Gritting my teeth, I asked, “Why is that so funny?”
“It’s just that, well Mr. Edwards, you aren’t the relationship type. Far from it.” She stopped laughing and gave me an almost worried look.
“I guess you’re right, I don’t do girlfriends or relationships.” I sighed, knowing all too well why I didn’t. Thank God the bourbon was filled to the brim; drinking it all in one gulp helped to erase the memory. I pressed the attendance button, needing a topoff immediately.
“And you? I’m guessing you do, hence why your eyes light up every time your cell goes off?”
“Sorry, Mr. Edwards. That’s my boyfriend, Jeff. He’s in Australia visiting his parents and the time difference is driving us crazy.”
We talked more about how long they had been together and how they met. I never realized Kate was so interesting to talk to. Speaking to women apart from my mother and sister wasn’t something I did very often and those were all trying experiences. Kate knew what she wanted in life; I admired that. We stopped talking but I was left feeling somewhat bothered by the conversation about relationships. While Kate slept beside me, I stood up and stretched my arms, making my way to the restroom, passing Miss Horne on purpose. After a quick glance, she followed me to lavatory at the back of the plane, closing the door behind her. Then I pushed her head down to my cock.
…
We arrived in New York at six o’clock eastern time. The driver took us straight to the hotel where I changed into my sweats to go for a run. I loved the city in the morning; the streets were getting busy but there was still an eerie sense of calm. I ran through Central Park, alongside others trying to get in a quick morning run. I needed to burn off this energy. The past few days had been draining and all I wanted to do was put it behind me. I ran harder, pushing myself till my lungs burned. I debated heading back to my room but decided on hitting the gym first. It was just before nine when I got back. Taking my time, I had a long steaming shower followed by breakfast, then headed downtown to meet with the commercial realtor.
The first office space was a small building, views mainly facing a brick wall with a neon sign for Chows Chinese Takeout. Seriously, did I have to do the job myself? Frustrated with my time being wasted, I glanced at my watch to check the time.
“Mrs. Hampden, I am not sure what my assistant has told you, but the Lexed Group does not have offices facing brick walls. Do I need to find another agent?”
Looking flustered and embarrassed, she pulled out her portfolio. What the fuck was she thinking? This is what happens when some geriatric has-been is still working when they should be retired living in Boca. Pulling out my blackberry, I was ready to blast the person who recommended her to me.
“Mr. Edwards, I apologize for the communication error. I do have one that I think will be more suited to your business.”
We took a cab to the other building. The outside was perfect. The building was newish and had a real buzz to it. My eyes scanned the office: it was fully furnished and the reception area was formal with black leather lounges. I followed her around the floor before walking through the double doors to what would be my office. The view was amazing as I stood at the window staring out at Central Park. I called Kate right away, knowing that office spaces like this in New York were hard to come by.
“Kate, please have the lawyers draw up the contracts for this new office,” I commanded. “Human resources can start recruiting for the jobs we discussed last week. I’ll forward you a list of everything else I want taken care of by Monday morning.”
I left the building, finally relieved that we found a space that represented the Lexed name. It was lunchtime now and the streets were busy. People around me were piling into restaurants, others darting in and out of boutiques. I found the restaurant where my sister and mother were meeting me for a quick lunch—at least that’s what I anticipated, but of course women could talk for days without taking a breath. Seriously, did they ever shut the fuck up?
My mother was the first to greet me, reaching up to place a kiss on my cheek then rubbing her fingers across it to wipe off the lipstick she left behind. “Here’s my boy. Why haven’t you returned my calls, Lex? I know you’re busy, but not hearing from you weeks on end worries me.”
“C’mon, Mom. You know what it’s like.”
“No I don’t, Lex. I understand you’re busy running an empire and all, but a quick call, text or even an email wouldn’t kill you. Better yet, send me a friend request...”
Thank God, for once my sister’s timing was perfect. Practically running over to the table, she kissed my mother then whacked the back of my head.
“What the fuck, Adriana?”
“Oh hello, big brother of mine.” She laughed while taking a seat.
Adriana was five years younger. My parents would tell me that when I was four I begged Santa to bring me a brother or sister. Unfortunately, Santa delivered a year later.
Some said she looked like me. I couldn’t see the resemblance apart from our eyes. She had light brown hair like mine but today she was blonde. I couldn’t keep up with her ever-changing hairstyles. Typical woman of course.
“So Elijah and I have set a date: it’s February fourteenth, the day we officially started dating.”
“Oh honey, I’m so happy for you. Aren’t you, Lex?”
I looked over at my mother, her face willing me to say something pleasant. What possible thing could I say about a fucking Valentine’s Day wedding? The holiday itself was a load of shit. Like we needed a day to show someone we loved them with candy hearts and giant bears that served absolutely no purpose, and don’t get me started on weddings…
“Sounds bloody ace.”
“Bloody ace? Is that all you have to say?” Adriana asked, frustrated with my British slang.
“What would you like me to say? Tying yourself to someone will guarantee you a lifetime of happiness. Weddings are magical.”
“You are such a jerk.”