by Zuri Day
“I know.”
“I wish I could find it. I’d give the owner a piece of my—what did you just say?”
Ike chuckled. “I said there was a dog.”
“You believe me?”
“I do.”
“What changed your mind?”
He told her about his experience at the florist shop. “The second she said accident and red car, I knew she was talking about us.”
Quinn dropped to the couch in dramatic relief. “Thank the heavens!” She sat up. “I’m going to that shop first thing Monday morning. I’m going to take pictures to give to the court and prove I was not lying. They might even drop my case. Then you’ll owe me the money I paid you.”
“If that happens, being able to sit here and witness your reaction would make it totally worth it.”
“Here, put it on me.”
“Turn around.” She did and raised her hair. “So...did you enjoy yourself today?”
“Immensely.”
She turned and hugged him. “It was the most fun I’ve had in a while. Thank you.”
“I’m going to bed,” he said with a yawn. He stood up. “You might want to try and get some sleep as well. Our next adventure is first thing in the morning, at eight o’clock sharp.” He kissed her forehead. “Good night, sweet.”
Quinn went into her bedroom. She didn’t stay long. After taking off everything except the diamond doggy, she crossed the living room to his door, raised her hand to knock and then, instead, slowly turned the knob and opened the door.
“Ike?”
He turned. Stopped. Stared. Didn’t move.
“I didn’t want to wait, and wondered if there was any chance we could start our next adventure right now.”
He smiled broadly, walking toward her as he replied, “I’d hate to keep a lady waiting.”
They set off on an adventure that lasted until dawn.
Chapter 29
It happened sooner than he’d expected, but Ike wasn’t complaining. Today, he’d have lunch with Phillip Corrigan in the privacy of the Drakes’ San Francisco home. That they were discussing Ten Drake Plaza was only one reason. Ike also planned to broach the sensitive subject that was Global 100. Had he gone off half-cocked when he confronted Bernard? Or had he followed his gut and revealed an ugly truth? Ike needed to know.
He’d dressed to impress—custom navy suit, pin-striped shirt, gold cuff links and tie pin, bespoke shoes—flawless. He walked around the room and was satisfied with its appearance. The housekeeper had done a stellar job. There wasn’t one speck of dust or a thing out of place. The dining table held a posh setting for two with Baccarat goblets and Royal Crown Derby dinnerware. Mouthwatering aromas escaped the kitchen as a two-Michelin-star chef prepared side dishes to accompany organic Chateaubriand.
The meeting was set for one o’clock. The doorbell rang at 12:59. A person mindful of the value of time was Ike’s kind of guy.
“Phillip! Come right in.”
“Ike!” Phillip stepped through the door and shook Ike’s outstretched hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.”
“The pleasure is mine, sir.”
Phillip walked in, admiring the architecture and the smartly appointed decor. “Nice place you have here.”
“Thank you. It gives us the privacy we need to speak freely. This way, please. Lunch is ready to be served.”
During the soup and salad courses, Ike and Phillip learned a bit more about each other before recapping the key points from earlier phone conversations. Both agreed that buying the Compliance National building was a smart choice. By the time the entrée arrived, Phillip’s interest was clear. Ike knew he’d baited the hook well and had his catch on the line.
“Let me ask a question, Ike. I know you’re looking for investors, but would you guys give any consideration to partnering in the ownership?”
“Traditionally, that is not a path we’ve chosen, for many reasons. That’s what made the offer from Global 100 such an agreeable one. They weren’t interested in owning the building, only profiting from it. Any time after their investment was recouped, they could walk away. However, my philosophy is to put all options on the table and to remain open while they’re discussed.” After a brief follow-up discussion, Ike said, “Now, Mr. Corrigan, I have a question for you.”
“Go right ahead.”
“I understand you’ve done business with Global 100.”
There was an immediate shift in Phillip’s demeanor. “I have.”
“Our business arrangement with Global 100 collapsed because of disturbing news I heard regarding their business practices. Are you familiar with any of them?”
“Ike, I understand you asking the question, and yes, I did business with Global in the past, as I did with hundreds of businesses across the country and around the world. I’m sure you can understand that all the information we shared or that I learned as result is confidential.”
“Absolutely. I also know that discussing this company in particular is sensitive, and potentially dangerous. What I heard involves high-level individuals with lots of power and resources. The stories I heard were of corruption and brutal takeovers, theft and deceit, invisible partners and blood money.”
He looked directly into Phillip’s eyes as he spoke. Watched his body language. Noticed a pale shade of red begin to creep up from his neck.
“I heard all of that, Mr. Corrigan, and without consulting my family made the decision to research the information, completely prepared to walk away from what we believe will be a very lucrative situation rather than jeopardize the Drake name or the integrity that we stand for. So let me ask a different question. What do you think of the decision I made?”
The slightest of smiles crossed Phillip’s face. “Your research is sound and your decision spot-on.”
The look in Phillip’s eyes further conveyed that what Quinn had told him was true.
