“I’d like to introduce Bryer who is the designer and our production manager for this line. I think it’s only fitting to have her present the specialty line that has exceeded all our expectations,” Cash says to the table.
Allowing me to make the pitch. I push the frantic thoughts away and go to the zone. “What a rush,” I say, walking out of the office with an order big enough to trump all last year’s sales. I feel his arrogance vibrating off him, with her phone number shoved in his pocket.
“I’ll be closing the deal tonight,” he brags.
“It’s beyond me how men operate, especially you, Cash.”
“We’re actually quite simple.” Leaving it at that.
“It’s complicated, Cash,” I disagree. “Everything about you is complicated.” Walking just a step faster, looking over my shoulder to meet his smirk. He’s so fucking obnoxious.
“We have one more stop. I have dinner plans with Carla, so we need to be quick.” I should call her and warn her, danger! Mention what a creep he is. Who knows, maybe she doesn’t care. He’ll be gone after their one night together, she has to know that. I just hope his actions won’t jeopardize the deal. “What are we going now, Cash?” As we slip into the black limo he has waiting for us.
“My office, you didn’t sign off on the paperwork at all, not to mention having it notarized, and witnessed. Mrs. Ferguson is meeting us there to help.”
He’s playing coy he knows how much she means to me, we helped each other over the years when I was employed there. “Mrs. Ferguson is still there? She was of mature age when I worked there and surprised she is still there. “It will be so good to see her.”
The office still looks the same, smells the same, and I’m catapulted back in time as I step through the glass doors. Memories both good and bad flickering through my mind.
“Bryer, is it really you, hun?”
And small tender arms are wrapping around me, her warmth soothing me, as I break away her gaze is glued to mine in question. “Mrs. Ferguson.”
“Call me Dottie, when have we ever been so formal?”
“Yes, how are you, and your family?”
Her shoulders slump and her head slowly lowers.
I’m ill at ease with what’s about to be said.
“I lost my husband George several months back. We almost made it to twenty-five years, dear.”
Her invincible loyalty raw with emotion, her brave mask revealed, I offer a reassuring smile, but I know it will never be enough. “I’m so sorry.” Remembering there are no words of comfort, no matter how many sorrys I received my mother was gone, she was never coming back. I’m sure she feels the same, and gracefully accepts my inadequate words.
“But the kids are doing well,” she says, and a small smile genuine appears.
“I’m glad you have them, family is important.” She knows my story so no explanation is needed.
“I’m actually surprised to see you still here?” I say, occurring to me it may be a necessity.
“It fills my days, Bryer, gives me purpose.”
I nod in understanding.
“Thank you for helping us on such short notice, Mrs. Ferguson,” Cash says. “Shall we work in the conference room?”
“Yes that’s where I have us set up.” She turns and we follow.
As I sit, I see one file sitting on the table with her stamp and book and several pens. Nothing out of the ordinary.
“Bryer, you’re welcome to go over the paperwork, but you personally have read docs like this a thousand times, I just need to witness several and others notarize,” she instructs.
“Of course, Mrs. Ferguson, ah Dottie.” Welcoming her lopsided grin. “Dottie, I remember.” I correct.
“I don’t recall you allowing me that curtesy.” Cash jokes.
“That’s correct, Cash.” They share a smile, but she doesn’t offer the first name opportunity.
I open the file and notice the familiar paperwork, and start to sign. It’s just a release of property, I’ve seen this too many times to count. I skim over the first pages, it seems unnecessary. I would like to get this over with as soon as possible.
I can’t focus, being here with Cash, too close, way too close. Causing me to feel a deep sense of betrayal, I feel sick but I expel a breath, willing the feeling away. “How did you lose George?” I ask while signing lifting the corner of each doc and quickly signing where the little yellow arrow points to.
“Cancer, dear, it was a long drawn-out nightmare.” She’s overcome with emotion.
