Chapter 21 – Decisions Decisions

“Oh, you are so going to get it Bev! Do you know how pissed off she was?” Jacob groaned as we sat in the lounge. We’d all arrived and were waiting to be told that dinner is ready.

“Serves you right for hiding your relationships from her for so long,” I replied. Fernando and Jacob were going on nine months, while Jackson and Nellie were going on seven.

I’m pretty sure that’s long enough!

Jackson scowled. “Since when did you become executioner?”

“Since I needed revenge,” I smirked.

“Revenge? What on earth for? We’re the best brothers in the universe!” Jacob said in disbelief, making us all laugh.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night big brother,” I giggled.

“Dinner’s ready everyone,” my mom announced.

“Finally,” dad mumbled.

“Dr Dickson, you have a weird obsession with food,” Fernando chuckled.

“Have you met Bev?” Jacob, Jackson, Mordecai, Geronimo, Zebedee, Nellie, and my dad said simultaneously.

“Oh screw you all,” I said, making them laugh.

“I told you,” Angel giggled, earning a glare from me as we headed to the dining room.

We all got seated at the extremely fancy looking dinner table. My mom had gone all out for this, despite the short notice. She really was excited about the whole evening. We said grace before the whole table came alive as people passed dishes around.

“So boys, any valid excuse as to why you hid your relationships from me?” mom kicked off the conversations. The twins froze, while the rest of us struggled to keep our laughter in.

“Mom, you know how you can get,” Jackson was the brave one to reply.

Wrong answer though.

Mom raised an eyebrow at him. “How I can get?”

“What he means to say is that you can be a little overwhelming,” Jacob attempted to rescue the situation.

Only to make it worse.

“I am overwhelming? How come Beverly was able to come to me about Mordecai before she could even figure out what she felt towards him?” mom challenged.

Jacob rolled his eyes. “Bev is your daughter ma. Of course she’s not going to feel awkward coming to talk to you about such things.”

“Young man, you would do well to remember who you’re talking to,” she warned at his eye roll.

“Sorry,” he mumbled.

“And you two – you’re like a daughter and son to me too, and you couldn’t share this with me?” mom turned the attack on Fernando and Nellie, who also froze.

“I, uh, we, damnit!” Nellie mumbled before looking down in shame.

“Let me turn to the only child of mine who clearly cares about my opinion. Beverly honey, how has everything been?” mom turned to me.

“It’s been going relatively well,” I replied.

“And this is Mordecai, who I’ve been excited to meet this entire time,” she beamed.

“Yep!” I giggled.

“It’s so lovely to meet you son,” she told him.

“The honour is mine Mrs Dickson. Your daughter holds you in the highest regard,” he smiled.

“Haven’t you heard? She’s the only one who does,” mom feigned hurt.

“Ma,” the twins groaned while my dad and Karen laughed.

She scowled at them. “Don’t ‘ma’ me. I’m not your mother.”

“Straight up disowned,” Angel giggled.

Mom turned to her. “Angel dear, it’s nice to see you again.”

“Again?” I asked.

“Oh yes dear! We met Angel at the hospital. She and Charlie were going in for a check-up and when she spotted us, she came over to introduce herself. She said you’d shown her a picture of us,” mom explained.

I frowned. “And neither of you felt to mention this to me?”

“I just did,” mom smiled sweetly, making everyone laugh.

“Oh whatever!” I said before sticking my tongue out at her.

“Howard, how are things at the hospital?” Karen asked him.

“They are pretty hectic, especially without Beverly, but we’re managing,” dad responded.

“She’s coming back to work,” my boyfriend took it upon himself to mention.

“She is?” my brothers asked.

“When?” dad inquired.

“Monday,” I replied.

“Why?” Jacob questioned.

I frowned. “Because I work there.”

“No, you know exactly what he means,” Jackson jumped in. I shrugged.

“Just like that?” Angel was the one to question.

“Just like what?” Mordecai asked in confusion.

“Bro, you are the blindest person on the face of the planet. It was probably your idea for her to go back, right?” Zebedee asked him.

“Yeah, and now I feel like I’m missing something,” Mordecai admitted.

“She doesn’t want to go back, or at least she’s not ready to,” Nellie informed.

Mordecai turned to me. “What? Is this true?”

I nodded. “It kind of is.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” he asked, sounding a bit hurt.

