Champagne Brunch: The Stiletto Sisters Series

by Ainsley St Claire

  She starts crying again.

  “Alana,” I tell her. “I’ve got you. Marco can call his parents to bring him home. You can stay with me. Or go to my place in Santa Cruz. Do what you need to. Let’s just get you back to California. I’m here for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Where are the boys?” I ask, hoping my nephews are far away from Marco and whatever mess he’s made.

  “They’re with a friend. They’re okay. I know they’ll be excited to see you.”

  “You tell them I can’t wait to see them, and I’ll be at the airport in less than twenty-four hours ready for you guys. You can stay for a few weeks, months, or whatever you need.”

  “Don’t tell Mom and Dad,” she weeps.

  They’ve hated Marco since the second he and Alana got involved. But once they were together, my parents’ opinion shifted to her needing to stay with him regardless of how he treats her. They’re bitter enough that they’d tell her ten times over that she made her bed, now she needs to sleep in it.

  I’m not that vindictive. “I won’t. They don’t even have to know you’re here.”

  “Love you,” she says.

  “Love you, too. Money’s in your account.”

  We hang up, and despite the chaos, I’m excited. She’s been trying to figure out how to get home for a while, I think. I’m only sorry it took something so dramatic to make it happen. But I love that she’ll be here with her boys.

  I can’t wait to tell Mia.

  Where did that come from? It’s so out of character for me.

  I pause for a moment, trying to clear my head. Despite the morning chaos, I finally decide that if this call from Alana is the worst thing that happens today, it’s going to be a good one.

  I walk downstairs and find Jeremy sitting on the couch with the morning news on. When he sees me, he quickly turns it off.

  “Bryan arrives this morning, and he’s going to take me to practice,” he says.

  “Have you met him yet?”

  Jeremy shakes his head and picks at the button in the couch.

  “Well, I’m glad I’ll get to meet him with you. And I’ll be at the game. This is going to be great. Don’t let the stress of today’s home crowd distract you from doing your best. And don’t let Jonas intimidate you. Go beat the Rockies today.”

  He smiles. “That’s the plan.”

  There’s a knock at the door. It’s perfect timing.

  Jim introduces Bryan Shepherd to both of us. He looks eighteen at most, but I know he’s done two tours in Iraq, and he’s been out a while, so he’s easily closer to thirty.

  “It’s great to meet you,” Bryan tells Jeremy. “I’ll drive us over in an SUV, and we can make our plan. I have the team’s permission to hang out with you in the dressing room and walk back to the warmup pen. I’ll be listed on the team roster as a coach, but it’s nothing to worry about.”

  “I hope you’re good at Fortnite,” Jeremy warns.

  “I’m not a newb, if that’s what you’re asking,” Bryan replies.

  I don’t hear the rest of the conversation because they’ve already walked out the door. It seems like Jeremy may have a new friend.

  Jim turns to me. “Do you have a minute?”

  “Sure. Care for a cup of coffee?”

  “Why not? Black, please.”

  I nod and pour him a cup and one for myself.

  “Nate Lancaster has agreed to have Jeremy move into his guest house. Bryan is going to move with him, and we’d like you to stay a few days with him at first, if possible.”

  I nod. “No problem—wait, there may be a small problem.”

  “Mia’s stuck where she is,” Jim offers. “With the press hounding her, we’ve asked her to stay put.”

  Dammit. I don’t know what he’s talking about, but I nod rather than ask and seem like a dummy. “No, my sister and her four boys are coming in from Australia tomorrow morning. She may need me to stay with her. Something happened, and I’m flying them out with six hours’ notice.”

  “Ouch. That must have cost a pretty penny.”

  I shrug. “She’s my sister, and she’s in trouble.”

  Jim nods. “I totally get it. I had to fly some folks out like that last year, and I know that trip is expensive. But family is family.”

  “I’ll be at the game, and we can talk logistics today,” I suggest.

