Page 26 of Sliding into Love
The door opens, and an unfamiliar face steps through. Kenneth springs up from his chair moving to greet the woman. She's dressed in what would probably be considered a ball gown to others but since my mother has exquisite taste, I don’t find it as jarring as others might. The woman’s hair is done up in a loose chignon. Her makeup is expertly applied as well. Just heavy enough to be noticeable, but not so heavy as to look commonplace.
“Mother, what are you doing here?” Kenneth asks.
They do that air kiss thing, then she leans back holding on to his elbows. “My son! Look at you, alive and breathing. And clearly able to use technology.”
Her voice is almost malicious. Nothing like the teasing tone my mother takes when I forget to call her.
Kenneth giggles nervously. “Yes, I'm sorry. We've been dealing with some things. You know, with the transition and all.”
She clicks her tongue softly. “Ah, yes. The transition away from the baseball team you fought so hard to buy and manage. Now look at you. Without it, this thing you supposedly built from the ground up, whatever will you do? Is that why you won't answer my calls? Because you don't have a plan?”
Rage engulfs me at her taunts. I don't want her to be like this to Kenneth. He doesn't deserve it.
Well, maybe he does, but I don't want to witness it. Deciding I need to interfere, I slowly rise from my chair and walk across the room. My heels clack against the hardwood, drawing her attention.
“Oh! I didn't realize you had company,” she says.
I put on a wide, charming smile and say, “Why, it's lovely to meet you, ma'am. I am Royce Bellport. I'll be taking over for Kenneth, though taking over is a bit of an exaggeration considering Kenneth is going to stay on and help me quite a bit. The shift in position really just kind of gives my family an in, you know. Sometimes you’ve got to use the money to buy your way, right?”
I make the joke like I've seen plenty of my father's business colleagues do through the years. It's a self-deprecating tone, yet it's relatable for rich people.
The woman titters as if I'm the funniest thing in the world, waving her hand in my direction. I take it from her and plant a gentle kiss before straightening again. It's then she takes me in from head to toe. I watch her expression change from cheeryto judgmental. She won't dare utter a word considering I'm a Bellport.
The Meyer family may have money, but no one is as rich as us. It's not boasting if it's true.
“It's so wonderful that you've joined us today. Was there any reason in particular you stopped by? I know we've got a jam-packed schedule of meetings today. We just had two already this morning, and it's not even,” I glance at my watch, “nine in the morning.”
Amusement lines her face as if she understands what I'm doing. She reaches out to pat Kenneth on the cheek. I bristle, noting how much tighter his shoulders get.
Stop fucking touching him.I want to growl.
For his part, Kenneth is frozen. He’s a statue, letting her do as she wishes. There's terror and confusion written all over him. I’m even more furious seeing his response. What kind of fuckery is this?
“I just wanted to come see my precious baby is all, but if he's busy I understand. Maybe you'll give me a call later this evening, right, Kenneth?” She asks, tone pointed.
I make an apologetic noise.
“Actually, we have dinner plans tonight. You know business never sleeps when you're successful. I'm sure he can give you a call later this week though. I'll make sure he checks his calendar and pencils you in. How about that?”
Unable to tell me no, she nods, then gives him another set of air kisses and leaves.
The minute she's gone, and the sound of her heels no longer echoes around us, Kenneth turns my way. His eyes are glassy, and his lower lip quivers. “Y-You just…”
I shake my head, taking a step back and moving towards the chair I evacuated. I stop though and decidefuck it. I've alreadygone this far. I move myself around to sit beside him and wave him over.
“Come on. We've got shit to do, and if we're going out for dinner, I need to go home to change. You will not catch me dead out there looking like this for an evening meal.”
Kenneth rushes over, scooting into his chair comically fast. “Okay, yes, let's get started.”
He straightens the papers on his desk as he starts to rattle off the plan for the day.
Internally, I smile at making him nervous. I also scream a little inside becausewhat the hell am I doing?
None of this makes any sense at all.
CHAPTER TEN
KENNETH
