by A. L Long
It was close to noon when Dylan decided it was time to meet with Lilly. Shutting down her computer and locking her desk, she gathered her things and headed to the elevator. It was a matter of minutes before the elevator stopped on the lobby floor. Border Line was about ten minutes from where Dylan now worked. She thought about walking there, but decided against it. She would need all the energy she had to go shopping with Lilly. Hailing a cab, she waited on the curb as the yellow and black car pulled beside her. Once inside, she let the driver know where she needed to go.
Lilly was already seated at a table situated at the front of the restaurant. Dylan waved to her friend from the sidewalk as she saw her through the window.
“Hey, girlfriend,” Lilly greeted Dylan as she came to their table. “Are you ready for an afternoon of complete bliss?”
“I’m not sure what is so blissful about shopping, Lilly. I only know that my feet are going to hate me for what’s in store for them,” Dylan said as Lilly began to giggle.
“Oh, come on, Dylan, it won’t be that bad.”
Dylan gave Lilly a justly deserved smirk. “I’m trusting you. The last time we went shopping, I had sore feet for a week, and that was after you talked me into buying tennis shoes so you could continue shopping. I think the phrase “Shop till you Drop” was made specifically with you in mind.”
Dylan knew the only reason Lilly hurried through her lunch was so she could start their shopping expedition. The check arrived at their table before Dylan had a chance to finish her salad. She knew she should have ordered something with more carbs. She was going to need all the energy she could get. Quickly paying the check, Lilly grabbed her friend by the hand as Dylan took her last bite. And so the adventure begins.
Dylan wasn’t sure how many shops they went to. Lilly had four bags in hand while she only had one. The only thing Dylan was able to purchase was a black clutch purse she knew would go with the dress she unfortunately hadn’t found yet. The next stop on the list was Gucci, then Versace. Nothing they came across appealed to Dylan. She was just about to give up when she spotted the most gorgeous dress she had ever seen. That is, until she saw the price tag.
“Forty-five hundred dollars. Oh my God,” Dylan screeched as she looked at the tag.
“Dylan, look up. Everything on this rack is fifty percent off. This dress is a steal with that discount. It’s perfect for you. You have to try it on,” Lilly said as she pulled the dress off the rack.
Dylan had to admit it was a steal for that price. She could pull the money from her savings to pay for the extra charge to her credit card for the dress. Taking the dress from Lilly, she decided to try it on. It was beautiful and just her size. Once inside the dressing room, Dylan removed her clothing and her bra. With the Bateau neckline and lower back, she knew she wouldn’t be able to wear a bra underneath. Even a strapless would show. With the dress positioned to cover her breasts, Dylan pulled the zipper up at her lower back until it stopped mere inches above her butt. With the zipper up, the dress molded to Dylan’s body. Everything about the dress was right. The bead and lace work ran across the neckline down to the back, leaving just enough of the skintone meshed material to show. The front of the dress also had the same bead and lace work, which was intricately placed to provide elegant coverage to the bust area. The dress itself was black with a sweep/brush train, which was lined with the same beads and lace.
Looking in the full length mirror, Dylan couldn’t believe what she saw. Just as she was ready to show Lilly, the door opened and a large gasp filled the air.
“Oh my God, Dylan, you’re gorgeous. It’s like the dress was made for you,” Lilly choked as she placed her hand over her heart to catch her breath.
“Thank you, Lilly. It fits perfectly. I think it’s well worth the expense.”
“I’m glad you think so. Because if you weren’t going to buy it, I was going to buy it for you.”
It was late afternoon by the time they arrived back at Lilly’s apartment. Dylan was tired and once again had feet that ached. She could barely make it to the couch. Lilly was right behind her as they fell clumsily on the couch together.
“I am never going shopping with you again,” Dylan voiced as she began rubbing her sore feet.
“You have to admit, it was well worth it with the dress you found. Not even shopping was as great as that dress, and you know how much I love shopping,” Lilly replied. “How about I order some pizza and you just relax.”
Dylan looked at her friend as she stretched her legs out onto the coffee table. “You got a deal. I can’t move.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Rade was finishing his final examination of the financial records for Spectrum. Even though the meeting with BlackStone Industries wasn’t happening until next week, he wanted to make sure he got a handle on what to expect. After reviewing the numbers, he knew the company was slowly getting deeper and deeper into debt. He liked a good challenge, and once he obtained Spectrum, he knew his days would be filled with getting the company on track to be profitable. In order to do that, he would have to invest a good chunk of his own money, which he was more than willing to do, considering the profit he could make.
Feeling like he could no longer be productive, Rade decided to call it a day. With the information he had, he was nowhere closer to a game plan then he had been before the review. He needed to take a break and focus on something else.
It was going to be a big night for him. Tonight was the night that he would be honoring his little brother. Even though it had been thirteen years since the death of Isaac, thoughts of him still remained in Rade’s heart.
