by R. R. Banks
“Good answer,” said Hannah with a coy grin as she sipped on her coffee. “But, Alexis might want to own her own country one day.”
“No, I don’t,” said Alexis defensively. “I wouldn’t mind being able to go to a beach somewhere or up to the tip of a mountain, but I don’t have to own them. As long as I can visit, then I’m good.”
Russell laughed. “So, Nathanial, you got off easy. She just wants a few timeshares.”
“Ha!” exclaimed Nathanial as he reached for his coffee again. “I think we could pull that off.”
Alexis shook her head as she thought about what was just said. “Why would I want a timeshare?” she asked, confused as to why Russell went there.
“Honey, he was telling a joke,” patronized Hannah. “We know you don’t want a timeshare. Hell, the people who own timeshares probably don’t want timeshares.”
“Oh,” she said briefly, looking at the other three members at the table laughing at her inability to realize what was said.
“It’s ok,” comforted Nathanial as he squeezed her hand. “I know you don’t want to own a timeshare.” He smiled as he turned back to Hannah, holding his smile while doing his best to change the subject. “Have you spoken to your other friend today?”
“Who, Trisha?” asked Hannah.
“Yeah, her,” answered Nathanial. “Have you heard from her at all today?”
“We spoke earlier and she wanted to come join us for brunch, however, she decided to go eat with some of her new man’s friends and family.”
Nathanial nodded. “That’s unfortunate.”
“Yeah, but it’s really good for her,” continued Hannah. “She is someone that we hope to become close to again. We used to be very close but we fell out over time. Hopefully, in time, we can be that close again.”
“Did she talk about last night any?” asked Alexis, turning her attention toward Hannah and thankful that the conversation changed in a more positive manner, away from her previous mental gaffe.
“She mentioned that she had a great time with us and that she enjoyed the time she spent with Davis after she left,” explained Hannah. “She was talking about all of the ornate wood work and other things she found in Davis’s apartment. It really sounded like she was incredibly impressed with him.”
“She’s been talking to him for a while,” exclaimed Alexis. “I know they had a fling, but they actually kept it going. I was really impressed with how she was able to stick to it for as long as she had been without actually seeing him in person.”
Hannah nodded while giggling under her breath. “Are you saying she’s incapable of having a sustained relationship?”
“She’s about as capable as you are,” Alexis quipped quickly, prompting a look of shock on the face of Hannah, catching her off guard with her sarcasm.
“Alexis, are we really going to go there today?” she asked rhetorically as Alexis possessed a devilish grin. “That was a bit uncalled for.” She placed her hand on Russell’s knee as she leaned in and gave him a light peck on the lips before turning back to see Alexis and Nathanial doing the same. “So, Nathanial, are you going to relocate to here in the city?”
Nathanial looked over at Alexis and shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t think I’m going to live in Manhattan,” he said softly, keeping his eyes affixed on Alexis so that he could gauge her reaction. “I don’t think I would do well or be happy here.”
“Really?” asked Alexis as she looked up at him. “You don’t think you could be happy in Manhattan?”
“Yeah, there is just too much going on here and I really enjoy driving my fast cars and living in a space that has a bit of land to it,” he explained as he sat up in his chair. “I may look just outside of New York, possibly into Connecticut. I don’t want to be far from the city but I also want to make sure I can get what I need in life.”
Alexis nodded. “I think I’d be ok with that,” she said. “I know moving here is not something you’re totally sold on, but completely throwing yourself into frying pan and moving into the heart of the city might not be the best call at all.”
Nathanial nodded slowly. “I think if I could be close enough to the city to be near you, it would be optimal, though far enough where I could still enjoy a lot of the comforts I’ve grown accustomed to would be ideal.”
Hannah smirked. “Do they have snow storms in Dubai?” she joked.
He turned and looked across the table with a hint of scorn. “No, and that is not something I’m looking forward to either.”
