The Morretti Millionaires

Chapter 3

“Mom, can Dad come over for dinner?”

Absolutely not! Jariah thought, opening the fridge and taking out the Tupperware container filled with last night’s leftovers. The less time she spent with her ex the better, so inviting Wesley over to break bread after another stressful day of job interviews was definitely out of the question. “Not tonight, baby.”

“But I haven’t seen Daddy since my birthday party.”

Hearing the anguish in her daughter’s voice made her heart ache, but Jariah couldn’t tell Ava the real reason her father wasn’t coming around anymore. He was still trying to get back at her for breaking up with him, but the only person he was hurting was their daughter. “Your dad is busy at work, but he’s always thinking about you, Ava, even when you’re apart.”

Ava sat at the kitchen table, playing with her stuffed animals, and when she poked out her bottom lip she looked just like her father. “I miss Daddy so much,” she said. “He buys me ice cream and games and always tells me funny stories...”

Like most children, Ava adored her father and could go on for hours about how wonderful he was. Jariah wasn’t in the mood to talk about Wesley, but she let her baby girl talk, and resisted the urge to change the subject. Her ex was a decent father who spoiled their daughter silly, but he was a terrible boyfriend and a selfish lover. Considering how inept he was in the bedroom, it’s a miracle we ever got pregnant.

Jariah’s gaze drifted to the window above the sink. Birds chirped in the trees, girls played jump rope in the streets and the neighborhood watchdog, Mr. Regula, stood in his driveway, buffing his Cadillac to a shine. Aventura was a safe, caring community, filled with hardworking people, and Jariah enjoyed living in such a diverse, multi-cultural neighborhood.

“Mom, can we go to Chuck E. Cheese’s tomorrow?” Ava asked, glancing up from her toys.

Jariah popped the leftovers in the microwave and set the timer for two minutes. “You have day camp tomorrow, remember?”

“I hate summer camp. It’s boring and the kids are mean.”

“Still not getting along with the other girls, huh?”

Her lips twisted into a scowl. “Laquinta called me a boo-boo head and pulled my braids.”

“La who?”

When Ava giggled, her pigtails tumbled around her pretty, plump face.

“It doesn’t matter what anyone says. You’re beautiful.”

“Just like you, right, Mama?”

“That’s right, and don’t you forget it.” Jariah walked over to the table, cupped her daughter’s chin and kissed the tip of her nose. “Put your toys away. It’s time for dinner.”

“Are we having pizza? I hope so. I just love cheese pizza.”

“I’ll make you pizza this weekend, but tonight we’re having veggie casserole.”

“Again? But we had that yesterday.”

Overlooking her daughter’s disappointment, Jariah opened the stove and heaved the casserole dish onto the counter.

“When I’m at Dad’s house he lets me eat whatever I want,” Ava announced. Marching over to the pantry, she tugged open the door and rummaged around inside. “I don’t want leftovers. I want Froot Loops and chocolate chip cookies.”

“Ava, cut it out. You’re going to eat what I made for dinner and that’s final.”

“Why?” she demanded, her voice a shrill shout. “Why can’t I eat what I want?”

“Because eating junk food will give you a tummy ache, and I don’t want you to get sick.”

“You always say no. You never give me what I want.”

Feeling her temperature rise, Jariah cautioned herself to remain calm. Instead of scolding Ava for acting like a spoiled brat, she picked up the stuffed animals scattered on the table, and handed them to her daughter. “These need to go back to your room.”

“I hate it here,” Ava shouted. “I wish I lived with Daddy!”

Of course you do, Jariah thought sourly. Your dad gives you whatever you want, and there are no rules at his house. It’s one big party over there! Releasing a deep sigh, she fought back the tears of frustration that threatened to break free. Ava’s words hurt, made her question whether or not she was a good mother. Before self-pity could set in, Jariah shook off her thoughts and regarded her strong-willed daughter. “You can sit down at the table and eat dinner with me, or you can go to your room. It’s your choice.”

Ava stood there for a minute, her big, brown eyes narrowed as if weighing her options. Without a word, she took the toys out of Jariah’s hands and moped down the hallway toward the stairwell. Her head was down, her shoulders were bent, and she moved like someone racked with grief.

