“How exactly would I deal with her?” I ask, rolling my eyes, even though she can’t see me.
“Call her and tell her you have a girlfriend. Explain she’s still invited and can bring a date of her own.”
“Like it’d be that simple.”
“If you give her no other choice, it would be. Come with her own date, or get a refund. You can certainly dip into your trust for that.”
I was planning on dipping into my trust for something else, but it looks like I won’t be needing a ring. No. I still need a ring. I’m not giving up.
“I don’t suppose you’d be willing to make that call for me?”
“No, but I will make a different one.”
“I don’t think she’ll listen.”
“You let me worry about that.”
“Thanks Mom.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. They found a way to reduce the swelling on my brain. I’m going to be okay.”
I hear a sob before she speaks again. “Thank God. I won’t ask you about diving, because I already know that’s off the table.”
“It is.”
“You make your call and I’ll make mine. See you on Friday.”
“Can’t wait.”
I hang up with her and promptly look up the email from last year. Taking a deep breath, I dial the number.
“Hello?”
“Hi. It’s Cohen. Covington.”
“Oh. Hi.”
She doesn’t sound happy to hear from me. Interesting. “I was calling to talk to you about this weekend.”
“About that. I’ve got a boyfriend now.”
“Good, because I’ve got a girlfriend. Do you and you boyfriend want to come to the party?”
“Really? That’s great, and yes. Thank you.”
“See you on Saturday.”
I should’ve called her sooner. I could’ve avoided all of this if I had, but nothing about me and Quincy has been easy. Why should this be any different?
Chapter 21
Quincy
My office phone rings, startling me. No one calls me on it. Hell, I wasn’t even sure it actually worked.
“Hello, this is Dr. Morris.”
“Hello, Dr. Morris, this is Mrs. Covington.”
Holy shit. “You can call me Quincy,” I whisper.
“And you can call me Mollie.”
“Okay.”
“My son is amazing, but he’s also human. He’s going to mess up sometimes and so are you.”
“I expected little things. This isn’t so little.”
She sighs loudly. “I know.”
“I love him, but I love myself too. I learned to do that when my world fell apart. It was a struggle, but I did it. I can’t be with someone who doesn’t respect me enough to talk to me.”
“Please come to the party.”
“And watch him with another woman? I can’t.”
“He’s handling that situation.”
“Why isn’t he telling me that himself?”
“He’s afraid you wouldn’t listen to him.”
“I would’ve.”
“That sounds like past tense.”
Now, I’m the one sighing. “I appreciate the call, Mollie, but aren’t we a little old to have our parents calling to fix our messes?”
“I don’t think any of us will ever be too old. I still call my father when I’m upset about something.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
“You’re still not coming, are you.”
“I’m still deciding.”
“Ah, so it’s not a ‘no’ any longer.”
“If I don’t have to watch him kiss another woman, I’m more likely to go.”
“That would’ve never happened, even if he wasn’t cancelling the date right now.”
“I’m not going to easily get over you having to tell him to do it after he kept it from me.”
“I understand that. But please find it in yourself to do it. Fight for your love, Quincy. You did it when you came to the diving event, and I’m asking you to do it again.”
“I went there because of my daughter,” I admit.
“You wouldn’t have agreed if you didn’t want to see him.”
“I’ve never let myself acknowledge that.”
“That’s what mothers are for. Call yours and ask her what she’d do.”
“I just might.”
“I’ll see you on Saturday.”
“Maybe.”
“I’m taking that as a yes.”
We hang up and I shake my head. Cohen’s mother is kind of awesome. I can see where he gets his charm—and his heart. My mom’s awesome too, and overdue for a call.
I use my cell phone this time, and it only rings once before she picks up. “Is this really my long-lost daughter?”
“I’m one state away and you saw me last month.”
“I thought with you working for Matt Corrigan, I’d get a visit every week. In a private jet.”
“You thought wrong.” Not exactly. I could use a jet, but I wouldn’t do it weekly.
“When are we going to see you? Your father misses you.”
“Dad’s the only one who misses me?”
“Yes. I just miss Bianca.”
I smile, knowing it’s not true. “How would you feel about attending a gala this weekend?”
“In Vegas?”
“San Diego.”
“Please tell me you’re not back with Rick.”
“God no. He actually signed away his parental rights.”
“You have powerful friends.”
“I have wonderful friends—and a wonderful man. His family’s even more wealthy than Rick’s, but they’re polar opposites.”
“You didn’t think to mention this?”
“I thought about it, but I was afraid.”
“Not every man is Rick. Thankfully, not many are as bad as him.”
“I know.”
“Has he met B?”
“Yes. She wants him to be her new daddy, and he says he wants that too. He has a little boy.”
“We can get a flight out on Saturday morning.”
“I’ll send a jet. Just let me know when you want to fly.”
“I knew you had access to those jets.”
“Anyway, it’s a black-tie charity birthday party for both Cohen and his son, Shane.”
