by J. P. Comeau
22
Richard
All four of us sat at the large conference room table on the top floor of Heather’s attorney’s office. Of course, Heather was wearing another designer suit. She had no problem flashing her money in front of me while simultaneously demanding mine. Her lawyer, Donald, was going over his notes while Danielle was reviewing hers. Heather kept rolling her eyes and scrolling through her phone.
I had a feeling that she would accept my final offer, even though it killed me inside to know that she would stoop so low. She was an evil woman through and through, and I couldn’t believe I’d ever dated her.
“Can we please hurry this up,” Heather said, tapping her Christian Louboutin heels against the table leg. “I have a hair appointment in an hour.”
New York City was her home, and she flew back here as soon as she heard that I was here on business. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure, but I suspected that she had Addison ride in coach while she sat up in first class. She probably had a flight attendant watch her while she drank champagne.
“Here’s our final offer,” Danielle said while pulling out some forms.
“Does it include back child support, too? How will future child support payments be sent?” Danielle glared at Donald.
“Please review our offer first, Donald.” Heather and Donald looked at each other, a bit confused as to what was happening. “In addition to this one-time payment, Heather will relinquish all parental rights. She will have the right to contact Richard if she wants to speak with Addison, but that will be up to Richard.”
“Excuse me,” Heather said. “Are you asking me to give up full custody of Addison?”
She wasn’t expecting me to pull such a drastic move, but I had no other choice. Addison didn’t deserve to be sent away to some boarding school so that Heather could dote on her fiancé. Plus, she was a horrible mother. It pained me to think of the life that Addison would live if she were to stay with her.
Heather looked at her attorney, who appeared just as dumbfounded as she did. They pegged me as a life-long bachelor who was more concerned with losing money than having a daughter, despite my apparent attempts at seeing her more often.
“If you think for one moment that I would do such a thing, you’re out of your mind Richard Truman. One of the reasons I never told you about Addison was that I knew you wouldn’t be a good father. Do you think I’d let her see you with all of your sluts, like that yoga instructor?”
Danielle slid the piece of paper across the table, and both Heather and her attorney stared at the dollar amount. If what I was offering wasn’t enough to have Addison to myself, then I’d offer even more money. I’d also consider giving her some of my collectible cars, or even buying her a piece of property, just so long as she wasn’t Addison’s caretaker anymore.
Yet something told me she’d oblige.
Her eyes bulged out, and I could see her getting excited. Without even looking at me, Heather grabbed a pen from the table and signed the agreement. Even though I was getting what I wanted, my heart still sank into my stomach. Addison did have one money-hungry bitch of a mother who only cared about her fiancé and material possessions. I suspected that he was paying for her lawyer, too.
“I’m not leaving here without my check,” Heather said, looking at me.
I could tell that she wanted me to say something, to start one final argument between us, but I refused to stoop to her level.
I pulled out my business wallet, wrote out a check, and handed it over to her. She snapped it out of my hand so quickly that I almost got a paper cut.
As her lawyer had her sign some papers, she whipped out her phone and started texting someone.
“Where am I going to meet you to pick up Addison?”
Heather waved her hand in the air at me. “I’ll be back in fifteen minutes with her. Relax.”
I watched as she left the office, leaving all three of us at the table. It was an awkward few moments of silence, and I could tell that even her lawyer couldn’t believe she was so cold and heartless.
“Well, it was nice doing business with you, Donald.” Our attorneys shook hands, and then he left the room.
“I can’t believe she would just give Addison away like that,” I said to Danielle. “Did you see the look on her face? She had no emotion or remorse. How can someone treat a child that way?”
Danielle let out a sigh and nodded. “It’s for the best, Richard. Some people just weren’t cut out to be parents.”
I started thinking about all of the things that I wanted to do with Addison, like taking her for bike rides in Central Park and introducing her to Broadway musicals. While we were in New York City, I was going to have her soak up as much culture as possible. Maybe even bring her to Chinatown, ride the subway, and visit One World Trade Center. I’d also make sure that her room in the penthouse was what she wanted.
“Well, I’m going to be the best father that I can be. That’s for sure.”
Danielle patted me on the back, and we walked outside together.
About ten minutes later, a chauffeured car pulled up. I was anxiously awaiting and wondering how Addison would respond to me being her full-time parent. The driver of the vehicle pulled out several suitcases and handed them to me. As I held them, I watched as little Addison got out of the car holding a teddy bear. She looked terrified until she saw me.
She ran toward me so fast that I dropped her suitcases on the ground, immediately scooped her up and hugged her as I cried a little bit.
“Daddy!” I could hear and feel the excitement in her voice, and I vowed to protect her for the rest of my life. “Mommy’s gone, isn’t she?”
I put her down and looked into her eyes. I knew that question was coming, but I didn’t know how to respond. All of the million-dollar business deals that I had done couldn’t have prepared me for that moment. Yet somehow, as I looked into her precious eyes, I found the courage not to lie to her.
