Chapter 57
"Gabby, come to bed. You have all of the finite details worked out. The wedding is going to go off without a hitch. You've spent the last month double checking every aspect of this thing. Nothing is going to go wrong. They've entrusted this endeavor to you for one reason. You're the best at this. Our son knows that and he undoubtedly told Olivia so. She has happily turned the most important day of her life over to you. I want you to allow that assistant of yours to earn that bonus she's getting. I mean it Gabby. Bring your fine ass to bed. It's been five days! And that Mrs. Grant is entirely too long!"
"Jerry Grant you should be ashamed of yourself. I can see what's up from here! You're as horny as a sixteen-year-old. We're middle-age people now. I've been told we're only supposed to cavort in the bedroom no more than once every couple of months. That is people of a certain age are supposed to cut it out…"
"That's bullshit and you know it. We've never paid attention to that kind of talk. It's ludicrous. I love you Gabriella and being intimate with you is everything to me. Come to bed love."
"I've neglected you, haven't I? I'm so sorry, my sweet Cherie. I'll make it up to you, I promise."
"You don't need to apologize or make promises. With Olivia's parents being on an extended honeymoon you've taken everything upon yourself. I get it. Everything was so wrong about Fitz' first marriage. You feel like you, like we all failed him. You want this marriage to be perfect! And it will be. You've done all the really complicated stuff. Let Marcella finish the task. She knows what she's doing. Relax and let the two of us get back on track. I guarantee you that Fitz and Olivia are going to marry and be as happy as you and I."
"They're going to be, aren't they? He loves that girl so much Jerry. He literally worships the ground she walks on. And most importantly, she loves him back. Give me five minutes to call Marcella and tell her she has the ball until D-day."
"Five minutes Gabriella!" He was lying on the bed in just pajama pants. He adjusted himself; he was indeed very horny. It had been much too long! He didn't go this long without making love to his wife. Her five minutes were up! He was watching the doorway waiting for her. Finally, she came through the door. She smiled the smile that made him fall in love with her the very first time he saw her. She walked to the bed discarding her robe. Her arms raised and she pulled off her gown. She stood there gloriously nude. Gabriella Gardinier was still the sexiest and hottest woman he had ever seen.
"James, this has been the most wonderful year of my life. I swear it has been all I ever imagined and more. I know we haven't been to every place in the world but it feels like we've missed nothing. Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and finally back to the states to spend time with our children and grandchildren. You've made me so happy."
"Then, I'm on the right track. Making you happy Tess is what this is all about. Happy memories are all you will get from now until we leave this earth. I know you are nervous about returning home but don't be. The Caymans are our home. Our daughter has chosen to marry on her home soil. That's a good thing. Don't worry everything will be fine."
Tessa turned her head and looked out at the clouds. It was so beautiful up here in the sky close to the heavens. Over a year ago she and James had married in Las Vegas, Nevada. They had been on an extended honeymoon every since. Now they were headed back to the Caymans and Thomas Pope. He had furiously tried to contact her once he found out that she and James were married. Her current husband had thwarted all of his efforts with the help of Fitzgerald Grant.
Finally, the vitriol of Thomas Pope had grown silent when he realized it was all in vain. However, she knew the man. He was planning and he lay in wait for them. Especially her. It wasn't exceptional the way the diabolical mind of Thomas Pope had worked through this current dilemma. She knew him. He lay dormant now but he wasn't done.
Thomas Pope was indeed biding his time. He intended that she would pay for all. And all of this was her fault. She was a villainous wife that had left him and ensnared his friend in a web of deceit. Their slutty daughter had entrapped a rich man and she, Tessa Pope, had decided to do the same. What had she done to turn his lifelong friend against him? It was madness the things he had said in the bit of correspondence she had seen before James forbid her to see any more of it.
Yes, she was nervous. She had been on the receiving end of the viciousness of Thomas Pope when he felt aggrieved. The man would want to punish her on three counts. The divorce that she forced him into, the fact that she had taken half of his fortune, and finally her marriage to James.
