Sliding down the bed, I pulled Xiomara up beside me, wiping the tears that were falling from her eyes.
I rained kisses on her face and licked over her lips, catching the saltiness of her tears as I went along.
“Z, I need you. You free me and chase away my demons. But I can’t be all that you need. Be your own woman, and you have to stand strong for us if there’s to be an us. I know that you may decide to be with him—”
“No!”
“Just listen, babe. I know that you believe you have to be with him, but I know that’s not what you want. I know that we belong together and that I’m the one for you. I didn’t know that ten years ago. At least not until after you’d left. I missed my best friend.”
“I missed you, too, but—”
“No, just hear me out. The one thing that I’ve learned from our conversations now and in the past is that you’re a multi-talented woman. I don’t think you have to tie yourself to Sheffield Tech. There are other options available for you to start your corporation or foundation. I don’t mind being a silent partner, investing in whatever I need to make you happy and make your dreams come true. I’ve also called up a few other folks who’re willing to back you up. You just need to determine what you want to do, babe.”
Laughing, she sat on top of me, my dick pressing against her.
“Lake, I already chose. And I chose you.”
“What?”
“My dad doesn’t know yet, but Russell, Senait, and my mom know. I just needed to know that you wanted me, too. And I believe you do.”
“Wait...when did this happen?”
Shock and pleasure ran through me as I allowed her words to penetrate my thoughts.
“Now’s not the time for that conversation,” she giggled as she slid down my uncovered pole.
I held onto her hips as we rode a wave of ecstasy together. Everything I felt, I gave to Xiomara at that moment, not holding anything back. And she gave me the same. I knew that we still needed to talk, but I also knew that our lives would be different after today.
One way or another.
CHAPTER 24 – XIOMARA
“DAD, WE NEED TO TALK,” I said, stepping boldly into his office and closing the door behind me.
I’d opted to do this on my own without my mother’s help, though she’d offered. Russell had also offered to chime in, too. Despite my decision to back out of our impending marriage, we’d agreed to be friends and respect one another.
If no one else understood me, he did. Russell didn’t love me; he’d only been fighting to keep us together out of fear of what might happen to his stake in his father’s company. He was more indebted to his father than I was to mine.
It was ironic, really. My father, who’d raised me to be strong, confident, and committed to expressing myself, was the one that would regret it most.
Now he looked up at me and pulled a hand over his balding head, his sand-colored skin wrinkled, and his forehead furrowed with worry.
“Is this about the Briggs-Waters contract? Because I’ve already got Stephenson looking into it, and I think we’ve found a way to save—”
“No, Dad,” I said, holding a hand up to stop him.
I took a seat in the chair opposite his desk and took a deep breath in before blowing it out.
“I’m relinquishing my right to Sheffield Tech.”
Weary eyes took me in. Sitting up straight in his chair, he rested his hands across his midsection and pressed his lips tightly together.
I didn’t want this to get out of control because, despite his progress, my dad’s health was still a concern for my mom, sister, and me.
“I see. I’ve been waiting for this.”
“You have?”
“Yes, ever since I saw that video. I knew that boy would get to you, Mara. He does not mean you any good. Do you know the real reason that I suggested you go away?”
“Sure. You wanted me to stay away from Lake because you feared that I would do what I’m doing now.”
“That was only part of it. I worried that you might never realize your potential and earn the belief in yourself that you deserve to have. I didn’t want you to settle. Yes, I wanted you to marry and become a good wife with a family and a husband you respected and loved.”
“Therein lies the problem, Dad. I don’t love Russell. And I respect him as a person...but not as a husband. He doesn’t even dare to stand up to his father for what he believes in.”
“Your move to New York was to allow you to learn about the business world. It wasn’t my suggestion alone that you go. It was mine and your mother’s. She wanted you to live out from under our control and learn about yourself as a woman and as a person. I was the one that approached you with it, but the decision was dual. If you’d stayed behind here in Sunset Harbor, you wouldn’t have gained the valuable business expertise you have. I doubt that you would be skilled enough to run a company, even with me teaching you. Mara, you’re a passionate woman like your mother. And in time, you would’ve gained what you needed, but I’m uncertain your focus would’ve been where it needed to be. I wanted Sheffield Tech to be the most important thing in your life. And for that, I was wrong.”
“You were?”
His words shocked me. I somehow suspected that my mother was behind the New York idea, too, but I’d been too hurt by Lake even to bother asking my mother about it. However, there was no way that she would have stood idly by and allowed that to take place without her having some say so with my father.
“Yes, I was wrong. Not about you needing to get away to learn all that you have. I’ve watched you over these last few months, and I’m impressed. But I was wrong about you needing to make this your sole focus. Your mother was right, though. Your time away from us has taught you strength, and valuable lessons about yourself, which is why I suspect you’re here to visit me today.”
“Yes, Dad. I’m not marrying Russell. We went away and discussed it for a weekend, and we’re on the same page about it. At first, we weren’t, but he understood that I need someone to love me, and he can’t give that to me. Now, I know that you initially wanted me to marry to assume control of the company. And there once was a time that I would have fought with my last breath to have it, whether or not I married Russell. And I was prepared to do just that from the moment that I realized I love Lake.”
