Harrison Towers, Memoirs of a Mogul (Glass Towers Trilogy) (7 page)

She points to a gated drive and we proceed down a long driveway to a clearing. I feel my breath catch in my chest. Just up ahead, I see the tell tale orange and yellow glow of the sun setting on the property. The house is perched on the knoll, just as Olivia promised and I had hoped for.

I pull the car to a stop and we both hop out. Olivia was out before I could get around to opening her car door. Without saying a word, I walk up toward the house and walk around the side of the house facing the valley and the sunset. I sense Olivia walk up beside me and we both take in the serenity of the scene before us.

After watching the sun’s descent I turn to Olivia, “I’ll take it.”

“What? Really? But you haven’t even seen inside the house!”

“I don’t need to. I mean yes I want to look at it, but all I needed to see was that view and I am hooked.”

“Great, maybe tomorrow we can draw up papers, but in the mean time, shall we step inside so you can at least get a gauge for what you are in for?”

“Hmm, that’s not a very good sales pitch Olivia but yes, let’s go inside. I just want to stop off at the car for something.”

“Okay, I suppose you are right, that’s probably not the right thing to say to someone who hasn’t actually signed anything yet.”

We both laugh as we head back around the house I leave her at the door and head to the car to retrieve my bag of goodies from the back.

When I come back around, I find Olivia has opened the front door and already entered the house. I walk through the large open doorway and shut the door with a clatter behind me. My reaction is that I am immediately impressed with the large open ceilings and the tile floors. It is cavernous, cold and devoid of feeling. It is perfect, positively a blank slate. I hear a noise ahead in the kitchen. I advance toward the room and see a light flicker on as I walk through the arched open doorway. Olivia turns around and fixes her eyes on the bag I am carrying.

I place the bag on the dusty counter.

“I took the liberty of anticipating something to celebrate and grabbed this on my way to pick you up.”

I reach in and pull out a bottle of champagne along with two long stemmed glasses. I swipe the counter with my hand before setting the bottle down. She saunters over to where I am standing.

“Well, you are full of surprises today. How very prepared you are. I like your style.”

I pop open the cork managing to not lose a drop and pour generous glasses of the bubbly liquid. Handing her a glass I clink mine to hers, “Here’s to another successful venture.”

“Yes, successful indeed.” She purrs.

I throw back my drink and pour myself another while topping off hers. I wander around the various rooms assessing the amount of work I will need to put into this place. We end up in the master bedroom in the bathroom to be exact and I see all sorts of opportunity to make this place into a show home. The fact that it already has a Mediterranean flare is certainly a plus. I like that the entire home has flooring in Spanish terra cotta tiles. The bathroom needs gutting though. It appears to be a throw back from the seventies. The harvest gold tiles on the tub surround that continues up the walls, in the shower and the sinks is awful. The tub looks beaten up but the terra cotta flooring looks to be salvageable. I turn around to see Olivia watching and studying me. I feel slightly taken aback.

“What?” I smirk at her.

“I see that you are in deep thought, I assume that means you are playing out the scenarios that enormous bathtub will provide. It’s very sexy and with a little sprucing up, this could be a lot of fun.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me.

Ah, I get it. She is feeling the attraction too. Rather brazen of her to be so suggestive to a client. I wonder if I took her here and now if it would change our dynamics too much. I might be willing to find out. The look on her face tells me that she is mine for the taking. I haven’t had a woman in my arms for far too long and besides, I’ve never had an older woman. This could be fun.

I walk over to where she is standing while throwing back the rest of my drink. As if she is reading my every thought, she finishes the rest of hers and places her glass on the counter next to mine. I push her up against the counter, grab her face with both of my hands, and kiss her lightly at first to test the waters. She parts her lips, returns my kiss with more ardor, and slips her tongue in my mouth in search of mine. I respond by grabbing her ass and pulling her against my body. I don’t feel anything. Nothing stirs. I try again and my body still does not respond. Shit! She doesn’t turn me on. Now how to let her down easy without her feeling rejected. I pull away and grab her glass.

