Personal Possessions, page 7
I was going to have to sober Greg up. Mikey nodded, grabbing the receiver off the wall to call Pizza Palace.
“Greg!” I yelled again, but this time my voice was different, he knew it when he heard it.
He turned around this time. I nodded my head in the direction of the table and carried my drink with me as I walked that way. I saw him kiss the girl on the cheek, and head my way. He made his way to the table, and I thrusted the glass of water at him. He was done drinking, we were going to talk. Whatever he wanted to do after was up to him, but he called this fuckin’ meeting we were going to get it over with.
“Hey?” I questioned hoping to spur the conversation forward.
Greg didn’t speak, just stared off over my shoulder.
“What the fuck is going on, Greg? Whatever it is, we can fix it,” I reassured him thinking maybe he was in some kind of trouble. He took a breath and let it out, closing his eyes in the process.
“I want out,” he deadpanned. Had to hand it to Greg he went straight for the kill.
I was shocked. I thought everything was going great. We were buying, selling, and making shitloads of money. I downed the rest of my bourbon, and held my glass up, while calling out Mikey’s name. “What’s going on, Greg?”
“I just think it’s time to move on to other things.” He looked at me, waiting to see what my reaction was going to be. He thought I was going to be pissed off, probably to the point that I would beat his ass, but that wasn’t it at all.
This business was a way to become a successful businessman, and a way to make millions upon millions of dollars, but it was also extremely stressful and very demanding. It was perfect for Greg, but he had gone just about as far as he could go with it, there was no more bite for him. He liked the thrill of the hunt, once the prey was down - he was done.
I nodded once. I honestly was surprised that it had taken him this long to reach this point. Mikey came over, and dropped my drink off at our table. As he walked back to the bar, I told him just to make two more and bring them now.
“So, what’s the plan? You gonna let me buy you out? Or you gonna be a silent partner…” I asked as I shot the glass of bourbon all at one time. I needed that fire to take away the fucked up, shitty day that this was still turning out to be. Greg grabbed one of the double shots Mikey set down in front of me and downed his as well.
“Of course, I’m selling my shit to you, unless you want someone-“
He didn’t even have to finish that statement. I didn’t want to be in business with anyone else. He set the glass back down, and went to reach for the last one. Blocking his steal, I shook my head. “Order your own fucking drinks, by the way, since you’ve started a mile long tab already, you’re paying for these,” I joked with him. He laughed.
“I thought you’d be pissed, Trev.” He said as the smile left his face.
This was my brother. I had known him since the first day I started college at Harvard. His family was my family. They never treated me any different then they treated him. I loved them all. There was no way in hell, I would let something as senseless as business come between us.
With a smile on my face, I did the best Boston accent I could spew out of my southern mouth as I said, “Fuck you brutha…you aint getting rid of me that easy.”
He tipped his head back with a mountainous roar of a laugh. Just then I saw the front door open, and a delivery boy walk in with our pizza. I flagged him over to us, taking out my wallet to pay. I gave the boy a fifty and told him to keep the change. It was time to relax by spending the rest of my evening eating pizza, and playing pool with my brother.
I looked at my watch and saw that it was eleven twenty-eight. After closing out my tab, I told Greg I would see him in the morning at work, and not to wait up. I didn’t tell him that often, but when I did, he knew where I was going. I jumped in my Audi, and headed downtown.
I didn’t want to think anymore. I didn’t want to justify anything to myself. I was over it. Needing to get my mind off the complete fuck up of a day, I floored the accelerator into the ground. I didn’t even feel the enjoyment of purchasing my father’s company out from underneath him like I thought I would.
I drove through town, watching the lights from the soaring high-rise buildings twinkle as I passed them at a high speed. The top on my car was down, and I could feel the coolness of the air whip through my hair as it left a stinging sensation on my face. I needed this sensation to balance the numb feeling that I had grown use to carrying within me.
I was oblivious to feeling anything anymore. Pulling on the ring around my neck, I swung it back and forth letting my mind wander to wherever it could go to find some type of solace. I finally came to the building and pulled into the garage. My mind was set on one thing, and one thing only now.
I walked to the garage elevator and pushed the button. I knew what would take my mind off everything, what always filled that void, even if it was for a short amount of time. Entering the elevator and pushing the button for the penthouse, it took off. The ride wasn’t long at all, that was a good thing, because I didn’t think I could wait much longer. As soon as the doors opened I stepped out.
