The Barrington Billionaires Collection 1

by Danielle Stewart

  “Jessica,” he started as he turned toward her, their knees knocking in the tiny space. “When I heard you talk about your job you always lit up at the idea of helping people. I’m not sure I understood it at first, which seems to be a trend for me.” He dropped his head, still searching for all the right words. “But once I understood what you meant I started asking myself if that’s the best part of your job, why can’t it be the biggest part of your job as well? James actually sparked the idea when we were talking about his mother and what chemo did to her body, what it took from her.”

  The light bulb in Jessica’s mind finally flashed, and she began to see clearly. “Mathew,” she choked out, nodding her head in recognition.

  “Maureen has an important date tonight,” he laughed, turning the conversation back over to Maureen.

  “My youngest son is getting married tonight,” she cooed, reaching for her purse and pulling out a picture. The boy in the photo shared her almond eyes and pointed nose. “It’s going to be a very small ceremony. I’m pretty sure they’re doing that for me. Everyone has to do a lot of things for me lately, and frankly I hate it.” She patted the boy’s face in the picture affectionately. “But apparently I don’t hate it all that much because I’m about to ask you to do something for me too.”

  “Anything,” Jessica said with a smile.

  “I want everyone to be looking at my son and his bride tonight. I don’t need you to make me look beautiful. I just need you to make me look good enough so people won’t stare.” She rubbed a hand absentmindedly over her bald head. “I have a wig, but it needs to be spruced up some. My makeup . . . well obviously I need some makeup.”

  “It would be my pleasure,” Jessica cut in quickly, not wanting Maureen to feel like she was asking for more than she wanted to do. It was quite the opposite, Jessica wished there were more she could do.

  “And Tabby, she’s not here today, she comes on Tuesdays and Fridays, but I know she would love some help with her wig too. You can’t just plop them on your head and think they’ll look good. They won’t. And she wants to figure out how to pencil her eyebrows back in the right way. Something that matches the wig. I guess I’m asking a lot now.”

  “No,” Jessica said already up and going through her bag. “Tell Tabby and anyone else you come across I’d be happy to help. Anything they need.”

  “Be careful there, girl, the line would be long.” Maureen wagged her finger with her warning. “There’s a whole world here you may not know about. It’s not just about being a cue ball,” she said, patting her bald head again. “Our skin can get weird. Our weight can shoot up or plummet. They tell us the only thing we’re supposed to think about is resting and fighting hard. But it’s impossible not to pass a mirror, look in it, and feel a little pain for the changes.”

  “Sign me up. Form the line,” Jessica said, sitting back down and taking Maureen’s hand. She smeared a few smudges of color options on her hand and matched them up.

  “We can do more than just form the line, we could form a nonprofit,” Mathew interjected. “It could be yours to run. The CEO.”

  “I can apply some fake eyelashes like it’s nobody’s business, but I’m no CEO.” Jessica could feel her cheeks blush at the notion that she could take on this task. “I’m lucky I get my water bill paid before they shut it off.”

  “Life’s too short to believe all those lies we tell ourselves,” Maureen said as one of her machines began to beep. “Time for a refill. But afterward I’ll be ready for you. Are you ready?”

  The question was bigger than just the three little words. It was a proposition, a challenge. Are you ready to believe in yourself? Are you ready to change the world? The weight of it was not lost on Jessica . . . but neither was the opportunity.

  Chapter 29

  “You certainly started with a bang.” Jessica laughed as Mathew loaded her makeup supplies into the trunk of his sports car. “My head is spinning.” She sank into the front seat and jittered with excitement. “Are you serious about all this? Do you think I can start a charity? I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”

  “It’s already in motion,” Mathew said, handing a document over to her as he sat and started the car. “All it needs is a name. Then I’ll file the paperwork.”

  “But even a nonprofit needs money to start up. There are supplies and staff and all sorts of stuff.”

