Forever Rain (Rain Will Fall Trilogy #1)

by Cindy Lou Moldovan

  “Wow, Lenny. I’m happy to hear about this but how much will it cost me and how much will my rent increase?”

  “No, no, Zoe. Nothing at all. We will do the move. Just have your employees pack up their desk stuff. The new place will even have new furnishings as well.”

  “Whoa! Did you by any chance win the lottery? How can you afford to renovate the building and put in new furniture with no cost to the tenant, not to mention the rent staying the same?”

  “Stroke of luck really. Right place at the right time. An investor bought me out, strip centers, this building and all. Asked me to oversee the whole thing for him and paid me quite a bit of money too. This building is the first to be renovated, then the others and he is paying for all of it along with the new furniture.”

  That just sounded too good to be true and I immediately made an educated guess of who this ‘investor’ was.

  “Hmm. By any chance would this miracle making man happen to be Jordan Dawson?”

  A flush creeped up Lenny’s face. “Ah, well you see, Zoe, I’m not supposed to discuss anything of this nature. It’s in our contract and I can’t disclose it.”

  “Don’t worry, Lenny. I won’t ask for any details and you did not tell me who it was. I heard that Mr. Dawson was investing in Houston. Lucky guess is all.”

  We chatted about the changes that will be taking place soon then Lenny took his leave. I was fuming. I got up from my desk and paced in my office. I couldn’t believe he was meddling in my business, as if I have not proven myself without his help, I might add. I looked in my email and punched in the many numbers for Helen, his assistant, who was in Brussels with him. She answered on the first ring.

  “Helen. I need to speak with Jordan.”

  “Sure, Zoe. Is everything OK?”

  “No. Just get him on the phone.”

  Helen put me on hold.

  I was so mad that I kicked my desk.

  “Zoe? Babe, what’s going on?” His voice was deep with concern.

  “I have done quite nicely without you since I opened my agency and I sure as hell don’t need your meddling.” My chest was heaving as I hissed at him.

  “What has you so upset? I would not meddle in your professional life. I absolutely admire and respect you as an astute business woman.”

  “Then why is Lenny swimming in money with some crazy story about an investor that bought property in Houston and he is managing them? And said investor just gave him lots of money to spend on this building where I just happen to have my office… I know it’s you, and don’t you deny it, Jordan Dawson. Why?”

  He inhaled a deep breath and I settled back waiting on his response.

  “I worry about you in that building and you won’t move out. I know you. You’re stubborn and won’t move into one of mine that is just a couple miles from where you are. So I’m keeping you safe and more comfortable. Is it OK for me to do that for my girlfriend? I did it all for you, babe. Please allow me this one thing. It will make me feel better,” he said quietly.

  I let out an exasperated breath and squeezed the bridge of my nose. The man was driving me crazy and he has only been back in my life for like two weeks.

  “Look. Just stop throwing money at people like that. Lenny was doing just fi—-”

  “No, he was not, Zoe. The bank was about to seize his property and I bailed him out. It’s a small investment for me. He will keep working and make a great living doing what he’s good at. He just needed some help and was more than happy to be relieved of the building that is in dire need of repairs.”

  “How would you know all that, Jordan?”

  “Because it has to do with you. I offered to buy the building from him and was going to demolish the piece of crap, but I knew that would upset you even more.”

  “For God’s sake, stop meddling in people’s business. You can’t save the world.”

  “I’m not trying to save the world. Just trying to make your life…ah, hell, babe, give me a break, pretty lady. It just makes me feel better doing this one small thing that has to do with you.”

  “I will think about how you will redeem yourself over this, but no more funny business around me.”

  “Can’t promise that.”

  “Bye, Jordan.”

  “Zoe…never mind. I will see you soon,” he said.

