“Are you ready for the big day? “ Janie asked her.
“This is going to be fun, she replied. I think I was born for this. It’s just a shame the victim has to be Michael.”
“Into each life a little rain must fall.”
“Yeah, well there’s going to be some hell mixed in with this rain,” Jordy said with a grin.
“It’s going to be nice to see your dad. He hasn’t been in for a while. How’s he doing?”
“He seems to have plateaued in his progress, but at least he hasn’t gotten worse.”
At nine, her father and grandfather walked in, followed shortly by Mr. Jamison, the attorney from Baker, Chatsworth. She hugged her father and grandfather and shook hands with the attorney. Jordy led them into the newly refinished conference room. They had gotten rid of most of the ‘new’ smell by running fans the previous day and last night. “Nice, Jordy, very nice. The table seats 20? They really did a nice job. Our guys?”
“Yes sir. Why should we hire someone when we have the people to do the job?”
“It’s your meeting, Darlin’. How do you want us seated?”
“I want to be at the head, with Mr. Jamison to my left, and you and Grandpa on the other side, they can arrange their own hierarchy, unless you have a suggestion.”
“No, this is fine. You look very nice, doesn’t she, Dad?”
“I don’t remember how long it’s been since I’ve seen her in girl clothes. She’s just downright pretty,” said Clayton Carlyle.
“Thanks, Grandpa. Flattery will get you anywhere.”
Just then, the contingent from First City was shown in by Janie. Jordy introduced Michael and his father to her father and grandfather. “Michael, I don’t believe I know this gentleman,” she said indicating a tall white haired man, handsome by anyone’s standards.
“This is my grandfather, Felton Simms. Grandpa, this is Jordan Carlyle.”
“Call me Jordy, Mr. Simms. This is my father, Jim, Bill Jamison from Baker, Chatsworth and my grandfather, Isaac Carlyle.”
Felton shook hands with her father, and Jamison, and had a hearty handshake with Isaac, saying, “Ike, what have you been doing with yourself? I haven’t seen you in a month of Sunday’s. We need to get together for some dominoes.”
“Oh I’ve just been hanging around the homeplace, mending fences, chasing strays and stuff. You?”
“About the same. When you get to be our age, there’s not much else to do.”
“You got that right.”
Michael’s father was seated next to Jamison, then his father. His grandfather had chosen to sit next to Isaac Simms.
Jordy tapped her water glass with a spoon and said, “If anyone needs a refill of coffee, now would be a good time, and we can get started.” Everyone seemed okay with what they had so Jordy began.
“The purpose of our meeting is to determine whether we maintain our current position with First City or not. Michael has probably told you; Carlyle Enterprises has reorganized to some extent. We have moved Carlyle Construction as an autonomous division of Carlyle Enterprises. Grandpa’s other ventures,” she smiled at her grandfather as she said this, will each have the same status under the corporate umbrella. My grandfather will be Chairman of the Board, my father the Chief Executive Officer, I will be the Chief Operating Officer. I will also assume the hat of President of Carlyle Construction. Any questions, gentlemen?”
Felton Simms leaned over to whisper in Isaac’s ear, “She’s your only grandchild?”
“Yeah, she’s a peach isn’t she?”
Steve Simms said, “Is all of this a done deal?”
“It is,” Jamison said. Carlyle has been registered with the Secretary of State of Texas for over twenty years. The papers for the admission of Carlyle Construction to this organization were filed with the Secretary of State’s Office the day before yesterday. They will be finalized by the end of the month.”
“Thank you, Mister Jamison, any other questions?” There were none so Jordy said, “Michael, your meeting.”
He stood, and said, “Thank you, Jordy and we appreciate the opportunity to preserve the status quo with Carlyle.” Michael started his presentation talking about the longstanding relationship between the two organizations. He then, with the aid of the assistant he had brought with him, showed the performance of Carlyle Enterprise under the First City auspices. After twenty minutes, he said, “Folks, I won’t bore you with anymore charts. This has been a relationship that has endured since my grandfather and Mr. Carlyle were wildcatters together. While oil is an integral and a major part, it has now evolved to the point where other businesses are developing. First City would like to see the relationship that has been profitable for all of us continue. We’re here today because of an incident…”
Jordy rapped on the table with her spoon. “Michael, with due respect, what led up to this is not germane to our purpose today. It is for us to decide whether to continue working with First City or not.” Jordy heard her grandfather chuckle and saw him poke Felton Simms.
“I have nothing else,” a chagrined Michael said and sat down.
“Gentlemen, the meeting is open for discussion,” Jordy said and sat down.
Steve Simms said, “You may not want to answer this but here goes. Have you spoken with any other financial institutions about this.”
Jordy said, “Yes we have. I’ve met with Bank of America, Capital One and Hughes Investments.” All are interested in our business.”
“What about your project?”
“That is not on the table for discussion.”
Felton Simms said, “You have been busy, haven’t you?”
“Yes I have, but then we Aggies are an industrious lot.”