  “I believe in this,” Mathew said, taking her hand in his. “I know you don’t want me giving you money. I’d like to support your endeavor. That’s different.”

  “Is this even possible? I appreciate the unbelievable amount of thought you put into this and the brilliance of it all, but you might be overestimating my abilities. What if my reputation precedes me? Who knows how far Pierre is willing to go to make me unhappy?”

  “He won’t be a problem,” Mathew said coolly as he put the car in drive.

  “You say that now, and I hope you’re right—”

  “Jessica, I know you well enough not to try to bully or buy your way out of the problem. I would hope you know me well enough to understand what I’m willing to do to protect you. When I say Pierre won’t touch you, this charity, or anyone in our lives, you can trust me.”

  “What did you do?” Jessica asked, feeling a wave of desire and gratitude run through her. She’d been honest about not wanting someone to fight her battles, but knowing Mathew had her back sent her into overdrive.

  “Let’s just say the most powerful thing in the world is information. I put my best guy on it and dug up something that would ruin Pierre. I wish it had been soon enough to keep your reputation intact in the industry but trust me, you’re good now.”

  “Your best guy,” she started with a smile. “Is that Emmitt? I’m assuming he’s who you send on all your secret spy missions?”

  “My brother is a handful, hard to understand, but his skills are impossible to ignore. I hate him most days. but I trust him every day. That’s why I called him when it came down to keeping you safe. If you didn’t want me around I knew he’d be the next best thing.”

  “I forgive you,” she sighed, reaching a hand up and rubbing his neck muscles as he drove. “Where are we going anyway?”

  “It’s still my week,” he said with a coy smile. “And you’re going to have to muddle through the endless pampering and indulging that I expose you to. You’ll have to find a way to believe I’m not doing it to trick you into getting used and thrown away.”

  “Why are you doing it?”

  “I’m trying to trick you into loving me for a very long time.” He slid a hand to her thigh and squeezed affectionately. “While we were out, Libby was at your place packing you a bag. It’ll be waiting on the jet.”

  “What tropical Island are you whisking me to?” she teased, but she couldn’t completely pretend having her toes in the sand would be terrible.

  “A very private one,” he replied seductively. “But we have a stop to make first in Boston. This will be half business and half pleasure.”

  “West Oil Business?”

  “It’s charity business. But your charity needs a name first.”

  “I was thinking about Maureen—”

  “That would be a terrible name for the charity,” Mathew snickered.

  “No,” she slapped his shoulder playfully. “She’s a warrior. Cancer is a battle. What about Beautiful Warriors?”

  “I love it.” Mathew nodded his head in excitement. “It’s perfect.”

  “This feels like a dream,” she sang as she leaned back in the seat and put both hands on her head as though it might float away.

  “That’s how you know you’re on the right path, when dreams start coming true.”

  “But what’s in Boston?”

  “The beginning of everything.”

  Chapter 30

  “I’m not ready,” Jessica chanted a few times as she tugged on Mathew’s arm. She was nervous, but he knew she had this in the bag.

  “Sophie Barrington is rumor
ed to be a wonderfully kind woman who embraces new charities. You’ll do fine. Supporting your charity, Beautiful Warriors, is a fantastic opportunity, and I know Sophie will be interested in hearing more about it,” Mathew assured her with his most convincing look into her dark eyes.

  “And maybe you’ll get to talking about her son Asher, and she’ll magically connect you two and everything will work out wonderfully for both of us. What are the odds of that?” Jessica’s asked as her eyes danced with worry.

  “Be careful asking a numbers guy a question like that; I’ll break out the calculator. I know how much you love my math equations and business talk.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out his phone as though he were about to crunch the numbers. “Carry the one and find the square root.”

  “Shut up and put that away. I swear I’ll pretend I don’t know you.”

  “Oh please, who’s going to balance your books for Beautiful Warriors?”

  “Fine. I take back everything I said. You’re right. I’m going to need all your special nerd powers.”