Sadness flooded Jariah’s heart. She felt a tightness in her chest that made it hard to breathe. It hurt to see her daughter like this, but what could she do? It wasn’t her fault Ava hadn’t seen her dad in a month, was it? These days, Wesley’s visits were short and sporadic and more often than not he didn’t show up at all. Should I take him back? Should I move in with him for Ava’s sake? Is that the answer to all of my problems?

Chasing away the thought, Jariah returned to the stove and resumed preparing dinner. Taking Wesley back would be a mistake. He didn’t love her—not the way she needed to be loved—and more importantly she didn’t love him. Years ago, when they’d started dating at Miami University she’d naively thought Wesley was “the one.” But after discovering she was pregnant, she’d seen a different side of him—a weak, spineless side that chose his parents repeatedly over her. And after years of playing second fiddle to his family, Jariah realized Wesley was never going to change, and broke things off for good. Contrary to what he thought, she deserved more, and didn’t need him or anyone else to take care of her.

Hearing her cell phone ring, Jariah searched the kitchen for her BlackBerry. Spotting it on the breakfast bar, she scooped it up and read the number on the display. Luckily, it wasn’t Wesley or his obnoxious mother. Jariah didn’t recognize the number on the screen, but as she put her cell phone to her ear, she hoped and prayed it was someone calling to offer her a job. “Hello, Jariah Brooks speaking.”

“Good evening, Jariah. This is Nicco Morretti. How are you?”

The sound of his deep, smooth voice tickled the tips of her ears.

“I’m great, thanks.” Jariah knew why Nicco Morretti was calling, and for the first time since losing her job last month, she smiled from ear to ear. Excitement surged through her veins, hard and fast. Jariah wanted to dance around the kitchen, but she maintained her composure.

“I hope I haven’t caught you at a bad time.”

“No, not at all,” she rushed to say. “I’m not doing anything. Now’s a great time to talk.”

“I’d like to discuss a business proposition with you.”

Confused, Jariah scratched her head. A business proposition? Frowning, she stared down incredulously at the phone. Did I get the account manager position or not? she wondered, leaning against the granite countertop. “I’m sorry, Mr. Morretti, but I’m afraid I don’t understand. What is this pertaining to?”

“I’d rather not discuss it over the phone.”

Discuss what? I have no clue what you’re talking about!

“Let’s meet at Dolce Vita for drinks at eight o’clock.”

“Tonight?”

“Yes, is that a problem?”

“Mom, look, I washed my hands with soap!” Ava stood beside the pantry door, waving her hands frantically in the air, hopping up and down as if she was on a pogo stick. “Can I have some cookies now?”

To quiet her daughter, Jariah pressed a finger to her lips, and steered her over to the table. “Is it okay if I call you back in an hour? I’m kind of in the middle of something.”

“That’s no problem at all,” he said, his tone calm. “I’ll talk to you then.”

Jariah hung up and rested her phone on the kitchen counter. What was that all about? she wondered. What is Nicco Morretti up to? As Jariah fixed Ava a plate, she replayed her conversation with the cocky CEO in her head, trying to figure out if she’d missed something. But there was nothing to miss. Their conversation had been brief, and he’d been vague and mysterious throughout. The only way to find out what Nicco Morretti wanted was to meet him tonight at his restaurant, but first she had to find a babysitter.

Once Ava was eating dinner, Jariah slipped out of the kitchen and went into her bedroom. It was times like this that Jariah wished she could talk to her parents. She longed to hear her mother’s voice and her father’s booming laugh, but she knew they would never take her call. They had cut her out of their lives, and their bitter rejection still stung months later.

Ignoring the heaviness in her chest, Jariah flopped down on the bed, punched in her neighbor’s phone number and waited anxiously for the call to connect. Cousins, Sadie and Felicia Robinson were good old-fashioned country girls, and Jariah loved hanging out with them. And so did her daughter. The cousins fussed over her, snuck her junk food when they thought Jariah wasn’t looking, and gave Ava free reign of their town house.

“Hey, Sadie, how are you?” Jariah asked, greeting the thirty-five-year-old boutique owner with the fun-loving personality.

“I’m great. I was just about to make dinner. How is my sweet little honey pie doing?”

“Ava’s fine, giving me sass and attitude as usual.”

