Chapter 17
17 A PIECE OF TRUTH
SEB
We decide to share dessert since she eats all her food. I like the way she appreciates a good taste without worrying about how many calories are in it, unlike another woman who chooses green salad or quinoa over pasta just to impress a man with her body. Thank God, I never have to encounter women like them. I’m glad my woman— yeah, my woman eats what I serve on her plate.
Lucky bastard.
“Thank you, wife. I thought you would be concerned about how many calories in the meal I served for you, and in wine. And how many hours you have to burn them.”
“Jeez, YOLO. Why not appreciate good food, good wine, and a good husband.” She grins at me, and then she excuses herself to refresh.
I can’t help but smile and shake my head. I call the manager while she’s in the ladies’ room, and ask about the waiter, and he fills me up. He apologized to me in front of his manager, and I accept it since his background is quite colorful.
He’s supporting his younger sibling. His abusive father died when he was sixteen. He became the legal guardian of his 14-year-old sister and 8-year-old brother since his mother didn’t remember them most of the time. He’s studying college in the daytime and waiter at night. He subs one of the waiters today since he has no class.
He’s a good man, and I’m almost going to destroy his dreams because of my caveman attitude. When he lost his job, he won’t be going to find a full-time job with good tips. As I said, I can’t blame him for drooling over my wife.
I go back to our table after taking information about the waiter. I respect someone like him who works hard. Before we left the restaurant, I give him a good tip and put our bill on my card.
I want to spend more time with Abby, but I decide to let her go. I might need to break some promises. I give her a quick kiss on her lips. Shit, I’m getting addicted, but I’m happy about it. I left and never look back because it just makes everything difficult for me—difficult to let her go.
I have to go to my office to bury myself at work. I look at my wedding band with a smile. You’re mine now, Mackenzie Abbygail Catherine King. You’re mine forever.
I arrive in my office at two in the afternoon.
“Look who finally showed his ass up?
“Patrick Brandt, not in a mood for lovey-dovey talk right now. I have to check some e-mails and return calls. Now, get your ass out of my office.”
“Jeez, did you bring an extra pad?”
I cringe. “You sick bastard, get out!” My door flies open. “Even you.” I point at his twin Trixie. “Out, now. Both of you!”
“Hello, big boy. I missed you too. Nice way of welcoming me.” she says with her sarcastic voice.
I take a huge breath. “Jesus, do I need to call security to drag both of your asses out?”
She just rolls her eyes. “I came here to remind you regarding Paul’s birthday. Friday night at his club. of course.”
“I didn’t forget it. It’s marked in my calendar. Done?” I cross my arms over my chest.
Her eyebrows meet together, and she strides to my desk. “Beautiful. Where did you get this? That’s what most men choose now. Not the obvious and common platinum band.”
Shit.
Shit.
Shit.
Why didn’t I remove this before coming? Fuck. Now she’s touching my ring, and she’s still not done checking it out.
“Don’t tell she gave it to you, Sebby?” Pat is now wiggling his eyebrows. Shit.
“Wait a sec. What did I miss? And who is she?” God, this stupid twin won’t just stop.
I roll my eyes. “Do you want a broken nose, Williams? And Sebby?”
“Yup. I made your pet names, and it’s perfect, isn’t it?” I’m so pissed right now that I want to drag them out on their ears.
“Omigod! What did I miss?” she insists. “Please tell me? Both of you, start talking.” She points her finger at me and Patrick.
“Nothing to tell. Your twin is childish sometimes and an idiot.”
“Right now, I don’t think he is. Now tells me otherwise I will go to the TV station and sell a scoop to the news that the Playboy billionaire just tied the knot with a mysterious woman. They will buy it if it’s coming from me, and your parents will rip you off for keeping secrets.”
“Really? Or they will celebrate and dance kumbaya under the moonlight.”
“Nope. I don’t think so. Yesterday at the brunch, they mentioned the name Abbygail. They played matchmaker for both of you.” Now, she gets my attention.
“What do you mean they mentioned Abby’s?”
“Haha! Gotcha, big boy.” She laughs as if she just caught me.
“I’m serious, Patricia. Why are they talking about Abby?” I glare and try to intimidate her, but I know she will never get intimidated by me.
“You like her, don’t you? Give me a full spa treatment, and I’ll tell you. Everything.”
“I can’t believe you. Spill it, Patricia.” I narrow my eyes.
“Sorry. It’s not for free.” I look at Patrick, and he just shrugs.
“What? Do you anything about it, Pat?” I face him.
“I wasn’t there during brunch, and twenty here didn’t tell me anything,” Pat says dismissively.
Great. Now I have to deal with her.
“Don’t call me a twenty, idiot. Come on, Sebby. Just spa for two.”
“Don’t call me Sebby. And now for two?”
“It doesn’t cost you anything. Now, do you want any info or not?”
“What made you think it’s interesting enough?” Of course, I’m a businessman, and I like to bid.
“Oh, big boy. It’s very interesting and juicy.”
“Are you really going to buy it, Seb? Tell me about that ring.”
“I bought this ring after meeting her. I passed by a jewelry store. I saw it and bought it. Happy?”
He gives me a blank look. “I don’t buy it. I know when you’re lying. And right now, you just did.”
“Then don’t.”
“Me either. There must be a story behind that. I knew you Seb since we were both in diapers. You don’t like jewelry, only watches. Spa, Seb. I’m waiting.”
Unbelievable. I write her a check enough for six people for a luxury spa. I don’t know why I’m falling for her trap.
“Okay. thanks anyway,” She pauses and kisses my cheek. “Your parents were planning for you and Abby for a date or something like that. You’re dad mentioned something about Mackenzie. I think she’s related to her, but I didn’t pay much attention only when I heard them mentioning your name.”
“What about that Mackenzie person?” I pretend that I don’t know who really she is, but my heart starts to hammer in my chest, and my palms start to sweat. I don’t know why I feel that I’m not going to like what I am about to hear, but my gut is telling me to listen.
“Mackenzie has been kidnapped three years ago and gone for days.”
I feel suddenly sick and want to throw up and blackout at the same time.
“Her parents paid all the authorities and the press not to leak the story,” she adds.
I motion her to stop. “Enough.”
