When Kale picked Callie up, the expression on his face was worth it. The way they looked at one another, Jamie knew that no matter how much Callie tried to deny it, they were getting serious. She watched her leave like a proud parent watching their daughter leave for the prom. She laughed at that image and wished them a great night.
Jamie took a shower threw on some yoga pants and an oversized shirt and settled in for a quiet evening alone and drinking a glass of wine. She turned on some soft jazz music, just for background noise and laid on the couch. Since she had begun dating Ben she realized that these couches were for show and not laying. She hopped up and moved to her bedroom she was halfway there when she received a call on her cellphone. She raced back to the kitchen and answered.
“Hello?” Jamie said.
“Jamie, it is your mother. How are you?” Olivia asked.
“I’m fine. How is Vincent?” Jamie inquired.
“He’s doing well. Glad that I am back,” she replied.
“Tell him that I said hello,” Jamie said.
“You should come with us to Spain this summer. It’s lovely. You haven’t traveled with us in such a long time.”
“I’ll try mother. I’ve been so busy at work. I can’t take that much time off,” Jamie responded.
“I’m not asking for a week. Just a couple of days. This last time I barely got to see you.”
“Well maybe if you would have called I would have taken a day or two off,” Jamie chastised.
“Then it wouldn’t have been a surprise. I’m getting older you know. You won’t have much time left with me soon.”
“You’re fifty-two mother not eighty,” Jamie sighed.
“I’m asking for a week Jamie. You can spare a week,” Olivia replied.
“I’ll see if I can take a few days okay?” Jamie bargained.
“You sound just like your father. You can bring a friend if you want. Whichever one you wish. I liked them both,” Olivia said.
Jamie was remembering their last conversation, the night her mother left. So they had arrived at it, the real reason for her call. Jamie recalled her mother’s harsh judgment, took a deep breath and braced herself for more of the same.
“Jamie I have been thinking about what we talked about,” Olivia said.
Here we go, Jamie thought gritting her teeth.
“I had a lot of time to think on the plane. This isn’t my business. This is your life,” she said.
“Mom,” Jamie interjected, “I didn’t mean it that way. I know you may not get it but…”
“You misunderstand me Jamie. You’re absolutely right. You just got out of a serious relationship. Your heart needs time to heal. I understand you not wanting to get hurt again. And I understand wanting to have some carefree fun,” Olivia said.
“But?” Jamie asked.
“But…I know neither Ben or Philip wanted anything serious. I understand that you don’t owe them anything then. But I do wish you would tell Philip. He has the right to decide if this is the kind of relationship he wants to be in.”
“I know. Thank you for trying to see my point of view,” Jamie said gratefully.
“I do see Jamie. I know that you know what’s best for you. You have always been wise beyond your years.”
Speaking to her mother made Jamie feel better about her choices. She went to sleep peacefully, secure in her decisions.
The next morning, she was surprised when she arrived at work to find Phil, her half-brother and her father waiting for her. She had a moment of panic. Did her mother tell her father what was going on?
She quickly composed herself and embraced her father quickly. She gave Phil a look which he returned with a confident nod. She motioned towards the couch and they all had a seat. Jamie sat in the armchair, trying to maintain her authority in her own office. James Sr. recognized this tactic, one he used himself and winked at his daughter with a smile.
“Jamie you look well,” James Sr. said.
“To what pleasure do I owe this unannounced visit?” Jamie asked suspiciously.
“We were in the neighborhood,” James II said sardonically.
“So the Wright Square is almost completed. When are you returning to New York?” James Sr. asked.
“I actually hadn’t thought about it. The Los Angeles office could use my expertise. I was thinking of staying on permanently,” she said careful not to look at Phil.
“Well that is unexpected but maybe it might be a good thing,” James Sr. stated.
“I’m sure it will be,” Jamie said.
“And I needed you to sign some papers,” James Sr. said.
“And you could not have them couriered?” she asked sarcastically.
“Jamie I wanted to come in person and since Dad and I have business in Phoenix, we flew in this morning. We’re not staying,” James II added.
“What papers do I need to sign?” Jamie asked.
“Just your contract as partner,” James Sr. replied.
“Partner? You’re making me a partner?” Jamie asked, her shock evident.
“That is of course if you still want it,” James Sr. said.
“Yes. Of course I want it. What made you change your mind?” Jamie exclaimed.
“Good. You’ve made me really proud with all the hard work you’ve been doing here. I thought this would be a break for you, giving you Wright Square. But who was I kidding? You are definitely my daughter. I should have known you wouldn’t be content to just sit back and not let your killer business instinct kick in,” James Sr. said proudly.
Jamie looked at Phil who was grinning his congratulations and beamed.
“Dad told me he had decided before my meeting with Mr. Steele,” James II interjected.
“And how do you feel about it?” Jamie asked cautiously.
“I wasn’t happy at first but I agree with dad. You deserve it. More than I do. He’s right. I need more experience,” James II said humbly.
This admittance shocked Jamie more than being made partner.
