by Marie Carnay
“Well…that’s…um. Sad, really.” The reporter picked up a box of tissues and held it out. Miranda took one and shrugged.
“Yeah, it sucks, to be honest. But you know? It’s okay. Since the night of the auction, my life’s been a whirlwind. An amazing, perfect whirlwind. And even though it’s over and I’m going straight home from here to have a good cry and a pint of ice cream, I’ll be okay.”
“Why?”
“Because I know now. I know how much I’m worth. And it’s a hell of a lot more than leftovers or castoffs.”
The reporter nodded. “So none of the rumors are true? Not a single one?”
“Not one.”
“No sex in a restaurant bathroom?”
“Nope.”
“No wild nights at a sex club?”
Miranda laughed. “No. Have you seen my ass? It wouldn’t even fit through the door.”
The reporter held her hand up to her ear. “Well, from what I’m hearing from my producer, it sounds like people are still angry. But not at you. We’ve got posts on our Facebook page and on Twitter all cheering you on. Here’s one from angrymom87, ‘Stop beating that girl up and help her out! Curvy girls deserve love too!’”
Miranda smiled. “I wish it were that easy. But I’m not risking WaterStone. James and Winston deserve a hell of a lot better than that.”
The reporter nodded again and Miranda closed her eyes. She was ready to go home.
“Well, you’ve heard it ladies and gentlemen. Straight from Miranda Holmes herself. None of those stories have any truth to them. So let’s stop the gossip mill, shall we? And give this woman some privacy.”
Miranda blinked. “Thank you.”
“Up next, two of the hottest broadway stars are here to talk about their latest project. You won’t want to miss it.”
“And we’re out!”
Thank god. Miranda sagged against the couch and let out a ragged breath. It was over. The television interview. The drama. Her relationship with James and Winston. All of it.
“You really do love them, don’t you?”
She glanced up and met the reporter’s curious gaze. “Yes. I do.”
“Well, I hope it works out for you. You seem like a good person. The kind who deserves to be happy. In whatever form that takes.”
“Wouldn’t that be nice?” Miranda sighed and stood up. “Thank you for the opportunity to come on and share my side of things.”
“You’re welcome.”
She turned to go when the reporter stopped her.
“Miranda—don’t throw in the towel. I know you think it’s over, but…give it some time. It might all work out.”
“Thanks. But I don’t think so. People don’t get their happy ever after in real life. And never with two men. If WaterStone survives, then it’ll have all been worth it. And I’ve got some good memories at least, right?”
“Right. Take care.”
“You too.” Miranda handed her mic over and stepped off the set. She needed to get away from reporters, cameras, gossip. Everything. Go back to her apartment and hide out until the next sound bite caught the city’s attention. Eat every flavor of Ben & Jerry’s and grieve. She’d been meaning to try their latest anyway.
She pushed through the double doors and headed for the exit when her phone buzzed. Sliding it on, she couldn’t help but smile. My place. ASAP. Four pints and a movie marathon are waiting! At least she still had her best friend.
CHAPTER FOUR
JAMES GULPED THE last of his scotch and set the glass on the desk. He’d been staring at his computer for hours. Watching. Waiting. Wondering when Templeton’s request to redeem would be processed. How many more minutes would he be able to claim the title, billionaire?
After Miranda had left them Saturday afternoon, they’d buckled down. Tried to find a way. Calling in every favor they’d ever earned. Giving Niles unlimited resources to track Templeton down. Using the full power of their assets while they still had them. But…nothing. They couldn’t locate their major investor and couldn’t get traction in the media. It was over.
So he’d fled to his house in the Hamptons. Closing himself in and pretending the outside world didn’t exist. No television. No phone. No internet. Nothing but his own spiraling thoughts and sense of impending doom. He’d never been powerless before and it wrecked him. By the time the night sky filled with stars, he’d been three-quarters of the way through a bottle of scotch and he didn’t stop drinking until he passed out Sunday night.
When the markets opened again, he’d finally dragged himself into his office to watch the train wreck unfold. But the whole day had passed without event. He checked his watch. Only an hour until markets close. Piss. He shoved back from the desk and stood, running his fingers through his hair and cursing to himself when the doorbell rang. What the…?
Jogging down the hall, he ran through the possibilities in his head. Ballsy reporter, most likely. Ready to capture the first photo of him penniless. He stopped in front of the door, threw it open, and blinked.
“Hello, James.”
“Mr. Templeton. Hello, sir.”
The older man smiled. “I’m sorry to be dropping by unannounced. Have I caught you at a bad time?”
The worst time of my life. “No.” James shook his head and stepped back. “Please, come in.”
“Thank you.” He walked past James and stopped in the entryway. “You have a lovely home. Did you build it yourself?”
James glanced up at the house he might not own in the morning. “I did. It took me five years. It’s my dream house.”
“Well, it shows.”
“Can I get you anything? A drink?” A change of heart?
“Scotch, neat. If you have it.”