“You love Lake?” he repeated, pulling his hand down his face.
“Yes.”
“That’s always been my greatest fear. I don’t want you to be the woman that Mrs. Chambers is. You’re too bright for that. Mr. Chambers ruined a compassionate, giving, and kind woman. Once she married him, she became selfish and all about appearances. I don’t think she ever gave those kids the love and nurturing they needed. It was one nanny after another, taking care of them and then boarding schools for a while. I’m scared he’ll do the same thing to you that his father did to his mother.”
“Dad, you don’t have to worry about that. You and mom did a magnificent job raising me to become the woman that I am. I hold strong to those values, and I know who I am. No one can take that away from me, and I don’t want you to worry about that. I will become no one’s pampered anything. Lake understands and respects that. He probably loves me more for that reason alone.”
“So then, why are you giving up your chance at Sheffield Tech?”
“Because I’m going into business for myself, Dad.”
Gripping the arms of his chair, he leaned forward slightly.
“You’re doing what?”
“I’m opening fashion boutiques and e-commerce sites for upscale clothing.”
My father’s astonished face slowly transformed into a smirk and then a chuckle until he blossomed into full-scale laughter.
I wasn’t sure if I should find his reaction offensive or not. If I were honest, I’d have to say this entire conversation wasn’t going how I expected.
I’d come in here at the end of the workday expecting to fight a battle that frankly might le
ave my father and me on opposite sides of a war, shooting scud missiles at one another. But I would do what was necessary.
I had learned a lot from being with Lake. One of the primary things was learning to stand for what I believed in and standing up for myself. Tension, uncertainty, resentment, and fear tainted my return to Sunset Harbor. But I now knew I held the keys to make the future I wanted.
“Dad?”
“I’m sorry,” he said, wiping his eyes. “It’s just that...your mom wins again. I love that woman, but I can’t win for losing with her. Well, I guess I won once she gave her heart to me.”
“I don’t understand, Dad,” I said, still confused and growing impatient for an explanation.
“Your mom said that once you found your way, you would realize that your dreams were right here at home. The man of your dreams and the career of your dreams. She said that fashion was in your blood and that no matter how far you ran, you’d find your way back. I told her that wasn’t true; you’re my child. She said you have the heart of an entrepreneur, as I do, but you’d combine them both. And...when you returned, and she saw how unhappy you were about marrying Russell to get Sheffield Tech, she ordered me to give you the company without the stipulation of marriage. But I wanted to see how badly you wanted the company. And...I’m a foolish old man stuck in my ways. I wanted to honor the arrangement we made with the Dardens, and I worried about my reputation more than your heart. I’d resolved to give you Sheffield Tech anyway, but she also said that she believed you only wanted it because it would make me proud to have you follow in my footsteps.”
“That’s true, Dad,” I said, a smile dawning on my face. “At some point when I returned, I questioned if I really wanted the company, or did I just believe that because you ingrained it in me. When Lake asked me if I could start a business what it would be, a fashion boutique rolled off my tongue with ease. Nothing as high scale as your company, but that’s what I came up with.”
I spent the next half an hour discussing my business plan, my projection for rolling out an e-commerce site, and potential property locations to open the brick and mortar stores. My father offered to invest in the business, but I politely declined, assuring him that my financial ducks were all in a row. Thanks to my savings, an inheritance from my paternal grandparents, and my mother, I had all that I needed.
Lake had offered to invest, also, but I’d declined his offer, as well. My mother was excited when I shared my plans with her, and after an in-depth discussion, she’d encouraged me to speak with my father.
“Mara, I’m sorry that I’ve made things so hard for you in the past. It has always been my intention to see my daughters become successful, independent women.”
“I think you’ve done an amazing job, Dad. Senait is going to be critical in the success of my company, as well.”
“Yes, how so?”
“Dad! Haven’t you seen all the designs she wears?”
Throwing his arms out at his sides, he shrugged and shook his head. “I know that she dresses very nicely, but that’s your mother’s world. Not mine.”
Laughing, I said, “Dad, you have got to pay more attention to what’s going on in your girls’ lives. Those designs that she wears are her own. No formal training, just a brilliant eye for design and a passion for fashion. She’s awesome, and I plan to have those designs in my boutique.”
My father pressed a hand to his eyes and squeezed them closed.
“Aw, Dad,” I said, getting up and walking around the desk to hug him. “It’s okay.”
“I just couldn’t be more proud of you girls.”
“Thank you.”
I held onto him a while longer before moving on.
“Now we need to discuss your successor here at Sheffield since it won’t be me. I’ll have my hands full with establishing my company, but I will work with you for the next six months to transition the role into capable hands.”
“Ahhh! That’s another headache I wasn’t ready for.”
“Doesn’t have to be. Paula Wright would be phenomenal in this role.”
“My CFO?”
“Yes,” I said.
