Players

by Rachel Cross

  His mother’s eyes widened, and she took a step back. “Why, Nathaniel, you’ve changed.”

  “I’ve grown up. The problem is you haven’t.” He pointed to the elevators. “Go. Now. Security is on the way, and I honestly don’t care how you leave.”

  His mother huffed, clutched her purse to her side, and turned to leave. She stopped abruptly. “You be careful with that one.” She jerked her head toward Tiana and focused her attention back to him. “You never know what ambition and the right amount of money will do to people.”

  Tiana gasped, but it was too late. Renita had struck, just as he suspected.

  Nathan turned his attention to Tiana. Her eyes glowed with sympathy. He didn’t need or want it. He needed sleep and time alone with Pops. No, he needed his dad to miraculously get out of the bed, fully recovered. What he didn’t need was hashing out whatever this was with Tiana. “You’re here.”

  She put her hands on her hips. “I’ve been blowing up your phone, trying to get in touch with you and all you can do is send me back a few one-worded text messages? What’s up with that?”

  Sighing, he rubbed a hand over his beard. “I’m kinda busy at the moment. Martha mentioned she’s been giving you updates and I figured if you wanted to see me and Pops, you’d come by.” And not almost a week later.

  “Nathan, I’ve been swamped at work, trying to keep up your accounts. We have some new developments with Fiete, really it’s exciting, but we’ll talk about it later. And another reason why I couldn’t come sooner is Mr. Goldberg. He doesn’t know we’re together, and I couldn’t very well leave without telling him about us.” She paced the floor. “If I did that we could lose our jobs.” She stopped pacing. “Otherwise,” her eyes pleaded for understanding, “you know I would’ve been here.”

  Work, work, work. The same excuses his mother had used when she couldn’t come to important milestones in Nathan’s life. And what’s worse, Tiana was so stuck on keeping them a secret that she hid behind her job instead of standing beside her man.

  Tiana sighed and reached for his arm. “Look, I know we had a bad argument before . . . before Garrett. And I know you’re hurting and confused, and we don’t have to talk about it now. I’m here to see your father, and I’m here for you. I . . . I love you.” Her beautiful eyes implored him to believe her words.

  He looked away from her intense gaze. He couldn’t listen. He couldn’t believe. Not with the poison from his mother’s words still coursing through his veins. And he couldn’t trust her. Tiana had betrayed him before with the internship, claiming that she’d given up the job opportunity. Had they even offered her the job? Did she really tell them the truth? Hell, Regos never contacted me.

  People like her and Renita were the perfect examples of the song “Cat’s in the Cradle.” They prioritized work, and years later realized they had no friends and family around because life had passed them by. He wouldn’t let Tiana or anyone else make him feel second place again and he damn sure wouldn’t let his children grow up with the same issues.

  “I need to stretch my legs a bit. Go in without me. He’ll be happy to see you.”

  Tiana nodded, her lip trembling. She lowered her eyes. “Not a problem. I’m sure things have been stressful for you.”

  “Thanks. I’ll be back in a few. See you around.”

  • • •

  Swallowing the lump in her throat, Tiana turned toward Garrett’s room. It stung that he hadn’t returned the sentiment back. Bad timing. She’d talk to Nathan again once he’d cooled off from the confrontation with his mother. Damn, Nathan’s mom was a stone-cold woman. She couldn’t believe his mother, no, Renita had insinuated that Tiana was out to steal his job.

  She lightly rapped on the door.

  “Come on in,” a deep, shaky voice called from the other side.

  “Garrett.” Tiana smiled and closed the door behind her. Over the months she and Nathan had been together, his father had finally convinced her to address him by his first name.

  Usually larger than life, he now looked smaller, weaker in the hospital bed. Nathan had made the right call in not allowing his rabid mother to see this.

  Tears welled in her eyes. “You gave me a scare.”

  “I’ll try my best not to do that again, sweetheart. Martha told me she’s been speaking to you the past few days. She also told me that you’ve been keeping tabs while holding down Nate’s job. Mighty nice of you.”

