Authors: Nicki Night
Cadence just smiled. She didn't have to admit that Drew called her. The smirk on Cadence's face revealed all Alana needed to know.
Alana promised to think about what her best friend said, but if she moved forward with Drew and their relationship went awry, she would be devastated. Alana wasn't sure if she was willing to gamble that hard. Walking away now would hurt so much less than losing Drew to Jade a second time.
Chapter 22
D
rew arrived in Florence around noon local time. The first thing he did was call Alana to let her know he'd arrived. He crashed when he'd finally filled his stomach at his favorite restaurant.
Josephina's
was a quaint mom-and-pop shop on a cobbled street, where he was treated like family despite his limited linguistic abilities. After he downed a healthy helping of freshly made pasta and two glasses of Limoncello, jet lag ushered him into a sleep that felt like it lasted for days.
Drew's eyes popped open when he heard the phone ring. Disoriented, he adjusted his eyes to the darkness and looked at the clock. It was past midnight. The phone had stopped ringing by the time he reached for it. Drew swung his legs over the side of the bed and rubbed his eyes. Wading through the dark, he made it to the bathroom and remembered he was in Italy. Back in the bedroom, he checked his cell phone for the date and time. The haze was clearing.
Now that he was much more coherent, he swiped his cell to dial Alana's number, but Jade's call came through first.
“Hello.”
“Hey there. I'm calling so we can talk about what you'd like to do. I put something together that I think you'll like.”
“Jade?”
“Of course. Don't tell me you've forgotten what I sound like on the phone.”
“No, I just woke up.”
“Woke up? It's just after seven.”
“I'm overseas. It's after midnight here.”
“Oh, I'm sorry to wake you.”
“It's no problem. Tell me about what you put together.”
“Yes, okay.” Jade's excitement was evident. She went on to propose two paths that he could take for life beyond the track, which included broadcasting. She'd already reached out to a few contacts who would love to meet with him.
“That sounds amazing.” Her plans excited Drew. He could see the possibilities.
Jade explained that they worked with both companies and individuals to help them establish, shape, recreate and manage their professional brands, as well as doing PR work and providing other services. “Since I joined the company a few years ago, we've been very successful helping a few of our clients navigate some very dynamic career shifts. I could easily see you in television, whether you go into sports as a broadcaster or TV personality or as a spokesperson or something else along those lines. I can email you what I proposed and when you get back to the States, we can meet and discuss it in further detail.”
“That sounds great.”
“When will you be home?”
“Next Tuesday.”
“Okay, let me check my calendar.” Jade quieted for a moment. “How about we do dinner that Wednesday? We can review the proposal. I can answer any questions you have and then we can catch up.”
“Yeah, sure.” Drew was all for reviewing the proposal but not that interested in the catching-up part. “How about we meet at your office?”
“My schedule is booked. Wednesday evening is the only day I'm free and I'd love to get started on this ASAP.”
Drew hesitated a moment. “Okay. Let's do it.”
“Great. It's in my calendar. How's the racing world treating you? I see you've changed teams.”
“Yes. How'd you know?”
“I check you out every now and then.”
Drew wondered why since she was the one who left him for a person he couldn't stand.
“That's interesting and a little unexpected.”
“How so?”
“It doesn't really matter.”
“You haven't thought about me since we broke up?” Jade sounded disappointed.
Drew got up from the bed. This conversation was going in a direction that he wasn't interested in heading toward. He slipped on a pair of lounge pants and adjusted the room temperature. “At times, when I'm reminded of some things.”
“Like what?”
“Like the reason for the breakup.”
“Oh.” She didn't have much to say. A few beats thumped by. “I'd love to get past that.”
“We did. It's now in the past.” Drew heard Jade clear her throat. He'd reached the kitchen of his hotel suite and searched the mini fridge for a bottle of water.
“Do you still have that little chateau in France?”
“Yes, I do. In fact, Alana and I spent some time there a few weeks ago. You remember my girlfriend, Alana. She was at my parents' house when you stopped by on Sunday.” Drew knew Jade didn't need reminding. Jade knew who Alana was when she came back to reclaim him years ago. He still regretted falling for Jade a second time.
