3Present
Drake shows me the world that night as he takes me underneath the stars on the patio bed.
The next day I realize that world has two sides. One world of ceaseless ecstasy and one full of crumbled, guttered and wretched pain from having your love thrown back at you.
Yes, Drake Tatum irrevocably broke my heart and I will never, ever forget it.
“I will be upstairs, Dear,” Patricia Tatum says.
It’s a quarter before nine and she is being kind enough to guide me on my first day of work in Tatum Worldwide, Inc. I suppose she needed to make sure that I will really go through with her plans.
“Okay, I’m coming into the parking lot now. Be up soon,” I respond before cutting off the call.
I’m a nervous wreck. I’ve been up since five this morning and already had two cups of coffee. I skipped on breakfast because I didn’t think I could keep anything down, but who could blame me? I haven’t seen Drake in eight years—eight long years after that fiasco in Mexico. I did wait around for him, even going overboard by trying to visit him at Colombia, but he emailed me stating that he was with someone and wouldn’t appreciate my intrusion. After his rebuff, I finally realized what little I meant to him; if I ever meant anything to him at all.
I’m dressed in a fitted black skirt suit and my favorite black pumps. I need to look professional and still pull-off the slick and sexy look. Heck, yes! Given the circumstances, I will not go in there looking drab and dowdy, my pride won’t allow it.
Once inside the large marbled building, I immediately seek the reception desk. They have already been informed about me and have my security pass ready.
I smirk when I see my picture was actually taken two years ago. I’m sure she got that from my mother. Patricia Tatum really is adamant about booting the woman in her son’s life. I guess the mother-in-laws really are the ones to watch out for, right?
Following what I’ve been instructed to do, I dart towards a separate private elevator. My security card is cleared for all levels; however, this elevator goes straight to the top floor. I’ve been informed that the top floor houses only Drake’s and Hugh’s offices.
As I step out, I can see that the offices are decorated in all glass and white walls; everything looks crisp and pristine. The black marbled floor is so shiny, I’m sure I could use it as a mirror.
“Miss Lily Alexander? Hello, I’m Suzy Summers, the floor receptionist.” A smiling petite blonde rushes towards me and holds out a hand.
“Hello, Suzy. How do you do?” I smile back, taking her outstretched hand and shaking it.
“I’m awesome. Mrs. Hugh is in Mr. Drake’s office. She’s been waiting for you. You can go through those large doors on the left and Mindy, his secretary, will be there to assist you further.” I graciously thank her and head towards the direction she gave me.
When I go through the doors, I’m surprised Mindy isn’t there. It’s a large room with two large desks and another reception area in the corner. Another set of heavy doors are located on the far end and I rush towards them. I gently knock and push it forward.
Patricia is sitting idly on the white couch, looking bored while drinking her morning coffee and eating a few pastries. She looks up when she sees me.
“Good morning, my dear.” She strides forward and gives me a tight motherly hug. “Thank you, again, for doing this favor for us.” Patricia holds my chin and smiles beautifully at me.
“No problem. It’s not like I can say no to my godmother and Hugh anyway.” I kiss her cheek, go to the couch and sit down.
The cute, bite-size pastries look delicious and I pick one out. Patricia heads over to prepare another cup of coffee.
I sigh when she hands it to me. “Thank you, Pat,” I murmur.
“Soooo,” Patricia says as she sits next to me, “Drake should be here soon, but I think I should be here just in case he rejects the idea and you two end up fighting.”
I guess we’re that predictable?
I nod as I take a sip of coffee. “Are you seeing anyone, Lil? Your mom says you aren’t, but a pretty young lady like you would have a busy schedule, right?” Patricia leans back and studies me.
After the demise of my close relationship with Drake, I eventually started to withdraw from being around his family, too. It’s just too hard and it’s easier to ignore everyone that is related to him. It’s childish, I know, but it is the best I can do and eight years on, it’s a habit I can’t break. Although I see them once every few months, I avoid any parties and events that Drake attends. I guess I’m now realizing it’s time to bury the hatchet and move on. I can’t hold a grudge forever, now can I?