Every year as the foundation gala approached, the night of Isaac’s death came to life and consumed Rade’s nights. He could still see that night as if it happened yesterday. It was the night his father not only took his brother from him, but also his mother. If it hadn’t been for his father’s drunken stupidity, they might still be alive today. A heart became available for his brother that night. All they needed was the consent of his parents to proceed with the surgery. Rade’s father had been drinking heavily that night. Rade’s mother offered to drive them to the hospital, but Rade’s father was too stubborn to allow it. It was the night everything ended for Rade. It was the night his light turned to dark.
Pulling his thoughts back to the present, it was time Rade headed out. He needed to get ready for the gala. On the way, instead of thinking of Isaac, his thoughts were on Dylan. He thought about how much he missed her. How he would have loved for her to share this important night with him. With there being no word from her, he couldn’t ignore that fact that she could be gone from his life for good. Maybe she hadn’t read the letter. His only hope was that if she hadn’t read it, she soon would and she would agree to meet with him. It was his only chance to get her back. To make her understand that had he known what was going to happen, he would have never taken her there. He was pretty sure that Chloe was behind it. Her appearance that night in his private room was not a coincidence. She planned it. He just needed to find the proof to confirm his suspicion.
Since Gwen had made reservations for him at The Ritz, he called ahead to make sure that everything he needed would be delivered to his room. It would be easier for him to get ready at the hotel. It also let him make sure there weren’t any additional preparations that needed to be taken care of before tonight’s event.
Rade arrived at the hotel thirty minutes later. Gwen had been already there taking care of a mix-up in the seating assignment. Looking at the large ballroom, it looked as though everything was ready. Gwen had informed Rade that three hundred guests had RSVP’d for the event.
Entering the ballroom, there were at least thirty round tables set throughout the enormous room. Each table was covered in white linen tablecloths with a centerpiece of red roses and white lilies. When Rade walked further into the grand room, he could see the seating cards placed directly in front of the fine white china place settings. Each card was inlaid with gold script, which reve
aled the name of the person for whom the seat was reserved. Gazing at the elegant cards, Rade knew most of the guests whose name appeared on the cards. Still, there were some that were unfamiliar, so it was always his plan to make sure that he introduced himself to all of his new guests while still taking special care of the returning ones.
Rade suddenly stopped when he saw the name card for Keeve Black and Mason Stone. As he rounded the table, he saw that there were two additional name cards that said Guest of BlackStone Industries. He knew he needed to find Gwen and see if she knew who the additional guests were. He could only hope that one of them was Dylan.
After talking with Gwen, Rade headed to his room to relax before the big event. He was disappointed to find that Gwen didn’t have any information on the seating for BlackStone Industries. The only notice he had was that the seating was reserved for four people from BlackStone, two of which he already knew.
Needing to unwind, Rade poured himself a tumbler of his favorite Glenfiddich Scotch, which he made sure the suite’s bar was stocked with. Taking a pull from his drink, he walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows as he gazed out over the harbor. The sun had already gone down and the light from the Statue of Liberty was breathtaking. Rade thought how wonderful it would be to share this night with Dylan. He also thought how much he wanted her body against the glass while he was seated deep inside her. He wanted to feel her gorgeous legs wrapped around him as he gently propelled in and out of her. He longed to hear her scream his name as she came with an explosive orgasm that only he could give her. He wanted to feel her body next to him as he caressed her soft skin as she slept in his bed.
Rade was yanked from his thoughts as he heard a faint knock on the door. Setting his glass on the end table he made his way to the door. Opening it, he couldn’t believe who was waiting for him on the other side.
“What the fuck are you doing here? You have no right to be here,” Rade said as his skin began to crawl with hatred for this man.
“I have every right to be here. He was my son,” Garrett Matheson said defiantly.
“I don’t want you here. If you don’t leave I will have you removed.” Rade forcefully tried to shut the door, but was stopped by the intrusion of his father’s foot.
“Son, please,” Garrett pleaded as he tried to step in the room.
“I’m not your fucking son. You lost that right thirteen years ago. Now move your fucking foot before I break it.”
No words could describe the anger that was boiling in Rade’s body. It had been thirteen years since he spoke with his father. Thirteen years to the day since the death of his brother. Thirteen years to the day since he lost his mother. All caused by the hand of one man. The one man he looked up to as a child.
The last person Rade expected to see was his father. Why of all days did he have to show up today? Closing the door on his father didn’t relieve the anxiety he felt knowing full well his father wouldn’t be taking his advice and leaving the hotel. Stepping to the bar, he poured another drink as he dialed Richard.
“Richard, we have a problem. My father showed up at the hotel. I told him he wasn’t welcome, but I have a feeling he’s not going to leave willingly.”
“What do you need from me, sir?” Richard asked reluctantly.
“Make sure he comes nowhere near the benefit. I want more security in place to make sure every inch of the ballroom is covered. The last thing I need is a confrontation in front of my guests,” Rade said, making sure Richard knew he was serious.
“Do you really think he would cause a scene, sir? Even though your animosity towards each other is evident, I seriously doubt he would be stupid enough to cause problems for the event.”
