Art of War (A Stern Family Saga Book 3) Read online

  “Daddy!” I scream from excitement, throwing myself on him. “I’ve missed you so much, Daddy, where have you been?”

  “Working, baby girl. You know that Daddy has to work. How has my girl been?”

  “I’m better now that you’re here. What did you bring me, Daddy?”

  Daddy and Mama laugh. “Now that’s my girl. Come see everything that I brought you.”

  Every time Daddy comes, he brings me so many things. I love it, but I wish he wouldn’t have to go away to buy me things. This time, he brings me the biggest dollhouse I’ve ever seen and two giant stuffed animals; one’s a tiger, and the other is a giraffe. Then he holds a small box behind his back.

  “Pick a hand, baby girl. If you pick the right one, you get the prize.”

  I stand still, trying to decide which hand to pick. Finally, I pick the right hand – and bingo, I was right, but then Daddy raises his other hand, showing me another small box.

  “You win, baby. Open the one you picked first, and then you can have the other one.”

  I sit down and open the pretty wrapping, then I lift the top of the box; it’s a pearl necklace. I look up to my dad because it’s beautiful, but it’s for a grown-up, not me, it’s so long.

  “I see that face. Let me tell you about this necklace. It was your grandmother’s, my mom. She used to always wear it and told me to give it to the girl who captures my heart. That’s you, baby girl. You are the only girl to hold my heart in your little hands. We’re going to give it to your mama so she can hold it for you till you’re old enough to wear it, okay? But don’t be sad, baby, Daddy got you something in your size.”

  He hands me the other box, and again I tear the pretty wrapping and lift the top of the jewelry box. It’s a beautiful pearl bracelet.

  “I love it, Daddy, so much.”

  I hug him tight, then he helps me put it on while my mom scolds him.

  “Murphy, you’re spoiling her.”

  “Nonsense! My baby girl is eight years old today, and she needs a little jewelry.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “Are you two ready for supper? I made reservations at our favorite restaurant, and I pre-ordered your birthday cake.”

  “Let’s go, Daddy, let’s go!”

  We had so much fun that night, eating and behaving like a family. I never wanted it to end.

  However, the next morning I wake up to find him already sneaking off.

  Moving my small legs as fast as I can, I run to him. “Daddy, please don’t go, please.” I start crying, begging him to stay.

  “Listen, baby girl, you know Daddy can’t stay. I’ll come back and bring you some more presents.”

  “I don’t want your presents! I want you to stay!”

  “I know, I wish I could, but I can’t. I have to work. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  I scream out, “NO!” I let him go and rip the pearl bracelet from my wrist. I watch as the pearls fly, all landing, bouncing on the floor everywhere. Then I run out of the room to my bedroom.

  A few minutes later, my mom comes into my bedroom and tries to console me. I push her away, yelling at her.

  “Why can’t you make him stay?”

  “Baby, it doesn’t work that way.”

  “Why, because he doesn’t love you? He loves me. Make him love you, Mom, make him. It’s all your fault he won’t stay!”

  My mom starts crying, which makes me feel even worse.

  “Don’t cry, Mama. I’m sorry.” I wrap my small arms around her neck. “Mama, I’m sorry, please don’t cry.”

  “Mama’s sorry, baby. You know Daddy really does love you. I wish I could make him stay for you, but I can’t.”

  We both cry together until we fall back to sleep in my princess bed.

  My thoughts come back to reality as I wipe a single tear from my cheek. I haven’t shed a tear for my memories of my father in a long time. I always found a way to blame my mother for his absence, but it wasn’t ever her fault, and it took me years to figure that out. My visits with my father remained that way until they stopped altogether.

  6

  Murphy

  Landing in New Orleans, we get our luggage and find the car my mom made arrangements for. The chauffeur holds up a sign saying ‘Cherry’s’. She must have put all the expenses on the club.

