Before the Wedding
I scroll through my emails while I sit in the back of the car, responding to some, forwarding others. The construction of Avec Amour is going to be the death of me. Each city inspection introduces more issues needing to be resolved. First it was an issue with the interior wall framing on the first floor, and this week, the wiring on the ninth floor needs to be redone before we can hang the drywall. I have to do an unannounced visit to the construction site and check-in with the general contractor. It’s costing us more money than Bradley initially projected in his budget analysis. It’s our first rodeo and we expected a couple bumps and bruises, so we have a contingency fund setup for extra incidentals, but this flipping punch to the gut was unexpected and will set us back three weeks.
The inspector refused to sign off on drywall being hung on the other floors until the electrical issue is fixed. These inspectors act as if we’re in the development business only for money and have no care if we complete a subpar building that collapses years later. No care for people’s lives, just the bottom line. Aside from the Mulligan name being linked as the architectural firm of the building, people are going to be calling this building home. I’m going to be calling this building home. I would love for there to be no major issues but that’s not the hand we have been dealt. Avec Amour is our flagship and we have many other projects to come, and it has to be a statement piece. Our reputation depends on the quality and style of the build.
After leaving Harvard, I shadowed Dad for a year and a half. I knew I’d become president of the Mulligan Group eventually, but unforeseen events fast tracked the inevitable. Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two weeks after the diagnosis, Dad informed me he would be stepping away from the day-to-day duties of the company. No matter the turbulent relationship I’ve had with Christine, she was still my mother. During Dad’s announcement of the organizational changes, my heart thumped like it was being beaten by a drummer. Excitement coursed through me at the challenge. My head jerked back when he informed the executive team I would not only be overseeing the New York office but the entire Mulligan Group, while he would remain as CEO for another three years before retiring.
With the many locations to call my home office, I chose New York. Over the years, the city grew on me. The fast pace, the diversity, even the stench. The city held me to its bosom, and wrapped itself around my soul.
Don’t fool yourself. It’s because Simone lives here.
I returned to my parents’ penthouse, unable to find a home that resonates with me, a home I can call my own. So, I am building one. Avec Amour will be my third designed building in the city. It’s my most prestigious build yet.
Last year Bradley, Parker, and I presented the idea of starting a development company under the Mulligan Group umbrella. Although I’m president of the company, the final decision and to avoid a conflict of interest rests with Dad. My breathing grew heavier as the days went by without a decision. We went about our daily duties while we waited. The plan was solid, and we were able to raise capital with the same prospectus we provided to him. Although we were able to raise capital through debt raising, we’re also personally investing a substantial amount of our own money in the company.
Between the three of us, we were confident we had the knowledge to build a successful business.
A month went by before we received the stamp of approval from Dad in the form of an email; The Island Construction would be a subsidiary of the Mulligan Group.
After reading the email, I spun around in my chair with a wide grin and pumping my fist in the air.
An extra layer of knots from the stress has been wrapped around my shoulder blades since we received the go ahead. I’ve been functioning on three to five hours of sleep per night running both companies.
Once Dad gave his approval, Bradley, Parker, and I hit the ground running. Bradley is appointed as CFO, dealing with all finances and investments, and Parker as COO, sharing the duties of overseeing the operations of the business and acquisitions. Lucky for me I don’t have to go too far between offices, since we leased the seventh and eighth floor in the same building as the Mulligan Group. We spent nights and weekends scouring over resumes; we interviewed a number of candidates to fill the twenty positions we had opened. I brought on Andrew Stillic, a friend I met while attending Harvard, to head the public relations/marketing department. Bradley and Parker chose their administrative assistants, they left it up to me to pick the rest of the team.
My cellphone rings. A smile comes to my face at the name shown on the screen.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Ryan.” It’s Monica.
Monica and I remained friends throughout the years. A few weeks after I walked away from Simone, I found myself back in Monica’s bed. It was the best place to bury my frustrations, not wanting to think about how my plot for revenge went off the rails.
What was I supposed to do, stew for months? Why should I sit in misery and allow Simone’s actions to affect every aspect of my life?
My relationship crumbled to dust but becoming president of Mulligan Group couldn’t fail. It was in the palm of my hand and I refused to let it pass through my fingers.
If I didn’t get lost between Monica thighs, I got lost in work. On a few occasions I went out to a few parties and dinners with my friends until I left for Harvard that August.
