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"Sometimes, it works, and sometimes, it doesn't," I said, sassing back at an imaginary Joyce, who seemed to have an answer for everything, at least in my head. Then, with an inward sigh, I grabbed my bag and marched to the bedroom. After exchanging my clothing for a comfy old sweatshirt and jeans, it was time to power up the laptop and begin today's lecture.
Just as I finished designing the budget spreadsheet, three distinct knocks resonated through my room. As always, Ariel's signature rap at the door gave her away. In response to this familiar sound, I hurriedly logged out of my course and shouted with excitement, "I'm coming!"
As I opened the door, Ariel beamed as she excitedly waved Jonathan's tiny hand at me. Beside her stood an overflowing shopping bag, ready to burst with new treasures! "Come in! Come see Auntie Meagan." I held out my hands to my nephew. Cuddling him in my arms, I squeezed him and kissed his head where a few new sprouts of dark hair had appeared. "He's got your hair," I told Ariel, who was grinning ear to ear.
"Can I at least come in…” Ariel teased, stepping around me as I cradled little Jonathan in my arms, staring down at his sweet face.
“Of course. Don't be silly. There are the usual drinks in the fridge. Help yourself." Turning my attention to the baby, I whispered as if he and I had a secret from his mother. "You know, Jonathan, if I hadn't introduced your mom and dad... I think they own me, don't you?"
Jonathan blew tiny bubbles in my face as if he agreed. Then his mom broke in. "What. You were the worst friend at the time I’d ever seen. You were so jealous or something..."
"Not jealous. I was just afraid you two weren't right for each other. But, of course, I was just trying to be an excellent best friend and a decent sister to Guy.”
"Oh, cut the shit! You were the biggest bitch—” Ariel giggled, before clapping her hand over her mouth as if trying to stuff the words back inside. “Uh-oh…”
"Your mama's got a dirty mouth, doesn't she." I rubbed noses with the sweet bundle of joy I was holding. "Good thing you're too young to understand."
Ariel picked up the bag and waved it in front of my face. "Follow me, evil sister-in-law."
We both chuckled as I trailed her into my bedroom and observed her upending the bag's contents on the bed. "Early birthday surprise." Ariel's face lit up with joy as she proudly held up a radiant red party dress before opening the accompanying shoebox to reveal matching stilettos and picking up an exquisite silk shawl.
"What's going on? My birthday isn't even until two months from now!" I exclaimed as I returned Jonathan to his mother.
"Open house for the new office building, remember? Or have you...." her voice trailed off.
"No, I haven't forgotten. I just didn't know if I'd be invited. I mean, the last I heard it’s just for Guy's business partners and their families. No one else due to security issues."
"What's there not to understand about family, silly? That includes you too." She propped Jonathan up on some pillows and held the dress up to me. "Ooooh! You got a push-up bra?"
"Of course, I do." I snickered as I pulled out my dresser drawer and dangled a sexy red one in front of her face. “Will this one do?”
“Yep, perfect. Now, listen up. Guy said we will pick you up at six."
"Who's babysitting Jonathan?" I asked, stripping off my clothes and unzipping the dress.
"Amy. Didn't she tell you?" Ariel asked, lifting the baby over her shoulder.
"I don't remember!" I shrugged as I tried on my party dress, turning this way and that in the floor-length mirror, admiring myself. “Wow, I love the dress!”
"Be ready and don’t be late. Chase Stratford has been asking about you."
"What? You didn't...." I hissed.
"Yes, I did, and he's expecting you!"
Chapter Two
Chase
"Okay, everyone. Grab another cup of coffee and meet me in the conference room. Let's get this party started." I announced, stuffing the last bit of breakfast bagel into my mouth.
"I thought the party was tonight," Mitch teased.
"Yeah, but we got a lot of ground to cover before then," I said, grabbing my laptop and heading out the break room door.
Beads of perspiration began to form on my upper lip as I took a final deep breath, steeling myself for the presentation I was about to deliver. The State of California’s Golden Key Project gave us a golden opportunity to showcase our proficiency in the cybersecurity field, and we all needed the income.
Despite the danger, our group still needed financial stability. Some had families to provide for while others desired new luxuries to ease stress; I had recently bought a yacht, Mitch was looking at a chalet in Vail, and Ryder eyed a one-of-a-kind new Harley. Our livelihoods depended on this project succeeding as every member of Rosedale relied upon me to make it happen.
