Falling for Love

by Vicki Green

  Epilogue

  Bria

  Smiling, I look around at everyone in the room as they stand and clap, cheering at my success. I rise from my chair and nod as I walk up to the stage until I’ve reached the podium. Dad looks at me with a look that could be mistaken as pride but I know better. He’s all about his company being successful, not that his daughter just completed the biggest job he’s ever had. Before I turn to the audience, he nods at me curtly making me take a deep breath. If only once he’d say he was proud of me, tell me he loves me or show me any kind of indication that he cared about me. My eyes shift next to him, looking at my brother, Charles, standing straight and dignified. His eyes showing me the love I wish I had from my father. He’s always supported me, always been there for me, picking up the pieces of my shattered life. Sometimes I think he’s the only reason I’m still here, still pushing forward and not letting it stifle me, take me down and giving up.

  Finally, I turn to the microphone and smile at everyone. I wait a beat for everyone to sit, for the noise to settle down and then clear my throat. “Thank you all. As you know, Daniels Corporation has always strived on leading the way in building and housing all sources of businesses to create an atmosphere of an overall place where the daily dealings are not only comfortable and luxurious, but they are filled with the highest rated technology to ensure they will be suited to meet their goals and deadlines in an efficient manner. We strive to accommodate all “high end” businesses with the utmost security, technology and with the best office surroundings in the world. I would like to personally thank Mr. Daniels for allowing me to participate in helping to achieve this award and to those who have worked with me on such an elaborate project. Thank you.”

  Clapping begins again as I turn around, trying not to tear up as I walk back to my seat and Dad takes the microphone. “We thank you for your hard work, Miss Daniels and to celebrate your outstanding achievement and our new building, there is an open bar in the back and dancing for your enjoyment.” Monotone. Like he’s talking about any other employee, not his daughter.

  As I slowly sit back down onto my chair, people rise from theirs and start heading back to the bar as music begins to play. I smile as those walking by pat me on my back and the sounds of congratulations that filter around me. I see a few people walking to the dance floor. “Hey, sis.” I turn my head towards the sound of my brother and my smile broadens as he sits down next to me. “Great speech.” He sets down a glass of what appears to be a gin and tonic in front of me, and I cringe. I hate gin and tonics. What I wouldn’t give for an ice cold beer right now. But Dad would have a coronary. “You must look and act sophisticated at all times.” He would tell me at every opportunity he could. “You represent Daniels Corporation and must act the part.” “Earth to Bria.” Sighing, I take a drink and my eyes close tight as the liquid slides down my throat.

  I look over at my handsome brother and give him a small smile. “Hey, goof ball. You look mighty dashing tonight.” I don’t look down as his hand covers mine. Just the gesture reminds me of how wonderful he is, the only love I feel in our family.

  “Don’t let asshole ruin your evening.” He sits up straight and takes a drink of his champagne and his dimple penetrates as his smile broadens. “Besides, free drinks is always something to celebrate.” His good mood causes mine to lighten a little. He lowers his head towards me and comes closer. “You did a great job with that building, Bri, and should be proud. Just because he doesn’t show it, like he should, it’s still reason for you to be proud of yourself and have some fun tonight.”

  I sigh, looking down at my drink, the feelings evaporating quickly. “I know. I just wish….” He’s not gonna change, Bri. “Okay, enough of this shit. Let’s party.” I pick up the nasty drink and drain it. “I need another and then I want to dance.” His mouth lifts on one side with his grin and his dimple reappears.

  “That’s more like it! Come on, Miss Overachiever. Let’s get you that drink and then hit the dance floor.”

  I let him take my hand and lead me to the bar all the while thinking about how I really need to get plastered.

  Two weeks later….

  I pull down on the hem of my fitted tailored jacket, the butterflies in my stomach so knotted that I can’t breathe. Why do I let him make me so nervous? “He’s expecting you, Miss Daniels. Please proceed,” Janine says while smiling. She’s been Dad’s receptionist and all around go to girl for several years now. Sometimes I think he trusts her more than me, his own daughter. I smile sweetly as I nod and head to the big wooden double doors, raise my fisted hand and knock.

  “Come.” His low and gruff voice calling through the heavy wood.

  I push open one of the doors and as I walk in and sit down on one of the big oversized leather chairs in front of his enormous desk, I see his head is bent down over paperwork that’s neatly stacked. “Good morning, Brianna. I hope you enjoyed your little time off. What do you have for me?” Straight to business as usual and our normal routine returns with me cringing at him calling me by my full name, like I’m just another employee to him.

  I sit up straight, trying not to let my emotions get the best of me and clear my throat. “There is a plot of land I’ve been keeping my eye on. The owner just lowered the price again. It’s right off a beach setting on the east side, high up on a cliff, with a huge amount of palm trees which would capture a beautiful spot for an eight story building. I can see the building standing tall, fountains in the front, with beautiful landscaping. The palm trees that remain will give it a beautiful touch, and those who are fortunate enough to purchase the office spaces in the back or east side of the building will have the ocean as their view.”

  Without a beat, his eyes move up from his paperwork and directly to mine. “How much?”

