Fortress (Forde Family Series Book 2)

by nikki blaire

  “It really does take time to even be able to file and have it recognized by the court,” Dwele added, while reaching out to rub his mother’s arm. “

  Go at your own pace, mother. We’re all here for you.”

  “Yes, definitely.” Ayda stood up to hug her. “Now, when are we getting his shit out of the house.”

  They all laughed then began to eat dinner. For a moment, life felt like normal again for Marcus. It was a welcome breath of fresh air after being suffocated by his troubles for so long. But as soon as the plates were cleared, reality hit him again.

  “Why didn’t you invite Charlisse to dinner?” Dwele’s question hit him like a ton of bricks.

  Unintentionally, he cut his eyes at his brother. He was angry at himself though, not Dwele.

  “She just couldn’t make it.” He lied then stood up from the table. “Excuse me for a minute.”

  He dismissed himself then escaped to the backyard to be alone with his thoughts. His mind raced as he tried to figure out what he could do to get back in Charlisse’s good graces, but he kept coming up empty.

  Buy her something nice. Maybe a car...no. Jewelry...no.

  Those were all things that would have worked with Vanessa, but they wouldn’t carry any weight with Charlisse.

  “You seem like you’re thinking pretty hard over there. You okay?” Tremaine’s voice came from behind him.

  He was about to tell him that he just wanted to be alone, but Tremaine spoke before he could say anything.

  “You also don’t have to tell me.” Tremaine grinned, as if he heard his thoughts out loud.

  He stood beside Marcus, holding his drink. “I’m just out here because Ayda and your mom made me come check on you. I know when a man wants to be alone with his thoughts.”

  Marcus looked at him out of the corner of his eye. He wasn’t quite sure how to even bring the issue up, especially to someone that he had spent all of his time chastising.

  “But I am here though. If you wanna talk.” Tremaine shrugged. “Sometimes, it helps.”

  “Does it really?” Marcus found himself chuckling. “Charlisse is always saying that.”

  “It’s true. Now, I don’t just go around talkin’ to just anybody, but you’ve gotta express yourself, bruh.”

  Tremaine’s southern accent was most audible when he was drinking.

  “Well,” Marcus tried to to choose his words carefully, but they ended up falling out of his mouth. “I’m not happy about any of this shit. This isn’t how I saw any of this happening.”

  “And that keeps you from wanting to celebrate.” Tremaine nodded then took a drink. “I feel you.”

  “It’s more than that though.” The words just started to jump out, like they had been longing for a moment to break free.

  “The firm’s attorney says he’s trying to get my dad a deal. Immunity for cooperation or whatever. I don’t think I can even consider this whole thing over until that's complete.”

  Marcus looked off at the setting sun. “It’s just a lot of shit outside of my control and I don’t like that feeling.”

  “I feel you, but honestly, all of the best things that ever happened to me were things that came when I wasn’t in control. God has a way of doing that.”

  “I guess,” Marcus scoffed.

  He still wasn’t very convinced.

  “Naw, forreal. Your sister, my daughter...all of those things came from divine intervention. If I had my way, done what I always do, I wouldn’t have Sasha. I surely wouldn’t be with Ayda. I’d still be watching her every morning like a creep in that coffee shop.”

  “Wait, what?” Marcus had never really known how Ayda and Tremaine met, but hearing his recount made him laugh.

  “Yea, man. I would watch her every morning when I took my daughter for breakfast. Never even knew her name. I had become scared of rejection, so my hanging back was my way of controlling the situation. And I would’ve controlled myself right out of the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  The best thing that ever happened to me.

  Marcus immediately thought of Charlisse again. She was most definitely his "best thing."

  “Look, just don’t be so focused on the how of things. How you got it or whatever. Just be thankful and do your best when you get it.”

  But I don’t have her.

  That was what Marcus wanted to say, but Tremaine’s advice was helpful enough. Instead of focusing on how to get her back on good terms with him, he would show her how thankful he was for all that she had done.

