by Riley Walker
Before I leave the parking lot, I decide to text Oren and let him know about the flash drive being sent to me today. I can only do so much on the computer, and I’m pretty sure I’ll need his help with whatever Mrs. Grimes is sending me. I hear the ding of the text while driving, but I refuse to look at it until I get home. Texting while driving is a big no-no.
After I unload my goodies, the first thing I do is make a large pot of coffee. You would think Dad would have one of those Keurig’s or some new fangled cappuccino maker, but no, he has a good ole Mr. Coffee. Dad always drank his black. He said it would put hair on his chest. That’s probably why I have always drank mine with lots of cream and sugar. A lady does not want a hairy chest. I take my first sip of the heavenly nectar and it immediately makes me feel human again. That one sip wakes me up enough to remember that I have a text I haven’t opened.
It’s a response from Oren. He wants to confirm our meeting at their place tonight at six and remind me that they will provide dinner. I reply back that I appreciate his help and dinner sounds great. I go back to drinking my lifeline when I get another text. This one is from Cash. It says “Italian, Chinese, or Indian?” I’m glad Cash will be there because his accounting expertise will be a big help. I just hope North won’t be. For some reason, when I get around all four of the brothers together, I become a hormonal teenager. I send a quick text back, “Surprise me.”
I refill my coffee and head to Dad’s office. My laptop is in here sitting on the desk, and I need to get organized before Zoe moves back. I google contractors and find a company that builds greenhouses. I make the call to Envirohouses and tell them just what I need, leaving out exactly what I plan on growing. The nice man, Mr. Erickson, has agreed to come over first thing in the morning. He tells me that he has never turned a guesthouse into a greenhouse, but he’s up for the challenge. One thing done and about a million more to go.
Dad’s office is still a mess, and I can’t concentrate, so I spend the rest of the day tidying up. I’ve never been able to work in chaos. When everything is either back in place or thrown away, I check my phone and see that it’s already four o’clock in the afternoon. I need to shower before I can head over to the Michaelson house. I hope they’ve ordered something good since I’ve only had coffee today and I’m starving.
After my shower, I throw my wet hair into a messy bun since it’s way too hot to use a blow dryer. I put on my Rag & Bone denim capris, a pink tank top, and my Marc Jacob daisy flip flops. Tennessee is hotter than satan’s butt crack this time of year, so makeup is pointless. Lipgloss and light mascara is the only thing that won’t melt off my face.
I arrive at their house twenty-five minutes later, noticing first the immaculate lawn. Their house isn’t as large as I expected. Instead, it’s a simple two story ranch-style with a long front porch. I’m still taking it all in when Ridge opens the door to my car and pulls me out of the front seat. “Glad to see you again, sugar. Dinner just arrived and if we don’t get in there fast, Cash will have eaten it all.”
That’s all I needed to hear before I hightail it in the front door and follow my nose to the food. The kitchen counters are covered in different takeout boxes. I see ones from Mr. Ho’s, the Chinese restaurant downtown, Cafe Prego, which is my favorite Italian bistro, and Vagina Tandoori Indian Cuisine. Yes, that is the actual name of the restaurant. I couldn’t make that shit up.
Cash clears his throat, “Surprise.”
I giggle at that. “I guess you couldn’t decide?”
He gives me a megawatt smile and asks, “Why choose?”
“That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day.” I grab a plate and put a little bit of everything on it, then sit down at the bar. I dive right in, moaning in ecstasy.
Oren walks over and puts a water down next to my plate with an astonished look on his face.
“What?” I then look around and notice the three guys staring at me. I look down at my shirt to make sure I haven’t dropped a noodle or something on me.
Ridge has a huge grin on his face. “We’ve never seen a girl eat like that. Most girls order a salad and pick at it.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Are you calling me fat?”
“Oh, shit no. I’m just saying, you eat like you've just got out of prison.”
