Big Top Billionaire

Home, Sweet Home

AMARI

“We are here at the Gaelick Circus where there has been a tragedy, hitting not only the crew, but family and friends of the victim in question. John Morales, a famous aerialist who was well known as being one of the best performers under that tent, along with his wife Emmeline Morales, has died in the arena before they were able to finally take him to the hospital. His wife didn't have any comments about the tragic accident that took his life and now Freddie Gaelick faces a lawsuit from John's family and he's been threatened to lose everything. Reporting live, this is Rachel McCain.”

I turned the TV off while my assistant stood in front of my desk, holding a set of folders against her chest, waiting for me to address her. 

Freddie Gaelick has been an old friend of mine since high school, and he had worked so hard to continue his father's legacy right before it was passed down to him. Now, he'll lose everything.

“Can you believe that, Tory?” I asked her, rubbing my lips roughly, trying not to think about the problem Freddie found himself in.

“No, Mr. Doulkas. But it's very unfortunate. Is there anything you'd like me to do?”

I put my arms on my desk, linking my hands together while trying to think of anything I could do to help him out. His aerialist' family seemed to be out for blood, and when it came to negligence, Freddie had everything to lose.

“Yes, book me a flight to Louisiana. The earliest you can find. I'm visiting an old friend,” I ordered and she nodded, excusing herself before walking out of my office. 

I picked up the phone and tried to call him. With all this chaos, he might not answer, but I only hoped he did. He needed my support in all this.

“What are you thinking? Tory told me you're leaving for Louisiana. You have clients to attend for the next few days, Amari,” Clyde Harper, my COO barged in, demanding answers.

“As far as I know, we're partners in this business, you're not my boss,” I shot back as I stood from my chair, looking down at him. Standing at my 6'2, I was a good five inches taller than him. 

“Come on. You have meetings and important deals. You can't leave it all behind just to chase that old dream of yours. You're not eighteen anymore, Amari. And definitely not a circus freak either.”

I chuckled, trying to ignore what he just said. When I was younger, and he knew it, I was an aerialist myself. I was one of the best, and they were the greatest three years of my life, right until I finished college and was ready to build my own business.

“You need to focus on your career, get yourself a good girl and settle down,” he mentioned, finally giving up as he sat down on the chair, emotionally out of breath.

“I had a good girl and made her my wife before she died on me in that hospital bed,” I said between gritted teeth. My wife passed away from cancer last year and I have suffered everyday since. She was a beautiful soul, and the best woman to walk the face of Earth.

“My friend needs me, Clyde. I won't turn my back on him, and as for the ridiculous dream, that was way better than being stuck in here. I may have all the money in the world, but I'm not happy and you know that.”

I sat down on my chair, rubbing my temples to keep myself from getting a headache while we looked at each other.

“You can take care of my affairs. I trust that you and Tory can manage the company. Maybe you can even flirt as I won't be here to witness that.”

We both chuckled, knowing it was true. Clyde and Tory have liked each other since she came to work for me two years ago. 

“You have a point, but I still think it's crazy that you want to go back there. He got himself in this hole, he can get himself out.”

“No, Clyde. He can't and I won't let him. So, you won't argue my decision and I won't get in between you asking Tory out, how about that?”

“Fine, you win. But if any of your clients gets nasty with me, I'll kick him out of the building.”

“Fine by me. I don't even like half of these people,” I smiled just as Tory knocked on the door, walking in shortly after. Clyde sat straight, looking at her with a mischievous smile on his face, and I noticed a deep blush on her cheeks. 

I had to admit she was just as beautiful. Her blue eyes and copper red hair highlighted her facial features. Not to mention, the curvy shape of her body which had Clyde drooling every time she would walk by.

He was not bad looking himself. Blonde hair, gray eyes and a chiseled face. Any woman could fall for him. Or his charms.

“Your flight is scheduled for tomorrow at 9am, Mr. Doulkas,” she said, trying not to look at Clyde who was still eyeing her.

“Thank you, Tory.”

She nodded, walking out of the office. As soon as she closed the door, I could see Clyde smiling back at me before he stood up and made his way out. I shook my head and chuckled to myself. 

Crazy man, I thought.

After checking all my emails, I shut everything off and left home early to pack a few things for my trip tomorrow. I was ready to go back to what I knew at heart.

$~$~$~$

I tossed and turned all night, waiting for the morning to arrive. Not being able to sleep at all, I decided to get ready for the airport. 

Putting on a pair of khaki slacks, a white buttoned up shirt and a navy blue suit jacket with black shoes, I headed towards the kitchen to brew some coffee.

I looked at the clock and it was only 5am, but I didn't mind heading to the airport early. Maybe if I was lucky, I could get an empty seat on an earlier flight. 

After drinking my coffee, I combed my hair and put on some perfume before grabbing my bags and heading out my door, leaving the key in the pass code activated lock hanging on the doorknob so Blanca, my cleaning lady could get in.

I hailed a cab around 6am and made it to the airport with time to spare. With all my good luck, there was indeed an available seat in an earlier flight, so I took it and waited for them to call us 

“Passengers with destination to Louisiana, please board gate 10 now. Repeat, passengers with destination to Louisiana, please board gate 10. Thank you.”

The airplane stewardess called the flight and every person boarded, leaving me to be the last to get on as I was the last minute passenger to grab a seat. 

After everyone sat down and was ready for the plane to take off, the stewardess gave the instructions in case of emergency and not long after, we were in the air.

I saw the buildings of the city disappear from sight, bringing me joy as the plane kept going higher, getting away from the chaos I have longed to escape from a while ago.

A few hours later, I felt the plane descend. The smile on my face was an indication of the happiness I felt inside, knowing that I was back home and would see my old friends and family.

I grabbed my bags in the pick up area and walked outside. The fresh air of the countryside hit my nose, a big change from the contaminated air back in the city. I saw a guy in an Uber car, and luckily he was available, so I got on and gave him the circus address before he pulled away and drove off.

Home, sweet home.