  “I appreciate you.” He looked up at Tremaine.

  “No problem." He nodded. "Aight, I feel like I’ve been out here long enough for them to think I did something.”

  He laughed then turned to go back inside.

  “Wait a second, Tremaine. I did want to talk to you about something. Have you ever thought about being CFO at Forde Financials?”

  Tremaine stopped and gave him a look that Marcus couldn’t quite read.

  “Hell yeah I’ve thought about it. Ayda brought it up, but I don’t want to cause problems. She feels strongly about it and I want to respect that.”

  Marcus had to laugh. “What doesn’t my sister feel strongly about?”

  They both shared a chuckle. “I think you’d be one hell of a CFO. You’ve already helped me with Damien and I appreciate that. And honestly, this shouldn’t be the first time that you’re hearing this from me. I apologize for always giving you a hard time.”

  “It’s all good, bruh.” Tremaine smiled, his dimples showing themselves. “I told you that I’m a big brother too. You wouldn’t be doing your job if you didn’t hassle me about what I’m doing with your sister. It’s cool.”

  “So, does that mean you’ll take it?” Marcus held out his hand for Tremaine to shake.

  He paused another minute to think then broke out into a Cheshire cat grin. “Hell yea, I’m taking that shit. Thank you, man. Forreal.”

  Tremaine's excitement was contagious to the point that even Marcus felt good despite the circumstances.

  “Great. And uh...they’re clearing out my dad’s office. I’m supposed to move in there, but I’m not really feeling that, so it’s open to you. Whenever you get your current gig wrapped up, it’s waiting for you.”

  “Oh shit, forreal?” Tremaine was overjoyed. “Bet.”

  It warmed Marcus’ heart to finally do the right thing. He felt like it was his first step to undoing all that his father had done wrong.

  “Oh, and one more thing since you brought it up.” Marcus held him back again.

  “What are you doing with my sister? This job is supposed to stay in the family.”

  Tremaine grinned. “I’m gonna marry her when she’s ready.”

  “When she’s ready?” Marcus shrugged. “What woman isn’t ready to get married?”

  “Bruh, it’s not 1954. Women can vote too in case you didn’t know.” He nudged Marcus. “Don’t let your sister hear you say some shit like that.”

  Marcus nodded. “You know what I meant, what’s the hold up?”

  “She’s not ready.” Tremaine’s showed a tinge of sadness. “You know, she did the engagement thing before and the nigga was a piece of shit. I’m waiting until she’s fully over that before I do anything. She went through a lot.”

  “Went through what?” Marcus' ears perked up.

  “I’ll let her tell you about that. It’s her story to tell anyways.” Tremaine started to back up. “You should talk to her though.”

  They both nodded at each other in what seemed like a silent understanding between them.

  “I will.” He watched Tremaine walk back into the house.

  Eleven

  Charlisse watched Terry pour more wine into his glass. He had come over to help her put together a look for her father’s award’s gala. Truthfully, she wasn’t up to it, but she could never disappoint her father.

  He had proven himself to be the only man that she could count on time and time again.


  “I’m not a fan of blue. You know that. Unless, it’s Blu-phi because I love me a Sigma man.”

  “Terry, focus.” Charlisse swirled around with the gown pressed against her body. “I think I like this one. It looks regal.”

  “It makes you look washed out. Beyonce’ told us about blue and Black girls.”

  “She was talking about blue light though.” Charlisse smacked her teeth and tossed the dress aside.

  “You know what I mean.” He motioned for her to put on something else. “What about black. You can never go wrong with that.”

  “Won’t that be boring?” She was trying not to look as drab as she felt.

  “These are lawyers, hunny. They are the very definition of boring. Now, let me see your black dresses.”

  “Well, I have this one. I’ve never really worn it. Just to Brandon’s wedding.” She pulled the sleek black number out of her closet.

  Her memory quickly took her back to meeting Marcus for the first time. Her body warmed, but her heart felt like it had been stabbed.

  “No. Hell no! We make too much money to re-wear dresses. Move.” Terry stood up and came to her closet.

