He took a sip from his black coffee. Why didtheir wedding need to be profiled? They were not special people. Hewas just a boy raised in a small town and grew up to work in hisfather’s law firm.
“Lance, are you listening to me?” Andreainterrupted his thoughts.
“I’m listening.”
“What did I say?”
“You’re… excited about the article,” heanswered.
“And?”
“That’s the basis of it, right?”
“Babe?”
He sighed. “I’m sorry. They delayed my flightbecause of the severe thunderstorms. I’m flying back to DeltaHeights later this afternoon. I hope to get some work done at theoffice since I have another flight out again later tonight.”
“You didn’t take the family jet? You’re amillionaire, remember? That would save you all that wait time.”Andrea pointed out.
“I don’t mind flying coach. I get to meetinteresting people.”
“They’re interesting people in first classtoo. I mean think of your—”
“My what? Reputation?” He rubbed the back ofhis neck, noticing her down turned mouth. “I get enough of thatfrom my parents so don’t start, please.”
She raised her hand in a surrendered gesture.“Sorry if I hit a nerve. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“No, I shouldn’t have snapped.”
Though Andrea was high maintenance, she had agood heart. He didn’t mind the mom-and-pop restaurants of hishometown, people watchers on benches while on lunch breaks, and howpeople chatted with friends as they walked. He enjoyed theold-fashioned home-cooked meals and didn’t mind the simple thingsin life. Andrea, however, lived for the spotlight. He couldn’tblame her since she’d been modeling since she was in highschool.
“I have to go Lance. Call me later?” shesaid.
“No problem. I’ll call you when I gethome.”
She blew him a kiss from her full lips. “Ilove you.”
The corner of his mouth quirked up. “I loveyou too. Have fun on your shoot.”
“I’m sending pictures. I think this is whereI want to spend our honeymoon.”
“I thought we decided on Egypt?”
“We’ll discuss it later. I have to go.” Fromthere she ended the call, and all Lance saw was a blank screen.
***
Traditional but modern described the officeof Lawrence and Taylor’s Commercial Law building. Oversized leatherchairs, wooden shelves, and framed artwork filled the office space.The conference room followed the receptionist area while largewindows gave an exterior view along with bringing in naturallight.
Lance’s office held two leather cushionedseats for his clients, and he took a seat behind his mahoganywooden desk in his rolling office chair. He didn’t waste timegetting to work after arriving from the airport. Even though hefelt the heaviness in his limbs after flying in from Los Angeles,he had work to finish.
Despite his last name on the marquee for thetown to see, everyone knew it meant his father. His father, whoseclients’ net worth ranged from a quarter of a million to onebillion dollars. Delta Heights knew his father was an exceptionaldeal maker.
His fingers grazed his lips for a moment.Lance could have lived closer to downtown, but he needed space fromhis parents. They had enough to say about his life growing up, sohaving his own place was much needed. So, he bought his home a fewmiles on the opposite side of town.
What kept his family in the town of DeltaHeights? Lance’s mother. His fifty-nine-year-old mother whoappreciated the finer things in life and loved planning her elegantblack-tie galas in town every year. While her love proved true forthe quaint town, she maintained her high society lifestyle. Lancefound it odd, and even though he grew up with money, he didn’t seehimself better than any other man working hard for his family.
Opening his laptop, Lance read the files onhis latest deal for his client, Mr. Cooper. With the closing dateapproaching soon, he would move onto another deal since turnoverswere common as a corporate lawyer. Lance’s office phone rang.
“You have a conference call with Mr. Wilkesin thirty minutes,” his receptionist, Giselle, informed him.
“I’ll be ready. Did his associates send overthe drafts?”
“Yes, it’s in your inbox… now,” Gisellesaid.
He refreshed his email. “Thank you,Giselle.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Taylor. Is thereanything else?”
“No, thank you.” He ended the call andscrutinized the deal in his lap. From security statements andmerger agreements, he had to integrate them in their proper order.If he landed this contract with millionaire Wilkes, his fatherwould have to promote him. He worked harder than any of the otherassociates in the building.
Was it worth it? Did he see himself makingdeals for the rest of his life? Lance shook his head. He needed tofocus. He was where he needed to be. His life, great. He wasclimbing the corporate ladder, and soon he would have Andrea as hiswife. What more could he ask for?
He checked the clock. He was due on the phonewith Mr. Wilkes soon. Lance didn’t waste time, but opened his noteson his tablet. Mr. Wilkes picked up after the second ring, andafter the men exchanged pleasantries, Lance executed themeeting.
“I’m impressed with your numbers,” Mr. Wilkessaid. “You’ve confirmed with my secretary about your trip up here,right?”
“I’ll have my assistant work out the lastdetails. I think you’re looking at a deal that won’t disappointyou, Mr. Wilkes.”
“I look forward to it.” He hung up.
Lance’s chest swelled. He was on his way tothe top. He had another trip out of town before and after meetingMr. Wilkes, but it excited him just the same. Everything he everworked for was paying off. He had everything, and soon he wouldpledge his life to one of the most beautiful women in theworld.
Lance rubbed at his chin. Taking off hisreading glasses, he tapped them against his full lips. Gettingmarried. After years of pledged bachelorhood, he was tying theknot. Did he make the right choice?
He blinked. Andrea Williams was a wonderfulwoman. Despite growing up in the spotlight, she maintained graceand dignity. Hollywood and glamor didn’t change her character. Shedisplayed classiness. Poise. Plus, the woman was a boss in hercareer.
Lance grabbed his cell and sent her a quicktext.
1:45 PM... Lance: Thinking of u
He chuckled at his own corniness, but he knewAndrea would appreciate his thoughtfulness. His phone pinged. Heknew
