When he got to his office on the top floor his secretary's jaw opened. "Sir your 9 O'clock is still waiting in the conference room."
He looked at his watch 9:32 he was late but he didn't care. "Tell them I am sorry and if they can wait about 15 more minutes I will see them if not reschedule it."
"Yes sir." She said standing up.
He entered his office and went to his resting room. He quickly changed into a three piece suit and dress shoes. When he came out his secretary said, "They are still waiting sir."
"Thank you."
Ariel had three classes before free swim opened up and she had to lifeguard. Her last class had Lily in it.
"Miss Ariel, my daddy says you are a gold digger what is that?" Lily asked.
"When did your father say that."
"Saturday, he said you went somewhere with Uncle Marcus and you were nothing but a gold digger. Do you dig for gold and can I go sometime with you and Uncle Marcus."
"Honey, I don't dig for gold. I went to a party with your uncle that's all. Your daddy should not call people that cause it is a rude saying. Ok" Ariel said then seen Kimberly walk in. "Lily can you go talk with Henry for just a second I need to talk to your mom."
Lily shook her head and ran over to a little boy who was waiting for his ride.
"I am here to pick up my daughter. Why did you send her over there?"
"Mrs. McKenna I did not want her to hear what I am saying. It is not for young ears. First off, yes I am dating Marcus. I am not dating him because he has money, I am seeing him because I like him. I let him buy me the dress for the party because he begged me to go with him. I do plan on paying him back. His money is his. I am not a gold digger like your husband is telling people and something like that should not be said in front of a child. I don't know were you get off judging me like you do."
"Let me just say this, leave Marcus along. He is high class and you are..." she looked Ariel up and down, "Low class. I have seen women like you come and go. They all ask him for pricey items and when he starts to wise up they dump him and he moves on to another girl."
"How many girls?" Ariel asked because I don't believe you.
"He has had at least one a year since I married his brother."
"Now I know you lied When he was in school he said there was only one and she dumped him. Then his friend George said he has only shown interest in me no other woman. He dated a lot but no relationship past a few dates. So I don't know what your problem with me is but I don't like people talking about me like that."
"We will see. I don't think someone like you should be working with our children. Be warned this is your last day. LILY LETS GO!"
Ariel walk into the changing room to get her phone and sent Marcus a quick text before she started her lifeguard shift.
Ariel [Hey just a heads up your family thinks I am s gold digger. Please make it clear to them I don't care about your money. Also we need to talk again about living together. Love ya]
She then put her phone back into her locker and went to start her shift.
Marcus was in a budget meeting when his phone chimed. He glanced at seen it was his Mermaid. He smiled and opened the message then frowned. The guy giving the report thought it was something he said so he started looking through papers to see what he said wrong.
"Sir, I'm sorry what can we change?"
"What?"
"What part of the report do you not like?"
"No every is good. I'll approve this months budget and I think if you have more to report lets reschedule for tomorrow."
"No this is all. I hope what ever is upsetting you gets settled fast." He picked up his things and left.
Marcus read the message once more before sending a reply.
[Hey just a heads up your family thinks I am s gold digger. Please make it clear to them I don't care about your money. Also we need to talk again about living together. Love ya] Mermaid
Me [Sorry about that. I will take care of this but remember I told you I don't get along with my family that my brothers are the only ones that matter and they all love you. They said if I hurt you they will all kick my ass. 🦵🥴 I love you and I know how you feel about my money. See you at 5pm Please don't change your mind.]
Next he called Kimmy to find out what is going on. She did not answer so he broke down and called his brother.
"I'm busy make it quick."
"Stay out of my life and leave my girlfriend alone." Marcus replied.
"Marcus she is a swimming instructor and life gaurd. She is only seeing you because you have money. Open your eyes."
"You don't know what you are talking about. So I repeat... Stay out of my life and leave my girlfriend alone."
He then hung up before he said more. He then tried Kimmy again. When it went to voice mail he said, "I thought we were friends but I see we are not. Stay out of my life from now on and leave my girlfriend alone. If you do anything to hurt her remember I have secrets that could harm my dear brother and my fathers business."
With in a few minutes he was receiving a call from Kimmy.
"You wouldn't dare?" She said when he connected the call.