Fate (GXG)

Chapter 8

Logan’s POV 

Ever heard of the saying that these women are all the same. Well, most of the California women are. The girls with money use you for press, social likes, and to boost their careers. Then there are the girls without that see you for your potential and their own as well. They see the money, clothes, houses, and connections. Nothing feels real anymore when it comes to California. 

These thoughts leave my head as soon as I park my car in my parking spot. I had a meeting with a company looking for us to invest in two hours. After this morning's events, I needed something else to focus on. What better thing to focus on than work right? 

I rode the elevator up to my office. I needed to get a review on who and what they wanted us to invest in. Plus I rarely go through the main lobby. Too many people with too many questions. We split the building with thirty other small growing businesses. However, I own the building. What do I look like paying rent to someone else? I didn’t grind as hard as I have to owe anyone anything. Other than my taxes and utilities. Also, I only rent the floors to small businesses for reasons. One, have you seen the rent in California? Now think about trying to rent a space for your business that’s growing. So we charge a low rent only to small growing businesses. Two, some of these businesses eventually need an investment or an investor. So that’s where we come in on the top floor hence my meetings are mainly full of future businesses needing aid. However, they do not have to choose my name to use as an investor. They are free to choose who they want. Third and my favorite reason, it gives me the options to see what and who’s climbing for a possible buyout of their company so they can happily retire under the sunset with a percentage in royalties. What can I say it’s the reason apart from the club I own several other businesses. And becoming a billionaire isn’t unreachable. 

The elevator opened to my top-floor office. My assistant Kai was sitting at her desk quietly going over what I presume was my schedule for the next week before I leave. “Kai, good morning or should I say afternoon,” I said with a smile on my face as I walked past her desk into my office. She quickly got up and quickly walked with me to my office. “It’s the afternoon, you know? And yes good afternoon indeed Logan. Now that you finally know what time it is. Your advisor wants to see you right away. Something about oh I don’t know. You being you again and we all know what that means.” She said in such a playful tone. If Kai wasn’t part of the community there’s no way I’d let her talk to me like this. Not only that, she's part of the five founding families. 

Long long and I do mean a long time ago there were these five small families. Hendrix, Woods, Hunter, Hayes, Davis. They started our settlement. They believe each year that some goddess will pick the next leader and that person will lead our community. Later on, more families joined. People married other people but still obeyed this ludicrous rule of the goddess. Well, it’s been years since that’s happened. My grandmother said after my parents had left. Things went downhill. There was a war for power, some trying to claim the throne or whatever. People left and now we’re back to the people who believe in this folklore. The people that left blamed my family saying it’s our fault. Some even just downright blamed me. Saying that I was the cause of all this that we were suffering because of me. Apparently, when I was young when I lived with the community before the civil war, I was kidnapped by someone who said that I’d be the downfall of our existence. To this day it bothers me, how could a child at the time ruin the lives of a hundred humans just by being born. After that, my parents packed me and our stuff and moved away. We moved a lot because they were military but it wasn’t until the sixth grade where things finally changed for the better. So I thought. 

I was so caught in my thoughts I didn’t hear my advisor come in. He cleared his throat a few times finally grasping my attention. I looked up and saw the light-skinned man in front of me. He was tall like I was but I was a little taller. He was older, being around the age of forty. His eyes were daggers showing me such disappointment in them. They were brown and dark. They only got this dark when he was very disappointed. He had a magazine in his hand and slid it right to me onto my desk... “Now I thought the Hendrix family led with honor. So tell me why you’re cheating on your supposed girlfriend.” He said. I grabbed the magazine and looked at the front page. It was me of course but it was me leaving with the girl from last night Samara I think was her name. He started to pace in front of my desk. “Not only that,” he continued “You’re sleeping with someone who works under this very building? Someone you’re about to do business within the next two hours?! Logan?!” So Samara wanted something from me. She thought sleeping with the daughter would earn her instant funding approval. Now I see. 