She was waiting in the doorway, with her arm holding the door half open. Wearing a long, lavender silk nightgown, she was ready and waiting for me. I knew that gown well I had bought it for her. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back in wide springy spirals. Her makeup, flawless even at midnight, as her lips shined as though the sun had personally kissed them.
The front of the gown was completely transparent and split at the breast, exposing everything she was willing to offer me. I was in a mood. A mood that she could see written all over my face, she knew what she was in store for - there would be nothing that was off limits tonight.
“Hard day there, Mac?”
She asked in her breathy, low toned voice. I didn’t answer her, I didn’t need to. Walking past her and into the apartment, I heard her shut the door and lock it. She went and poured us both a drink. I didn’t even have to tell her what I wanted, she already knew. I could hear somewhere in the background, soft music playing, which meant more than likely she had candles lit.
I wasn’t here for the romantic bullshit and deep down she knew that, but I just ignored my surroundings and continued on with what was in front of me.
She handed me the glass that was two fingers full of scotch. . I shot mine back, as she sipped on hers. I wasn’t here to make small talk, I was here to fuck, and fuck a lot.
“Where to?” I asked.
She set her drink down and came up to me. Her face got close to mine as she looked deep in to my eyes, “I see no change. They’re still completely blank.”
She had pity written all over her face. Well, if that’s the way she wanted to look at me, I could fuck that pity right out of her. She shook her head back and forth, and headed for the kitchen. I didn’t follow. I actually internally debated just leaving, and picking some chick up at a bar. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with this bullshit.
“Mac,” her voice, seductive and alluring called out.
Setting my drink down on the glass coffee table I began walking slowly into the kitchen not knowing what I would find. Turning the corner, I saw her standing facing the bar, her leg straddling up so her foot was resting on top of it, her nightgown pulled up displaying her bare ass.
“You looking for an all-night buffet?” She coyly teased as she twisted her neck to see me come up from behind her.
Staring at her, drinking it all in; I was speechless. I have to say, she had a beautiful body and she used it against men as though it was a deadly weapon. I walked up behind her closer, and ran one finger down the middle of her cheeks. Undoing my belt buckle, I was ready. I needed to fuck my day away.
“Are you ready to be thoroughly fucked?” I asked her as I ran my finger lower, watching her arch back so that her ass bowed up. I could see her pussy glistening, she was ready.
“Now, now Dani, it looks as though you’re pre-gaming without me.” Foreplay was always her niche. She loved it, but it looked as though she had started without me this time.
“I’m sorry, I had too,” She said quietly. I chuckled low in my chest and leaned down so that I was next to her ear.
“Did you think of me?” I whispered as I took her earlobe between my teeth and bit fairly hard. I heard her gasp in pain but yet, her body language was letting me know that she loved it.
“Tell me, were you thinking about what I was going to be doing to you tonight while you plunged your fingers in and out of you?”
Letting a moan escape, she threw her head back and put her face towards mine, I pulled back quickly. “Ah ah. You know the rules here, Dani.” She had never tried that before, and she caught me off guard, almost catching my lips with her own.
I had been having this type of relationship with Dani for six months, and my lips had never touched hers. That wasn’t what this was about. Kissing brought intimacy into it, and I wasn’t here for that. I was here to get what I needed and leave, she knew it and agreed.
Leaving those thoughts behind, I added one more finger and slowly began running them up between her lips. She was sloppy wet. This wasn’t a one-time get off with her vibrator; she had been playing for a while.
“How many times did you make yourself come, Dani?” I continued to slide my fingers back and forth between her lips, while she remained silent. I began to take my fingertips and stroke her slow, making circles around her bulging clit. I knew she was enjoying this because I could feel her relax and start circling her hips along with my rhythm.
Increasing the pressure of my fingers, I fluttered them against her. Her hips sped up their rhythm to keep up with me. My throbbing cock still tucked uncomfortably in my pants, begging to pound into her.
Bending forward as I gently, yet firmly pulled her hair up to meet me halfway.
“I won’t ask again,” I demanded next to her ear again, she turned her head quicker this time and swiped her tongue across my lips.
That did it, I was done playing around. I made the rules here, not her. I was in charge of this, not her. Reaching into my pants I released my cock that was ready to thrust into any hot piece of ass by this point in time.