  I had another call waiting so I didn’t ask what he was about to tell me. As usual, the day simply flew by and I found myself back at home where a warm casserole was waiting. My housekeeper was a gem. I sat in the living room and ate while I listened to the evening news. I called to check on Jenna again, who is feeling a little better today, but was thrilled about the pregnancy that actually took up most of our conversation.

  I spoke with Jordan again but we avoided the subject of our earlier conversation. Jordan said he would not have phone sex with me tonight and forbid me to use the vibrator on myself. I didn’t think he could tell if I did use it, but he said he has a way of getting the truth out of me. I was excited to see him tomorrow evening and had another early night to bed.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  The next morning, I decided to skip my workout routine. I made scrambled eggs and cinnamon raisin toast. It was delicious and I didn’t feel one bit guilty. I was stacking dishes in the sink when there was a knock at my front door.

  Who the hell could be at my door at seven in the morning? I looked through the peephole and saw Andre and Aunt Suzette. I swung the door open knowing that this was not good and my mind went immediately to Jenna. But what did Andre have to do with Jenna? Veronica? She should still be asleep on the West Coast.

  “Oh God. What’s wrong?” I asked as I pulled the silk robe around my body, securing it in a knot.

  “Zoe. Let’s go to the living room and turn on the news,” Aunt Suzette said.

  Andre shuffled his feet behind her. His clothes did not quite match up and his hair looked like he’d forgotten to comb it.

  “Andre? I’m about to freak out here.”

  He steered me to the sofa as Aunt Suzette turned on the television.

  “Now I know you did not come over here to watch morning television with me, so one of you better tell me what the hell is going on.” I was about to get off the sofa when Aunt Suzette spoke up.

  “It’s about Jordan and some business he has invested in. I don’t think you will like what you hear, unless he has told you about it?”

  “What? The building that my office is in? I found out about it yesterday and decided that it was not worth a huge argument.”

  “No, Zoe. It’s the hospitals that he bought here in Houston. Forest Grove Hospital Systems,” Andre said. He took a seat across from me.

  “I still don’t get what that has to do with Jordan or me.” Just then the news came back on.

  “Once again, breaking news about Jordan Dawson and Forest Grove Hospital Systems. The commercial real estate giant decided to go solo on this investment and purchased the four hospitals last week. The news was apparently supposed to be released next week, but our sources came to us with news of Mr. Dawson’s girlfriend, Zoe Caine, of Bluebonnet Nursing Agency that acquired an exclusive contract to staff all those hospitals with her agency nurses. The two have been seen around town over the past week. Some are crying foul on this one since Miss Caine’s agency has lost several contract renewals due to hospitals opening their own nursing agencies. Dating a financial mogul does come with benefits, it seems.” The reporter sat back with a smug smile on her face.

  “There is more to report on the two doing business in San Francisco just last week. Tell us, what you know about that, Sabrina?” another reporter asked.

  “Yes, Jeff. Mr. Dawson and Miss Caine went on a secretive trip to San Francisco last week where she met with several hospitals in the area. Our sources found out that Mr. Dawson is on the board of those hospitals. Miss Caine’s agency obtained contracts with those hospitals as well.”

  “Will Miss Caine be mov
ing her agency to the West Coast?” the other reporter asks.

  “The two are keeping their dealings to themselves and the general public in the dark, Jeff,” she replied and smirked into the camera.

  “Off. Turn it off!” I yelled and ran to my bathroom where I threw up the contents of my stomach. I was at loss for words. I knelt on the floor dry heaving as I hugged the toilet bowl. Aunt Suzette came to the door but I yelled at her to leave me alone. I was humiliated, angry, confused, and totally embarrassed. I had worked so hard to keep my agency’s reputation spotless and trustworthy, and in less than two weeks, Jordan has brought it down.

  I went back to the living room. I needed to get my shit together. I had a business to run and I didn’t have a minute to spare. I can imagine that my employees will be wondering what is going on as well since I just sent out a mass email and signed up numerous shifts at the four hospitals where many of my nurses will be working as soon as this weekend.

