Chapter 32: Chapter 31

NOAH

“Kyle’s employed now,” Dora shared, her voice bubbling with excitement.

“Didn’t he already have a job?” Noah asked.

“A good one this time. He’s working with one of your brother’s associates.”

“So, the networking parties paid off?”

“They sure did. He got his first paycheck yesterday. He even bought me a new dress and some toys for our little one.”

“So, he’s been working there for a month already?” Noah asked, his voice laced with surprise.

“Yes, and I’ve been dying to tell you and thank you for your help. But he wanted to wait until he got his first paycheck. He was a bit nervous, but he’s doing great.”

“Is it the kind of job he was hoping for?”

“It’s a step up from his last job, that’s for sure. He’s a junior accountant now. It’s not exactly challenging for him, but at least he’s back in his field and the pay is good. We’re both just relieved he was given a chance.”

“If he wants to move up, he’ll have to prove himself. But now that he’s broken through your parents’ ridiculous embargo, finding another job should be easier if he decides to switch.”

“That’s what I’ve been telling him. But he says we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves. He wants to prove he can handle this job before he starts looking for another.”

“Smart guy. How did your parents take the news?”

“They were furious. They even tried to get him fired, but they didn’t succeed. Thank you again for all your help.”

“It was nothing, Dora. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

“Sure, whatever you say. How have you been?”

“Well, I’m working my ass off, but I’m actually enjoying it.”

“Are you working too?”

“Not yet.”

“You’re being very mysterious,” she teased.

“That’s because I don’t have anything to share yet. But when I do, you’ll be the first to know.”

“I’ll pretend to believe you.”

“I’m telling the truth. But I have to go now.”

“You sound busy,” she chuckled.

“I am. But I’m glad to hear your good news,” he replied sincerely.

“Thank you. I feel like things are finally looking up.”

“Your optimism isn’t misplaced. We’ll talk again soon, okay?”

“Okay. Take care.”

He ended the call and surveyed his surroundings. His office was a mess. But it was a good kind of mess, the kind that hinted at something great in the making. And yes, his ass was on fire—so much so that it was practically sizzling.

***

He should have known he’d run into Tamara again. But with everything else on his mind, he hadn’t given it much thought. He spotted her too late to avoid her, so a confrontation was inevitable.

“Hello, Noah,” she greeted him with a smile.

She was acting as if their last encounter hadn’t happened. He didn’t understand her, and frankly, he didn’t care to. She was a part of his past, and not an important one at that. He just wanted this encounter to be over as quickly as possible.

“Hello, Tamara,” he replied curtly.

“You’re still here, I see.”

“Yes.”

He kept his responses short, hoping she’d get the hint. When she glanced at her watch, he thought she might excuse herself. But he wasn’t that lucky.

“I have time for a coffee before my next meeting,” she said casually.

“Well, I don’t,” he replied flatly.

“Oh,” she said, raising her eyebrows.

“And I don’t think there’s anything left for us to discuss after our last coffee date.”

“You don’t have to be so hostile. We used to be friends.”

“I’m not being hostile, Tamara. I’m busy.”

“I’m busy too.”

“Then you must manage your time differently than I do. Now, if you’ll excuse me…”

He tried to walk away, but she spoke again. He had to resist the urge to roll his eyes at her persistence. He could tell her to get lost, but he wanted to keep things civil.

“Your brother has been trying to replace me. Is that your doing?”

He glanced over his shoulder at her. “Really? You’re blaming me?” He raised his eyebrows in feigned shock. “You think I’d go to that trouble?”

“Maybe you’re just bitter because your latest fling walked out on you.”

He sighed inwardly, turning to face her fully.

“From what I’ve heard, she wasn’t the only one, right?” he questioned. “Ever since Miss Astaire left, you’ve been unable to keep an assistant.”

“Well, it’s not my fault if some people aren’t willing to work hard for their money,” she retorted.

“Asher mentioned that the last guy filed a sexual harassment complaint against you with HR,” he said, his tone flat.

“He was gay.” She shrugged it off.

“And that makes his claim less valid?”

“He just misunderstood me. Gay men are so sensitive. You can’t even compliment them without them overreacting.”

“Tamara, I’ve told you, I don’t have time for this, especially not for your nonsense. We both know you did what he accused you of, and it wasn’t just a compliment. I bet you tried to get physical with him and it scared him. Some men are into that; some aren’t. You need to learn to tell the difference, especially at work.”

