Lush Love

Step One: Tell Sam

Elise:

This office is huge and the view is spectacular. It's better than the one from my penthouse. When I started off, I mostly worked out of my room or the library. Once we started doubling our profits our second year, Rissa and I got out own place. In our fourth year, she moved out with Zach and I got a nice studio loft close to the school and my first car. Toyota Camry. I didn't want it to be too extravagant and I also didn't want to embarrass myself if my attempt to form this company hit a wall. Once we really got going, we ensured everything to make sure everyone working for us would be taken care of. 

Now, as we're standing on top of the fourth tallest building in New York, we can make impulsive decisions like choosing to stay married to piss off our parents and kicking them out of their homes. Why the hell did I do that? When I saw the challenging look in my father's eyes, I lost it. Rage fueled every single moment. It calculated every word as it came out of my mouth. The deed was a last resort and I pulled it out like it had been my intention all along. I am a terrible person. I also know that I'm not going to apologize for it. 

"Look at you," I looked away from my paperwork to see Mac standing in the doorway. I had instructed Robin to let my siblings come in when they came by. She never questions my decisions. I look to Rissa for that. I waved him in excitedly before going over to my desk.

"Hey," I greeted him. I motioned him to sit down as I glanced over the contract dad sent over. My lawyers want me to go through it before they come in to try and negotiate any changes. I read it earlier but never put it away.

"I just wanted to talk to you about what happened Saturday. Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," I nodded shutting the file. 

"Uh, I'm not. I feel a little embarrassed," 

"Mac, I didn't mean to-" 

"Not because of what you said back there. I- I didn't even know you knew about anything that goes on in our lives. We know how hard it was for you to pick yourself back up. I'm sorry I looked the other way when dad kicked you out of the house," 

"Bygones. I know you guys were scared. How is everything going Mr. VP?"

"Good, I mean this is what we were raised to be. He's a d**k but I kind of love my job. I know you do to,"

"I do," I nodded.

"Florencia is taking care of everything back at the villa. She's a little upset with you," 

"I know she is. She hasn't come back to my place all week. Is Juliette behaving?" 

"Yeah, for once. She's actually been sober for a couple of days. Her publicist would like to thank you personally," he smirked. 

"I'm glad to hear that. Has dad stopped by?" 

"No, he had all their things taken to the penthouse. Are you really going to keep him out?" 

"He's probably waiting for me to cool down and call him," 

"Are you cool?" he laughed. 

"Not even a little," I smirked. 

"I didn't want to say this but Pierce is actually a nice guy. His sister is super hot too," 

"Don't f**k with her," 

"Right, she's still your enemy," 

"No," I laughed. "She's engaged to d**k," 

"No," he sat up interested. "d**k Archibald?" 

"That's the one," 

"Man, that guy gives me the creeps. There's no way Hailey Kingsley is into him. Aren't we all the same age? Went to school with her. He's in his late thirties isn't he?"

"I think so. He creeps me out too," I looked down at the file. "Want to help me get her out of that?" 

"As a favor to your fake husband?" he laughed. 

"Of course," I smiled. He laughed. 

"If she's not interested in him and wants a way out, I am game," he lifted his fist. I bumped it with my own. 

"She's going to be at tonight's gala. We can go together. All four of us," 

"Dad and his fiance are going to be there," he shook his head.

"I am well aware. That's why I am inviting all of you. That we haven't been out as a family in a while,"

"What are we wearing?" 

"Dress code is black and red. I call red," 

"Julie is going to love black. I'll let them know," he seems really calm.  

"I'll pick you guys up at nine," 

"Nine," he nodded. "We'll text you the details," 

"Thanks," 

He got up and walked out. Before I could get back to work my phone rang. I reached for my bag to retrieve it. Pierce Kingsley. 

"Hello?" I answered skeptically. 

"Hi, I wasn't sure if you were going to pick up," he greeted me. 

"Mr. Kingsley. What can I do for you?" my face is hot.

"Well, Mrs. Kingsley. I just wanted to tell you that I ordered you a dress for tomorrow night," 

"You did?" that's interesting. I was actually going to ask what I should wear. Saves me the trouble.

"Yes," he laughed. "And a few other things. I also wanted to ask if you were going to be attending tonight's gala?" 

"I am. With my siblings," 

"Very well, I will see you there then," I hear the smirk on his face. I can picture it perfectly in my head.

"What are your plans for tonight? You know, so I can have an idea of what to expect,"

"Hailey already knows. I asked her to play nice. She's going to be there with her-" he cleared his throat. 

"Which is why I invited my brothers," I added. "I have the guest list. I have a cool assistant,"

"Really?" he cheered up. "Thank you for that," 

"You are very welcome. You did an amazing job Saturday and I feel that it should be rewarded heavily," 

"Is that right?" 