  “Glad to see you’re relaxed enough to call me names. That means you’re ready to meet with Sophie Barrington. Just work your magic like I’ve seen you do so many times before.” He pulled open the large oak door of the wine shop and took stock of the room. “There she is in the corner.” The regal woman with a crisp red and black outfit sat perched like a little bird on the high top chair by a wall of wine.

  “I’m going to puke,” she whispered over her shoulder as she forced her feet forward.

  “You’re not,” he assured her, planting a hand on the small of her back in case she decided to run in the other direction. “But if you do, aim away from Sophie, her shoes cost more than every bottle of wine on that wall.

  “Mrs. Barrington,” Mathew said cheerfully as she stood and greeted them both warmly. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

  “Absolutely, but please call me Sophie. I’m terribly sorry we didn’t get more than a minute or two to speak at the last event. The proposal certainly took center stage.” A blissful light overtook Sophie’s face as she spoke. “If you’d have asked me if my son Asher would be stealing the show with such a romantic gesture I would have never believed it. But it’s amazing what love will do to a man.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Mathew remarked as his eyes fixed on Jessica. “It was wonderful to watch. Emily looked radiant.”

  “She did,” Jessica chimed in. “She’ll make a beautiful bride.”

  “My heart is truly overflowing, but you’ll have to excuse me if I seem a bit distracted. My daughter had a fall the other day, and though she’s home from the hospital, I’m still worried. If you see me checking my phone, please don’t think me rude.” Sophie checked her phone with an apologetic look then quickly directed her attention back to them.

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Mathew said in a worried tone. “I hope she’s all right.”

  “She will be. The wonderful thing about a big family is you expect to take some falls over the years, but at least you have an army to pick you up.” Sophie looked slightly nostalgic as she talked about her children, and Mathew knew this was a woman of substance. Knowing Jessica to be the same, he was certain they’d connect.

  “We won’t keep you from her long. She’s lucky to have her mom so close by to care for her. I really appreciate your time and input on this endeavor,” Jessica assured her, leaning in and touching her hand gently.

  “Your phone call piqued my interest,” Sophie said, sitting up straighter and looking excited to be talking about something she loved. Her reputation for successful charity work was well known, and Mathew could see now how much joy it brought her. “I’m very active in the fundraising and charity communities where so much focus is on the medicine, as it should be. But I feel the spirit needs just as much attention as the body when someone is fighting.”

  “Exactly,” Jessica agreed with an animated wave of her hands. “I’ve always loved the ability to brighten up someone’s outlook with my skills, but to be able to do it for such deserving people would be a dream come true.” She launched into the story of Maureen and the time they’d shared together, and Sophie seemed captivated.

  “You’re an inspiring woman, Jessica,” Sophie beamed, folding her hands together thoughtfully. “I would love to see your idea come to fruition. If I organized an event could you pull together enough volunteers to support maybe fifty patients? I could have a gala at the end of the night and, with your team, all the patients would look and feel amazing.”

  “That sounds perfect!” Jessica squealed, and it ignited a spark in Mathew’s heart. Making her happy was light years better than anything he’d experienced before.

  “I’d need a month or so to pull everything together, but this is very exciting. We’re always looking for a new way to attract donors, and this could be perfect. I can’t think of anyone I know today who hasn’t been touched by cancer in one way or another, and this is a unique approach to treatment.”

  “It would certainly bring a lot of attention to Beautiful Warriors, and we’d be so grateful for the opportunity.” Mathew could sense Jessica was buzzing with possibilities, so he kept his voice even and controlled as he spoke, trying to stay composed for the both of them.

  “I’m very lucky to have Mathew’s guidance,” Jessica began. “With all the work he’s doing at West Oil I have no idea how he finds enough hours in the day to help.”

  “West Oil,” Sophie said, lighting with recognition. “It sounds like you had your hands full over there cleaning things up. I was sorry to hear about all the trouble you walked into. My son is in the business too, and I know how tricky it can get. I steer clear of his affairs as often as possible. Though the last time I meddled he ended up with a beautiful fiancée. I do like to take credit for that.”