“No one ever does,” continued Hannah with the wry grin. “It’s one of those things that you just have to deal with it when it comes and pray it never comes often.”
“I’ll have to find someone to shovel the sidewalks,” he said softly as the realization hit him that the weather would be incredibly different from what he was accustomed to. “In Dubai, we are a bit too sandy and too close to the equator to have to worry about such things.”
Russell smirked. “I grew up in Wales. Don’t talk to me about your disheartening weather conditions. It rains more than the sun comes out there.”
“Sounds tragic,” said Hannah as she tilted her head back to look at him. “Why do you like to return home so much?”
“If my family wasn’t there, I wouldn’t,” he affirmed as he looked forward. “The weather in New York City isn’t bad because of all of the traffic. They take care of the roads fairly well too so you don’t have to worry about some idiots riding the brakes and running into a building during an ice storm.”
Nathanial chuckled. “If it’s snowing or if there is ice on the ground, my sports cars will stay in the garage.”
“I can’t say I blame you there, sir,” continued Russell. “You might want to invest in a large sport utility vehicle with ice tires just in case. One of my clients lives north of the city and he swears by it. No matter the weather, he can get into the city and take care of his business.”
“That’s not a terrible idea,” remarked Nathanial as he reached forward and grabbed his coffee. “I already have a Range Rover back in Dubai. I can get it equipped with tires to handle the snow.”
“See, a solution,” said Russell with a cheeky grin as the sound of a large yacht took came into the harbor. “What I wouldn’t give to be on one of those today.”
“I’ll have to get a docking space for mine when I move here,” said Nathanial. “Maybe I could just ride it all the way here from Dubai?”
Alexis turned and looked at Nathanial. “Is that possible?”
“As long as I’m coming here to you, anything is possible,” he answered with a smile, thinking of the great times he was going to experience with Alexis. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead as the four of them looked out at the boats moving in and out of the harbor. “As long as you are here waiting for me, I’ll move heaven and Earth to make it back.”
“And as long as you’re willing to keep loving me, I’ll always be here waiting for you,” replied Alexis as she looked into his eyes, brushing the side of his face with her hand. “I’ll always be here for you.”
Epilogue
She sat on the beach, resting comfortably on a long towel while she looked out at the beautiful constructions of Dubai. Her tanned skin was glistening from the water she just came out of, making her appear to look majestic and regal, matching her amazing personality. She looked out at the horizon as several planes were flying overhead, bringing in tourist and billionaires alike to start their adventures.
He walked up beside her and sat down in the sand, shaking out his swim trunks from the water and plopping down comfortably. “Are you having a good time?” asked Nathanial as Alexis sat up to look at him. “Are you glad you decided to come here with me?”
Alexis smiled as she nodded. “I’m glad we don’t live here,” she replied confidentially. “But I’m really glad you decided not to sell this place.”
“It didn’t make sense to once the consortium d
ecided that you were going to be splitting your time between Dubai and New York,” he explained. “You spend half your time here and the other half there, so it really just makes sense to keep this place for you to live.”
“I know,” she said. “It’s a great compromise for the two of us. It really is,” she said as she laid back on the towel, looking up at the sun through her designer sunglasses. She placed her hands on his chest as Nathanial had to shield his eyes briefly, being blinded by the sun refracting off the ring he placed on her left hand a few days earlier. “Hey, I love you,” she said as she looked at him. “Thanks for coming back for me.”
Nathanial smiled as he placed his hand on her shoulder. “Thanks for taking me back,” he smiled. “And for saying yes.”
“I can’t think of anything I would’ve rather said,” she replied as she looked back up at the sun. “I can’t think of anyone I would rather spend the rest of my life with.”
Nathanial nodded, finally feeling satisfied and complete with everything. He was at peace with all of the business decisions and he was loving the life he was creating with her. She turned her head slowly and looked at Nathanial with a coy grin. “Except for Hannah,” she laughed, insinuating that she would rather be with her best friend than with her fiancé.