By mutual agreement, the true identity of Olivia's father was now a closed subject to everyone but those that needed to know. Sandy was even out of the loop for now. She and Olivia knew that Thomas Pope was a powder keg that didn't need a spark to explode. Olivia herself had made the right decision. She knew Thomas Pope and she saw no need to further provoke the man.
James wasn't the type of man where public disclosure of his foray into fatherhood was necessary. He knew he was Olivia's biological father and he had always loved her as his child. He agreed with Olivia's choice. The secret of paternity would go to the grave. Meanwhile his wife, although she pretended otherwise was in turmoil about their return to the islands.
James held her hand lovingly and gently turned her face from the clouds. She faced him with unshed tears in her eyes. For a brief moment she had remembered some of her treatment at the hands of Thomas Pope. She remembered how she had stood by as he mistreated Tommy and how he had thought to mistreat Olivia. It was very painful to think of the old Tessa, that weak and defenseless version of herself. It was a burden she still carried but she knew she would never be that woman again. Too bad her ex-husband didn't realize that. If he did perhaps there wouldn't be any need at all for confrontation.
"Tessa, please don't worry. Don't shed tears about this thing. It's under control. Things have been made clear to Thomas and they will become clearer, after I have spoken to him myself. It won't be a stretch for him to understand that I've always loved you. Once you were free, I decided to pursue you for myself. Your story of your initial reluctance is quite believable. I finally tore down your resistance. That is all he needs to know. He will accept that as truth or accept dire consequences for himself. There's no in between in this scenario. Have faith in me Tessa and the Grant resources."
"I do have faith in you. You don't know the hateful hard side of Thomas. I fear for you facing him unaware of his true nature. He is a monster, James."
"Remember Tessa that Thomas Pope faced a defenseless and defeated woman at the time. I'm neither one of those. He will know the difference."
"Promise me you'll be careful James. Thomas will now despise you for your association with me. You have taken his most precious possession for yourself. He'll want you to pay for your disloyalty. He'll be at his worst seeking revenge!"
"Remember that the man has been warned by Fitzgerald Grant. I'm not facing this thing alone. Regardless of how enraged Tommy will be, I believe he still understands plain talk. You are mine Tessa."
"Yes, I am and I always have been. I love you, Jimmy. If I were to ever lose you again, I couldn't bear it. I couldn't!"
"I told you in Boston we would never be apart again. In Las Vegas you became my wife. Through the bond of matrimony, you gave me your heart and body once again. Trust me Tess, no one will come between us!"
Tessa held his gaze. He was such a handsome man. She had hit the proverbial jackpot! A rich husband that would share and shower her with love and affection. She prayed her husband was right.
Back in Boston two lovers were on a rooftop sofa closed off from the outside world. Flat on her back with her legs ajar, Olivia held onto to the head of Fitzgerald Grant. His face was buried in her bush. That tongue of his had been tantalizing her hot spot and he was now applying a gentle suction to her love bud that was breaking her into little pieces. She fell back onto the sofa and found something to hold on to. Her body was on fire and she was about to explode!
She screamed his name as a full-blown orgasm struck her. "Fitzzzz!"
He watched the beauty of Olivia in orgasmic delight before he shifted and he rose above her. His mouth went to her breasts, first one and then the other. He sucked long and hard drawing out her pleasure. Her body was still convulsing as he pushed inside of her. He closed his eyes at the absolute sweetness of feeling her walls clutch him. He could come right then but he didn't. He buried himself inside of her and basked in the aftershocks of Olivia. He placed sweet gentle kisses on her face and lips waiting for her return from the little death.
Her eyes opened and he was smiling at her. His smile was devastating. His blue eyes were intense. Her heart lurched in her chest. She loved him so much. Her tongue licked her lips and she smiled back. Her body also responded by moving in tandem to his gentle stroking. Her movement made him hiss out loud.
"Goddammit girl. You make me burn."
"Is this what you want as an ending? Plain ole fucking aka missionary? The count is three to zero! Whatever you want, you must tell me."
"Sex with you is never "plain" sweet Livvy. It's the best ever. Move with me. Make me crazy with the feel of you. Can you come again just for me?"
"I'm sure I will. You're the best lover I've ever had."
"I'm the only lover you've ever had."