“Does Cohen have a last name?”
Here we go. I’ve already moved the phone from my ear. “You know him as Cohen Horton.”
The scream comes, followed by the gushing remarks. Did I mention that my mom loves Olympic Diving and follows the potential divers like it’s her life’s mission? I should’ve gotten her a ticket to his event, but I was too freaked out to think about it until after.
“Please marry him.”
“Yeah Mom, I’ll do it just for you,” I say sarcastically.
“That’s my girl.”
I hang up feeling lighter than I have all day. Except that now I need to go back to looking for a birthday gift. I know he’ll say I’m gift enough, but that’s not enough for me. Hello internet, find me what I need.
Cohen
I haven’t seen Quincy since I got my diagnosis. I fought the urge to go down to the medical ward all day. My mom said the call went well, but she didn’t commit to the party. She also told me I need to leave it up to my woman to come to me with the answer.
Wave is waiting for Shane and me in the apartment lobby when we get off the elevator. Shane runs over for a hug, while I eye her warily.
“Hey.”
“I’m kidnapping Shane for a couple of hours.”
“I don’t have a say in this?”
“It wouldn’t be a kidnapping if you did.”
“Okay. I’ll go out and grab some dinner.”
“No. You’ll get your ass up to your apartment and have dinner.”
“Huh?”
“Are you really so dense?”
“
Maybe?”
“Just go.”
“Can we play pirates again, W?” Shane asks as they walk away.
Everyone is now a letter to him, because he loves Q and B so much. Wait, did Wave mean what I now think she meant? I run to the elevator, hoping it’s what I think she means.
There’s an envelope with my name on it taped inside the elevator. I open it and can’t help but smile.
You’re cordially invited to dinner with the woman who loves you.
Another envelope is waiting for me on my apartment door.
6:00 PM tonight at the diving pool.
Yes. So much yes. I eagerly remove the next envelope from my bedroom door.
Your dinner attire has been chosen for you.
A pair of green swim trunks, and a black t-shirt are waiting for me on my bed. I was honestly expecting a Speedo, but this is better for everyone. I’m not sure the lobby guards would appreciate that. The concierge would, but I’m not here for her.
Once outside, I see a table and chairs set up over the water. Like, right over the water. The platform is probably 15 feet wide and spans the pool from side to side. It’s clear on the bottom and I love it. I love the woman sitting at the table even more.
Quincy has her hair loose and wavy down her back. She’s wearing a blue string bikini, and a sarong that looks like waves. She’s beautiful and everything I want in life.
“Thanks for coming,” she says, standing when I approach.
“Was there any doubt?”
“A little.”
“I screwed up and you were right to be angry.”
“It’s partly my fault too. You were scared to tell me, because somehow I made you feel like you couldn’t be honest.”
“I didn’t want to lose you over some stupid auction.”
“You wouldn’t have.”
“I know that now. All I can say is that I’m trying. It’s not enough, but I’m trying.”
“It’s enough. Next time please talk to me, instead of hiding something like your birthday party from me. It would’ve killed me to have missed your birthday, even if it meant waiting back at my house for you while you went to the gala with someone else.”
“Never. You’re not someone I’m ever going to hide. I’m honored to have you at my side.”
She bites her lip and looks around. “I wanted to do this up there, but it didn’t seem too safe.”
“This is perfect. We can take a waterproof cooler up one day and have a picnic in the air if you want.”
“Damn. I should’ve thought of a waterproof cooler.”
“Trust me to show you the ways of the water.”
“Speaking of that, I have a confession to make.”
Shit. She looks nervous. “Go ahead,” I say, swallowing hard.
“I invited my parents to your party. I figured they could have my RSVP since I’m going with you.”
“Of course. I can’t wait to meet them.”
“You say that now, but I need you to know my mom’s probably going to freak out over you.”
“Women tend to do that.”
She rolls her eyes. “She’s a fan. She loves competitive diving.”
I sit up straighter. “Yeah?”
“I should’ve taken her to your event. She would’ve loved it.”
“My parents have their own diving pool. On Sunday, I could dive for her. One dive only if my doctor says it’s okay. I know I said the event was my last, but I’d like to do this for your mom. Plus, I’m pretty sure my girlfriend didn’t watch my last one.”
“Your girlfriend is going to be scared out of her mind—and no, I didn’t watch—but your doctor is all for it. If you’re okay after we play with your head tomorrow. You might be dizzy for a few days.”
“If I am, will you kiss my head and make it feel better?”
“Kissing that head won’t make your brain feel better, but you know I’m always down for that.”
“Will you be offended if I eat fast? I feel the need to go to bed early tonight.”
“Not at all. Wave and Knox have the kids until eight. I wanted them to be in their own beds on a school night.”
“I love that you thought of that. But, it still leaves plenty of time for us to have our own play date.”
“Exactly.”
