The Billionaire’s Over 40 Love

Chapter 11

“That was amazing,” he said after pulling back and taking her all in. “How did you put that together? Did you do all of that?”

She smiled and nodded. “I met Dwella earlier tonight, she told me all about the new image of her company and how she was looking to expand its media presence. I may have mentioned to her a little later that she should consider your company. She was impressed by your speech, and I think she likes me a lot so that was a plus too.”

“Oh definitely,” he smiled. “And Candace, she’s into it?”

“She gave me full autonomy for the new store. She’s even going to let me buy some shares in the company so I will be part owner.”

“Wow, that’s amazing. Fay, I’m so proud of you and so thankful, I can’t even explain it. None of that would have been possible without you.”

“Oh yes it would have, the whole building heard your speech and it was only a matter of days until people started contacting you with offers. I just helped it along.”

He shook his head. “But it’s not only that, you were the first person to tell me that my vision made sense. That it had meaning. So you gave me the courage to stand in front of everyone and basically preach it. No one else has done that for me—whether they just think the dream is bullsh*t or they can’t actually understand what I’m proposing—regardless, no one has supported me the way you have. And we’ve only known each other for a few weeks.”

“Well, of course, you need to know that your ideas are valuable. Especially this one that you’ve been dreaming about for so long.”

He seemed to struggle to find words but then he just kissed her again, pulled her in close, and began dancing along with some of the other couples in the room. Many people stopped to tap them on the shoulders to congratulate both of them or ask for contact information, so much so that Faydra started to feel like royalty.

It took ten minutes for that feeling to wear off and be replaced by an anxious but slightly excited feeling when she saw Sophia’s enraged face  come into her field of vision.

“What the hell was that?” The words were spoken towards Calvin but she stared directly at Faydra.

“Please Sophia, I think enough has been said for one day.” Calvin’s words didn’t seem to register with her. Instead, she turned to fully address Faydra.

Faydra grew excited but still very aware that they were in the middle of a dance floor and needed to remain as professional as possible given the circumstances.

“Honestly, who the hell do you think you are? To pretend like you know our company when you’ve known Calvin for like five days. It’s absolutely embarrassing.”

Faydra cut her off.“Do you know what’s embarrassing? Your desperation and the lack of common sense when it comes to Calvin and your company. You can’t tell what’s going on right in front of your eyes, which is sad. You browbeat the interns and you desperately seek out business with companies that don’t align with your CEO’s mission.”

“He changes his mind all the time about what he wants and what will be good for the company, half of the time he doesn’t even know himself.” Calvin stood back but didn’t speak, almost as if he knew Faydra wanted to work this out herself.

Faydra replied, “No, you just don’t take the time to listen. And the first few years you probably convinced him into wanting what you wanted, when in reality he just wanted to see his dream come to fruition. He doesn’t care about the size or the money like you do. And not so surprisingly, people like that approach… hence the two job offers he just received. Without you.”

“What could you possibly know about business? You’re just a cashier at some random store. Whatever title you just gave yourself—media liaison, store manager—it’s bullsh*t, and doesn’t warrant you speaking in front of a group of people that are way above your station.” Calvin stepped closer but Faydra stopped him.

“I don’t have to explain myself to you. But you should know that Calvin and Queens Media group are going to play a big role in the development of our stores. So whether or not you like me, you’re going to have to get used to seeing me both in a business aspect and by the fact that I’m dating your boss.”

“Great, that’s all we need is our CEO slumming it with some ghetto trash customer, nice work Calvin—we won’t make it a year.” Sophia was grabbing desperately, trying to find an insult that would stick.

“I’m not even going to stoop so low as to address that comment. But here’s what I will say. Your sadness and desperation is keeping you from enjoying what’s right in front of you. And seeing the amazing opportunities in front of your company. Cal and I may not be the same but I can see what he sees and that means something. I want what’s best for Cal and he wants what’s best for me, it’s that simple.”

Sophia had an incredulous look on her face but didn’t say anything. This time Calvin took a step forward to address her.

“She’s right. In fact, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Your rudeness and lack of being able to see what’s important to me and the company has you blinded, and I can’t let it continue. We can discuss it further in a more appropriate setting, but we will talk about your future at Queens and whether or not there’s a place for you there.”

Faydra was only a little bit surprised over Calvin’s reaction. She knew that Sophia was no longer good for his company and also knew that he wouldn’t make any rash decisions without thinking it through a few more times. But just the mention of possibly firing her was enough to break Sophia down. And Faydra found herself feeling guilty at the site of the woman in front of her.

“Calvin!” She hissed the words through a choked throat. “Are you serious? I can’t—no, I’m not going anywhere. I—” she didn’t make it through the words before she turned and ran off. Calvin stood there staring after her, a sad look in his eyes.

“She was wrong, everything she said was terrible, but yet I still feel bad,” he said quietly.

Faydra gripped his hand tightly. “It’s because you’re a good man, and you’ll always have a place for her in your heart.”

Faydra was ready to call it a night and prepared to turn Cal towards the door when a set of pink sequins came into her field of view.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt but I wanted to introduce myself to Calvin,” she reached out and pushed a tiny hand towards him.

“Yes! Cal this is Dwella, owner of Above Ground.” His face lit up immediately at the sight of the woman and hearing who she was.

“Oh wow, Mrs. Townes, it’s great to finally meet you. Ms. Whitten was telling me all about you, I can’t thank you enough for expressing interest in our company. We’ll set up a meeting to discuss the particulars.”

The elderly woman was still holding his hand. “Of course! I was so thrilled to hear your speech, and you look like such a nice young man to work with.”

Calvin laughed. “I’m not that young, ma’am.”

“You are compared to me!” she laughed. “But that’s what I’m looking for for my company. I need a new fresh look and young people to push me. I’ve got to clean out the cobwebs my late husband had been growing for the last years.”

“Ah I see, well yes, we can definitely help you with that. I’m excited and look forward to working with you!” They exchanged goodbyes and Calvin and Faydra watched as the woman walked away.

“Things are looking up,” Faydra said with a smile.

“They’re going to look a lot better when I get you home tonight.” He winked and grabbed Faydra, leading her towards the coat area to collect their belongings.

*****

It was a quiet and comfortable ride to Calvin’s condo. They rode in the backseat, Faydra’s head on his chest and arms wrapped around him. They didn’t say any words until they were inside his apartment. The buzz of champagne and dancing and the overall bizarreness but amazingness of the night had worn off and Faydra wanted to make sure they were both on the same page.

“So, we’re going to do this? This relationship thing. Right?”

“You mean, is it official?” She rolled her eyes at the use of the childish term.

“Sure, yes. Are we?”