“Good for her!” Sadie cheered. “She needs to stand up for herself. You’re way too strict.”

“I have to be. Her dad is a total pushover,” Jariah explained, feeling compelled to defend herself. “Ava throws a fit and he caves like a house of cards!”

The women laughed.

“Is Felicia still at work?” Jariah asked.

“No, she has a date.”

“Another one? That’s the third one this week and it’s only Tuesday!”

“I know, tell me about it,” Sadie quipped, her voice losing its cheer. “And the guy who picked her up tonight was a total hottie. Was driving a sports car and everything.”

“You sound jealous.”

“Why would I be jealous? I have a date, too.”

“You do? With who?”

“The remote control!” Sadie giggled. “Dating in the City starts in fifteen minutes, and I can’t wait to see what happens between Nelson Hamilton and the chick from...”

Jariah checked the time on the digital alarm clock, saw that it was almost six o’clock, and knew she had to rush things along. “Sadie, I need a favor,” she began, clearing her throat. “Can you babysit Ava for me tonight? I know its short notice, but the CEO of Morretti Incorporated just called and asked me to meet him for drinks.”

“No problem, girl. I’ll be right over.”

“There’s no rush. I don’t need to leave for another hour.”

“I know,” she said, “but I can smell your cooking all the way over here, and I’m hungrier than a plus-sized model on a no-carb diet!”

* * *

Jariah glanced at her wristwatch, and then tossed a look over her shoulder for the third time since arriving at Dolce Vita. When she’d entered the ritzy restaurant lounge and informed the hostess that she was meeting Nicco Morretti, the freckled brunette had greeted her warmly and escorted her to a secluded table in front of the picture window.

To pass the time, Jariah logged on to the internet and resumed reading an article she’d found that afternoon about Morretti Inc. Thanks to the magazine, she knew tons of information about the company and it’s handsome CEO with the bold personality. Knowing the good, the bad and the ugly about Nicco Morretti made Jariah feel prepared and more confident about meeting him for drinks at his downtown restaurant.

A rich, heady aroma sweetened the air. A waitress sashayed through the lounge pushing a dessert cart, and Jariah hungrily licked her lips. A loud cheer went up from the table behind her, but she didn’t pay the group any mind.

Dolce Vita was large, boisterous and busy, but the candle-lit tables, Italian marble and sable-brown decor created an intimate vibe. The restaurant lounge was the perfect setting for a romantic date, or a surprise marriage proposal, and as Jariah sat there, bored out of her mind, she reflected on the pitiful state of her love life. Is Wesley right? Am I going to regret dumping him one day and beg him to take me back?

Banishing the thought to the furthest corner of her mind, Jariah picked up her cocktail glass and slowly sipped through her straw. She longed to have someone special in her life, a man who would love her unconditionally. As she glanced around the room and saw all the starry-eyed couples toasting with wine flutes held high, she felt a stab of envy. Am I ever going to meet Mr. Right? Or am I destined to spend my nights alone with no one to keep me company but my daughter and my girlfriends?

Her thoughts turned to her parents, but instead of pushing her memories aside, she dialed their home number. As usual, the answering machine clicked on, and when it did, she took a deep breath and mustered all the cheer she had inside her. “Hi, Mom, and Dad, it’s me, Jariah. I was just thinking about you, and wanted you to know that Ava and I miss you very much. We’d love to hear from you, so please give us a call. Bye.”

Jariah pressed the end button on her phone and dropped it back into her purse.

“Can I interest you in another pineapple martini?”

“No, just the bill, thank you.”

The waiter’s eyes were wide with alarm, but he nodded and scurried off. He was back seconds later with the hostess in tow, fidgeting nervously with his hands.

“I just got off the phone with Mr. Morretti, and he asked me to apologize on his behalf,” the hostess said, her tone contrite. “Can I get you another beverage while you wait?”

“No, thank you. I’d like the bill.”

“The bill?” she repeated. “But Mr. Morretti is on his way.”

“That’s all fine and well, but he’s already wasted enough of my time tonight.” Jariah checked her watch, saw that it was eight-thirty, and stood to her feet. Cuddling in bed, reading with her daughter was the highlight of her day, and if she hurried she could still make it home in time to put Ava to bed. “The check, please.”

“It’s on the house.”

