Back In The Game
1169 Words
Two weeks passed just like that. Every day was like walking on ice at the Farley and Roger family but for different reasons.
As if hell-bent on being a brat, Amara did her best to avoid Dustin; going so far as to avoid mealtimes with her parents.
Amanda glanced at Dustin as he chased a grape across his plate.
“Why don’t you just go make peace with her?”
“You don’t think I tried? She ignored me and just walked out as if I was air,” Dustin grumbled angrily.
Amanda shook her head. “You know how Amara feels about you favoring Jenny over her. You’re not helping your case when you don’t clearly explain yourself.”
Dustin threw his fork down and rubbed his face.
“You know I am not great with relationships. I am trying my best.”
Amanda reached over and patted his arm gently. “I know, honey. Just be patient and try again. She is young and insecure. Maybe… we should try getting her some counseling?”
Dustin felt a headache coming. “Counseling?! Don’t you remember the times she threw a fit when we suggested that? You can’t help someone who doesn’t want help.”
“Well, this won’t do. It’s been a while since we had a proper meal together.”
Dustin grimaced and picked up his silverware once more. A forceful jab sent the grape flying off his plate and into his steaming coffee. Dustin drew in a long breath to calm his fiery nerves. Everyone and everything wanted to go against him. He was at wit's end having to deal with everything that was going on.
***
Jenny had recovered for the most part. Although it was a light concussion, the doctor still advised her from strenuous exercise and forbade her from touching alcohol, not that she drank often anyway.
Despite her family’s insistence, she refused to stay bedridden choosing to return to work as soon as the doctors gave the green light. Once the pounding headache from the concussion had dissipated a more head-throbbing problem replaced it— namely her current relationship with Nathan. She didn’t want to think about it, not right now so she was looking for ways to keep her mind busy.
“Take the chauffeur. I don’t want you driving for a few more weeks.”
“Grandpa, I’m fine but if it will make you feel any better…”
Henry’s old eyes crinkled as he patted Jenny’s shoulder lightly.
“Good girl. Be safe and come home early. If you don’t feel good just come home; don’t overexert yourself.”
Jenny smiled and patted his wrinkled hand. “Okay. Thank you.”
Amelia came out of the kitchen with a small lunch pail and a thermos. “Here, take this! I woke up early to make you something nutritious.”
Amelia handed everything over to the waiting chauffeur with a word of thanks and turned to kiss Jenny on the cheek. Looking her over, Amelia frowned. “You still look pale, dear. Are you sure you want to get to work so quickly?”
Chris walked up and claimed Amelia’s mouth for himself. Everyone looked away politely, familiar with his daily display of affection.
Amelia chuckled and tidied the front of his suit. “Take care of our babies, hm?”
“Always,” he murmured, pecking her once more on her forehead.
Turning around he found Dillon typing furiously on his phone with a smirk on his face.
“Hey! Time to go!”
Dillon looked up and blinked at his dad. “Yeah, I know but you’re blocking the door.”
Amelia chuckled and pulled her youngest in for a kiss as well.
“Muah! Darling, be good; don’t tease your dad. Take care of your sister for me.”
Dillon smiled down affectionately at his mother who was a good head shorter than him.
“Okay, ma. Love you!”
Amelia smiled up at her baby and gave him a good squeeze.
“Oh, my babies. Have a good day and come home safely!” A tear formed around her eyes; she blinked furiously to hide her emotions. Since Jenny’s “discharge” from the hospital, Amelia had been on edge. She thought nothing was impossible for Chris but they couldn’t even locate Jenny until Nathan brought her home. This was a blow to the Farley family as they are one of the most influential families in the world. It just goes to show how powerful Nathan was and how easily Jenny could have just disappeared.
Chris patted Amelia gently murmuring, “I’ll bring them home safely, darling.”
Amelia sniffed and smiled weakly at Chris. “You be safe too…”
Chris nodded stiffly and started out the door.
***
Jenny launched herself into her work and by lunch she was caught up with everything during her absence.
“Sinclair said they needed a two-day extension on the deadline?” Jenny frowned, she was fully aware of their capabilities and there was no way they would be late unless something serious happened. “Is there a reason?”
Her secretary pursed his lips and looked at her quizzically. “Word is out, Mr. Al Saad pulled out from any business dealings related to the Sinclairs. We don’t know who but someone in the Sinclair family must have pissed him off and he was sending a harsh message.”
Jenny pursed her lips and placed a hand on her throbbing head.
‘Great… as if I don’t need more people scrutinizing our relationships.’
“Alright. At least we factored in some lead time on our end.”
Her secretary nodded but stood still. Jenny raised a brow.
“Anything else?”
“Well, there is a team get-together at a nice nightclub on Friday to celebrate Kevin’s promotion but you just got better so maybe you shouldn’t—“
“What time?”
“We are meeting there at 6 pm.”
“Make it 5 pm and let everyone leave early that day. If we are going to celebrate we may as well start early.”
The secretary smiled brightly. “Yes, boss!”
***
Team party at 5 PM Friday, Sephora Nightclub
Derrick smirked and placed his phone face down. He was glad he managed to befriend a few people on Jenny’s team so he could “coincidentally” show up. The girls were all too eager to please and would send him tidbits of information like luncheons and parties their team did in hopes that he would show up, which he did because Jenny was always involved.
Putting out the fires at work wasn’t that hard given his exceptional talent and networking skills. There was a reason why his father gave him full reins of the company so early. If Nathan thought this was enough to dissuade him from pursuing Jenny, then he had another thing coming.
Derrick chuckled, hoping Friday would come sooner.
- Writer
