by Nicole Vidal
“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Clemons. I’ll send the food when it arrives.”
Sliding my arm around her slender waist, I lead Savannah onto the elevator. As the doors open, I step out into my foyer area and remove my shoes, lining them against the wall. Savannah sets hers next to mine and her purse on the small chest near the door.
“Would you like a drink?” I move into the living room, offering her a seat on the couch.
“Whatever you have is fine.”
“Scotch?”
“Sure.” I’m even more intrigued by her after that answer. Handing her a glass, I take a seat facing her on the ottoman, my legs bent around hers. “Please finish the story.”
After a healthy sip, I place the glass on the floor before setting my hands on her outer thighs, and I continue where I left off in the waiting room. “Marisol and I have been friends since childhood. We were more than that until about five years ago. Dating, not really. I wanted nothing to do with the scrutiny of dating, especially after Meghan’s death. Marisol was there for me, like I was for her. As crass as it sounds, especially today, we were friends with benefits. She married Ramon about four years ago. Twice over the course of the last three years, Marisol asked for a separation. I’m not proud to admit that we were together both times she separated from him. Technically, she was still married. The last time was about eight months ago. Her daughter, that was born today, could be mine.”
“Oh, Sam. You didn’t know she could be yours until today?”
“No, but my mother did, and she… I can’t even fathom that portion of this. When I arrived at the hospital, I spoke with Marisol briefly. She admitted that my mother knew about the pregnancy and urged her to agree the baby was Ramon’s. How my mother knew or why she asked Marisol to hide it is beyond me. I thought Marisol and I were friends. That she may have kept my daughter from me is unforgivable.”
“What happens now?”
As the question leaves her lips, Jimmy announces he’s on his way up with our dinner. Take-out bags in hand, I set them on the granite island.
“Where are the dishes?” she asks from beside me.
“Plates are above the stove to the right, glasses to the left. Silverware is in the drawer right in front of you.”
I pull out the food, the amazing aroma filling the kitchen. She sets the plates and silverware out before moving around me to sit. Settling beside her, we start to eat. I ordered Italian from a family-owned hole-in-the-wall around the corner. Mama and Papa Romano never fail. Their copious amounts of savory food are always fantastic.
Halfway through my plate, I muster the courage to answer her. “Just before she went into surgery for internal bleeding, Marisol signed a request for paternity testing for her daughter. When the nurse called me in, I took a test. Now, I wait for results. Aside from that, I don’t know what to do for her, if anything. I plan to deal with my mother tomorrow.” I look over at her, her eyes searching my face, looking for a crack, a break, a tell—I don’t know. “How is it you’re still here? Why haven’t you run from me?”
“I believe you. I have no right to be upset about your relationship with Marisol. It was before my time. I have no right to judge you, like I know, without question, you wouldn’t judge me if the situation were reversed.”
I close the distance between us, turn her face toward mine, and kiss her soft, pink lips.
“Thank you, cara mia. However, I can’t ask you to be with me if she’s mine. I won’t put you in the same position that your father did.”
“What are you saying? You don’t want to date me anymore?”
“I don’t know. The last thing I want is to hurt you, but I need to sort this out on my own.”
She sets her fork down and swivels on the stool to face me. “Do you want to date me?”
More than anything. I haven’t felt this deeply since Meghan. Even those feelings don’t reach what I’m starting to feel for Savannah. “Yes, but I don’t want you to feel like I’m using you.”
“What kind of woman would walk away when things get tough?”
I’m pushing her away, that’s different. Isn’t it? “I’m asking for some space to figure this out.”
“Why bother inviting me here and telling me about Marisol and her daughter if you were going to ask me to step away?”
“I don’t know. Shocked is the understatement of the day. At least shocked as it pertains to Marisol and my potential fatherhood. Margaux, well, this doesn’t even make my meter move. It’s absolutely something she would do to protect what she thinks the Morgan name embodies.”
“I’m not this woman, Sam. I don’t run away when things get hard. I stick them out and put in the work. I’m offering you… me. I realize we just started dating, and this hurdle isn’t conducive to learning about one another in the best circumstances, but I’m willing to try. I’m offering to help you. I want to be with you.” A heavy sigh falls from her lips, a choice made. “You know how to reach me. Good night, Sam.” She tugs on her booties, grabs her purse, and waits for the elevator car without a look back.
What have I done?
Chapter 10
Savannah
Well, that was short-lived.
First thing the next morning, I dress for work and follow my old routine. Coffee in hand, I empty my inbox and sort through the policies that need to be addressed. Most are simply waiting for Sam’s signature. As the clock ticks, Sam doesn’t appear. Near eleven, I send him an email.
Moments later a response indicates that he won’t be coming in today. Fine, you can’t come here, I’ll come to you. Things still need to be done. Near four, I enter the grand foyer of his building.
“Miss Clemons. It’s a pleasure to see you today.”
“You as well, Jimmy. Is he home?” I wonder if he’s even allowed to tell me that.
“No, he isn’t.”
