Chapter 111: Her Company.
Chapter 111: Her Company.
Ivy’s heart fluttered as she stepped into her company. Though there were still a couple of workers around, they were nearly done.
“Mrs Stone.” Tim walked over to her, his mouth curved into a smile. “What do you think?” he asked, pride welling in his voice.
“Oh my,” Ivy gasped, her heart leaping with joy. “It’s… beautiful.”
“I am so glad you like it,” Tim said with a smile.
“I love it!” she cheered. “Thank you so much,” she said, walking up to him and stretching her hand.
Tim shook her hand, his smile broadened. “You’re welcome, ma’am.”
Ivy nodded, unable to stop herself from smiling. Her building was beautiful. It was painted in white, with an elegant green ceiling that transformed the place.
Her reception area was perfect, with a new window that brightened up the place. She could already imagine guests being attending to here, with a cute receptionist smiling at them.
“We should be done in an hour or less,” Tim said. “Sorry for the delay. I’ll call you when we’re done, ma’am.”
“Oh no. Take your time,” she replied with a smile. “I’ll go grab breakfast and get out of your hair.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Tim smiled.
Ivy waved and stole a quick glance around before stepping out. Her heart was pounding with so much excitement that she could almost feel it leaping out of her chest.
She got into the car, where Bud was waiting.
“How is it, ma’am?” Bud asked.
“Oh, Bud. It’s beautiful!” Ivy exclaimed, sinking into the seat.
“Congratulations, ma’am,” Bud said and Ivy saw a small smile on his lips.
“Thank you,” she said gratefully. “Though they are not really done.”
“Oh nice,” Bud said softly. “Do we wait until they finish?”
“No, let’s go grab breakfast,” she told him. “Should we go to that restaurant where we had burgers?”
“Oh yeah!” Bud said cheerfully. It was the first time she had heard him use that tone.
Ivy laughed. “The burger was juicy,” she added. “Let’s go there.”
“Alright, ma’am,” Bud said, already back to his stoic expression as he started the car.
As the journey began, Ivy settled into the seat, and started to brainstorm. There was a lot to do; her equipment was coming in today and she had interviews to conduct tomorrow, and then she had to call the detective for Geo, and still see Rita. It was a lot.
“One step at a time,” she muttered to herself.
Her phone buzzed and she reached for it. It was a message from Silas. Her heart tugged with longing but she shoved it away and read his message.
“I already made payments for all your equipment. I sent five million to you, in case you need anything. I’m sorry, Ivy. Let’s talk soon please.”
Her defenses shattered at his actions and her heart tugged again. Silas had remembered, despite everything, he had remembered about the equipment.
She closed her eyes, allowing herself to feel the emotions, but her anger at Kim’s presence and Silas’s betrayal was hu and it couldn’t be ignored.
“We are here, ma’am,” Bud said as he pulled into the restaurant’s driveway.
Ivy breathed trying to control her emotions before they got the best of her. She wanted to forgive Silas, to have him sleep in her bed, and make sweet love to her, but she knew that wouldn’t change the fact that Kim exists and that there was a small probability that Silas still had feelings for Kim.
Ivy got out of the car, shaking her head as she made her way to the restaurant. She couldn’t compete with that, especially not when the contract would be ending soon.
“Think with your head and not your heart,” she chided herself as she entered the restaurant.
“Good morning ma’am,” The waitress who attended to her yesterday smiled. “Coffee first?”
“Yes, please,” Ivy answered with a smile as she made her way to the table by the window. Just like yesterday, the restaurant
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was almost empty.
She settled in the chair while Bud sat nearby. The waitress returned with a cup of coffee and set it on the table
“Thank you-”
“Sylvia,” the waitress smiled. “I figured since you came back, you should know my name?
Heat crept up Ivy’s face as she smiled. “Nice to meet you, Sylvia.”
Sylvia smiled. “Burger and fries today? And I should attend to him as well? She gestured towards Bud
“Yes, please, Thanks.”
When Sylvia left, Ivy picked her cup of coffee and sipped. The tangy flavor filled her mouth as she relaxed. She brought out her laptop, and tried to organize everything she had to do.
Her mind drifted to Silas’s suggestion about throwing a party and she found that she liked the idea. But with the grand opening came a display of her works, and she had nothing yet.
She tapped her laptop and started jotting down images she could capture. She made a list: One public place in California, one public place in San Jose.
“People,” she muttered. She needed to capture people and a thought crossed her mind. “Sonia Rat” she said aloud.
She was influential, sophisticated and Ivy had made her a promise. She racked her head. Maybe she could celebrate women on the same day.
But what other women could she include?
Theresa, Rosie (maybe), who else?
Sylvia interrupted her as she placed the plate in front of her. “Here you go, ma’am.”
“Thank you, Sylvia,” Ivy smiled.
“You’re welcome,” Sylvia smiled and then she leaned forward. “Is he married?”
“Who? Bud?” Ivy asked. “No he’s not. Why?”
Sylvia flushed. “I… can I talk to him? I figured he’s working and I need your-”
“Oh you can.” Ivy nodded. “But I doubt you’ll get anything from him. He’s cold as stone.”
Sylvia’s blush deepened. “I could try…”
“Good luck dear. You have my blessing,” Ivy laughed as Sylvia left. She was curious to know how Bud would react, but she was too busy to follow through.
She returned to her coffee and continued working. After a moment of brainstorming and finding no other influential woman to think about, Ivy gave up and ate her burger.
After eating, she prepared all her interview questions for tomorrow, and texted Theresa asking her if she would be free for a photoshoot.
Theresa replied immediately. “That would be lovely. I can’t wait. Is Aria coming too?*
Oh shoot! She had forgotten about Aria.
“Yes.” She replied lying. “But I don’t have her number.”
“I will send it to you right away.” Theresa responded and immediately, another text came through.
“Seen it. Thanks, babe.” Ivy replied.
“You’re welcome. See you soon.” Theresa replied.
Ivy texted Aria, inviting her as well, but she got no response, so she went back to work. Hours later, she was done and tired. When she realized Tim and even the equipment delivery company hadn’t called, Ivy stood up.
Time to pay Rita a visit.
“Ready ma’am?” Bud asked, joining her at the table.
“Yes. We’re going to Mill Valley, but we’ll branch at a store to get toys for Ryan.”
“Okay ma’am.”
Ivy paid their bills and made her way outside. Minutes later, she arrived at Rita’s house, with two bags of toys.
She set a bag on the floor and knocked on the door. Seconds later, Rita answered.
“Why do you keep coming, Ivy?” Rita demanded, but she wasn’t shouting. She was more tired than angry.
“I’m not leaving till you tell me the truth. No beating around the bush,” Ivy said firmly. “Who is Ryan’s dad?”
Rita’s eyes widened with shock but she quickly buried it. “He’s late. I to-”
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Chapter 111. Her Company.
“Bullshit, Rita!” Ivy snapped. “Ryan said his father came home yesterday. I know he’s not dead.”
She saw the shock in Rita’s eyes and knew she was about to lie again. “No lies, Rita. If you’re in danger, I want to help you and Ryan, please.” Rita hesitated for a moment before finally giving in. “I’m ashamed, Ivy.” Ivy’s heart dropped as she moved closer. “Talk to me Rita. What is it?”
Rita’s eyes gleamed with tears, her voice shaking. “Ryan’s dad is alive, he’s just…. married to someone else.”
