by Hanjing Yang
In Love With a Billionaire
(Book 1)
By Tanya Lane
Copyright 2013 Tanya Lane
Smashwords Edition
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, incidents and events are either the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Conclusion
Chapter 1
Aboard his 53 foot cruising yacht, The MasonWade, Dr. Shelby Conrad III was in his element. He loved his time on the Ashley River as it flowed into the Cooper and eventually the Atlantic Ocean. The smell of pluff mud and the salt marshes were transformative. It was reminiscent of his boyhood when he roamed the shores with his grandfather. He called him Papa Shell. It was a wild mysterious shoreline at the time. The live oaks flirting with the water’s edge and pelicans, herons and sea terns flying overhead. His Papa said it would be his one day and it was.
Sea Islands with multi-million dollar mansions, pristine beaches and excellent golf courses dotted the area he called home. Papa Shell was not one to put all of his eggs in one basket so he encouraged his grandson to have a backup plan. Shelby went to college in Boston followed by medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. He was Dr. Shelby Conrad III at the Conrad Cardiac Care Unit at Sacred Legion Hospital in Charleston.
Shelby was certainly the wealthiest man in the state, worth over three billion USD. He was able to keep a low profile. He was a quiet benefactor, real estate baron and a brilliant surgeon who had a gentleman’s agreement with the media who left him alone.
Shelby was 42 years-old. He had black hair flecked with grey. He was Six feet tall with a muscular yet slender build. He drank moderately, never smoked and he used sunscreen. He spent a great deal of time on his boat but was aware of the sun’s danger so he was not weathered and many would say he aged well. When not consumed by work in the boardroom or operating room, he was active. He was an avid tennis player along with his two sons. Mason was 17-years-old and Wade 16. They all managed to play at about a 4.0 level.
He lived in Charleston with his wife Maxine. She was also a physician, whom he met in Georgia. She was a good wife. A suitable wife who enjoyed her place in society. She was 39 years-old with blonde hair. She always wore great shoes – she had hundreds. Maxine had her life and Shelby had his. She was a general practitioner in a small practice. She did not like tennis although she liked the outfits. She was not much into sailing although she wore nautical themed clothing. They had the most important thing in common which was a love for their boys.
Maxine and Shelby did not share an intimate relationship. They considered divorce but decided it would be too much of an inconvenience. Maxine was having a long-term affair with the golf pro at one of the courses on Shawlaw Island. They owned a home on the island and the two were discreet. He was a nice guy and he seemed to make Maxine happy so Shelby looked the other way. Shelby was busy being wealthy and saving the world. He had no time for love although the occasional discreet tryst was always an option.
Shelby kept a family page updated through social media. He actually had someone to take care of such matters. It was an altar to Mason and Wade. It would help them as they applied to University although they did not need it. They made sure there were not selfies in circulation of the boys appearing in a less than stellar light. It also kept anyone who cared apprised of his accomplishments both personal and professional. He liked bragging about winning a tennis tournament or catching a prize fish. Maxine spoke of her successful charitable ventures. Her photos always showed her in an appropriate couture ensemble.
**********
Lexi Casmino was busy planning her first getaway since the sudden death of her husband Jerry. She was 41 years-old living in Monroe NY. It was a small city. It was closer to Cleveland than New York City. She once had a boyfriend break up with her, as she was geographically undesirable. Her husband had died of a heart defect that had gone unknown until he dropped dead. Her daughters were Lucy 16- years-old and Mae 13. The latter had inherited the heart defect.
Her three closest friends lived in the Boston area where they had gone to college. They were having a reunion of sorts on Cape Cod. They insisted Lexi join. Her life was chaotic and her sister would gladly keep an eye on the girls.
Lexi had auburn hair and green eyes. The past two years had taken their toll and she looked tired. With a swipe of lipstick and some rest, she would look 31. That was the intention of her trip north.
Lexi’s attention was laser focused on Mae. Her Congenital heart defect was undiscovered at birth. If it had been, she would have had surgery as an infant. The procedure was more delicate at 13. Her girl was walking around with a time bomb in her chest.
Lexi ran 40 miles per week to relieve stress. She was dealing with single motherhood and being a widow at the same time. She owned a small children’s boutique, The Kaleidoscope. She and her sister Regina opened it when it seemed manageable. She had not been to the shop in months. Her sister and in-laws handled everything.
Jerry had been dead for two years and Lexi had not begun dating yet. She had kissed many men and had fun when she was younger. At 40 she wondered – hoped sex was still possible. Her friends hoped to point her in the right direction.
**********
Lexi’s three closest friends were preparing for her arrival at Logan Airport. They planned to grab something to eat in Boston before heading to the small town of Baxter on Cape Cod. They had not all been together since the funeral. They would leave their children and husbands behind and looked forward to some “girl time”.
Sepia was the mayor of a small town of about 40,000. She was born to run the show. She had planned the weekend at the cape, organized her family expertly and conducted her life as if it were following a finely crafted script. Sepia’s words were rarely misplaced and the town of Beemer loved her.