“That’s fine. I’ll leave this and come back to pick it up tomorrow.” I ride to Sam’s and set the stack of files on the island with a note. Sighing deeply, I push the button to return downstairs for my trek home.
As far as early dates go, ours were spectacular. Once I got past my initial nervousness, everything went well. Now I have no idea what’s going on. Either way, I can’t sign certain things for him, so if I must bring them here, I will.
“Have a good night, Jimmy.”
“You too, Miss Clemons.”
The subway passengers were fewer today than normal on my ride home. After dropping my tote by the door, I pluck off my heels and sink into the couch. Unfortunately, vivid memories of Sam’s big hands caressing my skin invade my thoughts. Shaking my head, I rise and change into more comfortable clothes.
While I start dinner, Scarlett arrives home. As much as I share with her, this is something I can’t. For now, I need to suffer in silence, at least about his potential fatherhood.
“Hi, Savi,” she says with a chipper tone.
“Hey. How was class?”
“Fine. How was work?”
“Boring. It was only me today. I dropped a stack of files off at Sam’s before I came home.”
“Is his place amazing?”
“Scar, what is it with you and Sam’s wealth? Who cares if he has money? We have everything we need.”
“I note you didn’t answer my question. True, we don’t need anything, but I’m sure there are plenty of things you want that he could afford.”
“Nothing I want from Sam will cost him anything.” I want his time and affection. I realize that at any time in the next few days, his available time may decrease exponentially, but either way that’s all I want from him.
“Does he know that?”
“I believe that he does. What is this truly about?”
“I’m moving in with Liza and El.”
I try to mask my hurt and pride. “You have been considering this for a while? What about rent?” She’s my sister. If she wants to move out, that is up to her. Honestly, I’m surprised she hasn’t moved sooner.
“Yes, I h
ave been saving since last year. I have enough to cover six months’ rent in my account. Plus the split is three ways. Liza and El are a couple, so they have a spare room.”
“Scar, I’m proud of you. When do you plan on moving?”
“Over the long weekend.”
“Make sure you know what the lease says and follow all the rules. It shouldn’t be too difficult for you; you do fine here.”
“Wow, Savi. I’m shocked. I honestly thought you would lose your mind.”
“Scar, you’ve embraced college life. I understand that you want to go out and experience it fully without your sister/mother figure as a roommate. The only thing that concerns me is your grades. As long as you keep them up, you’ll be fine.”
“Thanks, Savi. Love you.” She throws her arms around me and hugs me tightly.
The moment she releases me, I want to call one person. I can’t. I can, but I’m not sure how a message would be received. He asked for space, so I need to give it to him. Even if I don’t want to. Even if I know for sure I can help and I’m willing to do so.
“Let me know if you need any help. You may need me to rent a moving truck.”
“Thank you so much!” She scales the staircase, three steps at a time.
I hear a shriek as her door closes. I decide on breakfast for dinner. Nothing soothes the soul like greasy spoon food in your own home. Diner food is equally as awesome, but I don’t want to drive now.
I curl up in my chair with my plate holding a ham and cheese omelet, fried potatoes, and four strips of crispy bacon from my toaster oven. I would add sourdough toast, but we don’t have any. I enjoy my meal and consider next week at this time. This will be how it always is. Me alone.
My phone chimes with a few notifications while I eat, but I ignore them. Nothing of importance for work comes through in the evening. After cleaning my dish, I check my phone.
Sam: Thank you for bringing the files. You don’t need to do that for me.
Me: It’s no problem. I’ll pick them up in the morning.
Sam: I’ll sign them tonight and leave them on the island.
Me: Thank you.
Sam: If I come in, it’ll be in the afternoon. Thank you again.
Me: You’re welcome.
Resigned that my chance with Sam rests completely in his hands, I grab a book and read for a bit before turning in.
Chapter 11
Samson
Since the moment Marisol shared that Margaux knew about my potential fatherhood, my mind has been spinning like a top without the possibility of slowing. True, this isn’t low for her. I don’t believe there’s anything she won’t do in the eyes of protecting the family legacy.
Last night, I reviewed the files Savannah left for me. The entire time my mind drifted to her. Asking for space is a double-edged sword. I care about Savannah, but I won’t put her in the same position her father did. If that gorgeous baby is mine, I’ll have to wait to build something with Savannah. If I’m lucky, there won’t be another guy in her life when I figure all of this out.
After setting the files on the island with a note thanking her, I ride down to the gym in my building. A grueling workout later, I return home and find the files gone. Relief and anguish flow through me. Relief that she was here but also anguish that I missed seeing her. Isn’t that what you asked for?
The ride to my parents’ is longer than necessary since the roadway is packed with cars, buses, and trucks.
Generally, I call ahead. Not this time.
“Good morning, Samson,” Henry, my parents’ butler greets me cheerfully. The portly man, who has been working for my family as long as I can remember, ushers me inside.
“Morning, Henry. I apologize for arriving unannounced, but I need to speak with my parents urgently.”
“Of course. I’ll tell them you’re here. Please use the solarium. It’s already set for morning coffee.”
“Thank you, Henry.”
