by Tia Siren
I stood up sheepishly, starting my way toward the exit. How could I choose between one and the other, at this point I wanted both.
Unfortunately, it looked like the media had gotten their hands on my work address, as I exited the building I saw a small crowd of reporters.
One of them in the group looked at me and started scampering my direction. I was too shocked and confused to talk to reporters right now. I scurried to the rear of the tower, to a small service exit, and ran out and around the corner to avoid them.
I had a feeling that it would be just as packed at my apartment, but I felt the need to check anyway.
The short ride back had me feeling incredibly nervous. I had never been the center of attention like this. Normally I was the one on the sidelines pulling my clients out of view, or doing a small announcement for the agency. But, I had never been the center of something so big.
Rounding the corner, I saw a crowd gathered, larger than the one at work. I couldn’t dream of dealing with them right now, either.
I could use a drink.
9.
I had the driver drop me off in an empty alley near Devlin’s bar down the street. Upon entering the bar, I found it nice and empty, save for the usual barfly that sat on the back stool. I meandered to the closest table and sat, waiting for service, and partially hiding my face with my jacket.
The air was full of cigarette smoke, and I let out a cough to clear my lungs. I looked at my phone; it was dead silent. A loud crack from the back room and out popped Devlin; tossing the server door open and carrying a case full beer, only stopping for a moment to hand one to the barfly. With a quick look around the bar, I could tell he noticed me at the table. So, he sat his goods on the nearest countertop and walked over my way.
“Congratulations, girlie. Looks like you bagged a winner,” he said with a smile.
I pushed myself lower into the booth.
“Oh, don’t be so shy. I’m sure everyone will stop caring by tomorrow,” he took a seat opposite me.
“What am I going to do this time, Dev? If I have the kid, then I’ll be jobless, and homeless. Jake doesn’t want a kid, and I don’t want to make him be a father. But, if I terminate then I keep my job and everything goes back to the way it was.”
Devlin pulled off a shoe and started to massage his foot through his sock. I tried my best to pay little attention to it.
“You know, Angie. Being forced to do something that you don’t want to do is little fun,” he said.
“I know,” I replied.
“What do you want to do?”
I thought about it for a moment.
“I want not to think about this, that’s what I want to do.”
He nodded.
“We all have things we don’t want to think about. See the barfly in the back? He’s avoiding talking to his son about becoming a dad for the first time. His son is barely out of high school and already starting a family.
“He doesn’t want to do it, but at some point he’ll have to put away the liquor and deal with the problem, or it just won’t go away. You have an interesting choice ahead of you, and you’re the only one that can make it.
“Still, though. I’d fancy you a mother. I think you could be one of the greats, cause I’ve seen how you handle the people that come through my bar.”
I smiled at the compliment.
“Thanks Devlin,” I said.
Then my phone started vibrating. It was Jake again. I picked up the phone and answered.
“Jake-“
“Angie, I need to talk to you, as soon as possible. Where are you?”
“Devlin’s bar where we first met,” I replied.
“Just wait there, I’ll be right down.”
Devlin gave me an approving wink and returned to getting the bar ready for the evening. Ten minutes passed and the door flew open.
Jake walked in, and I could see that he had some reporters with him. But, before they could enter he turned around and locked the door.
“Hey, that door needs to remain unlocked during business hours,” shouted Devlin from across the bar.
“Just ten minutes,” replied Jake.
He came over to me and pushed his way into the booth next to me. At least, his shirt wasn’t covered in scotch this time.
“Angie, I know it’s only been a couple of hours since we last talked, but I can’t get this out of my head,” he said.
“How do you think I feel, Jake? This decision is driving me insane. And with all the reporters outside, I can’t say no. But, I can’t say yes either. If I have this baby, then my career is over.”
“Angie, I can’t stand the thought of being without you,” he said, “and I can’t stand the idea of you losing the baby, either.”
It pricked my ears up.
“What are you trying to say?” I asked.
He pulled himself away from the booth and knelt down on his knee, producing a ring box from his pocket.
“Angie, I’ve been all over downtown in the last two hours, once you walked out I realized that I couldn’t say goodbye to you again, not like this.”
He creaked opened the small box and showed off a gorgeous and simple ring.
“Will you marry me?” he asked.
I couldn’t believe my eyes. The burden in the back of my mind dissipated instantly as I looked into his soulful eyes.
“Yes, Jake. Let’s get married,” I said.
I stood up from the booth, and he picked me up triumphantly.
Devlin, the sneaky bastard, had taken the chance to come up behind us and unlock the front door. I had never been in the center of such a media affair.
The next week was nothing but my face in the paper next to his in that silly booth at Devlin’s.
The marriage got him so excited that Jake went on a winning streak, and became much more popular. With us getting married, Martin had nothing left to say.
I could still remember the last game of the season, sitting in the box seat not as an agent, but as a wife. The other players wives had started to accept me. Monica ended up moving across the country, last I heard, she hated every second with her new husband.
