, not even to Max.”

“Why, would he see it as a problem?”

Uh-oh
. How would she pull this off? If he knew she arranged this he might high-tail it out of there. This for the show, she kept telling herself. But really she wanted to see what he was up to. Then she’d know for herself. For her own security. Even if she’d behaved somewhat stalker-like. No, a better word would be industrious.
That’s it.
“Of course it’s not a problem. Max and I previously talked about having you on the show. However, we weren’t planning on it in conjunction with your feature. I’d like to use the element of surprise—”

A background voice called out, “Charlotte, we need you out here . . . now!”

“Hey, it’s fine. Mum’s the word. I don’t get how you do your business but you’ve been doing a great job with the show. So, I’ll see you soon. You know where to find me.
Ciao
!”

And with that she hung up.

Mission accomplished. She’d rearrange things to make it happen.

But where exactly did Max take off to? And why?

Felicity finished her meeting with Shantae and had her plans made for the New York trip.

A TMZ feed buzzed on Felicity’s smart phone.

“What’s wrong, Miss Felice?”

Felicity supposed the shock and desperation clearly registered on her face. “Melania Hernandez was spotted in New York. With Max Marx. He left ahead of feature schedule for a rendezvous with Melania. Unbelievable. All along, he’s been involved with her.”

“Now come on. You don’t know that.”

“Oh, I know it. He’s been extremely evasive with me and standoffish. It’s because he had Melania on a string.”

“Men are such animals.”

“That they can be.”

“What are you going to do?”

“We’re going to New York and get the scene on tape. As they say, the show must go on. And as far as Max is concerned, we didn’t have an understanding. So, all is in fair play.”

Shantae rubbed Felicity’s arm. “Come on, girl. You can get any guy you want.”

Felicity had thought she wanted Max. Yet this new information confirmed everything. He was every bit the cad the world painted. The playboy. And an out-and-out liar, who turned his back on his own family.

What in the world made Felicity think he could ever be something more to her than a fling? Or that she could inspire him to change. He’d strung her along while keeping Melania on the side. He played Felicity for a fool. Only the last joke will most definitely be on him.

Chapter 13

Felicity organized her staff for the road trip to New York. The troupe included two cameramen, her production assistant Shantae, the scriptwriter and her, packed with enough clothes for the week.

Felicity checked Max’s itinerary and confirmed he’d checked into the Marriott Marquis Sunday night. She made reservations for herself and the crew to stay there as well. She knew this to be a tad bit aggressive but then the entire plan was aggressive.

“I dunno, Miss Felice, you might be getting yourself in over your head with this one,” Shantae said during their long plane ride to LaGuardia. They’d scheduled a late night flight, which would arrive in the early morning hours.

“Sssh! I don’t want anyone to hear us.”

“They can’t hear us. Just catch a glance at them.”

Felicity observed the members of her crew. They were either asleep, with earphones, or otherwise detained with their smart phones or tablets. Still, she didn’t need Shantae knowing any more than she did. “You don’t mind what I’m doing. Concentrate on the job.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Shantae swayed her shoulders side-to-side in mock reverence. “Don’t wanna mess with the boss lady.”

“I don’t mean to be harsh. I’m a little scared.”

“I’d be a little scared, too, honey child. If he’s with, who-knows-who, you’re gonna be disappointed. Prepare yourself now.”

“That’s complete conjecture on my part, and more than I should have told you. But I’m prepared for the worse. Max made no commitments to me. He has other issues.”

“I’ll say, any man that can resist a hot chick like you—”

“Come on, Shantae. I’ve told you too much already. Now let’s
pretend
it’s just a job.”

“Either way, you can count on me for a shoulder to cry on. But I hope you won’t need it.”

So did Felicity.

The
Betonia was hopping for a Tuesday night. According to the online reviews, this restaurant typically had reservations filled for a year in advance. Why Charlotte wanted additional exposure, Felicity didn’t know.

When Felicity arrived at the restaurant, crew at hand, Charlotte was nowhere in sight. She should have expected them. Felicity had confirmed they were coming earlier in the afternoon.

The hostess appeared flustered when she saw Felicity and her crew. “I’m sorry. We already have cameras set up in the private dining room in the back. Are you with ABC television?”

“No, I—we’re here for an impromptu reality television episode. It had been arranged with Charlotte,” Felicity explained. Disappointment threatened to unravel her.

“I’m sorry, but Charlotte isn’t here. She’s at Isabelle’s tonight.”

One of her other restaurants.
Now what?
Maybe she had an unexpected schedule change. “Well, is Max Marx here?”

The hostess rolled her eyes. “I get it now. You’re with the press. I’m sorry but you’ll have to move along. This filming is for a private party.”

Shantae grumbled under her breath, loud enough for the girl to hear. “Snotty little thing.”