"Yes," 

"You can't deny that we make a great team," 

"No one is denying it," am I flirting? Oh, my god. I am. Effortlessly, I may add. Rissa would be so proud of me right now.

"Listen, I know this is not ideal but I'd like to propose a deal," he added. I love deals.

"I'm listening," 

"My family owes yours a debt. One your mother paid for with her life and if our feud continues, I feel like we're going to lose a lot more to it. The look on your father's face told me just how much he hates us..."

I know my dad does. I know Pierce is right. I've been thinking about it all week. My dad wasn't able to turn the tables on me because I hit him where it hurts the most. It was a low blow but I wouldn't have been able to say what I needed to say or do what I wanted to do had Pierce not been there. It was a cowardly act but it was a necessary one. I can only hope to think how much I can accomplish with this. How much I can give him in return for helping me with this.

"...I propose we stay married for a bit. I find you very interesting, Elise, and I know you like me as well or you would have hung up already. The worst thing that can happen is we don't like what we find in one another," 

"The worst that can happen is liking what we find in one another, Pierce. I agree with what you're saying. I know your mom is sick. I know your sister has your father's foot on her neck. My father is no different. They'll never accept it. Even if we like one another. Even if it turns into more than just a means to an end, they will try to tear us apart in the end. It's funny now because we have no emotional attachment to one another. It's simply an attraction. I don't see this ending well for either of us," 

"Help me and I swear I will give you whatever you want. All I have is my mother and my sister. I don't care what happens to me. I need them to be safe and away from that man. You can relate to that, right?" 

"I really, really like contracts, Mr. Kingsley. Draw one up, set your demands and I will see if I can compromise. You're right, I'd do anything for my family. This is a risk worth taking. Just so you know, I will be wearing red tonight," 

"Just so you know, Mrs. Kingsley. Red is my favorite color," he let out a sigh of relief. 

"So is mine," I mused.

"Favorite cereal on three. Ready?" he blurted out. 

"Go," I laughed. 

"One. Two. Three,"

"Pops," 

"Pops," we both exclaimed. 

"Definitely keeping you. Will we be arriving separately?" he sounds better.

"You can ride with my siblings and me," 

"All of them?" 

"All of them," 

"No, thank you. That sounds like it would be awkward. I have to take my sister and she's a mess right now," 

"All right. I will meet you there," I laughed. He's not wrong. It would be awkward for the six of us to arrive together.

"I'll be there to open the door for you. Let me know when you arrive," 

"I will," 

"Thank you, Elise,"

"I have one last inquiry. Which one of us is going to tell Samantha?" I asked. He let out a heavy sigh.

"I don't know. She's going to be upset with both of us regardless. I think our stories should correlate in the very least,"

"I agree. Sam isn't a very reasonable person. She's always had her parents backing her up and she tends to throw a fit when she doesn't have her way. I think the easiest path would be for you to call her and break things off. Right after we hang up. Sam isn't in love with you. She just likes the idea of a life you can provide. I will handle the rest from there. If you can drop my name. She will channel her anger towards me. Your father will never be involved. Other than the awkwardness of having her father call,"

"Are you sure? The Kenedys are politicians. Both her mother and father have power. Which is why my dad wanted this alliance,"

"I can handle Sam and her family. I have a team. Not to mention media access through Julie. I'll take care of it. Don't worry about it. Focus on your sister and your mother,"

"Why do you want to do this?" he asked.

"Aside from angering my dad?" I laughed.

"Yes, I don't see how you would need me to establish solid ground for your siblings,"

"Why would you think that?"

"You're brilliant. I have your social profile as well as your business and education. You're stunning and you seem to have the confidence to take whatever you want,"

"The thing about confidence is that no one really knows if it's real. Not even the person behind it. I want to say that I did everything I have done up until this point because I could but the truth is that I did it out of spite. I just wanted my foot in the door and now that I'm inside, I'm not sure I care for it. For him. I still feel like that girl that was dragged out of her room that morning. I feel even smaller when he's looking directly at me. No matter what I do, that feeling is never going to go away. I think we can build something beautiful, Mr. Kingsley. Something worth the troubles we've gone through and will continue to face. When this comes to an end, we can at least say it was worth it,"

"Okay," he took a deep breath. "I will leave Sam to you,"

"I'll see you tonight,"

The line cut off. I've never been one to imagine myself in weird romance adventures. I've had suitors but they never went past that. I lose interest in people rather quickly. To be physically intimate with some random person is a little repulsive to my nature. It's something I have trouble with. I always have. Rissa has tried her best to ease me into it but in the end, I've never been able to bring myself to do it. Small hygienic things bother me. Chapped lips, when someone spits when they speak, poorly maintained skin. I'm a nightmare, I know that. Which is why I prefer to be alone.

