Chapter Four

“Get the fuck off me now!” Jareth spit out at Gwen as he pushed her away. Gwen stumbled back, surprised at his outburst. “But Baby, it’s me. I’m back and I want to pick up where we left off,” she said in her poutiest voice.  That voice used to be something he would look forward to when he was away on a business trip but now it just sounds whiny and pathetic.

Taylor came running out of the restaurant. “Everything ok, sir?” he inquired. “I want her out of my sight,” Jareth said with venom in his voice. Gwen had a shocked look on her face. “But Baby….” “No, I’m not your “Baby" anymore. I told you I want nothing to do with you. Now leave!” he seethed. Taylor escorted her away from him. 

Jareth watched Jerrica's car turn the corner down the street. How much did she see? Will she answer his call later? He’s kicking himself for letting this happen. He had no idea Gwen was going to be at Mario’s for lunch. Just bad luck.

“Once you’re done with her, bring the car around, I need to go to the office,” he said through clenched teeth. “Yes, sir,” Taylor replied.

Jareth paced in front of Mario’s impatiently while Taylor was taking care of the situation. Sonofabitch! He screamed in his head. This can’t be happening. He’ll head back to the office, calm down and think of what to do for damage control. Taylor pulled up and he hopped in without a word. 

“I’m sorry this happened, sir,” said Taylor. “Yeah well, what’s done is done. I just hope that Jerrica will let me explain,” he said in a heavy voice. "I feel something more than just a business partnership." He peered out the window at the city scenes passing him by. The concrete jungle cold and impersonal, even on a sunny day. "Yes, sir. A blind man can see that there's something between you two," Taylor replied.

Once in his office, he briskly walked by Kelly. She didn’t even have time to flirt with him. He didn’t give her the chance. He went straight to the liquor cabinet. Poured himself a glass of whiskey. This seems to be his go-to thing to do when he needs to think about what’s going on in his life. This can’t be healthy, he thought to himself. He looked at the amber liquid in the glass. Nope, definitely not healthy, he thought. He found a box in storage and was putting all top shelf liquor bottles into it when his father walked in.

“Hey, son, how did it-" he started but then he saw him packing up the bottles. “What happened?” Spencer inquired, concern in his voice. “Dad, things were going perfect and then Gwen ruined the whole thing,” he replied, with a hint of despair in his voice. “Okay, but why are you packing up all the liquor?” he said. “Because drinking is not the solution to problems so I’m removing the temptation to drown my problems in a bottle. Here, take these home,” he said as he handed him the box.

Spencer took the box and set it down by the door. Jareth was standing behind his desk looking out the window. “Come, son, let’s sit down and tell me what happened,” he said as he made his way over to the sofa and coffee table. Jareth went over to the other side of the office and sat down with his father.

“Gwen called me last night and said she wants to get back together since it didn’t work out with the guy she left me for. I basically told her 'not a chance' in certain terms. But as luck would have it, she was having lunch with her girls when Jerrica and I walked out of our meeting. I tried to get out of there before Gwen could talk to me but just as I got Jerrica into her car, Gwen came up and kissed me. I pushed her away but I think Jerrica saw it. Dad, I think there’s there more to us then just a business partnership. I can’t explain it,” he said. “And I invited her and a friend to Gabby's party. I don’t know what came over me, I just wanted to see her again,” he said, his head in his hands. “I really hope this doesn’t affect her decision to accept the proposal. We talked about in depth at the meeting and she was pleased with it. Now, it’s in her legal team’s hands before we sign it.”

His father sat silently for a minute. Then he said, “I think that giving her a little time is a good idea. Give her a call tomorrow and meet her for coffee. Explain yourself and go from there.” “Thanks Dad. The waiting is going to be the hard part. Hopefully by tomorrow her legal team will be done with their analysis and we can move forward,” he said. 

Jerrica was in her office with her legal team when Geena walked in. She came carrying flowers and balloons with “Congratulations” on them. As soon as she saw her face, she knew something wasn’t right.

