“Yes, of course,” I begin. “Once Galtrex’s information system is on-line the marketing components are built into the code, but for the time being the ad buy for local television is slated to begin tomorrow. The social media campaign started yesterday. We are already seeing returns for those. Laurie will make sure everyone gets updated stats.
After work, I’d love nothing more than going to her apartment where the guard said she was, but I have to go to my parent’s house for our weekly dinner, even though they spend a lot of time in DC, they always make it home for Sunday dinner, especially when the Senate isn’t in session.
As usual, I am the first one there. Dad’s not even home yet. As soon as I walk into the kitchen, I see my mom stirring something on the stove.
“Hey mom,” I say, startling her.
“You scared the crap out of me Baron,” she says clutching her chest.
“Sorry.” She turns to look at me.
“What’s wrong with you?” she asks.
“I said I was sorry,” I say chuckling.
“That isn’t what I mean. You look like shit. What’s wrong?” I could never keep anything from her.
“I met her,” I say pulling a bar stool out and sitting down on the other side of the island.
“Who?” she asks.
“The girl of my dreams,” I say.
“But?” she asks pointedly.
“She ran out on me this morning. But I wonder if it could be for the best given the way I grew up?”
“The way you were raised has no impact on your ability to love, Baron. Not one fucking bit,” she says surprising me. She never drops the f-bomb, so she has my full attention.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“Let me ask you this, do you love me? Your father? Your brothers? Your job?”
“Yes of course, but those first ten years have to count for something. Don’t they?”
“The fact that you are even asking me that, tells me that they do not.”
“I don’t even know who my parents are,” I say.
“Kieran and I are your parents. The sperm and egg donors, whoever they are, do not control your life. You do.”
“You think?” I ask.
“I know it. Now tell me about the girl,” she says, smiling at me.
“Her name is Frannie. She is a waitress and perfect for me,” I tell her.
“Well, I’ve never seen you like this. Don’t give up on her,” she says.
“I don’t intend to. I intend to marry her.”
“I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Soon,” I say to her.
Very soon if I get my way.Chapter SixFrannieI have not been able to sleep since our date ended last night. Right now, I am rolling around, tossing and turning, and trying to get some rest. My mind has been going back and forth between being excited about what’s to come with Baron and being sure he is playing with me. I mean, I don’t get it. He is a billionaire. Literally. He and his brothers, and I am pretty sure his parents are rich. Like royalty rich. What in the hell would a guy like him want with a girl like me? I have no connections, no family, no dowry...wait...do they still do dowries? I lay here for a second thinking about all these objections. The truth is, what difference does it make? I have nothing to offer him.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Esther says walking into the room.
“Who said anything about it being good,” I say rolling over and covering my head.
“I know you didn’t sleep last night. I could hear you tossing and turning all night long. I also know that you have to go to the college and meet with the guidance counselor and the financial aid office. So how about you get up, put some clothes on, and we go and get some coffee. Then you tell me what is bugging you. Does that sound good?” Putting my pillow down, I look at her and poke my lip out.
“Can I have a cinnamon croissant too?” She smiles, knowing me better than anyone ever has. I only eat those when I am struggling not to cry.
“Of course. Come on bestie. Let’s go eat some goodies.” I get up, put my hair in a ponytail, throw on some sweats, brush my teeth, grab my wallet, and we are out the door in less than ten minutes.
I am more than a little shocked at the weather. For it to be early spring, it is quite warm. “Want to talk about it?” she asks me about a block down.
“Not really.”
“Frannie. Come on. You know it works if you talk things out. That’s what we do. Now, tell me what is going on.” Looking over at her, it still shocks me to see the sincerity in her eyes and hear it in her voice when she talks to me.
“I’m scared, Es. I am genuinely scared. I can see myself falling in love with him. Hard and very fast. And it’s the real type of love. I have never felt the things I feel when I am with him. If I am being honest, it is when I think about him too.” I hear the shakiness in my voice as I tell her my fear of being hurt in the worst way. From the heart.