“I came to meet with Mr. Steele because I wanted to make sure that you were in control of my vote while I was completing university,” he finished.
“I don’t know what to say,” Jamie said.
“Well, we could start by signing these papers,” James Sr. said with a laugh.
Her father and brother gone, Jamie was teeming with excitement. Moments later Phil arrived with champagne.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Jamie asked smiling up at him.
“Your father asked me not to,” he replied. So you’re staying in L.A.?”
Jamie kissed him in response.
*****
She called Callie and asked her to meet her for lunch.
“Partner!” Callie squealed.
“I know I can’t believe it,” Jamie said still in awe.
“Now my news seems silly,” Callie said.
“What news?” Jamie asked.
“I spoke to my mother,” Callie began, ‘I’m not going back to New York.”
“I figured as much. To tell the truth I have decided the same thing. At least for now.” Jamie said smiling.
“I was thinking. Maybe I should look into purchasing an apartment at Wright Square,” Callie said carefully.
“My guess, I will have to purchase one too. And Callie you don’t have to feel bad about wanting your own space,” Jamie said guessing why she hesitated.
“I don’t want you to feel like I’m abandoning you. But I will need the extra space.”
“For all of your shoes?” Jamie teased.
“Well…I’ve decided to launch my own line,” Callie said grinning.
“That’s great Callie,” Jamie said with feeling. “You are so talented. You shouldn’t waste it. I am so proud of you.”
“I guess we had to move across the country to realize our dreams,” Callie added.
“I’m glad we did Cal.”
Jamie celebrated her partnership three times. The first was with her best frien
d Callista at lunch. That night she was also treated to a fancy dinner by Phil. He had reserved a private room at The Bainbridge House where they were treated to a six course meal. Phil had also ordered a bottle of champagne. He had gotten all of her favorite’s including a fantastic red velvet cake with sparklers. Jamie appreciated the gesture.
“I made partner, I should be paying,” Jamie joked.
“Let’s see what the damage is and I might take you up on that,” Phil teased back.
“I have one more surprise” Phil said.
“Where are we going?” Jamie asked when Phil took an unfamiliar turn.
“It’s a surprise,” he said smirking.
Phil turned into the new construction of Wright Square, building twelve and they took the elevator to the topmost floor.
“Where are we?” Jamie asked.
“When you said that you were staying in L.A. I had some paperwork drawn up,” he said opening the door. “It’s one of the best condos we have with an even better view than your father’s. I figured you might be interested,” he added when Jamie didn’t respond.
“It’s perfect,” she said turning to give him a long passionate kiss.
They ended the night making love, on the shaggy living room rug.
“I guess you have to buy this place now. I think we ruined the carpet,” Phil teased.
“I guess I have to go furniture shopping now,” Jamie said with a grin.
That following night she also celebrated her promotion with Ben in a completely different way.
“Jamie, if you can make partner then this wall should be a piece of cake,” Ben said.
“I would rather be eating cake,” she said ruefully staring at the thirty-foot rock wall in front of her.
“I believe in you Jamie Redding,” Ben said looking into her eyes. “You are an amazing, beautiful, intelligent, fearless goddess. Now get up there,” he said smacking her on the butt.
She grinned and took the first step. Hours later after having made it completely up the wall she whooped with excitement. Ben made her feel invincible and brave. By the time she and Ben had rappelled down they discovered they were the last guests there.
“Did I take that long?” Jamie asked checking her watch.
“Nope. I asked them to close early,” Ben said kissing her.
“Why?” Jamie asked curiously.
Ben’s friend and owner of the complex handed him the keys and told him not to forget to set the alarm. Ben nodded his head behind Jamie and when she turned around she was speechless. He had arranged a small table with candlelight and pizza. There was also a bucket holding several beers. Jamie laughed and then the tears started falling. She turned back to him.
“Oh Ben,” she said.
“I’m so proud of you Jamie,” he said kissing her deeply.
They laughed, they enjoyed their pizza and beer and then they made love on a few blankets on the mats until the candles burned out plunging them into darkness. It was simple but it was one of the best nights ever.
*****
The next week was busy for Jamie. The day after her eventful night with Ben she flew out on an early flight to New York. She had to handle some of her affairs in the city before taking up a permanent residence in Los Angeles.
When she arrived at her old office she found that her father had arranged for a champagne toast.
“To the newest partner at Wright, Redding, Hughes & Smith,” her father began lifting his glass.
“My daughter Jamie. I could not be any prouder to be the father of this exceptional woman. There is no denying although she bears the Redding name she is a Wright through and through. I have all the confidence that Jamie will continue to do great things including being the first partner that will be based out of our California branch. And I am confident that when I finally decide to retire that I will be leaving the company in capable hands. To Jamie.”
His sentiments and congratulations were echoed by the staff and other partners. Jamie had to blink back tears. This was the first time her father had publicly acknowledged her contributions to the company. He was proud of her and that’s all that Jamie had ever wanted. She accepted the many thanks and arranged for her things to be sent to L.A.
