“I have the documents on the computer. I’ll be happy to share them with you later.”
“How much?” I asked again.
“I want to tell you not to worry about it.”
“But you won’t because you’ve encouraged me to be active in the running and operations of Wade.”
Van took a deep breath. “Three quarters of a million. An equal payment will come due in another sixty days if the lending institution isn’t satisfied with the profit-and-loss figures between now and then.”
I pulled away and paced to the windows and back. “No. First, I think we should stay here in our globe. And second, I was wrong to ask you to make that payment. My dad can find—”
Van seized my hand and brought me to a stop. “I’ve spoken with him. This is what’s best. My interest in Wade and pharmaceuticals in general has stirred up a few unexpected consequences. Right now, the main goal is to increase spending on the research for the new medication. Approvals take time, but first the CDC needs the data. Without trials there won’t be approval.”
My forehead fell to his chest. “I spent the day learning about you, working on things for your memoir, and I should be doing what I can for Wade.”
“Hey,” he said, lifting my chin, “you researched safe bondage techniques. That alone is worth what I’m spending on that payment.”
“How can I ever thank you or repay you?”
“We’re partners, Julia. Once we’re married, your parents’ shares will divert to you. Come with me to Chicago and address the board of directors. Take your rightful place.”
I inhaled, thinking about his words and wondering how I felt about doing as he said. Before I could come up with a reply, Van went on.
“I have twenty-six percent of the shares with the potential of more, although that’s looking less likely.”
“Why?”
Van shook his head. “I never lied to you. I promised I’d do what I could and I am. I wanted you to know that.” His smile grew. “Now let me watch the woman I love open these bags.”
Tears came to my eyes. “You love?”
“If you can’t tell that, you’re not paying attention, or I’ve done a shitty job showing it.”
I shook my head. “I-I think I love you too. I was reading about you and all that happened after the takeover and dissolution of Sherman Brothers.”
“If corporate intrigue increases your affection level, I promise there’s a lot more.”
My cheeks rose. “No, it’s not the intrigue; I found myself worried that you wouldn’t survive the court battles. I realized…I cared. You’re not some person in multiple articles, you’re you.” I laid my palm on his chest. “You’re the man I trust and—it may be too soon but—the man I love.”
“Who said love has a timetable? Don’t they talk about love at first sight?”
“I think most people would agree that particular emotion is more accurately defined as lust.”
Van’s fingers splayed on my back beneath the soft sweater. “Oh, I have that too.” His large hand came down with a slap on my covered ass. “Now, let’s look in some bags. Maybe we’ll find something for you to wear when you meet with Wade Pharmaceutical’s board of directors.”
My stomach twisted at the thought.
“Not the lace panties,” I said, hoping to lighten my mood.
“Not that they can see,” Van clarified.
Julia
Early Wednesday morning before the sun rose, Van and I arrived at a small private airport outside of Ashland. As Van parked his truck and I waited on the tarmac, I was struck with the insignia painted on the side of the Cessna.
Sherman and Madison appeared in large letters that from my vantage point, seemed to be at least six feet tall.
Despite the long wool coat covering my slacks and blouse, lined leather gloves, and boots, a chill ran through me. The sensation wasn’t associated with the sub-zero temperature or the wind swirling and blowing loose strands of hair around my face but from something within.
Around me, the small airport hummed with activity as sparse flurries danced in the beams of the tall lights. Workers called out to one another as other planes were tugged by small tractor-like contraptions from their hangars. Moments ago, I saw a person inside the plane with Van’s company’s name. The steps were down, giving me a view into the fuselage. The open door could be interpreted as a greeting and still I hesitated, my boots staying on the concrete as I remained momentarily transfixed by the insignia.
My face tilted, taking in the swirled letters. With each sighting of the name, I longed to learn more, wished that I didn’t care, and at the same time, feared what may come to light.
Van’s footsteps clipped along the tarmac seconds before he reached out, placing his gloved hand in the small of my back. The layers of clothing and outer garments muted the warmth of his touch, its presence only revealed in the pressure he applied.
“Why aren’t you in the plane?” he asked as he led me toward the steps.
Blinking away my focus on the words, I feigned a smile. “I was waiting for you. I don’t know anyone on the crew, and they don’t know me.”
Van pulled me close, his height and breadth protecting me from the cold wind as the shower-fresh scent surrounding him teased my senses.
“Stop worrying about Chicago,” he said before gesturing for me to lead as we ascended the small stairs.
I wanted to tell him that it wasn’t Chicago that was on my mind, but before I could utter the words, we were greeted by an older man in a pilot’s uniform.
“Mr. Sherman,” the man said with a nod of his head. Small lines formed around his eyes as he smiled, and gray peppered his otherwise-dark hair.
“Andrew,” Van began, “this is my fiancée, Julia McGrath. I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of her.” Van’s smile shone down at me. “Julia, this is Andrew, half of our five-star crew.”
I offered Andrew my hand as the meaning of Van’s introduction settled over me.
I am his fiancée.
Why then am I obsessing over the name Madison?
“Ms. McGrath, it’s a pleasure.” Andrew tilted his head toward the cockpit. “Let me introduce my wife, Ruth.”
A petite woman seated in the pilot’s seat turned, smiled, and waved. She too wore a uniform similar to Andrew’s. “Good morning. It won’t be long now.”
“Andrew and Ruth make the perfect crew,” Van explained. “They don’t mind when my travels entail staying in different places. They both worked for commercial airlines before coming to Sherman and Madison, and now they can travel together. We’re lucky to have them.”
I tried not to let my thoughts linger on how easily the name Madison flowed from Van’s lips. It’s simply a name.
Ruth spoke, pulling my attention her way. “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. McGrath.” She grinned. “Maybe you could talk Mr. Sherman into someplace more exotic and warmer than Chicago.”
The unease that I’d felt out on the tarmac faded with the friendly conversation. “I’ll work on that,” I said. “Chicago wasn’t my first choice either.”