Page 34 of Crazy in Love

“I would like to have a dinner party at the house, though I need to check with my son to see when he is free.” They both take a seat and Cathy pulls out a planner.

“And this dinner party is for?” I ask as David opens my calendar up on the screen.

“This is how much my children pay attention to me. It’s my annual charity event-”

“That’s in the summer. I have that date already booked in,” I tell her as I go to the month and show her.

So whatever plan she is cooking up for me and Cathy to be spending time together, it’s not going to work. I know very well my mother is not going to give up that easily with hooking us up.

“Vic and Rick want to start an annual charity event for cancer research, and I would like you to be there.” My mum gives me that look of disappointment, knowing I’m going to make an excuse not to be there. At the moment I don’t have one, but closer to the time, maybe something will pop up.

“What date do you have in mind?” I look over at David as he taps my shoulder and points to my phone.

Saylor - I’ve got a few things on. I’m not going to be able to see you today or tomorrow. Sorry.

I get a feeling she has more stress in her life than I do, but she’s not telling me what it is. I tried asking who she was fighting with, but she ignored the question and started talking about something else. After the night she was having, I didn’t want to push the subject, as she was finally relaxed.

Aiden - Can I call you later?

“We were thinking about the weekend after Easter, as everyone is away.” When my mum looks over at Cathy, I take a quick glance over to see if Saylor has messaged back. No.

“This is what we have thought of...” Cathy puts her planner on the desk. “Black tie event. I thought a casino, as it would be something a little different than the normal dinner parties.”

David leans in closer and starts looking at the planner with me. “Have you looked at the cost?” David asks.

It was my silent question, and that is why he is here. He can ask them, and my mother won’t think he’s being rude, but when I ask them, I’m going to get an earful. Now I know Vic and Rick have money, but not this much money. The start-up cost is going to be big.

“We have most of it. We just need some help asking for equipment.” I hear Cathy as David and I continue to flick through the planner.

“I can give you the number to a few party planners that I know.” Looking back up at them both watching me, I glance out at the staff, hoping one of them would by chance look into the office, so I can call them. Hoping it would give mum the message I have work to do.

I see Anika looking over and I wave her in before she looks the other way. “I’m sorry, but I need to get to work. If there is anything else you need, please just call me, and I will see what I can do.” I turn to Anika standing by the door.

“I can wait-”

“No, I need to talk about the different apps. Come in. My mother was just leaving.” I walk around my desk as they both look at me, but I keep my eyes on my mum.

“Aiden.”

“Mum, I have a company to run, not time to plan a party.” I regret the words the second they leave my mouth, and I hear David cough a little.

“I will be over tonight to talk.” And without a kiss on the cheek, she walks out of the office, and Cathy follows.

“Glaze the windows,” I tell David, as I know they will be looking back in my office to make sure that I’m working, and they do. Standing by the stairs, they both start talking as they look over at the office.

“Is there something you need, Mr. Kane?” Anika asks as I continue to watch them both, trying to see if I can pick up a few words, and I have to laugh when I do.

“No, I just needed a reason for them to leave.” I turn to her as they both leave. “I hope me starting the app didn’t confuse you,” I ask as I make my way to make some coffee.

“No way, the notes you’ve left are amazing, I’ve already learned so much from it.” Anika has an excited vibe. She reminds me of me when I was excited about making my first app. I like people like that, with a drive to be the best.

“Well, I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with it,” I tell her, and she gives me a smile. “I will let you get back.”

As she leaves, David walks in front of the desk. “So what did they say out there?”

“Nothing, Mum is going to call me to go over tonight, and Cathy will be there. That’s all I got.” Drinking my coffee, I wish I could have got more, but nothing, and I have already got a message from Mum telling me she will see me later, so this should be a fun day.

“You going?”

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