While the baby slept, Paige went into the bathroom to take a shower. Ryan used this time to quickly jot down notes of his time with Paige and how she ended up on the streets. She was defenseless with a newborn, and he feared that if he didn’t do everything in his power to help her, Paige would become a prostitute—willingly or unwillingly. Worse, she could become hooked on drugs, and there’s no telling how the baby would fare in either situation.
* * *
After her bath, Sage slipped on a pair of denim shorts and a T-shirt. She sat down on the plush sofa in her living room and removed her sandals. She stretched out her full length on the piece of furniture and closed her eyes. She thought again about the homeless man who had been standing outside the hotel.
Sage hoped that the money would enable him to enjoy a good meal and maybe even a clean shirt or two. She prayed that he would not use the money for drugs, although he did not seem like a drug abuser.
She drifted off to sleep.
It was almost six when she awakened forty-five minutes later.
Sage had to get ready for a fundraising event. She and her mother were attending the auction benefiting breast cancer. Thankfully, it was being held here at the hotel, so Sage didn’t have to worry about traffic or arriving late. She still hadn’t gotten used to traveling along the congested Los Angeles freeways.
She rose to her feet and walked barefoot across the hardwood floors to her bedroom.
Sage dressed in a one-shoulder Grecian-style gown in a teal-blue color with shimmering gold highlights. She ran her fingers through soft waves, fluffing her hair to give it a fuller look.
Sage checked the clock on her nightstand. She had to meet her mother downstairs in less than fifteen minutes.
While waiting for Barbara to arrive, Sage spent a few minutes in one of the boutiques, surveying a newly arrived collection of jewelry.
“You have never been one much for jewelry,” a voice said behind her.
Sage turned around to face Drayden. “They have some beautiful pieces in this collection, but as you said, I’m not much for jewelry.” She glanced down at her ringless fingers. “The only ring I’ll ever wear is a wedding ring.” She took note of his tuxedo and asked, “Where are you going?”
“Mom rangled me and Blaze into attending this fundraiser, too,” Drayden replied. “Ari and Natasha are also attending. If Dad wasn’t flying out to San Francisco tonight, I’m sure he’d be here with us.”
Sage gave him a knowing smile. “Fundraisers are a family event, according to Mama.”
Shortly after the rest of her family arrived, they headed toward the ballroom. Sage pretended to be attentive, but her mind was preoccupied. She was still thinking about the homeless man. She was curious about him.
She had seen enough homeless people on the streets and in the shelters to recognize that there was something different about him. He did not wear that same look of hopelessness, that yearning-to-be-whole-again vibe that hung on their bodies like a blanket. His downward spiral was something that he had suffered recently.
“What are you thinking about?” Blaze leaned over and whispered in her ear. “You look a million miles away.”
“I was thinking about this person I saw earlier today. He was homeless.”
Blaze met her gaze. “You gave him money, didn’t you?”
She nodded. “I know how you feel about that, but I have good instincts about people, and this guy is no drug addict or alcoholic.”
“But he could be gambling,” Blaze suggested. “There is a reason he is on the streets, sis.”
“Or he could have lost his job and his home,” Sage countered. “Blaze, not everyone who is homeless is on the streets because of vices. Sometimes it is just plain bad luck.”
“I agree,” Blaze stated, “but they are the minority.”
“You should come to the shelter with me next weekend.” Sage took a sip of her ice water. “Once you meet some of these people, I think your opinion will change greatly.”
“I’ll think about it,” he responded. Blaze rose to his feet and held out his hand. “C’mon, let’s go show these people how we used to get down in Georgia.”
Sage chuckled. “I’ll sit this one out. You go ahead. I’m sure you won’t have a problem finding a dance partner.”
* * *
Shortly after eleven, Barbara confessed she was tired and ready to leave.
Both of her brothers couldn’t have been more relieved by their mother’s decision. Sage picked up her purse, and they left as they had arrived—as a family.
Blaze joined Sage in her residence when they left the fundraiser.
“So, how do you like living in Beverly Hills?” she asked her brother after they settled down in the living room. “Do you ever regret moving out here?” Sage removed her designer high heels; they were cute but uncomfortable.
“Why do you ask?”
“Sometimes you look really sad, Blaze.” Sage shrugged. “Ever since you came back from Las Vegas last year, you haven’t really seemed yourself.” She paused a moment before asking, “Blaze, did something happen while you were there?”
His expression was instantly guarded. “Like what?”
“Did you meet someone?” Sage inquired.
Blaze waited a moment before responding, as if searching for the right words. “I met someone, but it didn’t last long. I guess it was over before it really started.”
“It seems like you really cared for her, especially if you are still haunted by her. Do you want to talk about it?”
He shook his head no. “There’s really nothing to talk about, sis.”
Sage didn’t press her brother. She knew Blaze well enough to know that he would open up whenever he was ready. Until then, it was best to drop the subject.
