I threw back my drink. “I’ve already thought about that. The difference is I was more responsible at his age where work was concerned. I threatened to fire him and cut him off today if he didn’t straighten up.”
“Was that really a wise move? Just be there for him, Connor. What does Ellery say about all this?”
“Of course she’s upset and she’s worried about him.”
“He’s a Black, and he comes from an outstanding and loving family. He’ll be okay. But he will need your guidance.”
“Thanks, old man. I knew I could count on you.” I smiled. “You are coming to his birthday party, right?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Maybe I’ll even have a few words with him.” He winked.
I got up from my chair, gave him a light hug goodbye, and drove home.
****
I was in the kitchen having coffee when Collin came downstairs.
“Good morning, Collin,” Ellery said as she kissed his cheek.
“Good morning, Mom. Dad,” he said as he looked at me.
“You’re going to need to go upstairs and change your clothes,” I said.
“Why?”
“Because you and I are going to play golf today.”
He looked at me strangely. “Huh?”
“We’re not going to the office. We’re going to skip work today and spend some father/son time together.”
“Oh,” he said in shock. “Okay. Does Julia know?” he asked.
“Does Julia know what?” she said when she walked into the kitchen.
“Hello, princess.” I smiled as she walked over and kissed me.
“Dad and I aren’t going to the office today. We’re going to play golf instead.”
“Good for you!” She smiled. “Mom and I are going maternity clothes shopping.”
“It looks like the Black family is playing hooky today.” Ellery laughed.
I got up from my chair and wrapped my arms around her. Even after all these years, her scent still drove me crazy. I brought my lips closer to her ear as I whispered, “We can play hooky together later. All night, if you want.”
“Mhmm,” she moaned. “I can’t wait.”
“Hello! Children in the room!” Julia yelled.
Ellery and I laughed and kissed each other goodbye for the day. Collin and I climbed into the Range Rover and headed to breakfast before tearing up the golf course.
“I love the omelets here,” Collin said as he took a bite.
“This was always your favorite place to eat breakfast.” I smiled.
Collin looked at me as he took a sip of his coffee. “Okay, Dad. Confess. Yesterday, you were about ready to fire me and cut me off and today, you’re taking me to breakfast and golfing. What’s up? Are you going to lecture me?”
Chapter 8
I sat there and listened to my father spill about his past. His women, his stalker, and the reason he was the way he was. I was blown away when he told me about his rules. It was hard for me to hear. I could see why I reminded him of himself. He saw almost the same behaviors in me that he once had. I felt sorry for him. I felt sorry that I had pushed him far enough that he had to relive his past. I told him that I was okay and not to worry. He could tell I wasn’t and said that he’d worry, no matter what.
“One day, son, you’re going to meet the love of your life.”
“I already did, Dad.”
“I’m sorry to break this to you, but no, you haven’t. Hailey wasn’t the love of your life and you’ll finally understand when you meet that special person.”
It didn’t matter what he said. Hailey was the love of my life and nobody could tell me otherwise. They weren’t inside my heart and they weren’t inside my head. Nobody had any clue as to how much I loved that girl and still did. After breakfast, we golfed for most of the day. It was great to spend the day with my dad. But no matter how much time I spent with someone else, Hailey was always still front and center in my mind.
“I need to talk to you about your birthday,” my dad said.
“What about it?”
“Your mom and I have to attend a charity function that we can’t get out of. So we’re going to take you out the day after.”
I smiled to myself because if I hadn’t already known, I’d actually believe him.
“That’s okay, Dad.”
“Julia and Jake are taking you to dinner, so don’t make any plans.”
“Okay,” I said.
He gave me a strange look and continued to golf. We finished up our game and then headed home where we took my mom, Julia, and Jake to dinner. After dinner, I came home and spent the rest of the evening with my mom and dad. That made my mom smile and it felt good to make her happy.
****
“Happy birthday, my darling baby boy,” my mom said as she walked into my room and kissed my cheek.
“Thanks, Mom.” I smiled.
“I made you all your favorite breakfast foods. So get dressed and come downstairs.”
I reached over and grabbed my phone from the nightstand with the hope that Hailey had at least wished me a happy birthday. Disappointment washed over me as I scrolled through all my text messages and not one of them was from her. I climbed out of bed, showered, and dressed before heading down to eat the wonderful breakfast my mom prepared for me. I put on my fake smile as I entered the kitchen.
“Mom, it smells great in here.”
“Thank you. Sit down and I’ll bring you your plate.”
“Happy birthday, son.” My dad smiled.
“Thanks, Dad.”
My mom set down a plate of eggs and French toast and then took her seat next to me. “I feel so bad that we won’t be able to take you out tonight.” She pouted.
“Don’t be, Mom. We can do it another night. It’s not that big a deal. I’m a big boy now.” I winked.
“Well, at least you’ll be with Julia and Jake tonight.”
Yeah, I thought to myself. As much as I loved my family, the only person I wanted to spend my birthday with wasn’t here.
