Chapter 23 – Mordecai Fainted

Mordecai wasn’t kidding when he said that the place is hard to leave. We stayed there for a few days. We talked, ate, took joint showers and made love for most of the time, until we decided to finally join civilization.

It was now the day before his birthday and I was going certifiably mad.

“Gorgeous, these stress levels aren’t good for you,” he commented as he wrapped his arms around me.

“I need to get everything finished in time, and I already have everyone doing something. You can’t help me because you’re not supposed to know anything,” I grumbled. It was four in the afternoon.

“Only because you don’t want me to know,” he pointed out.

I rolled my eyes. “Thank you Captain Obvious.”

“What can I help with? I really hate seeing you like this,” he stated.

“Well, I guess you could go and fetch the helium and balloons, but you’re not allowed to open them,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him.

He chuckled. “I promise I won’t.”

“I might as well go and fetch your cake,” I said as we both grabbed our car keys. He was now fully healed and capable of walking without the cane or a limp.

“Please stress less? I trust that you’ll get everything done,” he encouraged.

“That’s one of us,” I mumbled as we reached the garage. I squeaked as he pulled me in for an earth shattering kiss.

“I love you gorgeous,” he smiled.

I’ll never get tired of hearing that.

I blushed. “I love you too baby.”

“Now, get your sexy ass out of here and go save the day,” he said as he spanked my butt.

“Charming,” I giggled.

“You know it,” he winked before putting on his sunglasses and getting into his Maserati. He’d replaced it after the accident a few weeks ago.

I watched him drive away, thinking to myself how lucky I am to have him in my life, to have him love me. With that thought in mind, I smiled as I got into the Range Rover we first took to my apartment. It seemed like such a long time ago.

I drove out and headed to the suit store first. While I told Mordecai that I was going to fetch his cake, I was actually going to fetch a whole lot of things. His suit, watch, shoes, cake, a sculpture and some gifts had to be picked up, and I had two hours to do so.

Luckily the suit, shoes and watch were all at the same place and ready for me when I arrived. The people there had really been a great help. On my way to get the cake, I noticed a familiar car following behind me. When I reached the bakery, it parked behind me.

“You’re seriously going to walk away like you don’t see me?” she spat.

“I have no time for you Mendel, especially today,” I said as I walked into the bakery.

“You think I’m just going to let you get away with what you’ve done? I lost that award because of you!” she accused.

“Hi! I’m here to pick up my order. I’m Beverly,” I said to the cashier. She smiled and told the person at the back to get the cake for me. I’d also ordered six hundred cupcakes.

“I’m not going to apologize if that’s what you’re looking for Mendel. I had nothing to do with the fact that you trusted Judith with your career,” I told her.

“You ruined my life you stupid bitch! Mordecai was supposed to be mine!” she said a little loudly, drawing attention to us. Realization seemed to dawn on a lot of the people’s faces.

“Look Mendel, Mordecai and I are happy and I’d really appreciate it if you would not ruin that for us. I’m sorry about your career, and I wish you the best of luck, but that’s all you’re getting from me,” I told her as the workers returned with my orders.

They told me that they’d help me carry everything to the car, so I led them to it and opened the back. They gently placed everything in order, and just after they’d gone inside the bakery, I was bombarded by cameras.

“Beverly! Would you shed some light on your relationship with Mordecai?”

“Beverly, who are you wearing right now?”

“Beverly, why were you at the bakery?”

“Beverly, is it true that you and Mendel are mortal enemies now?”

“Beverly, are you living with Mordecai now?”

“Beverly, what do you have to say about your boyfriend being dropped from the most anticipated movie of the year?”

Beverly!

I have never hated my name as much as I did at that moment. I ignored all of them and got into the car, grateful that I’d actually made an effort with my outfit. Ever since the live stream, I have to watch how I dress and act in public, which is the price I pay for being associated with Mordecai.

My next stops were to a charity organisation that wanted to gift Mordecai with an award of some sort, the sculpture, gifts from Mordecai’s fans (which Whitney had set up and run in secret), and lastly the hospital.

“Beverly,” Alex called me on my way to my friends.

Seriously?

“Look Alex, I don’t have time for whatever this is,” I said as I continued walking. He only followed me.

“I wanted to apologize. You were right in that it’s your life and if you want to be with Mordecai, then I can only fight for you harder,” he said.

“That’s not apologizing,” I pointed out.

“I know. I just actually wanted you to know that I’m not going to give up fighting for you,” he said.

I scowled. “Alex, I love him and I’m happy. Why can’t you just let it be?”

“Because you’re my soul mate,” he said before walking away.

“Crazy man,” I mumbled before heading upstairs.

