by Y. L. Stokes
The look that came across Mary’s face was comical. Saundra bit her lip to keep from laughing.
“Look, Mrs. Remington, I hate to be rude, but we have a lot to do before Saturday,” Patrick said in his no nonsense tone. “If you leave a number where we could reach you, I’ll be sure to have Nick give you a call.”
Saundra couldn’t believe how rude her boys were being. She knew that they were only doing it to protect their older brother, but it still wasn’t acceptable.
“Sean and Patrick, I want the both of you to apologize to Mrs. Remington right this minute.”
For a moment they both just sat there stone-faced. Saundra rose, crossed her arms over her chest, and glared at them. They both mumbled their apologies.
“Now, don’t the two of you have a class to attend at the university?” Saundra asked. They both nodded, and she continued. “Now, come over here and give me a kiss and be gone.”
As they turned to leave the kitchen after giving their mother a quick kiss, Patrick turned to Mary. “Look, lady, we know that you hurt her before, but we won’t allow you to hurt her again.”
“Patrick!” His mother’s stern voice sent him on his way.
“I hope my grandson isn’t that disrespectful,” Mary blurted.
“You wait just one damn minute,” Sandra snapped. “Neither one of my sons are disrespectful. If you think that just because they’re protective of me and their brothers, then you have no idea what loyalty is. Hell, you proved that when you disowned your son when he married me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to be on my way.”
Mary stood and headed for the door. “Will you at least tell my grandson that I would like to see him?”
“Yes, I’ll tell him, but whether or not he’ll want to talk to you is a decision he will have to make.” Saundra held open the door for her ex mother-in-law to exit.
By the time Mary arrived home, she was pissed. How dare that woman turn her down when she was offering an olive branch? I have every right to be a part of my grandson’s life. Mary still ranted and raved as she entered her home.
Peter wheeled himself into the study behind her. “Don’t you think it’s a little too early for that?” he asked while she poured herself a drink.
“Don’t you worry about it!” she snapped.
“Oh, well, I take it that things didn’t go well with your daughter-in-law?”
Mary heard the sarcasm in his voice. Turning, she glared at him.
“Tell me what happened?” Peter listened patiently while his grandmother told him about her encounter with his long-lost cousin’s mother. “After the way you treated her when your dear son died, I don’t blame her, and I’m sure she told her son that you didn’t acknowledge the marriage and that you disowned his father.”
“I’ll have to explain to him that I was out of my mind with grief…that losing my only son was just too much for me….” She stopped at the sound of his gut-wrenching laughter.
“Don’t hand me that mess, Grams. You’re only doing this because you’re afraid that I won’t be able to produce an heir to carry on the Remington name that you love so much.”
“Well, with your sick antics I’m sure you have a bastard floating somewhere around here,” Mary said with a sneer.
Peter looked at her with surprise. “Are you telling me that you’ll even settle for a bastard to carry on your precious name?”
Mary hated his tone, his attitude. Hell, she was beginning to just hate him. She’d spoiled and coddled him, and because of that he’d turned into a worthless pervert that could only get his kicks from drugging girls. She knew all about the secret little parties he held when she was away; her butler had kept her informed when there could possibly be a potential law suit. She wished that she had treated Saundra differently. Maybe if she hadn’t have given her son an ultimatum she would have both her son and her grandson in her life.
No sense in crying over spilled milk. I just have to make sure that my grandson and I meet.
Peter broke into her thoughts. “I thought you were going to go by his office yesterday?”
“I did, but the guard wouldn’t let me up because he couldn’t reach anyone to come down and sign me in. But I promise you, I’ll be there first thing tomorrow morning.”
Chapter Fifteen
Nicholas smiled to himself as he drove Ashley and Marcus to Maggie’s. It was a wonderful feeling having the woman he loved sitting in the truck next to him and their son in the backseat singing his favorite song: Dada. Nicholas promised himself that he’d make sure they’d drive one car to work, except for the days he had to visit the construction sites. That way, he would be an active part in taking his son and picking him up. For his own selfish reasons, he wanted to spend as much time with Ashley and Marcus as he could. Even though Ashley worked in his office, they’d be too busy during the day with clients and his construction workers to spend much time together.