The distance didn’t stop Monica when I moved to Boston. She flew out to see me on weekends whenever she had time between jobs and casting calls. The sex has always sated me. Monica knows I would never commit to her, and we like our friendship just as it is.
I haven’t had a girlfriend since Simone and I broke up, but Monica has been in a few relationships. This last asshole was a doozy.
Monica was in a relationship with Liam Wesley—the biggest action movie star right now. She kept professing he was the one, until he fell in love with his co-star of his new flick and proposed.
Fucking asshole.
Worst part was Monica found out about it from one of the entertainment channels. The ass didn’t even have the decency to call or text her before the news flashed across every magazine and the television.
Now here she is back in my bed. I don’t mind; it works for me. It’s better than the random hookups. With running two companies, I don’t have time to cultivate a relationship and watch it blossom. I would need to water, do some pruning, definitely fertilization, but when it becomes too much work I let the weeds devour it.
“Have you left the office yet?” Monica asks.
“Yeah, I’m—” She cuts me off before I can finish my statement.
“I’m on my way to your apartment.”
“You can go up, but I won’t be there for an hour or so.”
“You going on a date?” Her voice cracks.
My head flinches back slightly at the sound of her voice. It’s as if she doesn’t like the thought of me going a date; which is ridiculous, we have an agreement.
“I’m meeting Craig and Tinea.”
“Oh, tell them I say hello and call me when you’re leaving.” Her alluring sound returns.
“Will do,” I reply ending the call.
It’s like she felt my need for release.
Perfect timing.
After another long day at the office, I walk into the restaurant to meet up with Craig and Tinea for a drink.
Over the past few years, as Craig and Tinea’s relationship grew, Tinea and I have formed a close friendship; she’s become an annoying little sister. Just like with any sibling, there are days you love them and others where they annoy the living hell out of you; especially when she needs something.
If she doesn’t get it, prepare for her wrath.
I rub my hand across my brow at the thought. I’ve learned over the years it’s best to say, yes.
Craig has to live with her. I feel sorry for the man when she doesn’t get what she wants.
Tinea does her best not to utter Simone’s name while in my presence. She did let it slip Simone is dating was Samuel Dixon, the point guard for the New York Jayhawks. For weeks after we broke up, the sound of her name made me cringe like I bit into old food, causing me to be ill. Now the sound of her name doesn’t cause pain in the back of my throat.
I feel nothing.
The car pulls in front of the restaurant, I open the back door not needing Bruce—my driver to open the door for me, and I walk over to the hostess.
“Mr. Mulligan,” Catherine, the hostess, greets.
Tinea, Craig, and I are well known to the establishment; we frequent it often. The Italian food they serve is to die for. There isn’t anything on the menu I haven’t eaten.
“Your party is here and waiting. This way, sir.” She turns to lead me to my table. I follow behind watching her ass in the tight black skirt swaying back and forth, tempting me to take a bite. A mischievous smile comes to my lips.
Down boy, you’ll get to feast tonight.
I see Craig and Tinea across the room, sitting close to each other, whispering and giggling with flirty smiles in their eyes. I admire their love, but at times I can’t stand being around them. Always touching, petting, and kissing each other.
Like what the fuck.
You’re just jealous.
I’m anything but; I get to bang the girl on the cover of this month’s American Vogue.
Upon my approach, Craig leans over and kisses Tinea.
“You two are corny as hell,” I greet them, then place a kiss on Tinea’s cheeks before sitting.
“Don’t be kissing my wife.”
“She isn’t your wife yet,” I point out. “She could come to her senses and run away.” I laugh.
“Wishful thinking, Mulligan.” Craig laughs. “When you put it down like I do, you never worry about your woman leaving.” He winks at Tinea.
Is that a dig? Simone didn’t leave because I couldn’t fuck her brains out. She left because she’s a conceited bitch. She thinks only of herself. Only Simone has feelings, no one else. Men don’t feel. We do fucking feel, but we can’t show it the way women do cause were expected to be strong.
Fucked up world standards.
“You’re hilarious.”
The waiter comes over and takes my drink order.
“Let’s add mozzarella sticks, potato focaccia rolls, and bruschetta with spring vegetables,” Tinea orders.
“Are you ready to order your main course?” The waiter asks.
“We’re still looking,” Craig answers.