“You slept with your secretaries, and no one ever reported you,” she pointed out.

“That’s because I didn’t force myself on them. The affairs were consensual, usually initiated by them.”

“So, you’re saying you’re not a predator like me?” she sneered.

“I didn’t have to aggressively pursue them, Tamara, because I was focused on my work. When I recommended you to my brother, I thought you were perfect for the job because you were committed to your work. But you decided to shift your focus, and that’s on you.”

“So, you won’t speak to your brother for me?” she asked.

“And say what, Tamara? You overstepped your boundaries. I’ve made the same mistake before and had to clean up my own mess. You should do the same. You’re a grown woman.”

He turned his back on her again and left, hoping he wouldn’t have to see her again anytime soon—or better yet, ever.

***

“Are you sure this is what you want to do?” his father asked when he finally shared his plans.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“That’s good.”

Noah detected a hint of hesitation in his father’s praise and frowned on the other end of the line.

“You don’t approve of this venture?” he asked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“I don’t have much experience in that field, but I’m glad to see you finally have a purpose in life. Have you done your research?”

“I have, and I should be able to start the business in a month or two. At least, I should be done with the paperwork by then.”

“Don’t you need equipment?”

“I can start with minimal equipment. What I need are connections and advertising to get started.”

“I can help with both.”

“Asher offered too, but I want to start small and cautiously. I was thinking of limiting the services to local trips and tours until I’m ready to expand and hire more staff to handle more clients and secure contracts with airlines and hotels.”

“That’s smart,” his father praised. “Is the building suitable?”

“Yes, it is. The parking lot can accommodate three buses, and I didn’t even have to pay extra for it. It came with the property.”

“You never told me how you managed to afford it. Did you save that much from selling your assets?”

“Yes, and I’ve been frugal over the past three years. Still, it was a gamble to make this investment.”

“Any investment is a gamble, Noah. But the only surefire way not to lose is not to take any risks. And what you’re doing now is definitely better than what you were doing before. I didn’t approve of that.”

“You made that abundantly clear.”

“Yes, I believe I did. Not that any of you care about my opinion these days.”

“We’re supposed to be independent, right?” he teased.

“That’s how we raised you, yes,” his dad replied, his tone flat.

“You have nothing to complain about.”

“I’m not complaining, Noah.”

“Yes, you are, Dad. And that’s not why I called.”

“Right. Have you settled into the penthouse?”

“Yes, I have. Eventually, I’ll get my own place, and Asher can have the apartment to himself again.”

“I can arrange for you to have your own apartment if you don’t want to rely on your brother.”

“It’s okay, Dad.” He chuckled. “I can handle it.”

“Sure, you’re capable of handling things. But that doesn’t mean I can’t lend a hand where I can,” he said.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“No need for thanks. I’m just bored. If it weren’t for my granddaughter, I’d be at a loss for what to do with myself.”

“You know, people your age usually have hobbies,” he teased. “There are clubs you could join if you’re that bored.”

“I’ve heard. But all I’ve ever done is work. And when I stopped, I watched over you two until I realized you didn’t really need me.”

“Even me?”

“Even you. By the way, any chance you could swing by for a visit?”

“None. You know how it is. I have to pour myself into the business until it’s stable. That means no vacations, no trips unless they’re work-related, which won’t be happening anytime soon.”

“That’s a shame. I was hoping to see Miss Astaire again.”

“Oh, so you don’t want me to visit alone?”

“I’d prefer not. I took a liking to Miss Astaire.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for her,” he joked.

“If I were to find a companion, I’d choose someone closer to my age—not someone younger than both my sons,” his father replied, deadpan.

“You’re a bit old-fashioned, aren’t you?”

“I’m practical. The idea is to age with someone. Together. If I were with a woman too young, I’d feel like a vampire—draining her life just to feel younger.”

Noah chuckled.

“I was just hoping there was something between you and your former assistant,” his father added.

“Dad, don’t tell me you’re so bored you’ve taken up matchmaking.”

“I wouldn’t be tempted if I hadn’t seen the way you looked at her.”

“Dad…” he warned.

“I understand. You don’t want me meddling. I won’t. But I really liked that girl, and I hope you didn’t do anything foolish.”

Of course, he had, but he wasn’t about to admit that to his dad.