Nathanial shook his head as fell back into the sand, looking up at the sun with a smile on his face. “It’s ok,” he said. “I’ve learned that by marrying you, I’m getting her too.”
“At least you’ve come to terms with it on your own,” said Alexis.
“I love you, Alexis Matthews,” he said genuinely as he leaned back in the sand and thought about his life. Nathanial Jenkins finally had everything.
THE END
Billionaire Boss Reunion Epilogue
She looked into the mirror, standing with her mouth agape as she refused to remove her eyes. So much had happened over the past two years that life had barely a fleeting moment to catch up. Her friends had all grown up with her and their relationships had grown more complex and bountiful. However, the most important relationship was the one with the man she was choosing to spend the rest of her life with. Their courtship was just as frantic and perfect as their first meeting in the coffee shop in Sydney.
“Your hair is gorgeous,” said Alexis, weaving her hands through Hannah’s long blonde locks. “I really think you should do this to your hair more often.”
Hannah chuckled as she looked into the mirror an averted her eyes toward Alexis’s reflection. “Absolutely not,” she replied quickly. “I’m giving in to this today because this is how Russell wanted my hair, but unless there is something in it for me, I will never again wear my hair down.”
Alexis laughed. “I understand,” she said. “Seeing you all dolled up is something that I will never become accustomed to.”
“And you shouldn’t,” she quipped back sarcastically. “I swear, why couldn’t we have done a wedding where I could’ve worn pants, a tank top, and kept my hair pinned back?”
“Because the man you’re wearing is a traditionalist,” answered Alexis.
“But isn’t the wedding supposed to be about me?”
Alexis chuckled. “Well, yes, but it’s also the start of a great marriage if you give in to some of his requests.”
Hannah shook her head. “He gets a cake!”
“Yes, he does get a cake, but he also can have a few other things,” continued Alexis. “Marriage is a union between two people and giving in to one of his requests today will make for a lifetime of happiness.” Hannah huffed while Alexis doted over her, making sure her hair was immaculate. “Besides, haven’t you already had the conversation with him that you would never dress up like this again?”
“Yes ma’am,” said Hannah quickly. “That’s one of my wedding presents: to never have to dress up like this ever again.”
Alexis laughed again. “You look beautiful.”
Hannah smirked out of the side of her mouth. “Thanks,” she replied.
“You’re welcome,” replied Alexis as she stepped back to admire the total package. Hannah’s white dress exposed her muscular shoulders but wrapped tightly around her hips. It was very flattering and complimented her physique. “That dress is perfect,” she said as she admired the lace along the side and the complex sewing.
“It’s nowhere close to as perfect as yours was,” she said humbly. “Your wedding on the sands of Dubai was incredible.”
Alexis smiled. “Your wedding in this old church in Cardiff is perfect.”
Hannah turned in her chair and stood up. “I know, and I know that I’m marrying the perfect man for me. I just loved your wedding a year ago and really want to have something equally as great.”
“It will be,” said Alexis. “You’re marrying the greatest man that you have ever met, next to Nathanial,” she joked.
“Oh, please,” said Hannah as she stepped forward. “He and I would have killed each other after the first date. I don’t think I could handle very long with that man.”
“He’s perfect for me,” defended Alexis.
“And I’m glad he is,” said Hannah as they walked toward the door. “I guess now is the time.”
“Are you ready?” asked Alexis as she placed her hand on the door knob. “Are you ready to take the next step?”
She looked down at the old wooden floor while she composed herself and thought about her answer. “Yes,” she said softly as she looked up at her best friend. “I’m very ready for this.”
Alexis smiled as she nodded and twisted the door knob. “I’ll see you out there,” she said as she opened the door and walked into the hallway, leaving Hannah to wait for a few moments before walking out on her own. She exhaled while she thought about what was happening before smiling to herself and confirming that now was the time to take the plunge.
