AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We started with burgers for lunch, then cheesecake for dessert. By the time we made it to the Empire State Building, I had eaten so much I felt ready for a nap. Mom reluctantly came up to the top with me, and once we were at the top, I tried everything to get her to relax. Nothing worked, but at least she did it with me and I had photos as proof too.
When we got back to the hotel, mom said, “I think I’m going to take a long soak in a hot bath then go to bed early. It’s silly, but it was so stressful that I feel like I’ve worked out at the gym for hours.”
“I feel the same way. Goodnight, Mom. Tomorrow, we do something....”
“Closer to the ground,” she jumped in as she went to her bedroom. “Sleep well.”
Sleep was not something I planned on doing until after I spoke with Mr. Blaze and he agreed to help me. I had hoped that agreeing to reschedule the meeting was his way of accepting the job. Was he holding out for more money? I hope not because it was more than fair as far as I was concerned. But after hearing me plead with him, I’m sure he knows I’m desperate. That’s the perfect time to try to negotiate for more money.
Not like I had a choice. If I didn’t sound desperate, he’d have surely turned me down.
I looked at the clock and knew I had plenty of time to shower and dress for my meeting. Jeans and a t-shirt were great for running around the city today with mom, but Mr. Blaze sounded like a man who wore a suit, even after hours. I slipped on a dress and a pair of heels making my feet complain, instantly. Tonight, I’d suffer, but these heels were going right back into the suitcase for the rest of this trip.
My phone buzzed alerting me that the UBER driver was five minutes away. Grabbing my purse, I left my bedroom and listened for any sound coming from my mother's bedroom. Nothing. She really was tired. With any luck, she wouldn’t even notice that I slipped out tonight.
Quietly, I opened the door and headed down to the lobby. When my ride arrived, I gave him the address and prepared myself the best I could. This was going to be the first time I ever spoke about my father to anyone.
Hope he is more understanding in person than what he sounded like on the phone.
CHAPTER4
Damien
She was late. I could call her, but this wasn’t on me. I didn’t need her. The waitress walked over and asked, “Can I get you another coffee?”
“No. I might be looking for the check though.” I replied.
“Can’t believe your date stood you up. If I wasn’t working, I’d let you buy me dinner,” she grinned.
The girl had to be about nineteen or twenty. I’ve dated women younger than me, but by five years, not fifteen.
“Not here for a date. I’m here on business,” I stated.
She replied, “I’ll check on you in a few minutes and see if you need anything.”
As she walked away, a stunning woman with long dark hair entered the restaurant.If Ms. Prada doesn’t show, maybe tonight can turn into a date night after all.The woman looked around the room, before stopping to get a waitress's attention. They spoke and the waitress pointed at me.Damn it.Although she was very easy on the eyes, I couldn’t allow her looks to be a distraction. This was business.
When she arrived at my table, she said, “Excuse me, are you Mr. Blaze?”
“I am.”Unfortunately.“You must be MaKayla Prada.”
She nodded and sat down. “I’m so sorry I am late. It seems that my UBER driver was as new to the city as I am. I ended up getting out of the vehicle three blocks away and decided to walk to avoid being driven around in circles any further.”
I saw no sign of distress on her from running or speed walking. It was a cool night, but not one bead of sweat on her brow. I was tempted but opted not to mention it. I wanted to get this started, so it could end. “Why don’t we order and then we can start the meeting,” I suggested.
“I think I’ll just have some tea. Today I’ve already eaten more than I should have. We found a place in Time Square that has the best cheesecake I’ve ever tasted. Creamy doesn’t even do it justice.” Her tongue traced her lips as she recalled it.
Fuck.She didn’t seem to have a clue what her simple action was doing to me. Was she that naïve or just nervous about our meeting?”
Smiling, she added, “New York definitely has some amazing food.”
Not that I wasn’t enjoying listening to her talk, but I needed both of us to stay focused. “That it does.” I waved to the waitress who came right over.
“I see yourdatehas arrived.” She winked at me then turned to MaKayla and asked, “What can I get you?”
MaKayla stammered. “I...I’ll have tea. Black please.”
“That’s it?” she asked and MaKayla nodded. The waitress shrugged and went to get her drink.
