Page 9 of Beyond Expectations
“Carter is on his way over. I was going to order lunch to be delivered. Do you want to join us?”
The last thing I wanted to do was spend more time around Julian, but I could see the plea in my father’s eyes, so with great reluctance, I agreed.
“Tell him to head straight to my office. I need to work through lunch.”
An hour later, I re-emerged from my bathroom, having brushed my teeth as Julian, my father, and Carter, my father’s best friend, lawyer, and also my godfather, were still sitting and eating around the coffee table.
“Max sent me a copy of this quarter’s projections, and I have to say they are very impressive.”
I’d always respected and cared for my godfather, so I obviously appreciated the praise. Still, my eyes instantly went to my father, just as they always did, seeking his approval, and the proud smile he gave me eased the knot that had been building in my stomach.
Everyone seemed to ignore Julian’s huff as he got up to use the bathroom.
“I’m thrilled with the reports I have read, and Rhett seems to be handling everything in his stride. When I took over from my father, I felt like a deer in headlights. I was overwhelmed, and we had less than half our current assets. That’s why it’s always been so important for me to show you everything from the ground up. When the time comes for you to take over, I won’t have any worries about you handling things. Every obstacle that has come your way, you have taken in your stride. So I know you’ll be able to manage it just like I managed it. It’s in our blood.”
Once again, I endured the heavy burden that was on my shoulders.
“I mean it, Rhett. Just continue to do what you’re doing. You have been coming to meetings and watching me handle business longer than some staff members have been employed. I promise you, if you continue the way you are and the way we always have been, I know you will help Chambers Industries continue to prosper and grow even more in the years to come.”
His words had a heavy finality that sent an uneasy feeling through me.
I focused my attention back on the emails and reports I was working on, barely listening to the three of them as they talked in the background, but I could feel eyes on me. As I looked up, I saw my father staring at me, and it was a look of love and respect but also worry. And that was something I had never seen from him before. But just as quickly, his eyes focused back on Carter, and my brother and I focused once again on work.
Once my father, Carter, and Julian left my office, I decided to make it my sole mission to find a way to repair the damage my ass of a brother had caused with Serena and do everything in my power to prove that not all of us Chambers were made that way.
Plus, I wanted to see her again.
Chapter 4
Serena
“Hey, Ruby, I’m not sure whether these gold heels go with the dress,” I shouted out to my best friend, who was putting the last touches to her makeup at my vanity.
Standing in my closet, staring at my reflection in the mirror, I studied my hair, which had been blow-dried into long, loose waves rolling down my bare shoulders.
I wore a white halter-neck dress with a plunging neckline and a low scooping back. Ruby walked in, wearing her gorgeous scarlet Herve Ledger bandage dress that complemented the olive undertones of her complexion. Her espresso brunette hair was blown out in big bouncy curls, and the light smokey eyes of her makeup made her look like Mila Kunis’s long-lost twin. My bestie looked stunning, and I’d been looking forward to celebrating her birthday that night.
“Serena, those Zanotti shoes look drop-dead gorgeous. Of course, they go with that dress. How about one more shot before we head out?”
Ruby was already making her way to my kitchen before I could reply. Grabbing my clutch, I made my way out to her. After handing me a glass, we raised them in a toast.
“Rubs, you have been my best friend since kindergarten. We have been through love, losing loved ones, joy, heartbreak, success, and everything. You are one of the kindest, fiercest, and most loving people I know, and I can’t wait for all the fun and memories we still have. Wishing you a super happy birthday.”
She clinked my glass, and the fiery taste of Patrone burned smoothly down my throat.
“Thanks, babes, but no more emotional speeches. I must look hot tonight, not a weepy mess, especially as I turn thirty-three.”
I gave her arm a reassuring squeeze, and then we grabbed our stuff and went out the door.
Ruby chose one of the newest clubs in the city to celebrate her birthday, which had already been tipped as becoming the hottest new place in town. And the smile she had on her face when they showed us to the top table in the VIP section that I’d booked as a surprise for her… well, it was worth the extra cost.
Deciding to give my feet a five-minute rest as we’d been dancing our butts off since we arrived, I took a seat, grabbed my phone, and quickly checked my emails and messages. The last one is from Roman apologizing again for not coming and asking if Ruby was having a good night. I fast-typed my reply as I saw her coming over.
Me: Hey, Ro. We’re having a great night. It’s a shame you couldn’t make it. I’ll pass on the message to Ruby. Speak soon, love you xx
I hastily put my phone back in my clutch as I knew Ruby wouldn’t be happy with me checking in on work on a night out.
“Serena, Serena, come here quick!” she said with a slight slur.