The Thrill Of It All II

Business Arrangements

Dorothy walked into the estate and didn't see Tiana in the living room so she hurried into the kitchen to put away the groceries. Once she was done she eased to her room to retrieve the letters she left in her drawer, or so she assume where she left them and began looking around.

"Hmm? I thought they were on the drawer...maybe they are under the bed!" she started to panick.

"Looking for my letters, Dorothy?" Tiana asked, standing by the maid's door.

The woman slowly turned to see her boss holding what looked like the opened envelopes in her hand.

Tiana shook her head. "I want you to get the hell out of my house in fifteen minutes."

"Tiana, I was only tryin' to help you—

"Fourteen minutes!"

"But I can't get all my things out in fourteen minutes?

Tiana snorted before leaving.

Dorothy could hear her soon to be former boss saying, "You know I thought that you were a fairly decent woman...pretty much like Florence. Conservative and fairly one sided."

The maid knew she was in the wrong but wasn't going to let some rich mans widow cause her downfall. She remembered being younger and beautiful much like Tiana. She also had a very handsome husband who also had women throwing themselves a her Leon, and like Jacques, he would take, take, take. And of course when she confronted him about it he would slap or punch her into 'silence'. Then there were the drunken nights where he would force his way on her or not show up home at all. Like Tiana she married her husband young but unlike Jacques who was a young success, born into wealth and power, her husband Leon was born into poverty and alcoholism which made living with him unbearable.

She left as soon as she could and moved to Louisiana from Florida only to have learned that Leon was killed in a club fight. He never saved anything due to his gambling and alcohol habit so she was left to fend for herself until she was hired as a maid for a family of eight, including six boys. It was hell but it earned her an okay income until they moved for St. Louis. She thought that no one else would hire her, that was until she heard about the wealthy Montreuils needing another maid. She met both Tiana and Florence before getting the approval from Jacques, and now look at her. Fired all for her own selfish reasons...money.

Dorothy packed as much as she could before leaving. She bid Tiana a farewell and was surprised that her former boss gave her her final paycheck.

"Its your money. I will have my men move out the rest of your things by tomorrow afternoon. Goodluck with everything." She then closed the door, locking it with her letters in her hands.

"Its no wonder why he hates me so much," Tiana thought of Naveen's harsh treatment toward her. It all made perfect sense.

She should've followed Jacques advice on terminating Dorothy as soon as he passed, but the mad was so much help that it was the last thing Tiana was considering at the time. Jacques had his reasons to doubt and mistrust the maid since he haven't known her for as long as Florence. Backstabbing and stealing were major reasons the Montreuil didn't have a staff to care for the estate. She knew that her husband could more than afford them. Of course Florence was a huge help. But she was also one person. Tiana witnessed the older woman's fatigue would suggest hiring more help but was ignored or an argument would erupt. Control was Jacques downfall.

Tiana rolled her eyes.

Jacques had to be in control of every god damn thing.

But now she was alone for the first time in her life and she had a lot to think about regarding where she was headed. Now having to accept that a life with Naveen was out of the picture and giving up on men altogether was another option for her. Though it was distressing to realize that there would never be a man like Naveen for her.

During her marriage there have been men who would notice her, Jacques would inform her which would later cause a fight or some form of punishment. Even before marriage men young and old would notice her. Of course she wasn't interested as all her focus was to work her way up to a point where she could make a down payment to her secret hideout, the old sugarmill.

Tiana waved off the thought. "It was a lifetime ago." The old sugarmill was no longer standing anyway. It was time she began her new life. As a singled mother and widow.

The doorbell rang, interrupting her musings. Quickly standing she rushed over to answer the door. And as she opened it...

"Derek?" she wondered why he was standing at her door. "What are you doing here?"

His lips held an arrogant smirk similar to her husband's as he stepped in through the foyer. "Goodevening Tiana."

()()()()

Daniel laughed at his father who was in a meeting with several of the people from the village, nodding his head as he listened to whatever story they were telling him. It was like this for the past few Wednesdays, watching his father listen to these people who his other father would single handedly call the people 'peasants' and 'dirt poor'.

"Graci la majesto! Graci!" the man thanked his leader in Maldonian.

Naveen nodded at the man and his very pregnant wife. "Is this your first child?"

The man shook his head. "Deonce"

Naveen's eyes widen. "Twelfth? Man, you two are very busy." he joked, making the man chuckle proudly. "The financial gift will benefit for your growing family"

"Yes," The man smiled and extended his hand for a handshake. "Graci la majesto!"

Naveen accepted the handshake. "No, thank you for sharing your story with me."

Daniel watched how nice his father treated people and also noticed him not looking bored. He actually enjoyed the meetings.

"Are you ready for that ice cream?" Naveen asked his son.

"Yes!" Daniel jumped out of his chair, taking his father's hand. "Double scoop, okay?"

Naveen laughed and lifted the boy up and saddled him on his strong and broad shoulders. "I was thinking triple scoops."

