by M T Stone
There is a silent pause between us that hangs on for several seconds. “Is this where you blackmail me?” He narrows his eyes, hitting with a piercing stare.
I remain silent for a moment thinking of the best way to say what has been on my mind for as long as I can remember. I take a deep breath and I begin to share the feelings that I had been harboring for years.
“Your father completely destroyed the business that my family built for three generations. He was part of a friendly dinner conversation and then used the information that Dad shared with him to completely destroy us. Your grandfather didn’t even try to stop him. I think that’s what hurt the most.” I try to maintain my composure, but all of the hurt comes flooding back to the surface.
“I was maybe nine years old, so I don’t remember much about it.” Trey nervously runs his fingers through his hair. “I do remember Dad having a huge argument with Papa though. We didn’t see him nearly as often after that day.”
“Maybe he did try to stop him,” I offer, giving him a chance to preserve his memories of his Papa. “I do know, however, that our grandfathers went to the grave without ever speaking again.”
“There was no stopping Dad once he made up his mind to do something.” Trey looks down at the floor. “I’m honestly not all that sorry that someone took him out.”
“You know, I don’t think blackmail will be necessary.” I place my hand on his thigh to let him know that I don’t plan on taking out my frustrations on him.
“Would you two shut up!” Liv suddenly blurts out, flipping over in her seat. “You guys have been blabbing this whole flight! I’m trying to get some sleep!”
Trey’s eyes widen. “Sorry Liv, we thought you were out cold.”
I give Trey a wicked grin as I glide my fingertips along the inside seam of his jeans, before retracting my hand and reclining in the seat.
“Thanks, Mandy. That’s really a nice thing to do right before you go to sleep.” He whispers.
I snicker and close my eyes. I think I’ve got him exactly where I want him.
Trey
I wake with a start, due to one of my recurring dreams where I’m naked in public and trying to get back to the house before anyone sees me. According to Mom and her dream book, it means that I am feeling vulnerable. Mandy is sound asleep but her hand is firmly latched onto mine, so I turn my head just slightly. She has such a serene look on her face, almost angelic, her lips curled up just slightly.
I should be nervous as hell about all that she knows about me, but somehow I actually feel better now that I know who she really is. I think back, trying to remember her as a kid. I remember her having a sister and that they both had dark hair, but that’s about it. It’s crazy to think that now she has the power to put me away. Luckily, she seems to like me.
“What are you looking at?” she asks, before even opening her eyes.
“I’m sorry, you just look so…”
“Hungover?” she quips, opening her eyes. “Ugh, I hate wine hangovers.”
“Beautiful… actually,” I whisper back.
“I’m sure I look incredible after drinking too much and sleeping in my makeup,” she replies, giving me an unconvinced look.
“You do, actually.”
She squeezes my hand and leans back, closing her eyes once again. I can’t seem to take my eyes off of her. Something about her is almost magnetic. It may be the fact that we both come from a very similar background and that our grandfathers were once best friends. Or it could just be the fact that she is simply beautiful inside and out.
When this plane lifted off, I had every intention of having a confrontational blowout with her. However, once we started talking I couldn’t stay angry. Even though I know the only reason she came on this trip was to gather evidence that her boss could use against me. The fact is that my father totally betrayed her family and it seems that she was intent on seeking justice. I wonder how long she has been planning this? Months? Years?
“You’re still staring.” She opens her eyes and turns toward me with a smile crossing her lips.
“I’m sorry, I can’t help it.” I give her hand another squeeze before retrieving my phone. “You better check to see if Liv is still alive over there.” After the funeral I need to have that talk with her.
While Mandy wakes up Liv, I give Mom a call. I’m hoping that she has calmed down and pulled herself together. I hate to see her suffer any more because of him.
“Hi Trey, are you home?” she asks.
“Not quite, but we should be landing shortly. Do you need help making arrangements or anything?”
“No! That bitchy girlfriend of his has taken control of the whole affair. Who the hell does she think she is? She wasn’t even married to him!” I can hear the exasperation in her voice, but it’s actually kind of a relief that we don’t have to pick out a coffin, vault and make all the necessary arrangements. This will be a huge funeral.
“Let her do it. You and I will be in the front row at the funeral, so who cares if his fiancé makes the arrangements.” I reason with her. “I wouldn’t have a clue on any of that stuff anyway. Do you need me to stop by tonight?”
“No, I’m fine. Charles is here,” she confides in a quieter tone. She has never admitted to Charles being anything more than a friend. That way she can pretend that Dad is the only one in a new relationship. In reality, it’s most likely the age of his fiancé that bothers her because she is nearly twenty years younger than her. Charles on the other hand has to be in his sixties, but he treats Mom the way she deserves to be treated.
“Alright, we are going to check into the Four Seasons then,” I tell her feeling slightly relieved. “I was able to transfer our reservation from Geneva to New York.”
“Too bad you had to cancel your vacation,” Mom replies, as if that is even a minor concern of mine. “I know you’ve been needing one.”
“Yeah, but Lake Geneva isn’t going anywhere. Once we get through this, I’ll regroup and maybe head back there for another week.”