“Jon it wasn’t like that…ask your brother James who was working that night.” I paused for a brief moment just to read the gossip article about me. ‘Troubled lovers?’ Was the title of the article. ‘Basketball phenomenon and empress to the Hendrix empire Logan Hendrix was seen having a late night rendezvous with a mysterious lady. Who would be later identified as Samara Holiday (a small businesswoman of a logistics company.)’ I stopped reading and leaned back into my chair. 'At least I didn’t have to read what she wanted me to invest into’ I chuckled while the thought ran through my head. Jon stopped pacing and gave me that dagger stare. He clearly didn’t find this even a little funny. I continued reading the article... ‘The two were seen exiting the nightclub mint together. It is still reported that Logan is in a relationship with Ariel Jackson, daughter of Dean Jackson. Who later on was seen with a group of people partying as if her girlfriend didn’t walk out with another woman. Are the two on the edge of a breakup or is the ice queen Logan playing with the heart of the women around her. We tried to reach all three ladies for comment and haven’t gotten a response as of late. Soon we will find out if the hottest and most powerful couple is on the outs? Is Logan a Playgirl?’ 

I scoffed at the last part of the stupid article. “Ice queen huh?” I mumbled out loud. I spun the chair around to look outside to the view of the small city. I hated being called that ‘Ice Queen’ if only they understood who Ariel really and I do mean really was. I clenched my jaw, I don’t understand why this is being pinned on me when she legitimately cheated on me. Maybe because I never said ‘we’re done Ariel’ Or even ‘I’m breaking up with you.’ 

My thoughts were interrupted by Jon “ You can be upset about being the Ice queen later. Right now your stocks are dropping and profits are declining as well, so what now. Please tell me you didn’t have s*x with her Logan. And if you did please tell me that you did it while single.” Jon expressed with huge concern. Jon is a drama queen but he doesn’t play around with my best interest. Jon and James both are from the five founding families. James is a bit younger than Jon by like 10 years. Both of them are from the Woods family. 

“To answer your questions, who I’m f*****g outside of this office is no one and I mean no one's business I don’t know why they care so much. Yes, I am done with Ariel completely and if she doesn’t understand that then that’s not my problem.” I spat out quickly. I hated publicity. I just wanted to make money and move forward. I don’t see how my personal life has anything to do with this. As long as I was a decent human being and not a shitty one. I don’t see why the topic of who’s in my bed matters. But apparently to some, that determines if you’re a good person or bad. 

Jon slammed his hand on the table, “THAT'S NOT THE POINT HERE LOGAN. YOU ARE A PUBLIC FIGURE. YOU DON'T GET TO CHOOSE. Your grandmother created this for you. You took it to places even she couldn’t imagine. Now you’re providing for a hundred people…” Oh no, here comes a lecture about the five families…. “Logan you're a Hendrix, Hendrix is one of the five families. You know this. You carry yourself as such. They may not see you as royalty but you are. The last of-“ 

“Enough with the lecture you don’t need to finish.” I cut him off. I didn’t want to hear what I’ve been hearing for the majority of my life. Especially after the passing of my grandmother. “I have a plan as I always do. First things first get me the rundown on Holiday’s business and the meeting is in the next hour. Let’s focus on that. Then deal with the other situation after.” I said. I got up and turned towards him. He just sighed in defeat, when we first started growing he questioned everything I did. It took him some time to realize that I refuse to let anything or anyone stop me. That and I don’t believe in the folklore of the five families. 

“Logan, you know your birthday is coming up right? You’ll be eighteen. And I believe you are the next leader of families. Leader of our beings. You may not believe in what you call folklore tales but I’m telling you…” he spoke then paused. We were staring at each other. I could tell he was searching for a reaction to what he said. And when he didn’t see one. His eyes lightened in color a bit. It always does when he’s being honest with me. Jon has been my rock and a close friend of mine. He and his wife have always been there. Especially after the passing of my grandmother. I’m sure she’ll call to give me the same lecture. 

