“Mom, ok. You already told me all this. I’ll see you later. Love you.” He rushes off into the school. I tried to prepare myself for this moment, but it still is unbelievable that he starts kindergarten. I walk away and into my car before I change my mind and sign him out of school.
*****
I had a job at a medical office as a data input clerk. I made slightly more than minimum wage but I worked 40 – 50 hours a week. I worked overtime when my parents were able to baby sit for me. Since Adam was now in school for a full day, I was able to work more hours and hopefully save up enough money to get an apartment for the two of us.
I’m sitting at my desk, on my computer when my friend and co worker, Jenna walks up to me and sits on my desk. “There’s someone I want you to meet.” She is a tall gorgeous blonde woman in her late twenties. I met her when I started here at the office a few years ago. I liked her immediately because she has a bubbly personality and is always so happy and cheerful. The only time I’ve seen her angry was when her ex boyfriend came into the office and caused a scene causing them to break up with an entire audience watching.
“Good morning to you too Jenna, lovely day isn’t it?” I say sarcastically not looking up from my screen.
“What’s with the attitude?” She then looks like she realizes what day it is, “Oh, right! Today was Adam’s first day right?”
I nod, not saying anything or I was going to tear up again.
“Honey, it’s only for six hours. It will be good for him to make friends his own age. He can’t stay at home forever.”
“I know, Jenna. I think what makes me sad is my little guy is growing up so fast. I can’t believe he’s already four.”
“They do grow up fast, with my niece it seems like she was born yesterday but she’s already going to high school.”
We both sit in silence until she realizes what she came her for, “Oh, I almost forgot. I had someone I wanted you to meet. He’s such a nice guy and he runs his own small business.”
“Jenna, I know you mean well but I don’t do well with blind dates. My mom set up one for me a few years back and it was a complete disaster. We didn’t even make it out of the driveway before he asked for a blowjob.”
She laughs out loud, “Sounds like a real winner. Don’t worry Sean isn’t like that. He’s such a gentleman. He’s getting out of a bad divorce and needs to get out and live life again.”
“Jenna, I’ll think about it. I’m already stressed out as it is. Maybe when things calmed down, ok?”
“You’re no fun!” Jenna states as she sits on the other side of the room at her desk.
I focus back on my computer screen and utter to no one in particular, “I’ve heard that before.”
*****
I walk into my parents’ house and smell dinner. Mom is making roast beef, it smells delicious. “Mommy!” Adam runs up to me and I grab him and give him a hug, kissing his face. “Sweet boy. How was school?”
“It was so cool! I got to play with Play Doh and I built a big Lego tower but a kid name Tommy knocked it down.”
“Oh, no! That wasn’t very nice.”
“I know, but the teacher told him it was not nice. He said sorry to me.”
“Well that’s good as long as he apologized.” We were on our way to the kitchen when I heard my parents arguing, they hardly ever argue. I put my ear against the door, unable to stop myself from snooping.
“She doesn’t need him. She’s made it this far, he will just ruin her life.” My mom says to my dad.
“Geri, you can’t make that decision. It’s up to her in the end. We should just tell her and let her make the decision.” My dad says to her.
“Joe, you know what happened. Why should she talk to him after they left without even a word? Suddenly, he’s interested in talking to her? I feel the same way about Bruce, we were all friends and it was terrible what happened but we should have been able to communicate and if they needed to leave they could have said something.”
I back away from the door, what the hell are they talking about? Who left without a word?
Three years earlier
Alexander
Her mom said that she didn’t want to talk to me. I just wanted a chance to explain everything, I know that I don’t deserve one but I need to at least try. Tori’s parents were like parents to me growing up, but when Geri answered the phone, her voice was cold. It wasn’t the same fun-loving woman that I grew up with. I understand that my father and I left town without a word but I wanted to talk to Tori and try to make things right.
I haven’t stopped thinking about her since that night four years ago. I finished college early so I could start working. I started S & J Investments with Henry Jameson, a buddy of mine that I went to school with. Henry had the capital to invest and I needed it to take this company off the ground. We buy companies, restructure them and resell them for a profit. I had graduated the top of my class, I worked my ass off to make something of myself.
I don’t date, I don’t find myself interested in these women who are just around me for money and status. I’m not stupid but I do take advantage of the heaps of women that throw themselves at me. I admit there are some gorgeous women that can grab my attention for a few hours. In the end though, as I fuck them, there’s only one face that can get me off. Tori is always on my mind, it’s like she cursed my cock to only want her. I still remember how she tasted and how she sounded when I pounded into her. How she felt wrapped around my cock with her legs wrapped around my waist. It was the one moment that I compare all others too. It may not sound healthy but it’s the truth. None of these girls compare to my Victoria.
As I’m fucking this chick I met at the bar downstairs from behind, I stare at her back trying to focus on the task. She’s skinny and boney and not at all like Tori who was nice and curvy. Subconsciously, I always choose the girls that look completely opposite from her, I don’t know why.