  Thank God the car service drove an SUV to pick us up because I don’t know who has more luggage, me or Kyle. He drives us to the Ritz-Carlton on Canal Street. It’s a beautiful hotel with old New Orleans appeal. We walk in and are immediately thrown into a very prestigious world. The Ritz is outrageously refined. With tall ceilings, wide open spaces and low hanging chandeliers. The white marble shines throughout. Looking around I notice there are also spas and an opulent lounge area.

  Kyle looks over everything and says, “Wow, your mom sure knows how to go all out.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  I stroll up to the check-in desk, and instead of giving my name, I tell them check-in for Cherry’s. Sure enough, I was right, she’s going to try to write everything off as a business expense.

  We’re escorted to our suite, and of course, again she went all out. Mom booked us in a double suite. We have an expansive living room with two separate bedrooms across from each other. The room is designed in dark rich colors, with heavy tapestries and damask material covering the furniture. We also have a great view of Canal Street below.

  Kyle spins around as I give the concierge his tip.

  “Damn, when Cherry does something, she does it right.”

  “I wish she would have scaled it down a little, but I guess since this is my first time here, she wanted me to truly enjoy it.”

  Kyle asks, “What do you want to do?”

  “I think I’m just going to relax tonight. I’m going to call Mark and let him know where we are. I’ll tell him to go ahead with setting up the meeting.”

  “Mark, huh? Tell me about this attorney. Is he good looking?”

  “Actually, he is. He must be in his thirties, and he’s tall with a little salt and pepper starting in his hair. He might be a little too clean cut for me, but I’ll see.”

  “What do you mean, you’ll see?”

  “He asked me out to dinner one night while I’m here.”

  “And why is this the first time I’m hearing about this?”

  “I don’t know, maybe because I’ve had a lot on my mind.”

  “Oh yeah, sorry,” Kyle says as he bows his head down.

  “Whatever. Look, let’s just order in after I call Mark.”

  “Sounds good. I’m tired, too.”

  “How are you tired, Kyle? You slept the whole way here.”

  “That was just my beauty rest.”

  Kyle spins again and walks into what I guess is now his bedroom. Kylie always picks first, and it’s usually the best of everything.

  I shake my head and sit down on the sofa with my phone to call Mark. He answers quickly.

  “Murphy, how are you?”

  “Hello, Mark, I’m fine. I just wanted to let you know that I’m staying at the Ritz-Carlton. I’d like for you to set up my meeting with my father tomorrow if you can. I’d like to leave and go back home as soon as possible.”

  “That should work. I can call you tomorrow with the definite plans. Do you need anything for now?”

  “No, thank you. I was just going to stay in tonight. I’m kind of tired.”

  “Of course, I understand. I hope you will consider my offer for dinner before you head home?”

  “We’ll see. Right now, I just want to get tomorrow over with.”

  “I understand. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  I hang up, wanting nothing more than a hot bath and supper. I yell at Kyle that I’m going to take a bath. I explore my room for a few minutes, admiring the southern charm. Then I walk to the huge bathroom, admiring it in all its glory as I start to run a hot bath. Once the tub is filled, I settle into it, trying to relax.

  Kyle come
s in the bathroom. “Hey Murph, what do you want to eat tonight? I brought the menu from the hotel’s restaurant. I was thinking we can try some real Cajun food.”

  “You do know my mom cooks real Cajun food?”

  “I know, Murphy. Don’t tell your mom, but she’s not the best cook.”

  I chuckle. “You’re right. Just order. I’m willing to try anything.”

  “Okay, girl, I got this, except I don’t know what most of this stuff is. I think I’ll call Cherry and spell most of these words out to her because I can’t pronounce them either.”

  “Kyle, why don’t you just call the restaurant and ask?”

  “Because they’ll think I’m stupid.”

  “And you’re not worried about my mom?”

  “No, Cherry already thinks I’m stupid.”

  With me shaking my head at him, he leaves me alone to finally relax.

  After my bath, I wash all my makeup off and put on the hotel’s luxurious robe. Heading to the living room, I see the busboy push in a cart with what looks like enough food for an army.