I just smiled a bit at him.. he believes in therefore that’s he’s still here after her passing and all the stress I put him through. He’s still here. “Thanks for reminding me I’m getting old. Now let’s prepare to hear what Holiday has to offer. 

***

It’s finally time to start this meeting but to be honest I’m not entirely sure if I want to invest further or what to do. I rubbed my temples and sighed. Kai knocked on my door. “Logan, they’re ready for you.” She leaned on the door smiling at me. Kai is also a part of the five families blasé blah. Kai Hayes is her name. She’s really short, like really really short. I always joke with her and call her my mini assistant. She’s and I are close but I don’t think we are as close as everyone thinks. Rumors in the community say that we are promised to each other by our parents and the ‘moon’ will decide the fate of our future so I was told. Whatever they say sounds like they're all going senile to me. Kai is like a sister in my mind. I just don’t see her that way. She’s twenty one years old and about to graduate from a small university in marketing. I told her if she graduates top in her class she can work for my marketing team since she's getting a degree in it. It’ll give her some great experience. And possibly a higher pay raise. She just stands there with her work tablet looking at me as I put on my jacket. I catch her staring. We make eye contact and she looks away. 

“What? Is there something wrong Kai?” I say dryly. 

“No. You know your birthday is coming up.” She replies looking down at her feet. 

“What is up with everyone and their obsession with my eighteenth birthday? It wasn’t a big deal when I turned seventeen so why eighteen? Don’t tell me you believe in that crap too?” I said putting on my jacket walking out the door. She followed right behind me. Not answering any of my questions. Man, I can’t wait to get on my plane and getaway. I might not come back till after my birthday since everyone obviously is obsessed about it. Hopefully, they weren’t planning a party. I hate parties. 

She was sitting inside the board meeting room with another man. s**t, I hope it’s not her boyfriend or worse husband. I’m hoping she’s not married with two kids or something like that. It’ll be a complete s**t show if her man can’t keep his cool if I f****d his wife. I stopped at the door, inhaled the air and cleared out the negative energy with a deep exhale then proceeded to walk into the room. 

They both immediately looked at me. She looked better than she looked leaving my house this morning now wearing her hair in a different color. Her hair was black now and there were no hickeys anywhere. Well, that was visible. “Good afternoon, are we ready to proceed?” I said sitting on the end of the table looking at the two. Samara was about to speak when the unknown man interrupted her. “ We are here to meet your parents, not you child. So go grab them.” He said, folding his arms. He looks definitely displeased this has to be the boyfriend or whatever. 

“Unfortunately that’s not going to happen, I’m running the show today. So would you like to proceed? I don’t like my time to be wasted. Present or get out. I’m not a patient woman.” I replied. I have the same aggression he had and tapped my fingers on the desk watching him watch me. He scoffed and was about to talk when she stood up “Yes, we shall begin..” 

During her presentation, I couldn’t help but notice how her man was so upset with me being here and how professional she was like nothing happened. Frankly enough I was impressed. Her presentation was flawless. She wanted us to invest with the intention of us buying in the future. Her logistics company was on the up there’s no doubt about that. She was growing to fame by the fact they could identify her very quickly. The fact was we were seen out together and we left together there’s no denying that. One could say if I did invest that the reason was that we had or are screwing around. However, I knew I could spin it and make this happen to benefit us both. 

“So that concludes the presentation. Thoughts? Comments?” She turned and looked at me and so did the man. 

“Color me impressed Mrs. Holiday. I am interested. What would be the share count between you guys and myself?” I questioned. 

“I was thinking eighty twenty. We will split the eighty. Also, it’s Miss Holiday. I'm not married.” She responded. 

That’s even better. Relief fell through my chest. Slightly that doesn’t mean she’s not dating. Him and by the way he just gripped the pencil in his hand it had to be just that. I pondered on the deal and came to a conclusion. “I’ll commit to the shares being seventy thirty.” Making my offer to her clearly. 

His jaw clenched at my offer. He knew not to speak though. Good boy. 

