Not his baby: A BWWM Billionaire Romance

by Rebecca Dupree

  ***

  Tyler gazed outside his window into the summer day, indifferent to the comical scene going on just outside his closed office door. He intertwined his fingers behind his head and leaned back as much as his chair allowed. He had a ton of things that needed his attention, plus an important meeting this afternoon, but for some reason he couldn’t concentrate on work.

  While it was true that he didn’t have any family mementos in his office, but the truth of the matter was that he didn’t really need any. He had them all in his mind. His company was enough of a reminder and proof of how much he truly loved his family. His parents had been upper middle class, and Tyler couldn’t say that he had to work hard for many things in life, especially because he was so good looking. In high school, during his quarterback days, girls would be lining up to go on a date with him, and now, more than fifteen years later, things hadn’t changed a bit. Women were still lined up for just a morsel of his attention, and a date, well, that was a whole dream come true. And Tyler knew this perfectly. A gentleman at heart, but a player, too, he made sure that every woman who was lucky enough to go out with him, and spend the night with him, of course, was treated to something really special: not just dinner at some chain restaurant, but at a highly rated bistro. Not just a movie, but a cabaret act or even a Broadway show. And when it came to showing off, he was no amateur. A tiger in the sack, women in his company would tell tales of his conquests and about a certain lucky friend of a friend who actually went out with him once and ended up with the best night of her life, but also eventually with a broken heart, as Tyler Reid didn’t seem to be the marrying kind. Half the time he never called for a second date.

  Tyler shifted positions in his chair, making himself even more comfortable, like a lazy cat just up from its afternoon nap. This was the perfect time to pop open that box of a special brand of Cuban cigars, smuggled in especially for him, but smoking wasn’t allowed on the premises. And rules did apply to everyone, including the almighty Tyler Reid, even though he tried to bend the rules as much as he could. Luckily, he got away with it most of the time.

  In the beginning, when his parents first opened this real estate agency, it was barely more than two rooms. The furniture was old, borrowed, or bought with an IOU from friends who believed in Reid’s dreams. Luckily, his father was a charming guy, a trait Tyler definitely inherited, which allowed him to get almost whatever he wanted. All he needed to do was flash his pearly whites and voila—whatever he wanted was his.

  But that didn’t mean he took it all for granted once he had it. On the contrary: Tyler’s father taught his entire family the value of hard work and the priceless feeling of obtaining your goals all on your own. This was why his father often missed important moments at home, but Tyler knew why this was so. His father was creating something lasting and stable for his family: something that would be there after he was gone, and Tyler respected him all the more for it.

  A loud buzzing noise stirred Tyler from his thoughts. He sat up, lowered his hands, and returned to his professional self.

  “Yes, Jeanie?” he said into the intercom.

  “Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Reid, but Mr. Weston is here. He doesn’t have an appointment, but he told me to—”

  Tyler interrupted her politely. It was the unspoken motto of his company that people were nice to each other. And by nice, he didn’t mean smirking and grinning and then talking trash when someone would innocently turn their back. What he meant was genuine niceness, and he tried to lead by example. This was just one of the reasons why all his employees loved having him as a boss.

  Tyler knew their nickname for him was “the big boss,” and he actually encouraged others to use it, especially during informal team buildings and get-togethers. What he tried to uphold was his father’s idea of a company that was not only a mix of employees, but of people who genuinely cared about each other and would jump in to help whenever.

  “It’s fine, Jeanie. Let him in. Thank you.” He released the button, but a frown had formed on his forehead. He didn’t like it when his morning affairs were interrupted by unscheduled visits from clients. He specifically told them to make an appointment, seeing he was busy throughout the day, and catching him at any point without something to do was highly unlikely. He figured what the hell, he hadn’t been doing anything anyway, so he’d let Smithy Weston interrupt his daydreaming session.

  Chapter 3

  When Gina finished her first day of work, she was actually pretty satisfied with herself, changing back into her everyday clothes and saying goodbye to Ricky.

