It's Not Over

by A. L. Zaun

  “I’ll give you that.” I finally relented a bit. “I’ve been off today. It’s not your fault—for once. In fact…” I paused. I wanted to say more, but the timing was off. I needed to focus on talking to my grandfather. “I promise to make it up to you. Well, now that I think about it, you’re so deep in debt with me that I might need to borrow against it.”

  “What were you going to say?” he asked, bringing his hand along the back of my neck and twining my hair with his fingers. “I like this side of you.”

  I rested my head against his touch. “I think I’ll keep you waiting and build the anticipation.”

  We fell into a lighthearted banter. It was wonderful. I needed to stop being a bitch to him. He’d come all this way because he needed to talk to me, but I’d put him off. Tomorrow was an unknown, but I had this moment, so I decided to embrace it and enjoy my evening.

  As soon as my grandfather made his way to our table, the various courses arrived. They were perfectly timed. Rick and my grandfather engaged in conversation like two men who had known each other for years. I glanced over at Rick every so often and saw his eyes sparkle. He was in his element, kissing ass and charming the pants off of my grandfather. I’d never seen him truly in action before, but I could certainly understand how he’d become so successful. He was charismatic, witty, smart, and very handsome. This was the man women fell in love with and wanted to tame. I sat back, my eyes resting on Rick, when I realized that, while this man captivated me, I kind of liked my Rick, the asshole a little better.

  Dinner was moving along nicely, and I bided my time, waiting for the perfect moment to discuss my crisis—Alex and Donovan’s. I laid my fork down, took a sip of my wine, and cleared my head. I needed to choose my words wisely and get to the bottom of this. I looked over at my grandfather and caught his attention.

  “I was hoping you could enlighten me on a little bit of information that I’ve recently obtained.”

  He straightened up. “Absolutely, darling. Is this the business you’ve been trying to talk to me about?”

  “Yes, the one that you keep avoiding.”

  Rick leaned over to me and whispered, “It’s frustrating, isn’t it?”

  I reached under the table and dug my nails into his leg. I needed him to be invisible right now.

  I returned my attention to my grandfather. “I came across some interesting information. I need you to confirm its validity, and if it’s true, let me know what I have to do to change it.”

  Grandfather let out a deep sigh and looked away—almost as though he knew exactly what I was going to ask. I suddenly felt very small, and the sounds buzzing around me that had always been so familiar were distracting. Whatever edge I’d thought I had being his granddaughter was lost. I wasn’t sitting in front of my grandfather right now. I was sitting in front of Mark Stuart. This was business, not personal.

  “You’ve done an incredible job,” he started. I felt a sting of betrayal as his words flowed effortlessly from his mouth. “You’re a key player and will continue to be one. I don’t know why you might be upset or feel the need to change anything.”

  “Don’t bullshit me. If I’m a key player, then why wasn’t I told about the plans? Donovan’s wasn’t slated to expand in Miami for another two years. I’ve just learned that they’re shopping for real estate and most importantly that Alex is spearheading the project. You know very well that it’s been my dream for ten years to open Donovan’s there.”

  “Come back to New York, Madison,” my grandfather said as his eyes scanned the room. “This was your dream before Donovan’s even crossed your mind. Let this be your dream again. Donovan’s isn’t your legacy. It’s Mason’s. This here, Mark’s, is yours.”

  I closed my eyes and looked away, forcing myself to breathe slowly. “You know how important it is for me to be down there, and we’ve been discussing this for years. We both know I can do it.”

  There was a twinkle in his eye. Pride maybe. “It’s too big for you. You can’t do it alone. If you don’t want to come back and work with me here, then work with Alex.”

  Grandfather continued to eat while the thought of finishing my dinner caused my stomach to revolt. His eyes shifted above me as he spotted someone.

  “Hello, little sister,” a male voice steeped with hypocrisy said from behind me.

  “Mason, join us,” my grandfather said, gesturing for Mason to sit. “This is Madison’s friend, Rick Marin.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Rick stood and extended his hand to my brother.