  “Andre. Head to the office and start drafting a press release of our own that the agency signed an exclusive contract with the hospitals with no knowledge of the hospitals’ new owner. Get our attorney in the office as well. I don’t know where to go with this and I need his advice. I can’t fight Jordan and obviously he is punishing me for keeping him away for 10 years, but I can keep my agency going and I won’t stop fighting for my employees. Ease the mind of our nurses and other employees as well by sending a mass email that it is business as usual for Bluebonnet. I will be in as soon as possible. Aunt Suzette?”

  “Anything I can do to help, honey.”

  I gave her a quick hug and headed to the shower. No more time for tears. I had to make sure my employees believed in me and my abilities to deliver good on my promise that I was a responsible employer and had a great reputation for doing the right things for the Houston medical community.

  Thirty minutes later, I was on my way to the office. I wore my hair in a tight bun, very little makeup and a lightweight summer suit. I looked like I was ready to kick some ass, but the only one that I really wanted to kick right now was Jordan. How could he do this to me? He was ruthless and this proves that he was heartless as well. He started on the building that housed my office and now he is controlling where I do business. Well, fuck him! I was not a little, lost girl that would curl up and cry. I was fuming as I answered the incoming phone call.

  “Zoe, here,” I just about bellowed in the car as the Bluetooth picked up the call.

  “The press is outside in the parking lot and some at the door. Sorry, Zoe. I will look out for you and run to your car when you pull in. Grace and I will try and shield you best we can when you get out of your car,” said Andre.

  I wanted to say the F word again so bad, and as many expletives as I knew, but Aunt Suzette was sitting beside me and I won’t lose respect from her over anyone, especially over Jordan Dawson.

  “I will call Lee and see if he can send a cop over. I can’t think of anything else right now. See you soon.” I pushed the end button, then pulled off the street into a CVS parking lot as I Googled the Houston Police Department and asked to speak with Lee. After a couple minutes of grief, the receptionist got him on the phone.

  “Let me get this…we went to Vegas over the weekend and got married?” Lee chuckled.

  God, it was so good to know Lee right at this moment. “Sorry. She would not let me speak with you since I didn’t know your extension. Only immediate family, like parents or spouse, or some shit… Sorry,” I mouthed at Aunt Suzette who smiled at me.

  “I’m flattered that you remember my invitation for lunch and yes, I can make it today.”

  I sighed as I thought of the invitation and felt guilty about what I was about to ask. “Lee, I need help getting into my office this morning. I guess you have not heard the news…anyway the press is waiting in the parking lot for me. Do you think I can have a cop with me to muscle his way through them?”

  “Sorry to hear about whatever is going on, Zoe, but I can do better than that. I will be there in five minutes,” he said.

  I ended the call and got a text from Andre that he has had several calls and emails from my nurses that are supportive of me and believe in the agency’s integrity. In the scheme of things, all that matters are that my employees know they can trust me to do the right things on their behalf. After a few minutes, I headed back on the street and sighed in relief as I saw the state trooper car with flashing lights in the parking lot and Lee standing beside it. He had another cop with him as well. In that moment I was reminded of the honor it was to have good people in my life that had my back.

  I pull up beside his car and he opened my door and gave me a quick hug as the other cop opened Aunt Suzette’s door and guided her by the arm. The press ran up to us barking questions and remarks about shady dealings and contracts being obtained unfairly. They also knew about the new office in San Francisco. It seemed like it took forever for us to make it to the door.

  Thank goodness for Andre’s quick thinking by calling Lenny to stand at my office door and keep it locked so they could not get closer. I was shaken but kept the stoic look on my face. I rather looked pissed off than fearful. I was relieved to make it into my office. My employees were totally professional and carrying on with business as usual. I appreciated that there were no pity talks or chitchat going on. I needed to stay busy and I knew somehow we’d get through the day.