  “You and Mia have to stay in the owners’ box. You can’t sit in the stands. She needs tighter protection for a few months.”

  What? Maybe it would be worth looking like a dummy to know what’s going on here. I let out a breath, but before I can ask anything, Jim is out the door.

  “I need to run, but I’ll see you later,” he calls over his shoulder.

  I need a news report like nobody’s business. I’m still trying to sort out what to do when Kelly Spencer, my PA, walks in with a pastry box.

  “Who was that?” she asks. “He looks angry.”

  “That’s Jim Adelson of Clear Security. They’re moving Jeremy over to a guest house on Nate Lancaster’s compound.”

  She nods and sets the pink box on the table with a flourish.

  “What do you have there?”

  “Monica has been experimenting, and these are rejects.” She opens the box, and inside I see a variety of baked goods, which all look delicious. Monica, Kelly’s wife, is a pastry chef and is continually trying new things. The tomato and kale muffins were a big miss, but others have been on their way to greatness. I have high hopes as I take a burnt orange slice of cake that I’m hoping is pumpkin and try a bite. It’s fantastic. It’s pumpkin and something else I can’t place… I look over at Kelly, who has poured herself a cup of coffee.

  “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you face to face,” she says as she leans back against the sink in my kitchen with her ankles crossed. “I got the signed ball and poster over to the kid you met down in San Diego.”

  “Thanks.” I take another bite of cake. Mmmmmm…

  She looks at me over her cup of coffee. “His dad called to thank you profusely.”

  I nod. “Oliver was a good kid. But anyway, you’re right. It has been a while since I’ve seen you. How’s the summer going with your kids?”

  “One minute I want to make a sign that reads Free to a good home and put them in the front yard, and the next they’re loving and kind and I want them to live with us forever.”

  “Sounds like fun.” I’m still trying to place the other thing in the pumpkin cake. That’s more pleasant to focus on than all the other more stressful options. “You’re taking them to the game today, right?”

  Kelly and Monica have two boys who love baseball, and I made sure they had good seats for the game.

  She nods. “They’d string me up if I didn’t. I’ve got a few things I need to do here where I can concentrate without two kids fighting nonstop, and then I’ll head home to get them. Thank you for the tickets. We really appreciate it.”

  “It’s the least I can do for all the help you provide. Oh, and it’s been an exciting morning—Alana is flying in tomorrow from Sydney. I’m not sure where she’ll stay once they get acclimated to being back in the States, but they’ll be here for a little bit at least.”

  “Boy, do you have your hands full,” Kelly says. “We can introduce them to my boys so they’ll have someone to hang out with.”

  “I think Alana will love that.”

  “What’s the home office going to say about Marco being back?” she asks.

  I shake my head. “Marco needs to be removed from my client list. We should send a letter to his permanent address to terminate the relationship and remove him from my roster. He hasn’t paid me in years, and I dropped sixty grand to get Alana and the kids home.”

  Kelly’s eyes are big as saucers. “Wow.”

  I give Kelly a brief rundown of what I know about Alana’s situation. “She lands tomorrow morning at eight and will need to get through customs with the boys,” I conclude.
<
br />   “You’re a kind and good big brother.” Kelly pats me on the shoulder as she walks up to our home office.

  SoBe is looking at me.

  “Did Jeremy take you out this morning?”

  He walks over to his bed.

  “You’re not itching to go out, so that’s a yes.” Jeremy shouldn’t have gone out this morning, but Bryan will work with him on that.

  I run upstairs, take a quick shower, and put on a nice pair of khakis and a fancy button-down shirt. This is a big game, and I want to look good.

  I want to get there in time to see the warm-up. I bet Mia would love to join me.

  Me: I’m heading over to the stadium in about an hour. Do you want to join me and walk around the field?

  Mia: I’d love to. Can Peter and I pick you up? I’m not without him these days.

  Me: Yes, and I feel like we need to talk about what’s going on with you.

  She doesn’t respond right away.

  Mia: Tonight, after the game and all the excitement.

