Nic's Devotion: An Endless Series: Book One

by Sara Hess

  I guess we weren’t wasting time then, but Henry countered immediately prepared for this question.

  “Nicholas withdrew that money because of a threat from his father to cut him off financially as well as threatening his trust fund. We have bank statements from a different bank…” Henry looked around the table so everyone there knew he was making this point significantly, and by the looks on their faces they caught his point. “…the statement shows that most of that five thousand dollars is still there minus some living expenses, and we have the receipts verifying those expenditures.”

  Henry continued speaking. “I would like it on record that while Nicholas’s father shows admirable concern for the welfare of his son he really has no legal standing to make any claims on Nicholas’s trust fund. It was given to him by his grandfather, George Stanford. I would also point out that the bank has broken the law by putting a hold on Nicholas’s trust fund without first getting a court order. However, I have obtained a judge’s signature stating that if you don’t release Mr. Stanford’s trust immediately the bank will be fined and we will be taking you to court for recompense. The judge agreed to ten thousand a day.”

  My gaze switched back and forth between my father and the bank president. My father maintained his arrogant smile, but the president wasn’t so composed. His skin paled faintly and even from twenty feet away I could see sweat forming on his upper lip. The other board members shifted slightly in their seats giving away their nervousness.

  “We also have a court order…” The president began speaking but Henry interrupted him.

  “When was your order dated?” Henry asked.

  The president’s face jiggled in indignation at being interrupted. “March 15th.” He responded tightly.

  The tension that had been weighing me down for weeks finally dissipated and I smiled, that was two days after Carrie got out of the hospital and came to my game. Henry also smiled. “Ours was obtained on February 9th.”

  My gaze was fixed on my father and at hearing the date his smile disappeared. My order was dated three days after the talk we’d shared. I hadn’t waited for him to make his move, I’d made sure to make mine first. At least I’d hoped I’d made it first and thankfully it turned out I had.

  “But we hadn’t done anything at that time.” The president declared looking even sweatier.

  “After a threat made by his father Nicholas became concerned about what his father and this bank would do so he made arrangements to move his money to a different bank. He hadn’t wanted to do it up until now in expectation that the bank would conduct itself ethically and professionally, but it seems that has become a lost cause.” Henry again looked around at the board members who were now all looking extremely ill-at-ease.

  I only vaguely noticed their agitation because my sole focus was on my father. I’d trumped him and he wasn’t happy if the tight fury on his face was any indication. Once I got the money out of this bank there was nothing he could do about it. Sure he could go to court and maybe get a hold put on the trust, but he didn’t have a leg to stand on so he would just be wasting money. He would also be putting more publicity on the Stanford name, something I knew he didn’t want to do.

  “I have a copy here of the court order and the name of the bank Nicholas will now be using. I would recommend that you get everything settled today because one more day would cost the bank ten thousand dollars.” Henry set the papers off to the side and the lady who escorted us in came forward to retrieve them and walked over to hand them over to the president. He did a quick scan and nodded his sweaty flushed face.

  The next half an hour was spent filling out the transfer paperwork. My father had left the room without a glance my way during the time it took for the paperwork to be brought in. I watched him go with a feeling of jubilation at sticking it to him and anger that we were even here.

  “Thanks a lot, Henry. I appreciate everything.” I said as we walked out of the conference room toward the elevator.

  Henry grinned. “Not wanting to downplay my contribution, but you could have handled that yourself. You knew what you wanted when you came into my office, I just did the leg work. I have to say I’m glad I was there though. It felt great watching those fat cat’s squirm.”

  I chuckled. Henry was a bit of a hippie at heart, who knew.

  We stepped out of the elevator and headed for the exit doors when someone called my name stopping me. I turned to see my father rising from one of the lounge chairs in the lobby. I stared at him for a moment not moving as a variety of emotions assailed me.

  “Do you want to talk to him or should I interfere as your lawyer?” Henry asked.

  I gave an aggrieved sigh. “Thanks for the offer but I’ll speak to him.”

  Henry walked out the doors as I marched toward my father. He sat back down and when I reached him I took the chair opposite him. We stared at each silently and expressionlessly as I waited for him to speak. I could already see that this was going to be some sort of stand-off.

  After a minute he finally broke the silence. “That was very ingenious of you, getting the court order just days after our discussion.” His face remained bland as he commended me.

  I hid my surprise at his praise. It wasn’t a general practice of his. “I am getting a degree in business. I should hope I know how to prepare for a take-over.”

  There seemed to be a battle going on in my father’s eyes. I could see he was still angry at getting one-upped, but he was also trying to work what I done to his favor. “Yes, I have no doubt when you finally join the business you’ll be the one to take the presidents seat replacing me. I know you’ve been doing well in your academics but today showed me that you have the aggressive manner for leadership.”

  My lip curled in irritation. “If you’d seen any of my games you would see how aggressive I can be, and being captain to a team going to another championship should tell you of my leadership qualities.”