She walked out of her changing room and looked out into the small, wooden room. The stained glass window was reflecting onto the ground in front of Hannah as she walked through it, looking straight ahead into the cathedral. “Are you ready?” asked her father, a much older man, as he stood in front of her.
“Are you?” she asked in a snarky tone.
“A father is never ready for this,” he said as he shook his head slowly, looking happy for his daughter though noticeably distraught at what was happening. “You will always be my baby girl, Hannah.”
Hannah smiled as she leaned forward and hugged him. “And nothing will ever change that,” she whispered into his ear. “Now, tell me something dad,” she said as she backed up. “Does my future husband look hot?”
He laughed as she blurted out that statement. “Hannah!” he exclaimed. “You’re in a church!”
“That doesn’t mean that he isn’t hot,” she explained.
“Hannah,” he said again as he turned his head and looked down the aisle to see Russell standing alone next to the priest. “He looks very handsome, but that is as far as I’m going.”
Hannah nodded. “I’ll take that,” she said. “At least you didn’t say he looks like a disheveled piece of work.”
“It’s your wedding day and your mother told me I had to be nice,” he said with a coy grin.
“And the truth shall set you free,” she continued as she listened in as the organ began to play the wedding march. “It’s time.”
Her father looked back at her as he wrapped his arm around hers. With a soft sigh between them, allowing them to compose themselves, they stepped out onto the hardwood floors of the cathedral with all of her friends and family looking on. Her white dress drug behind her as she glided slowly down the aisle. She looked across the massive church to find those who meant the most to her with every step. “There are far too many people here,” she thought to herself as her eyes widened. “This is ridiculous.”
Her first glance was to the twins she grew up with, Jonathan and Jennifer Sansby. “So good to see them here,” she thought to herself as she looked over and smiled at them.
“I really didn’t think they’d make the trek across the Atlantic for this.” She looked forward and saw Russell looking down the aisle at her, standing still as he looked on in amazement. “Wow, he is hot today.”
Hannah shook her head to bring herself back into reality, once again looking down the aisle to see Russell staring at her. She felt fortunate to have him in her life and she felt that he was worth giving up her past life from. With one foot in front of the other, she glided across the old wooden floor with her father’s arm wrapped around hers. “All these people that have had a profound and wonderful impact on my life are here to see me. This is way too surreal,” she thought to herself as she continued to walk, looking at Jennifer and Jonathan as she smiled at them. “There is so much that I wish I could say to all of these people but I don’t think I’ll get the chance.”
“Oh, they made it,” she thought as she looked to her right to see Robert Acostis and his beautiful fiancée, Camille, standing beside him. “Robert Acostis, I have mixed feelings about you,” she said as she looked at the salt and pepper businessman staring at her walking down the aisle. “The fact that you preyed on a weaker company to get what you wanted is almost deplorable, but you did what you said you would and now we are all benefiting from it. I’m happy that you allowed someone into your life that gave you balance and allowed you the opportunity to free yourself from the bondage of wealth. Camille is perfect for you and I’m really glad she convinced you to sell, with the blessing of Sulagna and the rest of the consortium. I know you were reluctant, but taking over the family’s winery full time was the best thing for you to do and I can tell that you are much happier because of it.”
She continued her walk forward to see Dillon and Marisol standing in the pew, looking at her walk down the aisle. “Dillon Flannigan, you are still one of the most intelligent men I’ve ever met and I’m glad I get to talk to you at least once a week,” she said as she looked at the red haired wonder standing next to his Spanish beauty, Marisol. “The things that you have taught me about business and the lessons I have learned from you about life are second to none. You only have a few years on me, but I’m really glad to have met you and I’m really glad to have gotten to know you. The fact that you purchased all of Robert’s shares in the company out of New Zealand and consolidated it with the company out of Australia proved how shrewd of a businessman you are and I’m glad that I’ve been able to help you. I can’t wait to work with you more.”