“I actually just started dating someone. His name is Jared Johnson. Nothing serious, yet, we’re still in the ‘getting to know you’ stage. Why? Has mom said something?” Mom is always trying to set me up on dates. She feels like I should start working on her grandchild very soon. Seriously, I’m only twenty-six, what’s the rush?
“I was curious is all—” We are interrupted by the sudden opening of the door.
Drake comes in, dressed casually in a pair of rugged jeans and a white dress shirt with his sleeves rolled up. Wow, scruffy and very sexy indeed! I think with piqued interest. Time has only made him look better. Gone is the boyish look and in its place is definitely a man. A man with a dangerous appeal and tons of charisma.
“No, baby. I’m already at work—” He cuts off mid-sentence when he sees that he has visitors. With his eyes glued on me, he instantly cuts his call short. “Lemme call you back.”
Silver, glittering eyes penetrate me like laser beams. “Well, well, well. This is a nice surprise on a Monday morning, Mother, Lily. How may I assist you both?” He goes over to Patricia’s side and kisses her cheek.
Drake then sits on the chaise sofa opposite us; metallic eyes still glued on me. I should be intimidated by those gorgeous eyes and their intensity, but I’m simply not. In fact, it has the opposite effect. I feel revitalized and enlivened. Something shifts inside me. It’s something that I cannot pinpoint at this very moment, but I know it has a purpose.
Could it be closure? That I’m not the love struck, sick puppy to this man anymore? Quite possibly… it’s somewhere along the lines of that. It just has to be.
“I hired Lily as your new assistant. We were just catching up. How’s your morning, my dear son?” Patricia looks at Drake with an expression full of love and affection. It’s no secret how Hugh and Pat adore their only child. They wanted to have another baby, but Patricia couldn’t get pregnant anymore. I suppose, maybe, that’s why she dotes on me. Even if I don’t see her much, each week she will send muffins, flowers, chocolates or whatever else she can think of. She’s a sweetheart and loves me like her own daughter.
“I see. I actually requested HR to start interviewing for that position.” He leans over and gets himself a croissant. I notice how big and manly his hand is; it’s quite sexy.
Shit, do I have to associate sexy with him all the time? Get a grip, Lil!
“Oh, your father already took care of that the instant Lily agreed to work for you.” She places her coffee down on the mahogany table.
Drake momentarily stills. “I see.”
Does he really SEE?
He clears his throat and gets up. “I suppose that’s a done deal. You okay with that, Lil?” His silver eyes land on me, again.
I give him a cat-like smile. “Oh, yeah, I sure am.” Hell yeah, I am. I’m going to enjoy torturing the jackass. Bury the hatchet, my ass! I guess my evil side is starting to come out? I can really see myself having a little fun making his life a little difficult. Yes, that definitely sounds enticing.
“That’s lovely! It’s great to see you two in the same room again. It’s been a long time, hasn’t it? Since Mexico, I mean,” Patricia wonders.
Oh crapper, did she have to bring up that subject? What happened in Mexico with Drake was a mistake. Drake was a mistake.
“Uh-huh…” I respond, reaching for my coffee again. I need some kind of distraction.
Patricia stands up and gathers her purse. “Alright, children, I’ll leave you two to hash the details out. I have to get ready to meet your mother for our tennis match.” She kisses me, then Drake before striding out the door with gracious composure. She can be intimidating, especially when she’s all riled up, but Patricia is still a stunning woman.
With only the two of us in his office, it just starts to get awkward. Time to get moving, I think with enthusiasm.
“So, will you show me my office and we can go over the details of my job?” I look up to him innocently, quite ready to start working. This job is a great opportunity for me to meet new people and gain new connections. Maybe even meet a few guys along the way.
“You’re really serious about this? Mom didn’t force you to work for me? Maybe spy on me a little on the side?” Drake quirks up a brow.
Ha.
I shrug. “Your mom said you needed an assistant. I needed a job.” It’s not technically a lie. I just danced around his questions a bit.