by Ciana Stone
“Well, I'm up for the challenge.”
“Then finish up and let's get to it.”
Their starting point was the laundry. A man Cici estimated to be in his fifties, dressed in the uniform of hotel security, stopped them as they got off the employee elevator.
“Sorry folks, you got onto the wrong elevator. This is for staff only, and the only thing you'll find down here is the laundry.”
“Which is exactly what we're looking for,” Kal said and stuck out his hand. “Good morning, my name's Kal Burton, and this beautiful woman with me is Cici Walker. We had an amazing run of luck last night and thought perhaps we could find some people on staff who could possibly benefit from sharing that windfall.”
“Are you serious? You're here to give away money?”
“Yes.”
“Well, let me tell you, there are sure some people here who could use a hand. Like Mrs. Williams. She's close to retirement now and has worked here for – I don't know, forever. She's been having trouble with her feet for the last few years, but she can't afford to quit work because her husband's retired and his social security isn't much. And their daughter and her two teenage kids came to live with them when her husband was killed. He was a truck driver and didn't have any life insurance.”
“We'd like to meet her. Can you think of anyone else?”
“Oh yes. Do you want a cup of coffee? We can go to the security office, and I can write down some names for you.”
“That'd be great–sorry, I didn't get your name.”
“Claude Thomas, sir.”
“It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thomas. Please, lead the way.”
Once inside the security office, Claude poured them coffee and they all sat at a round table on fold-out chairs. Cici couldn't believe that a place as luxurious as this couldn't afford something better, but apparently, expense could be spared on things like employee comfort.
Claude found a notepad and pen. On the top line he wrote, Mrs. Pauline Williams. Then he looked at Kal and Cici. “There's a young woman who just started, Jeneen Douglas. Sweet girl. Not the brightest bulb on the strand but man has she had a hard life. Abused as a child, she ran away and lived on the streets until she got busted and put in juvie and then in the foster system. The minute she graduated high school she got on a bus and ended up here. Bless her heart, she doesn’t have hardly a thing and still every payday, she takes fifty dollars and buys bread and sandwich makings and takes food to the homeless. Christmas, we all got a hundred-dollar bonus, and she took hers and went to the Salvation Army and bought up all the blankets they had and took them to the homeless.”
Cici brushed at tears as she listened and when Claude fell silent, she said. “Please put Jeneen's name on the list.”
“Yes, I agree,” Kal said. “Anyone else, Claude?”
In all, Claude gave them five names, and each person he told them about was someone who, although they didn't have a lot, or lived frugally, made a point to help others. Cici started to feel ashamed at how little concern she had for money because she had so much.
After the fifth name was added to the list, she asked if Claude could arrange for them to meet with the people he'd named in private. Claude was more than happy to arrange it and told them to wait right there, and he'd go round the people up, but he'd have to do it one at a time so that no one got into trouble.
When he left, Cici looked at Kal. “Are you thinking what I'm thinking?”
“I don't know, tell me what you're thinking?”
“That we should shorten the recipient list. We can give six people fifty grand each and I'll make up the difference of whatever the taxes will be.”
“You don't have to do that.”
“I know, but I want to.”
“Okay –wait. He gave us five names.”
“Yeah, he did. Don't you find it pretty amazing that a man who knows we're here to give away money tells us about these incredible people who could use help and never once builds a case for why he should be a recipient?”
“You're right. Yes, I agree. How about this? We tell everyone we want to give them a gift and invite them to lunch. I'll speak with the manager now and arrange to have cashier's checks for each recipient.”
“Kal, that would be wonderful. Thank you.”
She kissed him and then sat and waited, thinking about what they were doing and how she hoped it would genuinely help people.
Over the next two hours, Cici saw people break into tears, go mute in shock and disbelief and even suggest that Cici and Kal could find other people who were worse off that could use a hand.
She was humbled by their goodness and moved that every single one of them talked about Claude and all the good things he did for people. He was a widower now. His wife died of cancer, and his only son was in the military, so he didn't get home much. Claude helped at a soup kitchen on his days off, volunteered at a homeless shelter, gave veterans rides to the VA center, and even had three homeless vets living in the garage apartment at his small home outside the city.
When they finished the final interview, Cici and Kal walked out of the office to where Claude was waiting in the hallway. “Would you please join us for lunch, Claude?” Cici asked. “Kal has cleared it with the manager, and we'd really like to thank you for all you've done to help us today.”
“I'd be honored. What time?”
“Noon sharp.” Kal told Claude which restaurant he'd reserved, then he and Cici left and took the elevator to the main floor where the manager's office was located.
They only had to wait five minutes for the manager. “Mr. Burton, can I be of additional assistance?”
“Yes. We're having this list of employees as guests for lunch today. Could you please arrange to have a cashier's check for fifty-eight thousand dollars made out to each one of them?” Kal took his wallet out and handed the manager a black American Express card.
“Certainly, Mr. Burton. I can have it ready for you by noon.”
“That's perfect. Thank you.”
“My pleasure, sir.”
