Man of Mystery

by L. B. Wilde

  Tiffany goes to take a shower as she continues to browse on the internet just catching up on local things. Once she is done she takes her shower to get ready. Leaving the computer running just in case Tif needs to check her emails or whatever floats her boat. By the time she comes out dressed and ready to go Mikey is back. They are having an intense conversation. They look up at her with surprised expressions on their faces.

  “What, do I have toothpaste on my face or something?” she asks

  “No, but you need to see this.” She waves her over to the computer still not sure what can be so shocking.

  She is reading an obituary about a man who’s name she doesn’t recognize but the part she does understand is about a loving sister “Sophia Porche with her husband Brett Porche, CEO of Porche Corporation which is known as a billionaire industry in Australia, with their two sons Brent and Nathan Porche” and the rest goes on about surviving relatives who will be attending an extremely large funeral for the deceased. She is as stunned as they are, she had no idea that his family was that “well known” in Australia. Her first thought is why Nathan didn’t tell her.

  Reading it again and look at both of them in shock. “Did you know you are dating a son of a billionaire?” Mikey asks.

  “No, I mean, yes I knew he came from money but not this extreme I guess. He never mentioned that his family was that rich.” Still shocked at the realization looking at them like what is this supposes to mean. Mikey shakes his head, “Well girlfriend I’ll find that out for you.” grabbing his phone he calls Pete.

  “Tif, why do you think he didn’t tell me this?” asking her still trying to understand what this means for their relationship. Her first thought is if he is a billionaire, why is he here, what does he want with a small town girl like her. Tiffany sees her confusion and goes into safety mode for her BFF.

  “Brandy, its ok this doesn’t really mean anything, hell you know that my mom and dad have money and they pay for things for me but they don’t plan on supporting me for the rest of my life. Just because his parents have money they can spare doesn’t mean he is going to get it, you know what I mean?” she looks her in the eye trying to get her to snap out of it.

  “You’re right, this doesn’t mean anything and I’m sure when I talk to Nathan he can explain it. I just suddenly have a lot of questions for him. Let’s just let it go for now, we can figure it out as we go along. It’s just weird that he never told me and honestly we are only reading a short blurb from an obituary. I’m not going to jump to a conclusion that easy. He never acted like he was too good to be with me like he was filthy rich or that I’m just a peasant.” trying a joke to lighten up the mood but it’s a flat joke but she smiles at her anyways.

  Mikey finishes up on the phone call he made to Pete shaking his head. “Hey, Pete is on it and let’s just let it go for now. It’s just writing in a paper that we don’t know how well its credentials are. Come on girls lets go shopping!”

  As always, Mikey starts to talk about something else to not draw our attention to things that we shouldn’t focus on without facts. He always leaves those things to Pete to sort out, so we go to check out her new ride. He is amazed at the vehicle as he tells us all about the safety details that have gone into the make and model. He is smart besides his way of making her relax which she always appreciates. He and Pete are our guides in so many ways because we always trust them; they always have our backs in more ways than one.

  Brandy lets Mikey drive us which really delights him to get his hands on the SUV; so she decides to tm Nathan while she lets Tif and Mikey ride in the front seat. ‘Just thinking of you and I hope you made it home safe. I see your uncle has made the papers here locally, sounds big and I’m sorry I’m not there to support you. Love and kisses.’ There she left him with a message he should be aware of although she is not awaiting an immediate reply since he is still traveling to get home. At least he is aware that his uncle made it on “local” or internet news.

  As always Mikey keeps us very busy with shopping with a spa day of facials with a message. He keeps the conversation going like always about new styles and everything else that is happening in the world that is positive. He is a sweetheart which helps keep her mind off of what is going on with Nathan even though it nags the back of her mind. When we get home she is exhausted so she decides to take a quick nap. This isn’t usual for her but after the accident she was told it is the best thing for her body which is still recovering. She drifts off thinking of Nathan sleeping next to her when she awakes with a cuddly teddy bear in her arms making her smile. She only slept for about an hour but checks her phone. Still no tm or call from him, trying to shrug it off to being in a different time zone, getting together with his parents as well as the funeral. She knows she will hear from him eventually.

  Walking into the living room and Pete is home from work. He comes over giving her a huge hug which warms her up. Then he takes her face looking into her eyes which she finds slightly strange. “Hey beautiful girl, how are you feeling?” he asks

  Taking his concern as being his way of showing concern over her recent accident even thought she is healing very well “I’m doing great didn’t Tiffany tell you, I’m cleared to work on Monday?” smiling brightly back at him.

  “Oh, that is great news.” He sighs oddly looking to Mikey and Tiffany with sad eyes.

  “What’s going on you guys, I only took a nap and you act like someone died!” she exclaims and then her heart flutters, did something happen when she was asleep!

  Tiffany says, “No nothing major happened but we need to talk.”

  “OK, about what, is something wrong?”

  Pete sits down next to her taking her hand “May I ask you how much you know about Nathan’s home life? I don’t want to get to personal but I want to ease into this conversation.”

  Now she is completely puzzled not understanding what her friends are getting at.