We had each other, and in the end, that was all that mattered.
*****
THE END
Billionaire Romance - The Billionaire’s Love Child
I knew there was the possibility that I would have to manage personal matters for Mr. Ellis, but this was becoming a daily chore of which I had no interest.
“Ahem…” I coughed.
This woman was pretty, a tall leggy blonde with gorgeous skin. Her full figure was sprawled out over the rich silk bedspread, and I couldn’t help but compare her likeness to the girl from the previous night. Mr. Ellis seemed to have a thing for tall blondes. But, then again, there was the redhead last week that stayed for the weekend.
The girl in the bed stirred and snapped awake after noticing me at the end of the bed.
“It’s 10:30 am and Mr. Ellis has left for business. Breakfast is available whenever you’d like it and a car is ready to take you wherever you need to go,” I said.
“Thank you, but I think I’ll stay here until he returns,” she responded condescendingly.
I picked up a few of her things from the floor and tossed them to the bed.
“Unfortunately, that won’t be possible as Mr. Ellis will be busy the remainder of the day. We have your number should he fancy your company again.”
I couldn’t help but feel disdainful of the woman lying comfortably on the bed. She probably hadn’t done much with her life outside of looking attractive. It seemed that she wasn’t enjoying my ogling.
“Give me a minute to get dressed, and keep your tongue in your mouth. I only prefer men … most of the time.” She said while biting her lip.
The idea of sleeping with a woman like that seemed reprehensible.
“Whatever the case, I have business that needs attending. I’ll take my leave.”
She gave me a snarl
while picking up her things. I paid her no mind and left the room.
The rich marble walls reflected the light passing through the skylight in the main lobby and illuminated the vast entry space. Brent, my driver for the day, stood by the front door with his crisp black suit and driving gloves at the ready.
I can’t say that I’m incredibly used to being driven around just yet, but it’s something I could grow to enjoy.
I snatched my briefcase from the entryway table, and Brent threw open the front doors for my exit.
“Thank you,” I muttered.
He ushered me into the black sedan, and I took a moment to look at today’s schedule on my phone. I was running a little late and was hoping that Mr. Ellis wouldn’t be too upset over my tardiness.
Brent was a safe driver and quite quick as well. Before long. we had left the grand estate of Mr. Ellis’ and were downtown. Perhaps I wouldn’t be late after all.
We arrived at a new dig site that was to be christened today. It was a notably large site in the downtown area and currently a parking lot. However, the location was excellent for what he was planning to build.
After exiting the car, I walked with purpose to meet with my newest employer. He stood beside a reasonably large stage where several members of the media were setting up for today’s announcement. I could tell he wasn’t nervous in the slightest and actually looked more excited than anything else.
If only people knew what his nightlife was like.
“Good Morning, Mr. Ellis,” I said as I approached.
He waved and continued to talk on his phone. I couldn’t tell incredibly well, but it sounded like he was speaking Italian. He held up a hand for silence as I approached and I waited for a moment taking the small amount of time I had to look over the day’s schedule.
I couldn’t help but look up from the schedule a couple times to admire the man who gave me such an auspicious position. He was quite handsome, if you’re into tall, clean shaven men. His short, cropped hairstyle eschewed his professional businessman persona, but his slightly unkempt tie and unbuttoned white dress shirt belayed what little professionalism he tried to exude. His dark brown eyes were piercing when he looked at me as I looked at him. And, as I distracted him he finished his call, and I produced a portfolio with some particulars he needed to look over.
“Mr. Ellis, this was faxed over from legal this morning. They need you to look it over before they make final arrangements.”
He looked down at the folder, opened it for a moment and folded it closed.
“What do you think, Nia?” he asked.
I made it a point to look over all legal documents; it was good practice for my business degree.
“They want to close it out at 15%, a 4% increase from the last proposal. You’d make an estimated 4 million from signing, and that’s before ground is struck,” I said confidently.
He opened it back up and sifted through a few of the papers. “What do you think? I want your opinion.”
I paused and thought. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was testing me, or if he really did just value my opinion. I considered a lie and thought I should agree with the numbers on the page but had a distinct feeling he wouldn’t enjoy his personal aide lying to him.
“The numbers are a little rough, but it’s a good deal. I think we could come up 3% on the back end but it’ll be a good investment either way, Mr. Ellis.”
He handed back the portfolio, and I stuffed it inside my briefcase. “Tell them to come up 3% or I won’t sign.”
I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy that he’d taken my advice and I also couldn’t help the shallow feeling that I may be wrong and might have cost him the deal.
“Mr. Ell-“
“Nia, I know you haven’t been working here long, but, after a month, you’d think that you’d get over the formalities with me. Just call me Tom like everyone else does.”
“Of course Mr. El-.” He shot me a look and I realized my mistake again. “Tom”
Another well-dressed man approached from the other side of the stage. “We’re just about ready for you. Another five minutes and we’ll be set.”