I rammed inside of her, laying my forehead on the back of her head. Relief at last. I heard her moan in pleasure, and pulled out.
“Don’t you fucking dare utter a sound, do you hear me? You broke the rules, now you don’t get to enjoy any of this. You are going to fuck my day away and come all over me, and I better not even hear a hum!” I ordered.
Pushing deeper into her, her head turned to the side so that I could see her mouth dropped open, eyes closed. Oh, she was enjoying this, every inch deeper I went the more she wanted to scream my name, but she fucked up and now had to suffer the consequences.
I continually rammed up against her until there was nothing left in my head. No thoughts of work, no thoughts of Richland, and especially no thoughts of her.
Every thrust into her wetness, I could feel her grip me tighter, which made me pound harder, and before I knew it I was pushing her up against the kitchen bar. She bit her lip so hard, I could see she had drawn blood. She was loving it.
“That’s it. Milk me, Dani. I’m going to blow my load on your back, and you’re not even going to be able to beg me for a drop of it.”
I felt my orgasm building as I pumped her three more times. Finally feeling my release come, I pulled out and gushed all over her back. As I opened my eyes, I saw her again. Dark hair leaned over the bar, looking back at me, licking the drop of blood off of her lip.
I must’ve started backing up because I felt something cold on my back and realized I was up against the fridge.
“You ok? Mac - what’s the matter.” I saw Dani’s apartment around me but it wasn’t her. It wasn’t her face, it wasn’t her voice. It was a soft, southern accent that yielded those words.
“Give me a goddamn minute!” I yelled in a panic.
I walked to the living room, straight to the mini bar, and filled a glass up half way with bourbon before slamming it down my throat. Closing my eyes, I relished the fire that was burning a trail down my throat, then my chest, till it finally reached my stomach.
“Mac,” I heard Dani’s voice again, it was soft and hesitant. It was as though she was scared to approach me, either that or she was giving me a minute. I opened my eyes briefly, but was afraid to turn around so I closed my eyes again.
“Fuck!!!” I yelled at the top of my lungs, chucking the glass towards the wall Dani gasped. My chest was heaving, as I gasp for breath.
“Mac - honey, come sit down.”
“Why Dani?” I said as soon as she stopped talking. She just stared in my eyes.
“Mac,” she stepped towards me.
“Why did you go and fuck this all up?” I accused.
She stopped instantly, her face became pale. I don’t think she was expecting for me to call her out on what she had done. It wasn’t technically a kiss.
“Mac, can you not see how I feel for you?”
I moved away from the bar, but took the bottle with me. I put it to my lips taking a healthy swig.
“I care about you deeply,” She began walking towards me again. I laughed… loudly.
“You care about me?” I asked through my frenzied laughs.
This whole time we had been screwing each other, I didn’t even know what her profession was. I didn’t really give a shit. Why all the sudden she was allowing feelings to get in the middle of this was beyond me.
“You don’t even know my first name.”
I tucked myself back into my pants and buckled my belt, looking for my shoes. This would end up being the last time I would be in her penthouse.
“That’s just semantics, Mac,” she said as she closed in on me and wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me down to attempt another kiss. I pulled away and strode towards the front door.
“I’m leaving,” I blurted out.
She put her hands to her hips. “Ok, can we talk about this tomorrow over dinner? I am a fabulous cook, maybe then you can fill me in on some important information - like your first name,” she said giggling.
“No, I mean, I’m leaving Boston.”
What the fuck was I saying? I was making this shit up as I went along. The smile left her face.
“Oh Ok. Well can we get together when you get back?”
Was she seriously not getting what I was saying? Now I really began to wonder what she did for a living, because she didn’t seem too smart.
“No Dani. I’m leaving, leaving Boston for good.”
It finally hit her. “No, look Mac, we can work this out. We have been doing this for months now. Don’t you think it’s time to move our relationship to the next level?”
I looked at her, stunned. I never promised her anything. I told her that when we started this little friends with benefits arrangement.
“What relationship, Dani? I told you that this…” I pointed between me and her “…would never lead to anything other than sex. I meant it.”
Setting the bottle of liquor down on the coffee table, I moved towards the door to leave.
Closing her eyes, she dropped her hands and nodded her head once. “I see,” continuing to keep her eyes closed.
I felt bad that she was upset, but I was not apologizing for this. I can’t help it if she broke the rules. That was her own fuckin’ fault, I never told her any different.