"Triple scoops!" Daniel asked, excited. "Mama wouldn't like this though."

"Well there's a secret we can keep from her," he said, not being serious.

"My mama doesn't like secrets, daddy. I have to tell her."

"Why doesn't she like secrets? This one isn't a bad one."

"My mama and other daddy had fights all the time and she always yells about his secrets," Daniel revealed.

Naveen didn't like that his son had to experience his mother and Jacques arguing. He himself had to experience his parents alternative lifestyles taking in lovers and was confused as to why his mother was this other man and his father was with numerous women. It really confused him growing up until he met Tiana. Falling in love with her made him know what was it like to love only one woman. He hated himself for even thinking of her in such a way. They were done.

"Daniel, you will never have to experience any of that as long as you're here," promised Naveen as Herbert approached them.

"Afternoon your highness and Daniel. How may I assist you?" The valet bowed.

"You can first correct the title uses since Daniel is my son and we were headed to the newly built gazebo and would like for you to tell the cooks to prepare us some ice cream."

"Double scoop please!" Daniel added.

Herbert wasn't surprised to learn that the young boy was his king's son. He looked almost identical to his king as a child. "Right away your majesties!" he happily left the two.

"I like Herbert," Daniel said.

"He's a nice fellow," Naveen agreed as they stepped out into the beautiful garden that led to the gazebo. "This is becoming one of my favorite spots!" Naveen said about the new garden.

"Mama also likes it out here! At home she usually helps Florence and Dorothy gardening while daddy is out of town for business!" Daniel shared.

Naveen stopped to put his son back down and asked, "She only did it while he's gone?"

"Uh huh or he'll get very angry and make her cry in their room," the young boy then ran over to a chaise and jumped on it before sitting down. "She always gets sick and has to stay in her room for the rest of the day. Mama tries to hide it but I know daddy makes her get sick."

He sighed after hearing the story. "Daniel..."

"Daddy would also change his clothes and leave soon after."

Naveen knew what the young boy meant and began hating Jacques man all over again. "Daniel..."

"He also likes jumping on top of her when she cries. Daddy locks the doors but I can see him on her through the keyhole. I asked Florence about it once and she says he is only playing around and to not think about it."

"Son," Naveen stopped him. "You don't have to ever see that here. You're safe."

"Can mama stay here with us daddy?" Daniel asked. "I want her to be safe, too!"

Naveen had to admire his son's concern for his mother. "Of course she's always welcome here."

Daniel sighed in relief. "Good. Because Uncle Derek just asked her to marry him."

"Wait, he asked her that? What did she say?" Naveen never really thought about Jacques' friend as someone to watch out for. This was all new information.

"She said no and promised that she won't marry him. But it almost looked like he was going to kiss her when I ran in her office."

"Daniel you will never go back to New Orleans. Do you hear me?" Naveen was concerned for his son and how much he's already been exposed to.

The young boy was sad to hear the worried tone in his father's voice but nodded. "Don't be mad at mama, please?"

"I'm not mad at her. Just at the situation," Naveen told his son. "But enough about that. We will be eating ice cream soon and..." he stopped when he saw several of the kitchen help pushing in the different variety of ice cream. "...we'll be eating some ice cream right now actually!"
Daniel's eyes widen at the sight. "Wow!"

"Ice cream, sundaes, ice cream bars, sandwiches, parfaits, cakes—

"Ice cream cakes!" Daniel said excitedly glancing at the clown and sports car shape cakes. "I want..." he then spotted a three scoop ice cream in a beautiful glass cup. "...I want that one!"

Everyone laughed at the boy's enthusiasm. "Looks like his highness doesn't get ice cream very often," said one of the cooks.

Naveen took the ice cream and spoon, handing it to his son. "Well now that he lives here he will never want for nothing! You can eat as much ice cream as you like"

"Mmm!" Daniel continued eating the ice cream.

Naveen watched his son enjoying his cold treat and had to make it a priority to never make him unhappy, and if it meant that he will give him everything he needed then he will do just thath. After all Daniel shared with him he was surprised that the boy was as calm and mellow as he was. And later he will call Tiana regarding what the boy shared with him. Much later.

()()()()

"Why are you here?" Tiana asked, already annoyed. "And who do you think you are barging inside my home?"

"Your fiance and future husband that's who!" Derek answered, holding a folder. "There's something you need to see."

Tiana snatched the folder. "What's this?"

"Look at how much we're still making despite the economy. Glass is down in sales but is still needed."

"So is plastic," Tiana added.

"I am aware of that and I'm pretty sure that Jacques mentioned the idea—

"Actually I suggested it to him and he loved the idea so much that he went with it. I'm assuming that you were present when he brought it up in his final meeting with us?"

"I was but don't you think that with you being a mother and woman—

"If he trusted me enough to be in charge of the businesses than that says plenty," Tiana interupted.