When I was growing up and started learning about the ways of the world, my father never sugarcoated the truth. He somehow found a balance between being blatantly honest and reassuring me that life would carry on, which is the same method of parenting that I decided to use at that moment.
“Yes, sweetie, Mommy’s gone, but I’m going to take care of you now.”
“She never wanted me.” It was more of a statement than a question.
I wanted to say no, that’s not true, but I thought about how my father would have responded. Addison was mature beyond her years, and I didn’t want her to question her intuition.
“The world is full of both good and bad people,” I said, “and we can’t always control which ones come into our lives. The good news, however, is that I love you, and I’m not going anywhere.”
A big smile displayed across her face, and I let out an exhale before we piled into the car. It was time to head back to the penthouse, and I was relieved this whole ordeal was finally over. All I wanted to do was get Addison situated in her new home.
“Do you live in a big tower?”
I nodded.
“Yes, here in New York City, I live in a penthouse, and now you will too. It’s big and has lots of room for you to play. As soon as we get home, I’m going to call someone to help decorate your bedroom. Do you know what colors you want?”
Addison sat on my lap the whole way home, telling me about how she wanted her bedroom decorated. She also told me about her favorite restaurants in New York City, what kind of pizza she liked, and that she loved mermaids. After a while, she grew quiet, which I assumed was because she was tired, and due for a nap.
“It’s okay that Mommy never loved me,” she said to break the silence.
It pained me to hear her say those words, but I was also proud of her for being so intuitive. Once again, I didn’t know what to say, and just when I wondered how my dad would have replied, she continued talking.
“I’m not too young to understand that, Daddy. Plus, now I have you and Annie, so I don�
�t need her.”
I was surprised that she remembered Annie since they had only met once at the lake. Remembering that day caused me to pull out my phone and look at that picture of us. As she sat on my lap, looking out the windows, I glanced down at Annie, smiling at the camera. I would have given anything to have her in the car at that moment.
That last thing I wanted was to break her heart over yet another woman letting her down, though. That was the real reason I’d broken up with Annie. Addison deserved more than to have another mother figure in her life who would abandon her. Part of me felt that Annie would have been a wonderful mother, but it was too big of a risk for Addison.
Instead of replying to her, I just kissed her forehead to reassure her that we’d be okay.
As soon as we got back to the penthouse, I showed Addison to her room.
“This is so much bigger than my room at Michael’s,” she said while jumping on the bed.
I gave her the biggest guest bedroom in the penthouse that even had its own bathroom.
“Are these toys all for me?”
I nodded and smiled as she hugged her stuffed animals. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I ordered a bunch of different ones online. Why don’t you unpack, sweetie? I’m going to call someone to help decorate your room.”
“Thank you, Daddy!”
I went into my office and sat down, scrolling through a list of interior designers that my father used there in New York City. Most of them specialized in modern decor, and I assumed Addison would want something a bit more whimsical.
After deciding on one with nothing but five-stars and tailored for children, I set up an appointment and then decided to check on Addison. By the time I got back to her room, she had already unpacked her suitcases and was in her pajamas. I smiled and let her play with her toys some more, then sat down to watch television and have some whiskey.
I turned it on, and it automatically went to an exercise channel, which I’d been working out to earlier. On the screen was a woman who looked just like Annie, teaching yoga, and talking about the importance of holistic health. Once again, I pulled out my phone and stared at the picture of us at the lake.
“Daddy?” I turned the television off and put my phone away. “Are we going back to River Valley?”
“Not anytime soon,” I said. “New York City is a nice change of pace, so we’re going to be here for a while.”
She nodded and smiled.
“I hope it’s not too long. I can’t wait to see Annie!”
23
Annie
Two Weeks Later
I sat in the investor’s office, watching him run through some numbers on his computer. We had spent the past hour going over all of my products, launch dates, and marketing ideas. I'd even brought a few new items that I created. Marcus just had to determine how much he wanted to invest and what percentage he would receive back. It was hard suppressing my excitement, but I kept it professional. I’d save all of that energy for a mini-party with Crystal once everything went live.
“I have to say,” Marcus said while printing off some papers, “I’m pleased with your business ideas. I’m more than happy to fund this venture. Here’s my proposed investment and other numbers for you to approve.”
I read the paperwork that he put in front of me. All of it seemed terrific, and I wanted to give him the go-ahead instead of reading every word, but I remembered what Richard had taught me about business. No matter how excited you are about closing a deal, never approve it until you’ve read everything over twice. Look for the fine print, too. So that’s what I did.
If Richard had been in that office, reading the paperwork with me, I knew he'd give his approval.
“Perfect,” I replied after reading it over twice.
Joshua hadn’t rushed me through it either, which made me feel better about doing business with him. He was giving me a significant amount of money and expecting a reasonable percentage back, so my business plan looked as though it'd work out.