Jerrica excused herself and walked with her friend down to lounge so they can talk. “What the heck happened?” Geena asked as soon as they were away from the office. “Nothing, we feel he has a pretty solid proposal and we’re just working out the details,” she said nonchalantly. “That’s not what I meant,” Geena said with hands on her hips. “You look hurt for some reason. Was he not a gentleman to you?”

Jerrica cast her eyes down. “He was a perfect gentleman,” she said. “But I started to feel something that was less business related. He even invited us to his sister’s birthday party in a couple weeks. But as I was leaving the restaurant, a woman came out and kissed him. He said she was nobody but I don’t know…” she trailed off.

“I’m sure it’s not what it looks like,” Geena said with confidence. “Maybe give him a chance to explain himself,” she said, putting her hand on Jerrica’s shoulder. “Don’t let this bring you down. Now, what were you saying about a party? You know I love parties! Maybe there will be hot guys there,” she said, with a glint in her eye.

“It’s his sister’s twenty first birthday at his parents vineyard. He said I could bring a friend to make me feel more comfortable,” Jerrica replied. “Should I bring a gift? I’m sure she has everything she could ever want,” she said. Geena pulled out her phone and was tapping furiously. Her eyes lit up a few seconds later. “Gabrielle Steele loves dogs,” she said and showed her Gabby's IG page. “Let’s go down to the dog shelter and make a donation in her name. We can ask them for a certificate to wrap up so you have something physical to bring to the party,” she exclaimed. 

Geena is always so thoughtful. She would never have thought about that. “Okay great! Let me finish up here then we can head down right away,” she said, feeling better already. She went back to the office and talked with her legal team. They were just finishing up the last details and said they’ll have the final copy to sign tomorrow. 

She and Geena were driving through the shopping district when Jerrica saw the blonde walking out of a high end boutique. “That’s her!” she pointed so Geena can see who she meant. “Geez, no wonder you thought they were together, she’s beautiful,” Geena said. “That doesn’t make me feel any better you know. Maybe Jareth prefers blondes,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest. “I don’t even know her and I don’t like her already,” she said. 

“Now you don’t know for sure if they’re together,” Geena said. “Hear his side tomorrow and go from there.” “Okay,” she said quietly. They pulled up to the shelter and got out and made their way in.

“Oh my God, look at their little faces!” Geena exclaimed. “They’re so cute!” They peered through the window at the puppies. Some were wrestling with each other and others were getting fed by Mama. “Can I help you?” said the lady behind the desk. “We’re looking to make a donation in the name of a friend,” said Jerrica. “Wonderful!” the lady said. “Please fill this out and we will draft you a certificate with your friends name on it.” She handed Jerrica a form and she went and sat down to fill it out while Geena was getting puppy kisses.

She was happy to see her friend so happy. She was in abusive relationship a couple years back and haven’t been putting herself out there to find someone who will treat her right.  She just hopes she finds the right one. She finished filling out the form and brought it to the desk and pulled out her bank card.

“And how much will you be donating?” the lady inquired. “Let’s do $1,000.00.” The lady's eyebrows shot up. “That’s very generous. She must be someone special,” she said. “I haven’t even met her yet but if she’s anything like her brother, then she must be,” Jerrica replied. “I heard that!” Geena said over her shoulder.

Jerrica blushed. The lady gave her the certificate and thanked her profusely. 

Jerrica and Geena made their way to Geena's VW Beetle. “I know you can afford a newer car, why don’t you get one?” Jerrica asked her. “Ah, this one is special to me. My Dad and I bought it together with money from my first job in high school. I know she needs a little TLC but for now, she runs,” she said, patting the hood. “I know you miss him,” Jerrica said, patting her shoulder. “Three years is long time to be without your Dad who loved you so much.” “Thank you,” she said smiling but Jerrica could see the tears.

“Let’s go get dinner, my treat,” said Jerrica. “I have Mexican on the brain.” “Oooohh, let’s go check out the new place, Amigos, on 10th Avenue!” Geena exclaimed. Jerrica smiled at her enthusiasm. Geena is never one to stay sad for very long.