As expected, my friends delivered on everything they said they would, and so did Tia, who I met up with at the hospital as well. I was confident that everything was coming together. I just had to go and check in on the venue, and then make a couple of calls before I was done for the day.

I headed to my parent’s house to check up on things. That’s where we were hosting the party because we obviously didn’t want to cause havoc at our house. I still hadn’t told them about my father and the fact that I was in contact with him again.

“Darling! Good, you’re here! I need you to come and check this table setting,” mom said when I walked through the door. There were people everywhere, preparing for tomorrow.

“What’s wrong with it?” I asked as I followed her.

“Nothing! I just need your opinion on something,” she replied.

It turned out that what she needed an opinion on was the serviette setting. She can be quite the dramatic one. I walked around the house, overseeing everything. When Dr Dickson walked through the door, I grabbed him before anyone else could.

“Pumpkin, what’s going on?” he asked.

“I really need to talk to you and mom right now,” I told him as we found her. I took her hand too and led them to dad’s study. They sat down and looked at me worriedly.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” she asked.

“I’m not going to beat about the bush on this. I called my biological father a couple of days ago. Initially it was to get him to help me with Mordecai, but then we mended our relationship, so he’s back in my life. He’s coming tomorrow, and I just wanted you guys to know,” I told them.

“That’s wonderful sweetheart, but who is he if he could help you with Mordecai?” she asked.

“You mean you don’t know?” I asked wide-eyed.

“Your mother never told us his name. She only told us how much she hated him, and what had happened in the past, but she never once dared to mention his name,” he informed me.

“Oh, I wasn’t aware. I thought you guys knew. Do you at least know who I was before I came to California?” I asked. They shook their heads.

“My name, my legal name, is Beverly Cecily Haskins. My father is Hershel Haskins,” I informed.

Dad chuckled. “You’re kidding!”

“I’m not,” I replied, frowning in confusion.

“Sorry darling! Your father is being silly. He and Hershel are very good friends. They golf together. He’s not laughing at you, but rather at the surprise of the situation,” mom explained.

“You’re friends?” I asked.

“Yes! It would seem your parents have two very different stories of what their marriage and past was like. Hershel has told me his life story before, but his story and Ellen’s are so far off that I never made the connection. The only thing that makes sense now is his reaction when I told him that I have a daughter named Beverly. I don’t remember ever mentioning your surname, so he must’ve just thought of it as pure irony that we’d have daughters with the same name,” he explained.

“How long have you known him for?” I asked.

“About as long as I’ve known you actually. When we met, he was still a very lost man, but he’s gradually found his feet. I hope you realize that he regrets his past and leaving you behind, now that I know it’s you he was talking about,” he replied.

“I know, and I’ve forgiven him. That’s why I wanted to tell you guys. I’ve forgiven him and all, but you guys are still my parents. He’s my daddy though. I’ll always be his lollypop,” I confessed.

She smiled. “Darling, we’re not threatened by your reunion with him. We have faith in your love for us. We won’t disown you just because you’re back in touch with him.”

“So it’s fine for me to have two dads?” I asked.

“We’re ok with it. It’s up to him,” he said.

“Ok! I love you guys!” I said before hugging them.

“We love you too sweetheart. Does Mordecai know?” she asked.

“Nope! It’s my birthday present to him. My father’s willing to produce his movie,” I said happily.

Dad laughed. “He’s going to be happy about that for sure.”

“I would hope so,” I giggled.

Mom winked. “Don’t worry darling. You did good.”

We left the room, and once I was satisfied with everything at the house, had put the gifts and sculpture in my room there, and had left the cake and cupcakes in the fridge, I headed back home. Mordecai’s car was already there, and when I walked in, he was sitting in the lounge watching basketball. It was a little after seven in the evening.

“You took forever!” he complained as he switched off the TV.

“Oh, quit whining! It’s your birthday tomorrow,” I giggled as I straddled him.

“I already have everything I want,” he smirked.

“Very cheesy baby, but this party is going to blow your mind,” I said confidently.

“You already blow my mind gorgeous. Nothing and no-one beats you,” he said huskily.

I glared at him. “Your penis stays where it is.”

He chuckled. “You’re so blunt!”

I blushed. “Can you blame me?”

“Nope! Can we at least do something fun?” he pouted.

“What did you have in mind?” I asked.

“Well, I was thinking we could bake a cake,” he suggested as he wiggled his eyebrows.

I frowned. “I’m not sure if you’re being dirty or not.”

He laughed. “No, I’m not. I literally mean a cake.”

“But you’re already getting a cake tomorrow,” I argued.

“But this one will be special, and for all I know, I might not even eat that other cake. I want to have this one with you,” he countered.

“Alright fine! I can’t bake to save my life either, so this is all on you,” I pointed out.