I spent the rest of the day at the office, catching up on work that I’d been slacking on over the past few weeks. I decided that maybe it was time for me to throw myself into my work because this was going to be my company one day and I wanted to be just as successful as my dad, plus I wanted to make him proud of me.
“Happy birthday, bro.” Jake smiled as we shook hands.
“Thanks,” I said as I sat down at the table.
The three of us had a great dinner and I couldn’t wait to get home and really start drinking at my party. If there was a night that I needed to get drunk, tonight was it. The whole day had passed and not one word from Hailey. Once again, she had managed to break my heart and I let her. When dinner was over, I climbed in Julia’s and Jake’s Range Rover and they took me back to the penthouse.
“Now remember to act surprised,” she warned me.
The elevator doors opened and, suddenly, the lights went on and everyone yelled “Surprise.” A wide grin graced my face as I took a step back and pretended to be in shock.
“OMG! I can’t believe you did this.” I smiled at my mom and dad.
“Are you surprised, sweetheart?” my mom asked with a big smile.
“Surprised isn’t the word for it, Mom. Wow. Thank you both so much.”
After my mom and dad hugged me and my mom gave me twenty-two birthday kisses, Peyton walked up to me and held out her arms.
“Happy birthday, Collin,” she said as she kissed both my cheeks.
“Thank you, Peyton. Where’s Henry?”
“He’s on his way. He got held up with a patient. I don’t think I need to ask how you’re doing.”
I took in a deep breath. “I’m hanging in there.”
“I’m sorry for Hailey’s behavior, but I want you to know that my feelings for you will never change. I love you very much and nothing my daughter does will change that.”
“I love you too, Peyton. Thank you.” I smile
d. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m in need of a scotch.”
I walked away and to the bar where the bartender poured me a scotch. As I took a sip, I heard a voice behind me.
“I hope you’re having a happy birthday, Collin.”
“Uncle Denny, it’s good to see you. How are you?”
“I’m okay, son. But let’s not talk about me. The question of the evening is how are you doing?”
I couldn’t help but smile because I felt a lecture coming on. I remembered growing up and listening to him lecture my dad all the time. He had a certain tone in his voice that he used right before the lecture. He wasn’t looking well and I knew my dad was overly worried about him.
“I’m doing okay.”
“Come with me and let’s go sit down,” he said as he put his arm around me and led me to the couch where no one was sitting. “Your dad is worried about you and, frankly, so am I.”
“It’s okay, Uncle Denny. I’m fine. There’s no need to worry.”
“Really? Because you’re boozing it up and having sex with women all over the state.”
“Uncle Denny, keep it down,” I said as I looked around.
He chuckled loudly. “You sure are your father’s son. One day, my boy. One day, she’ll sweep you off your feet. And trust me, it won’t be Hailey. She was never ‘the one’ anyway and someday, you’ll finally realize that. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go talk to your mom.”
He got up and left me sitting there, speechless. I could guarantee I had the same look on my face that my dad always did.
“Come on, Collin. It’s time to blow out your birthday candles.” My mom smiled she led me into the kitchen.
Everyone gathered around, sang “Happy Birthday,” and clapped as I blew out twenty-two glowing candles.
“Did you make a wish, son?” my dad asked.
“Yeah, I did.” I smiled.
I was celebrating my birthday on the outside, but on the inside, I was a broken man with a void so deep that any emotion or feeling would get lost and never be found. After I cut the first piece of cake, I handed the knife to my mom and walked over to the bar to fill up on scotch for the night. I just needed to feel numb this last time. Tomorrow would be different. But for tonight, I needed to forget.
Chapter 9
Three Months Later...
After my birthday and some serious thought, I decided to tone it down a bit. When I say that, I meant that I was more careful about what I was doing. I didn’t get as drunk on weeknights anymore because I was solely focused on Black Enterprises and my job. But I sure as hell made up for it on the weekends. I partied starting at six o’clock Friday night until eight p.m. Sunday. I went to clubs, friends’ parties, and had a lot of sex. I hated to admit that I also broke some hearts. These women knew it was for one night only, so it wasn’t my fault or problem if they couldn’t understand that. As far as my parents were concerned, I was starting to turn my life around and becoming a more responsible adult. But I couldn’t fool Julia. She knew me all too well and there were some nights I spent down in her and Jake’s apartment because I didn’t want my parents to see how drunk I was. Overall, I was having fun. I was finally starting to get over Hailey because the more women I slept with and then left afterwards was working for me. I had the best of both worlds, an amazing job and many women at my side any time I snapped my fingers. I didn’t need to be tied down in a relationship. My heart was healing and, for the first time since Hailey left, I felt good. My new motto in life: No tied-down relationships make for a happy man.
“Good morning, Diana. Is he in there?”
“Yes, he is, Collin.” She smiled.
“I sent a text to Jacob last night and he didn’t text me back. Is he okay?”
“He’s fine. He had a friend over last night and they were playing video games. He probably just forgot.”
“Good. I’m glad the little guy is making new friends.”