“Good, good. I have to get back to the office as soon as possible,” Tom replied.
The stranger disappeared into the small crowd that began to swell.
“Tom,” I said, feeling a little more personal, “come a little closer.”
He leaned in, smiling, and I took the opportunity to straighten up his collar. I couldn’t avoid the amazing smell that wafted from him; the cologne he wore must have cost more than my old apartment. He seemed not to be paying much attention to his clothing as he lingered a little longer than was needed.
“You’re all set,” I said. “I’ll have the documents drawn up again for the meeting later.”
“Nia, what would I do without you?” he asked with a smile.
“You’d find another personal assistant capable of making a slob like you look good.” I said with a wink.
He couldn’t help but laugh for a moment. His laughter was stopped by the man from before tapping him on the shoulder. Tom nodded, flashed me another smile, turned around and joined the rest of the suits on stage.
I took a moment to send an e-mail to the lawyers to draw up the new documentation, and, before long there was applause on stage as Tom stood behind the podium.
“Today, we are here for an historic occasion. What used to be an open parking lot will soon become low-rent housing for so many citizens that need it.
“I wish I could provide a home for every man, woman, and child in need, but one man can only do so much. I would like everyone to know that this will not be the last development project in this area as I am in the process of creating new places for people both young and old to relax and play.
“We are building a new park and a new community center that will be free for anyone and everyone to enjoy.
“Today is the dawn of a beautiful and bright future for us all. Thank you.”
The crowd cheered at his comments, and I felt proud of my boss. So much money in the world sat in banks, but he wasn’t afraid to spend it to improve the city in which he lived.
I knew this area well as I had grown up not far away. I can remember staying indoors to study while avoiding the gangs. I couldn’t forget playing on the street during the summer with my friends and wishing I had a real place nearby to play. To be honest, it really did make me into the person I am today and I wouldn’t have changed a thing when I look back.
Tom stepped off the stage and shook a few hands. There were a few people that I recognized in the crowd, but I didn’t try to presume that they’d want to sit around and talk. I had no time for reminiscing anyway.
I sent Brent a message to start the car and joined up with Tom once again. He had finally managed to clear himself from the crowd of people.
He took a novelty shovel from another fellow and walked to the middle of the parking lot where a patch of dirt had already been cleared. He shoved the shovel into the loose dirt and paused waiting for all the photo’s to be taken before ripping the dirt from its rest.
After more hand shaking had finished, we made for the nearby waiting car. Brent held the door as the two of us entered.
“I find it odd, Tom. You could probably take a helicopter instead of waiting in downtown traffic.”
“I like being driven,” he replied before taking a moment to think. He continued, “Flying makes me feel like I’m looking down on people, driving makes me feel like one of the people.”
I enjoyed that sentiment; feeling like a normal person and not looking down your nose at everyone else. I felt attracted to his honesty and tried to push back any romantic feelings I had. It was easier to do this morning as I knew what his previous night was like.
It wasn’t long before we reached his corporate headquarters in the heart of the city. The massive glass structure loomed over most of downtown and housed nearly all of his employees.
It was quite intimidatin
g to look at every time we came.
Exiting the car, I was greeted by a courier holding a small stack of papers. The lawyers had already redrawn the agreement and I briefly checked for the changes which appeared in order.
“Here you are, sir. The new agreement, as requested,” I said, handing him the stack of papers.
He glanced over them as we walked through the lobby to be joined by many other finely dressed men ready to petition Tom for business approvals.
As we entered the elevator, I shooed the incoming crowd away and was met with harsh stares of disappointment. It honestly made me feel a little important.
We zoomed to the top of the tower. I had to break the silence. “Your private box is being readied for the game later today, sir. Any special requests?”
He pondered briefly before replying. “It would be nice if my assistant could come as well.” A coy smile crossed his lips.
I stifled a laugh and continued. “It’s supposed to be a private event with your brother and his family.”
“What’s the name of his youngest son?” he asked.
“Jonathan, sir. He’ll be two years old in March. Their oldest is a girl named Isabel she just turned five last month. His wife, if you can’t remember her name, is Lydia.”
“Oh, I remember her name. I was just testing you, is all. Send my brother an e-mail and let him know I’m excited to see him and his family again. And request to have some toys brought there as well. I don’t know what kids like anymore.”
I couldn’t picture him around kids and what I could imagine made me fear for his future wife.
“I’ll send a runner to make a selection.” The elevator shimmied open and he went on ahead while I fussed about sending more messages here and there.
I tried my best to look professional, but, in a world full of old men, it was hard being a young woman.
Tom entered a glass walled meeting room and sat at the head as he always had. I got a lot of rough looks from one of elder statesman in the room; it was easy to see he didn’t like me at all. I didn’t have the heart to ask whether it was my sex or my race that angered him the most. Racial diversity nearly seemed an afterthought in the office building.