FOR.BIDDEN LOVERS

Chapter 9: For Love or Money?

Richard

“Mr. Bradshaw, Mr. Bradshaw."

Ugh, what time is it? what happened last night? I slowly sit up in my bed and wipe the crust from my eyes.

“It's 11:00 am, Mr. Bradshaw," Bernard replies, maneuvering his way through the empty champagne bottles and pizza boxes on the floor.

Bernard sits on the edge of the bed and sighs. “Mr. Bradshaw, what happened last night? Jarred texted me and said you were drunk so I drove over to keep an eye on you."

“I'm so sorry Bernard." You shouldn't have been put in that position," I reply, putting my head down in shame.

“Why did you throw a yacht party, it's been a year since you've partied like this?"

“I'm so overwhelmed right now. My dad is constantly breathing down my neck. He's pressuring me to get married. There's the charity ball coming and Claire- “

“Claire, who's Claire?" Bernard walks toward my bed and sits on the edge.

“Huh," I reply, hoping he doesn't keep pressing me for information.

“Who's Claire?" He asks, raising his eyebrows in curiosity.

“Oh, she's nobody," I reply,

“Well, she must be somebody if you mentioned her," Bernard replies. He smirks as if he knows I'm keeping a secret from him.

“Ok, ok. She's the new chick in town who embarrassed me a few days ago. She's the manager for Hilltop Manor and she's good Bernard, damn good." I take a sip of the vitamin smoothie Bernard made hoping it will help with the hangover.

“How good?" Bernard asks, rubbing his beard in curiosity.

“Well, she has won awards for turning two- and three-star hotels into five-star hotels. I know she's planning to try and win the “Best Resort" in Malibu award and possibly the “World Class Resort Experience" award.

“Don't worry about that. Bayside Beachfront has won the “World Class Experience," award for the last two years. Trust yourself, Mr. Bradshaw. You can pull this off again." Bernard puts his hand on my shoulder and winks his eye. I walk to the closet and grab a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Bernard and I walk up the stairs leading to the upper deck of my yacht.

When we reach the top, I look around and notice trash and beer bottles everywhere. People love partying but they never stay to help clean. Bernard and I sit at a table near the jacuzzi. I stare out into the ocean lost in my thoughts and angry at myself for throwing a wild party last night.

“Hey, you, ok?" Bernard asks, waving his hand in front of my face attempting to break my gaze.

“I'm slipping Bernard. I threw the wild party because I wanted to feel what it's like to not care about anything anymore."

“Nothing wrong with partying but you still must be responsible and find a healthier way to handle your stress," Bernard replies. His forehead creased with worry.

“I need to get my dad off my back. He's going to drive me to drink again," I reply, crushing an empty beer can in my hand.

“Yeah, it's been a year since you drank this much alcohol,' he replied taking a sip of his smoothie.

“Bernard, would you marry someone you didn't love?" I stare into his eyes desperately hoping he would respond by saying “no." I long for some form of confirmation to defy my father's ultimatum.

“Hmm, I'm not in your shoes, Mr. Bradshaw, but I guess I'd learn to love them if I was inheriting all the money you are," he chuckled.

“Truthfully, Bernard," I reply, rolling my eyes.

“Hmm, truthfully. You don't know what it means to be in love. In your world, love is associated with money and control. I was married for twenty-five years before my wife died. We were so connected that we'd often finish each other sentences. I couldn't stand to be away from her for more than five minutes." Bernard stares out into the ocean as if he's lost in time. He takes another sip of his smoothie and proceeds to finish answering my question.

“We had our ups and downs, but we were committed to bringing out the best in each other. When she died of cancer, I was devastated, yet at peace because we lived with no regrets, and I was blessed with experiencing what it feels like to risk everything for love. Tell me, Mr. Bradshaw, are you ready to risk everything for love? Are you ready to live with no regrets? Until you can answer those questions, you'll forever be at the mercy of your father." Bernard takes a deep breath and stares back out into the ocean.

“Thank you, Bernard, I think I know what to do now."