“It’s fine. I’ll show you what to do,” he said before kissing me.

“Where did you learn how to cook and bake anyway?” I asked him once we were in the kitchen.

“Growing up with a best friend who was fascinated with the art of food means something you know? I sat with him for hours while he told me dos and don’ts. I know his cooking secrets like the back of my hand,” he explained.

“So, you could’ve been a chef as well?” I asked.

“My executions aren’t as perfect as Ger’s, so no, I wouldn’t make a brilliant chef,” he smiled as he took out ingredients.

“Ok! So what cake are we making?” I asked.

“A vanilla, chocolate and caramel cake,” he replied.

I gasped. “There’s caramel in the house?”

“I got some while I was out,” he chuckled. He knows I have an obsession with it.

“I love you!” I beamed.

“I know you do gorgeous. Now, beat two eggs, and please don’t injure yourself,” he taunted.

I glared at him. “I’m not that hopeless.”

“That’s debatable,” he joked.

“Whatever!” I huffed as I got to beating the eggs.

As clichés would have it, we had a flour fight and messed up the kitchen. When Geronimo got home at ten in the evening, he glared at us and told us to clean up the kitchen and bake him a ‘We’re Sorry’ cake for messing with his kitchen.

We managed to get the two cakes in the oven before going to take a non-sexual joint shower. He got dressed in his pyjama pants, while I got dressed in booty shorts and a tank top. We went back to the kitchen to make the icing.

We made chocolate and vanilla icings, before making the caramel soft enough to be spread on the cake. The cakes finished and we decorated them. By the time we were done, it was a few seconds to midnight. I cut us two slices of cake, but before I knew it, I was placed on the counter.

I caressed his cheek as he stood between my legs. “Happy birthday.”

“You’re everything to me, do you have any idea?” he asked.

“Well, the feeling is mutual,” I blushed.

“I mean it Bev. Having you in my life has been incredible. You’ve made me a better person, and I only hope we stay in each other’s lives for a long time,” he said.

“I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you, so we’re set,” I smiled. He leaned in, and I thought he was about to kiss me, only for him to dab something on my neck.

“What are you- oh my God,” I moaned, as my head automatically tilted back, giving him more access as he licked the icing off of my neck.

“I think we’ll have the cake for breakfast. I just found something sweeter,” he smirked, his eyes dark with lust.

Oh my libido!

Four hours of sticky, hot, sweaty sex, later, we took yet another joint shower before sleeping. It was the best sex we’d had thus far and my body was in total agreement. It was four in the morning, and yet I felt so energized. We slept for only three hours more and were up again by seven to get ready for the day.

“Ok, so I’m basically getting pampered today?” he asked as we ate breakfast.

“Yep! Everyone else is preparing for your party,” I replied.

“Well, that sounds good enough for me,” he chuckled.

I rolled my eyes. “Of course it does.”

“You know I love you, or should I show you just how much?” he smirked.

My libido was humming once more.

I shook my head. “No! We’re not doing this.”

“Are you sure?” he said as he got up.

“Mordecai,” I warned as I stepped back.

“Beverly,” he countered.

“Don’t even think about it,” I told him as he stepped even closer. I was heading in the direction of the door.

He raised an eyebrow. “Think about what?”

Before I could fall into his trap, I took off, with him chasing me. Geronimo and Zebedee had already left to get things done, so it was just the two of us in the house, something that Mordecai seemingly wanted to take full advantage of.

And I let him.

It’s his birthday, and it’s not like I didn’t gain from it. I was supposed to have left the house by eight, but I was still in the house at eleven. He’d managed to keep me, uhm, trapped that long. His appointments were much later in the afternoon anyway.

“I truly hate you,” I told him as I got dressed after my shower.

“Your conscience may hate me, but your body worships me,” he said charmingly. He was casually lying on our bed with just a sheet covering his manhood.

I glared at him. “Asshole.”

“I’m sorry gorgeous, but I truly can’t get enough of you. It’s the best sex of my life, and my God your body is something else. There should be a shrine for it,” he said dreamily.

“Don’t go and get a shrine for my body,” I scolded.

This is Mordecai we’re talking about.

“I might just do that,” he said, looking like he was considering the idea.

See?

I sighed. “You’re a mad man.”

“You know it! So, what time am I going to see you again?” he asked.

“Around six. I have to give you your present before everyone arrives,” I smiled.

He frowned. “You got me a present?”

“I actually got you two,” I replied.

“Why?” he asked, looking genuinely confused.

“Because you’re my boyfriend and I love you,” I said before leaning down to kiss him.

“I’m leaving now. Please behave ok? Nell is going to fetch you from the spa and she’ll bring you back here to change into your suit, and then you’ll come find me at the house,” I told him.