  A flash of annoyance crossed my father’s face at being reminded of my interest in lacrosse. “Be that as it may, a business is a great deal different than a sport, but I have to say that I’m pleased by what I’ve seen this afternoon. This summer I want you to internship at the company. I’ll give you an office down the hall from mine…”

  Blah, blah, blah…That’s all I heard from his lips as he continued talking. I couldn’t believe he was asking me to come work for him this summer after everything he just did. Hell, he wasn’t even asking me, he was telling me. He was completely disregarding all our other discussions.

  “…and you will still have to sever your relationship with that girl. However, I will compensate you this time as you showed such fortitude and acumen in dealing with me. How does another half million added to you trust sound?”

  My attention focused instantly at his words. What. In. The. Hell! “Are you fucking serious?” I growled furiously.

  My father’s eyes flickered with anger at my attitude. “Watch you language.”

  “You’re the one who wanted to have this discussion here.” I retorted.

  His lips tightened. “Yes, and I expect you to conduct yourself as a Stanford wherever you may be.”

  “Who’s to say I’m not. Just because I’m not conforming to your criteria doesn’t mean I’m not conducting myself as a Stanford. Uncle Ryan and even grandpa have been known to call people out when their being jackasses.”

  My father’s eyes went cold. “I take it you don’t agree with my proposal.”

  I leaned forward just as cold in my own fury. “A proposal would require asking, not telling me what you want me to do. I’ve told you countless times that I want to forge my own path, but maybe I haven’t stated it clearly enough for you. I’ve had several offers to go pro in lacrosse and I will be accepting one, and I also want to look into some business interests of my own, so don’t expect me in the office any time soon. In fact, I would have to say don’t expect me there ever.”

  My father went ramrod straight and his eyes narrowed
in fury at my words. I continued, not done with what I had to say to him. “If by some chance I had wanted to go into the family business I wouldn’t after your backhanded manipulation of me. You’ve constantly tried to micro-manage me and when you can’t you attempt to direct the situation to your ends. I am not a business deal, I’m your son, but you’ve never taken the time to get to know me to comprehend that your scheming won’t work with me. That wasn’t smart on your part if you really had big plans for me.”

  My father’s nostril’s flared. I still wasn’t done though. “And just to enlighten you, I would never dump Carrie. Not for a half a million, not for the business, and not for my trust fund. I love her. I can see myself spending my entire life with her. She’s awesome, sweet, compassionate, warm, smart as hell, and she loves me unreservedly. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted in my life but never thought I’d have. I wouldn’t give her up for anything in the world. I sure as hell wouldn’t give her up for what you have. You have a cold distant relationship with everyone; me, your mistresses, your wife, although she’s just as cold as you are, but you’re also that way with your own siblings, and you were that way with grandpa before he died. I’ve never really seen you smile unless it’s in regards to a business deal and that’s not even a true smile. It’s a triumphant smile, not true happiness.”

  I stood up a little shocked that my father hadn’t already gotten up to leave as I proceeded to criticize him. “Before Carrie I would have continued to think of you as a robotic jackass who didn’t care about anyone, but after being in her presence and seeing her compassion and forgiveness toward people way worse than you I now only feel sorry for you. You’ve missed out on a lot, but I’m not going to.”

  I turned away and headed for the door expelling the deep well of resentment and anger that I’d been carrying around my whole life through a massive sigh. Shit, I never knew it had even been festering in there until I let it out and now felt loads lighter. If my father came around after that speech it would be great, as well as a fucking miracle, but if he didn’t I wasn’t going to dwell on it.

  I was finally living the life I wanted on my rules, and it was going to include Carrie. Life couldn’t get much better.

  EPILOGUE

  CARRIE

  Three Months later

  “I got it!” I screamed running across the parking lot and jumping into Nic’s open arms. He twirled me around and gave me a deep kiss.

  “Of course you got it; you’re the smartest person ev-er.” He stressed the last words with a grin and set me down after only two twirls. He knew I couldn’t handle more than that or I got queasy. We’d both discovered over spring break when he took me to a huge amusement park that neither one of us could handle rides that went around in circles, but put us on a roller coaster and we screamed in exhilaration. It had been great.

  It hadn’t been the only thing we’d done over spring break. Nic had taken me for a weeklong vacation to the Caribbean. I’d protested long and hard about him spending that kind of money on me but of course he’d won, but I’d made him let me buy my own ticket at least. It was a drop in the bucket to what he’d spent though. We’d stayed at the most amazing hotel and done something fantastic almost every day. The best had been when we’d gone deep see diving. The waters and sea life down there had been remarkable.

  I beamed at his exaggerated compliment. “I definitely wasn’t the most qualified person applying for the job, but my volunteer works during high school I think swayed them to my favor. It probably didn’t hurt that I had Carl pushing for me heavily either.” I grinned.

  Carl had called me yesterday to tell me that the Charlottesville Aquarium had an opening for a part-time diving operator. The work consisted of keeping up the underwater tanks and even creating new environments. It was basically a career opportunity dream job, and I’d be able to work closely with Carl as well. Not only that, but the job paid five dollars more an hour than the Sports shop. It was too incredible.

  An indignant expression crossed Nic’s face. “Carl notwithstanding, they would have been prize winning asshats not to hire you.”

