Waiting on the Billionaire

by Jenna Brandt

  What was she going to do if Rick fired her over whatever was wrong? She needed this job to pay her bills while she tried to book another acting gig. Lana’s stomach knotted with anxiety. Without thinking, she bit her nails—a bad habit she formed when she was a kid.

  She wondered what was wrong. She made it a point to always be courteous to every person who walked through the doors of The Spot. Her guests left her glowing feedback along with healthy tips. It made little sense that Rick would take issue with how she did her job.

  Determined not to fret over what she couldn’t control, she silently sent up a prayer and asked God to give her peace in the situation. If left to her own devices, she would worry herself into a crying ball of stress.

  As Lana reached the sidewalk that led to the back of the restaurant, she saw the handsome form of Bryce Montgomery come into view. He was standing near the back door, a smile on his face along with a single pink peony in his hands.

  Against her wishes, her heart fluttered at the thought he was there to see her. She knew she shouldn’t care, but she couldn’t convince her heart to stick to her resolve.

  “Hi, Lana, you look pretty. Blue is definitely your color,” he noted as he took in her appearance.

  Lana had made little effort in picking out the top and jeans she put on that morning before running errands, knowing as soon as she got to work, she would change into her work dress.

  Self-consciously, she pushed her hair behind her ear as she stopped in front of him. “What are you doing here, Mr. Montgomery?”

  “You should call me Bryce.”

  “Since you’re the owner of my place of employment, I think it would be better if I didn’t.”

  “When are you going to realize, that’s not a good enough reason for us to not get to know one another?” He reached out and handed her the peony tied with a ribbon. “I figured out a little too late that you’re more of a single flower type of woman.”

  Hesitantly, she took the small gift, pulling it in against her chest. She wondered how he knew her favorite flower was peonies. He must have done his research to figure that one out. It was nowhere on her social media. She wasn’t even sure if Celeste knew it.

  Uncomfortable with his unwarranted attention, she moved past him to enter the building. He reached out his hand and stopped her. “Before you go into work, I wanted to ask you something.”

  She felt the tingling sensation where his hand rested on her skin. She turned to face him and looked up into his eyes, regretting it the moment she did it. A mountain of warmth flooded her as she fought the urge to melt into their deep blue pools.

  “And what might that be?” she asked in a clipped tone, wanting to convey she didn’t want him to keep her from going in, when it was quite the opposite. The more he sought her out, the closer she got to relinquishing her resolve to keep him at bay.

  He shifted his stance back and forth before thrusting his hands into the pockets of his slacks. He glanced away, then back towards her. She could tell he was unsure how to progress, but after a moment’s delay, he croaked out sheepishly, “I was wondering if you would like to go out with me this Friday?”

  “I work Fridays,” she replied automatically.

  “How about Saturday then?”

  Without thinking, she answered, “I’m free Saturday.”

  “Good. I’ll pick you up, say, around four o’clock?”

  She was a little surprised he was picking her up so early. Was he testing her out with an earlier time to keep his evening open if it didn’t work out? Well, he would do them both a favor if that was the case.

  “All right. I’ll see you on Saturday then.”

  Lana watched as Bryce walked over and got into his Maserati, then sped off and out of sight.

  Did I seriously just agree to go out with Bryce Montgomery? What am I thinking? Lana mused. I can’t believe he got me to relent.

  Lana entered the back area of the restaurant. Once she was inside, she moved down the hall towards Rick’s office. The anxiety returned. She had momentarily forgotten her boss wanted to see her while talking with Bryce.

  “Where did you get the flower?” Celeste inquired from down the hall.

  She stopped in her tracks and glanced down at the peony in her hand. “Bryce Montgomery.”

  “Really?” There was no mistaking the excitement in her best friend’s voice. “Was he here?” Celeste inquired as she looked around.

  “He waited for me outside.”

  “And?”

  “And what?” Lana teased.

  “Don’t keep me in suspense. What did he want?”

  “For me to go out with him.”

  “And are you going to?” Celeste probed.

  Lana nodded. “This Saturday.”

  Celeste squealed with delight. “Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe it. You are so lucky! He is literally the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. Plus, I’ve heard he’s really nice and generous,” she winked, “in more ways than one.”

  “Well, that’s good to know, but not something that will matter until my wedding night—if ever—depending on how the first date goes.”

  “Already contemplating your wedding to him. My, my, how quickly you’ve turned on a dime,” Celeste jested. “I could tell you secretly liked him.”

  Lana’s phone vibrated, and she pulled it out. It was a reminder she started work in fifteen minutes.

  “I need to go see what Rick needs before I clock in.”

  “Good luck, but hey, if you end up with a billionaire, you won’t need this stupid job much longer anyway,” Celeste pointed out, half-teasing.

  “No way. I will never live off a man. I want to make my own way.”

  She headed down the rest of the corridor and knocked on the door when she reached her manager’s office.

  “Come in,” Rick said from the other side.

