Page 56 of Degrees of Acceptance
“Thanks, Baby,” he says his eyes softening as they see the concern on my face.
“What’s going on Chase? Dereck and Sheldon were glued to me this morning more than normal, and you’re clearly preoccupied with something,” I add, wondering if it has anything to do with the article lying on the table.
Chicago Midwestern
Chase Prestian Spotted at Bazil’s
Nate Collins Freelance Journalist
Chase Prestian, multibillionaire and CEO of Prestian Foundation and Holdings danced the night away with Katarina Meilers at Bazil’s, the elite nightclub in downtown Chicago last evening. He has been dating Katarina since their business trip to Aruba early last month.
They were accompanied by Ty Channing, legal tycoon and owner of one of the most prestigious financial law firms in the country and his girlfriend Jenny Torzial, sole proprietor of the local Torzial Consulting Firm.
As the evening ended, Chase and Katarina took the time to shake hands and thank members of the local band Destined, renowned for their new edgy, but seductive and sultry sound. Likewise, as he left the club, he made time to personally shake the hands of each paparazzo on site, including yours truly.
There doesn’t seem to be anything harmful in the article, but what do I know. I’m still waiting for him to answer. “Chase, what’s wrong?” I prompt.
“There’s a lot of union unrest right now. We have two of the largest facilities in the Midwest going up right here in the city, in addition to the one pending final sale in the south. The bid package went out, and we’ve had a barrage of backlash that it’s open to everyone. The increased security is just a precaution and need I remind you that you wouldn’t have noticed it had you stuck to your course and not stopped for coffee without letting security know.”
“I don’t know why it surprises me that you know I didn’t give them a heads up,” I say, annoyed that my every move is reported to him. You’ve been a little quiet for days. I’m worried about you,” I continue.
“It’s nothing, Baby, just precautionary,” he says reaching for a pastry. I let it drop, but clearly there’s more to it than he is letting on.
“The smell of cinnamon and hazelnut was just too tempting after all the exercise I got last night and this morning,” I say, sitting down next to him at the table.
“Charlie’s?” he asks.
“Yes, they are the best,” I say, taking a bite of the warm pastry.
“Don’t let Gaby hear you say that,” he says laughing.
He seems less apprehensive once we get back home, filling Gaby in with details from the last couple of days while I change clothes, adding a few layers for warmth while we are out on the water. He’s apparently planned ahead as the yacht is moored off the dock and Gaby has prepared a large picnic basket of food for us to take along.
It’s a perfect fall day to be on the lake, the sun is shining creating a shimmering along the lake. The breeze off the lake is not cold but brisk, with a hint of the long windy Chicago winter to come. Chase takes my hand as we walk toward the dock; there are several men already aboard the long sleek white yacht. It is three stories high and like the one in Aruba, proudly displays the black and gold Prestian crest. Jay, Dereck, and Sheldon are following discreetly behind us.
He introduces the men on the yacht to me as we board and thanks them for their help preparing it. He is in total control as he takes command of the ship. Dereck and Sheldon discreetly disappear somewhere on the boat, while Jay hovers on deck talking to someone on his cell phone. The fact that Chase has more than one yacht does not surprise me given his love for the water. He seems much more relaxed after a few hours navigating the dark blue pristine waters. Shortly after noon, we enjoy the sandwiches, cheese, fruit and little desserts that Gaby packed into the picnic basket and spend the rest of the afternoon discussing wind direction, the differences between port and starboard side and basic rules of boating.
“Here, take the wheel, Baby,” Chase says, pulling me from my thoughts. He positions himself behind me and helps me get the feel of it. It takes a little getting used to, but I am exhilarated as we sail across the waters of Lake Michigan.
Gaby has grilled salmon and an arugula salad with caramelized walnuts and goat cheese prepared for dinner. “She’s an amazing cook,” I say to Chase as I take a sip of the white wine. The crisp finish compliments the meal perfectly, and it feels good to relax after an exhilarating day on the lake.
Chase scowls at an incoming call. “Excuse me, Baby, I need to take this,” he says, answering as he heads to his study which is adjacent to the dining room.
I pour myself another glass of white wine and go upstairs. The fresh air was brisk, and I decide to start the whirlpool and relax in its warmth. I pour chamomile scented oil in and inhale its fragrance while I slip out of my clothes and put my hair up in a clip. The water swirls around my body, warming and relaxing. I lie back against the pillow and close my eyes, enjoying the bubbling spa as it circles around me. I am completely relaxed and feeling refreshed as I dry off and wrap up in my robe.
I slip into bed and fire up my Mac scowling at the numerous emails still concerned about the number of exam rooms in the medical building. I respond to each of them in turn as most of them have not copied each other on them, but have copied their department teams as well as the Core Team comprised of Chase, Jenny, Terry, myself, the general contractor and a few representatives of the users on the team.
I reach Terry’s note and see that he’s probably gotten concerned with all the emails, to the point he felt it necessary to come up with some backup alternatives. I review Terry’s email and smile at his willingness to go the extra mile.
***
From:TPartes@Martel&Sons.org
