Aren’t they bored yet?
Catching movement to my right, I turn to see an older man standing among the quaint seating area staring up at a Jackson Pollock print that’s an incredible mass of colors swirled around and through one another. I’m sure to anyone with an eye for art, they’d say it meant something profound, like the chaos of modern life or something, but to me, it looks more like a mass of tangled yarn.
“Charles?”
At the sound of my voice, the man turns on his heel to face me. He’s older, pushing fifties from the looks of the fine wrinkles in his skin, and he’s dressed casually in a pair of dark jeans and black suit jacket over a plain white cotton shirt.
He’s probably trying to come off benevolent, but I’m already on my guard. There’s just no telling with these people. Once, a woman not unlike this Charles character made it all the way into the elevator with me before she busted out her camera and started throwing questions at me.
Hence the reason for Manny.
I don’t live in a fancy apartment, so security isn’t a staple. But Levi is very protective of what’s his and as soon as he caught wind of what was going on, he hired the best security his money could buy. Now, I don’t have to worry so much once I cross the threshold. My home is my sanctuary from the world. Even if it is less than six-hundred square feet.
Charles’ soft brown eyes meet mine and crinkle at the corners as he steps forward and extends his hand. “Miss Marquis. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
Finally? “Um…I’m sorry. Do I know you?”
Chuckling to himself, Charles spans his arm out, indicating that I take one of the plush club chairs. I do and wait for him to seat himself opposite me.
Propping his elbows on the arms of the chair, Charles folds his hands together and crosses his ankles in front of him. He’s the epitome of calm and comfortable, all of which I am not.
“You are correct. We haven’t met, and you’re probably thinking I’m some crazy person right now, but I assure you I’m not.” He smiles dolefully. “I caught mention of you in the Sunday paper, in the sports section.”
Popping to my feet, I glare down at him. “Will you people never leave us alone? You’re reprehensible!”
Confusion colors Charles’ expression before realization takes over. Before I can storm away, he jumps up and touches my arm. I jerk it away, even more upset that this piece of slime would deign to touch me.
“I’m not a reporter,” he insists. “I swear. I came here because after I recognized your name in the paper and saw the success you’ve had with the business, I just had to come out and see it for myself. I knew I was going to be in town, so I looked you up. I just wanted to tell you congratulations.”
Believing this to be another ploy to get me to stick around long enough for him to dig his claws in, I cluck my tongue and turn to leave. Once again, he pulls me to a stop.
“It’s not every day that such a young woman, especially one in the position you are in, makes it in the business world,” he rushes to add. “And as you’re one of my first clients, I’m doubly thrilled. Please, Miss Marquis, I really am just here to extend my support and maybe, if you’ll let me, share my enthusiasm.”
“Who the hell are you? Really?”
“I’m Charles Tanner?” He forms it like a question, as if that should explain everything.
“And that should mean something to me?”
The corners of his mouth turn up. “Well, probably not. Yet.” Standing taller, he says, “I’m the private investor.”
Oh shit. What the hell is he doing here? Is this even normal? My spine stiffens in warning. “If you’re here to ask for your money back, I don’t have it.” Plus, we have an agreement, in writing. Any money paid out to him has to be done over time, not on a whim.
“No, no. Like I told you, I just wanted to stop in and see for myself how the investment was coming along. And, of course, I had to meet the infamous Vista Marquis. You’re a real sensation you know.”
“Yeah, right.” Feeling the start of a headache coming on, I close my eyes, pinch the bridge of my nose, and inhale deeply. “Look, I don’t mean to be rude, Mr. Tanner, but this is really weird for me. Even though I appreciate you helping me get my start, I never expected to meet you.”
“I get it. That makes total sense, and I will get out of your hair. I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity since I was in town.”
I smile faintly and shake his hand once again. He seems like a nice enough man, but I’m eager for him to leave. This is just too strange for words. I’d ask how he knew where I lived, but I’m sure that’s public knowledge by now.
“I know some people who would benefit from your services,” Charles informs. “I’ll make sure to send them your way.”
“Thanks, that’s really nice of you.”
“Hey, we’re business partners. Whatever helps you, helps me.” He grins and bends to pick up a brown leather carry case—a murse, as I’ve taken to calling them—and slings it over his shoulder. “Good luck with business, and please, tell Mr. Black if there’s anything more I can do for him to feel free to contact me anytime. It’s been a real pleasure.”
Stunned silent by his words, I stare after him as he leaves. What the hell does Levi have to do with anything?
I stew over Charles’ parting words as I make my way back up to my apartment. After making a fresh bowl of noodles, I sit down on the couch and stare at the clock. In an hour, Levi will call…but I can’t wait an hour.
Picking up the phone, I dial out. My heart hammers in my chest for unknown reasons. I’m anxious, although I really have no reason to be.
“Hey, princess. What a nice turn of events, you calling me.” Levi’s smooth, sexy baritone filters through the line and my thoughts momentarily freeze. All my doubts about us come rushing back at once: does he really want me? Does he love me? Is he seeing that model behind my back? How is he connected to Charles?
The last question reminds me why I called him in the first place.
“What’s going on, Vista? Is something wrong? Are you and the baby okay?”
I hear Levi speaking and realize I must have tuned out. He’s worked up now, worried over my prolonged silence.
Drawing in a steeling breath, I force myself to speak. “How do you know Charles Tanner?”
29
Levi’s hesitation is worrisome. “Listen, Vista, don’t freak out.”
“Why the fuck would I freak out, Levi,” I snap, annoyance and fear edging my voice. “Just you saying that makes me freak out.”
“Well, don’t. It’s not that big a deal.”
“If it’s not a big deal, then tell me what the hell Charles Tanner has to do with you and why he asked me to tell you that he’d be more than willing to do business with you again anytime? And while you’re at it, I’d like you to explain how this relates to my company, because he certainly made it sound like there was a connection.”
Levi sighs down the line, the sound heavy and ominous. Now I really am nervous, and the more nervous I get, the angrier I feel. He’s hiding something from me, and I want to know what it is. Now.
“It’s a long story. Can you wait until I come by so I can sit down and explain it in person?”
I huff. “Seeing as how you haven’t come by in over a month and there’s no telling when the next time will be, no. No, it can’t wait.”
“Jesus, Vista. You’re a real ballbuster,” Levi complains.
“I have to be, dealing with you.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” Now Levi is pissed off, and even though a part of me cringes to know we’re fighting, thus further rocking the unsteady base we’re standing on, I also can’t bring myself to care enough to back down. I’m never going to be that girl, the quiet, passive woman who lets her boyfriend run all over her.