  I smacked his arm affectionately. “You’re biased, but thank you.”

  Nic grinned. “So when do you start?”

  “Well, I told them I could start immediately but that I had another job I needed to give at least a weeks’ notice so I would have to work around that schedule for a week. They said they wouldn’t need me until Monday of next week and as its Wednesday that means the times will only overlap for two days.” My heart pained me a little bit that I wouldn’t be working at the Sport’s store anymore. I’d miss working with John. He’d been a good boss and friend, but it wasn’t like I’d never see him again. He was on campus and I could stop in and see him any time.

  Nic gave me a frown. “I’m sure John can find a replacement easy enough so that you’re not juggling two jobs. Even if it is for only two days the last thing you need is to be working more.”

  I hugged him, loving it when he expressed his concern for me. “Probably, but if not it’s only two days. Can you handle that, labor police?”

  Nic sighed squeezing me tight to him and swung me back and forth. “I guess, but only if you let me take you out to celebrate.”

  I slapped him on the arm. “You would use any excuse to spend money on me.”

  “You know me so well, but even you can’t argue that this warrants a celebration.” Nic released me leading me toward his truck. The same truck he’d had before his father had it repossessed. Nic had the truck on a lease program when his father was paying, but now that he was paying for it he decided to buy it out right using some of the funds from his trust.

  Nic assisted me inside with another kiss and then went around to the driver’s side. “I’ve got some good news about the job.” I said as he climbed in.

  He started the engine. “And what is that?”

  “I’ll have most weekends off because of how busy the aquarium gets during those times. They don’t want me in the tanks during those hours unless they need me for something special.”

  Nic whooped. “That’s awesome. This summer just got ten times better.”

  I grinned. Nic had hated me working every Saturday. I’d taken off a few Saturday’s to go to the beach with him and all our friends but it hadn’t been enough for him. “Before we go out to celebrate can we go back to my apartment so I can change into regular clothes? These dress clothes are too confining.” Now that I was a Sophomore I no longer had to live in the dorms. The University supplied me with on campus apartment instead.

  “On it.” Pulling out of the parking lot Nic headed back to the college.

  “You know you’re going to need a car now that you’re working off campus.” Nic commented blandly.

  I rolled my eyes and sighed. “You may still have a problem with mass transit, but I don’t.”

  Nic blew out an exasperated sigh of his own. “I don’t know why you’re arguing with me, you know I’ll eventually get my way.”

  I gaped in astonishment. “Oh my god, Nic, you can’t always get your way.”

  He frowned in confusion. “Are you sure, because it’s pretty much been happening that way so far.”

  I couldn’t stop the laugh that burst out of me, because it wasn’t far from the truth. He was quite the manipulator of events. “You are not buying me a car.” I exclaimed in frustration.

  “Then I will just have to drive you and pick you up during those times that I’m not at lacrosse, and if the times intersect you will have to take my truck and I will get a ride with the guys. We will have to do some planning and scheduling but I’m sure…”

  “Oh my god.” I repeated in amused aggravation. “You’re doing it again; trying to guilt me and wear me down. Unfortunately, it won’t work this time because for one; I don’t have a license, and for another I can get on a bus no problem anytime I want without any input from you.”

  “You don’t have a license?” Nic’s eyes were wide in amazement. “Ho
w am I just finding this out now? Who over eighteen doesn’t have a license?”

  “Do you want an actual percentage because I’d take a guess and say it’s pretty high, especially for those people living in third world countries?” I replied tartly feeling a little indignant. It cost money to get a driver’s license, money I hadn’t had at the time, and it’s not like I’d planned to get a car any time soon. I’d just started saving a significant amount of money when I’d left my mom’s house, and if I wanted a reliable car I would need another year of savings probably.

  “Uhggg,” Nic’s face displayed instant regret. He gave me a contrite look. “Sorry honey. Us trust fund babies have this stupid gene that sometimes rears its head indiscriminately.”

  “I love you so I guess I will just have to deal with it.” I gave an exaggerated sigh of aggravation, but then I gave a real sigh. “And unfortunately, I agree with you. I’ve saved a bit of money in the last couple months, so I should finally get a license. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be buying me a car.” I growled.

  We ended up arguing the entire ride back to the apartment…well, Nic argued, I kept up a repetitive ‘no’. Nic was pouting as we walked into my apartment. Shaw, my roommate, looked up from watching television at our entrance. Ever since Shaw had taken that seat next to me in class showing her support for me even though she hadn’t known me we’d become good friends.

  She kind of reminded me of me before Nic. She didn’t seem to have any friends besides me, and whenever I invited her to any parties or get-togethers at Nic’s house she refused; citing one excuse after another. Shaw also downplayed her looks like I had. She had long, dark red curly hair that kind of reminded me of the girl in the Brave Disney movie that she confined in a messy bun most of the time, and she never wore make-up. I thought she was gorgeous but she seemed to not care about her looks, or boys, or even girls besides me. Not that I thought she liked me in that way, but she just pretty much gave everyone the cold shoulder.