She was just leaving in high spirits when she saw Steven in the lobby.
“Steven what are you doing here?” she asked taken aback.
“I heard you were here,” he admitted.
Jamie didn’t know what to say. She didn’t know seeing him would affect her this way. The truth was she had not thought about Steven for months.
“Can we go have a drink?” he asked.
“I’m really busy. I’m only here for two more days and I have so much to do,” she hedged.
“Jamie, please?” he pleaded.
“Okay one drink.”
They went to a pub nearby. Steven waited until they got their drinks before he started speaking.
“How are you Jamie? You look good,” he said.
“I’m well. How are you?” she asked.
“I’m fine. No, I’m lying Jamie. I’m miserable. I miss you. I was a fool.”
When she didn’t say anything he continued.
“Jamie do you think we can fix this?” Steven asked.
“I don’t think we can fix it. I’m not coming back to New York. I’m staying in Los Angeles,” she replied.
“I can move there. I can finally accept the job with your father. I would do that for you.”
Jamie took a sip from her drink trying to find the right words.
“Jamie please forgive me,” he pleaded.
“Steven. Look I forgive you. When you cheated on me I was devastated. I missed you too. But then I realized I deserved better than that. So no. I don’t want you to move to L.A.,” she said.
“Jamie I know if you can give us just one chance…”
“But that’s just it Steven. You don’t deserve another chance. You did this, not me. You didn’t value our relationship. You threw it away for someone who didn’t even mean anything to you.”
“I know and I regret it every single day,” he said pulling a box out of his jacket pocket.
“What is that?” Jamie asked alarmed.
“I’ve been thinking. Jamie will you marry me?” he said popping open the box to reveal the most exquisite yellow canary princess cut diamond ring that Jamie had ever seen.
“Oh Steven,” she said.
Steven looked hopeful but Jamie merely shook her head.
“Do you know how long I wanted for you to ask me to marry you? That is exactly the ring I would have chosen too. It’s beautiful,” she added.
“We can start over. Will you marry me Jamie?” he repeated.
“You misunderstand me. That time has passed Steven. I don’t…I just don’t love you anymore,” she declared.
“Is there someone else?” he demanded.
Jamie laughed at his audaciousness to even ask such a question.
“That’s neither here or there. But no Steven. This doesn’t have to do with anyone except you and I. Well maybe her a little bit,” she said.
“Then we can try Jamie. What we had was special. You can’t deny that,” Steven replied.
“It was special. Until you ruined it. You were selfish Steven. Over what? Sex? I gave you sex. Time? I gave you time. I did my part. You just saw an opportunity and you took it. You didn’t stop to think about the consequences,” she retorted.
“So there’s no way that we can fix this? Even if I marry you?” he asked.
“Do you even want to marry me Steven?” Jamie questioned.
“Of course I do. I wouldn’t have asked you if I didn’t.”
“We talked about this. You said you weren’t ready. Even when I thought you might be changing your mind, you still said we were young. That we had time. What changed?” she asked with feeling.
“I lost you,” he said simply.
“Yes, you have. And a marriage proposal isn’t going to erase all we’ve been thro
ugh,” she stated.
“So there’s nothing that I can say then?” he countered.
“I’m sorry. It’s over Steven,” Jamie replied.
He left soon after that. It sounded insincere to tell him they could be friends so Jamie refrained from using the sentiment. She admitted that it saddened her, just a little. Steven was the man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with. She was so certain. Now she was a different person. She didn’t need to get married. She didn’t even need to be the CEO. She had earned her father’s respect. She had let go of a broken relationship but in doing so she had found something special with two amazing men and she realized that she didn’t have to plan out her life to the very last detail. She could just live.
She felt uplifted. It felt good to say no to Steven. A few months ago she might have given in and said yes. Steven was the safe choice. The expected choice. But Jamie wasn’t satisfied with living life by other’s expectations anymore. And it felt good.
Chapter 8
When she got back to L.A. on Friday night, Jamie called both Phil and Ben to let them know that she had returned. She made plans with them both for the following evening and on Sunday. She was seeing Phil first. He asked about her trip but for some reason she didn’t mention the incident with Steven. She had not decided if she was going to share that with anyone, even Callie.
Callie had been excited to see her and they spent the night catching up and eating ice cream. Callie had begun to collect fabric swatches and showed Jamie her sketch book and her new designs.
“Wow Callie, these are really good,” Jamie exclaimed.
“Kale has been helping me,” she blushed. “He’s really good at this kind of thing.”
“I really would like to see some of his art. I need to purchase some for my new condo,” she said grinning.
“I should buy some for my new condo too. The only problem is how do I explain how I can afford a new condo,” Callie sighed. “How much do you pay me again?” she laughed.
“Not enough to buy one of these condos,” Jamie said.
The next evening Callie and Jamie were getting ready for their dates. Callie paced around the room nervously. Jamie was doing her makeup and Callie was waiting for Kale to arrive.
In Too Deep_BWWM Romance Page 22