“However I think your partner may need a moment. How about we break for lunch then make your final decision.” I spoke standing up. 

“Just give me a second with my partner, it shouldn't take long.” She said, taking him outside the meeting area. While they were discussing my proposition I decided to see what I could do about this rumor. I opened my social media account. And chuckled. The first thing I see is a new report on my and Ariel's relationship status. The photo was of her kissing another person. The photo looks like the ones I received from Nate. The caption read ‘Ariel was cheating the entire time. New evidence shows California’s sweetheart was cheating the entire time. The Ice Queen is innocent.’ The social media account was TMZ. Of course, they had the photos. Which made me chuckle. I couldn't help it. I hate it got this far. Still, how was I still being called an Ice Queen? And she’s still being called a princess. Typical. Still, I have to make it seem that we were just hanging out. 

The two came back and he seemed to calm down a bit. I stood up again, looked at her and she stared back. “So do we have an agreement?” 

***

Finally, it was Thursday time for me to go. I signed the deal with Samara and her guy friend who she told me they weren’t together. And that the offer she presented before our meeting was still on the table. I gladly declined. It was too much for me. I fixed the situation and I didn’t want to have to break his face. Chad officially lost and he sighed and frowned the entire way there. I couldn’t help but laugh every time. 

“Oh yeah laugh at my pain Logan have a great laugh.” He joked with me. 

“To be honest I thought I’d be riding with Nate. I didn’t think you were going to lose.” I laughed with him. 

“I don’t know, I guess I wasn’t feeling it. But here I am. Anyway, why are we going this way? It’s going to take longer.” 

“Aye man I’m not driving you are. Don’t blame me. Regardless, I'm happy I’m leaving. I need a break.” 

“Yeah, a break from the women. Seriously Logan. How do you get all the chicks.”

I ran my hands through my hair. It was getting really long. “I don’t know if it's my charms or the fact I just signed a new deal that’ll take me over the millions to the billions.” I laughed but was serious. 

He laughed with me and shook his head. “What am I going to do with you man?” 

“Question is, what are you going to do without me? I’ll be gone for at least a month, maybe more.”

“So you’re not coming back for your birthday. You got to Logan.” He said pulling into the parking lot. Man, what’s wrong with everyone? Eighteen isn’t even a big deal. 

“Fine, I'll think about it. Let's just check my things in. It’s almost time for my flight.” I said. 

We walked towards the airport and of course, the airport was busy. I don’t own one well at least for now. I mean it’s California, it seems like people are rushing here as I’m rushing out. We checked in my bags for my first class trip. Grabbed my tickets and was on our way to the terminal when I heard her name. 

“Domino! We finally made it.” A voice said. I quickly stopped as I got to the gate. Immediately looking up searching for her. Domino? Where was she? I couldn’t see her. Chad stopped with me. “Hey, you good Logan?” I shook my head. I must be hearing things. I had heard her name. It’s been too long since I've even said it myself. Maybe my guilt running through my mind had finally gotten to me… I turned to Chad, “I’m fine just thought I heard something..” He reached out and hugged me. He was the hugging type just like Nate. I looked behind him and saw her. My body went cold because there she was...

“Slow down Alexis. I know you’re excited but you can’t leave me!” She said. Her voice was exactly what I remember but she grew up too along with me. Her eyes were the same shade of light brown. Her hair grew to be curly, long, wild, and free. Her smile was breathtaking. I couldn’t help but smile. Forgetting I was still holding onto Chad he coughed, snapping me out of the image of the angel In front of me. I let go and tried to look behind him to regain her back into my view but she was long gone. Still, I was sad but I knew I had something more like someone to come back to. I smiled. Guess I’ll be back sooner than I thought. “I’ll be going now, and stay away from the girl named Domino. She belongs to me” he looked confused. And just laughed. “They don’t all belong to you Logan.” 

I replied “No, but she does. And I’ll be back to get her. This time I promise.” I smiled and hopped on my plane.