“You were so set on your decision that you kind of didn’t give me the platform to,” I admitted.

“So what do you want to do then?” he asked.

“I don’t know as yet, but I’m not ready for the hospital, and especially to face Alex,” I replied.

“Ok,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow. “Ok?”

“I’m ok with that. Since you’ve helped me so much with my career in the past month, you can continue to help me if you’d like? I put aside those offers like I said I would, but the negotiation process is the tedious part,” he explained.

“Her new calling,” Nellie said, a weird knowing tone in her voice.

“What do you mean?” I asked as I looked at her.

“Your new calling is to be your boyfriend’s agent,” Geronimo chuckled. My eyes widened at that.

“I could never be an agent!” I denied quickly.

“I would’ve probably believed you before this week. You managed to turn Mordecai’s life and career around from your brilliant thinking and rare connections,” Karen told me.

“Me? An agent though?” I said warily.

“Try it out,” my mom suggested.

I gasped. “What?”

“Try it out honey. Help him with these deals, and if all goes well, then it probably is your new calling. I personally think that you’ll be the best agent for him because he means that much to you so you’ll only want the best for him,” she elaborated.

“What about my nursing?” I asked my dad.

“Pumpkin, your mother is right. As much as I’d love to say that you should come back to the hospital, if this is the direction that your life is meant to take, then who am I to stop you? We are only here to support you the whole way,” he smiled.

“So, what do you say?” the said boyfriend asked.

He agrees with this madness!

I couldn’t help that that was my first reaction to his question.

I couldn’t say anything. My mind was cross wired with confusion. I thought back to this week with handling the expose and all. The truth is that I enjoyed it. I enjoyed knowing that I was doing something to help Mordecai and his career, and my mom had a point in that I want the best for him. I never want him to be taken advantage of ever again.

But was being his agent a wise choice? Besides the fact that I know nothing about being an agent, wouldn’t my becoming his agent affect our personal relationship? As much as I want him to succeed in his career, I don’t think I’d like for it to be at the cost of my heart.

I was brought out of thought by the softest kiss on my lips.

“Just think about it. I’ll support whatever you decide,” Mordecai said lowly.

Everyone else in the room had disappeared into the shadows as I stared into his dark eyes. I could see the truth in them. He wanted me be his agent, and he was definitely positive that I could do it. Having his belief meant the world to me.

But we still needed to discuss it further.

“I’ll think about it,” I whispered. He gave me a small smile before pecking my lips.

“The two of you are so adorable!” Karen said with tears in her eyes.

“Mom, come on,” Mordecai groaned, while the rest of us laughed a little.

“I’m sorry baby, but you have no idea how happy it makes me to see you like this. I wasn’t able to give you the best life, and you were taken away from me because of that. When I came back into your life, you weren’t in the best shape. To see you so happy and healthy gives me hope that you’ll at least be taken care of, even when I’m gone,” Karen said as she wiped away her tears.

“It truly is beautiful to see. I feel the same way about Beverly. She’s so picky that I was worried she would never truly find happiness. You have no idea how a mother feels when they see their child so happy,” my mom added, her own tears making an appearance.

My own tears announced themselves as well. This woman truly loves me like I’m her own flesh and blood, and it made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world at that moment.

“I love you mom,” I told her as Mordecai wiped away my fallen tear.

He’s been doing that a lot, which means I’ve been crying a lot more than I’m used to.

“I love you too sweetheart, unlike these spawns,” she said as she glared at the twins, effectively breaking the sappy mood as we laughed at the priceless look on the twins’ faces.

The rest of the dinner involved storytelling, jokes and some more tears. I couldn’t have been happier though. I realized from that dinner that while I’d felt like I was alone, I was wrong. These people are my family without a doubt.

“That was unexpectedly enjoyable,” Mordecai chuckled as we changed into our nightwear. It was a little after one in the morning and we’d just returned from the dinner.

“Yeah, it was. It was nice to see my whole family getting along like that,” I smiled.

“Our whole family,” he corrected with a cheeky smile.

“Our whole family,” I giggled as we got into the bed. As ritual goes, he pulled me into his side.

“Are you ok though?” he asked. I knew what he was referring to.

“Do you truly think I could do it?” I asked.

“Honestly, yes. Like my mom said, if the same question had been asked before this week, I probably wouldn’t have agreed, but you completely took us all by surprise. You may not believe that you can do it, but you most definitely have the skills for it,” he replied.

