Love Me One More Time (Nick and Alaia) novel Chapter 23

Alaia

l hung up the call with Cedric; it seemed like it would be several more days before he could come to visit us.

“Good morning,” I greeted Ignacio and Erika who were gathered in the office.

“Good morning,” they both replied.

I entered my office and waited for Ignacio to come in so we could review the day’s agenda. I enjoyed this past weekend with my family; we went to Universal Studios, and the kids loved it. Now I have to make sure they wear caps or hats.

Luckily, Noah likes sunglasses. These items prevent them from being recognized quickly. Fortunately, they love the fun outfits from the places we take them. I’ve also thought of a plan B regarding my children if necessary.

I glanced towards my children’s playroom, which was empty. In the recent weeks I’ve decided to leave them at home because Aidan wouldn’t be spending much time with us, and I didn’t want to separate them. My father and Darius met with the Garnetts. It was the most diplomatic meeting they’ve ever had, according to my father, but he felt that he couldn’t trust them or their kindness, something Darius agreed on.

They believe they should stay out of their way. The Garnetts are not to my father’s or Darius‘ liking.

Ignacio entered, and as I turned on my laptop, I listened to what we had pending for the day, which I checked on my iPad. I focused on my work throughout the morning.

“No way, I can’t stand him,” Ash barged in, and I already knew who she couldn’t stand. This morning she had to go to the Garnetts‘ company to meet with Will.

“What did he do now?” I asked, and she sat down in front of me.

“He smiles at every woman who crosses his path, and just by talking to them, I can see those girls‘ panties flying through the air. The cocky jerk knows it and takes advantage of it. His schedule is full of dates for this week, and now he wants to teach me seduction tactics. He says I’m too slow, that I’ll never get laid like this. He even claims I’m a virgin.

“My laughter echoed through the office, causing Ash to glare at me. However, when I didn’t stop laughing, she joined in.” I just talk to him about work and only when necessary.

“However, he’s decided to treat me like just another friend,” Ash said.

“Well, honey, you shouldn’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable. I can send someone else in your place,” I said, to which she shook her head.

“I’ll let you know when I’ve reached my limit,” she said and sat up straight like a lady. We began discussing what had happened that morning at the Garnetts‘ offices regarding the project when we heard a knock on the door. I allowed Ignacio to enter; he had a particular way of knocking.

“Ali, they’ve rejected the offer for the purchase of the group home,” he said, barely reaching the chair next to Ashley’s.

“Make a new offer, increase the value,” I said, and he immediately shook his head.

“It was taken off the market this morning.

They’ve decided not to sell it.” Ash and I exchanged glances. It was very important for me to be able to buy that house for the girls; they had already built a home there.

”Were you able to find out if they will allow the women to continue living there?” I asked.

“No, they won’t allow it. I made several calls and managed to find out that they were going to construct a new building.

They are already obtaining the permits to start, and according to what I was told, the women must vacate the premises tomorrow.” Ash gasped.

“Are they not human? How can they abandon these women to their fate?“

“They are not, Ash,” I said, feeling very annoyed and thinking about what to do. We have to find a place big enough for them to move into, but I need more than a day. Without further ado, I grabbed my purse and stood up. I was not going to let them get away with this.

“Where are we going?” Ash asked, walking beside me.” To the Garnetts‘ offices.” She nodded without fully understanding. We left the building, and I looked for my car. Today I decided to leave it, although the new bodyguards would follow close behind.

We entered the reception area, and they let us pass as soon as they saw I was with Ash. We asked who we should speak to, and they directed us to Nick’s office, where I was sure they would send me. It had to be him; he’s been everywhere since I arrived in Los Angeles.

“I should remind you that the asshole’s grandfather frequents these offices,” Ash said.

“I’m aware of that. I know that one day I’m going to run into him, and I’m ready,” I clarified, then the sound of the elevator told us that we had reached the correct floor. We walked down the hall until we reached Nick’s office. Ash guided me. The desk outside was unoccupied, so I allowed myself to enter. He entered my office without permission, so I could do the same. When I entered, I could see Nick’s back as he faced a piece of furniture located at the back, on the right side of the room. He turned around when he heard our footsteps. He frowned as soon as he saw us and then took a sip from a glass of water he was holding in his hands.

“Water?” he offered, looking at both of us. We declined. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” he asked, walking towards his desk and leaning against it. “Should I protect the family jewels?” He raised his eyebrows, and I narrowed my eyes, understanding that he was referring to his crotch.

“No, as long as you keep your distance,” I said; to which he took another sip of water and stared at me intently.

“Well, that’s interesting, since you’re the one who came all the way here,” he said, holding my gaze.

“I didn’t come here for pleasure, I can assure you. I came because you and your family are trampling on several defenseless people with your actions.” What are you referring to?” He frowned again. I avoided laughing; of course, they don’t know when they’re hurting someone.

“Let him send me the bill,” I said, and we both laughed again. We arrived at the group home and entered quickly. My mother, Elise, and Loli were already there. To my surprise, I saw Alana playing with some children. I approached her since she hadn’t seen me yet, and as soon as she did, she smiled, and her precious little face lit up.

“Hi, my love,” I said, kissing her cheek.

“Hi, Mommy,” she said with a smile and hugged me.

“She wanted to come. Noah stayed with his Uncle Aidan and Patrick. We didn’t tell them where we were going,” my mother explained.

“Mom, we’re going to be busy, that’s why I asked only you to come,” I said, lowering my daughter to the floor so she could continue playing while Loli watched over her.

“Yes, dear, but you know Alana always gets her way. She ran to the door before we did and made Gavin put her in the car seat. What can I say? She completely melted our hearts; we couldn’t say no to her.” She looked at my little girl with adoration.

“She has them wrapped around her little finger,” I said, shaking my head. We entered the office, and I could see Alicia surrounded by papers; the girls were moving around busily.

“I’ve called a moving company to help pack. We can store things in several storage units,” Ash told me, and I nodded.

“We’ll rent some apartments while we find a house,” I said, and I proceeded to call Ignacio to ask him to look for apartments immediately since I thought it would be a matter of days before we found a good place for everyone. Ash and the girls directed the movers.

“There are very few things,” I said, seeing the few boxes they had moved to a room at the entrance of the old house.

Alana waved to me from the patio, and I blew her a kiss as Loli went to fix her hair ribbon, which had fallen out from so much jumping around.

“We don’t want to take many things. We’ll have what we need. We don’t want to be a burden,” Alicia replied.

“Just leave the very old things that you’re no longer going to use. I don’t want you to be forced to abandon your memories.” I turned to look at her.

“Alaia Russell, you deserve heaven.” She touched my cheek maternally. The old office phone rang, and she quickly answered it. I watched her and noticed that she was speechless for a moment, and then she thanked the caller before hanging up.

“What happened?” I asked, thinking we were going to have more problems.

“They called from the Garnetts‘ offices. They’ve given us a new deadline. We have a month to find a new place and move,” she said, leaving me speechless.