by Zuri Day
By the time she sat at her desk, Avery had convinced herself that all of the above was true. She’d also resolved something else that bothered her—knowing Brittany. There was no reason to mention the connection. He hadn’t brought it up, which was understandable. She wouldn’t, either.
The phone’s intercom buzzed. “Avery?”
“Yes, Charlotte.”
“Mr. Barker is here for his nine o’clock meeting.”
“Would you please escort him back? Thank you.”
Avery calmed her nerves with a sip of tea, taking one last quick glance in a compact mirror before putting it away.
The door opened. Avery stood as Cayden entered, and walked around her desk to greet him. Her smile was genuine as she stretched out her hand.
“Good morning, Cayden!”
“It’s morning,” he replied, looking at her intently. He didn’t shake her hand. “Not sure yet how good it is.”
Avery dropped her arm. His mood switch took her aback. The carefree Romeo of yesterday had been replaced by the brooding bear she’d met at the crash.
“Did I do something to offend you?” A perfunctory question since they’d not yet sat down. “Or someone else who works here? The receptionist, perhaps?”
“Why didn’t you tell me that you knew Brittany?”
Ah. There it was. The past she’d planned to ignore coming in and slapping her in the face.
Avery sighed. “This is a discussion probably best had sitting down.” She headed over to the table they’d occupied yesterday without looking to see if he followed. He did, reluctantly, and only after she’d sat down.
“I assume there’s nothing I can get you.”
“Only the truth.”
Sheesh! He’s acting like I’m the one who embezzled money. Like I’m the thief!
Avery refused to feel intimidated. She sat back with a nonchalance she was nowhere near feeling and crossed her legs.
“I know Brittany. That’s the truth.”
“Why didn’t you mention it, along with our high school connection?”
“My mind wasn’t on what happened more than a decade ago. Much. Didn’t think it was relevant to planning the event.”
She watched Cayden’s mental wheels turn as he digested that information.
“You do know about what happened, that Brittany tried to frame me.”
Oh, that’s your story?
What she kept in mind was the Point Country Club, and a client aligned with a prestigious organization wanting to produce a noteworthy, international news-making event. Businesses can’t buy that kind of press. She kept her opinions to herself.
“I doubt there was anyone living here at that time who didn’t hear about it.”
Cayden’s gaze was intense but she held it. Finally, he brushed a hand over his tight, soft-looking coils and let out a sigh.
“I guess I should be grateful that you didn’t bring it up or judge me unfairly. When I found out that you knew her and hadn’t mentioned it... I don’t know... It... Never mind.”
“As I said, it had nothing to do with the event we’re planning. It wasn’t my place.” Avery reached for the tablet she’d set on the table earlier and clicked it on. “Speaking of, if we’re done with that topic, can we discuss the golf tournament? Planning a large event like this can take more than a year. We’ve got just over two months.”
Without waiting for a reply, Avery dove into the talking points she’d listed. “You mentioned guests flying in from out of town so I assume the event will cover multiple days?”
Cayden leaned forward, engaged. “Yes.”
“A formal affair on Friday, fireworks after the tournament on Saturday and perhaps an inspirational Sunday brunch? How does that sound so far?”
“Sounds like my morning just got better.”
Avery breathed an inward sigh of relief. She could almost smell the gunpowder from the bullet she dodged. The room’s atmosphere lightened. Cayden returned to the easygoing guy he’d been yesterday. It took less than thirty minutes to outline the weekend.
“I’ll put together a PowerPoint detailing each night, with options and suggestions for the program’s flow. Things like whether or not you’ll want a speaker on Friday, or whether the music will be live, with a DJ or both. The tournament on Saturday can be listed individually or grouped into teams.”
“Which is more popular?”
“Teams can be fun, especially for charity. Groups can be formed by region or profession, or length of time in the fraternity. It’s also a great way for those who live in different states to catch up on each other’s lives while walking the green.”
“I like that idea.”
“Good. Considering that the day is spent in what will probably be a very hot sun, I’m thinking Saturday night should be casual. An upscale, Chicago-themed menu served in a way that guests don’t have to remain seated but can grab their Vienna beef dog, for instance, and walk around. Perhaps casino-style games beneath several tents, or other board games such as chess. I also have ideas for the wives, if they usually travel to the events with their spouses.”
“That’s a good question.” Cayden pulled out his phone to leave himself a note. “I’ll find out and let you know.”
After wrapping up the basic logistics, Avery said, “One final question before conducting the tour to show you where each event will be held. Have you selected the charity that will receive the weekend’s proceeds?”
“Another great question, one I haven’t had much time to think about.”
“I’m going to need that information as soon as possible. Once I have that we can order mock-ups for your invitation’s designs. Those should go out no later than next week.”
“This is all happening very quickly.”
“When people are coming from out of town, we normally try to give them three months’ notice. Getting the invites out next week gives them almost two and a half.”
