“Babe?”
He sighed. “I’m sorry. They delayed my flight because of the severe thunderstorms. I’m flying back to Delta Heights later this afternoon. I hope to get some work done at the office since I have another flight out again later tonight.”
“You didn’t take the family jet? You’re a millionaire, remember? That would save you all that wait time.” Andrea pointed out.
“I don’t mind flying coach. I get to meet interesting people.”
“They’re interesting people in first class too. I mean think of your—”
“My what? Reputation?” He rubbed the back of his neck, noticing her down turned mouth. “I get enough of that from my parents so don’t start, please.”
She raised her hand in a surrendered gesture. “Sorry if I hit a nerve. I didn’t me
an to upset you.”
“No, I shouldn’t have snapped.”
Though Andrea was high maintenance, she had a good heart. He didn’t mind the mom-and-pop restaurants of his hometown, people watchers on benches while on lunch breaks, and how people chatted with friends as they walked. He enjoyed the old-fashioned home-cooked meals and didn’t mind the simple things in life. Andrea, however, lived for the spotlight. He couldn’t blame her since she’d been modeling since she was in high school.
“I have to go Lance. Call me later?” she said.
“No problem. I’ll call you when I get home.”
She blew him a kiss from her full lips. “I love you.”
The corner of his mouth quirked up. “I love you too. Have fun on your shoot.”
“I’m sending pictures. I think this is where I want to spend our honeymoon.”
“I thought we decided on Egypt?”
“We’ll discuss it later. I have to go.” From there she ended the call, and all Lance saw was a blank screen.
***
Traditional but modern described the office of Lawrence and Taylor’s Commercial Law building. Oversized leather chairs, wooden shelves, and framed artwork filled the office space. The conference room followed the receptionist area while large windows gave an exterior view along with bringing in natural light.
Lance’s office held two leather cushioned seats for his clients, and he took a seat behind his mahogany wooden desk in his rolling office chair. He didn’t waste time getting to work after arriving from the airport. Even though he felt the heaviness in his limbs after flying in from Los Angeles, he had work to finish.
Despite his last name on the marquee for the town to see, everyone knew it meant his father. His father, whose clients’ net worth ranged from a quarter of a million to one billion dollars. Delta Heights knew his father was an exceptional deal maker.
His fingers grazed his lips for a moment. Lance could have lived closer to downtown, but he needed space from his parents. They had enough to say about his life growing up, so having his own place was much needed. So, he bought his home a few miles on the opposite side of town.
What kept his family in the town of Delta Heights? Lance’s mother. His fifty-nine-year-old mother who appreciated the finer things in life and loved planning her elegant black-tie galas in town every year. While her love proved true for the quaint town, she maintained her high society lifestyle. Lance found it odd, and even though he grew up with money, he didn’t see himself better than any other man working hard for his family.
Opening his laptop, Lance read the files on his latest deal for his client, Mr. Cooper. With the closing date approaching soon, he would move onto another deal since turnovers were common as a corporate lawyer. Lance’s office phone rang.
“You have a conference call with Mr. Wilkes in thirty minutes,” his receptionist, Giselle, informed him.
“I’ll be ready. Did his associates send over the drafts?”
“Yes, it’s in your inbox… now,” Giselle said.
He refreshed his email. “Thank you, Giselle.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Taylor. Is there anything else?”
“No, thank you.” He ended the call and scrutinized the deal in his lap. From security statements and merger agreements, he had to integrate them in their proper order. If he landed this contract with millionaire Wilkes, his father would have to promote him. He worked harder than any of the other associates in the building.