“Looks like we are on empty.”

“Oh. I thought maybe you were going to fill
me
up.” She coos at me.

Oh no, that’s awful! Did she really just say that? She is a beautiful woman but lacks the ignition to light my fire. The bubbly must have already gone to her head otherwise, I can’t find any other reason why a poised woman would say such a tacky thing…to a client. Even if we did just kiss.

“Listen Olivia, I am attracted to you but I really think it is in our best interest to keep this professional. I can’t in good conscience take advantage of you here, not like this.” Pouring on the charm, I flash a brilliant smile, “You are on the same page as me, right?”

She looks a little annoyed but recovers quickly, “Of course, of course, I find you irresistible but let’s face it, things could get awkward if we took it any further. After all, I plan to sell you a lot more property honey.”

Whew, glad that went better than how it could have gone! As we walk back out to the kitchen together, I am curious as to why I couldn’t get a charge from her. It’s not usual for a man to make out with a woman and not feel
something
. I can’t get over how flat it felt to kiss her. I shake my head, pack up the bag, and turn to Olivia who is busy fixing her lipstick.

She smiles at me, “Shall we? It’s getting late and I still have dinner and kids to deal with.”

“Oh, I’m sorry; I didn’t realize you had kids waiting for you at home.”

“Yeah and a husband. My kids are teenagers and are capable of taking care of themselves, but at some point I have to materialize and play mom.”

“Wait a minute, you have a husband?”

“Yeah, technically we are married but we have an…arrangement.” She laughs, “Wow, don’t look so shocked, surely this concept isn’t so foreign to you. A man like you can have any woman he wants; I am willing to bet that is often and in plural for you.”

“Well I am a little shocked I guess. You have me pegged wrong though. I am not the womanizer you think I am. I have had my fun here and there but I am so focused on business and success that I have had little time for a personal life.”

“Well that’s a shame isn’t it? Maybe you need to do something to change that?”

“Maybe I should. However, for now, I have to attend the wedding of my ex this weekend and I am not looking forward to it. She is marrying my cousin of all things. Anyway, I would like to be done with negotiations on this property before I leave if possible. Can you get the offer drawn up tomorrow?”

“I can have them ready for you to sign by 10:30 in the morning, is that soon enough?”

“That should be perfect. I’m anxious to set down some permanent roots.”

She smiles and rests her hand on my thigh.

The upbeat jazz music playing in the background, gold flickering candles
illuminate the shimmering gold tones around the room. Cream and blush colored roses fill every inch of space around us. Twinkling lights hit at every angle. Extravagant, over-the-top, the Four Seasons Hotel is one of the most desired wedding locations in Montreal. Of course there is nothing low budget for Marion. I can’t believe she has actually convinced a man to marry her, let alone my own cousin. If she couldn’t have me, by damn she had to weasel into the Towers name somehow.

I make my way to the nearest bar. I notice that there are beautiful people everywhere.

I honestly didn’t expect more than 100 people to show up to Marion’s wedding. She doesn’t exactly go around spreading happiness everywhere. There seems to be like 250-300 people. Some look familiar...I recognize a lot are family members from both sides.

“Rum with a splash of coke please on the rocks.”

I lean on the bar and wonder why the hell I am even here. I know I would never hear the end of it from the family if I hadn’t at least come to the reception. They are all lucky I made it this far, I did not intend to hear her exchange fake vows with my poor unsuspecting cousin Derek. He is a Towers by name and stands to make a decent amount of money within the company, just not as much as me.

Pulled out of my thoughts, “Harrison, what a pleasant surprise.”

I turn to see whom the seductive female voice hovering next to me belongs. I am speechless because I do not know who this woman is. I must have furrowed my brow or taken too long to respond, as she is now looking at me with great expectation.