“How about you?” Blaze asked. “How’s your love life going?”
She broke into laughter. “What love life? I don’t know what that is.”
“Have you found it harder to meet someone since our lives have changed?”
Sage nodded. “I don’t trust as easily as I did in the past. I guess it’s because I have to wonder if it’s me or our father’s money that guys want.” Sighing softly, she leaned back against the cushions. “I’m happy for Daddy and I love my job and even living here in Beverly Hills, but I hate being the focus of the media, dealing with cousin Harold and his drama and wondering if people like us for ourselves.”
Blaze nodded in agreement. “Some of the women I’ve gone out with once or twice expect me to take them shopping or pay their bills. It’s crazy. It’s just dinner and a movie. I’m not trying to marry them.”
“I want a man who wants me for me and not for what our parents have. He inherited Robert DePaul’s money—not us.”
“We are his heirs, though,” Blaze interjected. “Sage, you might as well get used to the reality that we will never be able to escape the DePaul legacy.”
* * *
Ryan made sure that Paige had everything she needed before leaving her and the baby at a small motel on Sunset Boulevard.
He promised to check up on her later in the day. She was a nice young woman who needed a break in life. He was going to make sure that she received one, too.
Ryan was on his way back to the Alexander-DePaul Hotel in Beverly Hills. He was hoping to see the beautiful heiress who had locked eyes with him and given him money without so much as a second thought. A few people passing by tossed a dollar or two his way, but Sage Alexander had been the only one who dared to look him in the eye. She never once averted her gaze—a quality Ryan liked in people. His first impression of her was a good one.
Sage’s unselfish gesture had given him a great intro for his article. Her family was one of the main subjects in the article, and it pleased Ryan that Sage appeared to be as generous a ben
efactor as her grandfather.
There was much more he wanted to learn about Sage and her family.
Sage Alexander.
Her beauty mesmerized him. She was an unforgettable woman, and Ryan found himself wanting to know more about her on both a professional and personal level.
Giving him a hundred dollars was one thing but actually holding a conversation with a homeless man was another story. Ryan didn’t want to frighten Sage in any way, so he had to be careful in his approach.
He had been careful not to settle too close to the hotel property upon his arrival. Ryan did not want to risk police involvement or getting arrested. No one knew the real identity of R. G. McCall outside of his editors, and Ryan wanted to keep it this way.
Ryan wanted to stay as anonymous as possible.
Chapter 4
A black Mercedes pulled up and parked in front of the hotel doors.
Ryan watched as Drayden Alexander stepped out of the driver’s seat and walked around the car, handing the keys to the valet. He was dressed in a suit that fit nicely but was off the rack. Ryan wasn’t much for custom-tailored suits either.
Drayden never once glanced in Ryan’s direction; instead, he seemed focused and walked with purpose.
Ryan noted Drayden made a point to greet everyone by name, although he didn’t break his stride.
He saw security walking toward the entrance and quickly moved away from the side of the building. Ryan kept walking until he reached the end of the property.
“Get a job, you bum,” someone yelled out of a passing car.
He shook his head sadly. Some people could be so ignorant at times. Most people were not homeless by choice or because they didn’t want to work. For most, it was an aftershock of the earthquake in their lives that had attempted to destroy them. Rebuilding lives after an earthquake took time, and often victims needed help financially and emotionally.
A man pushing a shopping cart paused and asked, “You find any good eats ’round here?”
Ryan shook his head. “Not yet. I heard that the restaurant on the corner will give you a hot meal.”
The man snorted and then moved on.
Ryan resisted the urge to try and hold a conversation with the man, because he wanted to see Sage again. He didn’t know why or how, but a connection had been made and Ryan always followed his instincts.
* * *
Sage showed off a vacant residence to a couple of prospective buyers. “The bedrooms are all spacious,” she told them. “There are a limited number of residences ranging from two to five bedrooms with ample square footage to accommodate housekeepers, personal assistants or nannies.”
“Is there a private garage for residents?” the husband inquired. “And is it a two-car garage?”
“Each residence comes with a two-car garage,” Sage responded. “The residents have a personal valet. You can just drop your keys with the valet and take the private elevator up to the penthouse floors.”
She allowed them some privacy as they walked through the residence. Sage could tell that they were already falling in love with the place. She expected to write a contract before they left her office. The Broadway producer and his wife were here in town for a promotional tour and decided to check out some properties for a Los Angeles–based home.
She called Ari as soon as the couple left an hour later.
“Guess what I have in my hand…?”
“I have no idea,” Ari replied. “What is it?”
“I just sold unit 802,” she announced.
“Really? That’s wonderful,” he told Sage. “That’s the one like Mom and Dad’s, right?”
“Yes,” she confirmed. “And they didn’t even haggle over the asking price. The wife was the one who really loved the unit. I should probably give her a commission because she was the one who really sold her husband on the place. I think he would’ve preferred something near the beach.”