Chapter 22
Quincy
The party’s in full swing and I’m having fun. Cohen keeps getting pulled away to talk to another family friend, but he makes sure to always catch my eye and blow me kisses. Our parents are holding court at a table with Knox’s parents, and our kids are running around like they own the place. It’s a great night, and I’m happy to be celebrating with everyone today.
“They let anyone in, I see.”
My back goes straight before I turn to face Rick and Mika. “Apparently so.”
“Coming dateless to one of these things is really embarrassing,” she tells me.
Cohen is at my side, pulling me against him for a kiss before I can respond. “Good thing she’s got a date.”
“You can’t be serious,” Rick says, sneering in that special way of his.
“We’re very serious. In fact, you shouldn’t be surprised when you see our engagement notice in the paper very soon.”
“Trading up? I didn’t think you had it in you,” Mika remarks as Rick scowls. I don’t feel any pity for him, because he knew the score when he got together with her.
“It’s all about the man and not the money, but yes, Cohen’s in a league of his own.”
“You’ll lose interest, Cohen. Mark my words.”
“It’s time for you to leave. You weren’t on the guest list, so I’m guessing you bought someone else’s invite. I’ll let you walk out on your own, or I can call security over.”
“You’ll be sorry,” Rick says.
“No, I’m pretty sure I won’t. Bye now.”
They storm off, and I wrap my arms around Cohen’s neck. “I meant what I said.”
“So did I.”
Cohen
I’m having fun at my party, but I want some alone time with my woman. Quincy’s got on a sexy and strapless black dress that’s higher in front than the back and I want to have my hands all over it. All over her. It’s my birthday, and I want to unwrap one of the best presents I’ve ever gotten.
“Come with me,” I tell her, grabbing a bottle of champagne from the bar. I’ve got my other hand in hers as I lead her outside.
“Where are we going?”
“The beach.”
I take us to the elevator that’s hidden by some bushes, and we go down the bluff to the shore. It’s dusk, with enough light for us to see where we’re walking, and the strategically placed lights down here will come on soon.
“Let me take my heels off,” she tells me with a laugh when I try to pull her onto the sand.
“Good idea.”
I take off my dress shoes, roll up my pants legs, and pull off my jacket. She pulls my ascot loose with a shake of her head.
“I can’t believe you and Knox with these.”
“I told you it’s tradition on our birthdays.”
“Still ridiculous.”
“You love my ridiculous side.”
“That I do.”
We kiss briefly and walk to the shore. I have the champagne in one hand, and Quincy wrapped up in my other arm. It’s perfect and I kiss her again as the waves roll in a few feet from us. Best birthday ever.
Quincy
I told Cohen I was okay with him doing this for my mom, but as he climbs to the platform I want to cover my face with my hands. He hasn’t had any dizziness since the first day of his treatment and what we did last night was way more strenuous than this. But, I’m still scared.
“He’ll be okay,” his mom says, linking her arm with mine.
“I know.”
We lean on each other as the man we both love bounces on the edge and flies through the air. His head isn’t anywhere near the platform as he flips, allowing me to bre
athe a sigh of relief. It’s okay. My mom’s jumping up and down and screaming his name, and he’s okay.
“Breathe. We can breathe now.”
Cohen’s mom is as wonderful as I knew she’d be. B is already calling her “Grammy” like Shane does and I can tell she loves it. My parents love Shane too.
Cohen pulls himself up and out of the pool, making a beeline for me. I stand as he approaches, letting him lift me off my feet while kissing me.
“Thank you for this.”
“You’re the one who dived for my mom. On your birthday, no less.”
“Because you were okay with it. It’s the best birthday present I’ve ever gotten.”
“I have another present for you.”
“Oh yeah? I thought I got that at midnight.”
“One day, my eyes are going to roll into the back of my head when you speak.”
“When do I get this present?”
“Now, if you want.”
“I want.”
He releases me, and I stand back to let everyone else talk to him. The entire Society is here along with our families, sharing in the birthday celebration. My mom hugs him over and over, before my dad pulls her away. Cohen looks a little shell-shocked, but I did warn him she’d freak out. Today was a little more than yesterday because he dived for her, but still, he was warned.
“Whatcha got for me?” he asks, once he makes his way back to me.
I hand him the package and watch him unwrap it. I hope it’s what he wants. When he doesn’t say anything after reading the letter inside, I get nervous. Maybe I made a mistake.
“How did you do this?”
“I can be very persuasive, but Matt and Reina helped.”
“I never thought about coaching professionally before. And being an assistant coach for the U.S. team? Never that.”
“You don’t have to do it. It’s an interview only.”
“It’s something I never knew I wanted until it was given to me. Just like you. You’re what I’ve been waiting for my whole life. Thank you for this and for giving me more chances than I deserved.”
“You deserved them and more.”
“I’ll be gone off and on if I do this.”
“I’ll be waiting for you when you get back.”
He drops to his knee and pulls a small box out of his pocket. “Will you marry me, Quince? No big speech because I want my actions to speak louder than words.”
Vital Company Page 13
