The Reluctant Cowboy (17 page)

“No way!  You realize that this is a made for TV, movie of the week, right?”  Christine responded with animation as he recalled every detail of his trip to Ohio.   She had come to his office on Tuesday to get caught up.

“This does not happen in real life.  What was she thinking?”  Christine paused to look at Cole, sitting behind his desk, resting his arms on it.  When he just raised his eyebrow, she continued, “Seriously?  Seriously.  What are you planning to do?  Bring Skye here?  How would you take care of her and your company?”

Cole was trying hard not to grin, watching her as she put a voice to the same scenarios he had in his mind on the long drive home from Ohio, just days before. 

He was emotional after he left Sierra and Skye and had gone back to the hotel, falling immediately into a deep, exhausted sleep.  He had woken up early on Monday morning and made the long drive back to New York.  Deciding to call Vanessa while he drove, he spoke with her at length and she helped him work out some of his emotions and gain perspective on a future that could include Skye and, possibly, Sierra. 

Cole had taken some pictures when he and Skye had been playing in the backyard and had proudly shown them to Christine.  Talking more to herself than to him, Cole cocked his head when Christine began her line of questions again, “No, that wouldn’t work.  You are a father now.  A
father
for crying out loud.  You have an adorable little girl.  She needs her daddy.  She’s going to be a knockout when she grows up.” 

Cole’s annoyance showed on his face, thinking that far ahead, as Christine continued her rant, “You have to move to her.  You can’t take her away from her mother and grandparents.”  Christine moved closer to his desk to stress her point, “You are going to have to move to O-HI-O.  I’m going to lose a friend.  That sucks, Cole.  It’s the right thing to do, but it totally sucks.” 

“I don’t know what I’m going to do yet, Christine.  You parading around my office is not helping.” 

“Uh, I just did help you.  You are going to have to give up the city and buy a cowboy hat. Crap.  I’m going to have to get a frequent flyer card to visit you.  First class, of course.” 

Cole turned his chair to look out the window and the city below, admiring the view, “I love the city.  I’m not sure I’m ready to give her up.” 

“Oh, yes, you are.  Do you remember how upset you were when you called me the night you found out?”  Soothing, but firm, she reminded him, “You were a wreck.  Not just about Skye, but Sierra, too.  You were furious, but I heard more.” 

“I don’t remember much about that conversation.  I had a lot to drink that night.” 

“That’s why I’m reminding you.  As angry and hurt as you were, you actually defended her.” 

Cole turned to look at her.  “I did?” 

Christine closed the distance and stood in front of his desk, placing her hands flat on it, before continuing, “You did.  You cursed her, and then told me she didn’t do it to hurt you.  You told me that you thought she was just scared and confused.” 

Cole tried to recall the conversation, but it was a blur.  His phone interrupted his thoughts as Denise came through on the intercom, “Your attorney is in the waiting area.” 

“Thanks.  Send him in in a few minutes.”  Cole looked back up at Christine.  “I’m going to dinner with Zach and Carrie on Friday night.  Want to join us?” 

“Sure.  Pick me up at 8:00.”  She started toward the door; but turned and jabbed, “And Cole, one more thing….dibs on your apartment.”

He spent two hours with his attorney, asking questions and listening to advice.  He learned that he could fight Sierra for custody and possibly even win, but it would be difficult for everyone.  He knew he didn’t want to go that route.  They discussed joint custody, but the logistics were making his head hurt.  One week there, two weeks here, every other holiday, etc.  It wasn’t what he wanted for Skye or himself. 

His attorney then brought up the topic of child support and was worried about the amount he would have to pay.  Cole got angry with him when it came to the issue of money and informed him that he would pay whatever the court or Sierra decided, and would not hide any assets.  The thought of anyone doing that made him furious. 

Because he felt that it wasn’t about the money, he didn’t want to hear anything else from the attorney and dismissed him.

After the attorney left, he asked Denise to come in.  Because he was still upset about the conversation with the attorney and he trusted Denise, he spoke in earnest, “I know I gave you a brief synopsis of what was going on this morning.  I would like to confide in you and get your opinion.” 

When Denise nodded and sat down at his desk, he told her the entire story.  He watched as her expressions changed with each new development.  When he finally finished the entire story, she reached for a tissue, prompting him to ask, “Why are you crying?” 

“You are a father now, Cole.  I’m happy for you.” 

“Happy?  My daughter lives 600 miles away.  Forgive me if I’m not feeling
happy
, right now.” 

“Oh Cole, it wouldn’t matter if she lived 3,000 miles from here.  Where is your heart, now?” 

Cole was still upset, agitated from speaking with the attorney, when he responded, “I haven’t felt my heart in a long time, Denise.  Quite frankly, I wasn’t sure if it worked.” 