“What are you smiling at?” she asked, breaking into his thoughts.
“I was just thinking about how much I love taking Marcus to Maggie and then you and me riding to work together.” He reached over and took her hand in his.
“I like it too, and I know that Marcus loves it. He’s been saying Dada since we left the house.”
“Yes, I know, and I have to tell you, it’s a wonderful sound.”
“Who was it that called earlier this morning?” she asked.
“Sean. He called to tell me that Mary Remington came to visit Mom, saying something about how she wants to apologize for what happened long ago and that she wanted to give me my father’s inheritance,” he said, skepticism in his voice.
“You don’t believe she was sincere?”
“Hell, no. I think she’s just trying to play the role of the misguided grandmother.”
After they had dropped Marcus off and headed to the office, Nicholas called to check on his mother and get her thoughts on his grandmother’s visit.
The office bustled with activity. Nicholas had several projects coming up and was trying to get everything ready. Today he’d have to spend time talking with the different suppliers getting them in loop. Charlie walked into his office, and he didn’t give him a second glance.
“Man, you look like crap,” Charlie said, taking a seat in front of Nicholas’ desk.
“Thanks, man, I appreciate it.”
Charlie laughed. “Nicholas, you go through this with the start of each new construction project. You’d think you’d be used to this by now.”
“You’re right. One would think that, but it’s not the case.” Nicholas smiled.
“So, who are you waiting on?” Charlie asked.
“Ray Peck. He’s calling his contacts to make sure that they’ll be able to meet the deadline that we’ve projected.”
“Nicholas, you know that they’ll commit to it. They always do.”
Nicholas nodded. “I know, man, but I never rest until we get all the agreements signed.”
Charlie nodded in understanding.
Nicholas tried to stifle a yawn.
“Maybe if you got enough sleep at night you wouldn’t be so darn cranky.”
Nicholas glared at his friend and business associate. The door opened, drawing his attention to Ashley.
“Nicky, have you eaten any lunch yet?” she asked. “Oh, I’m sorry, I thought you were alone.”
“It’s okay, honey, and no, I haven’t eaten. I really don’t have time.”
Charlie stared at Ashley, and Nicholas cleared his throat several times to get his friend’s attention.
“Ashley, I’m sure you remember Charlie.”
“Yes, I do,” she said and walked over to shake his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Carson,” Ashley said, accepting his hand.
“Oh, please call me Charlie. By the way, I haven’t had lunch either. How about we go out for a bite?”
Ashley appeared to pick up on what Charlie was trying to do. “No, thank you. I have a couple of clients left to see. Besides, as
you can see, I’m already spoken for.” She held up her left hand, showing her engagement ring.
“Oh, well, I’ll concede defeat.” He smiled. “I wish the two of you the best of luck.”
“Okay, you can let go of her hand now,” Nicholas said in a serious voice.
“Nicholas Maxwell…,” she began, but the phone ringing on his desk interrupted her. “I’ll let you two get back to work,” she said and headed towards the door, softly closing it behind her.
Nicholas frowned after he took the call from Ray.
“Now what?” Charlie asked.
“Ray says that he has agreement from all but two of the suppliers. He’s just waiting for them, which he believes shouldn’t be a problem.”
“You need a distraction from this job. So, that’s one hell of a rock you gave her, man. Where’d you get it?” Charlie inquired.
“My father had that ring specifically designed for my mom. She told me that it was special to her and hoped one day it would be special to her daughter-in-law.”
A frown marred Charlie’s brow. “Wait a minute…that’s not the ring Trisha was wearing when you two were engaged, is it?”
“Yes, I know, Charlie. You know I was only marrying her because she’d gotten pregnant with Alicia.”
