“Nothing.”
“Bull. Try again.”
Quentin laughed. Trust Sage not to take no for an answer. “Avery and I had a disagreement.” Of course, it was more than a disagreement. A fight, he could deal with. This was worse.
“Is that all?” Sage chuckled. “Those happen in relationships. Oh, wait, you usually don’t stick around for that.” Quentin was known for dropping and running when things got too serious. He’d take a photo assignment someplace far away and hide for months on end.
“Thanks, Sage. I really appreciate your help,” Quentin said, walking away.
“Hey.” She touched his arm. “You know I was just kidding. I’m glad to see that you’re in a relationship. It was high time you stopped kissing and running.”
“Oh yeah? Well, I don’t know how to deal with all of this relationship stuff, Sage. I thought I could. I thought that if you loved someone, the rest would be easy.”
Sage’s eyes grew wide. “What did you just say?”
Quentin’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“Did you just say you loved Avery?”
“Of course not,” Quentin backpedaled and shook his head. “I don’t believe in that love thing.”
“I know what I heard,” Sage said, pointing her finger at him. “Don’t be afraid to admit that you love her, Quentin. Because if you don’t, you could lose her.” She knew how hard it was for Quentin to let anyone in. She’d felt the same way herself.
“If this is what love feels like,” he replied, “then I don’t want it.” He didn’t like the feeling that he was not in control of his emotions. It scared the living daylights out of him.
“The heart feels what it feels,” Sage said, grabbing Quentin by the arm and pulling him back toward the bar. “You can’t control it.”
Those words stuck with him for the duration of the evening. And somewhere between dessert and the cab ride home, he realized he didn’t want to live his life without Avery in it. “You can drop me off at Seventy-ninth and Central Park West,” he informed the cabbie.
“Sure thing.”
When he rang Avery’s doorbell it was nearly ten o’clock. He hoped he wasn’t waking her. He was unprepared when she opened the door and threw her arms around his neck. “I’m so happy to see you,” she said, furiously kissing him on the cheek.
He pulled back. “I’m happy to see you, too.”
“Quentin…” Avery began, but he silenced her by putting his forefinger on her lips.
“I’ll do it,” he said. “I won’t send in the pictures.”
As she sat down at her desk the next day, Avery replayed the previous night’s events over and over in her head. Had Quentin really come over to her apartment and told her he wouldn’t send in those photos? He would tell Malik this evening after work—why postpone the inevitable? Had he really chosen her over his friendship with Malik? It should make her happy. She should be elated. So why did she feel like a frog was lodged in her throat?
“Hunter, what can I do for you?” Avery asked when she found him standing in her doorway.
“Good news!” he replied. “Mr. Lawrence has approved your requested commission increase.”
“That’s great!” Avery said, feigning a smile.
“Don’t sound so excited,” Hunter said. “I had to campaign really hard for you.”
Avery doubted Hunter had had to do much campaigning, as her work spoke for itself, but if that was what he needed to feel better, she’d go along with it. “And I appreciate it,” she said. “I just have a lot on my mind.”
“All right, well, I’ll leave you to it,” he said, closing the door behind himself.
“Thank you,” she said. After he’d left, she decided she needed a pick-me-up, and what better way than lunch with Jenna? She quickly dialed Jenna’s office and found that she was free.
A few hours later, they were seated at a small café having salads. Avery had a chopped-steak salad and Jenna, an Asian chicken salad.
“It’s good to see you,” Jenna said, kissing Avery’s cheek. “And the hairdo is still holding up.” She touched Avery’s sophisticated razor-cut style.
“Thanks,” Avery said. She’d been back to Dominic Sabatini for a trim to maintain the look.
“What’s wrong?” Jenna asked, putting a forkful of salad to her lips. “Last we spoke, you were in love and on cloud nine.”
“I know, I know. And now I’ve gone and ruined it.”
“What did you do?”
“I put Quentin in an untenable situation and asked him to choose between helping me and helping his friends, who are like family to him.”
“I don’t think that was a wise move, Avery.”
“No kidding!”
“Is there any other way to avoid him having to choose?”
Avery had been thinking about that all morning. If she told Richard the truth, perhaps he would reconsider? If Richard understood how important this was to her, maybe they could find some sort of compromise? “Possibly.” Or perhaps Richard would take one look and her at think it was a joke, and be more determined than ever to build his development. It was a gamble.
“You have to try. If you love him as much as you say, then you can’t ask him to do this—not even for you.”
As soon as the words were out of Jenna’s mouth, Avery knew she was right. She’d thought of nothing else all morning. She supposed that was why she’d called Jenna—for confirmation of what she needed to do. It was just that last night Avery had been so overwhelmed by the depth of Quentin’s feelings toward her, she hadn’t thought about what this was costing him.
“I know you’re right.” Avery had to come clean and tell Richard of her existence. “I’m just not looking forward to what I have to do.” After Leah’s cold rejection of her, Avery was going to have to steel herself for what Richard might have in store. She was about to drop a bomb on him and she had to do it tonight.
“Well, whatever you need, I’m here for you.”