After a while, she finally responded. “Yes. She's pretty.” Jade giggled. “I think it's interesting that you actually went back to her.”
“Thanks. I think so too.”
“Been together long?” Jade sounded hesitant. Drew wondered if she was sizing up what she thought was competition.
“We recently got back together.”
“Interesting.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Our situation.”
Drew pulled the phone away from his face, looked at it and placed it back to his ear.
Was that a dig?
“If you could email me the proposal by Sunday night, that would be great.” Drew didn't want to play this game with Jade.
“I can send it tonight. Call me if you need me to explain anything.”
“Okay, I need to get back to sleep. Media briefs are tomorrow and it's pretty late here.”
“No problem. Go right ahead. See you next Wednesday?”
“Yep.”
“Take care, Drew.”
Drew ended the call and immediately dialed Alana. She didn't answer. With his feet up on the couch, he checked in with his brothers and parents, spending several moments on the phone with each. After that, he dialed Alana again.
“Hey.”
“Miss me yet?”
“I will admit that I miss you.”
“I can't tell when you don't answer my calls. I'm a long way from home. I don't like feeling like we're estranged.”
“We're not estranged, Drew.”
“It feels like we are.” He waited for her to deny that. She didn't. “Jade is not a threat.”
“I didn't say anything about Jade.”
“You didn't have to.”
Alana quieted again.
“I care about you and only you. You have absolutely nothing to worry about, alright?” Drew imagined her with her eyes closed, counting breaths. “You know you're
ma belle
. No one can take your place.”
“I know, Drew.” After a few moments, Alana asked, “Isn't it late there?”
“Around one in the morning.” Drew headed back to the bedroom of his suite.
“You should go to bed. Call me when you wake up.”
“Dream about me,” Drew said. He heard Alana chuckle and envisioned her smile. “Good night.”
“Good night.”
Drew knew that Alana wasn't convinced about Jade not being a threat. Soon enough she would see for herself. He'd prove that to her, as well.
Chapter 23
J
udge Ledger banged her gavel and ordered Gary to stop yelling, threatening to hold him in contempt if he walked out her courtroom. Ignoring her, he shoved the doors open and walked right through, flipping his hand over his head and dismissing her demands. Exasperated, Alana told Cadence to stay put while she ran after him.
“Gary!” she screamed once she cleared the courtroom doors.
“What?” He stopped and turned around but then continued walking.
Alana trekked as fast and as carefully as she could on her three-inch pumps.
“What the hell was that?” she said when she caught up with him. Alana looked around at the few people whose attention they had garnered. “Come here.” She grabbed his arm and led him farther down the hall to a bench. Too wound up to sit, she checked her surroundings to ensure that she had a little more privacy. “Are you crazy?”
“Who does that judge think she is telling me I need to work out a settlement? I hit him after he hit me. He's a liar who just wants my money.”
“She's the judge, that's who. And if she decides that you need to pay, that's exactly what you'll have to do!” With one hand on her hip and one hand on her forehead, Alana looked around again and then lowered her voice. “We have warned you about your attitude. Calm yourself down and get back in that courtroom. Hopefully she won't throw you in jail for contempt.” She turned to go to the courtroom, paused and got back in his face. Her finger was inches from his nose. “If this goes wrong, it will be your fault. You hired us to represent youânow let us do our jobs. Otherwise, you can find another firm.”
Gary's nose flared. “Don't threaten me. I could always find someone else to represent me.”
“Then do it.” Alana was done. She marched down the hall and through the doors. Drew had warned her that Gary was a jerk. That was clear to her now.
“Counselor, where is that client of yours?” the judge barked as soon as she entered.
“Your Honor, please excuse his behavior. I'm not sure if he will return, and I'm also not sure if we will continue to represent him.” Alana was out of breath.
Cadence eye's bulged at Alana's comment.
What?
she mouthed with her face twisted in confusion.
“I'm right here, Your Honor.”
“Bailiff, take him in. I'm holding you in contempt. One wrong move and this will be your home for the next thirty days. Do you hear me?”
Alana and Cadence sighed simultaneously.
Judge Ledger banged her gavel. “I'll see the rest of you on the third of next month. Make sure you teach your client how to act in my courtroom.” She pointed her gavel in Alana and Cadence's direction.
