“I thought so. I’d be surprised if she weren’t. That’s your type.”
“I told you,” Andy chuckled. “Even your mother knows that.”
“Shut up, Andy. I don’t have a type,” Les snorted.
Melina reached out and grabbed Les’ hand, squeezing it gently. “You do, sweetie, and that’s okay. You like what you like. And I want to know the minute you find him. You know… maybe the gin is a tremendous help but being a grandmother doesn’t feel as detrimental as I thought it would. I wouldn’t mind four or five more from you. Each.”
“What?” Andy gasped.
“Relax, Andrew,” Melina murmured then sipped her drink. “You don’t have to get on that today. Tomorrow will be fine. So whats the plan?”
“I’m waiting for the detective, Mom. Andy’s got one that he uses for divorce cases.”
“He any good?”
“He’s slow but he gets it done,” Andy nods.
“Well, he better not be slow with this case,” Les snarled. “I’ve missed enough of Shane’s life as it is. While were waiting, Andy, why don’t you get going on the paperwork to change Shane’s last name.”
Andy frowned. “His last name? Oh, it’s Atkins, right?”
“I know some Atkins,” Melina nodded. “There’s Ray Atkins. He manages the bar at the hotel where we shot your pictures for the Total Man campaign. You know, in Daytona. His family owns the hotel we used. There was this one girl… Ray’s niece… oh, she would have been perfect for you, Charles. Just your type: pretty, African-American girl with these dimples… they were so cute. She did a few set decorations for us, free of charge. She was in design school and wanted the experience. She did an excellent job and I have retained her services several times over the years since.”
Andy and Les looked at one another and shook their heads.
“Mom,” Les sighed. “The Atkins woman; is her name Kendra?”
“Yes, that’s her name. Lovely girl, that Kendra Atkins! Wait! Is Kendra Shane’s mother?” Melina looked at the picture of Shane again. “I never knew she had a son. She’s never mentioned him. Very professional, Kendra was. Is. I can’t see her anywhere in him, except in his hue, maybe. I see you everywhere, Charles. This is your son. Or Andy’s.”
“Yeah,” Les murmured then sat at his desk. “All these years… I’ve been looking for her, Mom. I never had a clue of where she was and all this time, you knew her and where she’s been.”
“Why were you looking for her so hard? She’s been here, always has been. All you had to do was say her name and I would have put her together with you.”
“We never gave each other names, Mom.”
Melina smirked. “Oh, like that, is it? I get that. I have over the years had anonymous--”
“MOM!” Les and Andy shout at the same thing.
“What? Like you two invented it,” Melina snorts.
Chapter ELEVEN
Again… and Again
Six weeks after her last tryst with Les, on Black Friday, Kendra swayed in the executive washroom at Crown’s after her walk-through with the suits of the company. Her windows were a hit and they offered her an exclusive, lucrative contract. They wanted her and proved it in a big way. If she accepted, she’d never have to worry about work or money again. She would be based in Santa Monica, only needing to fly out to Chicago once or twice a year. She’d be a vice president with all the perks and she could bring her staff with her and from her base, she’d oversee the windows for all the major holidays for all the stores. It was definitely a dream offer.
So why was it making her sick to her stomach? Excitement, probably. Disbelief, maybe. Thrill, possibly. She’d have to call Kerri to celebrate and she’d make sure her sister Jada was available, too, as well as her friend Trina, who knew exactly what place to hit on a Friday night in the Chicago area to celebrate her new position. Kerri recently got a promotion, too, so they needed to go out together and shake their asses fast and hard.
Kendra sighed as she splashed her face with cold water then thanked God she didn’t have her period. One less thing to worry about and she could rock that little black purse she just picked up from Crown’s Women’s Accessories department. It was perfect for her ID, a tube of gloss and a couple of condoms, just in case she found a man that could temporarily take Les off her mind.
Wait… where was her period? Kendra pulled out her planner and checked her dates. It’s so late and… almost… oh, no… no! She froze, glaring at the calendar when she realized she was about to miss a second period in as many months.