  “Kyle, what the hell did you order?”

  “Cherry said we should try everything, so I ordered almost everything, but I only ordered one per item.”

  “I don’t think Mom meant for us to try everything at one time.”

  “Whatever. What else are we going to do? Let’s binge!”

  I love Kyle. No matter how dreadful things get, he always finds a way to make me smile.

  Once we reveal all the food, I can’t contain my surprised reaction. “Oh my God, Kyle, where do we start?”

  “Well, I asked the restaurant if they could label everything I ordered, so let’s see what we got.”

  We were both so confused on how to pronounce some of the words, but we managed. We had a seafood platter, seafood gumbo, a crawfish etouffee, a redfish courtbouillon, a chicken and sausage jambalaya, a seafood bisque and a chicken fricassee.

  “I can’t eat any more, Kyle. I can’t breathe.”

  “I think I have to unbutton my pants, Murphy. I’m about to explode.”

  “I tell you what, Kyle, you were right when you said my mom can’t cook because her food tastes nothing like this. My god, it’s all so good.”

  “I know, we’ll just keep it our little secret.”

  I nod my head because I can’t speak any more, I’m so stuffed. We decide to watch a little television, then call it a night.

  7

  Murphy

  The next morning, I wake up to Mark calling. He tells me that I will be able to see my father at 2 o’clock this afternoon. He also says he’ll have a driver pick me up at the hotel around 1:30. With nothing left to discuss, we hang up. My nerves start getting bad, I’m so close to a panic attack. Kyle, who I didn’t even know was there, sees me starting to panic and runs to me.

  “Murph, breathe.”

  I know how to breathe, but it feels like I can’t catch my breath.

  “Murph, honey, you need to calm down. It’s all going to be okay, just breathe.”

  “I can’t! I can’t!”

  Next thing I know, Kyle slaps me across my face; well, that must have worked because I slap him back hard and start breathing.

  Rubbing the side of his face, he says, “Jesus, girl, I didn’t hit you that hard.”

  I still can’t talk, so Kyle grabs my shoulders and steers me toward the couch.

  “Sit, Murph.”

  I do and slowly start to relax. I look over to Kyle, who’s rubbing his face.

  “I’m sorry, Kyle, it was just a knee-jerk reaction.”

  “It’s all right, I shouldn’t have slapped you first. Damn, girl, I forgot how hard you hit back.”

  I whisper, “Thank you.”

  “Oh honey, come on, it’s okay. I have you. If you need to slap me again, you just go right ahead. I won’t hold it against you.”

  I start to laugh a little and then hug him as he rocks me back and forth.

  “Listen, Murph, I know you need to do this, but you can’t panic again, it’s not worth it. Plus, I know you; you won’t forgive yourself if you show any kind of weakness to those people. So, tell me, are you going to be okay?”

  He’s right, I can’t panic like this in front of them. I don’t show many people my emotions. I’ve only ever allowed my mom and Kyle to see me this way. That’s why most people think I’m a bitch, but I do it because I need to come off strong, not give anyone any signs of weakness.

  After a few minutes of Kyle holding me, I regain my composure and tell him, “I can do it, don’t worry. I think it helped that I broke down now instead of later. I just need to finish pulling myself together.”

  “If you’re sure, honey. Look, I’m going to go with you. I’m not going in his room but I’ll be there if you need anything, just yell for me.”

  I smile up at him, thanking God I have him with me. Just knowing he’s there will help me hold it together.

  I stand up. “So are you going to help me look beautiful today or what?”

  “That’s easy, let’s go.”

  I dress in a royal blue silk dress that looks like something straight out of the sixties. Very elegant with a straight across neckline and a tight-fitting pencil skirt. It beautifully shows all my curves but looks very classy. Kyle puts my hair in an updo. Needing a finishing touch, I reach for my jewelry bag and pull out my grandmother’s long pearls. Wrapping it twice around my neck, it still hangs low enough that the diamond and silver broach lays right over my bust line. I pair it with pearl earrings my father gave me a year later after the necklace. He claimed my grandmother was known for her pearls and I would be too.