“But what about us?” I questioned.

He raised an eyebrow. “What about us?”

“Is it really a good idea for me to be your agent and girlfriend at the same time?” I asked.

“You’re afraid our relationship is going to suffer?” he questioned. I nodded.

“Gorgeous, it’s about knowing when to draw the line between business and pleasure. I honestly believe that our relationship will only be stronger by you being my agent, not the other way round. Try it out for like three months, and if you feel that you can’t do it, then we can leave it and you can go back to nursing,” he suggested.

“Just like that?” I asked unsurely.

He nodded. “Just like that.”

“Ok,” I said after a while.

“Ok...?” he trailed off.

“I’ll do it. I’ll try it out for the first three months,” I smiled.

“Yes!” he cheered, making me laugh.

“Makes you that happy huh?” I asked.

“You have no idea. With you as my agent, not only will everything work out for me, but I trust you with my life, and I know you’ll never betray me. Besides, this way, we’re able to spend our days together,” he pointed out.

“Won’t you get bored of me?” I questioned.

“I don’t think it’s possible,” he chuckled.

“Or, you don’t want to think about the possibility that it might,” I argued.

“You sound like you want me to forget about you altogether,” he said, baffled.

“It’s not that. It’s just, I don’t know,” I murmured.

“Gorgeous, it’s normal for you to have doubts about this. You’ve never done it before, but we’re in this together. I’ve seen Satan in action and I know what agents are meant to do. I strongly believe that you can be an agent. You’ll obviously even be a different kind of agent. Who knows? You might even manage more people, even though I don’t really like the sound of that,” he said, looking like he wasn’t even keen on the idea.

“I would never,” I laughed.

“Ok good! I have issues sharing,” he said.

I rolled my eyes, making him laugh. “Of course you do.”

“I guess that top of your list right now is making sure that my party is one hell of an event,” he noted eagerly.

I raised an eyebrow, entertained. “Oh? Look who suddenly jumped on board.”

“Ok, ok, I was sceptical and annoyed at first, but now I’m actually eager to see what you’ve got planned,” he confessed.

“Well, you’re going to have to wait to find out,” I smiled.

“It wouldn’t be you if you told me what I wanted to know,” he joked.

“Glad you know it,” I giggled before kissing him.

We got up the next day with the intention of spending the day figuring out how this agent thing would work out. We had breakfast and showered, before going to his studio to be one with our creative thinking.

“Ok, so these are the movies I’m considering directing, and the ones I’m considering acting in,” he informed me. He’d made lists of the two categories.

“Ok, but why?” I asked.

He scowled. “What do you mean why?”

“Why have you chosen these? What’s your motivation behind the choices?” I elaborated as I looked through the different proposals.

“They’ll make the most money, and they’re easier to produce,” he replied.

“You’re not shallow baby,” I commented.

“I don’t understand,” he said, looking visibly confused.

“I mean that this isn’t you. You have a passion for acting and directing, so choose the deals that will challenge you the most. You’re already great, but you can be greater. You can be the greatest,” I explained.

“You’re saying I chose these purely for money?” he asked.

“That’s what you just said,” I pointed out. He looked taken aback.

“I didn’t even think about it. Of the ones I’ve chosen to direct, I have sort of a different vision than what these people are proposing. You’re right about me having to work with more challenging pieces, but these deals aren’t all that challenging really. It would take your negotiating on my behalf, to get them to agree to my vision of things,” he said, seemingly chuffed with himself.

Hold on a minute.

“You tricked me!” I blinked at the realization.

“Not exactly, but you just proved that you’ve got a good eye. These are the deals I really chose,” he chuckled, giving me the second lists. These looked more like something he could do.

“Ok, so what’s the way forward from here?” I asked.

“Well, this is where you come in and call these people back. The problem is that most of them know that Satan is my agent, so they might be reluctant to talk to you. Also, we don’t want them actually telling her what’s going on behind her back, so that’s another thing you’re going to have to work around,” he explained.

“I didn’t even think about that,” I whined.

“I know! It only hit me this morning. As it is, we don’t even know what she’s up to now,” he added.

“Have you tried calling her?” I asked.

“Yeah! It went straight to voicemail. It’s never done that before, so she must really be up to something,” he replied.

“We can handle anything she throws at us baby, but for now I have an idea,” I stated.