“Yes, Your Honor,” they said together.
Alana slammed her folder shut and stuffed it in her briefcase. She could tell by Cadence's tight lip that she was just as angry. When she looked over at the plaintiff, he sported a smirk and she wanted to snatch it off his face. They briefly visited with Gary before heading straight back to their office.
“I can't believe this.” Alana paced the small space inside Cadence's office.
“Me either.” Cadence flopped into her chair.
“I wanted to pop him in the mouth,” Alana said.
“What about when he said, âNow I know you're more than just two pretty faces'?” Cadence lowered her voice, mocking him. “And after all of that he still wants us to represent him.”
“I can't wait until this trial is over.” Alana groaned.
“I know. We need to figure out how we can salvage this case and get a win. I'll scour the police reports again for anything that might stand out.”
“Did the police ever get back to us about the cameras in the area?” Alana wondered aloud.
“Hmm. Not sure.”
“I'll check into that,” Alana offered.
For the next hour, as they ate lunch, they deliberated over Gary's recent antics and other strategies to win this case. Alana then retreated to her office to work on other cases. Five o'clock came sooner than they realized. She looked at her phone and noticed she'd missed several calls, including two from Drew. She sighed.
Alana had spoken to Drew much less frequently in the past few days. He'd asked if she would join him and Jade for their dinner meeting tonight. He wanted to get her opinion. Fortunately she had a real commitment which caused her to have to decline his offer. She couldn't picture herself sharing a table with Drew and his ex. That commitment reminded her to make sure that Cadence would be joining her at the NYAA meeting.
“Cadence,” Alana called as she walked the few steps to her office. She stuck her head just past the door frame. “You're coming with me tonight, right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I was just confirming.” Alana had finally convinced Cadence to join the New York Association of Attorneys, arguing that it would be good for their firm. She wasn't as active as Alana was, but she attended meetings on a regular basis. Alana was fine with that. “Okay. Let's head over at six.”
When Alana got back to her office, her cell phone buzzed. It was Drew again. She sent the call to voicemail. She managed to avoid him most of the day. Until she decided how to proceed in their relationship, it was best to keep their conversations minimal. At this point, she was just going through the motions. She knew it was cowardly but figured it would be better than having her heart dragged through turmoil so soon after her last breakup.
Drew's dinner was scheduled to happen at the same time as her NYAA meeting. She hoped the meeting would distract her from thinking about Drew sitting across the table from Jade, reminiscing about their past life together. Eventually, she needed to make a choice. She would either stay with Drew and trust him or reinstate her dating hiatus. Neither option would be easy.
Alana pushed thoughts of Drew and Jade to the recesses of her mind and refocused on the work in front of her. Six o'clock came before she knew it. Cadence was at her door.
“Ready to go?”
“Whoa. Look at you all ready for a NYAA meeting.”
“Don't tempt me. I'm still not into all these gatherings, but I realize it's been good for business so I'm sticking with it. Just don't ask me to join the board. I like to leave the politics to my dad.”
“I'm ready.” Alana closed her laptop and grabbed her purse.
Chapter 24
D
rew whipped the rented convertible Jaguar into the parking lot of the office where his second meeting was being held. Pressing the button, the top closed over him, cutting off the beaming rays of that California sun. When he stepped out in his blue tailored suit, he felt like was on a movie set. Several women walking through the parking lot stopped their conversations and looked his way. Drew looked back and smiled. Those grown women actually giggled.
Looking good and feeling great, he floated into the building that housed Sherwood Entertainment as if he had clouds for shoes, halting a few more conversations by the time he made it to the reception desk. Jade was to meet him there.
Jade's proposal had sounded good when she presented it at dinner the other night, but the excitement truly kicked in when those connections she boasted about started requesting meetings. Retiring his motorcycle didn't seem so grim in light of all the new opportunities that he didn't realize could exist for him. Until recently, he had never imagined transitioning into television. Most of the racers he knew stayed in the field, but the options, based on what he knew now, were limited.
Flashing a brilliant smile, he greeted the receptionist. She gushed and offered him coffee, tea or water while he waited for his other party. He politely declined. He pretended not to see the glances she stole his way as she called the producer of the show that he was there to meet.