  Frowning, she looked down at her laced fingers. Tell that to your son who hasn’t been answering my calls.

  Garrett clucked his tongue. “Oh, now, don’t worry about Nate. He’s just scared for his old man.”

  “I know I . . . I just wish he would talk to me. I’d give anything to have you back at full health and Nathan back at his job.”

  Well, the second part was a lie. A white lie. She’d give anything to have things go back to the way they were before the promotion.

  “Come here, Tiana.” Garrett patted to his hospital bed.

  She shook her head. “Now, I don’t think I should be getting my big butt on your small hospital bed.”

  He waved his hands. “I’m losing my voice talking to you way over there. Just come sit closer.”

  She pulled a chair close to his bed. “Yes?”

  Garrett licked his lips. “You have to understand something about my son. He’s used to putting people in a box. People who deliver on their promises and people who disappoint him. Although he loves you, you haven’t had a chance, in his eyes, to prove one way or another.”

  “That’s preposterous. I’d never disappoint him. He knows about my past and knows all I’ve endured from people who don’t keep their promises.”

  Garrett nodded. “I’m not saying that it’s right, but that’s what he’s thinking. I’ll always appreciate Renita for giving birth to my son, but the woman is pure poison. She tried to keep me from him, filling his head with lies. When I didn’t come to an event, it was because she’d purposely given me the wrong time or date. Then she’d tell my boy that I didn’t care. That all I’d do was disappoint him.”

  Tiana shook her head, disliking Nathan’s mother more and more.

  “Now my Nate was always sharp. Figured out pretty early that his mom was lying. Still, I had to prove myself to him. Took a little while, but I did it.” Garrett reached for her hand and squeezed. “Don’t give up on my boy. Prove him wrong by showing him your staying power. If you stick by him, you’ll never regret it. You’ll have his love, devotion, and loyalty.”

  His wise words were just the encouragement she needed. I can do this. “Okay. I’ll try.”

  He shook his salt-and-peppered head. “Not good enough, young lady. You love my son, so don’t try. Do it.”

  Before she could argue, the room door opened.

  “Pops, I hope you’re resting.” Nathan’s dark eyes drifted to Tiana.

  “Can’t do nothing but rest in this damn bed,” Garrett grumbled. He looked at her and sighed. “Excuse my language. Martha would have my head speaking like that in front of a lady.”

  Tiana smiled. “Your secret is safe with me.”

  “And so is yours.” He winked.

  Lord, save me from well-meaning fathers. “I’ve taken up enough of your time, Garrett.” Leaning over, she kissed his warm cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Later. You be safe on the trip back. Son, escort your lady out of the hospital.”

  “I’m on it, Pops.” Nathan opened the door. “After you.” He gestured with his hands.

  He broke the silence on their way to the elevator. “Look, Tiana. I apologize for what I said earlier. Things are just crazy and busy right now. Once I’m settled, I’ll give you a call.”

  His words were nice and polite, but there was no feeling or emotion behind them. As if he was just going through the motions. Pressing the down button to the elevator, he then folded his arms across his chest. They were drifting apart, and not just because of his father’s illness. The elevator ding
ed.

  Give him time. He’s afraid for his dad.

  Nathan nodded and backed away. No hug. No kiss. No nothing. She stepped into the elevator, blinking away tears. The lump lodged in her tight throat prevented her from saying something. She could only blink and wave.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Nathan pushed down the guilty feelings that had attacked him over the past month. He’d seen a lot of emotions flash in Tiana’s striking eyes the day she visited Pops, and he hadn’t liked any one of them. Especially the last one. Heartbreak. He didn’t want to be like that asshole Greg.

  His life was spinning out of control, and the man who’d made him a man had nearly died.

  He was pushing her away, but he couldn’t help it. He couldn’t bring himself to fully trust her. Dammit, I miss her. He didn’t know what to do, but he knew that he missed her.

  He gathered his composure before opening his father’s bedroom door. Pops had been home for a few days and, although still weak, was recovering at a steady pace.