“Thank you, Avery. You’re obviously very good at your job. It’s making mine much easier.”
Avery warmed at the praise, and the way his eyes softened when he spoke to her just now.
“It’s my pleasure. I love planning for charity events and hear only great things about the Society of Ma’at. Their presence here will be a boost for the club and for Point du Sable. If all of this gets executed as planned, we’ll both look good.”
Avery conducted the grounds tour. Though he was a longtime member and had been to the club countless times, she was still able to share a few tidbits that Cayden didn’t know. He listened attentively, asked the right questions and wasn’t stingy with compliments. When they reached the country club entrance near valet parking, Avery reminded Cayden again about securing the charity information. This time he shook the hand she extended. The tight grasp combined with his dancing eyes and genuine smile warmed her nether lips.
He took a couple steps toward the valet stand before turning around. “Hey, Avery.”
Avery slowly turned to face him. “Yes?”
“I was going to ask about your neck, but I can see it’s still hurting. I can recommend an excellent chiropractor to help alleviate the pain.”
“I’m taking care of it, but thanks.”
The meeting had started out on a tenuous note but ended far better than Avery could have expected. She went into her office, redonned her neck and back brace and daydreamed about all the ways that Cayden Barker could make her feel better, too.
Five
Cayden left the swanky offices of Eddington Enterprise feeling good about life. Last year, he’d created a software program that changed how the company did business and had positively impacted their bottom line. For the past several months, he’d been working on a generic, expanded prototype that could benefit any business or individual working in financial services. His invention could revolutionize the
industry and have global impact. Dwight Eddington, a company vice president, felt that since the initial idea had been developed for Eddington, the concept belonged to the company. Cayden had vigorously disagreed. He’d designed the software, brought it to the company and had developed the new generic prototype on his own dime and time. He’d shared his plans out of courtesy more than necessity. Dwight maintained his argument and added it would increase competition. But earlier today Jake and his sister Maeve, also VPs, had reconsidered their earlier position and sided with him. He was one step closer to introducing a product to the marketplace that could potentially make him a very wealthy man.
Cayden reached the parking garage. His eyes automatically searched for the navy blue sports car that the insurance company had written off as a total loss. His two-year-old Range Rover was parked in his garage, but he’d opted to take advantage of his insurance policy’s rental option to test other cars. He’d been sure about purchasing another Porsche 911 until he took a two-hour road trip in Jake’s convertible Rolls-Royce Dawn. That car rode as quietly as a convent and drove like the wind. Arriving at his charity golf event in that kind of styling would make one helluva statement. Or he could lose his whole mind and get his dream car, a Bugatti. At the mere thought, his mentor Bob’s voice arose in his ear.
If you’re going to drive a million-dollar car, make sure that you’re a billion-dollar man.
Cayden left the decision for another day and instead slid into a pearl white Audi Spyder and engaged the Bluetooth to call his mom.
“Hey, sweetie, how are you?”
“Better.”
“Really? I’ve been worried about you. How is your rib healing, and that gash on your face?”
“It’s all good.”
“Meaning you haven’t gone to the doctor. Honey, I told you that deep cut can leave a scar.”
“That’ll make me look even sexier, right?”
Tami chuckled before responding, “I can’t reason with you.”
“Hey, Mom. What’s for dinner?”
“Why? Are you coming over?”
“Depends on what we’re having.”
“You’ll have whatever I’m cooking.”
“Sounds delicious. I’m on my way.”
Cayden’s expression was neutral as he pulled into Harold Washington Heights. It was real estate owned by the Eddington family’s nemeses, the Kincaids, but he didn’t hold that against her.
He pulled his car into Tami’s guest parking slot and navigated the meandering sidewalk to her first-floor unit. The smells of grilled onions almost pulled him through the door before Tami opened it.
“Hi, hon.” She held back flour-covered hands and leaned in for a kiss.
“The smell of whatever you’re cooking is blanketing the area. Don’t be surprised if neighbors start knocking on the door.”
He followed his mother into the kitchen. “What are you making?”
“Smothered steak and onions, with mashed potatoes and peas.”
“Can I help with anything?”
Tami turned to him and smiled. “Sure, you can do the rolls and make the salad. Wash your hands.”
For the next several minutes it felt like old times, just Tami and Cayden, the way it had been before Tami married Harvey, who’d died last year. Casual chitchat punctuated the comfortable silence before dinner was ready, the table was set and they sat down to eat.
“So, how’s work?” Cayden asked after basically inhaling one-third of his plate.
“So far, so good.”
“What do you like most about it?”
Tami reached for her sweet tea and took a drink. “That it’s a smaller hospital, more intimate. Everyone knows each other. It feels more like a team. Not that there wasn’t some of that in Chicago but it’s different here.” She shrugged. “I don’t know how to explain it. How is it at the Enterprise?”
“Challenging.” He shared his excitement about his invention, and his frustration at Dwight dragging his feet. “Fortunately, I have a distraction.”