“You’re lucky. I still have a bit left.” James motioned past an archway to the living room. “Have a seat, I’ll be right back.” He loped off to the bar while Templeton walked into his living room. Templeton is here. In my house. He pulled the bottle from the cabinet and shook his head. The man wouldn’t come by himself to rub it in. Would he? He poured two glasses and strode back into the living room. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” Templeton took a sip and sighed. “Ah. Delicious. I’ve always loved Glenfiddich. Is this thirty year?”
“Forty.”
“Mmm. You have excellent taste.”
Fuck the small talk. James couldn’t take it another second. “Forgive me for asking, sir, but why are you here?”
Templeton pushed himself off the couch and walked over to the window overlooking the ocean. “It’s a bit embarrassing, James. But I’m here to apologize.”
“Excuse me?”
“It seems my daughter’s made a fine mess of things.”
“Dominique? Mr. Templeton—whatever she’s told you—it’s not true.”
“Please, call me David. And there’s no need to explain. I’m well aware of her…issues. That’s why I’m here.” He smiled and took a sip. “First of all, I want you to know that I’ve valued our business relationship from the beginning. Although I came to the firm because of Winston, I know that you’re the brains behind the operation. And I know how much money you’ve made me over the years.”
“Thank you.” James couldn’t believe what was happening. Was he here to…save him?
“Dominique came to me a few days ago. Claimed you and Winston were off the rails. Tied up in some scandalous affair with another woman. Losing focus and putting the funds at risk. To be honest, I brushed her off. She can be…dramatic. But when the press picked it up…” Templeton gave him a sheepish grin. “Even if I shrugged it off, my family and friends would not. I couldn’t invest my money with men holding such a sullied reputation.”
James gulped a mouthful of liquor and let it burn his throat. “If you’re here to rub it in…To tell me to my face you’ve ruined WaterStone…You can leave now.”
His client held up his hand. “Please, just hear me out. Like I said, after all the publicity, I was prepared to r
edeem. But then that lovely young woman of yours graced my television yesterday.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
Templeton cocked his head. “You don’t know? Ms. Holmes was on a morning show yesterday. Good Morning New York, I believe. Talking all about you and Winston.”
James shook his head. “I had no idea. I’ve been…focused…the last few days.”
“Well, you should call the station. Get a copy. She was something. After the interview, I called my daughter.”
“You did?”
“There’s no way a woman as kind and compassionate as Ms. Holmes would be caught up in anything so tawdry. At first she gave me the same song and dance. Going on and on about the scandal. But with some…gentle persuasion…she confessed.”
“She told you she was the source?”
“Yes. And for that, I’m deeply sorry. I know you two had a falling out, but I never thought she’d be so vindictive. Petty.”
James reeled. “So what does this mean for us?”
“For WaterStone? Well, I canceled the request for redemption. And I’ve put in a good word with other investors I know. You may still have a few who insist on pulling out, but I think the funds will be fine.”
“You’re serious?”
Templeton nodded and James smiled for the first time in days. “Thank you, sir.”
“You shouldn’t thank me, James. You should be thanking Ms. Holmes. She seemed pretty heartbroken during the interview.”
James frowned. “Why?”
“Because she said it was over. That she was walking away to stop the publicity. End the drama and save your company.”
James paled. “She was willing to end our relationship to save WaterStone? Why?”
“Because she loves you. And your partner.”
James closed his eyes. “God, I’m such an idiot.”
“No. You’re brilliant. And lucky. She’s a keeper, even if she can’t make up her mind.” Templeton set down his empty glass and walked over to James. He clapped him on the shoulder and grinned. “Now if I were you, I’d go show her exactly how much she means to you. She did save your ass, after all.”
James laughed. “I will. Thank you again, David.”
“The pleasure’s mine.”
James saw his client out and picked up his phone. “Winston, it’s James. I’ve got good news.”
“Mmm. That one’s good. Is that a caramel swirl?”
“Yep. I’m telling you, it’s the best they’ve come out with in years.” Dawn licked her spoon and pointed at the TV. “Want to watch another movie? It’s only five o’clock.”
Miranda held up her hands. “No way. My eyes are glassing over. We’ve been sitting here since what, seven this morning?”
“Something like that. But it’s worked, hasn’t it?”
“Sort of.” Miranda stuck the spoon in the carton and bit her lip. “Should I check? See if there’s any news?”
“No! Why would you do that to yourself? Do you really want confirmation their business is sunk?”
“You know I don’t. But what if it isn’t? What if Templeton didn’t redeem?”
“You told me it was a done deal. That come this morning, he’d cash out and WaterStone would fail. Why do you need confirmation? To punish yourself?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I just need to know it’s really over.”
“You mean WaterStone? Or your relationship?”
“Both.”
Dawn put the lid on her ice cream and stood up. “Hmph. Are you done?”
Miranda groaned. “Yes. Take it. If I eat any more, I’ll explode.” She handed her own carton over and Dawn took them both into the kitchen.
“Are you sure you all are kaput? I mean…wouldn’t you still want them without the money?”
Miranda glanced at the ceiling. “Yes. Of course I would. I still do. But why would they want me? Every time they looked at me I’d be a reminder of all they lost. If they only hadn’t bid on me…If I’d only turned them down…”
“If they didn’t have magic tongues?”