He started to plunder hard and deep. She met him stroke for stroke. Olivia had locked her ankles across his back. She knew how to make him crazy and she knew what she wanted too. Number four was going to rock her world.
Sweet Jesus! He couldn't hold back any longer. He had prolonged the intense pleasure as long as he could. His sac had already tightened. He had de-escalated. He'd asked Olivia not to move. Being inside her was complete bliss! She fit him like a glove. She had perfected a technique during missionary that had made him cry to the heavens. Missionary which he had all but relegated to the back burner before Olivia, was becoming a fast favorite of his.
"Hold still Sweet Baby. Let me savor another few minutes." He pumped deep and slow. His breath caught in his throat. She felt so good. Now his breath exited through his teeth in hiss after hiss. He continued a slow assault on both of their senses. Olivia had started the sweet little puffs she made when orgasm was near. He was in a zone honing in on what he knew was going to be a mind-blowing release.
Olivia whispered in ear. "Fitz, I want to move. I need to move. I can't stop it!"
"Come with me then!" He pounded into her in a flurry of strokes and exploded. Simultaneously she convulsed all around him. Both releases were extremely powerful. He thought he would come forever. She held him within her body literally milking him dry. He finally collapsed on top of her. His heart thumped wildly and his breathing was frenzied. Olivia's warm sweet breath blew past his ear as she sought her bearing. Orgasmic twinges still racked her body.
Those twinges sent Fitzgerald Grant to a place. The man couldn't believe he felt himself hardening inside her. He had just spilled himself inside her minutes ago.
"Girl, you leave me weak as a newborn babe, yet I want to take you again right now." He started to move. "It's selfish and needy."
She started to move with him. "I like selfish and needy."
Their night had ended on a new high. It was a new day. He was happy as can be. Olivia stood in front of a mirror getting ready for work. Very soon he was going to marry this woman. That knowledge warmed his heart. Fitz came up behind her. He pulled her back into his arms. She was pinning up her hair. He placed a gentle kiss on her neck. Olivia looked in the mirror and smiled. She was happy too!
"I'm sorry for keeping you up so late last night. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. You noticed that I never said no to anything Mr. Grant. There's a reason for that."
"And what is that reason Ms. Pope?"
"Because in my brief foray into the sexual realm I've found that there's nothing quite like a marathon of heart pounding sexual encounters with you. I love a Grant marathon. You're not to worry about me. I'm a doctor Fitz. I can easily operate on three or four hours of sleep."
"But should you have too? I was greedy and selfish last night…"
"And I wasn't? I wouldn't change a thing about last night. You were amazing. I loved every minute of it!"
"So, did I. I love you, Olivia. What we share in the bedroom is beyond amazing. Are you all ready to head to the office?"
"I am. I'm going to miss you. What time do you plan to take off for the city? I know you didn't have court this morning."
"After we drop you off, I'll head to the airport. We have an office meeting at one. I actually have a four o'clock evidentiary. It's a new case. The client wants me specifically for lead. Anyone in the office could take this case and prevail, including Drey and she's a second-year law student. Celebrity clients sometimes make all types of requests. Some of them I consider for a minute. Truth is clients don't make decisions but they don't know that. Decisions are my job. I'm not being cocky, Babe. They've hired me for a reason. They should let me use my expertise."
"I get it Fitz. You're doing what's best for the client. It's your job. I hope that after I'm established in my field of expertise, I'll have your confidence."
"You will Olivia. I've never met anyone as smart as you of either gender. Your beauty and your brains are a dazzling combination."
"I love you Fitzgerald Grant and flattery will get you everywhere. I'm going to miss you so much for the next three days. Friday evening can't come soon enough."
"I know. Let's get you to work. I had Cook pack a delicious lunch for you. It's packed with lots of goodies that you like."
"You spoil me rotten and I love every minute of it. I'm ready."
"You finally fell asleep last night. You tossed and turned for hours. I didn't know what to do Tessa. Lovemaking is a stimulating diversion but it wasn't the answer. I know I can make you forget everything for thirty minutes or so but it wouldn't solve the problem. I hate to see you so worried but this thing must come to a conclusion. I'm going to see Tommy today. I want him off of our plate. We've had too good of a beginning to let him in to begin to stagnate us. I don't intend to live with the cloud of Thomas Pope hanging over us. I want this thing put to bed."