A look of pain crossed Charlie’s face.
“You okay?” Nicholas asked.
The door opened again. Ashley walked in carrying a huge bag from the deli across the street.
“I know you said that you didn’t have time to take a lunch, so I decided to bring lunch to you. Don’t dare give me that look, and you will eat every bit of this food.”
Charlie started laughing.
Nicholas glared at his friend, but his grin broke through. “I don’t see what you find so funny, Charlie. You’re to eat all of your food also.”
Charlie’s smile faded. He sat up straighter in his chair.
“I hope you like the same things that Nicholas does, because I got you the same thing that I got him.”
“I’m sure it will be fine. Besides, Nicholas has great taste for food just as he does for women.”
Ashley smiled.
After leaving Nicholas’ office, Charlie headed straight for a drink. He’d thought the pain from Alicia’s death had long passed. Thinking back to the funeral, he’d totally lost it and cried his eyes out. Luckily for him, everyone thought he was just sharing in his friend’s grief at the loss of his child. No one knew that he, Charlie Carson, was Alicia’s father. He’d wondered if it would have been better if he’d told his friend the truth: that all the years Nicholas had been grieving were for nothing.
Charlie remembered the night he’d met Trisha. She was the prettiest woman he’d seen in a long time. He’d immediately fell for her when he saw her across the room heading towards him and Nicholas. He saw it all as if it had happened yesterday. She was the classic blonde—tall, slim, and sexy as hell—and she’d walked towards them with a smile on her face that matched the smile on his. Unfortunately, his didn’t last long. It immediately faded when she walked up to Nicholas, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gave him a passionate kiss.
Charlie knew all about those passionate kisses she gave. He remembered them from the nights they’d spent together. The nights when he was supposed to meet the gang to watch the game. No one questioned the excuses he gave for not showing up. Trisha hadn’t wanted to marry Nicholas, but her parents knew who his father was and that Nicholas would far exceed any parents’ expectations—and they wanted their daughter to be a part of it.
Once she had found out she was pregnant, Charlie thought that he had her and that all of his dreams would come true. Again, they were snatched away from him. Trisha told him that she and Nicholas were going to be married. That night he’d stayed locked up in his house, drinking himself into a drunken stupor, thinking about how his best friend would have the woman he loved and would raise his daughter.
A hand on his shoulder brought Charlie back to the present, and he turned. An apparition stood before him. I’ve had too many drinks…. Quickly shaking his head, Charlie tried desperately to clear it.
Trisha bent her head to Charlie’s, and she gave him the proof he needed that he wasn’t seeing a ghost.
Jack stood in the doorway, his mouth wide open, his heart doing a double beat. He’d suspected long ago that Charlie had been sneaking around with Trisha, but never had any concrete proof to give to Nick. Jack quickly took a seat at a table near the door and watched the two embrace like long-lost lovers. His anger simmered to a slow boil. If he didn’t have an appointment with a potential client, he would have confronted Charlie. He would have asked him how he could do something like this with a clear conscience.
When he ended the kiss, Charlie stared at Trisha. “It is you,” he said in awe.
“Let’s go to your place and finish what we started,” she purred in his ear.
Amazed, Charlie grabbed her hand and headed for the exit. His step faltered. Jack sat at a table near the door. Their eyes collided. Jack’s eyes blazed with anger, and he rose to shake hands with a man that had just arrived, saving Charlie from a confrontation. Charlie quickly skirted around them and slipped out of the door, pulling Trisha along behind him.
Upon reaching his apartment, Trisha kissed him again. Charlie wanted some answers, but they would have to wait. He’d waited too damn long to have this woman again, and when they were done, he’d talk to her about their future together. The pair didn’t make it to his bedroom; they lay on the floor of the living room, their clothes thrown about the room. Afterwards, he held her in his arms and stroked her hip.
“Do you know how much I’ve missed you? Where have you been?”
“My parents thought it would be best for me to spend some time alone to rest…to get myself together.”
