Page 66 of Degrees of Control
“You couldn’t have kept me away,” he says, pushing the strand of hair that has fallen over my eyes.
“Chase, they said Alfreita’s men may be in New York,” I say tiredly.
“Shh, Baby, I’ll tell you all about it in the morning. Right now, you need to rest,” he says before sleep takes over.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
When I wake, the sun is shininginto the windows and the bedside clock registers seven a.m. Chase is already gone and I stretch, smiling to myself at the tightness of my muscles from last night’s exertions. I pull myself out of bed and jump into the shower, luxuriating in the warm water as it cascades over me. I rummage through my clothing options, quickly dress, and get ready for the day before packing my bags. I place them next to Chase’s before heading down to find him and the others. Chase and my dad are having coffee at the kitchen table and look up when I walk in. “Good morning,” I say.
“Good morning, Katarina,” Chase says and I try to avoid the mischievous glint in his eye and upturned mouth.
“Morning, Katarina. We just finished eating, but your mom should be down shortly for breakfast. We haven’t seen Jenny, yet,” my father says.
I pour myself a cup of coffee and glance through the paper while Chase and my father talk. I miss some of the conversation, but perk up when Chase mentions Brian leaving. “I didn’t know Brian was leaving the company,” I say to Chase.
“Brian’s dad passed away about five years ago and left him the sole heir to the largest shipping industry in the United States. Brian is an astute young man and wanted to finish his degree and learn more about global industries before he took over. I had an opening at Prestian Corp in our New York office at the time and hired him on. He’s sat in on every negotiation we’ve done in the last five years and then put operational structures and processes in place to support them. He wants to take what he’s learned and expand his family’s business globally,” he says proudly.
“Wow. I would have never guessed. He works as hard as you do,” I say.
“That he does. He’s just like his father and he’s excited about the expansion of the Carrington shipping industry.”
“So, where does that leave you?” I ask.
“He’ll continue to do both jobs and help with the interviews. We’ve already posted the position and started national screening and recruitment efforts. I’m not worried. Things will fall into place,” he says as my mom joins us.
A slightly older woman with greying hair brings a tray of croissants and fresh fruit to the table. “This is Maddie, she has been with the family for years and is in charge of most things around the house,” he says.
My mom regales us with stories of the wedding planners she has been working with as we eat. I’m thankful she is taking care of all the details and I dutifully answer each of her questions. Chase rolls his eyes at me across the table and I narrow mine at him, trying to pay attention to my mom.
Jenny comes into the kitchen and Maddie returns, refilling our mugs while offering Jenny a cup of coffee. Jenny takes a seat and my mom offers her breakfast as we finalize the last of the wedding preparations.
“Ladies, we’re going to take the helicopter over to the Prestian Towers and then head to the airport from there. Jay and Sheldon are getting things prepared as we speak,” Chase says. As if on cue, Sheldon walks into the kitchen to let us know the crew has the helicopter ready and is waiting.
Chase says goodbye to my parents, hugging my mom and shaking hands with my father. I embrace my mom, holding her close. “Thanks for taking care of all the wedding arrangements. I don’t know what I would do without you,” I say.
“She’s having the time of her life,” my father says, wrapping me into his arms in a quick hug.
“Thank you both for having me and for giving me a place to stay for the wedding,” Jenny says.
“You’re very welcome. We wouldn’t consider letting you stay anywhere else,” my mom says.
Sheldon and Jay assist us aboard and then climb into the front of the helicopter behind the pilots after closing the door to the private cabin of the Augusta. My phone beeps and I look down at the incoming message from my work email and scowl. I type out a message and hit the send button. I feel his gaze upon me and look up, my eyes drawn to the steely green ones watching me intently.
“Why do you let them bother you? The land is purchased, the facility is designed and we’ll go to state for building approvals on time. The model works, don’t let them make you second guess this.”
“Why do you think I’m second guessing things?” I ask as we lift off.
“Why, you’ve been recalculating numbers and replying to messages that should have just been deleted all week,” Chase says.
“Maybe they’re right? We haven’t been able to get through the pharmaceutical costs, yet,” I say.
“We are working with the pharmaceutical companies on a bundled price. It will just take time. In the meantime, stop worrying.”
“Anyone ever tell you that you are extremely bossy?” I ask.
“If I recall, it was you,” he says, raising his eyebrows.
“You are absolutely incorrigible…” I say, feeling the warmth of a blush rise on my cheeks.