“You’re a fine man, Ike, from a great family. I’d be proud to partner with you in business, and to call you a friend. I’ve spoken with a few associates who I knew would be interested in the project. They would like to meet with you as well as others from your executive committee to see how we can come together and get this deal done.”
“I’m glad to hear that, sir. It’s good news indeed.” Ike picked up a wine-filled goblet. “To business and friendship.”
Phillip raised his glass. “Indeed.”
* * *
That evening, the Drake family gathered in one of Paradise Cove’s private dining rooms, where Ike announced what had taken place in San Francisco. He’d invited Quinn, who stood by his side.
“In closing, I’d like to recognize the lady beside me.” He turned to her. “Quinn, while the manner in which it happened caused a minor earthquake in Paradise Cove, and in the Drake family—” he paused as people laughed “—the information you learned and passed on kept us from making an unholy alliance. Your relationship with Phillip Corrigan and the initiative you showed in presenting our plan to him helped secure a new avenue for funding and success. I’d like to publicly thank you for that and to acknowledge that you are the most unique, aggravating, unpredictable, intelligent and beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
As the room applauded, Ike Sr. stood and walked to the front of the room. He placed a hand on Ike’s shoulder.
“When I heard that this man, my oldest son, had gone to our investor and in effect ruined the biggest deal we’d ever handled, I was madder than a teetotaler locked in a liquor store. I was furious! And I was so disappointed. He tried to explain his reasoning, how the feeling in his gut made him do what he did because he felt there was no time to waste. At the time, I forgot all about the fact that following your gut is one of the first lessons I taught him. There have been many others. He’s mastered th
em all. He’s a better businessman than I am. A more upstanding human being has never walked the earth.
“He’ll hear these words several times before this night is over. But I’m going to be the first one to say them. Son, I’m sorry for how I reacted, and couldn’t be prouder.”
Ike was too choked up to speak. He nodded and accepted his father’s hug. Jennifer left her chair to hug him as well. Soon, a circle of Drakes surrounded the eldest son to apologize, congratulate and share their love.
Quinn stood to the side, her eyes shining with tears and pride. Jennifer looked up and noticed.
“Come on over and join the circle, Quinn Taylor. You’re part of our family, too.”
Chapter 30
Quinn stared at herself in the mirror, conflicting emotions warring within her that jumbled her nerves and made it hard to breathe. She’d been to a Drake family function, but the casual ranch atmosphere was totally different from the Thanksgiving plans that Jennifer had described. Her dad and Viviana were coming, which further shook her nerves. He’d met Ike Drake, Sr., but how would her reserved dad and stepmother get along with Ike and his boisterous family?
She was saddened that even with the turnaround of the business deal, her relationship status with Ike still felt tentative. Granted, he’d been overwhelmed with work and meetings, and said it wasn’t personal—it was Jennifer, not Ike, who’d invited the Taylor family to this affair. Still, she was grateful, because for the first time she’d spend the holiday with a family that seemed to truly love and enjoy having each other around.
A glance at the clock told Quinn there was no more time to hide out in her room. It was time to join the family downstairs and head over to the Drakes’.
When she came down the stairs, Glen stood and held out his arms. “You look beautiful, honey.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“He’s right, Quinn. You look absolutely stunning. That color adores you.”
“Thank you, Viviana. You look beautiful.”
Quinn turned as her grandmother came out of the kitchen. “Now there’s the real star!”
Maggie’s eyes twinkled as she preened. “Vanity is unseemly, but I think I look quite nice.”
“Mom, Quinn, baby, are we ready to go?”
Everyone answered in the affirmative and within minutes, they were out the door. Quinn sat in the back of the limo taking them to Golden Gates wondering if this dinner would turn out to be her bon voyage.
* * *
Ike walked outside to where Thanksgiving dinner would be held, moved from the dining room by the increased guest count. He eyed the festive decorations—blue and yellow, as he’d requested. He hadn’t always been the most astute when it came to celebrations and making the day special, but he figured one was never too old to step up their game.
Jennifer approached him. “Does it meet with your approval?”
Ike squeezed her shoulders and planted a kiss on her forehead. “More than that, but I’m not surprised. It looks stunning. And so do you.”
“I was just about to say the same thing about you. Terrell and Niko are the Drake men most known for their style, but I like this casual sophistication that you’ve sported as of late. Dating Quinn at least motivated you to modernize your wardrobe. Is she the reason behind all this as well?”
Jennifer swept her hand across the patio, an area elegantly draped with light blue, pale yellow and white silk panels. The stark white tablecloths boasted blue runners and yellow linen napkins clasped in gold rings. At various times, and especially when the wind blew, delicate hints of jasmine would brush across the nostril, wafting from the surrounding vases that also boasted lilies, irises, hydrangea and blue orchids. Sterling silver serving trays lined the back wall and on the other side of the pool, far enough so as not to intrude but close enough for atmosphere, a three-piece jazz band spoke quietly among themselves as they set up their equipment.