  “Well, I do know he came from a well to do family, but he is doing his own business here. Seriously, what are you guys getting at?” totally amused at where this conversation came from.

  Pete takes over, “I did some homework because Mikey asked, his family is let’s say huge in Australia. They have more money and investments than the Kennedy’s in comparison. So you can understand what I am about to tell you. They are extremely private but financial records can’t be so much. Certain financial records can always show up in the world of stocks. Nathan is the number one bachelor in his country so you can understand what I am trying to tell you.” He looks at her trying to see if she does understand how huge this news is.

  Looking at him pleadingly “Then why he is here and why is he dating me?” is the first thoughts that come out of her mouth.

  “I can’t answer that, but obviously he is looking for something and on a sweet note maybe someone who isn’t looking at him as the most eligible bachelor in the world. I just feel you should be well informed since he isn’t telling you things for his own reasons. I can’t speak for him but I know his portfolio and it is huge! Like billions of dollar huge. I’m really surprised that he has never mentioned it but then again I’m sure there are plenty of women who just look at him for his money. Maybe he would have told you eventually but since the whole news thing it has become more public.” He tries to tell her with such sympathy in his worried eyes.

  “I’m really kind of confused right now, why would he travel half way across the world to be in no man’s land and end up here with me. Are you sure about all this, it makes no sense to me. Are you sure it’s the same person you are talking about?” looking at her friends trying to grasp what they are trying to tell her.

  Tiffany takes her hand “I called Denny, it’s true, he promised Nathan not to say anything and he won’t explain why but yes the truth of the matter is that Nathan is extremely rich or rather his family is also according to Denny he loves you very much. I don’t know why he hasn’t told you but now we know and what you do from here is up to you.” she looks
into her eyes trying to simplify the crazy situation.

  “OK, I haven’t heard back from him yet, but really do you think this will change our relationship? I mean I never asked him for anything, I don’t want his money. This is a lot to absorb but…” she doesn’t know what else to say as her head starts to spin at these simple facts.

  Just then her phone buzzes with a tm and it is from Nathan, grabbing it trying to make this situation simpler as she reads his tm and everyone has eyes on here. ‘Sorry I haven’t had 2 min to call you, it is very busy here; I hope you are feeling well, I will see you soon. I’ll call you tomorrow, Love you ’

  Looking at the tm over and over but still no there is indication of what her best friends have just told her. Show it to Tiffany asking her, “Really, if he has something to hide don’t you think he would have said something more?’ she states somewhat defensive.

  “Well, it’s just a tm and maybe he wants to tell you in person or when he actually talks to you? Next time you talk maybe you should just ask a few questions to find out more about his family I guess.” She makes it sound so simple but she is not sure she can just say hey by the way I see from the news your family is filthy rich. She will just have to wait and see, but obviously she has to look into what she is getting herself into. Looking at the boys “Why don’t you show me what you can find on the internet to start. I’m sure they have more information on his family on there then we can see what I need to know.”

  “Good idea let me see what I can find.” Pete goes to the computer and starts to do some more research. Mikey is now sitting beside her with a concerned look on his face. Frowning slightly he grins “Leave it to my sweet innocent girl to find the most eligible bachelor and not even know it!’ he says jokingly which makes her smile back.

  Trying to joke back, “Well, I’m not so innocent now that I know!”

  “Does it change your feelings for him?” he asks sincerely

  “Not really, his family’s money isn’t what I feel in love with. I don’t want or need it. I’m happy just the way we are.” She states with her head held high and feeling good about it.

  He pats her hand “Good, because money changes people, you hear that all the time. I don’t want you to ever change.” He smiles warmly at her.

  “Ditto” Tiffany says and gives her a warm hug.

  “OK, you three come here.” Pete asks us.

  We walk over to the computer to see what he has found. It is a small blurb about his family mostly his father’s start of the business and some information about his brother who is VP of the company. He is married with their first child on the way. The child is a possible heir to the family company although they mention that Nathan is still available. There is rumor of a merger being in the process with another smaller company. The Holton family runs that business with a very elegant and eligible daughter named Sylvia who seems to have her eye on Nathan Porche. They have had several dates prior to this merger and they seem to look like the perfect couple. They have a picture of Nathan sitting with Sylvia at some kind of benefit. She has her hand on his as she looks longing at his face. He seems to have a polite smile on his face listening to what she is telling him.

  “When was this picture taken?” she asks Pete while he checks, “It was over a year ago so it’s not recent.”

  She sighs with relief as she keeps reading. ‘Although nothing has been disclosed to the financial world yet, sources tell us he might be off the market soon. If this merge completes within the next year or so they are bound to be together.’

  She can’t read anymore. This is news about Nathan before she even met him and if this happened over a year ago she can assume there past is just that. It’s a past relationship walking away from the computer, clicking on the TV to distract her thoughts. Pete and Mikey can both see that she is not completely at ease with this new information shutting the computer down. They decide it’s time to leave and let Tiffany talk to her alone obviously sensing Brandy is not in a mood to talk about this anymore.