  I shift in my chair but hold his glare. “They’ve lowered from a half a million to a quarter of a million. It’s a prime location but it hasn’t gotten many bites in the six months it’s been on the market.” I open the folder that I had placed on my lap and lean over, laying it on his desk. He opens it and I watch as he concentrates on the figures, documents and pictures I had put together late last night.

  His eyes never leave the information as he shuffles the items. “Get Charles on the design immediately and call Peter to purchase then….” His hand leaves the papers and hits a button on his speakerphone. “What openings do I have today?”

  “Sir. You have no openings today. Did you want me to move….”

  His hand leaves the button and finally he looks at me. “Dinner tonight. Five o’clock. Have Janine make a reservation at The Bristol on your way out.” He closes the folder and lays it on his desk in front of me and that’s the end of our conversation. I nod, to myself, grab the folder and leave his office with mixed emotions. Normal. I’m left with the longing of a father’s affection and the exhilaration of a new project, one that I have been dreaming of ever since I spotted the land for sale.

  Janine gave me her sympathetic smile as I relayed the dinner reservations needed and then I headed down the long hallway to my corner office. When I close the door behind me and make my way over to my chair, I sit down feeling exhausted. I had spent close to six hours last night, not getting into bed until three this morning, finalizing my plan to show Dad this morning. I guess it was worth it but now with this to get under way and dinner later, there’ll be no sleep for me for a while but I’m so excited. Once I pick up the phone, I hit the number one button direct dialing Charles.

  “Yo! Good morning, Bri! What’s up, Twinkles?” I stifle my laugh at his pet name for me and lean back into my chair.

  “Morning, bro! Got a new design for you. Dad wants you on it, pronto! I think you’ll like what I have envisioned. Got time now?”

  “Psh! For you? I always have time. Be right there!”

  With the sound of a click, I set down the receiver and quickly log into my computer. Moving the mouse I click on my “secret” folder and up pops all the information I had
provided to Dad as well as other ideas. I pick up the phone again and hit number two and update a couple of things on one of the documents while waiting.

  “Brianna, so nice to hear from you this morning,” Peter’s professional voice carries into my ear.

  “Peter, good morning. I’m sending over a document for land that Dad wants purchased immediately. It will have all the information you require. Let me know when the deed is done and I will get the crews ready.” I hang up and open my email program, securing the document to a quickly typed email and encrypt it for security. Then I hit button number three and wait again.

  “Good morning, Miss Daniels. What can I do for you?”

  “Good morning, Glen. I need three crews. New project. I’ll email you the information. Awaiting purchase. Will talk soon.” I end the call with his approval as my door opens. As I’m sending Glen the secure email, I hear the sounds of footsteps and then the loud “thump” of someone sitting down hard on one of my chairs. I look up as I hit “send” and see my smiling brother. Turning towards him, I place my elbows on top of the papers on my desk and lean my chin down onto my folded hands. “Well, you’re certainly chipper this morning.” His excitement fills the room and I can certainly appreciate it as I feel the same adrenaline rushing through me. There’s nothing like a new project, getting started from the ground floor and the anticipation of when it’s complete. It’s the deadlines and the disapproval of my dad that always concerns me. Shaking my head, I try to shrug off the bad feelings and concentrate on the happy ones. His smile is contagious, and I find my mouth curving up into one of its own.

  “It is a fantastic morning, Bri! Seriously? You’re a genius! I love the ideas you sent and I can already envision the building, standing in its glory, the sun beating off the glass windows and giving it a heavenly glow. How in the hell did you find this extraordinary piece of land? I didn’t think there was anything of this magnitude left in Florida.” My mouth opens to speak when he rises and walks over to my mini fridge, helping himself to a bottled water and an apple. He lifts the bottle to me, and I nod.

  “I’ve had my eye on this for several months. I saw it one day when driving around and wrote down the info on the sign. I’ve been keeping track of the sale and they just went down.” I reach out and take the water from him as he sits back down. “Can you really see what I have in my head on this? I even found a small Mom and Pop bar around the corner and down the street a bit that will be perfect for those who want a little libation after working hours along with several restaurants close by. I’ve been inside and it’s so quaint.”

  He takes a long drawl, recaps his bottle then takes a huge bite into the apple. “Excellent!” he remarks with a mouthful. Once he’s swallowed, he leans forward and gives me a serious look. “Bri, I think this will be your finest building. I’ll start drawing up plans right away and show you as I move along. I think I know just what you’re going after on this. I’m so proud of you.” My heart flutters with his love and I thank God I have him. At least there’s one person who loves me. He rises and leans over my desk, kissing me on my cheek and bids me goodbye. Time to get to work.

  I walk into The Bristol, my head held high, with the recognition the hostess gives me. “Right this way, Miss Daniels. Mr. Daniels is already at your table.” Of course he is. She leads me to the back of the restaurant, through the tables filled with people eating happily and bits of conversations ringing all around me. As we approach my father’s table, he rises slightly as I sit down on the chair the hostess has pulled out for me and immediately take the napkin from its silver holder, placing it on my lap. “What would you care to drink, Miss Daniels?” I’d really love a bottled beer but end up settling for a glass of iced tea. “Your waiter will be with you shortly.” I smile as she leaves and then take a roll from the basket sitting in the middle of the table and picking up my knife, I begin spreading butter over it.