“I’m sure you helped in that respect,” Ari responded. “You have always been one who could talk sugar out of candy.”
She laughed. “I don’t know about that, but I am going to get off this phone and treat myself to a nice lunch to celebrate.”
“If you can hold off for about an hour, I’ll join you,” Ari told her.
“Rain check,” Sage said in response to his offer. “I’m starving, but just remember that you owe me lunch.”
“Hey, when was it the plan for me to pay for lunch?”
“When you considered joining me,” Sage responded with a chuckle. “Love you much, big brother.”
“I love you, too.”
They ended the call.
Sage grabbed her keys and purse from the sofa table. She strolled across the gleaming wood floors, her heels tapping in rhythm with her stride. She smiled as she considered her recent sale and the commission.
“Yes,” she whispered while waiting for the private elevator car.
Franklin walked out of the unit that belonged to Ari. “Good afternoon, Ms. Alexander.”
“I’m never going to get you to just call me Sage, am I?”
He smiled. “It is a title of honor. You should wear it proudly.”
“But you’re family, Franklin,” she countered, “not just another employee.”
Touched by her words, he gave a slight nod. “You are too kind, Ms….Sage.”
“I mean every word, Franklin. You and your daughter are now a part of our family. We love you both.”
The elevator arrived, and they both stepped inside.
“Franklin, are we still donating food to the homeless shelters?” Sage inquired.
“I believe so, but I can check to make sure.”
“No, I’ll do it,” she said. “I know that we are in need of a new manager for the restaurant, so I don’t want the donation falling through the cracks.”
Sage paused briefly to continue her conversation with Franklin and then made her way to the lobby area.
She was surprised to see her parents. “Hey, what are y’all doing here?” Sage inquired.
Barbara embraced her daughter. “We’re meeting Natasha and Ari here for lunch to discuss plans for the wedding. You should join us.”
“Ari isn’t going to be here any time soon. I’m not sure he even remembered that he was having lunch with you all,” Sage interjected. “I can’t wait that long because I’m starved.”
“He didn’t until I called, so we’re not waiting on your brother,” her father said. “I didn’t eat breakfast.”
Sage followed them to the hotel restaurant where they were seated immediately. She sat down beside her mother. “I have something to tell you both.”
“What is it, sweetie?” Malcolm asked.
“I have a contract on my desk for unit 802.”
Barbara grinned. “Congratulations, dear.”
Malcolm nodded in approval. “Can’t say I’m surprised.”
A man seated at the table across from them opened a newspaper.
“I certainly hope he’s not reading anything that R. G. McCall has to say,” she said in a low voice.
“Sage, are you still bothered by that article you read in that magazine?” Barbara asked.
“What article?” Malcolm inquired.
“It’s nothing really, Daddy,” Sage responded. “Some guy with a chip on his shoulder wrote that a woman turning thirty is so desperate to have a man in her life that she will marry the first one to look her way.”
Her father laughed.
Wearing a frown, Sage inquired, “What’s so funny?”
“Well, you have been bemoaning your state of singleness lately.”
“I wouldn’t say that I was desperate,” she replied curtly. “Besides, there’s nothing wrong with me wanting to get marr
ied and raise a family.”
“This is true,” Malcolm stated. “Your mother and I want that for you, as well. Perhaps we should post some type of bonus or something.”
Sage’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “If a man has to be paid to marry me then I don’t want him.”
Barbara laughed. “Stop teasing your daughter.”
Sage folded her arms across her chest. “That’s really not funny, Daddy.”
Malcolm reached over and took Sage’s hand, giving it a loving squeeze. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I know you didn’t, but you’re right,” she admitted. “My singleness is beginning to bother me. I can’t deny that I want a husband and a family, but I’m not desperate or anything. I’m just ready for marriage. I’m tired of dating and the relationship goes nowhere.”
“I have a feeling that you are going to meet the man of your dreams soon,” Barbara told her.
Sage smiled. “Mama, you were always a romantic.”
She picked up her menu, scanning the entrées. “I’m in the mood for seafood today.”
“So am I,” Malcolm responded. “I think I’m going to have the grilled tilapia.”
“That sounds delicious,” Sage murmured. “Mama, what are you ordering?”
“I think I’ll have the grilled chicken and ravioli.”
“I’m going to order the tilapia,” Sage decided aloud. She glanced toward the restaurant entrance and said, “It’s about time those two showed up.”
Ari and Natasha made their way over to the table and sat down.
“Hey,” Ari greeted. “Sorry we’re late. Natasha’s meeting ran longer than we expected.”
Natasha nodded in agreement. “It’s my fault.”
“We haven’t ordered yet,” Malcolm stated, “so you’re just in time.”
The waiter arrived a few minutes later to take their orders.
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