I glare and point my fork in his direction. “One, I haven’t eaten anything all day. Two, I happen to enjoy a good meal. And three, it’s not polite to stare while a lady is eating.”
All three brothers immediately turn around and start making their own plates. I swear they are whispering to each other under their breath, but I couldn’t care less. This is the best meal I’ve had in weeks. After dinner is over, I help the guys pack up the leftovers and Oren suggests we head to his room where he keeps his computers.
I follow Oren up the stairs and into his room. Holy hell. There’s a small bed up against one wall, so small I don’t see how Oren fits on it. The walls are painted a slate grey that matches the carpet. The bedding is charcoal grey with a few black pillows tossed on it. The reason for such a small bed, is the desk he has takes up more than half of his room. It’s an L-shaped desk that goes from one corner of the room and wraps around to the next. There are two oversized rolling office chairs, and papers everywhere. On top of the desk are two computers, that I can see. One computer is hooked up to four monitors, the other has three. I turn to look at Oren. “Why in the world would you need seven computer monitors? And what is with the kid sized bed?”
Cash walks in behind us. “Oren is a minimalist about everything but technology. Besides, he usually falls asleep downstairs in the game room or in one of these desk chairs.”
Oren is rubbing the back of his neck looking down at the floor. I didn’t mean to make him feel bad. Yeesh Alice, get some decorum.
I shrug my shoulders and plop down in one of the chairs. “I get that. My apartment looks barely lived in due to the fact that I was always studying or at school. No need to decorate a place that I rarely had time to enjoy.”
This seems to loosen Oren back up as he sits in the other chair, rolling it over beside mine. He holds out his hand. “Okay, let’s get started.”
I pull the flash drive out of my pocket and pass it over. There are butterflies in my stomach when my fingertips brush the palm of his hand. Either my inner hormonal teenager has perked back to life, or that Indian food is gonna have me in the bathroom later. Truthfully, I hope it’s the Indian food because I don’t have time to convince my inner teenager not to jump this man’s bones, or boner. I facepalm myself at that thought and then remember I’m not alone. I look up to see all three guys are now in the room. Oren is in the chair next to me with one eyebrow quirked up. Ridge is leaning against the wall with his very muscular arms crossed against his also very muscular chest. Cash is sitting on the bed leaning against the headboard.
The sound of the front door closing and keys being tossed brings us all out of our awkward silence. Ridge pokes his head out of the door yelling, “There’s food in the fridge!”
Oren turns around, puts the flash drive into the closest computer, and just like that, everything is back to normal. As normal as you can get while sitting in a gorgeous man’s room surrounded by his equally gorgeous brothers. The first time I met the twins I couldn’t tell them apart, but now I can see the differences in them. They are both over six feet tall with sandy brown hair and piercing hazel eyes, but Ridge is a little more muscular. Oren tends to stay back and blend in while Ridge holds his shoulders back and uses his size to intimidate. Ridge usually wears a cocky, know-it-all grin, while Oren’s face is more serious. I’m pulled from my thoughts of the twins when North comes stomping into the room.
“There is barely any food left. Y’all couldn’t have saved me enough to at least make a plate?”
Cash chuckles. “Blame Alice. She became a human garbage disposal.”
North seems to have finally noticed I’m in the room and he instantly frowns. “What is she doing here?”
I glare in his direction. “She was invited here after she asked for Cash and Oren’s help. As for the food, you snooze you lose, and I have no clue why the caveman is here,” I say while pointing at Ridge.
I turn and give Cash the middle finger. “I told you I hadn’t eaten all day, and if we were still in the kitchen, I’d stick my fork up your ass.”
This has Cash actually doubled over the bed laughing.
Oren clears his throat. “Alice, you need to see this.”
I roll my chair over to Oren and look at the four monitors in front of him. “Oren, I have no idea what I’m looking at.”
He points to the one on the far left, closest to me. “This is the last financials you have that we looked at yesterday.” He then points to the monitor next to it. “This is the true financials. Do you see a difference?”
