‘What do you mean? You can’t hold that one for me? That’s my first choice,’ he argued.
‘I wish I could, but it’s been promised to another actor after today. I would be happy to hold the other one for you.’
‘What actor?’
Celeste crossed her legs, tilted her head, and smiled. ‘You know that I can’t disclose that information. I’m sure you’ll read it in a magazine or see it on E later this month when he proposes.’
‘You know what? Let’s just wrap this up. I’ll have the money to you by tomorrow,’ the actor quickly replied.”
Chapter 32
“And this was around the time Nicholas was born,” Deidra interjected.
“Yes, I’m sure Nicholas was conceived that weekend.” Drew replied. “I should have contacted Morgan sooner. I knew Callaway was in bad shape, I’d just stopped by a few days before. I didn’t think he was on his death bed. I didn’t think he was going to die. I was planning on calling her as soon as I had some loose ends tied up with some business I’d been dealing with.
‘That makes no sense at all, Drew, Why would you move the 32nd Street store? Its profit margin was over thirty percent past goal last month. Move the Garland store if you want that location,’ Celeste pleaded her case. She was good. She was real good.
‘Hmm? Garland is in a lower traffic area. Call Burnside Realty, go check out the location. This might work,’ I decided, thinking about it. I was surprised to see Callaway flash across my ringing phone. He hadn’t personally called in at least a couple months. ‘Hello, how are you feeling?’ I answered.
‘Mr. Kelley, this is Wanda. Mr. Callaway passed about an hour ago.’
‘Why didn’t you call me? Morgan would have wanted to be there.’
‘Mr. Callaway asked that I didn’t.’
‘Okay, and the arrangements? Does Morgan need to do anything? Do I need to do anything?’
‘No. Mr. Callaway had everything taken care of before his death. I’ll keep you posted on the arrangements.’
‘I’m sorry. Family problem?’ Celeste asked.
‘Not mine. My wife’s grandfather just passed. I need to go to her.’
‘Your wife, you’re married?’ Celeste asked shocked. I guess I wasn’t one to talk about my personal life, and Morgan had been missing in action for weeks now. Shock was understandable.
‘Yes, she’s visiting her mother. Can you—’
‘Yes, yes. Don’t worry about a thing. I’ve got things here. Go take care of what you need to.’
‘I’ll be back tomorrow. Double check the lunch reservation with Sturgeon, I’ll meet you there when I get back.’
‘Drew, I can take care of Sturgeon. You can be with your family.’
‘I’m fine. Just do what needs to be done here. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
***
I was nervous as hell to come face to face with Morgan’s mother. I hadn’t been the most pleasant son in-law the first time I met her. Actually, I was downright nasty to her. She’d probably throw me out of her house. What did Morgan tell her? Did she know that Morgan had been living in Maine, that she was in an accident, worse of all, had she told her about our first six years of marriage?
‘Hello, um, I really need to speak with Morgan,’ I anxiously requested, shifting from foot to foot at the door. Amanda didn’t look like she had ten years before. She was very attractive, not what I remembered at all. She crossed her arms and leaned against the threshold not inviting me in.
‘I’m not sure I should let you see her.’
‘Her grandfather passed,’ I blurted out. I didn’t know what else to say. The first time I’d met her, she was scum on the bottom of my shoe and now I was the one intimidated.
‘I’m not sure who should be doing the judging here,’ Amanda stated.
‘Excuse me?’ Shit. Morgan told her. She knew everything.
‘I’m not sure why my daughter would stray from a man of your fortunate looks, had she been given what she needed at home.’
‘Okay, I’ll give you that, but you’re right. I’m not sure who should be the judge here either. From my recollection, you didn’t earn mother of the year with her.’
Amanda pouted her lips and nodded. ‘I guess you’re right. Let’s let god be the judge. She’s out in the shed.’
Jesus, was I ever in love with my wife. Seeing her playing and laughing with her little sister gave me a warm feeling that I’d never had before. I’d never had a family any more than Morgan had. She was in love with me too, I could tell as soon as she turned to see me. And having her throw herself in my arms was heart melting. She felt amazing, like she belonged. She did belong. She belonged right here with me.