  Me: I think I have to stay in Nate Lancaster’s guest house tonight, but definitely. That sounds good.

  I want to add that I can’t wait to see her, but I don’t want to scare her away.

  Me: Can you pick me up at 10:45?

  Mia: We’ll be there and we’ll call as we get close.

  I spend the rest of the morning in my office, fielding calls from the press about Jeremy’s chances of beating his own record today. But then my phone rings again and it’s Jeremy’s dad.

  “Hi, James. How are you doing?”

  He clears his throat. “We’re doing good.” I hear a boarding call in the background. “Look, the town surprised us with two tickets, and some friends are going to watch the kids and the farm. They put us on the early flight through Denver. We just landed here in San Francisco, but I’m not sure where to go.”

  “Outstanding! Do you have luggage?”

  “Yep.”

  “And has it arrived yet?”

  “Nope.”

  A man of few words. I like that about James.

  “Okay, as soon as you get your bags, I’m going to have you meet me here at my place. Does that work?”

  “Sure.”

  “All right, as soon as you have your bags, do you see the signs above the doors that go outside?”

  “Yep.”

  “Do you see where it says Taxi?”

  “Uh…yep. I see it.”

  “Great. Follow the signs and get in line at the taxi stand. When they ask you where you’re going, just tell them Coit Tower neighborhood. Once you’re moving, call me, and I’ll give them my address.”

  “Are you sure that’s safe?”

  “Yes. I’ve done it a few dozen times and never had a problem. Once you arrive, I’ll pay for the taxi so you don’t have to worry about that.”

  “It’s a good thing my son pays you well,” James says.

  “Yes, it is. Call me if you get turned around or need any help.”

  We hang up and I look over at Kelly.

  “Looks like we have some more excitement coming our way,” she says.

  I rub my hands over my face. “I need to make a few calls.”

  I quickly call Jim and let him know Jeremy’s parents have arrived as a surprise for today’s game.

  “Well then, it seems you’ll be off the hook on staying with Jeremy tonight,” he says.

  “Do you think Nate will mind if they stay in his guest house with Jeremy? It will only be for the weekend.”

  “Not in the least.”

  We talk about logistics for a few minutes, and then I call Mia.

  “Sorry for a slight change in plans…” I tell her about Jeremy’s parents’ surprise arrival. “Do you mind if we meet over at the park? If you and Peter could meet me at the players’ gate in the back, we can all walk in together.”

  “No problem. If it’s too hard, we can meet you up at the box.”

  “This is a big game. I thought we’d get in early and hang out, but if it’s too much time away from your work, I get it.”

  “No, no,” she says. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  We hang up, and next I use the personal phone number I have for Nate.

  “Axel! Today’s the big day!” he bellows into the phone when he answers.

  “I hear the game’s sold out and the Coast Guard is already chasing boats away from the bay behind the stadium.”

  “I think most of the City is shutting down.”

  “Have you heard from Jim?” I ask. “Jeremy’s parents have flown in to surprise him. Do you mind if they watch the game in the owners’ box?”

  “Not in the least. It may be tight, but they’ll be fine.”

  “Excellent,” I tell him. “I’ll be at the stadium soon.”

  Chapter 15

  Mia

  I run my hands down my pink capri pants. I’m dressed nicely, but still ready for a baseball game. Despite the end-of-June warm temperatures in the rest of California, the fog will roll through San Francisco at some point during the game and I’ll be cold. So, I’m taking a sweater as well.

  I take a deep breath. I’m excited to see Axel. I know he’ll be working at the game, but I’ve missed him. It will be great just to be with him again. I know I’m falling for him, but I’m trying to manage myself so I don’t scare him off. Ugh. That reminds me of the conversation we need to have this evening. Axel knows something is going on with me. I mean, anyone who picks up a newspaper or catches the news sees my face, along with Nate and Viv’s mugshot all over it. I hate Viviana so much right now.