This solves so many problems for me. Dating is physical labor I have always hated even as a teenager. No one is going to hit on me anymore. They're not that stupid. Maybe I can grow to physically want Pierce. He's a suitable partner. Our goals align, we both have serious ambitions, and we are willing to sacrifice everything to ensure the well-being of our family. Yes, this one secret is going to change everything. The rest of them don't matter and in the end, like the start of all of this, one little signature will solve it. We can part ways in whatever manner we see fit.

-

Pierce:

Catching a snippet of vulnerability in her voice upset me. To hear her admit what she did even after accepting such a complicated task concerning Sam, added to my dislike of her father as well as my respect for him. He never coddled her. He taught her how to survive and only seek his validation. She doesn't need it from anyone else and as long as he keeps it from her, She will continue to strive. She will surpass everything he's ever taught her. She's going to make it in our world. A world run by men.

"Sir, I have Ms. Kenedy walking towards the elevator downstairs," Jesse's voice caught my attention from the speaker on my desk. I reached for it.

"Thank you, Jesse. It's fine. Have a security team on standby,"

"A security team, sir?"

"Yes, Jesse. My wife just asked me to get rid of her," I laughed.

"Understood, sir,"

"Jesse, what is she holding?" I asked.

"Nothing, sir. She just has a purse with her,"

"Thank you, Jesse,"

"You're welcome, sir. Good luck,"

It took her a few minutes to come up. Samantha Kenedy is a beautiful girl. There is no denying it. It was one of the reasons why it was so easy to accept the order. She has a petite build. Soft features. Long auburn waves she never lets down. Her hazel eyes are colder than they are warm. She dresses the same way her mother does and it does nothing for her figure. She has an amazing body but it's hidden under the pantsuits her mother insists on her wearing. I'd never hurt her feelings by bringing it up. And she never cared for the suggestions I made. Even Hailey has tried her best only to be shot down. Hailey swore she would never try to help her again. People pay me thousands of dollars to help them become the best versions of themselves. Screw her. Were my sister's exact words.

"Pierce," the tap on the door made me look up at her. "You busy?"

"A bit but I'm glad you're here. Saves me a call," I waved her in. She smiled pushing the door open. She's wearing a black and white checkered, wool pantsuit with flats. Her hair is tied back in a tight bun. My dad's fifty-six-year-old secretary is less awkward than she is.

"You were thinking of me?" she asked taking a seat.

"I've been thinking about a lot of things as of late, Sam,"

"Okay," she put her purse down.

"I know we have an arrangement between our families-"

"Wait," she put her hand up to stop me from speaking. That's another thing she does that bothers me. I'm always looking for things to encourage our compatibility but I often come up short. "You're dumping me?"

"I wouldn't call it that. Our relationship has been strictly professional up until this point,"

"Professional? Do I have to remind you who-"

"Stop," I put my hand up interrupting her in the same manner she does everyone else. Her mouth fell open with disbelief. "Sam, I know who everyone in your family is. This isn't working out for me,"

"For you? What isn't to your liking?" she demanded.

"All of it. The arrangement, the deal, your family. You and your family benefit from this arrangement more than we do. It's never sat well with me but I accepted it because my father enforced it,"

"What changed his mind?" she asked.

"Nothing. My father doesn't even know I'm doing this,"

"Oh," she laughed. "I thought this was real,"

"This is real, Sam. I'm calling this off,"

"Without your father's permission?" she smirked.

"I wanted this be fair. Something between the two of us but you're leaving me no choice. I met someone else,"

"You met someone else?" she laughed. "Let me guess. You want to marry some bumkin and your dad said no so now you're trying to hurt my feelings so it looks like this was my idea. Right?"

"No, that's not it at all. I am sure you're going to be reading about it later. I'm already married, Sam. I want to be with her. This thing between us is no longer valid. It's void. I am willing to compensate the cost of your losses if you want me to but it is over. Before you leave, I have to tell you that she didn't know about the two of us. It was me who coveted her,"

"You're married," she shouted. I sat back when she slapped the picture frames off my desk. "Who? Who do you think is better than I am? Who is more fit to sit by your side than me?"

"Elise Walton," I answered her. Her mouth fell open.

"Elise Walton? That transportation nobody?" she sneered. "You're f*****g joking right? She's nobody, Pierce. I went to school with her. She was a sophomore when I graduated and was running two crappy delivery vans with some slut from L.A. That's who you married?"

