(James)
"So you don't know who the kid is?" Rebecca asked
"Um no," I said
"Um little girl, what's your name?" Rebecca asked
"Wendy" she nonchalantly said skipping the channel.
It was odd how strangely calm she was about this
"Okay, Wendy so how did you get in here?"
"My aunty dropped me off"
"And who is your aunt?" Rebecca asked before the door opened and Sophie walked in
"Hey James you wouldn't believe what happened today" She sighed as she entered the room
"Cousin" the girl cheered jumping from the couch and running into her arms
"Wendy? What are you doing here?"
"Aunty Tasha invited me for Thanksgiving"
"So where's your mother?"
"Mommy said she's busy. She can't come but I should come to enjoy myself. That's what she told me"
"So you know her Sophie?"
"Yeah, she's my cousin."
"Okay, how did she get in here?" Rebecca asked curiously
"Yeah, Wendy how did you get in here?" Sophie asked
"Aunty Tasha asked the lady downstairs to open it for us"
"Of course, she did" Sophie gritted her eyes
"Sorry guys I need to make a call" she stormed out
(Sophie)
Walking out to the balcony I sighed as I took out my phone and called her
She quickly answered
"Sophia darling I'm glad you called we're going over to Trudy's for Thanksgiving. You should wear something nice and if you can bring a date"
"Are you out of your mind?!" I yelled angrily before she sighed
"What is it now Sophia?" She sighed annoyed
"How the hell can you just leave a child alone in my apartment by herself for God knows how many hours"
"It was only around thirty minutes"
"How did you even know where I live?" I asked absolutely tired of her
"Sophia you're now among the most famous people in the town, for better or worse, it's not that hard to find you," she said
"Still how can you leave a frickin child here?"
"Watch your tone child," she said
"Where's her mom," I said
"She couldn't make it."
"Fine why the hell did you leave her here?"
"Because I couldn't bring her to my house. I have my hands full with Hugh right now" She said before I gripped the phone tighter fearing I'd throw it from the balcony
"Come get her," I said
"What?" She asked amused
"I'm not keeping her so you can run around with your boyfriend"
"I know you'd rather spend time with your boyfriend- I mean roommate. But unfortunately, I'm already on my way out of town for the week with Hugh"
"Where the hell are you two going?"
"Business trip" she answered and I could almost imagine the smirk on her face
"And you can't bring her"
"Sophia"
"Don't answer that" I said remembering what they do on their so-called business trip
"Alright, I'll hang up now."
"No don't you hang up on me," I said before she hung up her phone.
"Damn it! I swear to God I hate her sometimes" I cursed. Rage filled me as I pulled back my arm in an attempt to throw away my phone but just before I did my phone started ringing
I sighed answering the phone
"What!!" I yelled
"That was a violent response. Did I call at a bad time or something?" Nick asked
"Sorry about that Nick. Did you want something?" I asked
"Well, it's nothing much. I just wanted to ask if I should pick you up tomorrow or if are we just gonna meet up at the venue?"
"Honestly Nick I don't think I can make it."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah it's just a lot is going on and I don't think doing this would help"
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes, Nick I'm sure. Don't you have someone else to bring?"
"If you're implying I bring Vanessa. I can't"
"Why not?"
"She's busy"
"Sorry I don't care. I just know I can't go tomorrow"
"Okay fine"
"Thank you"
"But can I say something?"
"Make it quick"
"If your life is as chaotic as you make it seem. Maybe a fancy dinner is exactly what you need to help you take your mind off things. You should at least think about it?"
"Sure," I said before I hung up
I sighed before walking back inside to see Taylor waiting for me at the door
"So what did she say?" He asked
"She's leaving town with your Dad"
"Another 'business' trip," he said venom laced in his words
"Huh uh." I nodded
"So what we're stuck with her?" he asked
"Yeah. So where is she now?" I asked
"In the kitchen with Rebecca"
"Great, I'm going to do my homework," I said
"I don't remember getting Chemistry homework," he said
"We didn't. We have other classes you know" I said going into the kitchen
Rebecca had Wendy sitting on the kitchen sink counter while she made sandwiches
"Hey, Sophie. Finished with your call?"