Carys was a lawyer. She had a partner, Valerie, and a daughter Bronte. She was smart and beautiful. She was approached by men often – not her type. She had money but did not live ostentatiously.
Mercy married a neurologist and was a mother to four children. She was a gentle woman and probably Lexi’s closest friend. They shared secrets. In college, they had the most fun, pushing the envelope when given the chance.
Chapter 2
Lexi arrived in Boston at five pm after the short flight from Western NY.
“Lexi, welcome. Sepia and Carys will meet us at dinner. I assume you checked your bag, as you always do. God, it is so good to see you. Get ready to be spoiled.” Mercy was ready with a warm embrace for her friend.
“You do not know how badly I need this. I feel like I am ready to explode. I have been trying to remain composed for two years.” Lexi was overwhelmed with tears.
“How does a strong cocktail sound? I do not mean to sound rude but I have to say you look washed out. We will skip breakfast and a run in the morning. You need some sleep and a massage. This will be good for you and the girls will benefit too. You are always there Lex. We are going to change things up.” Mercy offered her arm in friendship but also because Lexi looked as though she could use the physical support.
After collecting Lexi’s bag, they headed downtown and met the other women. I phones were flying as they shared pictures of family and friends. They had Margaritas and picked up several bottles of wine for the weekend.
**********
“You are going to be a bachelor for the next month. Think you can handle it?”
“Yes Maxine. You have been taking the kids to Shawlaw for 15 years. I will be traveling for most of July, so you guys will not be missed. I will be in St. Tropez and Nice for a couple of weeks where I have some speaking engagements. I will hit Spain as well. The rest of the time will be at the hospital. I have the annual meeting in September and I have to meet with the new board members.” Shelby was eating a light breakfast after tennis.
“I was just checking in. I hope you can fit in a small amount of R&R.”
“I plan to take a couple of extra days. I have some holes in my calendar but you know how that goes. Work is a vacuum that sucks most of it up. Shawlaw and golfing……sounds fun. Keep those lessons with Tommy on the course. The boys do not need to witness your dalliance.” Shelby was nonchalant as he ate his mangoes.
“Shelby, when have I ever shown up anywhere except on the society pages? I am on your arm when it matters. You can trust me to be discreet.”
“Thanks Maxine. I will have the Gulfstream at my disposal. You will have access to a jet if the need arises. Just call ahead and the pilot will file a flight plan. You know the drill. I will always be available to you by phone. Tiffany will be on call at all hours should the need arise. You will have the usual security detail. They will not be noticed and you will be safe.”
“Are we still on for the third week in August?” Maxine asked.
“We are. I have the plane available. I have that week planned for moving Mason to Boston. He will have the remainder of the summer to get all of the items he needs to move into the dorm. I have said before, and I am serious that he does not look like a snotty little rich kid. I want Mason to have everything necessary to be successful but I do not him lavishly outfitted.”
“Shelby, he is a snotty little rich kid. We are moving his gear in a Gulfstream, not an SUV. He is the son of one of the wealthiest men in the United States. He will have security. We are buying him a new vehicle this summer and it will not be a pre-owned jalopy. It is o.k. to be wealthy.”
Shelby was standing now to make a direct point. “My grandfather taught me better than that Maxine. I inherited money but I am who I am through hard work. I can see it in a person’s eyes. I earned respect. About the car - get him top of the line. He leaves it in Charleston. As a freshman, he takes the “T” like everyone else. I was a regular guy in college. I worked and laughed a lot. It is a gift I intend to give to Mason.”
“Mason is not prepared to be - ” Shelby interrupted.
“I am not flexible about this Maxine. I give in enough around here. Have fun on the island.” Shelby retreated to his office.
Shelby Conrad’s office was actually a separate wing of the house. He rarely worked at a desk. He was always on the move and occasionally he was in the operating room. He had a Jacuzzi with the finest view of the house. It looked out on the Battery with majestic views of the river. Fort Sumter was in the distance with sailboats making it a dynamic sight. He had surround sound with no visible speakers. He could speak to anyone and listen to anything with the press of a button. He had a private kitchen, bedroom and a viewing room.
Next to the Jacuzzi, his favorite feature was the library. It was his inner sanctum. Books snugly filled the shelves. There were hundreds of medical journals. He actually enjoyed reading. He had many biographies covering every US president and their wives. They also covered every genius as Einstein and Steve Jobs. He loved reading about their hobbies and the small details of their lives. His favorites were there to visit like Hemmingway and Garcia Marquez. He had a collection of children’s books some which were memories and some he envisioned reading to his grandchildren. He had the audacity to pen an autobiography at 35, Having it All – My way. He kept a couple of first editions. He signed them in the event anyone would have an interest. Shelby Conrad III, an Unauthorized Biography was on the lowest shelf. It was personally invasive and it hurt because a lot of it was true.
Shelby decided to spend the evening at home. He would have a farewell lunch on the boat with Mason and Wade. After, he would grab a snifter and bottle of barrel-aged bourbon. He was feeling bluesy and needed some time alone. He rarely drank but felt that the veil of alcohol would suit his mood.