“Goodbye, Dani,” I mumbled.
I could hear her sniffling as she whispered, “Bye, Mac,” never opening her eyes to look at me.
On my way home, I began to think about what I had said to Dani. I really considered the possibility of moving. I was going to own the company outright I wouldn’t have a partner. Maybe this was what I needed - a new start. I would mention it to Greg tomorrow when we discuss the buyout at the meeting, for now I needed to go home, take a shower and pass out.
Walking through the front door, I heard what sounded like someone being killed in Greg’s room, so I slammed the door so they would know I was home. When I was done with my shower I headed for the kitchen, to grab myself a beer.
Picking up my laptop off the kitchen table, I trudged to my room to lay in my bed. Turning on my phone to check it, I saw Judi’s text and opened it up.
“Kip Lawson: Private Investigator”
Staring at that name on my phone, followed by an email address and phone number, I fought internally over what to do. “Once you do this, Trevor, there’s not going back,” I said aloud. Dialing the number, it began to ring…One ring…
What Rachel had said to me that morning had stuck with me all day. I wasn’t surprised by what I had heard about Bear not being the same man that we knew in high school, I found this shit out the night my life came crashing down. What bothered me was that she was being affected by him.
You think cut you got money, you’re owed something’, well I’m about to prove to you… and to her that y’all aint shit!”
What Bear had said to me that night kept ringing true in my head.
I heard the beep of Kip’s voice mail.
“Mr. Lawson, my name is Trevor McHale. Please give me a call back at your earliest convenience. I will be available tomorrow between the hours of 10am and 6pm.”
I would see how this played out if I heard back from him tomorrow. Shutting my laptop, I laid there listening to the sounds of Greg’s wailing. Sounded as if that chick, whoever she was, was making him her bitch.
Eventually, I drifted off to sleep with thoughts of Vermont sounding like a nice change of scenery.
CHAPTER 6
2007
“Gentlemen, it was a pleasure doing business with you.”
I went through the conference room, shaking every man’s hand in there. To date, this was my biggest turnover and I was already celebrating inside but nothing on my face showed it. I had bought this company for a little over eight hundred and fifty-thousand dollars, and just sold the same factory which was now a full working company and last year netted over fifty million. Let’s just say I just made fucking bank on this deal!
“Greg!” I yelled again, but this time my voice was different, he knew it when he heard it.
He turned around this time. I nodded my head in the direction of the table and carried my drink with me as I walked that way. I saw him kiss the girl on the cheek, and head my way. He made his way to the table, and I thrusted the glass of water at him. He was done drinking, we were going to talk. Whatever he wanted to do after was up to him, but he called this fuckin’ meeting we were going to get it over with.
“Hey?” I questioned hoping to spur the conversation forward.
Greg didn’t speak, just stared off over my shoulder.
“What the fuck is going on, Greg? Whatever it is, we can fix it,” I reassured him thinking maybe he was in some kind of trouble. He took a breath and let it out, closing his eyes in the process.
“I want out,” he deadpanned. Had to hand it to Greg he went straight for the kill.
I was shocked. I thought everything was going great. We were buying, selling, and making shitloads of money. I downed the rest of my bourbon, and held my glass up, while calling out Mikey’s name. “What’s going on, Greg?”
“I just think it’s time to move on to other things.” He looked at me, waiting to see what my reaction was going to be. He thought I was going to be pissed off, probably to the point that I would beat his ass, but that wasn’t it at all.
This business was a way to become a successful businessman, and a way to make millions upon millions of dollars, but it was also extremely stressful and very demanding. It was perfect for Greg, but he had gone just about as far as he could go with it, there was no more bite for him. He liked the thrill of the hunt, once the prey was down - he was done.
I nodded once. I honestly was surprised that it had taken him this long to reach this point. Mikey came over, and dropped my drink off at our table. As he walked back to the bar, I told him just to make two more and bring them now.
“So, what’s the plan? You gonna let me buy you out? Or you gonna be a silent partner…” I asked as I shot the glass of bourbon all at one time. I needed that fire to take away the fucked up, shitty day that this was still turning out to be. Greg grabbed one of the double shots Mikey set down in front of me and downed his as well.
“Of course, I’m selling my shit to you, unless you want someone-“
He didn’t even have to finish that statement. I didn’t want to be in business with anyone else. He set the glass back down, and went to reach for the last one. Blocking his steal, I shook my head. “Order your own fucking drinks, by the way, since you’ve started a mile long tab already, you’re paying for these,” I joked with him. He laughed.