“Thanks, Jenna. I might be taking you up on it later tonight.”
On her way to the office, Avery dialed Richard King’s phone number. His assistant told her that he was unavailable until after 5:00 p.m. “That’s fine,” she said, hanging up the phone. Now she just had to reach Quentin before he told Malik. The problem was when she called his cell, it went directly to voice mail, so she tried his home phone and still no answer. Where was he? He couldn’t have just slipped off the face of the planet. She prayed she reached Quentin before he went to Dante’s this evening.
“So, you’ve decided to heed my advice?” Jason asked Quentin when he delivered the photos of Richard King for Capitalist as promised later that afternoon.
“Yes, I have,” Quentin replied, “but not for the reasons you think.”
“So, the plot thickens.” Jason regarded Quentin quizzically. He was surprised by Quentin’s change of heart; his client was as stubborn as a mule. Jason was sure he was going to shoot himself in the foot. “So what changed your mind?”
“I’d rather not say. Just be satisfied to know that those photos are exactly what the magazine is looking for to promote King as a successful entrepreneur and businessman.”
“All right,” Jason said. “Keep your secret. I’m just happy to see that you aren’t sabotaging the career you’ve worked so hard to achieve. So I guess our business is concluded for now. I’ll touch base with you next week on that Samson Books deal.”
“Thanks,” Quentin said, rising from his chair and heading toward the door.
“Wait a sec,” Jason said. “What about the photos of the center?”
“What difference does it make?” Quentin asked. “They’ll never see the light of day, right?” He strode out the door without a backward glance. Now he had the unenviable task of facing his best friend for the second time and telling him he was reneging on his promise again. He felt like such a heel.
He pulled out his cell phone to check his messages and noticed he had four missed call
s. All from Avery. He ignored them. He wasn’t ready to talk to her right now. Afterward, he would, because she would be all he had left.
The King Corporation offices were very plush and swanky, Avery thought as she sat down in the waiting area Richard’s receptionist had ushered her into. Although she was leaving for the day, she had assured Avery that everything was fine and that Richard would be out of his meeting momentarily.
His office door opened several minutes later and Richard emerged. “Avery.” He came toward her and kissed her cheek. “I was so surprised, pleasantly so, when my receptionist said you requested a meeting with me today.”
“Yes, well…” Avery was extremely nervous. She nodded at the associates as they departed. “It was a matter of extreme urgency and confidentiality.”
“Well, come into my office,” Richard said, opening his arm so she could precede him. “Let’s see how I can help.”
Once he’d shut the door behind himself, Avery stood, not sure of how to begin. She watched him remove his suit coat and throw it over his chair. He was obviously very comfortable with her.
“Please have a seat.” Richard gestured to the sofa across from his desk.
“Thank you,” she said and sat on the edge. She fiddled by smoothing down her skirt. She was scared to death about revealing her true identity.
“What can I do for you?” Richard asked, taking a seat beside her. “Have you come to accept the position I offered?”
Avery shook her head. She wished it were that simple. “No, it’s not that. You see, a couple of months ago, I learned some disturbing news about my past.”
“Yes?”
“I learned that I was adopted.”
“Adopted? Wow, that must come as quite a shock. You’re…” Richard paused. “In your early thirties, right?” Avery nodded. “And you just learned this information?”
“Exactly.”
“How can I help? Oh, wait, do you need some help finding your birth parents?” Richard lightly touched her cheek. “Well, my dear girl. My resources are at your disposal. I’ll have my assistant put you into contact with the best private eye in the business.”
Richard started to rise from the couch, but Avery halted him and he sat back down. She was acting strangely. Now he was really curious.
“I don’t need one.” She took a deep breath. She couldn’t lose her nerve now. “I found my biological mother. She’s remarried and living in Buffalo.”
“That’s great.” He patted her knee. “You must be so relieved.”
“I was, but it didn’t turn out as I’d hoped.” Avery swallowed.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
She wondered just how long he’d be this comforting once she told him the truth.
“Okay,” Richard said, “so, if you’re not here for my help, exactly why are you here, Avery?”
“Well…” She paused. If she didn’t do this, Quentin would lose the only family he’d ever known and she couldn’t ask him to go through that. She had to do this. “My biological mother’s name is Leah Johnson, formerly Leah Gordon.”
“Wh…who?” Richard stammered out the name.
“Leah Gordon,” Avery continued. “I believe you know her?” She stared back into his green eyes.
Richard jumped up from the couch and walked over to the window. “I do,” he said with his back to her, “but what does this have to do with me?”
Avery rose from the sofa and came to stand behind Richard. “As you well know, you were involved with Leah nearly thirty-four years ago before you married Cindy.” When Richard remained silent, Avery continued, “And the two of you had a love affair that resulted in a pregnancy.”
Richard whirled around and faced Avery. “What are you saying?” he asked, even though he knew the answer.
“I’m saying that Leah gave up the baby for adoption.”
“And?”
Avery paused for what seemed like an eternity before saying, “I am the result of that pregnancy.” Once the words were finally out of her mouth, she felt liberated. No more secrets. The truth was out and now they had to live with the consequences. At least Quentin and his friends wouldn’t be affected.