I’m pumping into this chick as she moans loudly, I hope the guests on this floor don’t complain. A nice girl with big tits and tiny waist, I think her name is Stephanie or Sandy? I don’t remember. I do remember me asking her if she wanted to come up to my suite, next thing you know we’re here.
I have my eyes closed, I need to come so I picture Tori. My constant go to image. I picture Tori lying under me as I slowly pull in and out of her. Her breath hitches as she starts squeezing my cock. Her pussy has a strong grip on me, like it wants to milk my cock for everything it has. With that, I come into the condom. I open my eyes to the reality that I’m in a hotel suite upstairs of a bar and some blonde chick bent over in front of me. I pull out and throw out the condom.
“Thanks, Sandy. I had a good time, take care.” I put on my pants and button up my shirt as I walk towards the hotel door.
“Who the fuck is Sandy? It’s Susan.” She is laying on the bed now, naked and wearing an angry expression.
“Sorry, Stephanie. I got to head out. My car is waiting for me. I rented this suite for the night so feel free to rest for a bit. It’s all paid for.” I was trying to be a gentleman, that was good right?
“Fuck you. You don’t even know my name!”
I open the hotel door and look back, “Sweetheart, you think I care what your fucking name is? Thanks for the dried-up pussy.” I slam the door shut behind me. I hear something like glass crash against the door. These chicks get too clingy and always expect more even when you tell them that you’re not offering anything but a good time.
I get outside and spot my new driver, Lou. “Hello, Mr. Santos.”
“Hello, Lou. Right on time.” I tell him as I slide in the limo.
Lou smiles as he closes the door behind me. I check my cell phone and have several emails and a few missed calls and texts. A few were from Libby Mathews, a casual acquaintance from high school. I still see her on occasion, but she’s become more of a nuisance. She has been bugging me for more than what I want to give her. She’s a good lay occasionally but she seems to think that I’m interested
in making her a permanent fixture in my life. I have no interest in marrying that woman nor making her my girlfriend and the faster she realizes this, the happier we can all be.
I ignore her calls, but a few minutes later my phone rings. It’s Libby, again, she doesn’t give up. I decide to answer it or she will be calling me all evening.
“Yes?” I bark. I’m reading a few files that I had left in here. I had to catch up on the notes from the meeting this morning. I’m half heartily listening to what she’s saying.
“Darling, don’t be so curt to me. Is that any way to greet me?”
“What do you want, Libby?”
“I wanted to talk to you about the Gala, have you gotten your tux measured?”
“Libby, I thought I told you that I’m going solo.”
“Alexander, you don’t go to a Gala solo. How would that look? I told you that I was available and daddy…”
I interrupt her, “Listen, you don’t tell me what I do and don’t do. I am going solo and you will not bother me with any more of your non-sense.”
“Well Alexander that is very rude, considering I’ve been very patient with you. You and I are from the same circle. It would be a great business opportunity for you to marry me.”
I laugh, “Business opportunity? You’re a spoiled bitch who hasn’t ever worked a day in her life. Now if you don’t mind I have to get to work. Something you’re clearly not familiar with.”
“There’s an article…” I hang up before she finished whatever she was about to say. It isn’t important anyways, nothing she says is.
I knew I should have steered clear of her, but she was at the right place at the right time. I can’t stomach even having a conversation with her, let alone marrying the bitch.
We pull up to the front of my building and my driver opens door. I slide out and head in, I have a full day ahead of meetings so I can’t afford to waste any time.
As I get to the twentieth floor, which is where my office is, I walk down to my office. The employees are staring at me quizzingly. What the fuck is going on around here? Everyone seems to be whispering and no one is working.
“Get back to work!” I bark out. Everyone scurries away. What is their problem?
I pass my personal assistant, Tara. She is an older woman with bright firetruck red hair, she’s probably in her fifties. Probably one of the reasons that I hired her was her ability to make people do whatever she tells them, even myself. She is efficient and doesn’t take any bullshit. It’s another reason I hired her. I needed someone who could deal with my abrupt personality and not get offended easily. This was a tough business and I couldn’t deal with emotional people.
As I walk into my office, she is on my heels. “Sir, here is today’s post.” She places the newspaper in front of me and a mug of black coffee, but she doesn’t leave. She stands there in front of me not saying anything.
I look up and her in question, “Anything else?” I ask her.
Her lips are in a thin line like she is holding back asking me something. I can’t take it anymore, “What?”
She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, “You know that I have worked for you for a few years now.”
I don’t say anything, just nod. I’m confused to where this is going.
“I thought that you would be able to confide in me with information. I hate that you think you aren’t able to trust me.”
“Spit it out Tara, I have work to do.”
“You’re getting married and you never even told me that you were proposing?”
What the fuck did she say? “Getting married? Who the fuck is getting married?”
She points to the newspaper in front of me, on the front page there is a picture of me and Libby. The picture was of us going into the Hilton a few months ago. It was just a booty call if I remembered correctly.
I scan the newspaper article, was this why Libby called? “I’m not getting married, why would I marry that woman? I can’t even stand being in the same room with her for more than thirty minutes.”