“Okay, let me get your appetizers in. I’ll be back with your drink,” the waiter says to the table before walking away.
“Have you started planning the wedding yet?” I ask Tinea as she sips on her drink through strawberry-red lips.
She nods and puts her glass down. “That’s why we asked you here.”
“What you want us to be a throuple?” I smirk.
“Do you not enjoy the air you breathe?” Craig sneers.
“So touchy.” I laugh.
Tinea snickers, looking sideways as she brings her drink back to her lips.
“The reason we wanted to meet up is, I would love for you to be my best man,” Craig says.
“Of course, I’m honored you asked.” Craig and I bump fists then I stand to give him a man hug, patting him on the back. I sit back in the chair. “You’re sure you don’t want to ask one of your brothers?” Craig has three brothers he’s very close with. I don’t want them to be upset that one of them weren’t chosen.
“No, dude, you’re my best friend. Besides if I choose one brother the other is going to be mad. It’s better this way.”
“I have to get Lisa to help me plan your bachelor’s party,” I say, a smile dance on my lips.
“If he’s going to have strippers I need to know, then I’ll make sure I have strippers at mine.”
“Ryan, I don’t want any strippers.” Craig’s brows snap together.
“What?” I give him a puzzled look.
“Why not?” Tinea rolls her eyes.
“Woman!” Craig growls.
Tinea snickers behind her hand. I always thought Tinea would run all over Craig, but he’s tamed the lioness.
We begin talking about the issues Craig is having at the investment firm he works at. He’s one of their top producers and is eyeing a promotion to become a fund manager.
“If I get this position I’ll be making the big bucks.” Craig beams.
He’s already making bank. He has a medium size portfolio over a hundred million. Craig graduated Summa Cum Laude, and I didn’t hesitate when I made the decision and gave him fifteen percent of my net worth to manage. The account has grown...
Wait a fucking minute?
It’s as if I suddenly have static in my clothes, and there’s a zap to my brain.
“Who’s going to be the maid of honor?”
“Simone,” Tinea says as she sheepishly looks away.
I’m left speechless. My mind spins as if I just came off a fair ride.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I bark. I look between Craig and Tinea. Craig is my friend, or so I thought. Why the hell would he think this is a good decision is beyond me. Are they trying to play matchmaker? Simone and I have been down this road twice. I’ve accepted we aren’t meant to be.
That’s not a road I’m willing to travel down again. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, this would be the third time and I’m not a fucking jackass.
“Listen, I know you and Simone share a difficult past, but the past is the past.” Craig squints. He lets out a breath. “Simone is Tinea’s best friend since they were in middle school, and you are mine. It does put you in an uncomfortable situation and I realize that.”
“Do you?” I huff. Of course, it’s an uncomfortable situation. The more I sit and stew on it, the more I think it would be best if he chose one of his brothers. “I will have to walk her down the aisle, and that’s not something I’m prepared to do. Although I am honored you would want me for your best man, one of your brothers would be a better choice.”
“Come on man,” Craig whines. “Don’t do this to me.”
Tinea stares at me, and her brow furrows. Thoughts are clearly running through that cunning mind of hers. She’s a great saleswoman. Top realtor in the city, but she can’t sell me on this bullshit.
“You were friends before you became lovers.” Tinea cocks her head to the side. “It’s not like we’re asking for much. Come on, Ryan… Are you trying to ruin my wedding?” Tears build in her eyes.
Craig looks away laughing, knowing the tears in Tinea’s eyes are meaningless.
No, she isn’t trying to guilt me into doing this.
Yeah, there is the annoying little sister tactic she is going to pull. Whining and moaning until I give in. I fold my arms and sit back in the chair, waiting to hear all the crap she’s going to try to throw my way.
“Why are you doing this to Craig? He’s so excited to have you as his best man. Now you’re going to do this?” Her bottom lip trembles. “Steal my man’s joy. Can’t you just put your feelings aside for a couple of hours? Besides Samuel will be attending the wedding with her and you will bring a date.”
Oh, the fucking boyfriend is going to be there.
She’s going to flaunt her relationship in front of me. I cannot believe Simone would even agree to this.
“Does she know I’ll be the best man?”
Tinea bites down on her bottom lip and looks down at the table, refusing to meet my eyes.
Fucking hell.
“You haven’t told her.” I chuckle and shake my head.