A slow smile slipped onto his face, and he looked more peaceful than he had in months.
EPILOGUE - CHAPTER 25 – LAKE (1 ½ YEAR LATER)
SHE WORKED THE ROOM. Some would say that her talents would’ve been better served at a big software or tech company like the one that her father owned. Some would say that she should’ve been running a fortune five-hundred company.
I knew that she was doing exactly what she’d been born to do. She was truly her mother’s daughter, but she had to pave her way. Year after year, her father had ingrained in her that she was being groomed to take over his company.
The loyal daughter that she was, Xiomara had not once questioned that decision. She’d followed his lead unquestionably. The only thing that had caused her to alter her path was love.
Love in the only way that it could come for a woman like her. With her first love. Unconditionally.
Something my father could learn a little something about. My mother was coming around, calling me, and visiting me whenever she had the time. It wasn’t often, but it was enough. And that’s all I asked for. To know that she cared enough to put forth the effort meant a lot to me.
And when Harlow came into town, she and my mother spent time together.
My father hadn’t budged. He still felt as if I owed him an apology, and it would be a cold day in hell before I issued one. The only thing I requested of him was his love. I had always been grateful for everything he’d ever done for me.
But that wasn’t enough.
“She’s amazing, isn’t she?” Chanda, Xiomara’s best friend, asked, coming to stand by my side as she offered me a glass of wine.
“I don’t think they have invented an adequate word to describe Xiomara,” I breathed.
Chanda turned to look at me, beaming with pride. “I’m so happy for the two of you. That you could convince her to take a chance on you again and believe in herself enough to know that she didn’t need Sheffield Tech? Well...that’s beautiful.”
“It was in her all along. She just needed persuading, that’s all.”
“Mm...sure.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Do you forget that I was around all those years ago? You were the only one that couldn’t see that Xiomara was totally in love with you. She’d do anything for you and follow you around wherever you’d lead. But when you played with her heart the way that you did, that broke her in some ways. She hardened her heart, refusing to allow anyone inside. Settling for empty relationships based on meaningless sex and cuddling up next to financial statements on cold, lonely nights in New York.”
“Sheesh, you’re hard on a guy,” I said, laughing.
Shrugging, she said, “It’s the truth.”
“I was wrong; I’m not afraid to admit that. But I was afraid of the feelings I was developing for her. Pushing her away was the worst thing that I could do, and I never expected to be let inside again after being banned out of her life for a decade.”
“She’s a wonderful woman with a heart of gold. Don’t screw it up this time, Chambers,” Chanda said, wagging a finger at me.
“Trust me; I won’t. I only have to play the role of fool once before I learn from my mistakes.”
“Good. Besides, you did something right if Mr. Sheffield is coming around,” she said with a wink before walking away.
Xiomara’s mom and sister cheered us along, but her dad was a bit slower about coming around. There was still work to do on the relationship that I was forging with him, but it was moving forward, and that’s all I could ask.
I made my way to where Xiomara stood. She’d just finished speaking with a reporter.
“You should be proud.”
“I am. Humble but proud.”
“That’s a good thing, but why the humility?”
“My parents always taught us we could do any
thing that we put our minds to. Hard work, positive attitudes, and staying focused. I’m grateful that they taught us not to rely on them but to pave our way. And this is kind of that. I take nothing that I’m building for granted, as though it’s my right or it’s owed to me. I’m glad I’m not stuck in the same quandary. You know what I mean?”
“Staying within the confines of Sheffield?”
“Yeah. It would have still been me relying on what my dad built; I wanted something that’s my own. Although it’s in my mom’s industry, it’s not the same.”
“Well, I think Mara’s Wardrobe is going to be an international success,” I said, pulling her into my arms and kissing her forehead.
“I hope so,” she said as she glanced at her watch. “Well, it’s time.”
“All right, babe. Go show the world what you’ve got.”
“You don’t want me to do that,” she teased with an impish smile.
I laughed and watched as she made her way to the doors. Her grand opening would happen in two stages. The first was for family, friends, the media, buyers, and a few other notables in the fashion industry. We’d just finished that.
Now it was time for the second stage, which was open to the public. And the last time I’d checked, the line was down the block and around the corner. I was sure that all of Sunset Harbor came to check out the opening of her new boutique.
It didn’t surprise me to see the first people in line were Russell Darden and his girlfriend, Miriam. He’d met a woman that he truly cared about and had made a similar stand with his parents that Xiomara had made.
Arranged marriages weren’t for everyone, and I was glad to see that he had found what might be true love. Not that I was a romantic or anything, but his eyes weren’t on my woman any longer. That’s all I gave a damn about.
I watched as the people poured into her boutique, exclaiming over the fabulous designs. Most of those were her sister, Senait’s designs. I was happy for her, as well, because she was beaming with pride as if those designs were her children.
Several of my players’ wives and coaches’ wives showed up to support and make purchases, promising that they’d be repeat customers. Everyone seemed pleased, and no one was prouder of Xiomara than I was, except for her parents.
The Arrangement Page 17