Tara visibly relaxes, “So it isn’t true?”
“Of course, it isn’t true. Who printed this article? Didn’t they check to see if it was factual?”
“I’m sure that Ms. Mathews had something to do with it.”
“I think you might be right. I need you to contact the post and have them retract the article.”
“Of course sir, I’m very happy to do it.” She smiles relieved and closes the door.
I stare at the picture, Libby is a parasite. She gets her hooks in and you can’t get rid of her.
I decide to get my mind off from all that bullshit and turn my computer on and get to work. There were over a hundred emails I had to respond to. There were several companies I was interested in procuring but I needed to know what their finances were like. Unfortunately, the economy wasn’t good and a lot of businesses were struggling.
Tara’s voice comes through the intercom, “Mr. Santos. Ms. Mathews is here and wants to speak to you.”
What the hell is she doing here? “Send her in.”
A few seconds later, Libby comes in. Dressed like she stepped off a runway, “Hello, darling. How are you?”
I get up abruptly and stride over to her, she tenses up sensing my anger. Her eyes turn wide and she is looking around trying to find a way to escape.
I trap her between the door, “You will pay for that little stunt, you little bitch.” Her mouth turns in to an O. She doesn’t know who she messed with.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Present Day…
Victoria
Adam and I are sitting at the table eating dinner and I look up to find the Ice Queen just staring at me with pursed lips.
“So you decide to weasel your way into Alexander’s life again? You think having his kid will make him love you? News flash sweetheart, he is mine and he will never care about you the way he cares about me.”
I look at the staff in the kitchen, they are trying to not to listen to the conversation but don’t have a choice. “You’re kidding right? I didn’t get pregnant on purpose. That seems something that you would do, try to trap a man who doesn’t love you.”
“Darling, I’m gorgeous and I’m from a wealthy family. Alexander needs a woman whom he can be proud of, not trash.” She countered. Could she be that much in denial?
“Ok, well he asked us to stay here so if you have a problem maybe you should talk to him.”
“Talk to who?” Alex walks into the kitchen and stops short when he sees Libby. “What are you doing here Libby?”
“Darling, when you wouldn’t return my calls, I wanted to make sure everything was ok. I didn’t know you had a houseguest.” Libby looks at me with hatred in her eyes.
I turn my face, not wanting to have to look at her. Alex grabs my hand and says, “She isn’t a house guest. I’ve ask her and our son to move in with me, isn’t that wonderful Libby?”
“Yes, delightful.” She says sardonically. Well we will talk about it later at the Gala.” She says as she grabs her purse off the counter and walks towards the door.
“Yes, we will both see you there.” She stops and turns slowly.
“We?”
“Yes, Tori and I will be attending the event.” I haven’t heard anything of a Gala but I don’t say anything. As terrible as it is, I’m loving the expression on her face.
“How lovely.” She spits out and turns and walks out.
I feel myself breathe again, that woman is still the same conniving bitch she was all those years ago. How is she still in contact with Alex though?
“I didn’t know you still talked to her.” I try not to sound hurt.
He studies my face as I look away, I feel my eyes start to water up. “Her family and I have a few business deals together. I saw her again at an charity auction a few years back. She means nothing to me, Tori. She was a convenient distraction.”
I start to get angry, “I don’t care, do whatever you want. We aren’t toget
her, you don’t need to explain yourself to me.” God, can I sound any more childish?
He doesn’t say anything else, his gaze is intense and I try not to make eye contact. I try to break the silence, “I thought you were going to the office?”
He rubs the back of his neck, “I didn’t feel like going so had one of the other men handle it. I wanted to stay home tonight.”
“You don’t have to rearrange your life for us. We’re fine.”
He just nods and heads to the fridge and gets out a bottle of wine, “I know. I just never had anyone waiting for me at home but I kind of like it.” That makes me smile, I don’t know why. He sits down at the table with us and fills his plate with pasta and chicken.
As we eat in silence, Adam is talking away to André as Alex says to me, “I was going to ask you about the Gala, I just didn’t get a chance before Libby got to.”
“That’s alright, Alex. I’m serious, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. Libby just gets that jealous side out of me. She is conniving and always up to something. Just be careful with her is all.”
“All in all, she’s harmless besides the article which she denies being involved.”
“Harmless? Yeah right.”
He changes the subject because he can probably sense my mood, “So were you interested in coming with me to the Gala? It’s on Saturday. You can go shopping for a dress and shoes tomorrow if you’d like.”
“What about Adam? I have to call my parents to see if they can watch him during the Gala.”
“I can call the Nanny agency and have them send one over.”
“Umm, I don’t think I like that idea.”
“Why not? They are qualified and trustworthy people. It’s one of the best agencies in the country.”
“I’m sure they are good and all but I haven’t left him with a sitter other than my parents.”
He walks up to me and grabs my hand in his, “He will be fine, he’s such a good kid. Gloria will be here and André is going to be here.” I look to see André and Adam laughing and joking around. The sight makes me smile.
My Best Friend Page 6