  “Thank you for everything, Ricky. You made this day much easier, and I actually think I can make it here.” She waited for Ricky to pack up all his stuff so that they could head out together.

  “Don’t sweat it, Bonita.” Ricky smiled. “Glad to hear no one made this place hell for you. Because if they do…” He shook his fist comically, like an aging knight trying to show off for a much younger princess. She laughed. “Well, okay, I’m that way.” He pointed at the exit. She was surprised to realize he wasn’t going toward the parking lot. “How do you get home?” She asked, genuinely concerned. It was already getting late, and it was a long walk to the nearest bus stop.

  “Gonna catch the bus to Yonkers.” He smiled. Yonkers was an hour away by bus, and she was horrified to learn a man his age spent two hours or more commuting each day.

  “That’s crazy. Let me give you a ride to the bus stop,” she urged. “That’s the least I can do.” She pointed at her little dirty Camaro that sat nearly alone in the parking lot.

  “I’d hate to be a bother…” Ricky shook his head. “Plus, if I get home earlier, I might catch my wife cheating on me, as I’m never home this early.” He said this with a serious voice, so that Gina wasn’t sure at first if he really meant it or not. But seeing the look on his face, and how it was transforming back into roaring laughter, she understood.

  “If I lived in Yonkers, I’d insist you ride with me, but I live in Greenburgh. That’s along the bus stop, isn’t it?” She remembered seeing buses run past the apartment house Jill lived in.

  “Well, I was never the one to refuse a lady,” Ricky replied nonchalantly, and they got into her little clunker of a car and chatted as Gina drove.

  Ricky was originally from Mexico and had emigrated about forty years before with his then-girlfriend and now-wife, Maria. Like most people, they came looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but, unfortunately, all they were able to find were menial jobs that barely paid enough for basic human needs.

  “Would I change it all?” Ricky asked. “No way, José.”

  Gina smiled, watching the road.

  “The years I spent with my Maria here are priceless to me. Money? It just complicates things. Makes people do bad things. We never wanted it. We just wanted enough to get by, to provide food and shelter for our boys, and that was that. The good Lord allowed us this, and I couldn’t be more feliz!” He pointed to a bus stop. “You can drop me off here.”

  She pulled over.

  “Thanks, Bonita. See ya tomorrow!” He waved as he exited the car, and Gina continued her drive toward what she considered home for the time being.

  It wasn’t home at all, simply because she didn’t have a home anymore, no place she could call her own, go inside, and close the door behind her, leaving the entire world outside. Jill’s apartment merely represented a pit stop on the way to something better, but when that something better would come along, Gina didn’t know.

  For the time being, the two were testing the limits of their friendship in this little studio apartment, and Gina suspected that, at times, Jill had enough of sharing. Especially when Gina returned to Jill’s apartment one evening to find Jill getting it on with who turned out to be some random guy she just met.

  “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry! I’ll…I’ll be going now…” Gina stepped back awkwardly, her hand covering her eyes, because seeing a naked butt which she wasn’t sure was Jill’s or
the guy’s was a warmer welcome than she had expected to get. Rushing down the stairs, she left Jill a message on her cell to give her a call when the coast was clear.

  Knowing Jill, it could take anywhere from thirty minutes to three hours, so Gina went around the corner to a small café and ordered a chai latte. She always had a good book in her bag, which was just one of the perks of having all sorts of junk in her bag. She wasn’t really a social person, definitely not the one to be Skyping for hours or checking her Facebook. Gina had an air of old school about her, something not many women of her age possessed. She was only twenty-five, but sometimes she felt like she was double that, and she knew others could feel it, too.

  Sitting there, sipping her chai latte and soaking up every word of her latest book, the last thing she wanted was to be approached by a man. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop men from trying.

  “Hey there, this seat taken?” This was the usual question she’d get when she sat alone at a café. Before she could even lift her gaze and reply, the body the voice belonged to would have already sat down, placed his drink on the table, and delivered what he felt was a charming pick-up line that was sure to sweep her off her feet. Needless to say, it never did.