“I am sorry...have we met?”

“Yes silly!” As she places her hand on my forearm.

“Don’t you remember that night we all skinny dipped in your parents lake one summer when we were in high school? I think it was our junior year!”

“I am sorry I really do think you have the wrong man.”

“You are Harrison, Harrison Towers right?”

I shake my head yes and look towards the dance floor. Either I am losing my memory or she really has me confused. She simply does not look familiar. I don’t usually forget a pretty face.

“
Mademoiselle,
I am sorry. It seems as if you know me but I ....”

And there she stood. Across the room over by the small bar. A petite blonde with golden skin and a pert nose. She is wearing an emerald dress and nude strappy heels. Could it be? Her hair is pulled back exposing her neck. She is holding an almost empty glass of wine.

“Harrison, Harrison...we really ought to rekindle and reconnect. Let’s take this outside, shall we?”

“I have to say hello to a friend, have a great evening.”

I can’t remember her exactly, but she seems to believe we had a fling years and years ago. Wishful thinking on her part. I didn’t even want to entertain that conversation.

I slowly make my way to the other side of the room. It
is
her I can’t believe it. In all the years, what is it, like six years? She has sure matured into quite a stunning woman.

“I will take two glasses of whatever the lady in the emerald green dress is drinking.” I point to her. 

“Certainly sir. The house white, right away.”

I grab the drinks and approach slowly. I watch her. She makes her way to an empty tall cocktail table and slides onto the tall bar stool. She is checking her phone a few times. Her glass now empty.

I make my way to her table. I stand behind her and whisper in her ear, “If I forget to tell you tonight, you look stunning.”

She freezes for a moment and I can hear the gasp out of her mouth, as I place my hand on her shoulder.

“I thought we both could use another glass of wine.”

“Harrison...”

“Adelaide.”

“Harrison, I had no idea you would be here.” She stands and gives me a soft but firm hug.

God she feels good in my arms.

I extend her at arm’s length and give her a look up and down.

“Oh, Harrison. Stop it.”

I spin her around.

“Come on now.”

“What, you just look ...wow. We really need to catch up.”

She giggles, “Well you don’t look so bad yourself in your monkey suit. I have to admit, a black tux does add a certain sophistication to your appearance. You may want to wear one more often!”

“With such kind remarks, I may have to buy two tuxes just in case one has to go to the cleaners.” I wink at her and she blushes.

“
Okay so what are you doing here? Aren’t you the ex? The long-time ex?”

“Yes. But you do know that my cousin is the groom, right?”

“I know it was sure a surprise. I mean you have got to be kidding me.”

“I know, it was a bit of a shock for me at first but then I realized she has always been an opportunist.”

“I know she was trying to land you for years. It appears she settled for your cousin. Was it about you or the....”

“The Towers name? Well looks like we got our answer today didn’t we!”

“I can’t believe how many of the men here in this room she has either dated or slept with or maybe both!”

“Really?” Now this is getting interesting but I feel a little sickened though, I am included in that distinction. “So are you telling me that she invited
all
of her exes?” I survey the room wondering which one is the man that she slept with practically the day I left for graduate school.

“Every single one of them. She invited every one of our sorority sisters too. By now, most of them are either married to or are dating most of the men she has been with.”

I am astonished. I knew that when we were dating she got around but we weren’t really sleeping together then. Our relationship while we were in high school was tumultuous and not consistent at all. During the many times that we broke up, she got around. I think most of the time she did that just so she could prove to herself that she was desirable. I think she never realized just how much of all that I actually knew. She tried to make me believe I was her first back in our sophomore year of High School. I always knew about her sleeping around a lot but, to see it in perspective with all of these men here, its alarming.

I must have the most crazed and confused look on my face as Adelaide gives me a questioning look.

“What a fucking circus. Who in their right mind invites people from their sexual past to their wedding? Not to mention Derek is very traditional. I wouldn’t be surprised if he were a virgin.”