"Tiana...sweet girl. My little sweet kiwi," Derek chuckled. "I'm sure that my dear friend whom I've known my entire life left you in charge due to his senile state—

"I'm not your girl and my husband was more than well enough to know what he was doing when he left me to take over his positions. He also trusted his cousin to take over his other positions and accounts while leaving you with minor responsibilities so what does that say about you?"

Derek was tempted to slap Tiana and put her in her place but had to play nice...for now. "You're right. You deserve to be respected as the businesswoman that you are and widow of Jacques Montreuil. I apologize. I only wanted to share the good news on our profits."

"I thank you and I will be at the meeting tomorrow. Unless I am hit by a car" Tiana saw him smirked which got her to roll his eyes. "I was being facetious."

Derek raised his brow. "Facetious? I bet you didn't even know of the word's existence when you first married my dear friend."

"I have a lot to cover Derek..." Tiana said, annoyingly.

"Don't you have help for that?" he was aware of Dorothy's termination.

"Yes now leave!" Tiana would never give him the benefit of tell him anything that went on in her house.

"Why are you rushing me so suddenly?" Derek placed his hand in his pocket. "There's another topic I'd like to bring up."

"Such as?"

He grinned. "Marriage."

"I said no Derek," she said.

"We don't have to do anything in the marriage, Tiana. It could be a...," he began walking toward her. "...business arrangement."

She glared at him. "You can leave."

Derek saw no emotion behind her eyes. A look Jacques once told him about and could see what his friend meant about his frustration with the headstrong woman. He needed to put her in place and the best way that could happen is if she took his offer.

"You have your own personal businesses such as the restaurants to look after. I heard you were—

"I pushed that back now leave," Tiana said just as her telephone rang.

Derek smirked. "Aren't you going to get that?"

"You better be out of my house by the time I'm off this phone!" Tiana rushed over to answer and was surprised that it was Naveen. "Naveen? What is it? Is Daniel all right?"

"He's more than all right," Naveen said, smugly. "He's in bed asleep and safe."

"Safe?" Tiana frowned. "Where are you getting at?"

"The boy is better off here in Maldonia."

"What are you talking about? Safe in Maldonia—

"He told me about all the fights you and your husband had in and out of his presence. He also shared with me his knowledge of that bastard beating and raping you!" he explained.

"Naveen this really isn't the best time...," Tiana looked back at Derek who was standing in her livingroom and winked at her.

Naveen laughed bitterly. "You must have Derek over there."

"Ugh!" Tiana was already irritated and now she had to deal with Naveen who was really looking to pick a fight with her. "You really picked a perfect time to call about personal matters."

"You can do whatever the hell you want over there in New Orleans, but as of now Daniel will be living with me!"

"You really have become a bitter, insufferable bastard!" she exclaimed.

"And you are a selfish, ungrateful bitch!" he fired back.

Tiana gasped as he hung up the phone. She was so angered that tears formed in her eyes.

"Sounded like an intense phone call," Derek walked over to her.

Tiana closed her eyes and took a deep breathe. "Get the hell out of my house Derek!"

He stopped right behind her. "Must have been Daniel's real father."

She opened her eyes and quickly faced him.

Derek chuckled, taking out a folded envelope. "You should never tell your help your business."

"Leave! Or I'll call the police!" she threatened.

"Celestine would love for this to leak."

Tiana stepped back. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"I believe that I do, my sweet kiwi," Derek stepped closer to her.

Tiana quickly snatched the envelope only to make Derek chuckle.

"I have another copy back at my office. Now where were we?" he reached out to touch her cheek.

But she slapped his hand away. "Me telling you to get the hell out of my house!"

"You don't mean that. Not when I'm the only person who can save your son's image and name."

"And what exactly do you want from me then?" she knew but hoped it was another request.

"Your answer to my marriage proposal...a yes and I swear on my dear friend's grave that your secret will always remain between us."

Tiana shook her hear. "No, I-I can't..."

"You know how vicious the Montreuils are. They will eat you alive and imagine how everyone will look at you and your son. A whore and a bastard child."

She knew how much the Montreuils especially Celestine would love to see her ruined. And it would be the icing on the cake if Daniel's paternity was exposed. She tried looking up at her enemy but couldn't while giving him her answer

"Yes," she whispered.

He put his hand on his ear. "What was that?"

"Yes damnit! Now get out of my house!" she suppressed her tears.

Derek smiled darkly. "Good girl."

Tiana shuddered and could feel his hands on her hip and his lips pressing against on her temple.

He inhaled her vanilla scent. "The best investment deal I've ever made," and laughed when she pushed herself out of his arms. "I'll see you at the meeting, sweet kiwi."

Tiana was so shocked by what happened that all she could do was watch Derek leave her home, closing the door behind him.

Within a few minutes after getting her some of her composure she hurriedly locked the doors before calling her security team to lock the gates.

Overwhelmed by all that happened to her she went to the den to fix her something to drink but stopped herself.

"No, I need to be sober at this meeting," she told herself. "I need to be sober for my baby, myself and...I'm going to win this..." the tears in her eyes blurred out her sight as she fell to her knees and broke down.

()()()()