“I thought you’d be pissed, Trev.” He said as the smile left his face.
This was my brother. I had known him since the first day I started college at Harvard. His family was my family. They never treated me any different then they treated him. I loved them all. There was no way in hell, I would let something as senseless as business come between us.
With a smile on my face, I did the best Boston accent I could spew out of my southern mouth as I said, “Fuck you brutha…you aint getting rid of me that easy.”
He tipped his head back with a mountainous roar of a laugh. Just then I saw the front door open, and a delivery boy walk in with our pizza. I flagged him over to us, taking out my wallet to pay. I gave the boy a fifty and told him to keep the change. It was time to relax by spending the rest of my evening eating pizza, and playing pool with my brother.
I looked at my watch and saw that it was eleven twenty-eight. After closing out my tab, I told Greg I would see him in the morning at work, and not to wait up. I didn’t tell him that often, but when I did, he knew where I was going. I jumped in my Audi, and headed downtown.
I didn’t want to think anymore. I didn’t want to justify anything to myself. I was over it. Needing to get my mind off the complete fuck up of a day, I floored the accelerator into the ground. I didn’t even feel the enjoyment of purchasing my father’s company out from underneath him like I thought I would.
I drove through town, watching the lights from the soaring high-rise buildings twinkle as I passed them at a high speed. The top on my car was down, and I could feel the coolness of the air whip through my hair as it left a stinging sensation on my face. I needed this sensation to balance the numb feeling that I had grown use to carrying within me.
I was oblivious to feeling anything anymore. Pulling on the ring around my neck, I swung it back and forth letting my mind wander to wherever it could go to find some type of solace. I finally came to the building and pulled into the garage. My mind was set on one thing, and one thing only now.
I walked to the garage elevator and pushed the button. I knew what would take my mind off everything, what always filled that void, even if it was for a short amount of time. Entering the elevator and pushing the button for the penthouse, it took off. The ride wasn’t long at all, that was a good thing, because I didn’t think I could wait much longer. As soon as the doors opened I stepped out.
She was waiting in the doorway, with her arm holding the door half open. Wearing a long, lavender silk nightgown, she was ready and waiting for me. I knew that gown well I had bought it for her. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back in wide springy spirals. Her makeup, flawless even at midnight, as her lips shined as though the sun had personally kissed them.
The front of the gown was completely transparent and split at the breast, exposing everything she was willing to offer me. I was in a mood. A mood that she could see written all over my face, she knew what she was in store for - there would be nothing that was off limits tonight.
“Hard day there, Mac?”
She asked in her breathy, low toned voice. I didn’t answer her, I didn’t need to. Walking past her and into the apartment, I heard her shut the door and lock it. She went and poured us both a drink. I didn’t even have to tell her what I wanted, she already knew. I could hear somewhere in the background, soft music playing, which meant more than likely she had candles lit.
I wasn’t here for the romantic bullshit and deep down she knew that, but I just ignored my surroundings and continued on with what was in front of me.
She handed me the glass that was two fingers full of scotch. . I shot mine back, as she sipped on hers. I wasn’t here to make small talk, I was here to fuck, and fuck a lot.
“Where to?” I asked.
She set her drink down and came up to me. Her face got close to mine as she looked deep in to my eyes, “I see no change. They’re still completely blank.”
She had pity written all over her face. Well, if that’s the way she wanted to look at me, I could fuck that pity right out of her. She shook her head back and forth, and headed for the kitchen. I didn’t follow. I actually internally debated just leaving, and picking some chick up at a bar. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with this bullshit.
“Mac,” her voice, seductive and alluring called out.
Setting my drink down on the glass coffee table I began walking slowly into the kitchen not knowing what I would find. Turning the corner, I saw her standing facing the bar, her leg straddling up so her foot was resting on top of it, her nightgown pulled up displaying her bare ass.
“You looking for an all-night buffet?” She coyly teased as she twisted her neck to see me come up from behind her.
Staring at her, drinking it all in; I was speechless. I have to say, she had a beautiful body and she used it against men as though it was a deadly weapon. I walked up behind her closer, and ran one finger down the middle of her cheeks. Undoing my belt buckle, I was ready. I needed to fuck my day away.