  “Beautiful.”

  I smile up at Kyle staring at me in the mirror.

  “You look beautiful, Murph. Whatever goes on in that room, you walk in and out with your head held high, you hear me?”

  “Yeah, I hear you. Let’s go. I can’t think about it anymore. I just want to get it over with.”

  “Okay, hon, let’s go. Grab the red heels; you need a little flare.”

  Laughing, I grab my red heels and we walk out of the hotel room to go down to wait for the driver Mark ordered. Once in the lobby, I stumble on something my heel hit, and suddenly my arm is grabbed as I try to regain my balance. I look up, thinking it’s Kyle, who caught me before I made an ass out of myself by falling. But instead, my breath is once again halted by an extremely large man in a suit. He is probably the sexiest and most handsome man I’ve ever seen. He has the bluest eyes with strong features. His hair is dark, and he has a full-grown beard. He might be in a suit, but he looks rugged, like a real man should.

  He smiles deviously with his hand still on my arm and says, “Hello, Red.”

  “Huh?”

  I’m so scatterbrained that it takes me a second to realize he’s talking about my hair.

  I point. “My hair. Nice one. Thank you for catching me.”

  Blatantly ignoring Kyle on the side of me, he shrugs. “I’m thinking maybe I should follow you.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You know, in case you need me to catch you again. I’d be willing to help you out any time.”

  “Wow, you are a charmer.” I look down at my searing hot arm and tell him, “You can release me now. I think I have it from here, thanks.”

  He slowly removes his hand while he looks me straight in my eyes and says, “Any time, Red, any time.”

  I once again regain my posture and start to walk away from my gorgeous savior.

  Kyle follows, saying, “He’s still watching you.”

  “He’s not watching me, he’s watching my ass. There is a difference, you know.”

  “Whatever, he won’t stop looking. I think you should go back, that man is gorgeous. They don’t breed them like that in New Jersey.”

  “Maybe not, but I bet you his mentality is exactly the same. He’s a man.”

  “Hey, I take offense. I’m a man, too.”

  “Really, Kylie?”

 
; “Okay, fine, you made your point.”

  Once out the door of the lobby, we see the driver Mark said would be waiting. He opens the door for us after we make introductions.

  Sitting back in the car, the driver takes off, and now my mind keeps drifting to the handsome stranger.

  “I think he was rude.”

  Kyle, looking confused, says, “What?”

  “The guy. I think he was rude; he ignored you. He didn’t even seem to care if we were together.”

  Kyle laughs and says, “There was no reason for that hunk of a man to be worried about me.”

  “Why? He didn’t know that. You could have been my husband, and he was openly flirting with me in front of you.”

  “You just called me Kylie. I think he knew I wasn’t your husband.”

  “Maybe so, but he was still rude.”

  “I get it now. You’re trying to find something wrong with him.”

  “You’re crazy. Why would I do that?”

  “Because, Murph, it’s your M.O. You always do this when you find someone attractive. You look for any reason to disengage yourself from them.”

  “I do not!”

  “Yes, honey, you do. Every time you’re interested, you look for a way out. You must have really liked this guy.”

  “I don’t even know him.”

  “I know, but something was sparked because if not, you wouldn’t be already looking for something not to like.”

  “I’ll probably never see him again.”

  “You’re right, yet you can’t get him out of your head. Can you? I suggest that if you ever do see him again, you get him to knock them cobwebs away. They’re starting to affect your personality.”

  “Thanks, Kyle. I thought you were my friend.”

  “I am your friend, but honey, you need to get laid. Especially with everything going on with your father. You need someone to help release some of that tension for you. And I am your friend, but I’m not that kind of friend. I know I’m fine, but look elsewhere because your curves do nothing for me.”

  I crack up, laughing out loud. “If only you were. I would rock your world.”