Eventually, Laura made her way around the island and was in front of me. She gave me a firm hug.
“I know that you and Nicholas have entered into something which may be deemed improper by others, but I’m so grateful you’re here, Willow. I think in time, you both are going to realize what your hearts already know.” Her eyes sparkled as she retreated. “He once again has a light in his eyes that hasn’t been there in a long time. Don’t let anything push you away, please.”
I was not willing to leave. I wanted to think that Nicholas and I would be content in our relationship forever. I wanted to swear that I would never go.
But I couldn’t promise anything because I wasn’t sure. Yet.
I was fortunately saved by the doorbell. I rose up and gave a quick smile to Laura before walking away.
“It’s Courtney. I probably need to be on the move.” Before leaving the room, I turned to see her once more. “I appreciate you telling me about Rosemary. I understand Nicholas somewhat more.”
“Willow, he’s a good man.”
“I know.”
Thoughts of what might have transpired between Nicholas and Rosemary were racing through my head, but I was pressed for time. Courtney was excited about our trip to RHI and having lunch with Nicholas. She spoke quite a bit during our ride there.
When John said we were almost there, I texted Nicholas, and I was disappointed when I didn’t hear back from him immediately.
I told Courtney, “I guess we can just go in on our if he doesn’t meet us.”
“With you there, it shouldn’t be an issue.”
We both exited, and as I stood in front of the building, I gaped a little. With so many windows and sharp edges, the building reflected the intense light and looked almost like sheets of glass.
I began to admire Nicholas for his achievement, and it was simple to see why he was so pleased with what he had managed to do. The information from Laura earlier and the manifestation of everything he had built from the ground up gave me a better understanding of the man I was married to.
I scanned the crowded lobby as Courtney and I entered in search of the nearest information desk. I was delighted to see a familiar face coming straight toward us.
“Virgil!”
As he approached, he nodded to Courtney and then looked at me with a grin. “How are you doing today?”
“Great. Nicholas and I were meant to meet, but I’m not sure where to go now.”
He nodded. “He is wrapping up a meeting. I’ll take you up now.”
I watched him use a keycard to pick the thirty-second level as Courtney and I followed him into an elevator.
Virgil’s phone rang as the lift reached our floor. After leaving, we stopped to wait for him to conclude his conversation.
“I’m sorry, ladies. I have a task that needs to be completed. His office is straight ahead. He asked you to walk in without concern.”
He appeared regretful, so I dismissed his worry.
“No issue. Virgil, it was good to see you again.”
“You as well, Miss Ta… er… Mrs. Rowe.”
At his error, I flushed. He gave a wink before getting back on the elevator.
Courtney nudged my arm and giggled. “Mrs. Rowe, get moving. Let’s meet your man now.”
We had just begun to walk together and were appreciating how Nicholas’ office was decorated when we were abruptly stopped.
“Excuse me. You can’t just walk in here. This is not a shopping mall.”
A tall, platinum-blonde woman was staring at the two of us like we were insects. I turned around, surprised by the smug female voice. I couldn’t figure out why she was acting so upset as she stalked over with her fists on her hips.
I answered, “We’re here to visit Nicholas.”
She gave a head shake and indicated the elevator again. “I can’t allow that. Due to his hectic schedule, Mr. Rowe is unable to attend unplanned meetings. You must depart and schedule an appointment.
“But we-”
She interrupted me, and I was left stunned.
“All appointments must go through me, and I am aware that he is not scheduled to meet two women. You are not even permitted to come to this floor without an appointment. Please leave before I call security on you for disrupting business.”
What a snob!
When I turned to Courtney, she shared my shock.
Before we could finish our sentences, Geoffrey, Nicholas, and two other men emerged from his office laughing. As they came near us, Nicholas’ eyes locked on mine and he gave me a bright smile.
The secretary began to apologize immediately, pointing towards Courtney and me. Nicholas disregarded her and drew me into an embrace.
“Willow! I’m glad you came.” He kissed me on the neck for a brief moment before pulling back. He still kept his arm around my waist. “I’d like you to meet Francis and Dorian. You already know who Geoffrey is.”
Francis had a quizzical smile on his face as I shook each of their hands. I became aware that Dorian wasn’t just any Dorian when I gave him a closer look.
It was one of the greatest investors in the motion picture business. He had previously performed in action films. A real-life legend.
“Oh, um, hello.” I didn’t know how to respond.
Nicholas hugged me more tightly as Geoffrey laughed.
“I’m glad to have met you, Willow. Earlier, Nicholas spoke highly of you.”
In order to avoid embarrassing myself further, I simply nod. Nicholas was so normal at home that it was easy to forget he worked with famous people.
“Who is your beautiful companion, Willow?” Geoffrey questioned as he took Courtney’s hand.
Another round of introductions was made before Dorian took his leave… after thanking Nicholas for a pleasant cooperation.
“Let’s get some lunch, sweetie.”
The five of us headed to the elevator together after I gave Nicholas a nod. I did cast a quick glance over at the obnoxious secretary who was sitting behind her desk and glaring at me. I restrained myself from giving her a sweet smile. Barely.