Just as they left the manager's office, her phone rang. Cici fished it from the pocket of her jacket. It was Nash. He rarely called, which made her hesitant to ignore him.
“It's my brother. I should take this.”
“Sure.”
“Nash, hi. What's up?” She answered.
“Mace figured you wouldn't answer if he called, so he laid it on me to remind you there's a meeting this afternoon and attendance is mandatory if you want to keep your seat on the Board. Five sharp.”
Cici gritted her teeth, annoyed that her father was backing her into a corner this way. “Fine. Bye.”
“Everything okay?” Kal asked.
“No.” There was no point in lying. She had to leave. Cici wasn't losing her seat on the Board of Directors, and she knew her father would give her the boot if she didn't show up. “I have to be at Heritage by five. My father called an emergency meeting of the Board and threatened anyone who doesn't show with being booted.”
“And knowing Russell, he'd keep his word on that.”
“Oh, yeah. Damn him.”
“Don't let it get to you. It's a two-hour flight. I'll call and have the plane ready. We'll do the luncheon then head back to Texas. We can land at the county airport and have a car waiting for you. You'll be there in time.”
“You're amazing, you know that?”
“No, but I kind of like hearing you say it.”
“Thank you. Now, let's get to this luncheon. I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they get those checks.”
If she lived to be a hundred, Cici would never forget that next hour and a half. The shock on the faces of the people, the way they hugged and thanked her and Kal had tears streaming down her face. And the best moment of all was when Kal asked Claude to stand and spoke of how everyone there had revealed what a hero Claude was, his selfless giving and kind nature. Claude had tears in his eyes when he accepted the check, and Cici hugged
him tightly. “Thank you for showing us what goodness looks like,” she said. “I'll never forget you, Claude.”
“And I sure won't forget either of you. Thank you.”
“It's our honor.”
Cici left in a haze of happiness. She snuggled up next to Kal and spent the flight home letting the events of the last twenty-four hours filter through her mind. It wasn’t until they were almost ready to land that she decided to talk. “I think this is one of those red-letter days.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I've never done anything like this, and I don't ever want to forget how good it feels to help people. I thought I knew what kind of man you are, but you showed me that you're more than I realized. And you never even tried to sleep with me. Again. Should I be worried?”
“Far from it. See, you showed me who you are, too. A woman who can cry for joy at someone else enjoying good fortune is a woman I definitely want in my life. And yes, I do want you and I look forward to the day we make love. But until then, I wouldn’t trade what we shared in Vegas for anything in the world.”
“Me either. Thank you, Kal.”
This time when he kissed her, she felt the passion, but something more and to her great surprise realized that she was falling for Kal Burton. Not because he was rich or powerful or great in bed, but because he was the first person who'd ever shown her a side of herself she hadn't realized existed.
Kal made her want to be a better person. How amazing was that?
Chapter Five – February 24th, 2019
“Screw you, Altwell,” Kal groused as Edward sank a twelve-foot putt to give himself a five-stroke lead over Kal.
“Drive for show, putt for dough,” Edward retorted as he strolled over to retrieve his ball from the cup.
“Speaking of show, I owe you a thanks.”
“For?”
“The Vegas suggestion.” Kal fell into step with Edward and returned to the golf cart parked just off the green.
“I’m guessing you appropriately wooed Cici with giving away your winnings?”
Kal smiled. “I don’t know about wooing, but I had a damn good time, and she really got into it.”
“Then you’re welcome.” Edward took a seat in the cart, leaving the driver’s space for Kal. “Do you think you’ll see her again?”
“Oh, I plan on it. Switching gears, I found some support in the Texas legislature for the gambling bill.” Kal got in, and they headed for the tee of the next hole. It was backed up, so Kal parked in the shade to wait.
“That’s good news,” Edward commented. “What did it cost?”
“A very healthy campaign contribution, and a month in one of the hotel suites in Burton Bay.”
“Well, if the bill passes, it will be worth it.”
“Amen to that. Now to get the green light to break ground on Burton Texas.”
“One step at a time, friend. There are still a mountain of contracts to go over from suppliers, manufacturers, contractors– and on and on. And, at the risk of stating the obvious, we still don’t have an attorney of record for the project. Did you decide against hiring Cici?”
“Yes.”
“Might I ask why?”
“I like her.”
“As in you want to see more of her socially.”
“Exactly. And you know how I feel about mixing business and pleasure.”
“I do indeed. I just hope that she won’t take it out on me for introducing you when you move on to greener pastures.”
“I’m not sure there are any, to be honest.”
“Are you saying–”
“I’m not saying anything except I like her, and I want to get to know her better.”
“It sounded like a lot more.”
“Fine. I think she’s remarkable and I’m interested.”
“Then congratulations. This is a first.”
“Yes, it is, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about it.”
“Well, join the club.”
“Pardon?”
“Like I said, if you dump her, I don’t want her taking it out on me.”
“You think she’d be that petty?”
Edward laughed. “She’s a Walker, isn’t she? Rulers of the world and all that? Who dumps the royal princess without incurring her wrath? And she’s such an assassin that it’s damn near fool-hardy to even insult the woman without putting your head on a chopping block.”