"Yes,"

"Your father is going to kill that useless b***h if my father doesn't get to her first," she stood up and snatched her purse. "I am willing to look past this indiscretion as long as you get rid of her quietly,"

"That's funny. She implied the same thing about you. In fact, she asked me to drop her name so she could take care of you personally,"

"Is that right?" she laughed. "She said that,"

"Yes, she did. Do you have her current information or would you like me to give it to you?"

"f**k you," she pushed my monitor off my desk and kicked the seat behind her. I pressed the intercom.

"Yes, Vice President Kingsley,"

"Please, have Ms. Kenedy escorted from the premises. Don't let her up to my office without an appointment again,"

"My dad is going to hear about this, Pierce. I am not going to forgive you easily for this," she threw a vase. The double doors to my office were pushed up and the team I had asked for walked in.

Sam threw her purse at one of them. He caught it and tucked it under his arm as one of the others tried to reason with her. When she became difficult he finally lifted her up by tucking his arms under hers and lifted her. She pulled her body up and kicked one of the other guards. One of her shoes stumbled back into my office. I got up and picked it up. Everyone is watching her shout profanities at me and the guards. Jesse came over to me and took her shoe.

"If I see any of this online I will fire all of you," I called out over her screams. Those who had their phones out instantly put them away. "Make sure she gets home safely, Jesse. She's just upset,"

"Yes, sir," he bowed following them out.

"I apologize for the disruption everyone. Go back to work," I called out. I was helping with the glass when my dad barged into my office.

"Get out," he ordered the staff. They all looked over at me. I nodded. "What the hell is going on, Pierce? Senator Kenedy just called me. He said Samantha called him historically saying you broke off the engagement,"

"I did," I nodded. I took a seat behind my desk and motioned him to sit down.

"What the f**k do you mean, you did?" he demanded.

"I found someone more suitable for me,"

"Really?" he laughed. "That Walton nobody you were seen in New Haven with?"

"Yes," I nodded. He groaned and took a seat across from me.

"Pierce, let me tell you something about these new money bitches. They have little success and they fall in love with the money. They get cocky and lazy so they look for a way out. Not to mention that this nameless woman is a Walton. Not the enemy but she might as well be. Ever since that Mac'n Cheese brat become VP for Walton Enterprises, we've been square. Do this and the media is going to eat us alive. How is this going to reflect on us?"

"Dad, why are you talking to me like we're on okay terms? I didn't ask for your opinion or your advice. I made it very clear. I work for you nothing else. I'm not going to marry Sam. She's basic. Okay? I don't need her coming up here demanding anything from me. Not now, not ever. This deal is not what you wanted it to be. We don't benefit from it at all. There are other better offers on the table. You know that. Let it go,"

"This girl better be worth it. I want her credentials on my desk by the end of the day,"

"Take them," I pulled them out of the drawer.

"Who are her parents?" he asked taking them.

"It doesn't say,"

"What is she worth?"

"A lot,"

"She better be. I am not apologizing for your mistake. I've given you everything and I can just as easily take it away. I want Hailey back home immediately. You're a bad influence on her. Richard doesn't like it,"

"She's coming with me to the Furgeson gala tonight,"

"I'll be sure to let Richard know," he walked away with the file in his hand.

"That was the old man," Zach walked in after he left. He has a few boxes in his hands.

"Thank you, I didn't know that, Zach," I picked up the monitor off the floor. I'm going to need a new one.

"Come on, man. How did he take it? I heard Sam kick and scream all the way to her Uber,"

"He likes money and even without her dad Elise is worth a lot. It helps that he wants to get back on good terms after our fight in Atlanta,"

"He's going to be pissed when he finds out the truth,"

"Yeah. I doubt he'll make the connection right away. He's convinced the Walton Heiress is dead. Especially after Mac was made VP. What is that?"

"This is Elise's dress. Hailey picked everything out herself. She said you're welcome and that the bill is inside the bag,"

"How did your date with Rissa go?" I asked reaching for it. He let out a heavy sigh. "That well, huh?"

"He called me a wetback," he sat down.

"What? He didn't,"

"Yeah, and he told me that he would rather die than to see his baby marry some spic after he slapped the f**k out of her,"

"He hit her?"

"In front of their entire family. Her mom asked her to leave,"

"How did she take it?"

"You don't know Rissa very well. She doesn't take things. She laughed at them and is now channeling all of her anger into work. She's not going to bring it up until she has a way of fixing it. Something she picked up from Elise,"

"Really? Elise asked me to tell Sam why I broke off the engagement,"

"Oh, yeah? There's bad blood between them. They're sorority sisters. Elise was always ten steps ahead of her despite Sam having seniority. Elise likes a challenge and putting Sam in her place is not one of them,"