Page 14 of Park Avenue Princess

Chapter 4

Lynne – Present day – New York

“You missed quite the birthday party yesterday.”

“Mm hmm,” I respond absently as I scroll through my emails. Two from Michael Hamilton of Hamilton Resources get sent directly to trash. Upon returning from my six-month vacation after leaving my father’s firm, he attempted to persuade me to join his company. For months he sent numerous emails detailing the position, pay, and perks, and for months I politely declined. Remembering his one-time visit to our home years ago and the way he made me feel almost violated with just his leering looks, I had no interest whatsoever in dealing with that man, let alone working for him. And for a time, his pursuit halted.

Until last year, shortly after I accepted the consulting position with Management and Budget, when his efforts intensified. He even went so far as to find my place of residence, shocking me with an attempt to invite his way into my condo under the pretense of discussing the finer details of what he could provide should I come to my senses andwork under him.

Yeah, his suggestion was loud and clear.Freaking perv!I told him what he could do with his offer and if he continued to harass me, I’d involve the authorities. Needless to say, he was pissed and said I was making a mistake. He left without incident and I thought that was the last I’d hear from him. It wasn’t long after that when the new building in which I currently lived was completed and I’d moved, keeping my residence unlisted. Only Addy and my parents knew where I lived.

So now, apparently Michael Hamilton is trying again. Or so that’s my thought. I hadn’t even bothered to open the emails, not wanting anything to do with him. If he needed to speak to me in any professional capacity, he’d need to go through the proper channels within the city government.

Addy is speaking but I’m barely listening as my attention is focused on more emails from Dennis, at my father’s firm. He’d forwarded two last week but I ignored them. Petty, I know. Not that I don’t like or respect Dennis, I’ve just been avoiding getting involved again in anything having to do with my father’s business. Now two more emails pop up, directly from my dad, and to go along with that, I’d had a few calls from him but he never left any messages.

It’s been over six years since I left his firm and in the past six months we’ve barely even spoken to one another. To say our relationship is strained is an understatement, so I’m curious what’s changed and why I’m inundated with attempts at communication. I try to talk with my mom at least a couple times a month with our last conversation being two weeks ago. There didn’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary happening with them, but then I don’t think Mom has a clue about Dad’s business. She’d always say,‘When your father wants me informed, he tells me. He takes care of his work while I take care of him.’

I know I can’t avoid him forever, but I’ll put it off as long as I possibly can. Because I’m mature like that. Prioritizing, I reason with myself. I’ve got a hefty to-do list, finalizing portfolios for a few big clients. Plus I’m working on an assessment for the office of Management and Budget—M&B—with the city of Manhattan that I contract with. Yeah, that’s certainly a mouth full.

It’s the Monday before Memorial Day Weekend, and I want to complete these projects and be worry-free before—

Addison interrupts my thoughts. “Lynne, have you heard anything I’ve said to you this morning?”

I look up at her, trying to clear my head so I can concentrate on the reason I’m here—to enjoy breakfast with my friend before the craziness of the day begins.

“I’m sorry, Addy,” I apologize as I close my laptop. “Lots to do. But, that can all wait.” I pick up my iced tea and smile at her. “Here’s to a few quiet moments before the insanity ensues.”

She chuckles and lightly knocks her coffee cup against my glass, knowing all too well about my workload. I actually do accounting work for Addy and Hollis, seeing as they decided to part ways with my father’s firm less than a year after I left. They tried another firm, but Addy said she and Hollis decided I’d always given them the best results.

I loved her for that endorsement and the support.

“You work too hard, spread yourself thin.”

I nearly choke on my drink. “Uh,hello, you’re one to talk, Ms. Never Take a Vacation. Are you ever going to giveyourselfa break?”

She looks at me with a prim expression. “As a matter of fact, yes.”

“Really?”

“Really,” she chuckles. “Peter and I have a trip booked for Greece in the fall. I’m finally going to meet some of his extended family. We’re going to tour the mainland and then spend a blessed week in Santorini.”

I squeal, I’m that excited for her. “Addy, that’s wonderful! Oh, Santorini, how lovely. It’s on my list as you well know.”

“I do, and I hope one day soon you’ll go there, too.” I only nod as I take another drink. She then asks. “Are you still planning your trip this weekend?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I?”

“Well, you looked awfully concerned scanning through your emails there and you happen to mutter something aboutwhat now, dad, so…”

“I said that?”

“You did.”

“Jeez, that man.” I roll my eyes.

“What now, indeed. What’s going on? Anything I can help you with?”

“I honestly don’t know yet. I received some emails from Dennis, and now some from Dad this morning. He’s called but hasn’t left any messages.”

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