**********
The girls had settled into Mercy’s house in Baxter. It had four bedrooms and a belvedere with a panoramic view of the salt marsh. Lexi had purchased candles with names as Beach Walk, Ocean Breeze and Summer in New England. They did not smell anything like the fresh air wafting through the house.
The women were frantically checking in at home to make certain all of the children were well. Their partners were all capable and perhaps they enjoyed the chance to be in charge.
“I’m opening some wine. We have three types of ice cream and candy bars. Get your asses down here.” Sepia was corralling them into the screened porch. Where they proceeded to drink too much and eat too much.
“Lexi we all know why you are here. How are you? I do not want to hear about Lucy, Mae or Kaleidoscope. I do not give a shit how many times you have gone to Jerry’s grave or how great Regina has been. I speak for all of us. I am fucking worried about Lexi.” Carys spoke first.
“The lesbian bitch is right Lexi. Start talking.”
“Why do I have to answer to a lawyer and a mayor? I get it you guys. I am a little stuck and very overwhelmed. I am the Widow Casmino. I do not exist for myself anymore. I have to make sure the girls are o.k., especially Mae. My second priority is the store. I got some insurance money but I have to make Kaleidoscope a success to keep the ship afloat.”
“Lexi.” Mercy frowned.
“Sex. I know the three of you too well. After two years I am still unable to even think about having a casual cup of coffee with another man.”
“Lexi, I do not know how to put this delicately. He would not be another man, as Jerry is dead.”
“You are correct Carys. That was not delicate. I am not a woman who just had a bad break-up. My husband dropped dead, leaving me to raise two girls. One who is very sick. I know you mean well but I’m just not there yet.”
“May I suggest a change of subject?” Sepia was naturally a diplomatic voice.
“Please save us Sep.” The detour was a relief to Mercy.
“As you all know I am the Queen of Social Media.”
“Yeah Sepia. It suits your curiosity and loquacious nature.”
“No Lexi. She is nosey and she has a big mouth.”
“I own that Carys. I have found a number of interesting men from my past. Some have not aged well. You have to check out the first man I fucked back in the day. Mark is hardly recognizable. There are no family pictures and I think one photo is a mug shot.”
Lexi and the other women spent hours looking up friends from their past. They all had romantic entanglements gone awry. It seemed many people kept the world up to date with their professional lives and personal lives as well. There were people that surprised them like the mousy woman from their dormitory who is a lovely successful married woman with children. None could remember why they had no time for the woman back then. Perhaps the rumored “Mean girl” syndrome existed and they had been a part of it. Mark from Sepia’s past had indeed had a rough 20 years. He was a military man who Sepia lost her virginity to on the beach. His long hair was shaggy and receding. Photographs showed him with a son but there was no woman in the pictures.
“Shit did I dodge a bullet or what?”
“I remember after you screwed Mark on the beach. It was only a few miles from here. You were the last one to go and you were so proud. Your sexual adventures started late but took off like a rocket after that.” Lexi surprised herself by smiling.
“Lexi, you were no shrinking violet. I think you were a pleasant surprise to most of the men you dated.”
“I did not date that much Carys. I had a boyfriend for the last two years of college. I strayed a l
ittle bit in the summer and except for my semester of experimentation, I was with Derrick.”
“What the hell was that experimentation semester all about anyways?” Mercy questioned.
“It was the beginning of senior year. I wanted to date a little. I had admired quite a few guys from a distance. I wanted to see what they were like. I was a liberal Democrat but many Republican men were in my poli sci classes since freshman year. I dated a couple of them and they were no different. Sepia and I were poli sci majors back in the day. You can see I did nothing with my degree.”
“I remember those days Lexi. We had all of our classes together and you got better grades. We had no business being in some of those classes. That rich southern guy was in our Politics of China class. He is some super wealthy surgeon. I read about him in Forbes last year. You had a little flirtation with him. What was his name?”
“He was hot and smart. We said hello but that was about it. His name was Shelby Conrad III. I know that he is a cardiac surgeon. He owns a bunch of golf courses and shit in South Carolina. He has moved beyond the operating room for the most part. He has published many papers on congenital heart defects (CHD). Desperate people like me seek out people like him as far as surgeons go. Fuck, I have turned a perfectly good sex talk into cardiac surgery. Sorry ladies. More wine please.”
“Why don’t I search for Dr. Conrad?”
“I am certain he is handled by a team of publicists.” Carys slowed the enthusiasm.
Sepia began ticking away at her tablet. Anything was possible with two empty wine bottles among them. The mint chocolate chip was melting and the candy wrappers were in tatters.
**********
Shelby had lunch on board the MasonWade with the boys. They had burgers and talked about tennis and women. They usually attended the US Open in New York but they were passing this year. Mason was busy getting ready for school and Wade had a girlfriend whom he was unwilling to give up for two weeks. They talked about their Hollywood crushes. Shelby’s 40 plus years felt like an eternity when he chose Nicole Kidman and the boys preferred Megan Fox. Shelby watched nothing current so he did not know whom the boys were talking of.