Mom then went off on one of her tangents about how we need to take time for ourselves because life is short. I know that fact that I am almost twenty-seven and completely disinterested in a serious relationship has her worried. “I can’t wait to meet your girlfriend,” she says, recapturing my attention. “Olivia is it?”
“Yes, Mom. Just call her Liv.”
“Who are you talking to?” Liv perks up after hearing me utter her name.
“It’s Mom,” I tell her, surprised to see her up and moving around. “She’s excited to meet you.”
While I am finishing my call with Mom, a much more interesting conversation breaks out between Mandy and Liv. Liv is trying to convince her to stay in New York for the weekend, instead of catching a flight back to California. It mirrors a thought that has been rolling around in the back of my mind ever since I woke up. I’m glad Liv is inviting her to stay. It might have been a little awkward for me to do so.
“Is it okay with you if I stay?” She turns to me with a hint of fear in her eyes.
“Of course. My family would love to see you after all these years,” I assure her.
Mandy reaches out to me with tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
“What’s going on?” Liv straightens up in her chair displaying an instant scowl. “Do you two actually know each other?”
“No,” I reply after seeing the concerned look on Mandy’s face. “We figured out that our grandfathers were good friends though.”
“That was back before we moved to Tennessee,” Mandy adds, sounding a little defensive.
“Well that’s a million to one coincidence.” Liv furrows her brow. “Or else it isn’t,” she adds.
“It’s crazy!” Mandy replies just before the Captain tells us to prepare for the landing.
“I’ve got to get my stuff together.” I stand up and excuse myself. It seems like a good idea to let them hash out any suspicious thoughts that are coursing through Liv’s mind.
M andy
Getting picked up by another shiny, black limousine and being whisked off to another Four Seasons feels like I’m living the life. I can’t get over how cool Trey seems to be, considering he’s right in the middle of an extremely awkward situation. On one side sits a girl who he intends to break things off with and on the other side, me, who came on this trip with only devious intentions. He’s lucky that I’m having a change of heart. He’s way too sexy to rot in prison.
“Is it seriously only 6:15?” Liv asks after pulling out her phone.
“Yeah, we gained seven hours and it was only an eight hour flight,” Trey explains. “Let’s clean up and go out.”
“Sure!” I reply giving Liv a nudge.
“I’m game. I just need a shot of something to shake off that muscle relaxer you gave me.” She shakes her head as if she’s still a little groggy. “That thing was strong!”
“A couple Vodka Red Bulls will get you on track.” Trey jokes, opening the window to get a look at the traffic flow ahead. “I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with this traffic every day.”
“As if the valley is any better,” Liv sneers.
“I don’t know, it doesn’t seem this bad,” Trey counters.
“That’s because you’re normally on your phone,” she counters. “What’s up? You haven’t been on it all day.”
“I don’t really feel like talking to anyone I guess, so I left it muted.” He glances down and checks his messages. “The wake is scheduled for tomorrow night, so Dad’s fiancé must be pretty efficient.” He shoves the phone back in his pocket and gets a conflicted look on his face.
“It’s normally within two or three days. When were you expecting it to be?” I inquire.
“I don’t know, I was hoping for some time next week.” He lays his head back against the headrest. “Or maybe never.”
“You’ll be fine.” I give him a pat on the knee. Liv chimes in telling him the same thing and she actually sounds sincere. A faint smile appears on Trey’s face, but he remains silent. It’s an expression that makes it difficult to figure out whether he is up to something or if something is actually bothering him. He is not the overly expressive type, so it kind of keeps me guessing. I’m not sure I like that.
My phone buzzes for the third time since we landed. I know it is either Dad or my boss, probably both of them. I choose to ignore it.
Trey
Later that night
During the ride from the airport I had been contemplating how best to deal with Mandy. I decided to go straight to the heart of the problem. My father betrayed her family after having dinner with them at Papa’s favorite restaurant, the Old Homestead Steakhouse. Both of our grandfather’s loved that place, because it had been part of the Meatpacking District since the eighteen hundreds and both of them had first gone there as children. Papa never stepped foot in the place again after that night. Tonight, I’m going to make it right.
“Where are we going?” Liv asks me, causing a slight cringe.
“We are going to Papa’s favorite steak house in the meatpacking district,” I reply as the limo pulls away from the curb. “You’re going to love it.”
She immediately pulls up her phone and starts scrolling. “According to Suzy, STK is the place to go for steak in the district. They have a DJ and the whole place is just super cool!”
“STK is very cool, but we will actually be able to talk in this place. You will love the food, one of the best filets around,” I try to pacify her in order to avoid another meltdown like the night before.
“Whatever, you always pick the lamest places,” she scoffs and glares out the window. I can see her reflection and she pouts just like a spoiled little girl. “Besides, I had filet last night,” she adds with a huff.
“Do you know where we are going?” I ask Mandy.
“I sure hope it’s not the place I’m thinking of.” Her expression sours. “The Homestead or whatever it’s called.”
Hmm, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. Both girls are glaring at me as the limo pulls up to the Old Homestead Steakhouse. The incredible smell that greets us when the driver opens the door takes me back to my childhood. Liv is going to hate this place. Where is Mandy?
