Desperate Measures(76)

 

“Don’t apologize. It was my pleasure. I hate to see a beautiful soul being hidden away.”

 

Aimee released him. “Okay. You can let in the troops. And thank you. Again. For sharing that part of your life with me.” She returned to her seat, blowing her nose and doing her best to wipe her face clean.

 

The girls joined her, looking at her worriedly. Aimee smiled, trying to reassure them that she was okay.

 

Marcus went back to his chair. “Okay, so last on the list of things to do is business start-up.”

 

“Yes,” said Kiki. All three women nodded their heads.

 

“You want an LLC. Are we doing an even split?”

 

They all looked at each other and nodded affirmatively.

 

“Good. I need you to send me what each of you are contributing for your share - just a simple email will do. Are you planning on franchising?”

 

“Not at this time,” answered Elizabeth.

 

“Adding additional investors?”

 

“No,” said Kiki.

 

“Are any of you married, other than Aimee here?”

 

“No. But is that going to be a problem for her?” asked Elizabeth.

 

“Maybe. Maybe not. I just ask that you not share with Jack or anyone he knows any information about this business. If you start it during the marriage, it could get mixed up in the process. I’d prefer if you officially start it after the divorce judgment is final.”

 

“Can you fast-track it?” asked Elizabeth.

 

Marcus smiled a little deviously. “I have some ideas on that. It’s possible. Let me get back to you.”

 

“We were hoping for a three-month start-up,” said Kiki, looking anxious.

 

“It could be possible … if my theory proves out. I’ll let you know.”

 

“Feel like sharing that theory?” asked Elizabeth.

 

“Not yet. Give me a few days. In the meantime, I don’t want any of you signing any documents or officially declaring the existence of this business.”

 

“We won’t,” said Elizabeth. “Right, girls?”

 

Kiki and Aimee agreed they wouldn’t.

 

“Okay, that’s all I need for now. Elizabeth, keep in contact with me about the business.” He looked at Aimee. “Aimee, go home and open up a new email account. Use a brand-new password you’ve never used before. Send me the address. This will be just for you and me to use. Don’t share the username or password with anyone except these two girls, if you want. Do not write the password down on anything. Do not use one that Jack could guess - meaning, don’t use your birthday, anniversary, pet names, etcetera in the password, okay? Pick something random. Got it?”

 

“Yes.” Aimee nodded her head, feeling good about having some sort of action plan to follow when she left his office. When she’d walked in it was just a place of business for Elizabeth’s cousin. Now it almost felt like a safe haven - one guarded by a strong, kind, and compassionate warrior.

 

Marcus waved a finger at all three girls. “You ladies have a mission. Get me copies of the binders and computer data.” He stabbed his index finger into the top of the desk for emphasis. “I want it on my desk by tomorrow.”

 

“Yes, sir,” saluted Elizabeth as she stood. “Come on, girls. We need to go do what the boss says.”

 

Marcus smiled winningly. “I like that. The boss. Feel free to call me that all the time,” he said as he came around to open the door for them.

 

“Not gonna happen, cousin,” said Elizabeth, giving him a kiss on the cheek and a quick hug. “See you soon.”

 

Kiki went next, giving him a hug and kiss on the cheek too. “Thanks, Marcus. You’re a gem.”

 

Marcus smiled. “My pleasure. I always love to spend time in the company of beautiful women.”

 

Aimee came next. Just looking at him made her want to start crying again. Who knew her personal savior would come in the form of a gorgeous gay lawyer wearing a polka dot tie?

 

Marcus took her into a strong hug, not at all what she would have expected from a serious lawyer. She let herself enjoy it though, melting into the strength he shared with her.

 

“You take care of yourself, you hear?” he demanded.

 

“Yes. I hear you. And thank you again. This means … more to me than I can say right now.”

 

Marcus let her go and stepped back. “All you have to do in return are two things…”

 

“What two things?” she asked curiously, hoping it wouldn’t be expensive.

 

“First, find Aimee again.” He winked at her. “And second, you need to keep me in those cookies. I’m addicted. They’re like crack to me.”