  “So, did it hurt?” this latest one asked.

  She lifted one eyebrow, not understanding.

  “Did what hurt?” She wasn’t amused. She was sitting at a café, waiting for her friend to finish having sex, when she’d much rather be taking a bubble bath at home, and if nothing else, she really wanted to focus on her book. This guy was cramping her style, but she earnestly didn’t want to sound rude.

  “When you fell out of heaven, cuz you must be an angel,” he said, his expression dead serious.

  Gina burst out laughing, barely believing he actually used such a corny pick-up line.

  “Really?” She continued laughing through her words. “Not to be rude or anything, but that’s the best you could come up with?”

  The guy seemed embarrassed. He started looking around him, then at his phone, as if trying to come up with something to say.

  “Sorry. That sounded harsh, but I didn’t mean anything bad.” She smiled at him. “But those pick-up lines really don’t work. Ever.” She closed her book. “Now, you seem like a nice enough guy. Why didn’t you approach me with something nice, a question, or just give me a good old-fashioned compliment?” Her tone was similar to that of a teacher asking questions she was sure her students didn’t know the answer to.

  “I don’t know.” He looked down at his feet. “I guess I’m not very good at this.”

  “I’d say so,” she agreed. “Next time, just be yourself. Ask something plausible. Comment. Compliment. Then you actually might get somewhere.”

  “Thanks for the advice. Can I buy you a cup of coffee to make up for this stupid mistake?” he offered, sounding genuine this time.

  “See? That was great!” She leaned forward to tap him on the shoulder in a show of encouragement. “But I already have my latte, and I’m expecting to leave at any minute. I’m just waiting for a friend to give me a call.”

  “I see. Well, thanks for being so cool and all. And…I guess I’ll be seeing you around.” He stood up, taking his coffee with him.

  “Any time. Bye-bye!” She smiled, and reopened her book. As soon as she did so, Jill called, and Gina rushed back to the apartment, leaving her chai latte unfinished on the café table.

  Gina couldn’t shake the feeling that something similar was in store for tonight as well. I do hope Jill doesn’t have any of her studs over for the night. It was a helluva long day. I’m so tired, I think I’d throw the guy out!

  When she arrived at Jill’s, Gina was relieved to find her roommate alone, lounging on the sofa.

  “Yo, mama!” Jill greeted her playfully. “What’s up? How was first day at work?”

  “Hey, Jill!” Gina kicked off her shoes and sank her tired body onto the sofa next to Jill.

  “That bad?”

  “Nah,” Gina replied. “It was fine. Just tired, that’s all.”

  “Did you get to meet Tyler Reid in the flesh?” Jill’s eyes sparkled as she mentioned his name.

  “No, not yet.” Gina closed her eyes. Meeting Tyler Reid was the last thing on her mind.

  “Do you want a beer?” Jill went to the half fridge in the kitchen area of the studio apartment.

  “No, I’m good.”

  “Suit yourself.” Jill removed a beer, opened it, and took a sip. “The girls and I are going to The Rocksteady tonight. Wanna come?” Jill pointed at Gina with her beer. “Lots of cute single guys.” She winked, emphasizing “guys.”

  “Yeah, not really in the mood, Jill. Next time.” Gina’s eyes were still closed. She felt like she could doze off right there.

  “Okay, hon. I’ll just take a quick shower and then I’ll be off. No boys while I’m gone, you hear?” She laughed at her own warning, as if Gina bringing a guy home was the most preposterous thing in the world.

  “Listen, Jill…” Gina started. “I know I’m cramping your style being here and all, and I want you to know that as soon as I can afford a place, I’ll be out of your hair. Promise.” She looked at her friend with puppy dog eyes.