"James, please I don't want you to go near the man alone. I want to go with you."
"No! This is menfolk business. You are part of this but your involvement will be limited. I'm afraid that I must insist. I love you, Tessa. I value your opinion but I won't bulge on this issue. No contact with the man until I can see that he understands his current position, which is that he has none with you!
For the sake of clarity, we know that he's forsaken both of his children, disowned them. So, they hold no standing with him nor any concerns for him in this matter. He doesn't need to contact you about them. You and he are divorced. You haven't any desire to be involved with him, right?"
"Of course not, Jimmy but…"
"Then that fact and some others need to be relayed to him. Tessa, I intend to indulge you for the rest of your life. I will do anything in this world for you but I won't have you subjected to Thomas' cruelty ever again. You've been through enough!"
"I have but I won't be intimated by Thomas Pope ever again. He's a demon I must face."
"You will, at a time that I know the man is well versed in the facts. You forget that I know Thomas well. He hasn't been searching for you all this time without a reason."
"James, couldn't you just let Fitzgerald and Grant Security handle this problem. Thomas is going to seek vengeance against you. He considered me a possession. I was to be his forever and you have changed that."
"You were never his. We both know that. I have agreed to keep only the secret of the paternity of our daughter. I won't deny my love for you, none of it. I want him to know that I've always loved you. When he was foolish enough to lose you, I saw my chance and I took it. That's the short and revised version of what happened between us. He will accept that as fact and move on.
Neither one of us intends to play games with Thomas Pope. I didn't marry you on a whim. I have always loved you too. Let Thomas make of those revelations what he will. Olivia doesn't want to turn her true paternity into a spectacle and I can't blame her. The truth would unhinge Thomas. Those that need to know the truth know it!"
"Promise me you won't be confrontational James. That will be what Thomas Pope wants. He wants something or someone tangible to blame for the end of our marriage. Of course, he bears no blame. He can't confront me. So, you will become the target of his wrath."
"As it should be. I'm the victor. I've claimed the spoils. He's going to have to live with that. That is the purpose of my exercise today. He has agreed to meet me in my office at the resort. I don't want you having another restless night over this. We aren't going to stay hiding out here Tessa. We are home. We live here on this island. We intend to lead normal lives. This thing with Thomas must come into the light."
"He will try to harm you, Jimmy. If not today, some other day. Let me stand between you and…"
"Not in a million years will you stand between the two of us. Again, this is menfolk business. Thomas knows that. Stop worrying about this and for goodness' sake, stop thinking you will play a role in this drama with Tommy. You will not Tessa. I have plans to go out to dinner tonight. We are going out into Cayman society tonight. We are meeting up with Donald and his wife at the Crockery."
"Jimmy, we agreed to lay low for a while. I'm not sure we should go."
"A week is long enough, Tessa. I'm going back to the office today. I know you don't have a job to go to but you can do what other wives of rich men do, whatever you want. Go shopping. Go to lunch. All you have to do is notify Liam. A car is at your disposal with a chauffeur/bodyguard."
"Jimmy, I haven't anyone to go to lunch with. I haven't any friends. I've been alienated on Overton Street for thirty years except for my daughter and the housekeeper."
"Your daughter is in Boston. Celie is still here on the island. In fact, she works at the resort. I hired her after Thomas terminated her. I know she was a good friend to you Teesa. Call her and renew your friendship. I'm also sure you will like Donald's wife. She's a very nice woman. Remember, you are the new and improved Tessa. You had returned to society before we landed in Boston. You were out and about. You, we have absolutely nothing to hide, do we?"
"No, we don't. I was out and about before we left for Boston because I was trying to get you to notice me. I wanted you back and I was desperate for you to see me."
"I saw you and I never wanted anything as I wanted you. I was afraid to trust you with my heart again. In truth I wanted to pounce on you even then. I took my chances in Boston. Thank God you were receptive, Tessa. I couldn't be happier that we were given a second chance. Take your place here in the Caymans as my wife. Do all the things you have dreamed of doing. Call Celie, Tessa. Get out of this house."