Miranda threw a napkin at her best friend. “Shut up!”
“Sorry. I couldn’t help it.” Dawn put the ice cream back in the freezer and leaned on the counter. “There isn’t any way you could work it out?”
“Would you be able to get past losing billions?”
“You have a point.” As Dawn bent to pick up the napkin, the buzzer rang. “Who could that be?” She walked over and pressed the intercom button. “Yes?”
“Ms. Mackenzie?”
“Speaking.”
“Hi, this is Greg from the lobby. Um…there are two individuals here to see Miranda Holmes. Is she a guest of yours?”
Miranda frowned and shout-whispered across the room. “If it’s a reporter, tell them to go away.”
Dawn nodded. “Is it a reporter? Someone from the media? If so, we aren’t interested.”
“No…They aren’t reporters. If you could please send Ms. Holmes down, ma’am. Um…they’re causing a bit of a disturbance and I don’t…just…please come down.”
Miranda shrugged. “Okay?”
“All right. We’ll be down.”
“Thank god. Please hurry.”
She clicked off the intercom and turned to Miranda. “What the hell is that all about?”
“I have no idea. But I guess I should put on some real clothes. You coming?”
“I wouldn’t miss it!”
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”
Winston grinned. “Admit it, you love it.”
James grimaced. “I think Templeton addled my brain. This is a circus.”
“No. It’s a gesture. A fucking fantastic gesture.”
“If she hates it, I’m blaming you.”
“She won’t hate it. I’m telling you, it’s what we should have done from the start. Screw mini-golf. If you’re going to be the talk of the town, make it big.”
James huffed and shoved his hands in his pockets. He was over being the talk of the town. “Are you like this because your mother was a dancer? Was there too much glitter? Stage makeup?”
“Oh come on, you know you’ve been dying to show off. Prove to her how much she means to us.”
“True.” James glanced outside and winced. Between the police lights and the horns and the crowd gathering, they were showing off all right. If this didn’t prove to Miranda how much they wanted her…nothing would.
“Excuse me, sirs? If she doesn’t come down soon, you’re going to have to move the—”
“What on earth? James? Winston?”
James turned and all of his concerns and doubts vanished. She was there. The light from the windows made her green eyes sparkle and her pale skin glow like a fucking angel. And he wanted to fall at her feet and worship her forever. Winston was right—nothing would ever be big enough, bold enough for her. “Miranda. You came.”
She frowned and glanced past him. “Are those police cars? Is that a—?” Her eyes turned to saucers and her hand flew to her gaping mouth. “Is that yours?”
James grinned. “What? The Jetta double parked?”
“No…the bright…yellow…helicopter.” Her eyes widened even more. “Is it parked in the middle of the road? In rush hour?” She blinked and clamped her mouth shut.
“It’s mine, actually. James doesn’t do yellow.” Winston stepped up and she turned toward him.
“What are you doing here?”
“We’re here to sweep you off your feet, darling.” He pulled a handful of red roses out from behind his back and held them out. “What do you say?”
James bit his cheek and stared at the woman who’d changed his life. The one he’d never be able to live without. Say yes. Please say yes.
Oh my god. Miranda’s heart thumped like mad inside her chest and she blinked again and again. James and Winston had landed a helicopter outside Dawn’s apartment. In the middle of the street. In New York City. She looked down at the roses and back up at Wi
nston. “Is this for real?”
James stepped up to her and smiled. “It’s real.”
“So WaterStone…?”
“Is fine.”
Miranda exhaled in relief. Thank god. “And Templeton?”
“Didn’t redeem. Apparently someone went on television and told the whole city what good guys we are.” He stepped closer and Miranda bit her lip. “Someone who was willing to lose everything just to protect two men she’s in love with.”
Miranda swallowed. “Whoever would do such a thing?”
“Someone much too good for the two of us.”
Winston smiled and caught her eye. “But we’re trying to make it up to her. Right now.”
Miranda opened her mouth, but she couldn’t say a word. WaterStone was safe. James and Winston were okay. But for how long? She glanced behind her and Dawn gave her a thumbs up. Figures. “It’s too risky. You should think of the business.”
James snorted. “Screw the business, Miranda. Neither one of us gives a damn about the money if we can’t have you.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Really. I’d live in a shack if that’s what it took.”
She turned to Winston. “That goes for you too?”
“I might have a harder time than James, but it would be worth it.” He reached out and took her hand. “Come with us. Let us whisk you away from all this and live a fantasy. For however long it lasts.”
Miranda grinned. “I’m not a hooker with a heart of gold, Winston. You can tone down the drama.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Lucky for you, we’re not famous actors.” He leaned in and brushed his lips across her ear. “Billionaires are much better in bed.”
Miranda giggled and pulled back when a man ran up to them. They all turned and he held out his hands. “Sirs, Madam, please! The police are demanding you move the helicopter. I can’t keep stalling. You have to go.”
James turned back to Miranda and raised his eyebrows. “What do you say? Will you come?”
Miranda smiled so wide her cheeks hurt. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