"Yeah"
"So your mom coming to pick her up?" she asked
"She's currently out of town" I sighed as Taylor walked in
"For how long?" She asked
"The week"
"So you two are gonna have to watch her?" She asked
"Well, I can't exactly leave her by herself. I can't believe she'd just frickin leave," I said
"Enough about those two. I'm getting hungry" Taylor groaned
"Me too," Wendy said biting into the sandwich Rebecca gave her
"Okay. I guess I'll start making lunch" I said before looking at Rebecca
"You staying for lunch?" Taylor asked her
"No, I actually have to head home. Rose might be wondering where I am about now"
"Okay I'll walk you out," Taylor said
"See you tomorrow Sophie"
"Tomorrow?"
"Oh yeah Rebecca and Rose are gonna help me remodel my car," Taylor said
"Alright see you tomorrow," I said before they left
(Martha)
After I left Ebenezer's house I got in James's car
I can't believe it. I actually left, it's really over. Did we just separate? Ebenezer and I were actually apart. Would this lead to a divorce? What would Carl think? What would happen to Carl? Would we battle over custody but he's going off to college I mean would there still even be a need for something for like that?
"Do you wanna talk about it?" He offered
"No, I really don't" I rejected before he turned his attention back to the road
The awkward silence that ensued was stifling.
Having nothing to do I looked around the car.
It was really comfortable and spacious. A car like this should be really expensive
"I think this is the first time I've been in your car. It's nice"
"Thanks."
"What kind of car is it?"
"Oh it's a 2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63 "
"I'm guessing that's expensive?"
"Cost me an arm and a leg" he laughed before my phone rang. Looking at the caller ID and my hands started shaking
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"No, you're not. You're shaking" he said looking at my phone
"Oh?" He said before looking back at me
"You don't have to answer it," he said
"No it's fine," I said
"You sure?"
"Yeah," I said before I answered the call
"Hey Mom where are you"
"I'm fine. I'm just heading out for a while"
"Will you be back tonight?" he asked as I struggled to hold back the tears
"Carlton, it might be a little later than that. I can't explain now. I promise I'll explain later okay? Just take care of your Dad" she said
"Okay Mom, see you when you're back"
"I'll see you later, Carlton," I said tears slowly falling down my face with a sad smile as I hung up
"You okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine" I smiled wiping the tears from my face
"I don't think I can tell him....just yet and I don't wanna lie to my son....or myself for that matter. It's over I'm tired" I admitted
"Since you're so tired then we don't have to go on that date"
"Huh?"
"I know you didn't mean to accept so you don't have to come," he said
"Thank you," I said
"By the way do you have anywhere to stay?"
"I was gonna stay at a hotel but I left my wallet at my ... Ebenezer's house"
"Why not stay in my apartment?"
"Huh?"
"I mean I have the space and I'm at work most of the time so it's not much of a bother for me,"
"Um...I mean that's a really generous offer but I just got left my husband and I don't know how'd it look moving in with you,"
"Don't get the wrong idea. I have a spare room. You can stay in there"
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, I promise I'll be on my best behavior"
"Okay then thanks"
"Good, I'll call to let them get the room ready"
"Thanks a lot"
"Is there any way I can help you get settled in?"
"No, I'll be fine thank you. Don't you have to pack and go to your friend's event?"
"It's fine, I think I am going to cancel."
"Why? Won't your friend be angry?"
"It's fine, I'm sure he won't even notice" he smiled
"Um I think we should go," I said feeling a bit guilty
"What?"
"Let's go."
"Go where?"
"Your friend's event. I want to go too," I said
"Are you sure? There's no need to force yourself"
"Yeah, I am a bit exhausted from this town and could really use a break from the drama. Plus I really haven't been to a party in a while"
"Okay" he smiled before we drove to his house
"This is it," he said pulling into the parking lot
"You're staying at the Palace?"
"Yeah it's nice and beats my other option"
"Would that be your car?"
"No that'd be a step up from that place"
"I'm curious where?"
"The Midnight" he answered casually
"So you'd have to sleep in the restaurant?"
"No I meant the Midnight Hotel" he chuckled
"That crazy expensive and lavish hotel. The best in the town four years in a row"
"Yeah, I hate that place" he smiled
"Who exactly are you?"
"What kind of question is that?"
