Man of Mystery (20 page)

“Sounds good I’ll talk to you in 20 min?” he implores

“That’s about right, now let me go so I can drive home ok!”

“OK, drive safe” is his quick reply

Getting home about 15 minutes later and Tiffany is just gushing on about how wonderful our lives have become getting wrapped up with talking to her.  We have such little time to talk since we both have been so involved with our men. She really appreciates this moment to catch up with her.

Not like we haven’t had times that we don’t get a chance to talk since when we both get so busy during school especially because she is going for a doctorate she barely comes out of her room from studying to eat at times. Brandy always just pokes her head in with a plate of food which she is grateful for while she is studying.  Or sometimes we hang out just to go over notes, but now that school is done we actually have some free time together.

Before you know it she has been home for over an hour and she hasn’t called Nathan, the phone chirps with the special ringer she has given to him which happens to be our song, “Just the way you are” and Tiffany grins, “Did you forget to call someone tonight?”

“Yes I did! Sorry!” answering “Sorry” again. She gives me a quick hug and tells Brandy she will give her a minute to catch up with her man stepping out of the room.

“You had me worried there for a minute, I was wondering why you didn’t call me back?” he sighs.

“I was doing some catch up time with my roomy since we finally had a minute together, but I am home and safe.  This has been a crazy week, how about you?’ trying to divert the conversation

“Oh I’m fine now that I know you’re home, so what has Tiffany been up to with Denny?” asking quizzically.

“I’m not exactly sure yet but she seems excited about something and I haven’t had enough time to get the details out of her.  Why do you ask?” being a little suspicious is something going on she should know more about?

“OK good,” hearing excitement in his voice “I have some really great news!” he exclaims

“Don’t keep me in suspense what?!” she exclaims back

He chuckles, “We are going to Atlantic City this Friday with Denny and Tiffany joining us!”

“What!” she exclaims “Wow I have never been there; I don’t know what to say? How? Why?” she sputters out her surprise.

He is laughing so hard while she envisions his dimples, “Well, we have some other people who are interested in Denny’s business so we are kind of making it a business and pleasure trip just for the weekend to meet up with them.  Denny and I both agreed it would be even more enjoyable if you and Tiffany would join us, so what do you think?”

After her shock at the situation she starts to the realization that they want us both to join them.  She would love to go somewhere with all of them but realization sinks in knowing this is not an affordable trip for her to do. Taking a deep breath she sighs.

“What’s wrong Brandy, I thought you would be happy?” he asks feeling the strain in his voice as he has heard her sigh.

“Oh Nathan, I would truly love to go but I can’t afford a trip to Atlantic City, I’m sorry it’s just not in my budget.” wishing she could go.

His laughter is even more pronounced, “Well silly girl, that you don’t have to worry about, it’s already paid for, you have no idea when a business wants people to come they actually pay for people to come, called business 101!”

“Really” she squeaks trying to choke back her excitement, “Tiffany and I joining you two?”

“OK I’m going to the library to seek out a book called business for dummies’ since obviously I didn’t know that.  I guess that is why you are so good at business more than me in a sense.” She jokes back

“That’s the only way I negotiate, deal is done so do you want to go?” he states like he already knows the answer as she is jumping for joy!

“Off course I want to go, Oh Nathan thank you, this is so exciting, OMG when do we leave, I need details I need to get ready!” 
She is blabbering just in time for Tiffany to come back into the room jumping also knowing that she heard the great news.

Still chuckling he says “I’ll leave the rest of the details to Tiffany and I will see you tomorrow.  Get a good night sleep and don’t work too hard. I miss you already!” he sounds excited too knowing that she wants to go.

“OK, but I’ll call you first thing in the morning and thank you.  I am totally thrilled, I don’t know if I can sleep!” shaking with excitement and so is Tif

“Well you better you have a fun weekend planned so sleep now while you can, goodnight sweetie!’ and he hangs up.

“Tiffany, you were actually able to contain that from me, wow you are better than I thought!” she exclaims to her with such affection.

“I know, if he didn’t call you soon I would have made you call him! It was hard to hold it back but I promised to let him tell you!  Can you believe it we have a whole weekend in Atlantic City, this is just way to cool!” We are now dancing around with her enjoying the excitement of us hanging out together with our men.  This has never happened before and it feels awesome all around.

We giggle and talk about what we need to do to before tomorrow night when we head out and she gives her all the details of the trip.  She is home tomorrow and being the best BFF ever she will pack Brandy’s stuff since it is short notice having to work tomorrow.  We will be back by Sunday afternoon so now she has to can call and change shifts for Saturday for one of her last days at Arnolds.

Brittany who works Sundays really owes her plenty so she is pulling in on that favor.  Calling her to work for me Saturday telling her she will work for her on Monday night.  She is like no problem she can still work on Monday too so she doesn’t have to worry about it.  Brittany sighs because she knows Brandy won’t be working anymore at Arnolds wishing me luck with her new job. Promising to stop by and visit also letting her know if she ever needs her, she’ll do her best to help her out.  She is grateful and we both hang up with sweet words of encouragement.  She will definitely miss her too.

How is she going to be able to sleep?  Tiffany has been running around getting things together and her excitement is making her jumpy too.  She is so organized sometimes and she has already pulled out luggage like we are going to be away for a month or something.  Brandy grabs a bottle of wine from her stock from home pouring two glasses to stop her in her tracks.

Brandy stops her in her tracks,
“Come on girlfriend, take a breath and let’s celebrate our long earned weekend together” handing her a glass clinking it.  She sighs giving her BFF a warm hug.