  Lana pushed open the door and entered the small room that held a desk and three chairs. Rick Tillman sat in the one behind the desk; his grey-haired head was scanning the top paper in a stack in front of him. In the chair in front of the desk sat Brad Watters, the assistant manager who was several years younger than Rick but still a decade older than Lana. Both men looked up as she entered the room.

  “Please take a seat next to Brad,” Rick ordered.

  She did as directed and waited for her boss to continue.

  “First, I want to start with how in the short time you have been here, you’ve been an exemplary employee which is why we both find this matter to be out of character for you. A guest, however, has accused you of not doing your job properly.”

  Lana’s stomach clenched in a knot. “I’m as shocked as you both are. I’m diligent in being courteous to my guests and I double check everything I do.”

  “Well, I have a formal complaint right here,” Rick said as he patted a piece of paper next to him.

  “It was from two days ago. You had a brunette woman and her friend in your section. She claims you were rude to both of them, cutting them off and making comments about their appearance.”

  “What? I would never do that,” Lana exclaimed, mortified someone would make up such elaborate lies about her conduct.

  “I believe you, but when a guest raises such a serious complaint, we have to act. This will have to go on your employee record. If another report like this comes in, we will suspend you without pay.”

  Lana’s heart sunk at the black mark she would have against her name. Granted, this was a private meeting, but Brad lacked discretion. It was only a matter of time before everyone was aware of the complaint.

  She forced herself not to cry, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. Painful memories of childhood bullying came rushing back into her mind. She pushed them away and tried to focus on the present.

  Wanting to get free of their prying stares, she asked, “Is there anything else you need from me before I start work?”

  Both men shook their heads.

  Lana stood and exited the room. She headed
over to the employee’s lounge where she switched into her work dress and shoes.

  “So, what did Rick want?” Celeste asked as she leaned against a set of lockers.

  “Apparently, a guest lodged a complaint against me.”

  “Over what?” Celeste asked in a defensive tone. “You’re one of the best servers we have around here.”

  “Two female guests stated I was rude to them—even said I commented on their appearance.”

  “That’s crazy,” Celeste exclaimed. “I know you better than anyone and there’s no way you would ever do that.”

  Lana nodded. “It doesn’t matter though. They still put a written reprimand in my file.”

  “Well, that’s just stupid. It's ridiculous they’re punishing you because some twit made up lies. She probably recognized you from a part you landed that she wanted.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I want to get to work and forget about it.”

  “Okay, but if you need me to hunt down a skank and take care of business, I will,” Celeste offered, letting her rough adolescence’s influence flare up.

  “Thanks, but that won’t solve anything,” Lana stated as she closed her locker door. “I’m going to leave it in God’s hands.”

  “Did you forget we have dinner plans today?” Roger inquired as Bryce entered his apartment’s lobby. He pushed off the edge of the nearby desk and came over to stand by him. “You should look in your calendar on your phone since you keep everything in there.”

  Bryce did as Roger directed. Sure enough, he had a dinner appointment with Roger. “Sorry, I totally forgot.”

  Looking at his friend, he noted, “You seem to have an extra pep in your step since last time we were together. What’s got you in such a great mood?”

  “I went with my gut and asked Lana out again.”

  “Really? Didn’t you get the hint the first time when she didn’t respond?”

  “I don’t give up that easy—not when I believe something is important. When I stopped by The Spot after work today, I tried again in person. I figured she would respond better with a simple invitation.”

  Roger let out a heavy sigh. “You know, Bryce, you need to just move on. When are you going to realize, she is not right for you? You need someone from our world, someone who—”

  Bryce lifted his hand and cut him off. “That’s enough, Roger. Before you say something you can’t take back, you should know she said yes, and I’m taking her out on Saturday night.”

  “I see,” Roger stated in a disapproving tone. “I guess you’re entitled to make your own mistakes. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. It’s not going to work out between the two of you.”

  Bryce didn’t like Roger’s ominous opinion. He wondered why it mattered to him, anyway. “Why do you care who I date?”

  “You’re right. I shouldn’t.” He glanced towards the door and added, “I have to go.”

  “What about dinner?” Bryce asked in confusion. “Isn’t that why you're here waiting?”

  “Yes, but I’ve suddenly lost my appetite. I’ll catch you later.”

  As Bryce watched his friend leave, he wondered if this was how it would be if he dated Lana. He really liked her, but would it be too difficult to assimilate her into his life? The truth was, he tired of the superficial women who floated around in the world of the socially elite. He wanted something real with someone who was down-to-earth, someone like his mother. It had been a long time since a woman fit the bill, and he would brave whatever storm he needed to in order to see if he could make it work with Lana.

  6

  A firm knock sounded at the door. Lana made her way over and looked through the peephole. She sucked in her breath. Bryce was on the other side, and he looked good in a navy-blue sweater with a white-collared shirt sticking up at the neckline. She opened the door to reveal the rest of him that was just as appealing with his brown hair styled perfectly, a pair of tan slacks, and brown wingtip shoes.

  “Are you ready?” he asked with a handsome grin.