I immediately regret bringing it up. “I shouldn’t have said anything,” I say. Sliding the papers over to her to complete her task.
“It’s alright, it’s not like he’s far from my thoughts, I don’t need much to trigger a few tears.”
As I watch a tear drop on one of the docs she is finalizing. “I understand, Dottie, when I lost my mom I cried every day for a year.” She nods in understanding, while I see her absently doing her job, attempting to rein in her feelings. “Grand kids?” I smile.
“Three now, Bryer.” And instantly her mood lifts and she pushes the file aside.
I see Cash grab it and walk out of the room.
“I’ll make copies, five minutes,” he says
“Mr. Warmth,” I whisper to Dottie.
She smiles her all-knowing look. “I have a few pictures on my phone.” She offers.
“I would love to see them.” As I watch her pull her phone out of her pocket and scroll down to find just the right one. “Beautiful, Dottie, you should be so proud.” Sincerely happy she has someone.
“They save me daily, Bryer.”
I nod in understanding.
“Time to go.” Cash peeks his head in.
I could strangle him, he’s so insensitive. “It was so nice to see you again, Dottie.” We embrace again. Saying our goodbyes, we head back to the hotel. I’m so happy I brought my mother’s journal because after that I need to be close to her words again.
I try Nathan again once we reach the hotel, no answer. And every fiber in my being is derailed with worry. It’s so unlike us to go this long without checking in. Not that I’m eager to continue the lie I’ve spun, but it eats at me from the inside out, I need to hear his voice.
“See you tomorrow for the flight.”
And with that Cash is off to deceive some poor unsuspecting victim. I’m just glad he’s turning his attention elsewhere. And walk towards the dining room where I enjoy a quiet dinner alone.
Reaching my room, changing into something casual I destress, pick up my mother’s journal and find my place.
The saddest day ever, I’ve cried a thousand tears, and the pain won’t go away. I told her, I told her, but she wouldn’t listen. My greatest fear, my worst nightmare just came true. My heart is broken and my eyes blazing with hatred. Two distinct feelings that have brought me to my knees, then add guilt to the mix—that’s a toxic combination. I’m surprised I’m still functioning.
I hate him, I hate him, I hate him…I don’t care if he’s my father, he can rot in hell for all I care. I’ll do whatever it takes to help put him away forever. I still can’t believe she’s gone, killed by her husband’s own hands. How horrific is that?
I regret not protecting her enough, I didn’t even have a life insurance policy on her to bury her. David didn’t blink an eye, shelling out a couple thousand dollars for the service, he said she deserved the best. God I love him. I want Bryer to marry a man like David, and I’ll insure she stays away from anyone like my father.
I asked David if we could put a provision in the life insurance that if anything happens to me, she’s the only beneficiary, but will only receive the benefits if she’s over twenty-five and married. I know that sounds cruel making her wait, but she’ll benefit from being older before she makes a commitment that will affect the rest of her life.
Mary
My God, my poor grandmother I never knew any of this story, my mother never told me, but I understand why. All those years of in
stilling a certain code of morals, her vision for me, it all came to life from the horrific lessons she experienced. It all makes sense now. All but one thing. What life insurance?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
~Nathan~
Clayton’s still hangin’ at my house. I’m not sure why, I’m assuming something has happened. I guess I’m going to have to fucking ask him about it. But I’ve been completely distracted by my wife being out of town and we keep missing each other, I haven’t spoken to her once since she left, granted it’s been two days, but that’s long for us, for me.
I cautiously approach the lump on my couch whose eyes are glued to Jon and Kate plus eight.
“I thought that was canceled?” Pointing at the TV, still slightly worried over his choice of programing.
“You’re right, these are reruns, the happy days.”
Taking the remote from his hand, I turn off the TV and sit back, mimicking his legs propped up on my Italian handmade coffee table.
“What happened?” I ask.
