When we get back to the table all eyes are on us. My mom is beaming and my dad looking smug.
“What did I miss?”
“Max just told us about the wonderful birthday present he got you.”
My mind races trying to figure out if he really had the guts to tell my dad and a table full of people he gave me thousand dollar lingerie and paperwork that his ex-lover is moving out.
“Relax,” he whispers in my ear then addresses my mom. “Jenny, she actually hasn’t seen it yet.”
“Oh no! Did I ruin the surprise?”
“Nope, I would have told her but just got word it was completed.”
Mason, Matt, Dana, and Sara are all looking at me in amusement. It’s obvious they saw my panic.
“Babe, when you get to the office tomorrow, there’s a new security system as well as cameras on all angles of the parking lot. I wasn’t comfortable with the security and safety.”
“What?”
“Maxwell, I think that’s an excellent idea. I’ve never been comfortable when Laci works late at night. Even though I helped scout the area and it’s safe. I’ve been thinking about getting them an alarm as well,” Mr. Barnes says.
I giggle because he thinks Laci works late at night. She gives me a dirty look then chuckles a little too.
The rest of dinner is a dining experience. The meals are delicious and conversations light. We briefly fill everyone in on the JOS plan and Mason and Matt ask if they can volunteer when the time comes. Sara beams at her sons.
There are a few cards in the middle of the table and another small box. Sara pushes it towards me and motions for me to open it. As soon as I do, tears sting my eyes. It’s a beautiful necklace with three charms, a volleyball, and two letters—an S and an M.
“The volleyball was a stretch, but it reminded me of the first, normal, family birthday party we had in a long time. The others are for Stella and Maxwell.”
“I love it, thank you.” The lump in my throat catches my words.
“No waterworks tonight, Stella Bella! We’ve got some drinking to do!” Laci breaks the moment and raises her glass in a toast.
I silently mouth, “Thank you,” because my emotions were about to overflow.
Max kisses me lightly on the temple and squeezes my shoulder. I catch the gleam in my mom and sister’s eyes and smile widely. Best birthday ever!
Just a few more hours and this week will be over. My plans are to keep Stella locked in the house until Monday morning. I need her. After this week with investors breathing down my neck and Edward on my ass, I’m going to relax.
It’s been two weeks since Stella’s birthday celebration and we’ve both been swamped. I hate that my attention has been diverted to other areas of business, but the JOS project was off and running with Stella’s direction.
We have a team ready to leave Monday morning for South America. My COO, Henry, and I are meeting with a local design and construction company to start the renovations. Stella will be working with philant
hropic groups and the HR Officer, Vicki, to meet with local schools to put together a graduation-to-work program. While I’ve been in meetings all week, Stella, Laci, and Landon have worked their asses off to get the trip organized.
We released a detailed statement to the press regarding the allegations and our steps to rectify the dire situation with our factory. Against my better judgment, I also agreed to a national interview when we get back from South America. Stella was able to secure me a seat with an international journalist, specializing in foreign business affairs.
It was hard to keep Edward away from anything dealing with the spotlight, but I was able to push him towards some prospective new business.
“Max?” Dana asks from the doorway of my office.
When I look up, her face is masked with concern. “What’s wrong?”
“Erica’s here. She’s in with her dad, but she stormed through the office with a scowl on her face. Thought I should warn you.”
It takes me less than two minutes to close down, pack up my laptop, and clean my desk. I reach for my jacket and rush past Dana, dropping a quick kiss to her cheek.
“I’ll call you during the week with updates. Thanks for the head’s up but I’m outta here.”