Daddy’s Little Pet

ROBERT

The ticking of my office wall clock brought my thoughts back to the present, and I sighed as I listened to the client seated across my desk.

He was the construction manager in charge of my Orlando office renovation.

I’d told Renee over the weekend that I could make Orlando my business headquarters, and I was following through with it.

Mr. Ryan, a close friend who worked in the Orlando office, had referred me to the man. He was in his early fifties and seemed to be the right fit for the job.

The man rambled on and on about the changes the building would require and the renovations that’d be done.

With his salt-and-pepper hair and a grin on his face, I decided not to focus on anything else but what he was saying.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

I paid close attention to everything he said and even took notes to avoid forgetting anything important. After all, I didn’t want this project to fail because it was my best yet.

“When are you going to start? Also, how long will it take us to finish the remodel? You haven’t given me a time estimate.”

He nodded curtly before clearing his throat.

“Well, normally, I have a three-month deadline for renovation completion, but given how large this project is and the fact that I have to run through some other things, I can’t give a specific estimated time for it.”

“All right, so…”

“As for when my team and I would begin, if it’s okay with you, we should be able to start next month. We’ll probably be halfway through by the end of the year. We’ll need the entire year and possibly some months after that. I’m estimating five to six months for completion because…” He paused and looked at me expectantly, his eyes wide and questioning, as if he expected me to chirp in something.

I leaned forward on my desk and asked Mr. Ryan, who was also present and sitting beside the construction manager, “What’s your take on this, man?”

“Well, it sounds okay.” Mr. Ryan said, straightening in his chair. “I’ve worked with him and have confidence in his ability to deliver. That’s why I referred him to you. The only thing I ask is that you give him enough time so that you can get the best results, which I’m confident you will.”

“Alright.” I replied and turned back to the construction manager. “I think we have a deal.”

I could tell he was excited to take on this job by the wide grin on his face.

“I appreciate it, Mr. Clarke. This project means a lot to me, and I promise to give it my all!” Standing up, he extended his right hand for a shake, which I politely accepted.

“Wonderful.” I muttered with a smile and turned to Mr. Ryan. “Thanks for the reference.”

“You’re most welcome. And, lest I forget, I have an invitation for you.” With an amused grin, he pulled a black card from his pocket and handed it to me.

I took the invitation card from him, my eyes narrowing as I tried to figure out what it could be.

“Please accept this from Mrs. Ryan and me. We’re holding our annual fundraiser here in town to raise money for charity for an important cause. It’s a masked ball, and it’s a big one. I hope to see you there with a lovely woman wrapped around your arm.”

“Oh!”

“Yes. I don’t think you’ve attended any formal events since moving to Orlando. It would be an honor to have you at the ball.”

“I see. Well, thank you.” I said, glancing at the invitation card before dropping it on the desk.

At the same time, my office phone began to ring, and when I looked at it, I saw that it was my secretary calling.

‘Great timing.’

“Would you please excuse me?”

Mr. Ryan waved me away while the construction manager bowed in response, and I swiped the call button, placing the phone on my ear.

“Yes, what’s the problem?”

“Good day, sir, and please accept my apologies for disturbing you. Someone’s here to see you.”

“Who?” I asked, my brow furrowed already.

“A woman who will not leave until she has her say. I tried to explain that you were busy, but she insisted.”

My frown became even more pronounced, as did the irritation brewing inside me.

“Can you tell me her name?”

“Normally, she calls the office, and her voice is quite familiar, but I don’t know her name. She’s refusing to reveal anything. She claims to be anonymous.”

“Oh, my God!” I cursed, my mind racing because I knew who this was.

My ex-wife. Amanda, the devil in human form. What did she want? After I’d told her to stay away from me, it appeared she didn’t get the memo or was refusing to follow it. Now she had to come to my office? Damn!

“Sir? Are you all right? You’re not saying anything.” My secretary asked, her voice tinged with concern.

“I’m fine. After three minutes, send her in. Let me summarize the conversations with my clients here.”

“Okay, sir. She’ll be there shortly.”

“This is a signal for us to leave, I guess?” The construction manager asked as he gathered hs materials and I nodded slowly.

Extending my hand again, I shook Mr. Ryan’s hand, and we exchanged farewell pleasantries before I followed the two men to the door.

“Hope to see you at the masked ball, Robert.” Mr. Ryan whispered again as he patted my back before heading out the door.

“I’ll certainly be there.” I affirmed, and I watched as they walked away from my office, their footsteps fading away.

Closing the door gently, I heaved another deep breath and, running my hand through my hair, I walked back to my desk to wait for the devil.