"I mean you can get a private room in one of the most exclusive restaurants, you own a crazy expensive car and you can just choose between expensive hotels like they're nothing. Who exactly are you?" I repeated
"It's simple. I'm-"
"Mr. McKnight!" A beautiful young girl called out as she ran up to us.
She was a blonde girl about a year or two older than my son. She was a size two so needless to say she had a slim waist but surprisingly enough she had big assets in front and behind. She would match the description for an hourglass figure. I was curious if she was a model or not
"Vanessa what did I say about calling me that? It makes me sound old just call me James"
"Fine James" she giggled
"Good, How's the little guy"
"He's fine. I'm getting ready to bring him out of town for the weekend"
"Alright I hope you have a safe trip"
"Who's this?" she asked
"This is Martha, my new roommate"
"Temporarily" I added
"Wait Martha as in Martha Stewart?"
"Do I know you?"
"No, but my roommate does. He's one of Carl's friends"
"Well, I'm glad to hear that. It hurts me to admit that Carl doesn't have many friends these days"
"What about that Mexican kid and that genius? Nick told me they're basically like brothers or something"
"You know Nick?"
"Of course, he's my roommate," she said before her phone rung
"Looks like I have to go. It's nice meeting you Martha" she said before answering her phone and leaving
"She seems like a nice girl," I said
"She is. Well let's go in" he said before we walked into the hotel
It had a really spacious and extravagant lobby with many people walking around
"Welcome to The Palace. Let's go I'll show you our-"
"Your," I said cutting him off
"Temporarily our apartment" he introduced leading me to the elevator
He pushed the button on the third floor
"So why don't you want to go home?" I asked as the elevator started moving
"It's just a problem with my family and me."
"Is it okay to ask what it is?"
"He wants me to get married"
"So?"
"I didn't wanna get married. I loved the bachelor life. So four years ago on the day of the wedding, I left. To the last place, I think he'd look for me. Not surprisingly he found me and Evie came to convince me to return" he explained
"So you left because you didn't want to get married?"
"That and I didn't want to get into the family business. I wanted to be a therapist. Never like boring office meetings"
"So being a therapist isn't boring?"
"Are you kidding? What could be more exciting than hearing about other people's problems" he chuckled before the elevator stopped
He walked me to the door before opening it
"This is our apartment. What do you think?"
"It's really impressive," I said
"Follow me upstairs," he said
"Um?"
"Not what I meant? Well unless you want to"
"Upstairs James," I said sternly
"Fine. Follow me" he said going upstairs to see two doors
"Okay, the one on the left is yours. The right one is mine. In case you need something you can knock. Anything" he said with a wink at the end
"Thank you, James," I said opening the door
"I'll give you some time to make yourself at home. I'll see you later" he said heading downstairs
"Where are you going?"
"To the supermarket. My fridge is really empty"
"Really. Nothing?" I asked
"Other than about ten boxes of instant ramen noodles there's nothing else"
"Wow?" I said surprised
"I'mma go before I say anything more embarrassing," he said leaving me to simply giggle
(Rebecca)
I sighed as I pushed open the door and saw Rose in front of the TV while doing her homework
"Hey Rose"
"Becca you're back!" She yelled happily jumping over to me
"Yeah. Just got in"
"I see that. So what did he say?"
"We can go by tomorrow"
"Oh great I haven't fixed a car since I got here, I mean this school is supposed to be teaching me about engines yet they won't even allow me to touch one," she said
"Are you complaining or celebrating?"
"Can't I do both?" She asked before I went and sat on the couch
The minute I sat down my phone rang
"Who is it?" Rose asked
"It's Jason"
"So what you gonna do about that?"
"About what?"
"Jason."
"What about him?"
"You gonna go to the dinner or what?"
"I don't know....maybe I'll go but I'm worried"
"Why? All you need to do is get to know him, and unlike the crowded party with loud ass music, the dinner would be quiet and romantic. A perfect first date location" Rose said before dropping back into the couch
"Okay fine. I'll take your advice"
"Glad to know. Now let's watch TV" she said
"Don't you have homework to finish?" I said before she sighed picking up her book
"You know you're no fun" she grumbled going to our room
(Sophie)
After a whole afternoon of watching Wendy, I was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to fall asleep as I sat down on the couch
"So you put her to sleep?" Taylor asked
"Yeah finally; I have no idea how I'm supposed to watch her for a whole week"
"Come on, you've got me to help you. Watching her with the two of us shouldn't be that hard"
"I guess you're right"
"Yeah, I'll give you my full support starting Sunday"
"Wait what Sunday?"