“Sometimes the person you fall in love with isn’t ready to catch you.” He spills willingly.
“Well, you’re not quite oozing masculinity, but let’s start there. I’m assuming Gen is the star of this show,” I ask, knowing the answer.
“It was just a joke, man.” Shaking his head back and forth. “I didn’t know she was serious.”
“Let’s hear it, pal.” Mustering up the patience I‘ll need for the upcoming exchange.
“I told her I’d rather take a bullet than pick up her tampons. She called me a mother-fucka’ and an insensitive ass.”
“Well, your timing was perfect, I’m sure her hormones didn’t play a role in this, stupid man.”
“I kicked myself for not just doing it, but the words pussy-whipped kept jumping out at me.”
“Clayton, my brother, listen. This conversation will be used for training purposes only.” We both smirk, knowing where this is going. “This is well customized for you.” I add. “Always be sincere, even if you don’t mean it.”
He nods in understanding.
“Just smile when you don’t know what the hell’s going on.”
He laughs.
I know I’m pulling him out of it. “Her best friend could be battery operated, so you’re not needed as much as you think.” I watch his head fly back in laughter. “You do realize there is a slice of truth to all of these, don’t you, Clayton?”
“Fuck yes, that’s what’s so funny. The hardest part in a relationship is when it’s not your turn to talk,” he says.
“Never marry a woman who was the captain of the debate team,” I offer. Although I’d bet my life that Bryer was.
“Here’s what you’re doing. Show up, all pussy-whipped with tampons, Midol, chocolate, a box of Therma-Care heating pads, and the DVD Sleepless in Seattle. I promise it will work. And never mention Aunt Flo coming to town.”
He looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind, but doesn’t say a word, grabs a piece of paper, scribbles on it and leaves without even a thank you. But that’s more than fine, I have other things to deal with.
The phone rings and I know it’s Bryer, Finally! But once I reach it, Stan’s name appears on the screen. “Hey, Stan, sorry about the phone tag, what’s going on?” I hear a deep sigh and several crazy scenarios play out at the speed of light.
“Nathan, we need to talk. I’m still in Austin, or I would be face-to-face with you.”
Panic is starting to rise and I’m feeling a little sick.
“Okay.” Is all I can get out for now.
“You told me Bryer was here for business with Jake, one of the people she manages, correct?”
“Yes. Is Bryer okay? Has something happened, Stan?” I can’t breathe.
“No, Nathan, she’s fine.”
Drawing a ragged breath my heart starts to beat again. “Then what?” Unprepared for the words to come.
“Bryer is here, but she’s not with Jake. She’s here with Cash.”
“There’s no way in hell she’s with him, you have to be mistaken, Stan.” Rage starting at the base of my spine climbing fast, and I’m ready to blow.
“Now before you panic, they each have their own room, and they did have a business meeting. I followed them yesterday.”
“She lied.” She lied to me, why would she lie to me?
“Nathan?”
“I’m here.” Barely.
“There’s one more thing” Stan pauses.
This must be fucking bad. “Okay.”
“A woman joined Cash overnight in his room. But I don’t know who.”
There is black all around me. Common sense long forgotten. “Oh fucking hell, I’m flying to Austin right now, and fucking kill someone with my bare hands.” I know she wouldn’t, I know it wasn’t her, deep in my soul I know it. But why the fuck couldn’t I reach her, I’m on the edge of insanity and emotionless, numb.
“Her, I mean their flight leaves today, Nathan, you’ll miss them. Just stay put, I’ll be flying home too, I’m on the same flight, but I’m in coach, they won’t notice me.”
“Of course, first class.” Flaring, wild disoriented by anger, it’s consuming me. Then, after a long breath, the deepest sadness washes over me to the point of drowning.
“Nathan, are you still there?”
Not realizing his question.
“Do you want me there, or not?”