Watching him rub his forehead in frustration, she spoke from the heart, “I’ve always known that it worked, Cole.  I’ve known you for a long time.  I watched you grow into a man, practically overnight. You have always been generous:  with my family, charities you care about, your grandmother…and I knew something happened with that young woman when she was here.  I’m not too old to notice a change in you.  You cared for her.  Why are you trying so hard to fight it?” 

He responded softly, “I don’t want to be like my parents.  I don’t want any woman to change me like my mother did my father.” 

He said it.  Out loud.  He finally admitted to himself why he was afraid of loving someone so much that it would change him. 

Denise quietly crept over to stand beside him.  She took his hand in her own, assuring him, “Won’t happen.  You are a thousand times better than him.  Sierra isn’t anything like your mother.  She is independent and caring.  Your mother was selfish and cold.  The only thing that will change is the love you create together…and with Skye.” 

Cole could feel the moisture in his eyes and quickly blinked it away, finally admitting the imminent changes, “What about the company?  How could I run it from there?” 

Denise laughed softly, as she headed toward the door, “I’m sure a smart man like you can figure it out.” 

Sierra was sitting in her room after Skye went to bed.  She hadn’t heard from Cole directly, but his assistant, Denise, had called her on Tuesday at work to get her personal information.  Sierra had been on her lunch break, so she was able to talk.   Denise was very caring over the phone and, as delicately as she could, asked her several questions regarding herself and Skye. 

Sierra had been expecting the call and was apprehensive, at first, but Denise had shown compassion and understanding as they talked and Sierra felt very comfortable speaking with her.  She appreciated the genuine concern, especially when Denise offered some unsolicited advice, “I know how difficult this must be for you.  I want you to know that I understand why you were afraid to tell him, but I can assure you that he will do whatever he can to be a good father to Skye.” 

“Thank you, Denise. I appreciate your concern and taking the time to talk with me.” 

“It’s been my pleasure.  Please take care of yourself and don’t hesitate to call me about….anything.” 

The following night, Sierra booted up her computer.  She tried to resume her task of house hunting, as she was trying hard to find the right home for her and Skye.  As she started looking, she couldn’t help, but wonder how things would change. 

Now that Cole was back in her life, should she wait before purchasing a home?  Out of curiosity, she searched for homes in New York and was astounded by the prices, compared to the prices of properties in Ohio.

“I couldn’t afford anything there,” she mumbled to herself as she quickly re-set the tab back to her previous search. 

She had considered, if only briefly, moving closer to him.  She considered Pennsylvania.  She could probably find another job and it would be closer for Cole to see Skye. 

She stared at the screen for another minute, but decided she just couldn’t do it.  She couldn’t leave her family and friends.  They were her life, but they were Skye’s world.  She wouldn’t be able to just take Skye and move away for his sake.  Besides, he’s a rich man.  Surely, he could figure out a way to visit them, without uprooting both she and Skye. 

As she pondered, she couldn’t resist doing what anyone would.  She pulled up Google on her computer and typed in “Cole Alexandar.”  Images and stories popped up, in succession.  There were several stories about Alexandar International and Cole Alexandar, CEO. 

She felt like she was stalking a movie star with all of the information in front of her.  If she had done this before her trip to New York, none of this would be happening now.  She was still awe-struck with his dashingly handsome looks.  She didn’t think it was possible that there was a bad picture of him anywhere in the world.

She clicked on the images screen and hundreds of pictures began to load.  Most of the pictures of him were in a business setting, wearing a suit and tie -- all business.  She saw several head shots and wondered why there were so many.  He wasn’t smiling in most of them, so she figured they were probably for work. 

As she studied them, she noticed subtle differences.  They were probably taken over a span of several years, but the internet saves everything.  As she was scrolling down the page, she spotted one that looked different.  Curious, she stopped and clicked on it. 

It was a picture of him, with what had to be his parents.  He was younger, probably in his twenties.  He looked like his father.  The picture showed him in the middle of the two older adults, but there was no touching.  Just three people standing next to each other.  It looked so….cold. 

She enlarged the image and looked at his mother.  She was tall, with long blonde hair and brown eyes.  She wasn’t smiling in the picture, but Sierra had to admit she was beautiful.  She was looking directly into the camera, but had an air of boredom.  She couldn’t help, but think, “
How could a mother be that way?
” 

Cole’s father was on his other side, with the same bored look on his face.  No smile, just boredom.  Sierra knew it was his father, as their features were similar.  They were the same height and build.  His father’s hair was shorter, but had the same style. 

She tried to find when or where the picture was taken and finally saw the year.  Quickly doing the math in her head, she realized it must have been when he graduated from Berkeley. 

She zoomed in on Cole.  She saw the familiar look that she now recognized as his “mask”.  It was his emotionless face.  His hands were dug deep in his slacks’ pockets.  She thought he looked sad, but she could read more into his look now. 

She clicked out of the picture to look through more.  As she scrolled back towards the top, she slowed down as she saw several pictures of him with another woman.  These pictures were more casual. 