  He began to furiously push through the gowns until he found something that he liked.

  "This is it!” He held the blush-colored gown up to her. “This color and this dramatic one sleeve. This is it, got dammit.”

  “Fine.” Charlisse grabbed it, still stuck in a sour mood.

  She tossed the other dress on the bed then went in the bathroom to change.

  She emerged from the bathroom wearing the gown, but still needed to do her hair and make up.

  “How does it look?”

  “Like I just might be straight tonight, Charlisse. Damn.” Terry up and downed her. “Be careful out there now. You may break a man’s neck.”

  “Please.” Charlisse stomped back into the bathroom with Terry right behind her. “No one is ever paying that much attention to me.”

  “You must’ve forgotten who you’re talking to.” He sat her down in front of the mirror to do something with her hair.

  Terry was always ready to assist Charlisse in putting herself together. She wasn’t a fan of making a fuss over herself, so she was always happy to let him do it. Besides, she needed the pick me up of getting dolled up.

  “I’m the one who’s always having to act like I don’t see Councilmember Bridges drooling over you like a dog or any other man for that reason. How many times have I had to reassure some fool that you and I did not come to an event together?”

  “That’s because we look so good together.” Charlisse grinned, as Terry grabbed a hot flat iron to straighten her bob hairstyle.

  “It’s because you’re gorgeous, bitch.” He thumbed her on the head. “Now, hold still before I burn your ear on purpose.”

  They both laughed, enjoying each other’s company while Terry finished her hair and face. He spun her around in the chair to give her a final once over.

  “This may be some of my best work. Don’t come home pregnant.”

  “By who, Terry?” She giggled then grabbed a mirror to look at herself.

  “One of them old law firm partners if you’re lucky. I keep telling you that all our bills could be paid if you just loosened up a little bit.”

  She had loosened up a little bit and it had almost cost her everything that she had worked for. Her face turned to stone.

  “Charlisse, what is wrong with you? You’ve been out of it all night. Is it work-related?” He stooped down in front of her.

  “I just...no, it’s not that.” She decided to go ahead and tell him that she had been let go. “Marcus Forde, Sr. fired me.”

  “Girl, what? Shouldn’t he be focused on not going to jail?” He scrunched up his face. “I cannot believe,”

  “No, it’s fine. Really. Having them as a client was more work than I could ever truly get paid for.”

  She shrugged. “It was for the best.”

  “And I bet that Marc wasn’t much better. Fine as he is, I know he’s a piece of work. I bet he’s got it even worse now that his father’s resigned. I should’ve known something was wrong when I didn’t hear the news from you. I’m so sorry, friend.”

  The news broke a day after Charlisse stormed out of the building. Marcus Forde, Sr. was going to be a material witness in the embezzlement case that the FBI was launching against Margaret Winters. He was also stepping down as CEO and his son, Marc Forde, would be his replacement.

  There had been a press conference, but Charlisse hadn’t watched. It would have been too frustrating.

  “Marc is…” She wanted to say something negative about him, but she had truly enjoyed their time together.

  “He’s his father’s son.”

  “I could never do your job, Charlisse. Working so closely with that fine ass man. I’d have spread my legs. I’m just being honest.” Terry innocently applied another swipe of highlighter to Charlisse’s face.

  “Well,” She couldn’t hold it in anymore. “I…”

  “Bitch, no.” Terry’s brush stopped in midair. “Don’t play with me. Are you serious?”

  He stared at her, daring her to continue with his eyes.

  “It was before I started working for them, Terry. I promise.”

  “Oh my Lord.” Terry tossed aside the brush. “You are a sneaking heffa for keeping this from me. You know that, right?”

  “What was I supposed to say? I’m fuckin’ my client, who’s also a multi-millionaire and one of the most eligible bachelor’s in Washington, D.C.”

  “Yes, that’s exactly it. See, you’ve got me about to cancel my date tonight to come with you to this gala because clearly someone’s got to keep an eye on you.”