  “The purchase is complete and ready for you to begin. How is Charles doing on the design?” Right to business, no ‘How are you, Brianna,’ ‘What’s new in your life?’ ‘Find a boyfriend yet?’ or not even a ‘You look lovely tonight.’ No, he would never do that. Most of the time I really don’t have a father, just an employer whom I carry his last name.

  “That’s great, Dad. Yes, I’m great, thank you for asking. No, I don’t have a boyfriend as I spent every waking moment on business so you can imagine there really isn’t anything new in my life either, but so kind of you to inquire,” I speak sarcastically as I finish buttering and take a huge bite.

  I look up as I chew and watch him frown then take a drink of his scotch and water. “Yes, well. I expect you to get the crews out there immediately, getting the land ready for building as soon as Charles has the design ready. He’s working with Brett Madden of Madden Design Creations. His team is ready as well.” The waiter interrupts us and we place our orders. The rest of the dinner is businesslike, as usual, and after talking through the concept while we finish our food, we leave and go our separate ways. I have a long night ahead on my computer at home with my companion Smoky curled at my feet.

  Kane

  A new day, a new project. This one is by the gulf, a large piece of land that I’d noticed several times. Its grass is so green, it’s plain level, with a ton of surrounding palm trees off in the distance. Behind them overlooks the ocean, setting up on a hill. Perfect place for a building. Too bad some of that grass had to be removed. I’m sure this big corporation has already gotten things set up for us. Well, they were supposed to. We’ll see if they did when I get out there.

  I’m up early this morning, a feeling of something new hitting me hard. Not sure what it is yet, only a feeling. I head over to Mom’s to get some breakfast, something I’ve been doing for a long time. Oh, I could make my own but her cooking is much better and I get to see her and Pop for a bit. Brock used to be there with me, horsing around and getting ready for our day but since he and Taren got together, we only see them on Sunday mornings now. Sunday has always been family day. The only day Pops Bar is closed until late afternoon. Family time. Now, Caylan and Irish have been coming by too. Irish has always been part of our family and after Caylan saved me and Brock’s lives, he’s not only become family but my best friend. He hasn’t been working much with us at the sites lately but told us that’s about to change. Good.

  “Morning!” I say as I walk into the kitchen. A plate full of food already sitting on the table for me. I walk over to Mom, kiss her cheek, and then sit down to eat. “This is great, Mom.” I start plowing into my food. Normally I watch what I eat but not in the mornings. I end up burning it off during the day anyway and then work out at night. It’s starting to become a habit, working out with Caylan now. He’s not there as long as he used to be. He wants to get home to Irish. I’ll never understand that. I’m free to do what I want, when I want.

  Mom sits across from me with her cup of coffee. I look up when Pop walks in. “Morning, son. New project starts today, huh? Should make some great money on this deal.” He pours a cup of coffee for himself and comes to join us at the table.

  “Yup. I’m ready. Caylan’s coming back to work today too. Gonna have a full crew.” I take a few bites of food and drink a big gulp of my milk. Mom knows what I love.

  “You call in the other two crews? This is the biggest job we’ve ever had, son.” I watch him take a drink of his coffee. He’s aged so much in the last couple of years. He’s mostly bald now, with just some thinning hair around the back of his head. When mine started doing that early, I just shaved it off and keep it clean. The ladies love it.

  “Sure thing, Pop. I know what to do.” Same questions on each new project but I don’t mind. He’s just looking out for his interest. He leaves everything to me anyway. Guess it makes him feel important, like he’s involved somehow. I start eating faster, looking at the clock on the wall. “Gotta go,” I tell them as I stand, grabbing the last piece of toast. I start to head out of the kitchen, yelling over my shoulder, “Thanks, Mo
m!”

  It’s gonna be another beautiful day. I lower my window and rest my arm on the door as I drive to the site. Some of my crew are already there setting up when I pull into the gravel area. Good they did already have the grass cleared. Bobcats and big trucks are already parked, the guys pulling out the material needed to begin. I put it in park and jump out, slamming the door behind me. I walk around to the back, lower my tailgate and jump up into the bed. Grabbing my tool belt out of my large tool box, I fasten it around my waist. I look up at the sky and smile. Jumping off, I walk over to my guys. “Gonna be a hot one today!” They stop what they’re doing and look at me. “Gather around guys.” Brock, Tom, Mike, Herb, and Dave come walking over. “Where the hell is Caylan?”

  Brock smiles and rubs his chin. “He’ll be here soon.”

  I give him a nod but inside I’m thinking that he may not be here at all. I can’t help but smile. Ever since Irish finally gave in and got into a relationship with him he’s doted on her every minute of the day and night. Then again, they’ve been through so much to be together, who can blame him? I shake my head. Still not sure why anyone would want to have just one woman. He used to be like me, carefree, different woman every night. I guess when the right one comes along and all, but hell, I hope that doesn’t happen to me any time soon.