They made it to the restaurant fifteen minutes later. They were waiting at the hostess stand when Jerrica hears “Jerrica is that you?” She turns around and sees Jess smiling at her. “Hi! It’s nice to see you again Jess. This is my friend, Geena.” “And this is Andrew,” she motions to her boyfriend. They shake hands and exchange pleasantries. “You don’t work tonight at Mario’s?” “Nope, after your meeting with Jareth I got the rest of the day off.” “Good for you!” she smiled.

“Look, I heard that witch had tried to get her grimy hands on Jareth just as he was escorting you out of the restaurant. I’m sorry you had to see that,” she said. “Oh,” Jerrica said, her mood changing. “I know it’s none of my business and Jareth and I are just business partners.”

“I think I saw more than just ‘business partners’”, Jess making air quotes with her fingers. Jerrica blushed. “But anyway, she dumped Jareth over text ten months ago when he was away on a business trip. She was screwing around with her stylist. Like, come on, really? She chose her stylist over a billionaire,” she said with disgust. “And the funny thing is, he was going to propose when he got back.”

Interesting, Jerrica thought. Her mood instantly improving. “Anyway, things have broken down between her and the stylist and now she wants Jareth back. That viper wants to sink her teeth in again. He showered her with gifts. Clothes, cars and a condo.” “Why doesn’t he take them back?” Jerrica asked. “From what I hear, he made her sign an agreement to not blast him to the tabloids in exchange for keeping the gifts. He has to maintain his reputation. The business vultures would have a field day if they got whiff of a scandal. Now, I heard through the grapevine that her Daddy cut her off so she has to find another source of money. And we know Jareth has it.”

“That’s practically extortion! Do you think he’ll go back with her?” Jerrica asked hesitantly. “Not now that he has you,” she said with a big grin on her face. Jerrica blushed again. “Care to join us for dinner?” she asked, changing the subject. “That would be awesome!” Jess exclaimed. The hostess appeared and they made their way through the restaurant. “This was such a good idea Jerrica, this place is awesome!” said Geena as she marveled at the décor and bright colors.

Yes, this was a good idea, thought Jerrica, otherwise we may not have run into Jess and got the juicy gossip. They talked and laughed for hours before Jerrica and Geena decided to call it a night. “It’s been a long day so I think it’s time we head out. It was lovely to run into you Jess and nice to meet you Andrew,” said Jerrica. “It was nice to get to know you too,” replied Jess. “Come by Mario’s anytime, maybe on a Tuesday?” she suggested, winking at her. She blushed again.  “Why Tuesday?” asked Geena. “That’s when the Steele's have a family dinner every week,” said Jess. “Ohhhh, I see,” said Geena and everyone laughed. They said their goodbyes and Jerrica and Geena went to her car. They hopped in but when Geena went to start it, it didn’t turn over.

“Oh, no, not again,” cried Geena. Jerrica looked at the time. “My driver is done for the day. Shall we call an Uber?” “An Uber? Really? Miss CEO in an Uber?” laughed Geena. “How about if we just give another CEO a call?” she giggled. “Give me your phone, I’ll call him,” Geena exclaimed. “No way, José!” cried Jerrica. “He doesn’t need to waste his time on a couple damsels in distress!” “Come on, you know you want to see him again,” Geena teased.

That’s not untrue, thought Jerrica. “Fine!” she said and passed her phone. “Just don’t say anything embarrassing,”  Geena dialed his number and he answered on the second ring. “Hello?” Jerrica heard that silky voice. They had their heads together so they can both listen, like teenage girls calling the cute boy in class.

“Um, hi Mr. Steele, this is Geena,  Jerrica’s friend.” “Is she okay? What happened? Do you need help? Where are you?” He sounded panicky, which made Jerrica smile at his concern. “We’re fine, we’re just uh, having car trouble and Jerrica’s driver is done for the day. We’re at Amigo's on 10th Avenue, if you’re not busy, can-" “I’ll be right there!” he cut her off. Whoa, she wasn’t expecting that. “Uh, thank you Mr. Steele, we really appreciate it.  See you soon,” and them she ended the call. “See? What did I tell you?” giggled Geena.