  Glancing from the television, Pops shook his head. “Son, you’re killing me.”

  Nathan sat on the sofa, near the bed. “I told you I’m not sneaking pork chops into the house. You need to stick to the recommended diet.”

  “I’m not talking about the food, son. I’m talking about something much more important.” He tapped the remote against his leg. “Your lady.”

  Nathan shook his head and sighed. He’d tried to avoid this conversation by pulling out all the stops. At first, he was concerned that Pops would work himself up while he was in the hospital. Then, after they’d returned him home, Pops had increased the pressure and steered the conversation toward Tiana every chance he could. Nathan would either leave or pretend to run an errand. Pops didn’t have a lot of patience, and Nathan knew his time had run out.

  “Look, old man, you don’t need to add any stress to your life right now. Let me worry about my relationship.”

  Pops harrumphed. “You’re not going to have a relationship to worry about if you keep going at the rate that you’re going. Tiana is as skittish as a newborn calf. You have to take care with her. I can tell she’s been through some things.”

  “I got this.”

  “No, you don’t. If you don’t want me to stress, then listen.”

  Blowing out a slow breath, Nathan grabbed the remote and muted the television. “There. You’ve got my full attention.”

  Pops pressed the button to raise the bed. “Good. Now, I know I raised a smart man, but right now you aren’t acting like it.”

  “How so?”

  “Martha told me about the conversation with Renita and Tiana. And look, I’ve had a lot of time on my hands. Time to think. I know you, and well . . . ”

  “What’s the diagnosis, Pops?” Nathan asked with a heavy dose of sarcasm.

  Pops lifted his eyebrows. “Watch your tone, son.” He waited a beat and cleared his throat. “As I was saying, I’ve had time to think and I know you’ve been stewing over Tiana helping you with your job. And you’re probably thinking she’s going to betray you like your mother did to that Sven guy.”

  Nathan shrugged. “It might’ve crossed my mind.”

  “And I disagree with you. I just don’t see it happening, son. Did you know that Tiana calls Martha and me every day? Yesterday we talked on the phone for nearly an hour.”

  His back stiffened and he leaned forward. He had no idea she’d been calling.

  “Where was I?”

  “Off running errands for Martha. I usually talk to her when you’re gone. I don’t want to see that scowl on your face.”

  “I don’t scowl.” He hated the word scowl. It made him feel like a reject pirate.

  “Oh, you scowl, Nathan. Not often—you usually reserve those looks for your mother.” Pops shook his head. “Like I said, she calls me every day, she mailed me a care package, all healthy crap of course, and a gift card for a couples massage for me and Martha. I just don’t see a backstabber doing all that. Do you?”

  Tension seeped from Nathan’s body and the fogginess in his head cleared. His mother had never sent care packages or called to check in.

  “I know you recognize that Tiana loves you.”

  Nathan nodded his head, agreeing. No need to lie. His dad had always been able to see right through him, digging into the heart of the matter.

  Pops clasped hands that rested on his chest. “And you love her, too.”

  “Is that a question?”

  “Are you going to pretend that it is?” Pops quickly fired back. The heart attack hadn’t fully robbed him of his fire.

  “Yeah, I love Tiana. I-I just don’t know. Sometimes she reminds me of Mom. The way she gets caught up in work and—”

  “Hey now,” Pops’s deep voice boomed. “She is not Renita. Don’t try to make Tiana the bad guy here. She stepped into your job because she had to. You should be glad that you have someone you trust to take care of things while you’re out.”

  “I—”

  “Secondly.” Pops’s hand sliced the air. “Don’t fault Tiana for loving her job. Just because you enjoy your career doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy other things like friends and family. She clearly puts her siblings first. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be so accomplished and well-mannered. She was just able to do both; your mother didn’t even try. Don’t fault Tiana for being driven and talented. You should want that in a woman . . . someone who mirrors you.”

  Nathan’s mind raced through all the things he’d said to Tiana. The canceled dates. The business trips. Despite her concerns, she’d stuck by him, even offered help and advice. But instead of taking her help, he was too proud. Damn, Pops was right. I’m losing her.