He walks away to inform my parents I’m here. Stepping into the solarium, I find Salma completing the buffet.
“Samson, it’s lovely to see you.”
Leaning down, I hug her. “You as well.”
“I take it you aren’t here for a friendly visit.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Be strong, Sam. Maria-Luisa, Henry, and I taught all of you to stand on your own despite her.”
“Thank you. Her actions this time are unfathomable.”
As I finish my sentence, my mother breezes into the room perfectly dressed in a tailored suit. Salma nods and politely walks away. At the threshold, she meets my gaze, offering a show of support. The staff acted more like parents than our actual parents ever did.
“Samson, lovely to see you this morning. Your father will be down momentarily.”
My blood is boiling. Refraining from yelling at my mother is increasingly harder each moment we’re in the same room. Henry arrives with the morning paper, which takes my anger down a notch or two. Shortly thereafter my father joins us.
“Son, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?”
“Good morning. I’m here to talk about Marisol.”
“The poor girl. We heard she died over the weekend.” Margaux feigns sympathy for Marisol’s family.
I’m seething. Margaux never cared about Marisol. She let her hang out so that Maria-Luisa could care for my siblings and me longer.
“How dare you?”
Both of their heads snap in my direction.
“How could you, Mother?”
“I have no idea what you’re referring to, Samson. I don’t appreciate your tone. Show a little respect.”
“No, Mother. I will not. You threatened her. You bought her silence. How could you insert yourself into my life like that? I thought your treatment of Billie and Noelle was bad enough, but this? This is a whole different level of evil manipulation.”
“Margaux, what is he talking about?” My father’s voice is stern.
At my mother’s inherent disregard for my siblings and me having lives of our own, my father has become increasingly disenchanted with her. I recognize they have a marriage of convenience, a business deal, but that doesn’t mean he endorses her behavior.
“About ten months ago, I learned that Samson and Marisol were spending time together. I approached her asking her to stay away. Reluctantly, she agreed.”
“Keep going.” Anger seeps deeper into my tone.
“There’s more?” my father inquires, a hint of disgust lacing his voice.
“About two months later, Maria-Luisa came to visit, announcing that Marisol was pregnant. We had tea while she gushed about how happy she was and that Marisol was absolutely ecstatic.”
“Margaux, please tell me you didn’t.”
Margaux clams up and refuses to finish the story.
“As Mother seems to be rendered mute, she approached Marisol again, strong arming her into saying her daughter was Ramon’s without determining the actual truth. I saw Marisol right before she died. She admitted that her baby could be mine. I’m awaiting results of a paternity test.”
“Margaux, is all of that true?”
“Warren, I….” She turns and gazes out the window. “I was trying to protect him from that opportunist. Clearly, she only wanted money since she took it from me. Samson, please understand, she wasn’t good enough for you. Neither is that new woman you’ve been seeing.”
“You don’t even know her.” I was beginning to know her. The traits I do know are exceptional. Despite my stupidity, she keeps my business on task.
“Being cut off by Cassius and Wilhelmina wasn’t enough for you? How dare you risk our other children, Margaux?” Anger and disdain drip from my father’s voice.
“Mother, don’t come near me, my home, my office, or Savannah. I never want to see you again.”
Not that Savannah is in my life outside of work, but either way, the warning seems prudent. Although, I don’t think Margaux hears what we say. She simply does what she wants
to protect the Morgan name. Often she does more damage than damage control. Rarely, if ever, does she get the desired outcome. Turning on my heel, I attempt to leave.
“Son, can I have a word?” My father escorts me into his private office, locking us in.
“I didn’t know she sought out Marisol or the money.” His reaction leads me to believe him. He didn’t know. “When will you know the results?”
“Later today or tomorrow. Father, I don’t want to see her ever again. I won’t step foot in this house or attend any event if she’ll be present.”
“I understand. I would appreciate a call when you know.”
My father has changed over the course of my life. He was part of attempting to get Billie to marry a competitor’s son. However, when Billie thwarted the arrangement with Peter, he softened quite a bit. Warren had no idea Margaux was fooling Noelle. Since then he has distanced himself from her and her schemes. Hopefully this saves Auggie from dealing with Margaux’s plans and choices she would prefer him to make.
“How does Savannah feel about all of this?”
“I don’t know. I pushed her away.” The tightening in my chest reminds me I likely made the wrong choice, at least wrong for me.
“Son, she has been working for you for almost a year. I saw you with her at the gala; you have real feelings for her, more so than Meghan. You’re in a difficult position, but don’t let your mother mess up something else in your life because of your need to put everyone before yourself. You deserve happiness too.”
“Thank you. I’ll keep you informed.” I show myself out and decide to walk around Central Park before heading into work. Margaux’s reaction was expected. I never thought she would own up to her role in this scheme. Aside from failing to share about the baby, Marisol and I have always been honest with one another. She offered a shoulder and other comfort when I needed it. I did the same for her. I resolve to wait until the results before sharing with anyone else.
While I should go to the office, I head home instead. Even though I shouldn’t rely on her, Savannah will bring the files to me tonight.