I look back and forth between the two, and yes, I do see a difference. Almost a ten million dollar difference. “Why is the original financials showing almost ten million less on the books than the one Mrs. Grimes sent over?”
“Someone is slowly siphoning money from the company into another account somewhere. You have an embezzler in Du-Kane, Inc., Alice.”
“Son of a bitch.” I turn my head around at the sound of North’s voice. “Damn, Alice, I’m sorry.”
“Can you trace this, Oren? Tell me who and where all the money is going? It looks like Du-Kane, Inc., is already in the red. At this rate, there won’t be anything left next year.”
Oren runs a hand through his hair and nods his head. “Yeah, I can do that. It will take some time, but I can trace the money. If they’re doing it at the office, it’ll be easy. If this is someone who knows what they are doing, they will have done it offsite and masked their steps. I can let you know in a few days, either way.”
“I don’t understand what happened to him. When I was a little girl he was always at our house. He would bring me gifts, play with me, hell I spent hours laying on the floor coloring with the man.” I run my hands down my face. “He and dad had a falling out my first year of college. Dad said Uncle Richie was being an ass, and not to worry about it.”
I push back from the desk and rise to my feet. “I appreciate your help, Oren.” I look around the room at the rest of the brothers. “Thank you all for dinner. I need to get home.” I walk past Ridge and head out of Oren’s bedroom, and down the stairs. Before I can get to the door, a warm hand grabs me around the wrist. I look over my shoulder to see North.
“Look,” he shuffles his feet and looks at something over my shoulder, “I know we haven’t exactly been friendly, but my brothers and I are here if you need anything.”
“Thanks, North. I really appreciate that.”
I give him another moment to let go of my wrist, and once he does, I turn and walk out the front door straight to my car.
Ten
Adopting Dobey
The next morning I am sitting in the kitchen, drinking coffee, and contemplating my life. I have too much going on, too much stress to deal with. I need something to help take the edge off. A slow smile forms on my face and I race up the stairs to get ready for the day. As soon as I’m dressed, I head outside toward my car, knowing exactly where I need to go.
“Oh my gosh! Isn’t she just the cutest little thing?”
The little brown haired puppy looks up at me. She’s so precious, but not exactly what I am looking for. I need a bigger dog, one for security, and a cuddler. A cuddling dog is a must.
I continue walking down the aisles of the Memphis Shelter, my heart aching for each dog. I wish I could have them all. I’m almost at the end of the aisle and I fear that the one I’m looking for is just not here.
Then I see him, and he is perfect.
He’s black with brown paws and pointed ears. He’s almost as tall as I am and he’s sitting on his butt. So perfect.
I look at the volunteer helping me and I point to the giant Doberman Pinscher. “I’ll take him.”
“Ma’am, are you sure? Dobey is a handful on his good days. Wouldn’t you like to look at the smaller breed dogs we have?”
I turn my full attention to the woman and say, “No. I want Dobey.”
An hour and a hundred dollars later, I proudly walk Dobey outside and get him situated in the backseat of my car. One thing's for sure, if I’m going to be taking him with me on a regular basis, I’m going to need an SUV. He takes up the entire backseat and that’s with his head hanging out of the window. Good thing my dad has a Yukon sitting in his garage I can drive.
Dobey and I head straight for the closest pet store to stock up on all the essentials. It takes me a second to get my new dog unloaded from the car and into the store. I grab a cart and off we go.
Dog food: Check
Food and water bowls: Check
Dog treats: Check
Toys: Check
Biggest dog bed they sell: Check
Studded collar with matching leash: Oh yes!
Dobey and I both practically prance out of the store with our new supplies and head to the house. This is exactly what I needed.
“Damn it, Dobey! Let go!”