“Are you ready to be thoroughly fucked?” I asked her as I ran my finger lower, watching her arch back so that her ass bowed up. I could see her pussy glistening, she was ready.
“Now, now Dani, it looks as though you’re pre-gaming without me.” Foreplay was always her niche. She loved it, but it looked as though she had started without me this time.
“I’m sorry, I had too,” She said quietly. I chuckled low in my chest and leaned down so that I was next to her ear.
“Did you think of me?” I whispered as I took her earlobe between my teeth and bit fairly hard. I heard her gasp in pain but yet, her body language was letting me know that she loved it.
“Tell me, were you thinking about what I was going to be doing to you tonight while you plunged your fingers in and out of you?”
Letting a moan escape, she threw her head back and put her face towards mine, I pulled back quickly. “Ah ah. You know the rules here, Dani.” She had never tried that before, and she caught me off guard, almost catching my lips with her own.
I had been having this type of relationship with Dani for six months, and my lips had never touched hers. That wasn’t what this was about. Kissing brought intimacy into it, and I wasn’t here for that. I was here to get what I needed and leave, she knew it and agreed.
Leaving those thoughts behind, I added one more finger and slowly began running them up between her lips. She was sloppy wet. This wasn’t a one-time get off with her vibrator; she had been playing for a while.
“How many times did you make yourself come, Dani?” I continued to slide my fingers back and forth between her lips, while she remained silent. I began to take my fingertips and stroke her slow, making circles around her bulging clit. I knew she was enjoying this because I could feel her relax and start circling her hips along with my rhythm.
Increasing the pressure of my fingers, I fluttered them against her. Her hips sped up their rhythm to keep up with me. My throbbing cock still tucked uncomfortably in my pants, begging to pound into her.
Bending forward as I gently, yet firmly pulled her hair up to meet me halfway.
“I won’t ask again,” I demanded next to her ear again, she turned her head quicker this time and swiped her tongue across my lips.
That did it, I was done playing around. I made the rules here, not her. I was in charge of this, not her. Reaching into my pants I released my cock that was ready to thrust into any hot piece of ass by this point in time.
I rammed inside of her, laying my forehead on the back of her head. Relief at last. I heard her moan in pleasure, and pulled out.
“Don’t you fucking dare utter a sound, do you hear me? You broke the rules, now you don’t get to enjoy any of this. You are going to fuck my day away and come all over me, and I better not even hear a hum!” I ordered.
Pushing deeper into her, her head turned to the side so that I could see her mouth dropped open, eyes closed. Oh, she was enjoying this, every inch deeper I went the more she wanted to scream my name, but she fucked up and now had to suffer the consequences.
I continually rammed up against her until there was nothing left in my head. No thoughts of work, no thoughts of Richland, and especially no thoughts of her.
Every thrust into her wetness, I could feel her grip me tighter, which made me pound harder, and before I knew it I was pushing her up against the kitchen bar. She bit her lip so hard, I could see she had drawn blood. She was loving it.
“That’s it. Milk me, Dani. I’m going to blow my load on your back, and you’re not even going to be able to beg me for a drop of it.”
I felt my orgasm building as I pumped her three more times. Finally feeling my release come, I pulled out and gushed all over her back. As I opened my eyes, I saw her again. Dark hair leaned over the bar, looking back at me, licking the drop of blood off of her lip.
I must’ve started backing up because I felt something cold on my back and realized I was up against the fridge.
“You ok? Mac - what’s the matter.” I saw Dani’s apartment around me but it wasn’t her. It wasn’t her face, it wasn’t her voice. It was a soft, southern accent that yielded those words.
“Give me a goddamn minute!” I yelled in a panic.
I walked to the living room, straight to the mini bar, and filled a glass up half way with bourbon before slamming it down my throat. Closing my eyes, I relished the fire that was burning a trail down my throat, then my chest, till it finally reached my stomach.
“Mac,” I heard Dani’s voice again, it was soft and hesitant. It was as though she was scared to approach me, either that or she was giving me a minute. I opened my eyes briefly, but was afraid to turn around so I closed my eyes again.
“Fuck!!!” I yelled at the top of my lungs, chucking the glass towards the wall Dani gasped. My chest was heaving, as I gasp for breath.
“Mac - honey, come sit down.”
“Why Dani?” I said as soon as she stopped talking. She just stared in my eyes.
“Mac,” she stepped towards me.
