Page 49 of Degrees of Acceptance
“It’s an open account, Katarina. I want you and Jenny to shop on the Mile where you might not otherwise shop and buy whatever you like.”
“Chase, Honey, this is too much. The makeover was kind, but I make great money. I might not be able to afford to shop in the Mile district, but I can afford to buy my own clothes,” I exclaim.
“Katarina, I want to spend money on you and buy you gifts. It makes me happy to be able to provide for you,” he says, clearly irritated with the conversation.
“I can provide for myself, though. It’s enough that you won’t take money for rent, food, utilities or anything. I’m sorry. I know you are only trying to be nice, but…”
“You are my partner, and I want to provide for you. What is so wrong with that?” he asks, his dark green eyes capturing mine.
“I don’t know, Chase. The gift of a make-over is one thing, but an open account to buy clothes? The price for one skirt at most of those stores is more than most people make in a week. I don’t need clothes that cost that much,” I explain.
“Katarina, I don’t know how to get past your reluctance to let me provide for you. Go with Jenny; buy a couple fun dresses for the evenings in Aruba, matching shoes, and whatever else you need. The card is good for both of you. I’m going to get a little work done before dinner,” he says, sliding a pair of jeans on.
Why can’t I just accept his gift without feeling like it’s payment for sex? He’s never done anything to make me feel like that. Jenny will be able to help.
I feel like such a heel as he heads downstairs.
Message:I need to talk to you.
Reply:Call me… I’m free.
Message:k
I click on her number, and she answers immediately. “Jenny… I feel terrible. Chase gave us this incredible package for tomorrow. A spa day at Courtier LeBien on the Mile. I was so touched that he wanted to arrange a time for us to be able to spend time together. Then on the same card, there’s an open account to go buy clothes. I told him I didn’t want it or him buying my clothes. He’s clearly upset.”
“Kate, I think you’re reading way too much into this. He wants to buy you some nice clothes and for you to have a splendid time. I admit, I was a little unsure about him at first, but anyone can see he’s crazy about you. He clearly respects your talents, or he wouldn’t have renegotiated the entire Torzial relationship. He seems like a great guy, and it’s not his fault he’s wealthy. Those things don’t define a man; it’s how he treats you and from what I’ve seen he treats you like a friggin princess,” she says.
“He does, and I probably overreacted, but I just don’t know how to reconcile the fact he won’t let me pay rent, help with utilities, food or anything. He pays for absolutely everything,” I say.
“If you moved in with someone that didn’t have a ton of money, but wanted to take care of all the bills, wouldn’t you find that admirable?”
“God, you’re right, Jenny. I would probably think it was more than admirable,” I say.
“I personally believe that you should tell him you’re sorry for being such a shit, we should go have a spa day and shop the hell out of the Mile,” she exclaims laughing.
“Leave it to you to put this into perspective! Let’s meet for breakfast at Spazzia’s around eight tomorrow morning,” I say, hanging up and now anxious to find Chase.
He is on the phone, and I turn so as not to disturb him, but he points to the seat next to him. “Sid, it’s going to be different this time. The negotiations are going to be in our own back yard, not overseas. We’ll meet the resistance of politicians, lobbyist groups, and every pharmaceutical company in the nation as we expand. It’s a good model and Houston is already seeing significant outcomes. Katarina has a video clip that will demonstrate the model’s improvements, and specifically how Houston has been able to reduce its health care costs as a result,” he says, pausing to listen to the person on the line.
“No, we’ll plan to release it after the Prestian facilities here and in lower Illinois have State approval. Once that video goes public the entire Prestian project will be of interest. They’ll be knocking down your door to get press conferences, interviews and specifically trying to pin down intentions for expansion. Okay, thanks, Sid,” he says, disconnecting.
“Chase, I didn’t realize creating the video would be a detriment to our project,” I state.
“It’s not, Katarina. It’s impactful and should be shared. We just need to manage the timing,” he says, pushing the hair out of my eyes.
“I’m sorry I overreacted to the shopping gift, Chase. It was a very nice thing to do, and I don’t mean to seem ungrateful. Sometimes, I just feel like I don’t contribute anything. I know you didn’t intend it as anything but a thoughtful gift, but I don’t want to feel like I am being kept,” I say, reaching up to kiss his lips.
“Baby, we’ve talked about this before. You are my partner; I want to provide for you. I was just trying to give you a beautiful day. But, I’m sure there’s some just punishment for such a headstrong young lady,” he says, grinning wickedly.
CHAPTER NINE
I wake up excited tosee Jenny on Saturday morning. It’s just turned five a.m. so plenty of time for a nice long run and a shower. Chase is at the kitchen table in gym clothes and studying something on his MacBook, but looks up as I come down the stairs.
“Hi Baby,” he says, his eyes slowly taking in my attire. “You’re going out for a run?”
“I am, and you’ll be happy to know that I texted Jay yesterday,” I say surprised Jay wouldn’t have already told him.
“Are you taking the lake path?” he asks.