Kendra stuffed everything back into her purse and ran to the elevator, frantically pushing the button. Like a maniac, she forced her way out of the crowded store and went barreling to the nearest drugstore chain. She was so distracted and determined, she didn’t notice the cold wind ripping through her as she walked down State Street, pass WBN Studios, and spotted the Walgreens.
Once in the privacy of her hotel room, she went straight to the bathroom and damn near bit every fingernail to the cuticle as she waited. Finally, the timer went off on her cell and Kendra crept to the sink where the four different tests she used were sitting, waiting on her to examine. Slowly she picked up the first one, holding her breath.
“Positive?! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Every time I sleep with this guy I get pregnant! What the hell kind of sperm does he have that it keeps breaking through the fucking condoms?!”
Kendra sighed then went to the bedroom and dropped backwards on the bed, grateful Shane wasn’t around to hear that little tirade.
“Another baby. Alone. Shit. Another baby… a sibling for Shane. Yay. Another baby with no husband. Mom and Dad are going to kill me.”
Kendra decided to call her parents and tell them everything, including why she made a hasty retreat to Florida. She inhaled and dialed her mom’s cell and when she answered, she tearfully asked her to find her father and put the phone on speaker, that she had something to tell the both of them right away.
When she heard her father’s voice, she cried hard and apologized over and over. When she calmed, she told them everything and they silently listened. When she finished, her parents once again brought her to tears.
“There is a reason why you keep connecting with this man, cherub,” Sed told his daughter. “God has a reason why you get pregnant by this man, despite using condoms. These children are supposed to be here and you take your time in figuring out why. Your mother and I love you and Shane and we will also love and accept the new baby.”
“Any baby you make, cherub,” her mother, Andrea, said softly. “When you’re back in Daytona, we’ll fly out to see you. Make an appointment with a doctor so I can go with you while I’m there. I want to hear the first heartbeat again, like I did with Shane.”
Kendra sighed. "I will, Mom. And thank you. Both of you. But I don't think you will have to worry about me and him again. I won't ever be seeing him again. It's just not meant for us to be together. We're just supposed to make these children and move on. There will not be a third."
Les scowled at his office phone. He told Brenda he didn’t want to be interrupted as he packed up his office. Les and Andy had already started heading up the legal department at their father’s company, the deal with Forrest was set and Forrest’s team will take over April second, a mere four weeks away; his and Andy’s firm will become part of Forrest and Associates and take over their clients. These offices were going to be where their more famous clients needed to go for anonymity.
Shaking his head at the persistent ringing, Les snatched up the phone and shouted into it.
“Charles Ford.”
“It’s your father, Les. Still no word, son?”
“No, Dad, none. It’s been months and not a clue. I think my guy needs a kick in his ass sooner than later.”
“Say the word, son. I know a guy based in Calabasas. He’s more than good and he’s fast.”
“The word.”
“I’m on it.”
No doubt he is, Les thought when he hung up his phone. Fingers crossed it would be sooner than later. He was sure it would be, since his father was as anxious to meet his grandson as the rest of the family were. Moreso, in Les’ opinion. A son of a son. Shane was going to be thoroughly spoilt, as he should be.
“Happy Birthday, Shane!”
“Wow! The Xbox One! Cool! Thanks, Mom!”
“You’re welcome! I cannot believe my baby boy is ten! I remember when you used to live in here,” Kendra grinned as she patted where her new baby boy was healthily growing.
“Did I make you this big, too?” Shane grinned.
“Yes, you little scamp,” Kendra smirked. “Bigger!”
Kendra’s cousin entered the room laughing as he sat across from Kendra on the living room’s sectional.
“She so was, Shane,” James laughed. “So big that we all thought it was two of you in there. By the time her baby shower happened, we placed bets on that!”
“Shut it, Jimmy,” Kendra snarled. “Did anyone make fun of your wife when carried that huge kid around in her gut?”
