Five Star Desire

by Jacquelin Thomas

  “Clearly.” Zaire poured a glass of orange juice and then took a sip. “Why don’t you tell me what’s going on with you?”

  “You know how badly I wanted the Special Projects Director position. Well, Dad gave it to someone else.”

  She wiped her mouth on the edge of her napkin. “I told you that might happen, Kellen.”

  “I really didn’t think Dad would do that to me.”

  Zaire passed him the pitcher of orange juice. “You really shouldn’t take this so personally.”

  “I can’t help it,” he responded as he poured the orange liquid into a glass. “This just shows me that Dad doesn’t think I can handle a position like that. Sorry, but I’m insulted.”

  She reached for a slice of bacon and placed it on her plate. “Have you talked to Dad about your feelings?”

  Kellen shook his head. “No. There’s no point, Zaire. He’s already made up his mind.”

  She gave him a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry.”

  He shrugged in nonchalance, then busied himself fixing a plate of food.

  Zaire stated, “I’m glad you’re here because I’d like to talk to you about Dreyden.” She wiped her mouth with a napkin again. “I think there’s something going on with our brother.”

  “I feel the same way,” Kellen responded. “I’m worried about him.”

  “He’s losing so much weight, and he doesn’t seem to eat as much as he normally does. That’s totally not like Dreyden. That man loves to eat.”

  “Did you say anything to him?”

  Zaire nodded. “He just brushed me off by saying that he’s fine.”

  “He did the same to me,” Kellen stated.

  “I’m going to talk to Mama.” She finished off her bacon. “Maybe she can find out what’s wrong with him.”

  “She may already know but just doesn’t want to betray Dreyden’s confidence.”

  “You’re right, but I’m still going to say something to her.” Zaire took a sip of her juice. “How do you like the job so far?”

  “It’s okay. I’ve just been doing some shadowing,” Kellen responded. He sampled the scrambled eggs.

  “You don’t sound excited at all.”

  “I’m not,” he replied truthfully. “You wouldn’t be excited either if you had to watch others doing what you want to do.”

  “Kellen, I better not hear you complaining of having too much work or feeling overwhelmed in a few months, because I’m going to remind you of this conversation.”

  “I won’t, Zaire. I have a job and I’m grateful, but I would like to at least do what I’ve been hired to do.”

  “You need to learn patience.”

  “I am,” he countered. “That’s why I took the job.”

  “Kellen, I have to be honest with you. Your attitude really sucks,” Zaire stated. “I certainly hope you’re not going into the office like this.”

  He considered her words. “You’re right. I’m going about this the wrong way.”

  “It’s okay to be disappointed, but you can’t let those feelings take over.”

  Kellen nodded in agreement. “I hear what you’re saying.”

  “So what are you getting Harold and Amy for a wedding gift?” she asked.

  He shrugged in nonchalance. “I don’t know. I haven’t even looked at the registry. I’ll probably just give them a gift card. What are you getting them?” Kellen finished off his toast.

  “I am struggling with that, actually. The man is rich and has everything. I don’t have a clue what to get them.”

  “Maybe we should ask Livi for some suggestions. I’m sure she’s come across some trinkets during her last buying trip.”

  “Kellen, that’s a great idea. I’ll give her a call this morning.”

  He finished off his breakfast, and then pushed away from the table. “I guess I’d better head to work.”

  “Try and have a good day.”

  “I’ll give it a shot.” Kellen broke into a grin. “You have a good one, too.”

  Ten minutes later, he was in the car and driving into Los Angeles. He had a couple of technical training classes on his agenda for today. Kellen didn’t mind the training sequence; he enjoyed it. However, it was his appetite, making him hungry to get started on a project.

  Might as well get this out of my mind, he thought. Addison was not going to allow him to work on anything until after he completed his training sequence.

  She’d announced that she would not be in the office today until after lunch because she had a couple of off-site meetings. Kellen felt a thread of disappointment. He appreciated beauty and she was one stunning woman.

  Addison was all business, though. Normally, he knew within minutes if he’d made a connection with a woman. Kellen could tell when a woman was attracted to him, but with his boss—he couldn’t get a good read on her.

  Not that he was looking to have a relationship with her. Kellen didn’t really want to deal with problems on the job that a liaison could bring.

  Chapter 3

  By the time Saturday arrived, Kellen was more than ready to enjoy the weekend after a week of training classes and observing his coworkers as they worked on various projects.

  Harold and Amy’s wedding would be a great distraction.

  A few years ago his family had been an embarrassment to their DePaul relatives, but they had finally managed to come together. Kellen was grateful. His father had often told them that they were stronger as a family. He agreed.

  As a team, Malcolm and Harold were a force to be reckoned with. Harold had great ideas and vision for the future. It was Harold’s idea to expand the Alexander-DePaul brand into other countries.

  He gazed at the two-story, Cape Cod-style venue overlooking the ocean with an architect’s eye. Harold and Amy had chosen the Swan Manor in Manhattan Beach for their wedding. It was the perfect choice for them, Kellen decided after overhearing his mother say the couple favored beautiful gardens and the beach.