"You're right of course. I'm letting Thomas Pope dictate my life again without even knowing it. I will call Celie. I still worry about this meeting you have with Thomas. Will one of Fitz' men be with you or at least nearby?"
"Of course. However, I don't expect they will be needed. Thomas Pope is many things but he's not a fool. You're my wife now and he knows it! I won't tolerate any ill will toward you, ever! This is a discussion long overdue. A year is long enough to conclude this mess. Come here. Let me hold you."
She went into his arms and he held her close. Her scent had always intoxicated him. There wasn't a time he could remember when she didn't smell heavenly. This past year had been all he had ever hoped for them. They had travelled the world and rediscovered each other. When he thought of all the time they had wasted, the years that they had been apart he could only shake his head. They were back together now and nothing or no one was going to interfere with that. This confrontation with Tommy had to happen. His wife wanted to live in Grand Caymans and that was in spite of Thomas Pope!
"I love you Tessa, more than anything. Your happiness is everything to me. Everything is going to be fine. Trust me."
"I do trust you. It's my ex that can't be trusted. If you must go alone, go! Please don't turn you back on him. He doesn't play fair about anything. What time are you meeting him?"
"Not until one-thirty this afternoon. You want to get up and have some breakfast. I'll cook. Do you have a fancy for anything?"
"No, I'm not hungry. I know I've been out of sorts since our return home. I'm sorry James. We have shared such good times all around the world. I come home and become a worrywart. You have given me ample time to get it out of my system. Our discussion this morning has helped me sort out some things. You're right, we are going to live here and so is Thomas Pope. I have to admit that returning home brought back a lot of memories and most of them weren't pleasant. The therapy we have received abroad was very helpful and I know we plan to continue it here. It's very obvious from my reaction since returning home that I need, that we need to continue the process."
"We agreed that we would. Whenever you're ready, we'll research our best option. In the meantime, we banish the Thomas Pope factor from our psyche. It begins with he and I. You know that don't you?"
"I do. I love you so much James Lockheed. I'm so grateful that you chose to wait for me. Every time I realize that you didn't have to my heart hurts a little. We have our second chance and no one can stand in our way. Go have your confrontation! Just come back to me.
We have hours before you have to go. Can I convince you to stay in bed with me for a spell this morning? You agreed to stay here in my house simply because I asked. And I have yet to thank you properly. I was preoccupied with the inevitable, a confrontation with Thomas Pope. We've made love all over the world it seems but not in this bed. Forgive me Jimmy for being so thoughtless. We should've christened it days ago."
"You convinced me years ago that there's nothing more enticing than staying in bed with you for a spell, Tessa Lockheed. I knew you were filled with anxiety. I also knew that eventually we would work it out. You forget that I waited for you for years. A couple of days is par for the course."
Tessa sat up and tossed her night gown to the floor. Nothing was left to the imagination. She was gloriously nude. She laid back on the pillow and reached for his hands. She brought them to her breasts.
"Lie down with me. Let's make some more new memories."
Thomas Pope was livid! Jimmy had called him to arrange a meeting two days ago. He had been cordial as if they were still friends. He was fucking his wife for christ's sake! Their friendship was over! Why did he do it? Why would he marry Tessa? He must admit she had spruced herself up but she was still a middle-aged woman and she offered nothing in the bedroom. NOTHING! She was independently wealthy since she had tried to bankrupt him in divorce court! He had plans to get his money back but this marriage between Tessa and Jimmy had thwarted his best intentions. Of course, Jimmy didn't need money. He was the richest bloke on the island. So why had he done it?
He suspected that Tessa had presented herself as some type of damsel in distress to be rescued. Jimmy was always a sucker for a sob story. What Tessa had to complaint about he didn't know. He had treated her like a queen. Of course, he kept her in line by reminding her who was the boss. What punishment she received, she deserved. She was lucky he indulged her at all. She was an awful lay! Still, he had provided her with a big beautiful mansion. Magnificent cars to ride around in. Expensive jewelry. He had even given her children!