  Mathew laughed heartily and nodded his understanding. “My mother always knows best. I’m lucky to have her, and I’m sure Asher and your other children are lucky to have you.”

  “You are too sweet,” Sophie said with a quick blush. “I think some days they are, and other days they’re certain I’m the worst. Now Kalling, you said your family was from Boston, the name rings a bell, but I can’t place it.”

  “You’d be much more likely to know my mother’s family. The LaMares. My father didn’t stay in Boston long, and my mother kept her name.”

  “Oh yes, does she own that beautiful property on Cliver Island just off the shore in South County? The one with the pillars and ivy that overlooks the bluffs?”

  “Yes,” Mathew replied politely, though this was not his favorite topic. “The Cliver Island house is a beauty. I spent many summers there. It’s very serene.”

  “I’m not sure I’ve met your mother in any of my circles. What’s her first name?” Sophie touched her delicate hand to her chin as she checked her memory again. “Does she lunch at the Charter Club?”

  Sophie wouldn’t be able to read Mathew’s discomfort in this conversation, but he could sense Jessica was picking up on it. “Her name is Elra, and I doubt you would cross paths. She’s a fragile woman, tends to keep to herself.”

  “I’ve envied that property every time I’ve passed it. What a wonderful location that would make for a luncheon for Beautiful Warriors,” Sophia suggested.

  “I agree,” Mathew replied somberly, “but I’m certain my mother wouldn’t be up for it. Too much excitement doesn’t sit well with her. And trust me, my siblings and I have given her our share of that over the years. The poor woman.”

  “I’m glad I’m not the only mother with a challenging brood. I’ve got my hands full with them, and they have their hands full with business, as I’m sure you do. I’m surprised with the size of West Oil I haven’t heard more about your dealings with Asher or his business partner Brice Henderson.” The sign of a kind woman was the ability to fluidly change an uncomfortable conversation before it grew awkward. And Sophia was clearly that. He was grateful for it.

  “I act
ually just brokered a deal with Brice Henderson’s brother, Dean. West Oil is focused on the future and creating new relationships.”

  “Dean is making a go of his family’s business. I hope your working with him went well. Did you find Dean to be accommodating?”

  Mathew felt as though she were fishing for information on a child’s behavior, as if she’d circle back at some point and scold someone who was acting a fool.

  “Accommodating yes, friendly not very. But that’s not really a requirement in business these days,” he said with a shrug.

  Sophie stifled a laugh but nodded nearly imperceptivity in agreement. “A perfectly sad observation, but true. It makes me grateful I don’t have to deal with all the headaches. It never ends. Hopefully you find Asher more cordial.”

  “I haven’t crossed paths with Asher yet, but I’ve been meaning to. He’s a tough guy to get hold of.” He nearly interjected that his reputation was not leaning even slightly in the direction of cordiality.

  “That’s by design. I swear there are times I worry my phone call might get screened, but he knows better than to do that. If you’re looking to reach him maybe I can help.”

  “I wouldn’t want to put you out,” Mathew said, his heart thudding at the prospect of finally being able to make the contact West Oil desperately needed. “I know he has the wedding coming up. I’m sure he has his plate full.”

  “Always,” she laughed. “Though he is smart enough to leave most of the plans to Emily. I think we can still arrange something. I force him to slow down often enough for social events and family time occasionally. We just had most of the family together at the house, and it was certainly eventful. I think I can manage putting you two in touch. What he does once you get his ear is out of my control. But you two seem like such a lovely couple with kind hearts. I want all my children surrounded by that as often as possible.”

  “I’d be so grateful,” Mathew said, squeezing Jessica’s hand even harder under the table. If it were appropriate he’d shout I told you so. Instead he settled for something that might sound less insane to Sophia. “May I pour you both some wine? This looks like an excellent bottle.”