“Now that you’re back we can make our plans to be together and start our family.”
Her eyes clouded.
“What’s wrong, honey? Isn’t that what you want?” He pulled her tighter into his embrace.
“Yes, it’s what I want,” she said, gently caressing his chest. “It’s what I’ve always wanted, but my parents are still set on me marrying Nicholas.”
Charlie’s body stiffened. “Well, they might as well forget about that.”
“Why?” she asked, her voice not as shaky as it was a moment ago.
Charlie had a bad feeling he was being played. He eased his body away from hers, searched the living room for his discarded pants, and yanked them on.
“What do you mean that my parents had better forget it?”
“Because, my love, Nicholas will be married Saturday.”
Trisha stared at him, her eyes wide. “What do you mean he’s getting married? Too whom?” She fired question after question at Charlie as she collected her clothes.
Charlie had a question of his own. “Why weren’t you at our daughter’s funeral?” He poured himself a stiff drink.
“You know Nicholas wouldn’t give me or anyone in my family the time or place.”
“Yeah, I know that, but I called you and left a message telling you the time and place. Didn’t you get it?”
“My parents had already shipped me away.” She didn’t look him in the eye, pretended to be so busy finding her clothes….
Charlie walked over and stood in front of her.
“When exactly did you leave, and where did you go?” he asked, his voice like steel.
“When Nicholas’ mother called my mom to tell her about what happened and she advised that they keep me away from the house long enough for them to get Nicholas away. As soon as my mom hung up the phone, they put me on a plane.”
“So you’re saying that after we’d made love, that call you received was from your mother telling you what had happened to Alicia?” Charlie continued on—something had just occurred to him. “You received the call just as we were getting dressed, but you didn’t even have the nerve to tell me that our daughter was in an accident and th
at she….” He couldn’t finish—his voice shook. Another realization dawned. “You little bitch! You didn’t leave that day. Don’t you remember that I saw you the day before the funeral as you were climbing into a cab?”
Trisha grabbed her purse and headed for the door.
Charlie reached out and gripped her arm. “You’re not going anywhere until I get some answers,” he said through gritted teeth. “You’ve made me fall for you so bad that I might have thrown away the best friendship I could ever have, so you won’t be going anywhere until I hear everything.” Charlie pushed her down onto the sofa and towered over her.
Trisha’s fear was evident in her shaking hands. “My meeting Nicholas wasn’t an accident. His grandmother had set everything up with my parents. The plan was to seduce him into taking me to bed, and I was to get pregnant, forcing him to marry me.”
“I guess it didn’t work out that way, huh?”
“No, it didn’t, so I—”
“So you screwed me, got pregnant, and tried to pass the child off as Nick’s. Tell me, did he ever screw you?”
Trisha flinched. “No, I drugged him and made it appear that we’d slept together. Then I waited and broke the news that I was pregnant.”
“Knowing the way Nick was, you knew, or should I say his grandmother knew, that he would do the right thing.”
Trisha nodded.
“So tell me this, were you sleeping with Nick during the time you were sleeping with me?”
“No, he wouldn’t touch me. Even after he proposed and we moved in together after Alicia was born he found every excuse there was to stay away. I was feeling vulnerable and insecure, so that’s when I—”
“Turned to me for comfort. Telling me how much you loved me, how much you needed me to make you feel like a woman was all a lie,” he said, his voice scorn-filled.
Trisha couldn’t look at him. She stared at her hands in her lap.
“So that night that we made love, the night that Alicia was conceived, you came to me for the simple purpose of getting pregnant so that you could use it as a way to trap Nicholas,” he stated. “You used me as a sperm bank, you worthless piece of—” Charlie made himself stop. “I can’t believe I threw away the friendship Nick and I had over a piece of…I think you’d better leave. Go and tell your family to pay back whatever Nick’s grandmother paid them, because there’s no way in hell you or anyone else is going to stop that wedding.”