  Mason only had one reason for being here, and it wasn’t brotherly love. Alex must have told him, and this was their preemptive act to stop me from gaining any leverage with our grandfather.

  Marcel, the maître d’, came to the table. “Good evening, Mr. Donovan. Will you be dining with us this evening?”

  It was strange hearing Mason referred to as Mr. Donovan. That name belonged to my father, and the restaurant chain he’d bartered for to stay married to my mother after I was born. I dropped the name Donovan as soon as I could. I’d always been a Stuart.

  “No, Marcel.” His blue eyes, unmistakably like my own, glanced over at me. “I just stopped by to visit with my sister, but I’ll have a drink. Please bring me my usual.” He unbuttoned his blazer and sat down, bringing the napkin over his lap as we were taught.

  Marcel nodded and then leaned in to whisper something to my grandfather.

  “If you’ll excuse me,” my grandfather said, getting up from the table. “I’ll be right back.” He came over to me and bowed by my ear. “We’ll continue this later.”

  As soon as he was out of earshot, Mason said, “Madison, you’re such a spoiled brat.” He reclined back in his chair. “You don’t have the experience or maturity to handle this project. If you did, you would have followed proper protocol, such as setting up a meeting with Dad and me. Instead, you go behind our backs, trying to get Grandfather’s support.”

  I went into fight mode, fueled with large amounts of adrenaline. I felt Rick shifting in his chair, but my eyes were fixed in a deadly stare on Mason’s piercing, soulless blue eyes.

  Rick placed his napkin on the table and leaned in. “If Madison lacked the experience to open up a restaurant in Miami, then you wouldn’t have ever given her the reins for Martini Bar. Given the fact she’s managed and expanded the services while seeing constant growth and profit, I would say she’s well-qualified for the position. At minimum, she’s earned the respect to spearhead the project and lead the team.”

  I kept trying to find the moment when I could interject, but Rick was on a roll. I’d never had anyone fight my battle, and I didn’t think this was the right time to play the damsel-in-distress card. This was my war to win.

  “Who the hell are you?” Mason asked Rick. This is going to get ugly. “Madison, get your” —He waved his hand dismissively at me— “Whatever he is under control. This is business. It isn’t open to some random conquest you’ve brought to dinner.”

  Rick’s jaw hardened, and he huffed under his breath.

  I reached for Rick’s hand under the table. “Mason, stop deflecting. Rick was simply being a gentleman and staunch supporter, and he’s right. If you truly felt I wasn’t capable of the task, I wouldn’t have been given any leeway with Martini Bar. You’ve had to walk out of my office with that very small tail between your legs because I do know that market, the vendors, and the culture.”

  Mason took a swig of his signature Nolet’s gin and tonic with a lime slice and sneered. “Are you dating gentlemen now? That’s good to know. Less for me to clean up after your trail of random indiscretions.” Mason hit below the waist. “Donovan’s has a reputation, and having a slut on the cover isn’t exactly the image we want to portray.”

  Slut on the cover. Once again, Mason was deflecting and trying to gain footing in the argument by exaggerating my personal life. I’d be lying if I said that his words didn’t hurt, but I’d never let him or anyone else know it. I raised an eyebrow
and pressed my lips into a straight line. Mason’s accusation of having to clean up after me was ridiculous and for show.

  “Let’s keep this professional, Mason. I’m sure Judy doesn’t want to know about your string of mistresses. Let’s not mention Alex and his extracurricular activities. Oh wait, what about Dad? Yes, who’s good ole Patrick sleeping with these days? The point is, don’t throw that double standard at me. It’s sexist and outdated.” I straightened, keeping my eyes focused on Mason. “This is about business. I’ve proven my ability, and again, as Rick stated, I’m qualified for the position.”

  Mason sat back in the chair, laced his fingers together, and smirked at me. “Madison, you’d be in over your head. It’s one thing to run a small little bar—big deal. Donovan’s is huge. Work with Alex.” He winked. “I’ve heard the two of you have a great rhythm together.”

  I felt the tempest rising next to me.