“You know Brandy; you’re the best friend I have ever had.  Besides you know how to slow me down when I need it the most!  These toasts we are having are to you and for all you have done!” taking a sip, having to finish her statement off with her own acknowledgement.

“This next toast is to you for dragging me out the other night when I would have been fine just sitting home watching TV.  If it wasn’t for you being my BFF, I would be sitting here again this weekend instead of going to Atlantic City with you, Nathan and Denny” and we really cheer to that one.

“OMG have you told Mikey and Pete about this weekend?” It just dawns on her!

“I’ve been so excited about tonight, I completely forgot! We better call them over right now!”  She exclaims picking up her phone to call them.

They are over within a few minutes since they only live in the next apartment filling wine glasses for all of us to celebrate with.  They cannot believe we are leaving them behind in a fun pouty way.  Telling them both it was kind of a surprise since she only found out like an hour ago and they laugh at her for taking it so seriously.

Mikey heads over to the wardrobe department with Tiffany actually having time to catch up with Pete which she hasn’t done in ages it seems.  Taking a deep breath she gives Pete a big hug telling him so.

“Tiffany, I know this whole dating thing is kind of new for you because not having much of a past, but if you ever need someone to talk to that is, let’s say experienced, please don’t ever be afraid to come and talk to me ok?” he tells her so sincerely feeling the love pouring out of him like a big brother wanting to make sure she’s ok. 

Instantly tear up hugging him so close with such relief because he is so right. She has no idea where this relationship is heading and it is happening so fast but it feels good.  She pulls back kissing his cheek cupping his face looking into his deep brown eyes.  “Thank you so much for that Pete and you know something, if things go soar, I know I have you to hold me up.  I really appreciate that.  You are a true friend.”  He gives her another hug with a smug smile knowing he feels the same way as Mikey comes out with Tiffany from the bedrooms.

“Hey, If you get to hug and kiss my boyfriend do I get to hug and kiss yours?” he playfully pouts and we all start to laugh. 

“I’m not sure if Nathan will accept your hugs the same way and I’m really not sure if you should try.  I don’t want to him to accidentally hurt your pretty face defending himself from Pete’s jealousy.” playing back at him.

We all have a good laugh talking about our fun filled weekend as Tiffany and Mikey already have our clothes laid out ready to be packed.  It’s getting late so our favorite boys promise to check on our place when we are gone before they depart.

Brandy tm Nathan before going to bed. “I’m very excited about tomorrow night, I got the details from Tiffany we are all set to spend a wonderful weekend with you! Miss you already!

“Dittos sweetie, tomorrow isn’t soon enough, tm you in the morning, get some sleep!
” is his sweet reply

Smiling at his tm trying her best to fall asleep, what feels like hours later she finally drifts off.

Thinks are going well with business along with his certain influence for Brandy’s position.  He could never explain to his parents if they found out she was a waitress, they don’t approve of mingling with “servants” which is really not the case.  This new business in Atlantic City is the first stepping stone to more possibilities.  Nathan is glad he took on this venture with Denny since he can see this is a growing business.  Bringing the girls along was brilliant exposure so they might see what’s coming in the future if thing go well. Brandy’s innocents is so enlightening for him, she is going to be thrilled which excites him.  She isn’t anything like Sylvia who just expects it with little to no appreciation.

Chapter
15

We are busy today because of it being Friday and a pay day.  The day flies by which she is grateful for since she is having a hard time controlling her excitement.  We are leaving on a flight at about 7 pm which gives her enough time to run home and change real quick.  Tiffany has had the day to pack for both of us and she has tm her saying they are all set.  Knowing Tiffany she probably packed everything but the kitchen sink, but at least nothing will be forgotten.

Hurrying home, she even has a change of clothes laid out for her.  Taking a quick shower; freshen up her makeup when the door bell rings.  There men are here to take us away; we both jump up and down with joy.  We are taking Denny’s SUV since he has more room for the luggage asking Tiffany how long was she planning on staying for since she has the largest suit case.  She pouts at him saying she always likes to be prepared and wants to make sure she has an outfit for anything that might come up.

Getting to the airport to board our flight, Nathan and I sit together letting her have the window seat since she loves watching as they take off.  Asking him what will be happening since this is a business trip so she is prepared.  He briefs her that Tiffany and her will have most of the day Saturday to hang out but we will be back together late afternoon to early evening.  If things work out well, we will be having dinner with some investors and then the rest of the night will be ours to do whatever we want to do.  Whispering in his ear nothing likes mixing business with pleasure and he puts his hand on her leg giving it a squeeze.  She read his mind and we have all day Sunday before we take a late flight home reminding her that we also have tonight to play as he kisses her sweetly.

The flight is short and before you know it we are landing watching out the window seeing this magnificent lit city before her eyes.  It is so spectacular she can’t wait to explore what can be discovered in such a short trip. They take a limo from the airport to the hotel having reservations at the Borgata Hotel Nathan tell the limo driver.  As we head towards our destination she is trying to see everything of what is going on outside having heard wonderful things about this city but now actually getting a chance to see it!

Pulling up the valet
is ready to take our luggage in for us.  The boys head towards the front counter to check us in while Tiffany and I wrap our arms together taking in the sights.  The lounges and casinos are close by so you can hear the machines as people play away their money.  Staring starry eyed into the atmosphere while soaking it all in.  Our men come back to show us to the elevators thinking we are going to need a map to navigate around this place.  It is huge.