Inside, I was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

“Let me guess? I can’t know,” he chuckled.

“You know me too well,” I said before kissing him. I got up with my phone and left the room to call Angel.

“Hey bitch!” she laughed as she answered the phone.

“Someone’s happy this morning,” I commented.

“Yeah! Charlie’s amazing,” she gushed.

“I don’t even want to know. Anyway listen, I need your help,” I sighed.

“It’s got to do with him doesn’t it?” she knowingly asked.

“How did you know?” I asked.

“I’m a smart girl Bev, and I’m surprised you didn’t realize that you’re going behind Satan’s back quicker,” she replied.

I guess the Judith/Blaire being called Satan thing has caught on.

“I know! I was still trying to wrap my mind around the whole thing, and now that I have, I realize that only he can help me,” I sighed.

“Are you sure Bev? It’s been twelve years. He’ll be happy to see you, but I know you’re not ready for that,” she pointed out.

“I’d do anything for Kai,” I said lowly.

“You must really that love man. I don’t think he understands just how far you’re willing to go for him. This is huge for you, and I know that much,” she said.

“I know, but like I said, I’d do anything for him,” I replied.

“Well ok! Do you want his numbers, or do you want me to just set the whole thing up?” she asked.

“Nah, just give me the numbers. I’ll call him myself,” I said.

“Ok! I’ll text them to you. I’ll be right here if you need to talk afterwards ok?” she said.

“Can you, can you actually come with me?” I asked nervously.

“What? To go see him?” she asked.

“Yeah,” I replied.

“Are you sure?” she asked warily.

“I think so,” I said unsurely.

“You’re not sounding too sure there Bev,” she commented.

“Will I ever be too sure when it comes to him though?” I asked.

“Ok true! I’ll come with you. Just call him and then swing by and pick me up. I know he’ll definitely clear his schedule for you,” she replied.

“Ok! See you in about an hour,” I told her.

“Alright sis! Love you bitch!” she said.

“Love you too bitch!” I giggled before hanging up.

“Who were you on the phone with?” Mordecai asked when I returned to the lounge.

“Angel! I needed a contact from her. I’m about to go make another phone call and then I’m going to head out for a while. I’m going to fetch Angel on my way. We’ll be back a little late probably,” I informed.

“Is everything ok?” he asked in concern.

“Yeah, why?” I asked.

“Because this is me you’re lying to gorgeous,” he reminded.

“Ok, maybe I’m lying, but that’s only because I’m terrified of what I’m about to do,” I argued.

He shrugged. “Then don’t do whatever it is.”

“I have to, mostly for you, but also for myself,” I countered.

He frowned. “Me?”

“You’ll understand soon enough, I promise. I just need you to trust me for now,” I pleaded.

“I trust you Bev. I just don’t want that to come at the cost of your emotions because right now you look like you’re on the verge of a nervous breakdown,” he pointed out. I couldn’t help but lean down and kiss him.

“What was that for?” he smiled.

“Thank you,” I returned the smile.

He frowned. “For what?”

“For knowing me so well,” I said before pecking his lips and leaving the room.

I went outside to make the call. It was bright and hot, but I didn’t mind it – or at least I didn’t pay attention to it. My attention was on the thumping of my heart in my ears as I waited for the dialling tone to stop – for someone to pick up the phone.

When it did, I think my heart borderline stopped beating.

“Hershel Haskins’ office. How may I help you?” the female voice asked me. My voice caught in my throat.

“Hello?” she said.

“Uhm hi,” I finally said.

“Yes! How may I help you?” she asked.

“May I please speak to Hershel?” I requested.

“Hershel is busy right now,” she replied.

“Please just tell him that Beverly Haskins is on the line for him,” I pleaded.

“I don’t see how that will make a difference,” she replied.

“Just try it please,” I said.

“Ok whatever! He’ll have your head for interrupting him,” she said before I was put on hold, stuck listening to some tune.

I let myself think about what I was doing. It felt strange to say Beverly Haskins after all these years. I had abandoned that name when he left. To think I was making myself talk to him again after all these years, in the name of love, made me realize that I honestly cannot lose Mordecai.

“Lollypop?” a gruff voice brought me back to reality, while taking me back to the past at the same time.

“Hey daddy,” I whispered. A lone tear landed on my arm.

“I can’t believe it’s really you,” he said incredulously.

I couldn’t believe I was really doing this either.