  Rick shifted in his seat again and shook his head. “You’re a—”

  “Rick,” I whispered, praying he’d stop. I squeezed his hand. He was playing right into Mason’s hand.

  “I’m a, what?” Mason asked as he swirled the clear liquor in his glass.

  Rick’s lip curled to one side. “A great brother and businessman. I’m definitely taking tips from you on how to treat my sisters. I’m surprised Madison hasn’t flung that knife across the table and pierced you in the throat. Having said that, I apologize for speaking out of turn. I am wondering, though, is your focus on Madison’s private life for my benefit? Or is that the best reason you have for keeping her from this opportunity? If you’re doing it for me, bring it on. I don’t give a shit what you say about her. It won’t change my opinion of who she is.”

  Mason chuckled, brushing off Rick. “Mad, it’s uncanny how much you look like Rose on the outside. Keep up the show for Mark, and you’ll get what you want, but I’ll make sure it never happens.” He took another long swig of his tonic before resting the glass on the table.

  “You’re a liability,” he continued. “Work with Alex. It’s your only chance. Pass it up, and I’ll give it to someone else, and then you can sit and watch it be someone else’s dream fulfilled.” He pushed the silverware on table with his finger before steeling his eyes on me. “Stop with your drama. This is business. Maybe Alex will get bored of Miami, and then you’ll have the experience. I have no idea why you, the lover of the arts, wants to be in that hedonistic, cultureless environment.” He laughed. “Well, yes, I do, but aside from that, Mark wants you in New York. Make the old man happy. God knows you’re the only one he gives a shit about.” He shifted his eyes toward Rick. “She hasn’t flung the knife at me because she knows that I’m holding the noose around her neck. I go down, and so does she.”

  “Who’s being dramatic now?” I asked, tilting my head slightly without taking my eyes off of him. “Tell me something, Mason. Was I ever going to get Donovan’s in Miami?”

  It all boiled down to his answer. Mason hated being put on the spot, and typically, this approach prompted him to be blatantly honest.

  He straightened in his chair and laid his hands flat on the table. “No. No one ever thought you’d last as long as you have. We thought you’d fail and simply come back to New York. Instead, you had to prove everyone wrong and take your little bar to the next level. Once we saw that you were making headway, we took advantage of our position and decided to capitalize on your success. Because you are who you are, you’ll continue to pave the way for us.”

  His words hit me like a wrecking ball, and I felt the walls crumbling around me. Rick finished his wine and mine, but like me, the remainder of his food went uneaten.

  I’ll give him points for solidarity.

  I broke my visual standoff with Mason, shifting my eyes to scan the room. I felt lost without a compass. I had no idea which way to go. I looked over toward the bar and saw my grandfather talking to patrons. I needed his guidance and direction.

  “Was he in on all of this?” I asked, heartbroken. My eyes focused on the man who I’d idolized my entire life.

  Rick’s hand came to rest on my leg. Unable to look over at him, I lowered my hand, laying it on his. He turned his over and laced his fingers with mine.

  “Ask him yourself,” Mason said smugly before swallowing the last of his gin. “You don’t deserve the adoration he lavishes on you. You’ve always been an entitled bitch, capitalizing on Rose’s pity on you. Someone had to love you though, right? After all, Mom’s plan backfired, and she got stuck with a brat she didn’t want and a husband who preferred his secretary and son’s nanny. Because of you and your damn stupid choices, we lost the last year of Rose’s life. You took that away from Grandfather. Now, you’re coming here, playing on his sympathies to claim what you want. Get a clue, Madison. I don’t care if your bar becomes the highest grossing establishment on the East Coast. You will never get Donovan’s in Miami.”

  I sat frozen as Mason spewed his hatred and anger. This had nothing to do with a business venture. This was personal. He was wrong about so many things but right about others. My grandparents had chosen me. They loved me when no one else did.

  The table rattled as Rick pushed back and pulled out my chair. “We’re leaving.” He clenched his jaw.

  Mason rolled his eyes. “Don’t make a scene. Mark will be back any minute now, and we can play nice.”