"Yeah I have a date tomorrow night remember and I'll have to wake up early to fix my car. Speaking of which I should workout and get to bed," he said getting up and walking to his room
"Night Taylor," I said putting the TV on YouTube.
"Good night Soph," he said
Not long after I noticed a light on in the kitchen
I sighed knowing who it was so I got up and went to the kitchen to see Wendy in the fridge with her hands in the cookie jar
"Wendy," I said
"Cousin" she jumped hurriedly closing the fridge and returning the place to darkness
"Didn't I already put you to bed?" I said turning on the light
"Um cousin, you know...I was just a little peckish and I remembered these cookies" she said pressing her fingers together and looking at the floor
"I got them for Taylor"
"I'm sorry" she pouted and I couldn't help but smile
"Might as well finish them" I smiled taking the jar from the fridge
"Really?"
"Yeah we can watch TV until you fall asleep," I said
"Wait you're not mad?"
"No, I bought them from Trudy's. I doubt James would eat it after finding out," I said shutting off the light before we went back to the couch
(Martha)
I immediately went to sleep after James left.
It had been a long and I mean really long day so I really just wanted to get some sleep. I don't know how long I was out for, but when I woke up the sky was already dark
I yawned and stretched out of the incredibly soft bed before I heard a fire alarm go off. Frightened I ran downstairs to see a dark cloud of smoke coming from the kitchen
"Um, what happened?" I asked as James tried to extinguish the fire
"What were you trying to do?" I coughed
"If I told you I was trying to make you dinner, would you believe me?" he coughed finally outing the fire.
I looked at him bewilderedly before I burst out in laughter
"You seriously can't cook?" I cackled
"Not even a bit" he chuckled as well
"Forget it. Just go watch TV or something I'll do it" I said
"No, I really want to make something for you"
"And I really want to be alive" I joked
"Please let me help" he pouted
"Fine you can help me"
"Alright" he celebrated
"You can put the water on the stove"
"I'll try not to burn it"
"Come on who could burn water?" I found it ridiculous
"You'd be surprised," he said before I sighed
After I made everything he walked past the dining table and went straight to the couch
"James," I said
"Yeah?" he answered turning on the TV before he noticed me setting up the table
"Oh sorry about that," he said shutting off the TV and coming to sit across from me
When he sat down he immediately started eating
"Aren't you gonna say grace?" I asked
"I don't usually say grace but since you're my guest"
"No, it's fine. I don't wanna impose. If you don't then you can just eat" I said before he put down the knife and fork and clasped his hands
"Dear father God supposedly in heaven I want to thank you for the food which I thankfully didn't make and for the lovely lady I'm eating it with. Amen" he prayed before picking up the knife and fork
I smiled as he cut the meat
"Aren't you going to eat or are my good looks too distracting" he charmingly asked before I blushed a bit
"James, do you normally sit in front of the TV and eat?"
"Yeah"
"Then why do you have a dining table?"
"It came with the apartment" he answered eating a bit of the stake
"Plus eating at a dining table should be done with people. It's kinda depressing if you eat there alone" he said with a sad smile
"So don't you have friends you can invite over? What about that girl you bought medicine for?"
"Evie?"
"Yeah"
"Trust me Evie wouldn't come over unless it's to ask me to go back," he said
"Is taking over the Midnight Cooperation that bad?" I asked
"What?" he was taken back
"The Midnight Cooperation. Is taking it over really that bad?"
"How'd you figure it out?"
"It wasn't exactly hard to figure out. I mean four years ago you came to town and then a month later the Midnight came to town, you're friends with the manager of the restaurant who called you Chairman, and considering you shared the same last name with the current Chairman and you seem to want to distance yourself from the Midnight Hotel"
"Okay fine Sherlock you're right"
"And I did a Google search when we were cooking" I added before he laughed
"And I found it funny," I said
"Why?" he said
"The son of a billion-dollar company can't cook"
"Of course, not my private chefs and maids did all the cooking"
"You're kidding right?" I asked but he only smiled