Their Double Blessing

The miscarriages were awful. Each loss felt like a scarlet letter marking Patricia as an evil person undeserving of motherhood. The truth was her body wasn’t made for having babies. She wasn’t the first woman afflicted by this and wouldn’t be the last. Yet people acted as if it were her fault and that she had to do something to undo it. Which was far from what science taught, but society always wanted someone to blame. She was done falling into that trap and despite still wanting a child she gave that dream up to maintain her sanity.

The world still fought against the notion of an independent woman. Sure there were more rights than before and men couldn’t harm them without consequences. But there was no doubt that this was still a man’s world. One where women would always have to fight harder to get half of what their opposite counterparts got. Society felt that children needed men in their lives at all times even though women had to birth these babies into existence. The logic was flawed, but males enjoyed the advantages too much to share their spoils with who they considered the weaker sex.

She was determined to find an alternate outlet. Love could be found somewhere other than with a partner or husband. Friends, family, and community also mattered. Being there for those you cared about was just as crucial as a genuine, romantic relationship—if not even more. She’d been there for many who needed help, some betrayed by the very person who’d put a ring on their finger and declared everlasting love. A pain she knew all too well. Moving forward meant leaving that Valentine’s Day mentality behind and living in the real world. As hard as that was, it was easier than chasing a fantasy.

Her community had so much to give. Dedicating time to that instead of toxic partners had enriched her life. The middle-income earners where she lived had to work harder every year. Mortgages and rent were on the rise as more outsiders with deeper pockets drove them out. She had to deal with several increases in rent. Worse, the extra extra expense of allowing her sister to stay since it was supposed to be single occupancy.

Tonight security had to be extra tight. There was to be a visit from a rich white guy hoping to gain publicity through charity. She’d seen it before. Someone with the big bucks swooped in and helped fix up the neighborhood a bit. They got an ego boost via news and accolades then disappeared. Their only goal being a notch on their belt to feel better about being part of the one percent. If these braggarts truly helped the world, then things would be a whole lot better. But the more money people had, the greedier they became.

She signed when noticing employees had dressed up more than usual. With a sigh, she stayed silent. Many thought Patricia was a spoilsport, bringing up negativity instead of just having fun. Reminding them that men like Mr. Big Bucks wouldn’t give them the time of day would just anger them. She especially pitied the women who had on stylish makeup and clothes hoping to reel him in. Men like that only married women of their station—or poorer hotties they could control. People at regular malls like this didn’t have a chance. Most still had too much self-respect.

“Patricia, we need you watching the entrance,” her supervisor called. “There was a last-minute shakeup, and we’re short two guards. Backup security can fill in your usual spot. Mr. Kent will be arriving soon.”

“No problem.” Patricia went to her new station. Ensuring no one did anything illegal or immoral on mall property was her only job. It didn’t matter where she had to patrol.

Just then a dark limo came up with a line of SUVs. There was also press and a lot of fanfare. “So it begins,” she sighed.

*********

George Kent emerged from the limo along with his personal bodyguards. Blonde, blue eyed and fit, he was a media magnet. The fanfare and pomp waiting for him were expected. Many thought being a wealthy billionaire was easy. But making money was work no matter how much you had. Though wealth added advantages he couldn’t ignore. Descended from a long line of businessmen and women, his family was in various industries including fashion and technology. He mainly invested in promising new ventures. Helping others achieve their best potential in a world often too self-absorbed to assist their fellow man.

When he decided to do a countrywide state-by-state charity run, most of his family thought it was ridiculous. What was the point of donating so much to people who weren’t connected? Their lives were often filled with people who were of use to them whether in business or otherwise. Personal relationships were few and far between. Even some relatives were only business companions at best. A massive chunk of his life was invested in the dollars and cents earned. Not the kind of life that afforded you to trust many people once the chips were down. Then again, as a billionaire that low point was hard to find outside of matters of the heart.

His publicist Cynthia Barnes loved the idea. Felt that it would give him a fresh face among those under forty, or better yet twenty-five. According to her, most people that age either didn’t know about him or assumed he was privileged white man and nothing more. . Unlike most rich Caucasians he wasn’t one to deny the advantages that money and the color of his skin gave him. One that gave him many luxuries except the one he longed for most. A soulmate that he could have a romantic life with.

He was now considering an arranged marriage with the daughter of an older businessman who was a family friend. After losing his fiance in his early twenties, he was unable to find love again. She was his soulmate from Prep school and losing her shattered him. He tried all sorts of relationships, but nothing worked. In the end, he still wanted to have kids and have them raised in a loving, stable home. Not one filled with nannies like he had to endure, and being a single father would make that impossible to avoid.

“Are you ready to go inside, Sir?” one of the bodyguards said.

“Of course,” George moved forward, noticing a security guard frowning at him. It was nothing new, people judging him for being wealthy. But something about her captivated him. She was a security guard but looked like a model from a shampoo commercial or prime time television actress. How could someone so stunning be stuck watching over a mall? Plus, there was something in her eyes that just grasped his very soul. Whoever she was there was more to her than just her job keeping this area secure.