  “Ahh. Now you’re realizing the truth. She’s the one.”

  “She’s the one,” he agreed. “I need to speak to her. I’ve said some terrible things. Acted like I didn’t need her.”

  “Go on home and apologize, son.”

  “No. I’m not leaving you. I’ll give her a call.”

  “Nathan, I love you and I appreciate you and Martha banding together to make sure I’m comfortable. But I gotta tell you that having the both of you pecking over me like mother hens is starting to piss me off. I’m home and resting, and its Friday. Take Tiana to our house in the Hamptons for the weekend. Wine and dine her and, for God’s sake, tell the woman you love her.”

  “Are you sure you don’t need me?”

  “Martha will be back soon, so get going. Don’t come back until you can tell me the future mother of my grandchildren has forgiven you.”

  Nathan laughed for the first time in days. “You’re jumping the gun, Pops.”

  “I call it how I see it. No use in lying. You’re going to marry that beautiful woman and make some beautiful babies. Now go and get your girl.”

  • • •

  Fiete sales had spiked in the month since she had taken over. The blitz idea of sending top car enthusiasts and influencers exclusive access to the company’s manufacturing plant had been genius. The bloggers had been posting pictures on social media and some had already written reviews. Tiana looked around the room and smiled at her lean team of three.

  “Mr. Goldberg has informed me that Fiete wants us to fully take on marketing for all their automobile lines. This is a big win for the agency and will most likely result in expanding the team and possibly promotions.”

  Billy, Sheila, and Julia clapped.

  Billy ran fingers through his brown hair and grinned. “Thanks, Tiana. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

  She waved off their praise. “Everyone pitched in and had brilliant ideas. You guys are doing just fine without me.”

  He shook his head. “But you gave me the confidence to share my ideas. So this success of the account expanding is all due to you.”

  “He’s right, you know,” Mr. Goldberg said from the doorway with a bottle of champagne and flutes. “Don’t share this with the others yet, but the deals have officially been si
gned.”

  Clapping, the team stood to shake Mr. Goldberg’s hand.

  “Let’s have a quick celebration. Billy, help me more pour drinks for the ladies.”

  Then Mr. Goldberg raised the champagne flute. “To Tiana, for leading an extraordinary team. And to more success for the agency.”

  Everyone raised their glasses and sipped. Despite the buzz from the good news and champagne, Tiana had to force a smile. A year ago, she would’ve relished the praise. But with Garrett’s illness and Nathan’s silence and the demands of Fiete, she was beyond worried and stressed. Thankfully, the weekend was near, and she’d planned to have a quiet and relaxing few days.

  After the celebration, Tiana returned to her office and blazed through more requests from Fiete. The agency would have to expand their team soon. Four full-time employees weren’t enough to support the T-8 account.

  A knock sounded from the door.

  “Mr. Goldberg. How can I help you?”

  He shuffled in, sat down, and then rubbed a hand over his green tweed pants. “I come bearing good news. The team for Fiete wants you to work on the sedan line. And we . . . well, we want you on as a director.”

  A grin spread on her face. This was definitely going to be a good weekend. She’d enjoyed temporarily covering the sports line for Nathan, but the sedan line would give her just as much visibility. “You really want to promote me to director?”

  “Yes we do.” Isaac laughed. “HR will be in touch next week, but take a load off now and leave. I don’t want to burn out the star of the agency.”

  Tiana glanced at the clock. It was half past seven already. She moved away from her laptop. “Oh, I don’t know about being the star. Everyone on the team is doing a fantastic job, and Nathan had already laid a solid foundation for the budget and strategy. I just came in and pushed the ‘go’ button.”

  “Oh no, young lady. You are the star of the agency. I’ve been getting calls and emails from Fiete’s VP of sales. He’s over the moon about the sales projection for the quarter. Forbes.com recognized them for their innovative marketing, thanks to us. And not to mention the team. They responded to your special brand of leadership. With the account expansion, we see big things for you and the team.”