  “You do not! It was one time after we started working together. Really. Don’t do that, Terry.”

  “Mhmmm.” He glared at her. “Is it over now?”

  “Most definitely.” Charlisse nodded.

  “Okay…” Terry’s lips curled into a mischievous grin. “So, how was it?”

  Charlisse laughed out loud for the first time in a while, as she recounted the parts of her love affair with Marcus that she felt comfortable telling.

  Thankfully, Terry didn’t judge her or beat her up for making a poor decision. She beat herself up enough already.

  “Don’t be too hard on yourself for being human.” Terry kissed her cheek before saying goodbye on his way out.

  She smiled meekly and hugged him.

  “I’ll try.” She released him, shut the door behind him, then went to grab her things to meet her father.

  “Bebelle.” Alphonse Lageaux answered his hotel room door with open arms.

  Falling into them felt like therapy, as he pulled her close.

  “Could you be the most beautiful girl in the world?” He sang then pulled her into a slow dance.

  “Daddy, we’ve gotta get downstairs.” She giggled at him before removing herself from his embrace.

  “You’re going to be late.”

  “It’s an event for me. I can’t be late.” He grumbled. “Sit with me. I haven’t seen you much since I got here. Plus, you don’t look so good.”

  “You just said I was the most beautiful girl in the world.” She laughed, while she followed him to the loveseat.

  “Beautiful, yes. Happy, no.” They sat and he put his arms around her. “What’s got you so down, bebelle. I can see it in your eyes.”

  Charlisse started to lie, but she couldn’t do that with her father. He would sniff it out before she even formed the words.

  “I was let go by my new client today. That’s never happened before.” She sighed into his chest. “I guess I’m still a little upset about it.”

  Her father ran a finger down her face. “I’m glad you got your practiced answer out. Now, tell me what’s really eating away at you. You feel as if it’s unjust? You feel like you failed?”

  “Well, yes.” She sighed. “I worked so hard for him...them. There was something difficul
t at every turn, but I held in there. I stuck it out. For nothing.”

  Charlisse crossed her arms and pouted. “I just feel like I got played, Daddy.”

  “And maybe you did.” He shrugged. “That’s the thing about life. Sometimes, we get played. But, the key is whether or not you grow from it. Did you?”

  She thought for a moment, but came up with nothing. “I don’t even know if I want to grow from this situation. I don’t think I want to give it that much significance.”

  “Well, that’s too bad because we grow from everything. Whether we’d like to or not. Everything sticks with us. All that you can control is what you do with it.”

  Charlisse closed her eyes and settled into her father’s arms. She knew they had to get going, but it was nice to have a moment of normalcy. Right now, she wasn’t Charlisse Lageaux, the crisis manager or Marcus Forde’s secret. She was just Charlisse, her father’s daughter.

  “I learned that from your mother’s passing.” He leaned down to kiss her forehead and pulled her closer.

  “I didn’t want it to stay with me and I couldn’t imagine what it was meant to teach me. But both things happened.”

  A faint tear trailed down Charlisse’s cheek while her father continued to share with her.

  “She was such a force. I never thought about life without her, but then when it came everything moved in slow motion. In that moment, I truly cherished her. It taught me how to love fully. I never realized that I wasn’t loving fully until she was gone.”

  Full tears were falling down her face now, but Charlisse didn’t want to wipe them. For once, she just wanted to sit in her emotions and let herself feel. She was always encouraging others to do it, but hadn’t done it for herself in a good minute.

  “Love is such a beautiful thing.” She whispered, as her father rubbed her arms. “I do want to find something like that, Daddy. Love that’s bigger than anything else.”

  “And you will, bebelle. It will find you.” Her father squeezed her then looked down at his watch. “We’ve gotta get going, but are you okay?”

  Charlisse gave a weak, but sincere smile. “I am.”

  She grabbed his hand to help him up.

  “Good, now, bebelle, don’t forget our safe word.” Alphonse slipped on his suit jacket, while she checked herself in a mirror.