  “You know you’re welcome to stay, Gin-Gin. Even though you are cramping my style.” Both of them laughed. “I know how tough it must be for you. Losing your mom to cancer, and all the debt that you’re left with…”

  “If only my stupid boss at stupid Burns and Co. offered me short term disability after my injury, none of this would have happened.” Gina buried her face in Jill’s shoulder. “I’d be able to pay off my debt, which is now impossible with this stupid housekeeper salary that’s got me nothing so far, and I wouldn’t be at risk of losing my car, which is the only luxury I have. Oh, Jill, what’ll I do?” She choked back tears. Her mother taught her to never break down when faced with difficulties, but it was just all too much. Gina felt like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders.

  “Hey, hey…” Jill cupped Gina’s face. “Chin up, soldier. You’ll be fine. One way or another, I’m sure you will.”

  Gina wasn’t really reassured by these words, especially coming from someone as carefree and superficial as Jill, but at least Jill was there when she needed her the most, and she had to respect her for that. Friends for nearly five years, they’d been through a lot together. Regardless, Gina knew Jill’s patience wouldn’t last forever. She’d asked Jill for favor after favor. Gina knew that she had to do something, and fast.

  “Can I just use the bathroom before you do?” Gina asked.

  Jill nodded. “Sure, go ahead. I’ll just finish this brewsky.”

  “You sound like a frat boy.” Both of them laughed.

  This was just one of the reasons she loved Jill so much: her silliness.

  Gina went into the bathroom, bringing her bag along. Jill was too busy checking her phone to notice. After locking the door, Gina sat on the closed toilet seat and rummaged through her bag. I know I bought it today. It has to be here somewhere. She was finally forced to turn her bag upside down and shake absolutely everything out of it. Finally, there it was—her pregnancy test.

  She carefully read the instructions and followed them. Then the waiting game started. They were the longest two minutes in Gina’s life. When she finally saw two strips appearing, her shoulders sagged.

  I’m…pregnant. Her mind sounded off an alarm, but Gina remained strangely calm. She was just sitting there, in one place, not moving a muscle, as if refusing to act upon it made the situation non-existent. She wanted this passivity to last as long as possible. When she finally left the bathroom, almost ceremoniously, she still held the little stick in her hand.

  “You done?” Jill asked. Then she noticed Gina’s blank stare. “Gina, hon, what’s wrong? Come here, sit down. Tell me what happened.” She talked frantically, like a wind-up doll.

  “I’m…pregnant.” Gina said as she sat down.

  Jill stared at her in shock.
“You’re what?”

  Gina held up the stick with its pink lines. Jill grabbed it.

  “Are you sure you did it right? Sometimes it shows a false positive…” she said, being the expert on the matter, but Gina knew. There was no need for a second try.

  “It’s true, Jill. I’m pregnant.” She buried her face in her hands as Jill’s hand caressed her back. This time, she couldn’t hold the tears back, because there seemed to be no way out of this hell she was stuck in.

  “I can cancel the girls’ night out, Gin-Gin, and stay with you, if you want,” Jill offered. “I was the one who organized the whole thing, but I’m sure they won’t mind.”

  “No, no. You go out and have fun.” Gina didn’t really feel like having anyone around. She just wanted to take a nice long bubble bath and go to sleep. At least then she wouldn’t have to think about finding solutions to the million problems she had.

  Jill nodded. “Well, all right, but only if you really don’t mind.”

  “I’ll be fine, Jill. Really. Go out. At least one of us should be having fun.”

  Jill kissed her on the forehead. “Okay, then. And first thing next week, we’re taking you to my gynecologist. He’ll know what to do.”

  When Jill closed the door behind her after leaving, Gina felt relieved. The situation couldn’t have been any worse, but somehow finally being alone made her feel a little bit better. She ran her long anticipated bubble bath and climbed in. The warm air soothed her nostrils, and the dash of bath salts relaxed her as well. She soaked for twenty minutes, and once dried off and in her pajamas, she got her sleeping bag out of the closet and wrapped herself up inside it.

  Chapter 4

  When Gina woke up the next morning, for a few blissful seconds, she forgot about the bad news from the previous night. But reality hit her hard, and before she even got out of bed, she was chained by her troubles again. She looked at Jill, who was sleeping like a little baby on the roll-out sofa, without a care in the world. Gina envied her so much.