A more ungrateful set of degenerates he hadn't seen, Tessa and his children. They had lived a life of privilege. He sent his children to the best schools. They lived in an exclusive neighborhood filled with the children of doctors, lawyers, movie stars, professors, and New York Times best-selling authors. They were given the opportunity to pursue academia and make something of themselves. They had both chosen lucrative professions. Yet neither one of his children had sense enough to make a suitable marriage.
Of course, it was that cursed United States of America that had filled their heads with images of integrated coupling day and night. Sending his children to America for higher education had been their downfall. He thought he had established a sense of pride of country and countrymen in his children. It wasn't totally a racial purity thing. He simply believed that people should marry their own kind. He had a right to his beliefs. Those beliefs had torn his family apart. His only son and his daughter were lost to him through interracial disparity! He had never acknowledged Tommy's mistake nor would he acknowledge the one Olivia was destined to make this summer.
Speaking of mistakes, he was still trying to piece together what in the world had tossed Jimmy and Tessa together. What in the world was happening? He couldn't think of one single commonality that they had. He and Jimmy had run together for years. Jimmy had a type and Tessa wasn't it! Etta Mae McMurphy seemed to be his type but she wanted a marriage proposal for her favors. Jimmy bolted. He'd said at the time that marriage wasn't for him. He had believed him. What in the world had Tessa done to change his mind?
Actually, it could have been any of the several ways Tessa and her husband had expressed their love for each other over the last hour or so! Tessa had collapsed full nellie across James' chest after riding them both into orgasmic bliss!
"Tess, you were wonderful. God, you feel so good."
"It was always good between us. As husband and wife, it has been even better. I love you Jimmy and I intend to grow old with you. This last hour has been the things I used to dream would happen between us. This second chance we've been given is everything to me. I know you have made up your mind about your meeting with Thomas. I wish I could be cavalier about the meeting but I can't be. I'm still frightened. What we just shared was a most rewarding diversion but that meeting is here, in the back of my head."
"Tessa, you must have faith in me to deal with this situation and put it behind us. We are together and this island is our home. Thomas Pope lives here. We can't avoid him forever. You're my wife Tessa. All this meeting will do is establish that fact. You are going to call Celie, right?"
"I am. I'm eager to renew our friendship. She helped me a great deal on Overton Place. She genuinely cared about me and my children. She knew what went on there and she did what she could to save me and the kids from the wrath of her employer. I've never formally thanked her. She could be working today, James…"
"I know for a fact that she isn't working today. I'm her boss. I'll leave you her number. Call her. I'm going to jump in the shower and head over to the resort. It will feel good to be back at my desk after being away so long. The business was in good hands. That means I know whenever my beautiful wife and I get the urge to travel; we are free to pursue our dreams to continue to see the world. Nothing or no one will stand in the way of that. Whatever you want Tess. I intend to give it to you."
"I'm so lucky. Go to your damned meeting. I mean it though. Don't trust the man for a minute. He's a very evil man!"
"I know what he is. The question is does he know what I am?"
Fitzgerald Grant, Drey and his personal body guard had just left the court house. It had been a grueling afternoon. However, he and Drey had accomplished what they had sat out to do. The groundwork for the Bonaventure case was done. It wasn't going to be an easy win but it was going to be a win. He was happy about the case. He was happy about his life.
"What are your plans for dinner Fitz? You're welcome to join me and the family. We're actually done early so I'm going to surprise my husband and cook tonight."
"You go on home and enjoy your family. I'm going to go by the local joint and have a glass of wine or two. I'm willing to bet I'll find someone there from the crew. I can pickup a bite there. I'll see you tomorrow bright and early. Thanks for your help today Drey."
"Any time. See you later."
He and Alex walked side by side
XXTRA was the local lawyer hangout. He enjoyed the wind down he experienced there. Everyone was friendly and many were connected to the judiciary. New York City was the financial capital of the world as well as a melting pot of every occupation in the world. This placed catered to the rich and famous. For sure he was rich but he doubted he would be the only billionaire in the room.