  Tomorrow her counsel is going to depose me at Marci’s office. That will not be fun, but I hope it will be the last hurdle I have to clear before the trial in a few months.

  Peter studies me with his lips pursed, looking very serious. He’s been waiting patiently while I obsess over all the details. “If this Axel guy is a shit, you just let me know. I’ll make sure he gets the right message.”

  I laugh. “It’s not that. We’re going to talk tonight. I need to bring him up to speed on what’s going on with me. My life is overwhelming right now, so I’m trying to be prepared for him to walk away.”

  Peter nods. “I know it’s easy to say this, but if he walks away, it’s him and not you. Viviana set you up, and she did it because you’re a good person.”

  I smile. “Thank you. I hope you’re right.”

  I gather my things, and we head for the car. When we arrive at the stadium, Peter parks in the garage and we find the right gate. As we enter, I see Axel before he sees me. He looks so handsome. Women, young and old, check him out as they walk by, and I want to elbow all of them out of the way. He’s mine.

  He glances up at me and smiles a brilliant smile, and my insides melt. “You look beautiful,” he says as he kisses me softly. “I hope you’re ready to celebrate.”

  He nods at Peter. “Good to see you.” Then he takes my hand and leads us into the lower level of the stadium. He tells me all about Jeremy and his family’s visit for the game. I don’t even realize he’s led me out onto the field until we’re standing on the first base line. I’m amazed as I look up into the stands.

  Crispin sees us and comes over. “Hey, Mia. Thanks for coming to watch me play.”

  My heart is beating triple time. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  He winks and runs back out to left field.

  I spot Jake at third base, and he salutes me. I don’t see Jeremy. “Is Jeremy excited his parents are here?”

  “He doesn’t know. They wanted to surprise him. They’re up in the owners’ box.”

  “He’s going to be thrilled.”

  Jeremy runs by and nods at Axel, then does a doubletake and returns. “Mia! Thanks for coming.”

  “I’m here for your home field, record-breaking fastball debut.”

  “No pressure.” Jeremy looks everywhere but at us. “The stadium is only sold out and the City is shutting down.”

  I lean in so o
nly the three of us can hear what I have to say. “You already broke the record, so just play today. Do what you always do and focus on one pitch at a time.”

  He pulls me into a hug. “Thanks. That’s what I needed to hear.”

  Axel’s mouth is open. He says that kind of thing to him all the time. “You little shit. Are you flirting with my girlfriend?”

  That’s a positive sign for today’s conversation. My stomach flutters as I suppress a giant smile.

  “Naw.” He looks at me and smirks. “Will I see you guys after the game?”

  Axel nods. “We’ll meet you in the locker room.”

  Jeremy runs off, and Axel talks to the third base coach for a bit. Then he stops at the pitching coach, who’s studying Jeremy’s form as he warms up.

  The Prospectors’ manager spots Axel and walks over, shaking his head. “He’s throwing heaters. I don’t want him using all his energy to warm up.”

  Axel shrugs. “How’s it working out with Jeremy’s security?”

  “Bryan? He’s blending in. I’ve seen this before, and the league is prepared. They have extra security in the cellars, and they rented some pretty big guys to be ushers down front to block people from accessing the field.”

  Axel nods. “That’s good.”

  The crowd is starting to fill the seats, and I can tell Peter wants me off the field. “I’m going to head up to the box,” I tell Axel. “Take your time and come up when you’re ready.”

  “I shouldn’t be too long.” Axel gives me a kiss on the cheek, and I follow Peter off the field.

  He walks me through the dugout and through what they call the cellars, the stadium’s bowels and a city of its own. I pull my pass from my pocket and an usher allows us to enter the owners’ elevator. It was built so an owner could leave the box and get right down to the locker room.

  When the elevator doors open upstairs, the luxury box is stuffed with people. “Mia!” I hear Nate bellow. “Is our boy ready?”

  “This is a pitcher’s park. I don’t want to jinx anything, but I think Jeremy is going to have a great game. He’s in the right place.”