“As soon as your other party comes, I'll take you right in,” she promised.
“Thank you.”
She smiled hard.
Jade walked in just as he was about to take a seat.
“Don't you look handsome?”
“You seem surprised. Didn't I look good in my jeans and motorcycle jacket?”
“Of course you did, Drew. I just don't see you like this often.”
Drew chuckled. “You look pretty good yourself,” he complimented her. Jade had always been very mindful of fitness. Her curves were well-placed in the dress she wore in the same shade as her name. She'd always been a beautiful woman, but Alana had his heart. It would take a lot more than a pretty face to cause him to lose focus. It was too late for that now.
The receptionist advised that Mr. Jacobson was ready to see them.
“After you.” Drew stepped aside for Jade to enter first.
“You always were a gentleman,” Jade said.
“And I always will be.”
The receptionist led them through a modern office that had a sea of white cubicles with glass partitions giving the workplace a futuristic feel. Posters depicting stars and popular shows produced by the network lined the walls. They entered the glassed-in conference room and greeted Mr. Jacobson and two other gentlemen.
“Archie!” Jade said with a familiarity that showed Drew that Jade had a pretty solid connection with this man. They embraced.
“You know Daniel and Mat, right?”
“Great seeing you again, gentlemen.” Jade shook their hands. “This is your next hot personality, Drew Barrington.”
“Gentlemen.” Drew greeted the men with handshakes before they all sat.
“Let's get right to business,” Archie Jacobson began. “The package you sent us was quite impressive. You have a great look and I think you may be a fit for one of the new shows we're working on. It's reality TV.”
Drew wasn't excited about reality TV but continued to hear him out.
“The show follows the lives of several athletes across different sports. It's unconventional in the sense that we don't seek out drama, but rather we want to show the world what goes into the making of an athlete. You see, we know what happens on the field, but the public always wants to know what's happening when the cameras aren't flashing. We're in the process of auditioning several well-known players in different sports.”
It wasn't exactly what Drew had in mind, but, then again, he didn't know what to expect. He leaned forward, being sure to remain poised. “What's the offer?”
The man who was introduced as Daniel slid a folder in front of Drew and Jade. They scanned the contents briefly.
“Not bad.” Jade nodded. “Give us a few days to absorb this and we'll get back to you.”
“That's fine with me.” Archie looked at his colleagues. They agreed and the meeting was over.
Outside, Drew walked Jade to her car. The opportunity to be a spokesperson for the American-based motorcycle racing organization they had met with earlier seemed great. However, this reality-TV gig paid much more and offered broader exposure. Drew had several more meetings over the next week to examine his options before determining which route to take.
They agreed to finish their discussion over lunch at a restaurant that a friend recommended on North La Cienega Boulevard.
He went back to the hotel and spent the rest of the afternoon on the phone. The first thing he did was call Alana to share the news. She seemed excited enough. Drew understood that she was still uneasy about the time he had to spend with Jade handling business. He wanted to assure Alana that this transition would be great for them since he would spend much more time in the States.
“I want to know what you think about this.”
“It sounds like a great opportunity.” Alana sounded dejected.
“It is,
ma belle
,
and we'll get to spend much more time together. Join me for my next race.” Maybe having her around would help her understand that she had nothing to worry about when it came to Jade.
“I really can't.”
“Then meet me in California. We can do something after my meetings.”
“I won't able to take time off for a few weeks.”
“Then I'll plan something special as soon as I get back.” He couldn't wait to see her and intended to show her just how much he'd missed her and to make up for all of this lost time.
Next, Drew updated his brothers on his progress and asked about his dad's progress. Then he looked up a few lounges on his cell phone.
Content about his day, Drew put on some music, showered and changed into jeans, a button-down shirt, shoes and a sports jacket. He wanted to hang for the night and celebrate his prospects. He was used to being alone and taking in whatever the locals offered. However, before he could leave, Jade showed up at his door.
“You're going out?”
“I don't get to see LA as often as I used to, so I figured I'll see what's happening around town.”
“By yourself? I'd be happy to join you. I mean, if you don't mind. I don't have anything to do. I was stopping by to see if you wanted to have dinner.”