  None of this was new. I was used to this, and I knew how to defend myself, but I couldn’t deny that Rick’s chivalry was a pleasant surprise and an unexpected comfort. I stood up, and Rick laid his hand on my back.

  “Mason, my track record has proven that I’m more than qualified to take on this project. If you’re sabotaging my promotion due to some infantile jealousy or sibling rivalry, then you’ll have to answer for that. As I see it right now, your insecurities are more evident now than ever, and perhaps, it’s you who lacks the professionalism and experience to handle such a position.”

  Confident that I’d stated my case, I turned, and unexpectedly, I ran right into a familiar chest.

  “Bravo, Madison.” He clasped slowly. “That was an excellent argument—futile but excellent.” Alex was relentless. He carried a smirk and a tumbler of his signature scotch, Macallan.

  Pompous ass.

  “Now that you have that out of your system, sit down and finish your dinner.” He actually pulled out my chair. “You’re going to need your energy for what I have in store for you tonight.”

  Without missing a beat, Rick stood between Alex and me. He squared his shoulders, and in a menacingly calm voice, he said, “She came with me. She leaves with me. Tonight, you can fuck your hand or some random pussy, but if I didn’t make it clear to you earlier, she’s off-limits to you.”

  Rick slid his hand in mine and led me toward the door.

  “We need to see my grandfather before we call Nelson and leave,” I told him quickly, fixing my eyes straight ahead. If I said anything more, or if I made any other gesture, I’d fall apart. I needed to keep it together and not let Mason or Alex know that they’d gotten to me.

  “It’s taken care of,” Rick replied as he helped me with my coat.

  Who is this man standing next to me? I had no idea. He looked like Rick and sounded like Rick, but he was behaving as a civilized and compassionate man.

  I heard my grandfather call for me.

  “Go, I’ll wait for you outside,” Rick said.

  “I’m so sorry for getting carried away,” Grandfather said with regret in his eyes. “Please come back, and we’ll have a nice visit.” He tilted up my chin. “What’s going on, darling?” His raspy voice was soft, and his eyes were tender.

  “It’s been a long day. We’ll meet up for brunch tomorrow.” My lips pulled into a slight smile. I hooked my arms around him. “I love you, always.”

  “Get some rest.” He tapped my nose. “I love you, darling.”

  We separated. He went his way, and I went mine.

  My life was falling apart. The only thing I h
ad control over was how I reacted to it.

  Chapter 10

  Madison

  Rick was waiting for me by the car with his hands in his pockets, looking like a movie star. His head was cocked to one side, and he wore a sexy grin. “Come here,” he invited, pulling out his hands and extending his arms.

  So many thoughts crossed my mind as I took those few steps while his dimple teased me and his eyes undressed my body. I glanced up at him, and a small smile spread on my face.

  I released a slow deep breath as I attempted to keep my composure and clear my head of all the negative thoughts.

  He pushed off from the car. He had been beyond determined and moronic to come here just to talk to me. I knew it had something to do about his next step. I was certain I would cause him bodily harm if he mentioned her name, but I’d promised to listen to him.

  Taking a couple more steps, I stood before him. “So, why did you follow me to New York?” I asked.

  His arms embraced me with his warmth. “I wanted to show you that I am that man,” he said as he buried his head in my neck.

  I brought my arms around him. We stood together as flurries started falling on us. His arms held me up since I was sure my legs would buckle from the weight of the emotions swirling around inside of me.

  Keep it together, Madison. This is just another day in your life.

  “The new and improved,” I said, nearly choking on the words.

  I was used to dealing with Mason, but I felt vulnerable while standing in Rick’s arms.

  Keep it together, Madison. I bit my quivering lip.

  “Focus, Rick. You needed to talk to me.”

  “Yeah, the good guy.” He grazed my shoulder with a kiss. “Are you okay? That was some fucked-up shit.”

  No, I’m not okay, but I’m not about to have a breakdown on the sidewalk in front of Mark’s or anywhere else for that matter.