“Why would you say that? We always decorate the patio for special occasions.”
“Yes, we do, but I don’t normally have your input, let alone your help.”
“Just wanted to show off another of my exceptional skills.”
Jennifer shook her head. Her children might lack many things, but confidence was not one of them. “Terrell and Aliyah are on their way and her family is also due to arrive any minute. Let me check on things.” She kissed his cheek and walked away. Ike took one last look around and went upstairs to change.
Ten minutes later, Quinn and her family followed tastefully crafted signs that led to the dining area. Ike was there to greet them as they came through the side door that opened to the backyard. Four people walked through the gate, but Quinn was the only one he saw. She looked angelic, dressed more modestly than he’d ever seen her outside work. The indigo-colored sweater-like dress brought out the yellow tones in her skin. With hair pulled into a high ponytail, sultry eye shadow and Grecian-styled sandals, she resembled a bronze goddess plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. How could he ever have suggested it was over between them? In this moment, Ike came to one very clear realization. He was a fool.
“You look...magnificent. I love the color of the dress. It matches today’s decor.”
“Thank you,” Quinn replied softly, her expression unreadable, before quickly turning toward her father. “Dad, I think you’ve met Ike Drake. Ike, this is my dad, Glen Taylor.”
“Nice to meet you, sir.” Ike initiated a firm handshake. “We’ve crossed paths, but it’s been a while.”
“I remember you,” Glen replied. “But I’ve had more dealings with your father.”
Glen introduced his wife and then Quinn reached for her grandmother’s hand. “Of course you know my grandmother, Maggie Newman. Grandmother, this is Ike.”
“A pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Newman. You are looking as beautiful as ever.”
“Why thank you, young man. You’re looking quite dapper yourself.” She looked between him and Quinn. “You two make a wonderful couple.” She leaned in and added in a whisper, “And you’ll make pretty babies.”
Quinn’s eyes widened at the unexpected comment. It was an awkward moment for them both, which Ike covered by directing them to the patio area and over to Jennifer and Ike Sr. Knowing that another opportunity for privacy was hours away, he reached for Quinn’s hand.
“Come with me.”
Her eyes questioned him but she didn’t hesitate. They walked through the patio doors, through the great room where more guests mingled and into a sitting room lined with fine art. He closed the door and pulled her into his arms.
“It’s good to see you.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Quinn returned his embrace. “It’s good to see you, too.”
He stepped back. “In another ten or fifteen minutes, it’s going to be pretty crazy out there.”
“How many are coming?”
“Forty.”
“Wow, okay. That’s a lot of guests.”
“I figured to grab a private moment with you while I could.” She nodded. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay. You?”
“I’m getting there. Still busy preparing documentation for Phillip and the potential investors he’s gathered, but I’ve tried to get more rest. I miss you.”
“I miss you, too, Ike.”
“Sorry I’ve been so busy.”
She waited to see if he’d say more, invite her to do something later—anything to make her feel like more than just a friend. When that didn’t happen, she stood on tiptoe and kissed his lips. “I probably should get back, socialize. Thanks again for inviting us. It’s nice to share Thanksgiving with a big family like the Drakes.”
“Oh, my family is what makes it nice.”
“Yeah, the Drake family. And you’re a part of that.”
They
parted, but fifteen minutes later were together again as Jennifer had seated them side by side. The afternoon was lively. The band played, the wine flowed, servers made sure that the plates were kept full. That everyone was having a great time was evident, none more than the Drakes, who teased and joked the entire time. The afternoon had been so lively and filled with boisterous conversation, that when Ike walked to the front and requested silence, the effect was as if a loud stereo had been turned off. A slight humming in the ear could still be heard.
“As many of you know, this has been a busy year for Drake Realty. Which means it’s been a busy year for me. But my grandfather Walter over there told his grandchildren time and again that hard work pays off. Nothing good comes easy, he’d say. Anything worth having is worth working for. Hard work never killed anyone. Sacrifice over selfishness. I could go on and on with quotes I heard from Grandpa.”
“You could but you shouldn’t!” Terrell yelled. The audience cracked up.
“This from the man who could talk a fat person into a skeleton.” The laughter got louder. “All right, I got the point. But I said all of that to say that those lessons became even clearer this year, and not just as it refers to business. But personally, too.
“A couple months ago, I was in an accident.” Various comments were heard throughout.
Quinn’s brow creased as she prayed he didn’t call her out. What in the heck did that have to do with the building in San Francisco?
“I’m okay. Couldn’t say the same about my car at the time. But it’s being restored as well. I was hit by a woman who reminds me of my sister London. She was driving wildly, reckless...”
Quinn slid down a bit in her seat and wished she could go under the table. If he called her out...
“Her name is Quinn Taylor, and she’d just moved here not long before.”
Quinn’s face grew warm as his family and the few others who knew her all looked in her direction. A low murmur began among those who didn’t.