“I’d like you to stay around in New York City for a few days while I get some contracts written up,” he said.
I nodded while getting my purse. There was so much to do in the city, and I liked the idea of having a mini-vacation. All I had been doing was teaching yoga and working on my lifestyle line.
While they had both kept my mind off of Richard, I was exhausted.
"I’ll be in touch with you in a few days. On a side note, I know that you’re a health-conscious individual, but make sure you try at least one slice of New York pizza.”
I laughed as we shook hands. “I’ll be sure to do that.”
When I walked outside, I immediately thought about calling Richard. Not just because I missed him, but because he had encouraged me to pursue my business. Even though we had broken up, I knew he’d be excited for me. I wanted to tell him that he helped get me there and that I took his advice.
The more I thought about it, the better it sounded in my head.
Richard and I were friends long before we dated, and friends told each other about good things in their life. I decided that one phone call wouldn’t be so bad, and I'd refrain from flirting with him. I’d simply tell him that my lifestyle line was approved and that I’d be signing contracts in just a few days.
As soon as I opened my phone, however, I decided not to call him.
Richard was busy working on contracts for his company, and I didn't know the latest on the Heather drama. He made it clear that he didn’t have time for a relationship, which was the main reason for breaking up with me.
At least that’s what he said.
I put my phone away and found a set of steps to sit on, right in front of a building. I watched people walking up and down, listened to cars honking at each other, and wondered if Richard was nearby. Maybe he’d drive past, see me, and we’d talk like old times.
New York City was too crowded for that to happen, though.
My phone started ringing, and I quickly snatched it out of my purse. I was a bit disappointed to see that it was Julianna, even though I knew better than to expect a call from Richard.
“Hey, long time no talk.”
“I’m so sorry for not calling you back sooner,” Julianna said. “Jake and I are heading home.”
“That’s okay,” I said, thinking about how long their honeymoon had been. “You guys were gone for a long time. Did you have fun?”
Julianna told me about all of the countries they had been to, and about all the different hotels and museums they had visited. But most of all, how happy they were to be on their last flight, heading back to River Valley. “Jake and I both agree, maybe we’ve been gone a little too long. We can hardly wait to see the kids.”
“I’m sure Caley and Jude will be happy to see you guys, too. Caley’s been having fun with Mom and Dad, though. Just a heads up, Mom’s been feeding her a lot of sweets.”
I burst out laughing as soon as I heard Julianna let out a sigh.
“Caley’s in for a rude awakening when she gets home,” she said through gritted teeth. “How many times do I have to tell Mom not to feed her so much cake and cookies?”
I thought about our childhood for a moment. We were rarely allowed junk food either, so I understood Julianna’s point of view. Plus, it wasn’t that healthy to be eating so many sweets.
“She is a good baker, though. And Mom enjoys spoiling her.”
“That’s true. I suppose Caley deserved some junk food every now and then.”
As I listened to her tell me more about her trip, I made my way over to Central Park. My stomach was growling, and I could smell the hotdogs from across the street. It reminded me of the barbecue at the lake with Richard. He had brought one-hundred percent beef hotdogs, which were so juicy and delicious. For a second, I thought about making a hotdog-flavored protein bar, but realized it didn't sound too appealing.
“Speaking of junk food,” I said, “I’m about to buy a hotdog. Screw protein bars today.”
Juli
anna laughed into the phone, then commented about gaining a few pounds herself. “So, what’s new with you?”
I ran my hands through my hair, preparing myself to tell her everything. It was hard bringing up Richard again, but she was my sister and married to his brother. She would find out about it no matter what, so I gathered my thoughts and told her everything.
“He ended things because he doesn’t have time for a relationship anymore. At least that’s what he told me. After seeing the way Heather lunged at me at the lake, I understand his apprehension. I wouldn’t want to encourage that kind of drama, either. I just hope it’s not because he doesn’t think that I’d be a good mom, Julianna.”
“Annie, you would make a wonderful mother to Addison. I knew a bit about it, but only because Jake just spoke with Richard. You need to know that he cares about you a lot.”
I ate my hot dog while sitting on a park bench, watched families play with their children, and wondered if what she said was true.
“If he cares about me,” I said, “then he wouldn't have broken up with me."
There was a long pause on her end. “Richard has his daughter full-time now, Annie. He was probably focused on that whole situation when he broke up with you, but Richard just reassured Jake that he still has feelings for you. He said that he thinks about you all of the time.”
“Did you say full-time, Julianna? That’s interesting. When we were together, Heather was trying to get him to give her full custody and only wanted money out of him.”
“He paid her a large sum in exchange for full custody.”
I started to feel hopeful about Richard again. With Heather out of the picture, maybe there was still a chance for us.
“That’s good,” I said. “Heather was such an awful mother, Julianna. She treated Addison like one big annoyance, and the girl is nothing but a sweetheart. I know that Richard’s going to be an amazing father."