He saw Dwight as soon as he walked through the door. He often hung out here after cases. When he was single so did he. The food and the companionship were nice. Now that he was off the market, he rarely ventured down here. There were plenty of women on the prowl in New York City looking for rich men to trap into marriage or a sexual tryst. Many famous actors and celebrities hung out here. Clients could be found here. He smiled and headed over to the table when his co-worker sat with a famous client of theirs.
He thought he heard someone call his name. He was prepared to turn around with a smile on his face to say hello. The smile died on his lips. Looking into that face had that effect on him. There in the flesh was Margo Lily. Why was she here? Was she on the prowl again? Hadn't she put the moves on him in this very place all those years ago? If only he had kept the relationship where it had started. What a fool he had been. What a prepared actress she had been. The revulsion he now felt was palpable! His stoniest and coldest stare was what she got. He and Alex turned around.
"Margot, some habits never die I see. Looking for your latest victim? What brings you back to this side of map?"
"Fitz, I see you still have that acerbic sense of humor of yours. How are you? I saw you from across the room. It's been a while. I simply wanted to saw hello. You look good. How's life treating you?"
"Life is grand actually. It has been a while. Not since our five-year farce was resolved, I'm glad to say. Let me be blunt Margot. I had high hopes of never laying eyes on you again. I think you knew that. For all the years that I knew you, you never made a move that wasn't contrived or calculated. Why are you in the city?"
"Actually, I'm working on my next project. Parts of it are to be filmed here in the city. I've been doing research. I always did love the vibrancy of New York City. It was home to me once, remember? I walked past our old apartment on Fifth. It brought back old memories. We were friends once. I know you used to hang out at this place. I decided to drop in here and there you were. As I said we were friends once Fitz. I didn't think it was inconceivable that we couldn't have a civil conversation. So, you sold the apartment?"
"I did. The place held a rasher of bad memories. And to be honest, most of them concerned you. This wonderful city, however, I could never leave. My work is here. My clients are here."
"Fitz, you're the richest man on the planet. We all know you really don't have to work. It's the pulse of the city. You love the beat of it. It's good to see you. It's dinnertime. Let me treat you to dinner."
"Your memory can't be that short Margot. I paid a small fortune to remove you from my life for a reason. Again, it's been my fondest hope to never laid eyes on you again. If you will excuse me. I'm meeting someone."
He turned his back and started to walk away. Alex fell in line behind him. Margot was simmering! How dare this pompous ass brush her off like yesterday's trash. He had dumped her and caused her undo misery as she had to climb out of the hole, he and his family had left her in. She had just regained her footing. Her ability to find work after her divorce was directly related to the Grant influence. She had miscalculated her ex-husband. She wouldn't do so again!
"There's no need to be rude! I only wanted to congratulate you on your impending marriage to that island girl. That's your type now? Thin emaciated brown girls?"
Fitz stopped dead in his tracks. Alex still stood between them.
"Let me handle this boss. The lady has altered her appearance. No way she should've been this close to you.
"She's altered her appearance but she's still the lying scheming bitch she always was. Step aside. I need to speak to Ms. Lily.
So, Margot, you're in New York researching for a role? How quaint. Well, New York is a huge place. Hopefully we won't run into each other again. There's no need for us to play the "polite in public" game. None at all. I thought I made myself clear as we exited Divorce Court. The sight of you sickens me. I have nothing to say to you now or in the future.
I don't need congratulations from you on my impending marriage. And for sure, my type isn't your concern. In fact, nothing concerning my life is. That brown island girl is more woman than you could ever hope to be. She's a Nubian queen with more elegance and grace in one hand than your entire body holds. And she's mine! You know that I protect what's mine so proceed with caution. I mean it Margot. Stay away from me and what's mine! Do it or I will crush you and this time there won't be a recovery for you!"
Margot was furious. All she had said was hello and offered to share a meal with the son of a bitch. He couldn't even pretend politeness. Fitzgerald Grant was a cold hard man. If only she had been a better actress. There would be no second chance for her with her ex-husband. He had promised to crush her and he would. Her comeback could become a throwback. Still, she wanted to hurt him in some way! She would have to scrap plan one and there wasn't a plan two yet. Margot Lily needed to regroup. There had to be a way to retaliate against the way Fitz and the Grant's had treated her!