  He followed the stream of guests to the back of the house where cocktails were being served by a waitstaff dressed in black pants and bow ties with crisp, white shirts, amid bougainvillea, koi ponds and lush greenery. Kellen glimpsed the Pacific Ocean in the backdrop of the garden.

  “This is very nice,” Kellen heard Zaire remark. She and her husband arrived within seconds of him and Dreyden.

  “Leave it to Harold to invite any and everyone on L.A.’s social register.” He took a sip of his wine.

  Dreyden chuckled. “Looks like he invited all of Hollywood, as well.”

  Kellen agreed. “The big jewels are definitely out of the safe today, and there is more couture out here than on the entire third floor of Neiman Marcus.”

  When time drew near for the ceremony to start, Kellen and his family made their way inside one of the elegant banquet rooms that was filled with light from French windows.

  His mother dazzled in a royal purple Oscar de la Renta gown. Sage mingled nearby in a black-and-white Ralph Rucci haute couture gown from Paris while Zaire wore a turquoise-colored gown designed by Vera Wang with Cartier turquoise-and-diamond jewels.

  Livi was the matron of honor. She walked up, looking lovely in a champagne gown with a train. “Has Blaze arrived?”

  “I haven’t seen him,” Kellen responded.

  “He should be here by now.”

  “Did you try to call him?”

  She nodded. “It’s going to voice mail.”

  He could see that she was worried, so Kellen told her, “You go back and tend to the bride, Livi. I’ll hunt down your husband.”

  Her lips turned upward. “Thanks.”

  Blaze arrived ten minutes later. “I heard there’s supposed to be around seven hundred people at the wedding.”

 
“Your wife was looking for you,” Kellen stated. “You should call her.”

  He looked concerned. “Was she upset?”

  Kellen laughed. “No...just worried.”

  “I left my phone at home,” Blaze explained.

  Kellen pulled out his phone. “Call Livi and let her know that you’re here. She’s dealing with enough, I would imagine, as the matron of honor.”

  Blaze agreed.

  “Hey, baby, I’m here. I left my phone at the house by accident.”

  Kellen walked away to give Blaze some privacy as he talked to his wife. Mostly all of his siblings had found love, and he was happy for them. At this point in his life, he was not looking for a serious relationship. He wanted to focus on his career.

  Inside the lavish mansion, Kellen noted that three large banquet rooms were converted into three distinct and equally chic rooms: one resembled a Parisian backdrop for the ceremony, another served as a luxury lounge and the third was the massive grand ballroom where the reception would be held. Golden lovebirds were situated among thousands of votive candles throughout.

  Kellen sat down beside Dreyden, pulling at his bow tie. “I can’t wait to get out of this tuxedo.”

  “I know what you mean.”

  Guests were seated while being entertained by a harpist.

  Kellen and Dreyden were joined by the rest of their family and DePaul relatives, taking up the first five rows on the groom’s side.

  Near boredom, he released a soft sigh when the processional began.

  Twelve bridesmaids. Kellen hoped whoever he married didn’t want a high-society wedding. He preferred something short and simple. He never understood why people wanted to spend so much money on a ceremony that lasted thirty to forty-five minutes at most.

  Once the bride made a dramatic entrance, the ceremony didn’t take long, much to Kellen’s relief.

  In the ballroom, after the pastor gave the blessing, more than a hundred perfectly choreographed attendants served dinner. After the bride and groom finished eating, they navigated around the room, pausing at each table to greet their guests.

  When they reached Kellen and Dreyden, both men stood up.

  “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. DePaul,” Kellen stated as he gave Amy a hug.

  “Thank you,” they said in unison.

  Dreyden embraced her and said, “Keep this man in line.”

  “Don’t worry, she does,” Harold responded with a big grin. “I’m glad you all could be here to share this day with us.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed it.”

  Dreyden nodded in agreement.

  The happy couple moved on to Zaire and Tyrese, who were seated at the same table along with Sage and Ryan.

  “They really look good together,” Kellen said in a low voice. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Harold so happy.”

  “She’s good for him,” Dreyden responded.

  Harold’s sister, Meredith, walked over with her husband. “Hello, cousins.” Kellen hadn’t had a chance to speak with her until now because she was also a bridesmaid in the wedding.

  He broke into a smile. “Marriage looks good on you both. I’m sorry I couldn’t be here for your wedding.”

  “You were in the middle of your exams. We understood,” Meredith told him. “Thank you for the beautiful gift you sent.”

  They talked a few minutes more before joining his siblings at the table. Dreyden and Kellen walked over to the bar to get something to drink.

  “You know the pressure is about to increase for you to find a wife,” Kellen told his brother.

  Dreyden laughed. “What about you? You’re single.”

  “I’m just starting out in my career, though. You have your own business and your own place. Sorry, but the focus is going to be on you, bro.”

  “I’m not seeing anyone seriously, so it might be a while.”