“Ok! Please don’t stress too much? I love you,” he smiled.

“I promise! I love you too baby,” I replied.

After one more kiss, I headed out. I was driving the Jaguar this time. It’s just so much fun getting to change cars, and I was beginning to understand why wealthy people live the way they do, and why they spend their money the way they do. When you have that much money, anything can be yours.

I’d asked Nellie to get me a print out of our finances, under the request of Mordecai since he wanted me to know what I was dealing with. My eyes nearly rolled out of their sockets when I saw just how much of a wealthy woman I suddenly was.

“Hey girl!” Nikki said when I walked into the house with the balloons and helium.

“Hey guys!” I greeted everyone.

“So, we’re here slaving away for you, and you’re at your house having wild sex with the birthday boy?” Rachel asked.

I paled. “What?”

Fernando scowled. “You have like eight hickies on your neck and shoulders. How did you not see them?”

“Please tell me you’re kidding,” I whined as I headed to the mirror. Sure as day, my neck area made me look like a Dalmatian.

I don’t even want to know what it looks like under my top.

Angel laughed. “Damn, he must’ve given it to you good.”

“You have no idea,” I said dreamily at the very thought.

Kim snapped me out of thought. “This is not the time to fantasize lady! You’re the boss here.”

“Aren’t you guys supposed to be working?” I asked curiously.

“We all took our off day today,” Rachel replied.

“Oh! Thanks guys,” I smiled.

“Anything for you!” they smiled back.

Setting up actually took less time than I expected. The party was scheduled to start at eight, and by four thirty, everything was set up. Everyone left to go and get ready, while I was attended to by a professional stylist, who was just as flushed as I was when she saw my hickies.

The theme of the party was black and gold. I was dressed in a floor length black dress with gold and diamante detailing from just under my bosom area, to the one and only strap of the dress. It has a bare back, curving at the bottom of my back. I paired the look with simple gold strap heels and some gold and diamond drops.

My hair was styled in a sophisticated do. My hair had grown to just passed my shoulders, so I was able to get it styled. The makeup artist listened to me and kept my makeup to a minimum, with just a slight blush, golden eye shadow, and a light pink lip-gloss.

“You look absolutely stunning lollypop,” my father said when I got downstairs. He was with the Dickson’s.

“Indeed you do pumpkin,” my dad added.

“Thank you dad and daddy,” I giggled.

“Ah yes, I found out about that interesting situation,” my father chuckled.

“I didn’t even know you knew each other until yesterday,” I told him.

“I know. Howard mentioned. I’m just glad you were taken care of this entire time,” he smiled.

“What time is Mordecai getting here darling? The guests will be here in an hour,” my mom asked. Before I could respond, the doorbell went.

“That’s him right now,” I responded.

“Oh, well we’ll wait in the lounge,” she said before leading the gentlemen away.

When I opened the door, my jaw dropped to the floor and my libido spiked up again. Mordecai looked like sex on legs in a his plain black tuxedo with a black shirt and gold bow tie. His hair was in a man bun, and I swear it was his sexiest look yet.

“Gorgeous, I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to outshine me at my own party,” he said with a lazy grin.

“I wish! You look amazing!” I complimented.

“Well, it’s all thanks to my incredible girlfriend. These are for you gorgeous,” he said, producing a bouquet of white roses.

My favourites.

“Thank you baby,” I said before kissing him.

He smirked. “Damn, who knew turning thirty would be this good?”

“Whatever! Come in. I need to tell you something important before I give you your present,” I told him. He walked in and stood in the foyer.

“Ok, here’s your first present,” I told him as I gave him the watch. It’s a one of a kind watch which was made as a thank you favour for me, by one of my patients, a world renowned jewellery designer.

“It’s the only one like it in the world,” I told him when I noticed the sheer fascination in his eyes. The watch even had his name on it.

“This is officially my most prized possession after you,” he smiled.

“I’m glad you like it. Now the second thing I have to tell you is that my name isn’t really Beverly Rhymes,” I said. His eyes widened.

“You said you’d never lie to me,” he whispered.

“Calm down! Rhymes is my mother’s name, which I just adopted when I got to California, but it isn’t my legal name. As you know, the subject of my father isn’t one I talk about at all. Anyway, I got in touch with him again recently and we buried the hatchet,” I informed.

“Ok, so what’s your name then?” he asked. I took his hand and led him to the lounge. His eyes widened when they landed on my father.

“My name is Beverly Cecily Haskins, and this is my father, Hershel Haskins. Daddy, meet Mordecai Hart-Tedder, my boyfriend,” I introduced. My father was about to reach out and shake Mordecai’s hand, but he never got the chance to.

Mordecai fainted.