“All the time,” James’ wife, Luanne, laughed holding her and James’ three-year-old daughter. “And you were the ringleader, Missy!”
“When’s my little brother coming again?” Shane asked when the so not funny adults stopped laughing while he stared at his new game’s box.
“July 12th, give or take,” Kendra smiled.
“I can’t wait,” Shane grinned.
“Neither can I,” Kendra smiled back then pinched Shane’s maturing face. “I can’t wait to see if he looks like his adorable big brother!”
“Mooooooom! Save that for the baby! I’m halfway a man now!”
“Right, Shane,” Kendra nodded as Lu and Jimmy chuckled. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay. We’re going back to Santa Monica, right, Mom?”
“Yes, baby. I promised and I miss your grandparents. And they miss you. Maybe we’ll go back early so I can have your brother there.”
“Yeah! I like Daytona but I like Santa Monica better.”
“Me, too.”
“Come on, you two,” Lu smiled. “Let’s go have Shane’s birthday dinner. Jimmy’s treat.”
“My pleasure,” Jimmy smiled then took his daughter from Luanne and led them out to his car. “It’s been at least an hour since Kendra last ate so we better get a move on before she turns our sectional into a love seat.”
“Asshole!” Kendra laughed.
“Mom,” Shane called, holding out his hand.
“Damn,” Kendra sighed and placed two dollars on her son’s palm.
Les looked around his spacious new office. He and Andy had taken over the legal department at Ford Investments two months ago and were already kicking ass. His father was beyond proud and showed it.
Now if only he could see his son…
He stared at the calendar for the millionth time today, noting again it was Shane’s tenth birthday and tried again to remain calm. He was missing his son’s birthday again, only this time, he was not sure why. He tried assuring Kendra he wouldn’t attempt to take their son from her but she obviously didn’t believe him. She ran the first chance she got and, as Les packed his briefcase, he regretted the way he came off to her. They could be together now, celebrating his son’s entry into double digit numbers.
Les decided he needed to get drunk starting now, even if it was only noon. He’d grab Andy and go somewhere and the two of them would celebrate on their own. He was just about to leave his office when the desk phone rang.
“Charles Ford.”
“Mr. Ford, I’m Chris Richards. Richards and Parker Investigations.”
“Right. My father’s guy. What can I do for you, Richards? You need more info on Kendra and Shane?”
“No, I’m calling because Kendra Atkins has been found, sir.”
“Already?” Les frowned. “That was only a month.”
“We made her a week ago but my partner is thorough. He makes sure the person sought is without a doubt the person of interest. Today, he confirmed. She introduced herself to him as Kendra Atkins from Santa Monica. He used a ruse of looking for a designer in the Santa Monica area and she opened right up and recommended several people.”
“I see,” Les nodded. “That was quick. Thanks, Richards. I’ll include a bonus with whatever my father is paying you. Well done.”
“Appreciated, sir. By the way, I see why your guy couldn’t find Ms. Atkins.”
“Why couldn’t he?”
“I don’t believe he’s ever looked. Or he found her as early as I did and decided to milk it.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m looking at him now. Where was he supposed to be looking right now?”
“He’s supposed to be in the Midwest. Chicago.”
“No, he’s in Florida. He’s having a marvelous time sunning and romping around on the beach. Ironically, Ms. Atkins is also in Florida. He’s in Miami, she’s in--”
“Daytona Beach.”
“That’s right, Daytona Beach. My guy confirms she’s been here for months and I don’t think she’s planning to leave in the near future, since she decided to recommend other designers in Santa Monica.”
Like hell, Les thought. He’s getting her ass back here with him where she belonged. Now.
“I’m getting a flight. I should be there tonight. I’ll need a breakdown on her and where she is.”
“No need, sir. Your father has his plane on standby; all you have to do is get to the airport. Parker will get your landing info and meet your plane. I’ll have him email you with the information you requested as soon as we hang up.”