“Richard, I didn’t ask you what you thought. I hope you don’t have a problem fulfilling my request.”
“Of course not, sir. I will have the extra security in place.” Richard wasn’t pleased with Rade’s request, but he knew his loyalty was with Rade even though his friendship with Garrett Matheson might be at stake.
After Rade ended his call with Richard, he downed what was left of his drink and headed to the master bedroom. As instructed, his tux was hanging ready for him in the walk-in closet. All he could think about was the problems that could arise during the gala. He needed to be at his best. He needed to make sure everything went smoothly.
As Rade stepped into the shower, he was once again ridden with the thoughts of Dylan. At the very least, thinking of Dylan took his mind off of his father. Rade must have been standing under the hot spray of water for some time before he realized the time. The last thing he needed was to be late for his own gala. Drying off, Rade went to the walk in closet to get his tux. Turning to the full length mirror, Rade was able to get a good look at himself. The man he saw was very different from the man he knew four months ago. The man before him didn’t show the same confidence and control. He looked drained and beaten. He knew the change in his appearance had to do with lack of sleep, lack of appetite, and in part the over consumption of alcohol. Tonight he would have to show his guests that he wasn’t that man in the mirror, that he was still the confident man he had always been. Tonight he would need to make the best performance of his life.
*****
The gala was just beginning when Rade walked through the large wooden doors looking more handsome than ever in his black tux. A small orchestra of about twenty-five performers were getting set up in one corner of the ballroom. Several of the wait staff were getting the champagne fountain ready. The popping of corks could be heard and the cool liquid glistened as it was poured down each tier of crystal champagne coupes. The tableware was carefully scanned to make sure each piece was precisely placed. There was no one in the massive room that wasn’t doing last minute touches. Rade walked past the orchestra and straight to the open bar where the bartender was checking each glass to make sure not one water spot was visible. Leaning against the bar in front of the bartender, Rade requested a double shot of their best scotch. The bartender gave him an affirmative nod. Placing a crystal tumbler on the sleek bar, he began pouring the amber liquid. Rade quickly downed the double and request a refill. Taking his drink with him, he thought it best to find Gwen and see if there were any final preparations that needed his attention.
Rade was thankful that he didn’t have to go far to find her. Just as he got to the wooded doors, Gwen appeared. Rade thought how lovely she looked. She was wearing a dark blue gown a little on the conservative side, but elegant nonetheless. It suited her.
“Gwen. I was just on my way to find you. You look absolutely stunning,” Rade said as he gave her a gentle kiss on her blushing cheek.
“Why thank you, Mr. Matheson. You look dashingly handsome yourself,” Gwen said. She noticed how tired he looked, but didn’t want to elaborate on it.
Gwen filled Rade in on the evening festivities and let him know that Richard informed her of the added security. Rade and Gwen walked back to the bar, where Rade requested a glass of wine for Gwen and another scotch for himself.
Guests began shuffling in and were immediately greeted by servers carrying trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres. The room began filling as more and more guests appeared. Rade knew the event would bring in hefty donations. At two thousand dollars a plate, the foundation was already a success with over three hundred guests.
As Rade watched the enormous room fill, he fixated his eyes on every woman with auburn colored hair as they entered the room. He was filled with disappointment as the face of each woman revealed someone other than Dylan. “Could he have missed her entering the room?” he thought to himself. After all, there were so many people. Rade took his focus off of the large wooden doors and began scanning the room. Looking towards the table designated for BlackStone Industries, he could see two gentlemen had already arrived. As they turned their heads he recognized Keeve Black and Mason Stone. He debated on walking over to their table and saying “Hello” when she caught his eye. It was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. Every male
in the room was glancing in her direction. It was like everything stood still in time.
Rade watched Dylan as she moved across the room with such grace, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The dress she wore further accentuated her beauty. Her ivory skin was translucent against the black of her gown. Every curve of her body was displayed so elegantly, she took his breath away. There was no one else that he saw in the room. Only she was in his sights.
The closer Dylan got to Rade the harder it was to pull away from her beauty. He didn’t want to make himself known until the moment was perfect. Turning on his heels, he headed to the other end of the ballroom. It was difficult for Rade to get out of her line of vision as he was continually greeted by guests congratulating him on the wonderful turnout. When he finally made it far enough away, Gwen took the podium.
“Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention please,” she said as she waited for the chatter to die down. Once it was quiet, she continued. “As you all know, the Broken Heart Foundation has touched many lives throughout the years. The foundation has brought so much hope and love to so many families with children facing heart disease. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the undying efforts and perseverance of a man whose passion for this cause has helped so many. It is a great honor to introduce to you Rade Matheson.”
Rade ignored the standing ovation and the loud roar of hands being put together. His attention was on Dylan as she stood in disbelief. He knew his appearance would have an effect on her. What he didn’t expect was to see her nearly lose her footing. He also didn’t like the fact the Mason Stone had his arm around her.