“Hear, hear,” said her grandfather.
“Ouch,” said Michael.
“If there are no other questions, then the meeting is adjourned. Feel free to help yourself to the cookies. I had best not eat any more or I’ll founder.”
They broke into small conversations. Felton said, “Ike, we’ve got to get them two together.”
“I agree, and it might have happened had your guy not caught hoof and mouth disease.”
“He’s no longer with the company. Michael terminated him the same day.”
“I was really impressed with her. I think everyone, but Michael underestimated her.”
“She’s a real piece of work, a chip off the old block.”
* * *
Steve Simms and Jim Carlyle were talking pretty much along the same lines. Steve said, “Jim, I really hope we can work this out.”
“Well, you had better learn to work with Jordy. She has a low tolerance for people that are condescending and incompetent. She will hold their feet to the fire, and she can’t be pushed around.”
“That’s what Michael told me. She told him she would not be a sitting around mom; she considers herself a good business person, and will be treated as such.”
“Steve, the way I heard it was she was not going to be sitting around popping babies.” He laughed.
Steve laughed with him. “That’s what Michael said. One thing, if it were their babies wouldn’t they be something?”
* * *
Michael said to Jordy, “You were great, Jordy. You impressed me all over again. I was amazed at your poise and confidence.”
“And I didn’t even go to Harvard. Isn’t that something?” She flashed her impish grin at him.
“And, you look gorgeous today. I really want to see you again. I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve missed you.”
“Would you like to take a shot at it this Saturday or Sunday?”
“Yes to both.”
“Well, let’s start with Saturday and see where that goes. No business?”
“No business. I’ll call you.”
“Great. Thanks, Michael.
. . .
Isaac Carlyle said, “I can’t believe that girl up front today was the same little girl that used to sit on my lap want
ing a story. I was really proud of you, Jordy. You were wonderful.”
“Thanks, Grandpa. I appreciate it. I hated to do that to Michael. You know we’ve been dating don’t you?”
“Your dad mentioned it to me.”
“Yeah, well, I like him a lot.”
“It’ll be all right. You wait. He comes from good stock, but so do you. You make a good looking couple.”
“I want more than that. I want to be a mom.”
“You will be in due time, and you’ll be a good one. In the meantime, enjoy the spotlight. You’ve earned it.” He pulled her to him and hugged her, then kissed her forehead.
“Thanks, Grandpa.”
* * *
That evening at home…
The Carlyle family was sitting in the family room after dinner. The TV was on, but no one was paying any attention. Jordy had her iPad out and was looking at Google Earth. Her mother was looking at one of her volunteer projects for the hospital. Her dad was lost in thought as he reflected on what had happened earlier in the day. He just could not comprehend what his beautiful little girl had accomplished that day. He knew she had far above average intelligence but to do what she did absolutely blew him away.
“Dad, Mom, I have a question and don’t take what I am asking the wrong way. Why haven’t we lived like some of the wealthy people like the Simms? They have a huge mansion with servants and all. We have a beautiful, comfortable home, and I have never wanted for anything, but I’m just curious.”
“Let me ask you something and then I’ll try to answer your question. Do you think you would have been happier than you are or were if we had taken that lifestyle?”
“No, I don’t. My family has been my refuge and sanctuary. I was provided a great education, and I don’t have a ton of student loans. I have a nice car, and I always dressed the way I wanted. So no, I wouldn’t have been happier. I might have traveled in different social circles if we lived that way, but most of the people, not all, but most of the kids are arrogant jerks. Michael lived that way, and he’s not a jerk.”
“Don’t you think you just answered your own question? If you are as happy as anyone else and you’re comfortable in your own skin, then do you need anything else?
I promised to answer your question so I will. Your father came from a family that became wealthy after he was born. My family was comfortable, not rich. Your grandfather and grandmother were not comfortable in the societal environment. They regard themselves as ordinary folks. We decided to live a lifestyle that was a part of the community not apart from the community. We decided when you were born that you would have everything you needed but not necessarily everything you wanted. We wanted you to have a solid set of values and be able to make your own decisions in your life. I believe we succeeded. You are at that point now. We think we've done a good job. Our daughter is a smart, capable young woman. You are fully able to handle the wealth you have and will have and to use it wisely. What do you think?”
“I think I had and have an incredible set of parents that I wouldn’t trade for any others in the world. You did a great job and a more loving pair could not be found.” With tears in her eyes, she embraced her mother and said a very meaningful thank you. She did the same with her dad. “I’m the luckiest girl I know.”
Her Dad spoke up, “And we’re lucky to have you as a daughter, and I was just bursting with pride today at the meeting. Your grandfather was also. I heard him tell Felton Simms “Ain’t she something?” Felton agreed with him. They both think you and Michael should get together and make grandbabies.”
Jordy’s face turned a bright crimson. “Daddy, I’m working on it. Give me time.”