  Saying their goodbyes she does thank them both. They didn’t do anything wrong but she is a little moody now knowing things maybe she shouldn’t have known yet without Nathan here to explain them. She promises to make breakfast tomorrow before they have to head to work and she is still home. Not wanting them to feel bad for being the messengers so make plans to see them in the morning when everything has settled in.

  Cuddling up to her BFF Tiffany she sighs as we sit on the couch. Putting her head on Tif’s shoulder she smiles warmly at her. “You need to relax, let it go for now, don’t forget the internet isn’t always the truth. Plenty of rumors starts on the internet so don’t let it get to you ok?”

  “Your right Tif, it would just be easier if Nathan was here to answer my questions.”

  She nods and we just silently watch some TV before she grabs a snack and heads to bed afterward. She was so concerned about the news just figuring out she hasn’t eaten anything since lunch. She has a small bowl of cereal since she is really hungry trying to go to sleep afterwards. She tosses and turns for several hours with the last time she looks at the clock it is 1 am.

  Nathan received his tm from his girl and smiles knowing she is thinking of him. It has been a whirlwind since he landed. The limo driver was right there when he arrived and his brother was in the limo filling him in on the matters of business along with what he is expected to do for the next few days during the funeral. His mum is busy with making all the other arrangements. He is so exhausted with this travel he never gets a second to call Brandy, he just tm real quick to let her know he is safe.

  Chapter 23

  Waking to her phone ringing, she quickly answers it with a groggy ‘hello’. “Hey sweetheart, did I wake you?” It’s Nathan she is trying to focus on his voice. It has only been a little over 24 hours since she has seen or talked to him but for some reason it feels like forever.

  “Yea, but it’s ok, it’s really good to hear your voice.” she sighs “How is everything going back home.” trying to let him talk so she can wake up more.

  “It’s been very busy since I have been home but I have been thinking about you every moment. I finally had some private time to call you. The wake continues today then the funeral will be tomorrow. It’s been really hard on my mother. That was her only brother and I am trying to be by her side as much as I can.”

  “That’s really sweet of you; you should be there for your mom and the rest of your family.” she states as she bite her lip starting to think about last night. “So, do you think you will be staying in Australia long after the funeral? I’m just thinking if your mom is really upset, you don’t want to leave right away.” She is trying not to sound selfish wishing he says no not long.

  “I’ll see how things go after the funeral. Even though I’m home it isn’t the same anymore. I have so much going on in the states and I miss you already.” He sighs

  Her heart lurches at hearing that she knows she love him so much that no matter what they told her last night it doesn’t matter.

  “I miss you too, but I understand, your family is important too. It’s really good to hear that you’re ok. Is there anything I can do while you’re away? Do you need me to take care of any phone calls or anything?” thinking he might open up about anything at this point.

  “No but thanks for asking, you just take care of yourself. There is a lot of family here for the funeral and I have my hands full. I will call you again after the funeral to give you an update as to when I’m flying home.” He sighs “My bed here is cold without you.” He states.

  “So is mine, I love you.” needing to say it now that she has finally told him with his words make her feel better.

  “I love you so much Brandy, I’ll be back soon, I promise, I’m not sure I can handle not seeing you for so long.” His words warm her heart again knowing he means them.

  “I’ll be here waiting for you. Please call me anytime day or night if you need to talk.” trying not to sound desperate bu
t she longs to hear his voice as much as she longs to have him near her right now. She has questions but they can wait until he returns. It’s not fair to judge him on things she just read on the internet without seeing him face to face to explain who his family really is. He loves her and that is all that matters in her heart.

  “You’re the best Brandy; you will be the first to know when I am heading back.” hearing him stifle a yawn wondering if he has had any decent sleep yet.

  “You sound like you need some sleep, try to get some rest, I don’t want you to get sick or anything.” cooing softly at him.

  “You’re right; I haven’t slept much since I have been here so I should turn in now. I love you see you at our home soon, I promise.” She giggles because he is calling this home when in reality he is home. “I miss that the most, hearing you giggle and seeing that beautiful face.” He sighs, “Goodnight sweetheart. If you need anything just call me ok?” Promising him that she will and we hang up reluctantly to let go. Glancing at the clock and it is 4am here thinking it is like a day ahead where he is and going on after 8pm. I’m not 100% sure since he is half way across the world but she is wide awake now, cuddling her teddy bear wishing it was him.

  Eventually doze off again but waking at 7 am to make breakfast. She gets up feeling great since she talked to Nathan starting to make coffee for the boys. Deciding it’s a day for her famous blueberry pancakes for breakfast. By 7:30 she tm’s Pete telling him breakfast will be ready soon. Giving her a smiley face back telling her he will be there in 10 minutes. Just on time he is at her door rapping it softly just in case no one else is up yet. Opening the door with a cup of hot coffee in her hand for him; his warm smile makes her feel even better about the day.

  “So you seem really happy today and thanks for breakfast. I really appreciate your food over a quick sandwich at some greasy fast food place!” he says with a smile as he drools over the smell coming from the kitchen.