Les glanced at the clock. He needed to go home and pack, could make it to the airport by one, one thirty and be in the air by two. By ten, he would be in Florida, with his family.
“Good. I’m leaving now. Richards, take care of my ex-guy. As you see fit. And please let Carver know that you’re my new guy and that it was a stupid idea to fuck over a lawyer.”
“My pleasure. But before you go, sir, there’s something you should know about Ms. Atkins; possibly another reason why I believe she’s not planning on returning to Santa Monica any time soon.”
“I’m intrigued, Richards,” Les frowned. “What’s going on?”
“Well…”
Kendra tried again to get out of the wing chair she plopped down in after she and her family returned from dinner a half-hour ago.
“God, I am still beyond full!”
“You should be, Kendra. You and that kid you have hiding in there ate half the buffet.”
“Shut it, Jimmy. I may be six and half months pregnant, but I’ll still kick your ass.”
“Mom! Language! I’ll be collecting another dollar, you know!”
“Shane, I’m the parent here! Stop eavesdropping and finish with that game so we can go back to the house! Your brother has me worn out!”
“Can I play with my new game for a while?” Shane grinned running into the room.
Kendra raised her brow at her still too-cute son. “Is your room clean?”
“Yes!” Shane grinned. “Aunt Lu did it as a birthday present.”
“Shane!” Luann groaned. “Do you have any clue what a secret is?”
“I forgot, Aunt Lu,” Shane pleaded. “Please don’t be mad, Mom.”
“It’s fine since it’s for your birthday. You can play for an hour. You have school in the morning, young man.”
“But Mom! It’s only seven!”
“An hour would get you to eight. You have homework and your bath. Those things will take you to around ten which is...”
“Bedtime. Okay, Mom. I promise only an hour. Homework, bath then game for an hour. Okay, Mom?”
“Okay,” Kendra smiled. “Let’s go. Good night, Lu. Night, Jimmy. Thanks for the birthday dinner. Shane, the baby and I loved it.”
“You’re welcome, Kenni,” Jimmy smiled as he helped Kendra out of the chair. “I love taking care of my favori
te cousin.”
“Aw, thanks, Jimmy! That’s so sweet. I appreciate that.”
“Why? I meant the monster in your big-ass belly!”
Kendra’s eyes narrowed as she smacked his shoulder. “You little…”
“Pregnant?” Andy frowned as he sat across from his twin on one of David’s private jets.
“Pregnant,” Les sighed.
“Pregnant,” Andy said, shaking his head. “Damn. Do you knock her up every time you sleep with her?”
“Fucking looks like it, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, it does. Wow.”
“You said it,” Les nodded.
“Now what?”
“Now, Andy, I do what’s necessary to get her in my bed and my life and stay there. I cannot believe the assholes she’s been with. Only wanting sex from her. Can you believe that shit?”
“Huh?” Andy frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“The last night, before I told her about us ten years ago, she told me that all six men she slept with, were only after her body. She included me in that. She thinks… they’ve led her to believe she’s not appealing in any other way.”
“You have got to be kidding me, Les,” Andy scowled. “That has to be the most insane shit I have ever heard. I mean, granted, she’s sexy but damn, all I know is what I’ve read from Parker’s report and I wanna fucking marry her off that info alone.”
“I know! Talking to her makes you want it more. Now we have two kids and she’s running again. I cannot believe she wouldn’t tell me about the newest one. I want her and my kids, Andy.”
“Then I’m sure you’ll do whatever you can to make that happen, Les. If there’s one time to be tenacious, it’s now. And I’m sure the rest of the family feels the same way when I say we’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen, little brother.”
“Andy…” Les groaned. “Cut that bullshit out!”
“Hey, toe the line. I’m still older.”
“Damn shame you don’t act like it. I think Nicola acts older than you. I’m going to the bedroom. I need some rest before we land.”
“Good idea. I’m going to have a drink and knock out here.”
Honey Babe Page 10