“No.” Fear suffocating me. “I’ll handle it. Thanks for doing your job.” I hang up. What else can I say, thanks for tearing my world apart? For informing me my wife of one fucking week has lied about going away with another man. And not just any man, but her ex fiancé, who still wants to own her, not caring if we’re married or not, he goes after what he wants. There’s no way to soften the blow.
Fuck, waiting in hell as I descend into self-pity.
~CASH~
The limo pulls into the driveway. I pause to admire the extensive beauty of this home, every light shining through each window in a pattern intentionally designed to impress, and it does indeed. I’ll miss it.
Taking this private moment to reminisce about the evening I spent with Carla, the Niemen buyer, what an easy lay that was. What man doesn’t like to hear they fuck like a stallion, none. Laughing to myself, recalling the words pretty please following let me suck your cock. Nature intended woman to please, and please she did. A night to remember, and possibly one to repeat.
I’m met at the door by Sonja, drink in hand. “Macallan?” I ask. “
“We’re out,” she says over her shoulder as she walks away.
“You should know how to please me by now, Sonja.” I slam it down anyway, storming towards her to the main room where she sits at my desk, in my chair.
“So?” she asks. Tossing her hair over her shoulder, not once but twice.
“Everything went as planned, it’s done. I’m a lion on the battle field, I would advise you to remember that.” Crossing my hands over my chest.
“Cash, you’re a ruthless businessman, always has been,” she says with an unrelenting stare.
“If that’s what you want to call it, Sonja, but there’s nothing sweeter than the smell of success.” I pause.
“That is, if you did your fucking part.”
“I got everything you need concerning the bitch.”
Her eyes burning with hatred.
“Stop the jealousy, Sonja. I’m here with you, remember that.”
She rises, a smile dangling on the corner of her lips. Once she reaches me, flicking a false piece of lint off my suit. Our eyes meet, Needy little bitch, I take her mouth hard, my tongue invading sadistically, claiming ownership like a piece of property. Who’s in charge now? I break away, only long enough to whisper, “Who owns you?”
“You.” A hint of defiance in her eyes. Leaving the uneasiness of my arms, she retrieves the file.
And holds it close, deliberately delaying what I want to know. It’s as if she wants me to punish her, asking for it. Quit
e frankly nothing would please me more, but not now.
“There’s a back story,” she starts.
And has my full attention.
“Her parents owned their own insurance and investment group, started it basically when Bryer was born. The original policy was for a million dollars, quite unusual but I assume if you’re in the business you over-compensate.”
Watching her go through additional papers, I attempt to be patience.
“This particular policy, a whole life insurance had several creative aspects. Paid-up additions, which reinvest dividends, they were fucking lucky. The list is endless, Apple and Walmart, just to name a few. They got in on the ground floor and kept building,” she says.
“It’s bigger than we thought, that adds up to a lot of zeros in twenty-eight years,” I say.
“All the stocks have matured to unbelievable figures, and all for the taking. You can cash out everything.” Her cocky wink and confident smile anxiously awaiting to tell me.
“So, how much? Was it all fucking worth it?”
“5.2 million.”
In one fell swoop I’ll be set for life. Collateral damage be damned.
“As you know her mother put in two stipulations, she had to be over twenty-five and married to touch a penny. “
“And the trustee is dead, leaving no trace of it,” I add, pacing as my mind works at lightning speed.
“And she signed the marriage license?” Sulking over this mandatory detail.
I don’t care if this bothers her, it’s part of the fucking plan. “Without a hitch, I had her long-lost friend Dottie Ferguson there to distract her, and Dottie eating up the attention, she didn’t realize what was what. She trusts me and has always loved Bryer. All I had to do is pay a somewhat unethical preacher to sign it, Bryer is clueless to her new marriage and the newly found wealth. It’s already on its way to the courthouse for filing, making it legal.”
“Then it’s over?” Tilting her head to one side while listening.
“No more levering up,” I say.
“Levering up?”
Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2) Page 20