“Thanks. It’s really helped since I was able to put him in that private school. Thanks to you and your father.”
“Don’t mention it.” I winked.
I opened the door and saw my dad turned around in his chair, staring out the window.
“Hey, Dad. Is everything okay?”
He turned around and looked at me. “Yeah, son. Everything’s fine. I was just thinking about Denny.”
“So does that mean you’ve hired a new driver?”
“Yes, son, I have. You know him.”
“I do?” I asked in confusion.
“Yep. I’ve hired Ralph from the transportation department.”
I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “You mean Ralphie?”
My dad gave me a stern look. “Yes, and don’t call him that. He’s a very good employee and has been for many years. I think he’ll do fine.”
I rolled my eyes. “If you say so. He’s no Denny, that’s for sure.”
“There will never be another Denny,” my dad said as he turned back around and stared out the window.
“Good morning, Daddy. Good morning, little brother,” Julia said as she walked into the office.
“Good morning, princess.”
“Morning, sis. Wow. You look bigger than yesterday!”
She lightly jabbed me in the shoulder. “Jake and I are going for the ultrasound today and want to know if you and Mom want to come with us?”
My dad’s eyes, which were just filled with sadness a few moments ago, lit up when Julia asked him.
“I would love to go with you, princess. Have you talked to your mom?”
“Yes, and she screamed. She wanted me to ask you myself. My appointment is for three o’clock. You and Mom can meet us at the doctor’s office.”
“Excellent. I’ll have Ralph swing by the penthouse to pick up your mom.”
I started laughing again and Julia couldn’t help but laugh as well.
“You two kids are terrible people. I hope you know that,” my dad said.
I got up from my chair and kissed Julia’s cheek. “I’m out of here. I have a meeting to attend and some files to go over before I start my weekend. You better call me and tell me if I’m getting a niece or nephew.” I pointed at her as I walked out of the office.
****
As I was finishing up the last of the paperwork that needed to be reviewed, my phone rang. It was Julia.
“Well?” I answered.
“You are going to have a nephew!” Julia said with excitement.
“Ah, that’s great news, Julia. Congratulations. Mom and Dad must be thrilled.”
“They are. Dad got all teary-eyed and Mom burst into tears.”
“I bet they did. That’s awesome. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“We’re going to dinner now. Do you want to meet us?” she asked.
“Nah. I’ve got plans for tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay. Stay out of trouble.”
“I can’t promise that.” I chuckled.
I shut down my computer, grabbed my briefcase, and headed out of the building to start my weekend. I was heading to the beach house and Aiden and I were going to check out a new club that had just opened up close by. I didn’t have to worry about my parents showing up this weekend because they were heading to Chicago tomorrow.
As I pulled into the driveway, Aiden was sitting in his car, waiting for me.
“It’s about time, man,” he said as he got out and high-fived me.
“Sorry, I had to finish up some work at the office before I headed out and then I got stuck in a shitload of traffic.”
I inserted the key into the lock and opened the door. I took my bags straight up to my room while Aiden planted himself on the couch and waited for me.
“Dude, I have to shower first. Order us a pizza. I’m starving,” I yelled down the stairs.
After I showered and put on some clothes, I walked downstairs. “Did you order it?”
“Yeah. It should be here in a few minutes,” Aiden replied.
> A few moments later, there was a knock on the door. I grabbed my wallet and was caught off guard by a beautiful girl when I opened the door. A big smile splayed across her face when she looked at me.
“Here’s your pizza. That’ll be twenty dollars, please,” she said shyly.
I pulled out thirty and handed it to her. “Here, keep the extra ten for your tip.” I winked.
She bit down on her bottom lip as she thanked me. She began to walk away and then stopped and turned around. “I normally don’t do things like this, but would you like to go out later?”
Damn! I hadn’t been here an hour yet and already I had a date! “Sure. My friend Aiden and I are going to that new club that just opened up over on Northpoint. We’ll be there around nine if you want to meet us there.”
“Sounds like fun. I’ll ask my friends if they want to go. Can I have your number and I’ll text you when we get there?”
“Sure, hand me your phone.” I smiled.
I punched my number under her contacts and hit save. “By the way, what’s your name?” I asked.
“Alexis. And you are?”
“Collin.”
“See you later, Collin.” She smiled as she walked her fine body back to her car.
I shut the door and took the pizza in the kitchen. “Smooth. Very smooth, bro. I didn’t see her. Was she hot?”
“Fuck, yeah, she was hot!”
“You better be careful, man. Tina told me the other day that a few of her friends said that you’re a douchebag.”
“Why the fuck would they say that?” I asked as I grabbed the paper plates and set them on the table.
“Two of her friends you slept with are upset with you because you never called them back.” He chuckled.
“And? They shouldn’t be surprised. They know me and how I am.”
“Just saying, bro.” He smiled. “Love them and leave them. The Collin Black way.”
“Leave them, yes. Love them, no,” I said.
After we ate our pizza, we sat on the couch, watched some of the hockey game, drank a few beers, and then headed to the club.