  Kellen laughed. “Mom’s going to be so disappointed.”

  His brother chuckled.

  The band, La Chapelle Rhénane Orchestra from Paris, kept the dance floor packed all night long.

  Kellen finished the last of his champagne. “You know...I don’t think I’ve ever seen Harold dance.”

  Dreyden glanced over at his brother and said, “It’s his wedding day. He’s having a good time.”

  “So what’s going on with your love life?” he asked Dreyden. “I can’t believe you haven’t met anyone special.”

  “I’ve been so inundated with work that I haven’t had time to build a relationship. However, there is this girl that I think is special. She’s a workaholic just like I am. Only she’s in Hong Kong. Her job transferred her there eight months ago.”

  “Bro, you need some downtime.”

  “I know. I am going to take some time off in a couple of months. I’m thinking about going to Hong Kong.”

  “I think you should, especially if she’s special to you,” Kellen advised.

  “If I do that, I’m not sure I’ll have a restful vacation.”

  He laughed. “I guess you’re right about that.”

  “What about you?” Dreyden inquired. “Have you left anyone special behind in Atlanta?”

  Kellen shook his head. “I’m not looking to get serious with anybody. I want to get my career on track first.”

  He accepted a second glass of champagne from a passing waiter. “There is a sea of gorgeous women here,” he said. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen so many in one place like this.”

  Dreyden agreed.

  They stopped to chat with a couple of friends who were in attendance. Kellen smiled at the daughter of the couple he was conversing with. She smiled back and gave a little wave, but it was Dreyden who seemed to have captured her attention.

  When they walked away, he said, “She was pretty. I saw the way she kept looking at you.”

  Dreyden chuckled. “Maybe I should ask her to dance.”

  “I think you should,” Kellen encouraged. “Go on...have fun.”

  He watched his brother make his way back over to the young woman. They made their way to the dance floor.

  “What’s this?” Blaze asked as he joined Kellen at his table. “I guess Dreyden’s feeling much better. He’s out there dancing.”

  “He needs to have some fun. The man does nothing but work.”

  “What about you? When was the last time you had a date?”

  “It’s been a while,” Kellen responded. “I didn’t want to be tied to anyone since I was moving out here right after graduation.”

  “So you’re ready to break some hearts in Los Angeles.”

  He grinned. “I’m definitely not going to get mine broken.”

  “I can’t wait to meet the woman who steals your heart, Kellen.”

  “Hey, I can’t, either. She’s really going to have to be something special to get me to want to settle down.”

  * * *

  Kellen drove to Dreyden’s condo the next day. He was looking forward to watching a basketball game with him. He was a Lakers fan while his brother favored the Atlanta Hawks.

  “Hey, I just got off the phone with Ari,” Dreyden announced. “He’s bringing pizza and beer.”

  “Great,” Kellen replied. He took note of Dreyden’s grayish pallor and the dark circles beneath his eyes and the way his clothes hung loosely on his frame. “Hey, when was the last time you saw a doctor?” he inquired.

  “I think it’s been about two years,” Dreyden responded with a slight shrug. “I think I may have a virus or something, but I don’t think it’s anything serious.”

  “I don’t agree,” Kellen responded. “This has been going on for a while now. I’m not the only one who has noticed how much weight you’ve lost, and that you haven’t had much of an appetite latel
y.”

  “The whole family has said something.” Dreyden was quiet for a moment. “If it’s that noticeable, then I guess it’s time for a checkup, at least.”

  “Make the call to the doctor’s office.”

  “Enough about me,” Dreyden said as he settled back in his chair. “Let’s talk about you. How was your first week on the job?”

  Kellen shrugged in nonchalance. “It was okay. I spent most of the day in technical workshops and the rest getting familiar with some of our current projects. I haven’t been able to touch anything yet.”

  “So what do you think of the new Special Projects Director?”

  “When did you find out that Addison was getting the position?” Kellen asked.

  “I think Ari may have mentioned it a couple of weeks ago.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Dad didn’t want us to say anything,” Dreyden responded. “He wanted to be the one to discuss it with you.”

  Kellen gave a short laugh. “There was no discussion. Dad straight out told me that he had given the job away. He didn’t think that I could handle the position.”

  Dreyden took a long drink of his bottled water. “You’re still upset with him, I see.”

  Shrugging in nonchalance, Kellen responded, “I don’t agree with his decision, and I never will.”

  “Dad wasn’t trying to hurt you.”

  “That may not have been his intention, but he did,” he stated. “He clearly has no faith in my abilities.”

  “You’re taking this the wrong way.”

  “I don’t know any other way to take it, Dreyden. Dad didn’t even consider giving me a chance to prove myself. He just gave the position to someone else.”

  “Kellen, do you honestly think that you could have gone to another company and walked into a director position with no experience?”

  “I’m really tired of hearing that. Maybe I should put some feelers out there and see,” he countered.

  Dreyden scratched his arm before folding them both across his chest. “Maybe you should. Who knows...it may work out for you.”