“I’m not stepping foot in there,” she announces firmly as I crouch down and peer back into the car. “Are you trying to totally piss me off or something? If so, you’re messing with the wrong woman.”
“I’m not messing with you. I brought you here for a reason. Just trust me.” I hear Liv talking to someone behind me. “Come on, you’ll see.” I reach out taking her hand and leading her out of the car.
While they were getting ready, I called ahead and talked to the manager. I remembered that as a kid we always sat at a big round table toward the back of the dining room. I’m sure that’s where they were on the night that my father betrayed them. I told her that I wanted to sit at the same exact table and as I suspected, it is still there. I kind of wish Liv wasn’t along, but hopefully she will let me do what needs to be done.
“Mr. Addison, you and your brother were just little boys the last time I saw you,” an older gentleman says greeting me with open arms. “I was sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather and your father too of course, what a tragedy. They were both good men.”
“Thank you, ” I reply, struggling to remember him from my younger years. “Do you know who this is?” I ask, pulling Mandy to my side.
“You don’t look familiar, but you certainly are a beautiful young woman.” He raises her hand to his lips and gives it a kiss.
“This is Rayfield Grayson’s granddaughter, Amanda,” I inform him.
Judging by the look on his face, he was as stunned as if I had slapped him. “Oh good Lord. I never thought I would live to see the day. I haven’t seen either of your families in years and now both of you? You even requested the old round table. Are you two getting engaged or something?”
“They just met!” Liv squeals. “I’m his girlfriend and she is a friend of mine. That’s how they met!” she explains.
“Oh no. These two have known each other for many years. I’m sure you were both here for your grandparents fortieth wedding anniversary,” he tells Mandy. “Of course you were all just little kids back then.“
“Really? That was here?” She asks seeming a bit surprised.
“I insisted that they let me host it for them.” He laughs. “I’m sure it wasn’t your grandmother’s first choice, but she was a good sport.”
A woman comes through the door to greet us. “Your table is ready Mr. Addison. Dad will talk all night if you let him.” She giggles and escorts us back to our table.
As we sit down, I can see that Mandy is getting all choked up. I’m sure all the memories of being here with her grandparents and everything else that happened back then is making her emotional. I reach over and take her hand.
“A long time ago, my father did something that has caused your family an unimaginable amount of pain.” I look straight into her eyes, completely oblivious to everyone else around us. “I know why you and Liv met and why you came on this trip. I can’t say that I blame you one bit; I would’ve had similar motivations if it had happened the other way around. However, I brought you here tonight to tell you that I’m going to do whatever it takes to make things right for you and your family.”
“I have hated your family for so many years,” she whimpers with tears beginning to stream down her cheeks. “Your dad ruined everything!”
“I know and that’s why I want to make it up to you,” I assure her. “Are either of your grandparents still alive?”
“No,” she squeaks out. “They died within six months of each other during my senior year of high school. We all regret not visiting them more the past few years.”
“I’m sorry.” I hand her my napkin to wipe the tears from her cheeks. “My grandmother is still alive and I know she would love to meet you. She’s going to be eighty-five this fa
ll.”
“I have no idea what the hell is going on,” Liv finally breaks her silence. “I feel like I’m in the fucking twilight zone over here.” She slumps back in her seat and crosses her arms. “What the hell is the deal between you two?”
“Mandy’s grandfather and mine were good friends who had dinner here about twenty years ago along with my dad and her dad. During that dinner, her dad talked about his interest in consolidating the cable industry,” I start to explain.
“And let me guess, Victor took his idea and beat them to the punch,” Liv says, guessing correctly.
“He did. He ruthlessly outbid them at every turn and left them with an obsolete, dying business,” Mandy tells her, releasing feelings she had held onto for years.
“Is that why your family left New York?” Liv asks her.
“Yes.” Mandy nods. “He killed us.”
“Their conversation most likely took place at this very table.” I tap my fingers on the old wooden tabletop. “That’s why I brought her here tonight… to make things right,” I reiterate.
“Oh, really? How are you going to fix something like that?” Liv scoffs.
“I might not be able to bring back your old family business, but I’ll figure out a way to make it up to you guys.” I pat Mandy on the thigh.
“So, we aren’t really friends?” Liv suddenly turns on Mandy. “You were just using me to get to him?”
“At first maybe, but I really do like you.” Mandy proclaims while carefully dabbing the remaining tears from her eyes.
“God, I can’t believe you.” Liv fumes. “If there is one thing I hate, it’s being used.”
With those words still hanging in the air, Mandy gives me a sideways glance. I know exactly what she is insinuating with that look. I’ve been using Liv myself for way too long.
Mandy
If Liv is pissed about this, I can’t imagine how she will react when Trey sets her down for their little talk. She’s going to go through the roof. I don’t understand her thought process, though, as it seems that Trey has made his lack of interest in a relationship about as clear as possible. That’s a whole other issue. I really don’t understand why he got so jaded by his first teenage crush. I can’t wait to see what is so special about that girl.