  “Zoe. I will tell David what’s going on if you want me to and I can help with phone calls or whatever you need me to do.”

  “Thanks, Aunt Suz. That would be great. There is another desk in the office next to mine that you can use.” She squeezed my hand and went down the hall.

  “Thank you so much, Lee.” I hugged him and felt the bulky armor beneath his uniform. He looked totally badass and I felt comforted with his presence. So much so that I asked if I could possibly hire an off duty officer while I was at the office and probably 24/7 for the next week, since I did not want Jordan anywhere near me.

  Not that he would want to see me anyway. The damage that he set out to do is done. His mission of a personal blow to me was accomplished. My bad for trusting him, his charming ways and good looks, his incredible lovemaking and the way he pampered me and made me believe he truly wanted me in his life…no one else would do. God. I am so stupid. Fuck!

  “No need, Zoe. I will take care of it. I’ll be with you today and have someone at your house tonight and every night until you don’t need us, but I will be with you during the day. I have a three-day weekend starting tomorrow and will take some vacation if needed. I never take time off, so they won’t question it.”

  “You are too good to me, Lee. I’m sorry about all this and wish I could turn down the help, but I do need it right now. Thank you.”

  “I will be at the reception door. Don’t worry, no one is getting in here unless you say so.” I felt like crying, I really did, but I way too furious to do so.

  Chapter 32

  David called just as I sat at my desk.

  “Zoe. I’m speechless. This just can’t be happening. I know Jordan, and there is no way he would do this maliciously, but I swear to God, if I ever find that he was out to hurt you in any way I will rearrange that pretty face of his. I’m on my way to Houston now. I have also hired a media team to go to your office. They will take any statement you wish to convey to your staff and the public. My attorney is speaking with yours right now and they will look into the acquisition of the hospitals.”

  “God, David. How could he do this to me? I had no idea that Jordan wanted anything to do with the medical industry. He set this up so smooth. I feel like a butterfly caught in a web.” My breath hitched in my throat and tears gathered in my eyes.

  “Don’t worry. This will soon pass, but before it does, we will understand what the motivations were for Jordan. I spoke with his office in Houston. He’s on his way in from Europe. Swear to God, he had better have his shit together.”

  I smiled
at David’s words. There was no way he could take on Jordan but I loved his protective nature toward me.

  “This sure as hell makes me look like an opportunist and out to make a buck at any cost. I hope those who truly know me know that I would never deceive anyone. I would not jeopardize my business in any way.”

  “I’m sure your employees and business associates believe in you. We will figure this out.”

  Andre came in just as I hung up with David.

  “My phone is on mute, but I have Jordan holding. He said your phone was turned off and Grace won’t put his calls through to you.”

  “Damn straight. I don’t want to hear shit from him and tell him to stop calling. Better yet, block his number from our phones.”

  Andre saluted and left for his office again.

  I turned on my computer and read emails from my employees that were working in various hospitals. Most said that they were way too busy in the nursing world to gossip with anyone and it was business as usual for them. I took a call from Jenna and reassured her that she did not need to come to Houston. I had great support and demanded that she stayed at home and rest. She finally agreed to it and promised to keep in touch later today. We continued to conduct business in the office and refused to listen to the news. Some of the press had left since they had noting to report with no comment thus far from my camp.

  My attorney came in and we discussed some strategies going forward. I told him I had a legal and binding contract with the hospitals that I staffed, and nurses ready to work. Jordan be damned! I owed him nothing. The media team that David hired spoke with my attorney. They would release my statement for the four o’clock news today. Nothing like fury to give one courage. I felt empowered with all the support and reinforcement around me. I may not be able to take on Jordan’s financial empire, and I didn’t want to, but I would fight like hell to keep what I have going and would settle for nothing less.

  “Sorry to bother you, Miss Caine, but Mr. Dawson has all our lines tied up right now and he won’t get off the phone. I don’t know what to do,” Grace said. She was standing at my door.