The hostess glared at Shantae. “Must I call security?”

Felicity persisted. “It won’t be necessary.” She took a moment to read the hostess’s nametag. “Gina, here’s my card. Honestly, my credentials will check out. Please phone Charlotte, I’m sure she’ll confirm it.”

Gina read the card and eyed Felicity with suspicion, made the call and must have made contact with her boss because she nodded and said, “Gotcha.” Gina smiled. “Charlotte gives you her apologies. She’s detained but you can start without her. She’ll be along later. Please follow me. We’ll have refreshments for you and your crew in the back.”

Gina should have given her apology as well. But, Felicity was just relieved she was being escorted to the action. Her heart beat hard against her rib cage, both in nervous anticipation of how the shoot would go and about seeing Max.

The room was crowded with cameramen surrounding a dining table party set for twelve. There were ten seated. No Max. “Gina, our episode was to tape both Max Marx and Charlotte. Is he expected to be here tonight?”

“I have no idea. I believe so. Charlotte said she’ll be by later. As for Max, he runs on his own schedule. We weren’t given a time when he’ll show . . .”

And, speak of the devil, just then, Max walked in through the side entrance behind the long table with none other than Melania Hernandez.
Wonderful.

Felicity felt her mouth go dry at the sight of him. He appeared relaxed, freshly shaved, dressed to the hilt, and his arm firmly around Melania’s waist.
Damn.
The rumors had to be true.

He caught her eye. The shock registered on many levels on his face. He seemed slightly perturbed, but broke out into an adorable happy-to-see-her, broad-faced, dimpled grin.
Huh?
He escorted Melania to an empty seat at the table and approached Felicity.

“What should we do, Miss Felice?” Shantae tugged at Felicity’s dress sleeve.

“Set ‘em up, Shantae, we need to roll. Now.”

“Right away.”

Shantae disappeared just as Max reached her. “Felicity. What on earth are you doing here?”

Felicity held her chin high and purposely calmed her shaking voice. “You said Charlotte might be interested in our show so I pitched her. And she was! Now it looks like you’ll be doing an impromptu guest appearance on
Executive Women
.”

“Good job. And then so you will be part of the feature as well?” He wiggled his eyebrows.

“I’ll be what?” She’d been momentarily paralyzed not knowing what to do or what he meant.

Until the light of the cameras were on her.

Ha! So
she’d
be part of the show.

“I suppose I am a guest on my own show. Not a bad idea though, huh?”

With that, Max pulled her in and gave her a long, languishing, sexy French kiss finished with a backward dip, which almost had her parallel to the floor. Max pulled her up to her feet with a flourish and announced. “Your production assistant, Shantae, informed me of your plans.”

“What? Why?” She looked around for the culprit and caught her giggling behind one of the cameras.
The little
—

“Don’t be angry with her.” The mics came in closer to catch their every word. “It just gave me more time to prepare for your arrival.”

“What’s with Melania?” Felicity motioned to her and noted she glared at them with envy.

“Oh, might I detect a little jealousy on the part of the most fiercely independent gal in showbiz?”

“I’m just curious.” Felicity feigned a look of innocence.

He put an arm around her and motioned to the table. “This is a dinner I arranged for the several New York high fashion models Melanie works with. Max guided Felicity toward the table. “Felicity, meet Maggy, Heather, Lizzie, and Carmel all of
Vogue
Magazine.
”

Felicity faded out on the litany of names. “. . . and then we have Janice, Serena, Sybil—” Felicity registered the shock running through her system. “. . . who are on a photo shoot for the restaurant week. The shoots will feature Charlotte’s New York restaurants. Maggie here . . .” Max placed his hand on the shoulder of a buxomly blonde, “. . . is from Switzerland and the newest addition to the John Dean agency.”

Max directed his attention to Felicity and squeezed her to his side. “And this here is my woman, Felicity Burgess.”

His
what?

He glanced at Felicity with a teasing glint. “Yup, that’s right. I could have lost her to a sea of wolves in California. But it only took a few weeks without her to realize I wanted her all for myself. If she’ll have me. Will you have me Felice Burgess?”

OMG. He sounds like he was going to propose
. And this was all being taken on camera!

Felicity wondered what she’d
say if he did propose.

What a weird spin on things.

But was this all just for the cameras?

My God am I being punked by my own crew? No, they wouldn’t. Max wouldn’t do that to me.

Yet, it appeared her planned surprise was all on her.

Felicity sat down with Max and he consulted with her on menu selections and put a dinner order in for them. The crew taped the entire scene. Amazed, Felicity relaxed, allowing everyone else to do the work.

Max’s woman
. Just like that. Unbelievable. She wasn’t going to question it. It was wonderful.