“Why did you go and fuck this all up?” I accused.
She stopped instantly, her face became pale. I don’t think she was expecting for me to call her out on what she had done. It wasn’t technically a kiss.
“Mac, can you not see how I feel for you?”
I moved away from the bar, but took the bottle with me. I put it to my lips taking a healthy swig.
“I care about you deeply,” She began walking towards me again. I laughed… loudly.
“You care about me?” I asked through my frenzied laughs.
This whole time we had been screwing each other, I didn’t even know what her profession was. I didn’t really give a shit. Why all the sudden she was allowing feelings to get in the middle of this was beyond me.
“You don’t even know my first name.”
I tucked myself back into my pants and buckled my belt, looking for my shoes. This would end up being the last time I would be in her penthouse.
“That’s just semantics, Mac,” she said as she closed in on me and wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me down to attempt another kiss. I pulled away and strode towards the front door.
“I’m leaving,” I blurted out.
She put her hands to her hips. “Ok, can we talk about this tomorrow over dinner? I am a fabulous cook, maybe then you can fill me in on some important information - like your first name,” she said giggling.
“No, I mean, I’m leaving Boston.”
What the fuck was I saying? I was making this shit up as I went along. The smile left her face.
“Oh Ok. Well can we get together when you get back?”
Was she seriously not getting what I was saying? Now I really began to wonder what she did for a living, because she didn’t seem too smart.
“No Dani. I’m leaving, leaving Boston for good.”
It finally hit her. “No, look Mac, we can work this out. We have been doing this for months now. Don’t you think it’s time to move our relationship to the next level?”
I looked at her, stunned. I never promised her anything. I told her that when we started this little friends with benefits arrangement.
“What relationship, Dani? I told you that this…” I pointed between me and her “…would never lead to anything other than sex. I meant it.”
Setting the bottle of liquor down on the coffee table, I moved towards the door to leave.
Closing her eyes, she dropped her hands and nodded her head once. “I see,” continuing to keep her eyes closed.
I felt bad that she was upset, but I was not apologizing for this. I can’t help it if she broke the rules. That was her own fuckin’ fault, I never told her any different.
“Goodbye, Dani,” I mumbled.
I could hear her sniffling as she whispered, “Bye, Mac,” never opening her eyes to look at me.
On my way home, I began to think about what I had said to Dani. I really considered the possibility of moving. I was going to own the company outright I wouldn’t have a partner. Maybe this was what I needed - a new start. I would mention it to Greg tomorrow when we discuss the buyout at the meeting, for now I needed to go home, take a shower and pass out.
Walking through the front door, I heard what sounded like someone being killed in Greg’s room, so I slammed the door so they would know I was home. When I was done with my shower I headed for the kitchen, to grab myself a beer.
Picking up my laptop off the kitchen table, I trudged to my room to lay in my bed. Turning on my phone to check it, I saw Judi’s text and opened it up.
“Kip Lawson: Private Investigator”
Staring at that name on my phone, followed by an email address and phone number, I fought internally over what to do. “Once you do this, Trevor, there’s not going back,” I said aloud. Dialing the number, it began to ring…One ring…
What Rachel had said to me that morning had stuck with me all day. I wasn’t surprised by what I had heard about Bear not being the same man that we knew in high school, I found this shit out the night my life came crashing down. What bothered me was that she was being affected by him.
You think cut you got money, you’re owed something’, well I’m about to prove to you… and to her that y’all aint shit!”
What Bear had said to me that night kept ringing true in my head.
I heard the beep of Kip’s voice mail.
“Mr. Lawson, my name is Trevor McHale. Please give me a call back at your earliest convenience. I will be available tomorrow between the hours of 10am and 6pm.”
I would see how this played out if I heard back from him tomorrow. Shutting my laptop, I laid there listening to the sounds of Greg’s wailing. Sounded as if that chick, whoever she was, was making him her bitch.
Eventually, I drifted off to sleep with thoughts of Vermont sounding like a nice change of scenery.
CHAPTER 6
2007
“Gentlemen, it was a pleasure doing business with you.”
I went through the conference room, shaking every man’s hand in there. To date, this was my biggest turnover and I was already celebrating inside but nothing on my face showed it. I had bought this company for a little over eight hundred and fifty-thousand dollars, and just sold the same factory which was now a full working company and last year netted over fifty million. Let’s just say I just made fucking bank on this deal!