“Ryan, I need you to do me a solid.” Craig smiles at me. “I love my brothers, but I can’t hear them complain about me picking one over the other for the rest of my life.”
My jaw tightens as I look between them. They both mean a lot to me, and this is important to them.
You know you’re going to say yes.
“Let me think about it, I’ll give you an answer tomorrow.”
“Fine.” They answer me in unison.
This is going to be fucking hell.
I walk into my apartment to the sound of Anita Baker echoing throughout the first floor. Shaking my head, I stroll into the living room, my gaze turns left to see Monica sitting on my kitchen countertop in an outfit my dad would have a heart attack if he saw. Thank goodness he’s not the type of parent who stops by unannounced. She’s crouched down with her legs wide opened in a crotchless, leather bondage outfit and her face covered in a cat woman mask.
Monica lifts her hand and brings her hand down cracking a long black whip.
Kitty wants to purr.
My tongue runs across my lips.
“I told you I’m never going to let you hit me with that.” I point to the whip.
“Oh, come on, Ryan. Let’s try the whip, one time.”
I stretch forth my hand. “Give it to me. I’ll use it on you.”
“Fuck, no. I want to be the dominant.” She hides the whip behind her back.
A deep laugh leaves me. “And I’m supposed to be the submissive.” I point to my chest. “Do I seem like a man who submits?” My voice rumbles.
“No, Daddy. You’re the type of man that makes me regret leaving your bed,” she purrs.
Damn, right. The corner of my mouth lifts into a smile.
“Join me upstairs.” I trudge up two flights of stairs to my room, then into my bathroom, where I strip out of my clothes. I reach into the shower and turn on the faucet, then walk into the shower and stand directly under the shower head. The hot water rains down my head as if I were standing outside during thunderstorms, and the jets loosen the knots in my shoulders.
I entered my house with a supermodel sitting on my countertop top basically naked and my mind is on Simone instead of the beautiful gazelle. As the hot water beats against my skin, I massage the back of my neck and twist my head from side to side.
A gush of cold air enters the shower as the door slides open. I look up under my lashes watching Monica as she steps into the shower. My legs widen as she drops to her knees still dressed in her outfit.
Monica’s naked form bends and she picks up her red and white striped shirt from the chaise in the corner. She puts her hands through the sleeves and watches me as she buttons it up. She raises a brow, considering whatever is on her mind.
“Where the hell are my panties?” She spins in a circle searching the wooden floor.
I shrug as I watch her walk to the other side of my bedroom.
She bends again, then brings her hand up waving the black lace in the air. “Found you.” She giggles as she shimmies into them.
“You were off tonight,” Monica says, sitting on the edge of my bed as she slips her feet back into her heels. She glances over her shoulder and sees my creased forehead.
I lay in bed with the sheet around my waist. My face twists into a scowl. Didn’t I just give you two orgasms and you’re complaining?
Was I off? I shake my head. Her screams being echoed throughout my bedroom, don’t reflect her afterthought.
Monica holds up her hand as she shifts her body sideways and looks into my forest green eyes. “Don’t get me wrong, the sex was great, but it lacked the normal intensity.” She shrugs. “You were here, but not in the moment.”
Should I be offended? Do I need to strip her naked and reddened her ass?
“Do you want to talk about it? I know work keeps you busy and you hardly get any sleep. When’s the last time you got out and had some fun?”
I rub my hand down my face. “You’re fucking insulting me. If you want to be fucked again, all you have to do is ask.” My mouth curls into a smirk.
The responsibility I have has caused my shoulders to slump, heavy with the burden of maintaining and growing the company my dad built along with building The Island. It’s a challenge I welcome and I’m willing to sacrifice a good night’s sleep to achieve success.
My mind drifts back to my conversation earlier tonight with Craig and Tinea. Craig is my friend and Simone is Tinea’s. Simone being Tinea’s maid of honor was the obvious. I knew I would see her at the wedding. I prepared myself for that. What I didn’t prepare myself for is to be the one walking her down the aisle.
“It’s okay, a lot of work to deal with.” My hands trail across my brow.
“Well maybe when you come to Paris, we can go out have some fun and you can get a good night’s rest.”
“Sure.”
She stands and walks to the side of the bed where I lay and places a quick kiss on my lips. “Until next time, lover boy.”
As she turns to walk away, I bring my hand down on her ass. Monica looks over her shoulder and winks.