  “I sure am,” she said, patting her purse and coat she was carrying on her arm. She had debated about wearing a dress but decided against it since she wasn't sure where they were going for their date. Instead, she opted for a pink silk blouse with a pair of cream pants. She finished the outfit with a pair of beige heels, a pair of gold studs in her ears, and her hair pulled partially back in a clip.

  “You look amazing,” Bryce said as he took her arm and guided her down the three levels of the apartment building.

  Once outside, Bryce opened the passenger door to his Maserati and helped her inside before shutting it. He moved around the car and climbed into the driver’s seat on the other side.

  “I’m glad you took a chance on me.”

  “I hope I don't live to regret it,” Lana joked with a smile. “What do you have planned?”

  “Oh, I’m not telling,” he stated with a mischievous grin. “It’s a surprise.”

  “You’re lucky I like surprises,” Lana teased back. “Otherwise, this date would be off to a rocky start.”

  “Noted,” Bryce said as he put an invisible check in the air. “Lana likes surprises.”

  Soon they were on the interstate heading out to the countryside. As the tall buildings disappeared, they were replaced by the fall trees filled with changing leaves and piles of matching ones below.

  “So, how do you like working at The Spot?”

  “It’s a great place. One of the best restaurants I’ve worked at since coming out here three years ago. You invested your money well,” she pointed out, trying to let him know how much she enjoyed working there.

  He shrugged. “I never wanted it to be an issue between us that I own the place.”

  "I was only kidding. Other than the rose delivery, you’ve never come off like a typical Richie.”

  “A typical Richie?” He glanced over with a confused expression. “What does that mean?”

  “Oh, it’s a nickname Celeste and I have for a lot of the guests that come in who, shall we say, like to flaunt their money.”

  “Does that happen often?”

  “All the time, but mostly it’s not a big deal other than a bit obnoxious. But every once-in-awhile, you get a Richie who likes to cause problems and exert their power. I recently had a set of women who did that. They lied and got me into trouble and there was nothing I could do about it.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that happened. I need to look into finding a way for the workers to dispute a claim. Looks like I have a project with Mr. Tillman for next week.”

  “Thank you, but you don’t have to do that on my account.”

  “No, you’ve shined the light on something valid that needs addressing. I’m glad I know now.” He glanced over at her, then asked, “You mentioned you moved out here three years ago. Why did you?”

  “I got the acting bug when I was in high school. I was in my first play as a freshman. I got the starring role my sophomore year and I was hooked.”

  She purposely left out that part of the reason she retreated into acting was to avoid the popular kids who bullied her. It was a part of her past she would rather forget.

  “That’s great you have something you're so passionate about and that you’re pursuing it.”

  “I agree. It’s important to go after your dreams. You never want to wake up and realize you gave up on what could make you happy.”

  A flicker of pain crossed Bryce’s face. She would have sworn it looked like regret, but as soon as it appeared, he masked it with a smile.

  “Have you been on your own the whole time you’ve been here?” Bryce inquired.

  “No, as soon as I graduated, I told my parents I was moving to New York to pursue an acting career. I stayed with my aunt who lives an hour and a half out of the city, but it was too far of a commute for auditions and acting classes. I saved up and got an apartment with Celeste two years ago.”

  “Are you still close to your family?”

  “I talk to them twice a
week and text regularly with my two brothers and sister. They send me money to fly home to Minnesota every Christmas, and the family came out here last year for vacation. We would like to see each other more, but money is tight on both ends so we make do.”

  “Do you like living in the Big Apple?”

  She laughed at the tourists’ name for the city. “I've never heard anyone but a tourist call New York that.”

  He shook his head. “You’ll probably figure out real quick as you get to know me, I’m a bit corny. It kind of goes with the territory being a nerd.”

  “You’re a nerd?” she asked with disbelief. “Looking at you, I would never use that word to describe you.”

  Bryce looked over and gave her a devastatingly handsome lopsided grin. “Really? I guess I have changed a lot since high school when I developed my first app.”

  “Oh, what app?” Lana inquired, leaning closer in the car.

  “Blaze and Graze.”

  “Oh, I have that app," she exclaimed. "It recommends restaurants to you and all of them donate a portion of the sales from the check-ins to start up solar farms in third world countries.”

  “Yep, that’s the one.”

  “I can’t believe you came up with that. It’s great because I find all these hidden gems where I can try new food while helping others.”

  “The restaurants love it too because they get a lot of new customers from it, they get the tax write-off from the donation, and it’s only a small subscription fee to be featured.”

  “From your business card, I figured you were in the technology industry, but I had no idea in what capacity.”

  “You didn’t read my profile?” he stated with a shocked tone.

  “What profile?”

  “Never mind. It’s kind of refreshing to meet someone who doesn’t already know my whole background.”

  “Wait, now that you brought it up, you have to tell me. What profile?”

  “Manhattan Magazine did a feature on me recently.”

  Lana noticed Bryce’s flushed face, and his grip tightened on the steering wheel. Then she realized Celeste had mentioned the article. “Wait, my friend told me about that. You’re #1 on the Most Eligible Bachelors of New York list, right?”