“On the house?” Jariah frowned, confused by the hostess’s words. “Why?”

“Because you’re a personal guest of the owner.”

Oh, of course. I bet all of his female guests eat for free.

“Thank you. Good night.” Jariah tucked her black clutch bag under her arm. Walking through the lounge, she noted that every table was filled and that patrons were smiling, chatting and laughing. The waiting area was jam-packed, and as she strode past the aquarium, several men wearing wedding bands winked at her. Jariah rolled her eyes and kept on moving. Getting involved with a married man was asking for trouble, and Jariah avoided drama at all costs.

The evening air was thick and held the scent of rain. Where had the summer gone? Jariah wondered, striding through the restaurant parking lot. In a few short weeks, Ava would be back in school, and she’d be...

Jariah shuddered to think what she’d do if she still didn’t have a job. Her car needed repairs, and Ava needed back-to-school clothes and supplies. If she didn’t land an accounting position soon she’d have to stop doing all the things she loved—like taking Ava to the amusement park, sponsoring children in need and going for cocktails with her girlfriends.

“Jariah, wait up!”

Searching the parking lot for the face that matched that deep, husky voice, she slowed her pace and narrowed her eyes. And when her gaze landed on Nicco Morretti— looking all kinds of sexy in his fitted blue shirt and jeans, her feet froze to the ground.

Standing there with her heart pounding and her limbs shaking, Jariah decided that it should be a crime for a man to be that good-looking. A sin, actually, because all the thoughts that flooded her brain involved handcuffs, a blindfold and whip cream. The restaurateur oozed an intoxicating blend of masculinity and sensuality, and he moved like a tiger prowling the jungle.

“Good evening, Jariah. It’s great to see you again.”

Nicco stopped, just inches away from her face, and when Jariah got a whiff of his cologne her heart murmured inside her chest. The sexy CEO made her hyperventilate—his gaze was so powerful she felt vulnerable and exposed. Jariah hated the effect Nicco Morretti had on her, and wondered how she could be attracted to a guy who’d hit on anything with a pulse.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” His voice was low, and he appeared apologetic. “Something important came up as I was leaving the office, and I couldn’t get away.”

Jariah didn’t believe his story, not for a second, but she didn’t question him. Why bother? He’d only lie, and besides, it didn’t matter why he was late because she was leaving. Remembering their earlier conversation gave Jariah pause. She forced a sympathetic smile. “What did you want to discuss?”

“Not out here. Let’s head back inside Dolce Vita.”

“I was just leaving.”

He cocked his head to the right. “I see that.”

Jariah detected a hint of anger in his voice, and wondered what that was all about. If anyone should be upset it should be me. You’re thirty minutes late! Confused by his reaction, she looked at him inquiringly.

“I invited you here so we could have a bite, and maybe get something—”

“I’m not hungry,” she interrupted, annoyed by his blasé attitude. “I lost my appetite about thirty minutes ago.”

“Then let me buy you a drink.”

The feel of his hand along her bare shoulder weakened her resolve.

“I feel terrible for showing up late, but something came up that required my immediate attention,” he explained. “I got here as soon as I could.”

His explanation sounded plausible, reasonable even, but Jariah wasn’t moved. Unsure of what to do, she vacillated between going home to her daughter and taking Nicco Morretti up on his offer. This isn’t a date, she told herself, pushing her reservations to the back of her mind. It’s a business meeting and nothing more. I don’t even like the guy. But her tingling, inflamed body suggested otherwise. Her heartbeat roared in her ears, invisible beads of perspiration dotted her forehead and her sleeveless blouse stuck to her skin.

“Come back inside. I promise to make it worth your while.”

To Jariah’s utter disbelief and amazement, the word “yes” flew out of her mouth.

“Right this way.” Nicco gestured to the restaurant with one hand and placed the other on the small of her back. “You look incredible tonight. Even more beautiful than I remember.”

I do? The tips of her ears tingled, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Commanding her legs to move and her hands to quit shaking, Jariah tried not to notice how dreamy Nicco Morretti looked or how delicious he smelled. Even though she was attracted to him, Jariah was determined not to be his next victim.

Tell that to your hot, lust-inflected body! her inner voice jeered. You want Nicco Morretti so bad you can’t even walk straight!

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