Chapter 10 Making Up
Saturday found Jordan Carlyle wondering about her upcoming date with Michael Simms. They both came from families connected to the oil industry. Jordy now runs the Carlyle Construction Corporation and has dreams of a huge housing project along the Brazos River in Fort Bend County. She was nearing agreement on financial backing with Michael’s bank when a feminist slight by a First City employee caused her to rethink this. Conferring with her father and grandfather, they asked First City to show the reason why the widespread Carlyle Enterprises should continue banking with First City. Following the meeting, Michael has asked Jordy to renew their relationship.
Michael had not told her what he planned for the evening so she opted for a filmy yellow dress that stopped just above the knee, with a matching clutch and shoes. He arrived promptly at 7:00. Mrs. Carlyle greeted him at the door and asked him into a large den. Michael was dressed in a cream colored sports coat and navy blue trousers. He had a shirt the same color as his trousers and wore it open at the collar “Jordy will be down in a minute,” Mrs. Carlyle said. “You look very nice Michael.”
“Thank you,” he replied.
Jim Carlyle, seated in a recliner, stood and greeted him with a “Good to see you again, Michael.”
“And you sir. How are you?”
“I’m about the same, thank you. Michael, what did you think of our little girl the other day?”
“She was formidable, sir. We significantly underestimated her, and that’s not something we do very often.”
Jim smiled and said, “That you did son that you did. And how is it you two are seeing each other again?”
“Sir, in addition to respecting your daughter, I like her very much.”
“Like who very much?” Jordy asked as she walked into the room.
“I like you very much. You are a vision of loveliness, Jordy.”
“Why thank you Michael. I’m all set. Bye, Mom, Dad. Love you.”
“Michael drive carefully, and you kids have a good time.
“We will. It was nice seeing you again. I’ll take good care of her.”
Jordy linked her arm in his; then they left. Michael could feel the warmth of her breast where it pressed against his arm. “Where are we going?”
“I made reservations at Brennans? Have you ever been there?”
“I was only at the one that was on the Katy Freeway that burned. I haven’t been to the one downtown. It sounds good.”
Michael said, “I believe you’re thinking of Brenners on the Kay Freeway. Brennans in downtown burned during Hurricane Ike. It has already reopened, and that’s where I have reservations.”
“Okay, still sounds good.”
When they arrived, Michael turned the keys over to the valet attendant, took Jordy’s arm and led her through the door held by the doorman. After Michael identified himself, the maître d’ led them to their table. The surroundings were elegant and patterned after the Brennan family’s restaurant in New Orleans. They were seated at a table in a quiet corner of the restaurant. A wine steward came to the table, and Michael asked him to recommend a wine. He accepted the recommendation, and they were alone. “Well, here we are,” Michael said.
“Indeed we are.”
“I’ve missed you,” he said.
“And I’ve missed your charming company also.”
They sat, holding hands across the table, each looking into the eyes of the other and savoring the moment. The reverie was interrupted by the arrival of the wine. The wine steward showed Michael the label and poured a small amount to taste. He nodded his approval and the steward decanted the wine. Jordy picked up her glass and held it up for a toast. “To good friends,” she said.
Michael said, “I hope we can be more than friends, Jordy. I really do.”
“You said ‘I hope’, are you implying something could prevent it?”
“We weren’t going to talk business, Jordy.”
“Wait just a minute, what happens if we decide to take our business elsewhere?”
“I’m sure it might create a bit of a problem if it happens that way, but that’s down the road. Let’s not talk about it now.”
“I would like to talk about it now. You are saying if Carlyle decides to go elsewhere with our business, it makes a difference to you as far as the two of us are concerne
d.”
“No, I’m not saying that at all. What I’m saying is there might be some hard feelings is all.”
“Would you harbor any of those hard feelings, Michael?”
“I would hope not, but I don’t know how I would feel. It might not come to pass, and we shouldn’t be concerned about something that may never happen.”
“I think I would like to go home, Michael.”
“Come on Jordy, don’t be that way.”
“Don’t be that way? You have just suggested there might be no relationship if we take our business elsewhere. It makes me wonder just what is important, me or the family business.”
“You are important, of course. This is all a misunderstanding. Can we just go back to the way we were when we came in?”
“Michael, you can’t unring a bell.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You said it, and it’s out there. I heard you, and you admitted it.”
“Okay, I said it. You said the other day you were a business woman and a good one. I don’t doubt that for a minute. Look at it this way. I am a business man and a damn good one. Of course, it would make a difference to me to lose millions of dollars of business. Of course, there would be some animosity. My dad would feel it, so would my grandfather and I would too. Does that mean I would love you any less? Of course not.
He looked at her. Her eyes were bright and moist. He took out his handkerchief and handed it to her. She dabbed at her eyes. “Do you realize what you just said?”
“What?”
“You said you loved me.”
“Well, maybe I do. Oh hell, I don’t know what I said or mean.”
The discussion was halted by the arrival of their wait person, asking if they were ready to order. “I’m sorry; we haven’t even looked at the menu yet. Could you come back please?”
Love On The Brazos Page 8