“Oh?”
“I’ve been nominated to become a member of SOMA.”
“That hoity-toity men’s group?”
“That philanthropic, civic-minded fraternity of successful, community-oriented businessmen, yes. That one.”
They both laughed.
“Stuff like that is more you than me. But if it’s what you want, I’m happy.”
“I’m organizing a charity event as part of my probation. A golf tournament that will be held at the Point Country Club during Fourth of July weekend.”
“What’s the charity?”
“I’m still trying to figure that out. I thought about choosing the Boys and Girls Club. But in a way I’d like the cause to benefit someone here in town.”
“Most people here don’t need charity, son.”
“True.”
“But if there was a way to match people in need with the top-of-the-line facilities that Point du Sable offers...that would be huge win-win.”
“Are you thinking about the hospital?”
“I’m always thinking of helping to make sick people well. Our cancer ward is one of the best in the country. The difference in the type of care is startling—the treatment given to a patient in a hospital like PDS Medical versus that received in facilities with less funding. It’s a blessing to work there but it also shines a bright light on the haves and have-nots.”
“How would we pair patients in need with the specialists at PDS?”
“I know of a few organizations that help cancer patients who are underinsured. One or more of them could provide names of those who qualify.”
Cayden tossed the napkin he’d used onto his empty plate. “Then it’s decided. Proceeds from the golf tournament will go toward helping them.”
Tami squeezed Cayden’s arm. “Son, that would be wonderful! I could contact some of my old colleagues who now work at government-funded clinics or hospitals with no specialized cancer care. Somehow connect them to PDS Medical higher-ups. I mean, I’m sure there are people more qualified than me to put it together, but I’d do whatever I can to help.”
“Your involvement would mean everything.”
“Then I’d be honored, Cayden. I’m so proud of you.”
“Think nothing of it, Mom,” Cayden said, finishing off his tea. “That’s just how we hoity-toity brothers roll.”
The next day, Cayden called Avery. “I’ve decided on a charity—Point du Sable Medical Center.”
“Okay,” was her one-word, drawn-out answer.
“I know what you’re thinking. That the people who go there don’t need our money. This would be set up for a type of referral program, bringing cancer patients who need specialized treatment but can’t afford it to a ward with the newest technology and the most talented staff.”
“Wow, when described that way the plan is very charitable. That type of difference could indeed be lifesaving. What a brilliant idea.”
“I can’t take the credit. My mom’s a nurse. She planted the seed.”
“Then kudos to your mom. That topic is a very personal one for me. My sister, Lisa, has been fighting cancer.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Avery. Is she better now?”
“Yes, thanks to the very treatment you mentioned.”
“She was treated at PDS Medical?”
“She’s being treated there now with a combination of chemotherapy and holistic modalities. Five more treatments and hopefully she’ll be cancer-free.”
“That’s good news.”
“Indeed. So, we can move forward with the invitations?”
“I need to run everything past my mentor, who’ll probably involve the local board. I’ll explain the urgency of getting a quick answer. Shouldn’t take more than a day.”
“In the meantime, I
’ll get our designer started. She can create a placeholder. When the charity information is finalized it can be quickly inserted.”
“You’re new at the Point but this is obviously not your first ball game. Mind if I asked where you worked before?”
“Not at all. I was the director of events for Lake Chalet on—”
“Lake Shore Drive. I’ve been there a few times, no doubt at one of your events.”
“Quite possibly.”
There was a lull in conversation. Cayden found himself not wanting to hang up the phone.
“I have another call coming in, Cayden. I’ll send over the invitation mock-ups as soon as I get them.”
Cayden reached for the office phone to have his assistant, Keri, bring him a coffee, then changed his mind and headed to the break room for his choice of fancier selections. He settled on a mocha latte espresso and, shutting out what would be his mother’s nagging, reached for a gooey sugar-laden donut. “You know the best part of the donut?” his mother would ask him, always concerned for the health of her fast-growing son. They’d answer together. “The hole.”
He smiled at the thought, then bit off a third of the saccharin delight and washed it down with the steaming brew. Within minutes of returning from the break room, he was immersed in work—checking snail mail and emails and reading reports. Every now and then his mind would drift to the golf event being planned, and the talented woman helping him plan it. His loins tightened just as someone knocked at his opened door. It was a rare moment when he welcomed an interruption while working. Now, however, was one of those times.
“What’s up, Jake?”
“You, man. That presentation on your software was stellar. You’ve impressed Derrick. That’s hard to do.”
“Your dad read the PowerPoint?”
“Not yet. I gave him a recap. I’m sure you’ll be hearing from him.”
“That’s good to hear. Your dad has always been there for me.”
Jake nodded. “For all of us.”
“All I have to do is get Reign to marry me and I’m all in the family!”
“Oh, boy. Here we go.”
“You know I’m not serious. I love your sister but Reign is way too—how to put this nicely—ethereal for me.”