Avery waited for a response from Richard. She expected anger or for him to think she was lying. She was surprised when she got the exact opposite. Instead, he stared at her as if he was trying to memorize her features and match them to a woman he knew long ago.
“From the very first moment I saw you, I thought you reminded me of her,” Richard said, “but never in my wildest fantasy would I have imagined this scenario.” He rubbed his head as he stared back at Leah’s same features and complexion.
“I don’t understand this. She adamantly refused to have an abortion because you were conceived in love. But if she believed that, how could she give you up?”
Avery was surprised at how torn he was by this information. “I guess you’d have to ask her that question yourself,” she replied. Though she doubted Leah could give him very many answers; she sure hadn’t given Avery much. “I never had any intention of telling you the truth, but unfortunately I need your help.”
“What do you need? Whatever it is, I’ll help you get it.” Richard couldn’t believe he was standing face-to-face with his daughter.
“I need you to back off the development deal you have in Harlem that would demolish the community center.”
“What?” Richard was confused. “I don’t understand, what does that deal have to do with you?”
“Quentin and his friends grew up in that center. His friend Malik Williams runs it and he’s done a great job. You can’t destroy it.”
“And if I don’t agree?” Richard asked. His eyes pierced hers. “You’re going to go public with this information, aren’t you?” Was his daughter really prepared to blackmail him? If so, she really was a chip off the old block.
“No, I’m not,” Avery replied. “I’m asking you, Richard, to do the right thing. The community needs that center. It supplies free health and after-school care and many youth activities.”
“I have a lot riding on this deal, Avery.” Richard turned away and stared down at the rush-hour traffic fifty stories below.
“I realize that, but I’m asking you to do this for me,” she pleaded. “This really means a lot to me and to the man I love.”
“The man you love?” Richard asked, turning back to her. “I admit Quentin Davis is a decent fellow and I thought very highly of the young man, but you’re in love with him?”
“Yes, I am. And that center meant everything to him growing up as an orphan. It still does. Without it, he would never have survived.” Avery grasped his arm. “Richard, I am begging you, pleading with you, to please reconsider. For me,” she added.
Richard didn’t know what to say. He was standing in front of his and Leah’s daughter. A daughter he never thought he’d have. He and Cindy had never been blessed with any children. After many miscarriages, they’d finally given up on having a child of their own. And Cindy had steadfastly refused adoption, so it had just been the two of them. And now his daughter, his flesh and blood was standing in front of him asking for his help. How could he possibly turn her down?
“All right, Avery.” Richard didn’t hesitate for a second. “I’ll do it.”
“Thank you.” She reached over and hugged him tightly. She hadn’t expected him to agree so easily. “You have no idea what this means to me.”
“I’ve some idea,” he said. “Or you would never have come forward. So what now?”
“What do you mean?”
“Can we have some type of relationship?” Richard asked. Now that he knew of her existence, he couldn’t possibly turn his back on her.
Avery was surprised at the joy that shone in his eyes. She’d thought he’d want to sweep this under the rug. Keep her existence a secret. “Do you want one?”
“If you’ll have me,” he replied.
“I’d like that.” She smiled and then glanced down at her watch.
“Listen, I really have to get going.” She had to catch Quentin before he said something he couldn’t take back. “Thank you, Richard.” She came forward, lightly pecked his cheek and rushed out of the room, leaving Richard staring after her, still holding his cheek.
“What’s the big news?” Sage asked when Quentin came inside Dante’s later that evening.
“Yeah,” Malik concurred. “I love you guys and all, but two nights together? What’s going on, man?”
“I have to talk to you about something and I know it’s going to make you all unhappy so I thought I’d better tell you all at the same time,” Quentin replied.
“Oh, no. This doesn’t sound good at all,” Dante commented, coming from behind the bar. He’d known Quentin was grappling with something the other day. And he guessed today was D-day.
“Does this have anything to do with some photos that you were going to send to Capitalist?” Malik asked.
“It does.”
“So once again you’re selling me out,” Malik stated. “Once again the center loses out. I just don’t understand it, Quentin. I thought I knew you, but apparently I was wrong.”
“Quentin.” Sage grasped his chin and forced him to look at her. But she couldn’t read him. His face was clouded with uneasiness. “You wouldn’t do this again. You wouldn’t hurt Malik without cause, so why are you doing it now?”
“I can’t tell you,” Quentin said.
“Oh no you don’t.” Malik’s face was a glowering mask of rage. “Don’t back down like some coward. That’s not the Q I know. So just tell us what the big darn secret is that’s causing you to go back on your word again.”
“I can’t say. All I can tell you is this has to do with Avery.”
“What does she have to do with why you can’t help Malik?” Dante asked.
“I can’t break Avery’s confidence,” Quentin said.
“Avery, Avery, Avery!” Malik yelled. “You know, Quentin, Avery was supposed to be a bet, a bet you seem to have forgotten. You were supposed to wow her with the Quentin Davis charm, get her into bed and move on. And now you’re suddenly putting her over me. When did it change?”
Playing for Keeps Page 18