Yet a niggling doubt or two still zigzagged through her brain. She had to force the thoughts out of her mind.

If she knew anything about Max, he was a man of honor. The rest went with him, whatever ghosts he carried from his past, well, she’d find out soon enough.

Felicity hoped, anyway.

Off camera and safe in the privacy of the ladies’ room, Felicity confronted Shantae. “Just what did you do, you little sneak?”

Hand on hip Shantae acted, pretending to be angry. “Just look at Miss Felice, getting all up in my face when she should be thanking me for all the trouble I went through.” She lifted her nose up in the air and faced the mirror to touch up her plump lips with a flaming red lipstick.

“You played along with me letting me think I might be setting myself up for a let-down.”

Shantae raised her brow. “I couldn’t predict what he’d do. And I couldn’t tell ya I gave you away either.”

“I wanted to catch his reaction by surprise.”

“What you talking about, girl? You want to embarrass the man?”

“It was all right for
you
to embarrass
me
.” Felice applied her signature champagne pink lipstick followed with a clear gloss and touch up her face with her compact.

“You loved it and don’t you lie now.”

“Tell me how you did it.”

“Okay it was easy as pie. I got his number from your phone . . .”

Felice glared at her assistant with mock surprise. “Rascal.”

“. . . and told him about your little
coup d’ etat
. That’s all it took. He was cool as a cucumber and said he planned to be there anyway and looked forward to seeing you. That’s it, I swear. We exchanged all of three sentences.”

Felicity didn’t care. She had wanted to see the shock on his face. And maybe catch him red-handed with an unsuspecting female. But, what she really wanted was to get Max in her life. For real. And now she’d gotten her wish and her answer.

Well, to one of her questions.

Felicity’s crew packed up for the night by the time she and Shantae got back to the dining room. Max chatted away with the models. He caught Felicity’s eye and came up to her. “How about we go for a drink?”

Felicity didn’t want to drink. She wanted to talk. She wanted a heart-to-heart, open, honest talk with this man. Felicity had practically shared her life story with him. Now it was Max’s turn to share. Felicity needed to know everything about the real Max.

“I’d like that. But it’s late and I’d like to go somewhere private.”

“Tell you what. Our hotel has a nice bar overlooking Broadway.”

So, the little devil knew she booked there. She supposed after Shantae spilled the beans he checked, or maybe she told him. It didn’t matter. Everything was out in the open at this point.

“That’ll be fine. Let me say goodnight to my staff and we’ll go.”

Felicity made her goodbyes, rejoined Max, and they hailed a cab to the Marquis.

Max was thrilled when Felicity’s production assistant reached out to him. He’d been thinking of arranging a meeting between Charlotte and Felicity for the
Executive Women
anyway but the vixen beat him to it. After he wrapped up his family affairs at the Outer Banks, as best as he could at that point, he headed to New York as scheduled. Then Shantae called him Monday and told him about the plans, and Felicity’s suspicions about Melania.

He was fine with the fact that Felicity defied him and went ahead with booking a shoot with Charlotte Winters. Felicity had a good sense for this business and she’d planned to strike while the proverbial kettle was still hot. And Restaurant Week was the perfect time. He also didn’t mind Shantae knowing about Felicity and him. There was nothing to hide.

To think Felicity actually thought he had something going on with Melania or someone on the east coast was laughable. He could understand her being suspicious, what with what happened with Brad and that Max had been so close-lipped about his travel plans. But, tonight he’d clear up any uncertainly she had about him.

Felicity deserved to know the whole truth about him.

He thought on his mother’s last words. Slurred as they were. That he wasn’t the baseless, heartless man his father turned out to be. He was his mother’s son. And that he deserved Felicity’s love.

His mother’s validation seemed to click something into place in his mind. He now knew he deserved love and was capable of giving it.

Tonight, Felicity looked absolutely luscious in her ruffled black tight top with matching, well above the knee and equally tight, black skirt.

She must have wanted to dress to impress him. And that she did.

“Why are you so quiet?” she asked as she snuggled on his shoulder in the cab.

“Ah, I was just thinking how glad I am you came here.”

“I’m glad, too.”

Max curled his finger under her chin and lifted upward, forcing her to meet him eye-to-eye. “You mean a lot to me, Felice. You have to know. I’d have come back and finished what we started. I had actually thought to arrange to have
Executive Women
do an on location shot during this restaurant blitz—”

“You said you wanted to wait until it was over, but I needed to jump in at the right time.”

“So you did all this just for
Executive Women
?”

“Partly. But I couldn’t wait any longer. I also needed to see you.”

The cab arrived at their hotel. Max paid the cabby and escorted her—
his woman!—
to the hotel lobby bar. They got a two-top in a tiny corner where no one else could sit overlooking dead center of Broadway.