Drew hesitated a moment. “Sure.” He wondered what harm it could do. He was loyal to Alana.
“Cool. I know just the place. Give me a moment to change my clothes. I'll be right back.” Jade ran off to her room down the hall.
A little while later, she returned in a little black dress that hugged her curves tighter than his motorcycle did on race days.
Drew mentally chided Jade for her choice of dress and decided to make it clear where he stood.
“Jade.” He entered the hallway, closing his hotel door behind him.
“What's up, Drew?”
“I just want to make sure we are on the same page.”
“About what?”
“Where we stand. Our relationship is a professional one. I respect what you do and, in fact, I'm pretty excited about the options being presented for me, but I need you to understand that my heart is with Alana. I just didn't want there to be any misunderstandings.”
Jade stood quietly for a moment. “Of course, Drew. It's all about the business.” Her smile failed to reach her eyes. “We'll talk business and make this a business dinner to make you feel comfortable if that's what you want to do.”
* * *
Following her recommendation, they ended up at an exclusive restaurant and lounge not far from where they'd had lunch.
“Let's dance.” Jade suggested after they had eaten and enjoyed a few drinks. Jade stood, teetered and caught her balance. She pulled down the hemline of her dress.
“Maybe later.” He sipped his cognac, bobbing his head to the music.
“Come on, Drew. Don't leave me hanging. We've worked hard today.”
After a little more pleading Drew relented, pushed back his seat and rose slowly. He took the hand she held out and walked to the dance floor.
The last time he remembered dancing was at the party his brothers had thrown for him. Now, they danced through a few pop songs until Jade complained about the balls of her feet feeling like she'd been walking on coals. They returned to their table and listened to a few more songs while Drew finished his drink, and then they both headed back to the hotel. Drew enjoyed himself and had his fill.
As a gentleman should, he walked Jade to her room. She fumbled with her key card at the door, unable to get it into the slot. Drew took the key and opened the door for her.
Jade stood in the doorway and smiled. “Tonight was great. I needed that.”
“Good.”
“Do you want to come in for a little while?” Jade asked. Her words dragged.
“I'm going to head straight to bed. I'll see you in the morning.”
Jade looked disappointed, but then her expression changed to something unreadable.
“Are you okay?”
“I'm fine but would be better if you hung out with me for a bit longer.” In the next moment, Jade had wrapped her arms around Drew's neck, lifted on her toes and kissed him on the lips.
Drew pulled back. “Jade.”
“What's wrong?” she whined, becoming instantly irritated. “You can't tell me you don't find me attractive anymore. I've seen the way you've looked at me since we've been here.”
“I thought I made it clear to you earlier that our relationship here is stictly business. I've shown you nothing but respect from the beginning and I expect the same in return.” Drew was surprised by Jade's approach and considered her behavior as unbecoming.
Jade sidled up to him and placed both hands on his chest. “She doesn't look like she's woman enough for you, Drew. You need someone who can fly with youâa woman with a similar taste for adventure. You need me, Drew. We were good together.”
“Exactly. We
were
...” Drew removed her hands and backed up, putting space between them.
“Don't act like you don't want me.” She sauntered over to him again. “Don't you remember how much fun we had together? It can be like that again.” She slid her finger across his lips.
Drew moved back again and shook his head. He turned to leave her room.
“Drew! Wait! I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that.” She ran her hands through her tousled hair. “Don't go. Let's talk.”
“Other than business, there's nothing to talk about. I appreciate what you've done so far and will understand if you no longer want me to be your client.”
Drew headed down the hall. Jade went after him, but he kept walking.
“I'm sorry.” She stepped around him, so she could stand face-to-face. “I shouldn't have done that. I never mix business... I just thoughtâ”
“You thought I was the old Drew, but I'm not.”
“I see that.” Jade looked away, seeming embarrassed. “There's no need to find another company. I'll still represent you.”
“Then you need to understand what I'm here for.”
“I do.”
“I appreciate that. See you in the morning.” He walked away, leaving her in the hallway.
“Drew!” she called after him. He stopped walking but didn't turn around. “You must love her.”
Drew continued walking. He didn't answer her question aloud, but he did acknowledge it in his heart.