I woke up this morning to a wet lick across my cheek and dog breath. I didn’t mind that, it’s the one black Marc Jacobs pump he has in his mouth now that do I mind. We’ve been playing tug-a-war with my shoe for the last thirty minutes. If I ever do get it back, I’m sure it’s trashed. I might as well admit defeat and just let him have it. I release the shoe just as the doorbell rings. I’m not expecting company, so I peek out of the peephole and squeal when I see who is on the other side. I throw open the door and practically maul my best friend.
“What’s up Doll Face? Zoe is in the house!”
“What are you doing here? I thought you wouldn’t be back for another week.”
I grab her by the arm and haul her into the house. I’m stopped when she pulls back abruptly. I look over my shoulder at Zoe to see her eyes huge and her body shaking.
“Zoe? What is it? Are you okay?”
“What in the hell is that thing?”
I follow the finger she’s using to point and see Dobey standing in the entryway to the living room.
I let go of Zoe’s arm and crouch down. “Come here, Dobey. Come meet your Aunt Zoe.”
I hear an intake of breath behind me but I don’t look back. Zoe has never been a dog lover, but I’m sure all she needs is a little time to get to know Dobey and she will love him as much as I do.
“It’s alright, Zoe. He’s my new puppy. He’s a good boy. Aren’t you a good, little boy?” I ask Dobey as he rolls over and shows me his tummy. My sweet baby.
“That is the biggest dog I have ever seen. There is no way I’m going to live with something that can rip my face off.”
I just roll my eyes and continue rubbing on my dog. She’ll learn to live with him. I tell her this as I stand.
“He won’t hurt you. He’s a gentle dog. You just need to get to know him a little better. It’ll be good for us. He’s like additional security.”
I grab Zoe’s arm again and lead her into the kitchen. “So, not that I’m not happy to see you, but why are you here so early?”
“Well, once I gave my notice, they went ahead and let me go. Besides, I was so excited to get started, I packed my stuff up and got here as quick as I could. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. The chance to use my skills to create a new plant? This is going to be epic.”
“Whatever reason, I’m so glad you are here. I’ve got someone lined up to turn the guest house into a lab and greenhouse. That reminds me,” I open the drawer in the kitchen where I keep my mail, “here, I got this for you to use for whatever you will need.”
Zoe takes the black credit card with a raised eyebrow. “You got me a black card?”
“It’s for you to get all the supplies you need. I don’t want you spending any of your money on this.”
A smile splits my best friend’s face and I can only imagine all the things she’s pl
anning on buying. “Just try not to buy everything under the sun. It’s going to be small to start with. Once you develop the plants, we can start adding more things. Agreed?”
A wave of her hand is the only response I get back.
My phone chooses that moment to start ringing and when I look at the screen, I’m surprised to see Oren’s name pop up.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Alice, it’s me, Oren.”
“Hey, Oren.”
He clears his throat before continuing. “Look, I got a few more hits on the account I’m watching. Do you think you could stop by the house later today? I have a few questions I need to ask and I’d prefer not to do it over the phone.”
A few more hits?
“Of course, Oren. I can be there in an hour if that’s alright?”
“Sounds good. See you then, Alice.”
I hang up my phone and look up at Zoe. “That was Oren. Remember when I told you about finding all those discrepancies with one of the accounts? He said there have been a few more hits and I need to stop by their house and answer some questions.”
Zoe looks me up and down, “If you only have an hour to get ready, you better get to it.”
I wince at myself when I realize she’s right. I’m in old ratty sweatpants, a shirt that has more holes than a donut shop in it, and a rat’s nest on my head. I race up the stairs and take a quick shower and throw on some clean clothes. I’m running out the front door in forty minutes.
I reach the brothers’ house and before I can raise my hand to knock, the front door opens up and I’m looking into the eyes of an amused Cash. He gives me an over exaggerated bow as I walk in past him.
“My lady, to what do we owe the pleasure of your company?”
I can’t help the laugh that comes out. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Cash be serious. “Actually, Oren called and asked me to come over. It seems he has some new information for me.”
“Well then, if you will follow me. I do believe my baby brother is in his room.”