She clicked on one where they were both smiling at the camera.  They were each holding up a glass of wine in front of the photographer.  Cole seemed relaxed and happy and the woman, well, she was a knockout.  She had long straight black hair pulled into a very sleek ponytail.  She had bright blue eyes and full red lips.  She looked sophisticated and elegant. 

Sierra couldn’t help but compare herself to the gorgeous woman looking back at her.  This was the kind of woman she thought Cole would prefer.  All of her own insecurities came to the surface as she stared at the picture.  She finally took her eyes off of the woman to look at the date.  It was just a month ago. 

She hurriedly clicked on more pictures of the two of them.  She also saw a couple of pictures of them with Carrie and Zach, the couple Sierra had met when she was there.  She was trying not to panic when she clicked on the news tab to see if there was more information on the pictures.  She saw links with the pictures. Clicking on the links, she learned that the woman’s name was Christine Tyler.

Googling her name, she discovered that Christine Tyler was an Executive Assistant at a law firm.  She went back to her previous screen and continued to look at the pictures and read the articles.  She wanted to discover as much as she could about this woman and Cole.  Most were just gossip sites with limited information. 

“
Cole Alexandar and Christine Tyler out on the town
,” one headline read.  Another one asked, “
Could millionaire bachelor be coming off the New York market soon?
” 

She checked the dates on the stories and saw they had been from the last several months.  She was furious.  She slapped her laptop screen down and yelled in frustration, “Ugh!  I. Am. So. Stupid!” 

She paced in her bedroom and saw the tie hanging on her bed post.  She reached for it and started to hit her bed with it, continuing, “Fairy tales?  You stupid, naïve woman.  He’s just buttering you up so he can take Skye and live happily ever after with her.  How can you be so gullible?” 

She stopped beating her bed with his tie, and taking a deep breath, continued berating herself, “Yeh, now look at yourself.  Temper tantrums much?” 

She threw the tie on the floor and reached for her phone instead.  She sent a text to Dana to see where she was.  She grabbed her laptop and went downstairs, greeting her mother, “Hey Mom, Skye’s asleep.  I’m going to run over to Dana’s for a little while, if that’s okay.” 

“Sure.  You okay?” 

Sierra stopped to give her mom a quick hug as she grabbed her car keys.  “Yep.  Be back soon.” 

****

“I don’t know what to say,” Dana was looking in disbelief at the screen, Sierra pacing beside her. 

“I do.  He’s a jerk.  He played me.” 

Looking at her friend sympathetically, Dana queried, “Played you?  Really?” 

“Yes, really.  He’s like, Mr. Big.  He’s all charming and sweet and then
WHAM!
He’s secretly seeing someone else.” 

Sierra was being dramatic, raising her voice and swinging her arms.  Dana was trying hard not to laugh at her friend.  Sierra’s voice was becoming higher pitched as she continued her tirade, “Did you see her?  She looks more like Skye, than I do.  All dark,
long
hair and big blue eyes.  She’s like the epitome of good genes.  She
wreaks
of sophistication and grace.” 

Dana did burst out laughing now,  “Oh my God, do you even hear yourself right now?” 

“Pictures do not lie, Dana!  Look at them.” 

Dana placated her friend and scrolled over the pictures.  Glancing at the screen as he walked past, Dana’s husband, Doug, let out a loud cat call whistle.  

“Keep walking, husband, to avoid death by glare.” 

Doug saw the look on Sierra’s face and quickly left the room. 

“See? Even your husband’s whistle says it all.” 

“My husband’s an idiot.  Don’t let him mess with you.”  Dana grinned and shut down the computer.  Sierra plopped herself down in the nearest chair and looking at Dana, shrugged her shoulders in question. 

“So, go to New York.  Talk with Cole.  Find out who she is to him,” Dana answered. 

“Yes, right.  Hop on a plane and confront him, in person.  That sounds just like me.  NOT.” 

“Okay then.  See how things play out.  Wait for the phone to ring.  I’m sure some big shot lawyer will contact you and give you paperwork to fill out.  Once you sign them, you can wait patiently for a limo to pull up.  Cole and Christine will hop out of the limo, pick Skye up and drive off to their future.” 

Sierra looked at Dana, stunned.  Her voice, barely a whisper, murmured, “That was harsh.” 

Dana sighed as she knelt in front of her friend, “Not trying to be harsh here.  To be honest, I’m just glad you aren’t crying.  You are a lot stronger than you think.  Pictures are just that -- pictures.  Until you talk with him or see for yourself, it’s just your imagination on a roller coaster.  Now, get a grip and continue to live your life for yourself and my goddaughter.  Go home, get some sleep and see how you feel tomorrow.”  Dana started to grin, “After all, tomorrow is….”

Sierra quickly interrupted her best friend, “Stop right there.  Do not finish that sentence.”  She couldn’t contain her own giggle that was escaping her lips.  She stood and gave her friend a big hug, adding, “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” 

Dana cocked her own head, teasing, “Don’t have to.” 

Both friends hugged again.