Adelaide shoots me another look.

“Okay, okay yes you are right. She is rarely in the right frame of mind. You know, when we were together and planning our wedding, she asked me if she should invite all of her sorority sisters to it. I told her times change, and you may not be as close to them. So maybe that was really just her way of weaseling in all of the exes. I’ll be damned if she didn’t succeed.”

“Your poor cousin.”

“You know if it is meant to be, it will last. So time will tell. Though you will not catch me holding a single breath. I doubt if that woman can be happy with one person.”

“I’m afraid you might be right Harry.” She touches my arm as her tinkling laugh fills the stiff room.

“So, what have you been up to Adelaide?”

“Well, as you know, I finished my masters degree and I moved back here to teach.”

“Where are you teaching?”

“I’m teaching English and Reading at a middle school. I am also the school counselor. I have been thinking about going back and getting my PhD though but we’ll see. I also just started a reading foundation that raises money to provide enhanced literacy programs for the schools and community centers.” She shakes her head and then looks up at me with her big bright eyes, “How about you, I heard you moved again…somewhere on the West Coast, right?”

“Correct, I moved out there in 2002. I made a killing on New York real estate and decided to follow some strong leads that have taken me out West.”

“Yes, I remember the last time I saw you, a deal had just closed or was closing and you were happy because you made a ton of money. So where out West are you?”

“I’m in Oregon. Are you familiar with the West coast at all?”

She wiggles her hand back and forth. “I am a little bit. I know of Oregon because one of our sorority sisters moved there after school for some kind of marine biology opportunity. They have a good oceanography program out there through a state college I believe. Anyway, so you are in Oregon. Is there a lady in your life?”

She would be good at poker. You never see her hand coming until she has laid it out on the table. Straight to the point without a trace of bashfulness. It is refreshing. I get tired of the simpering idiots trying to gain my attention. I have women literally throwing themselves at me all the time, or maybe its my name or bank account. And they play lots of games that I am simply not interested in playing. It’s exhausting and I don’t actually have time for useless dead end relationships. I kind of figure while I am wasting my time on the wrong person, I may not recognize when the right one has entered my life.

“No special lady at this time. How about you, married with ankle biters yet?”

She gently hits me in the chest with her hand, “Harry, now that is not a nice way to refer to children. And the answer is no, I have not married or had kids yet. I have been so focused on my career and besides no one worthy has entered my life anyway.”

“Well in that case, we have something in common right there. Listen, I am up here for a couple weeks, why don’t we grab dinner and catch up. I’d like to hear more about your foundation. I might know someone who would like to help you get investors.”

She lets out a dainty squeal, “Yes, I would love to grab some dinner with you and catch up.”

I reach into my pocket and fish out one of my business cards.

“Here is my cell number, please call me anytime and we will set it up.”

“Sounds great.”

She tucks the card into her little purse as I feel two hands placed on my shoulder behind me. “Oh this is just too cute. Exchanging phone numbers, I am so happy you two ran into each other. Look at the three of us here, like old times.”

Dear God, what the hell does Marion want now?

“Marion, congratulations...it was a beautiful ceremony.”

“Ah thank you Adelaide. You are always so sweet! So happy you could make it. I see you have found Harrison, what has it been like ten years since you all have seen each other?”

“Something like that.” I give Adelaide a knowing look. Marion has no clue that we had run into each other in New York six years ago, and keeping it that way will avoid a scene.

“Congratulations as well on your wedding. Say, it looks like you did decide to invite all of your sorority sisters after all.”

“Oh yes, I couldn’t leave anyone out. You know most of them are married or are engaged now, so it is really nice to connect with everyone.”

“Ah yes, I hear that you have quite the connections with some of them. That was indeed so very kind of you to invite all of them. I am sure you have enjoyed catching up with their relationships.”

She shoots me an evil look, as she squeezes my shoulders.