Kal shrugged. “Well, I hope that won’t happen, but I guess it’ll be what it will be.”
“Indeed it will, my friend. Looks like we’re up. Give it your best shot because I’m no longer going easy on you.”
Kal laughed and got out to fetch his driver from the bag. Edward’s remark about Cici being a princess bugged him a little. She had the reputation of being a real ball-buster, but he’d chosen not to think about that. They’d had a great time, and he hoped their next date would be the same. Still, it bothered him that Edward considered her capable of acting in such a manner.
Damn Edward, he was always pulling Kal’s chain, and this might be just another of those times. With a grunt, he teed up the ball. Time to show his friend that in golf as in life, Kal might have times when he was lagging, but when push came to shove, he always rose to the occasion.
And came out on top.
*****
“You look serious.”
Naomie turned and looked in the direction of the door. The serious expression disappeared from her face and transformed into a smile. “What're you still doing here?” she called out.
Mace walked over to Naomie. “The family spent the night since we're due to have a meeting this afternoon.”
“Well, it's good to see you. How's Lightfoot working out?”
“Damn good cow horse. I wish we had a dozen like her.”
“I wish I knew more about training, but I'm afraid I'm not much use with that. A trainer in Cotton Creek I was introduced to by Cody Sweet is someone you could talk to about that.”
“Oh? Who is he?”
“Kyle Stadler. Ever hear of him?”
“Oh yeah, Kyle's a hell of a trainer. His wife as well.”
“Liz? I know, she's a real badass on a thoroughbred. Her family and mine competed for years, and I always admired her way with the horses.”
“So who trained Lightfoot?”
“A guy in North Carolina at the Rocky River Ranch. Jessie Nash. Now there's a family for you. Jessie Nash is—”
“A rodeo champion. So is his sister-in-law, Mik.”
“So, you know of them?”
“I do. Interestingly, they're related to the Weathers of Cotton Creek.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, Jason, the father, was a Nash at birth but because of an accidental death when he was a teenager, he ran away from his home and changed his name. It wasn't until a few years ago he met the Nash family. Their father was Jason's brother who died some time back.”
“Small world, isn't it?”
“It can be. So what time's your meeting?”
“Two.”
“You think Cici will show?”
Mace shrugged. “You think she won't?”
Naomie laughed. “Who knows with that one. She marches to the beat of her own drummer.”
“Implying that the rest of us don't?”
Naomie looked at him then away. “I need to input this data into the computer, so I better get onto it. I'm heading into Cotton Creek tonight to meet up with Lula, Linc, Reese and Mathias. Riggs said he'd join. You interested?”
“Is Riggs your date?”
Naomie laughed. “As if. You know Riggs. He'll have half a dozen women waiting on him at the Honky Tonk.”
“Ain't that the truth?”
“Yes, sir. So? I've been wanting to introduce you to someone.”
She noticed that he looked a bit crestfallen and hated that. Naomie wasn't blind. She knew Mace was attracted to her and in another time maybe she'd have returned that interest. Unfortunately, he was part of Herit
age management, and she thought it unwise to allow herself to become involved with him or any of Russell's sons.
But that was only secondary to the real issue. The bigger truth was she had a major thing for Russell, and while she'd not act on that attraction again, she couldn't pretend it didn't exist, and it would be unfair along with dishonest for her to start up with someone else when her heart wasn't in it.
Besides, she knew someone she really did think would hit it off with Mace, and she thought he just might feel the same.
“You're not going to try and set me up, are you?” The look on his face was that of someone who'd just taken a bite of green persimmon, so sour she had to bite back a smile.
“No, I'm going to introduce you to someone I honestly think you might enjoy meeting.”
“You want to elaborate?”
“Remember me telling you I'd asked your father to find me space to have a workshop to create essential oils, lotions, ointments and such?”
“Yeah. He mentioned it, and I said it was a good idea because I remember that concoction you made up for that bull we thought for sure we were going to lose, and how it did the trick.”
“I appreciate you going to bat for me. Luckily, he said yes. So, naturally I pressed for more because–
“Because you're who you are?” Mace interrupted.
Naomie smiled at him. “Smart ass, but yes. Anyway, he gave in and I hired someone who's very skilled and also a good friend. She's been here just a week, and this is the first time we've had a chance to get out and blow off some steam so I thought I'd introduce two people I like and care about to each other.”
“Are you setting me up for a date with Godzilla?”
She put one hand on a hip. “Mace Walker, shame on you. Would I do that to a friend? And I thought we were. Friends that is.”
He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Naomie saw the subject of their conversation walk through the open barn door. She smiled when she saw Naomie. “Hey, I was looking for you.”
Mace turned to look in the direction of the voice and was rewarded with one heck of a surprise. Walking toward them was a woman who could have been taken from his dreams. Hair the color of golden wheat with streaks of almost white blonde, big whiskey brown eyes bearing a bit of copper and a smile that could rival the sun.
