Chapter 22 – I Love You

“I told you he’d clear his schedule for you,” Angel said as we drove up the driveway. It turns out he’s been living fifteen minutes away from Mordecai and I’s house.

“I know,” I exhaled.

“What was it like hearing his voice after so long?” she asked.

“Different from the TV,” I admitted.

“He must’ve not believed that his favourite daughter was calling him after so long,” she commented.

“He didn’t. I just told him to give me his address so that I could come and see him in person,” I informed.

She held my hand once I’d parked the car. “Bev, I just want you to know that I’ll only forgive him if you do too.”

“I don’t know about forgiving him, but he might want my forgiveness in return for the favour I’m about to ask of him – or at least he’s been depicted as that kind of character as of late,” I pointed out.

“Whichever way it goes, I’m with you,” she smiled.

“Thanks sis,” I returned the smile.

I went around to help her out of the car before we headed up to the door. We knocked on the door and waited a while, before a tall blonde with blue eyes opened the door, looking very excited to see us.

“Oh my God! Hershey’s daughters!” she squealed before ambushing us in hugs.

“Get the fuck off of me Meghan!” Angel said angrily.

Oh, daddy’s new wife.

“You still hate me Angel?” Meghan asked, looking like she genuinely couldn’t understand why.

“I don’t hate you. I just don’t acknowledge your existence!” Angel spat before walking into the house.

Meghan pouted, looking towards me. “Please tell me you’re not as mean as her?”

“You’re a grown woman and you’re pouting me like I’m going to like you? You married my father who is more than double your age. You’re looking for sympathy from the wrong person,” I said before walking past her.

I didn’t even know where I was going, but as long as I was far away from that horrid perfume of hers.

“Don’t overwhelm her dad,” I heard Angel say. I followed her voice to find her standing with the man I hadn’t seen in over twelve years.

“Lollypop!” he beamed.

“Hi daddy,” I couldn’t help the small smile. He opened up his arms and I went up to hug him.

He hadn’t really changed much. He still used the same cologne from my childhood days. The only thing that was different about him, was the few visible wrinkles, as well as the gray strands in his hair. Other than that, he was still built for a man his age, and he still looked like the stud Hollywood believes him to be.

“I’ve missed you so much. Please tell me you’ll let me back into your life again? I didn’t even know that you’re in California until the news about you and Mordecai Hart this week,” he said in one breath.

“Breathe,” I laughed apprehensively.

“I’m afraid to. You might disappear from me again,” he said vulnerably.

“You have my presence for the whole afternoon. We can catch up and talk,” I told him.

“Ok good! Let me ask Josie to make us some lunch then,” he said.

“I’ll do it!” Meghan nominated herself. Both Angel and I raised our eyebrows at her, making her blush.

“I’ll just be going,” she said before disappearing.

I turned back to my father. “Really?”

“It was dark days, and she grew on me. I’m not in love with her or anything, but she is a fantastic companion,” he sighed.

“A perfect trophy wife you mean!” Angel scoffed.

I scowled at her. “Angel.”

“No! She’s cheating on him, just like mom did, except this time he’s staying. He didn’t stay with Ellen. What makes her so special? She’s just using him!” she snapped.

“Cupcake, it’s nothing like that. I know of her cheating, which is why our divorce is in its final stages of processing. Like I said, she’s a great companion. I’m an old man who abandoned his family. At my age, being alone isn’t the best option,” he explained as he walked to the sitting room. We followed him there and we all took a seat.

“So you’re saying she’s just staying here as sort of a friend?” I asked.

“Yes. She plans to move out when the divorce is finalized though. I could never truly be with her because my heart has always been with Ellen,” he said sadly.

“Why did you leave?” I asked.

“I couldn’t stand to know that I’d let the worst happen to my baby girls. My one daughter had acted out because of my actions and negligence, and from that, my other daughter had been harmed. I couldn’t live with myself,” he confessed.

“So you just left? Do you know that that only made me worse? I hated you so much when you left me, especially because you left me with her. Do you know what a fucking psycho she became when you left? Angel only stayed for a year, and then she left me too. I was left to look after a woman who hated me with every fibre of her being. I reminded her so much of you that she wanted nothing to do with me. I moved to California for a new start, and you know what she said to me the day she found out about her cancer? She called me and told me that I was responsible for all her medical bills because of the hell I apparently put her through. I’d been living in debt for four years. She died, leaving me with nothing. She left everything of hers to her fucking cat, and I had to be told all of this in a letter from her life insurance company. Do you have any idea what you put me through? Especially when I had to watch you live the lavish life as the most sought after producer in the entertainment industry. I had believed that Angel hated me all this time for what I did to her, but you, I hated you, and a small part of me still does, despite the part that’s happy to be in your presence again,” I told him honestly, wiping away my tears as I did.

I was shocked to see his own tears escape his eyes.

“I don’t deserve your forgiveness or your love Beverly, and therefore I will not ask for that. I will only apologize for failing you. That is my greatest regret in life. I loved your mother dearly, but she broke my heart. You and your sister were my lifelines, but my broken heart blinded me from that, and I abandoned you. There’s nothing that I could ever do that would be enough for me to even begin to compensate for what I have done. I truly am sorry, from the very bottom of my heart,” he said sincerely.

I could even see it in his eyes. He truly regretted leaving me behind, and for the first time in twelve years, besides reuniting with Angel, a weight was lifted from my heart. The two people who I had once loved more than anyone else in the world, were in the same room with me, and we were all crying.

I was sure about one thing though.

I still love the both of them, and I forgive him.

“I forgive you,” I whispered. It wasn’t even about Mordecai anymore. This was something I needed to do for myself.

“You do?” he asked in shock.

“I have missed you daddy, so much, and you have no idea how much joy it brings me to finally hear you say that you’re sorry. You were so angry back then that I didn’t believe that you truly meant it, but now I believe that you do,” I said with a small smile.

“I can’t thank you enough lollypop. I promise never to let you down ever again,” he said, the pure joy evident in his eyes.

“Well, you can actually start paying your dues. She needs your help,” Angel told him.

“Anything!” he said.

“Mordecai,” I sighed.

“Mordecai? Last I checked the boy is doing good for himself right now, especially with you in his life,” he replied.

“He sort of is, but it’s a long story. We need your help,” I said before I told him the whole story with Satan.

“That woman is solely the reason why I never entertained Mordecai. I didn’t do it because I didn’t want to work with him, but simply because I don’t like her. You definitely have a good eye on you lollypop, and not just for talent, but for recognizing fake people. I can see the indecision in your eyes about being Mordecai’s agent, but you have to trust yourself,” he smiled.

“It’s difficult when the fear of destroying his career, rather than building it, is so big. What if Satan is right about me? What if I have no clue what I’m doing?” I asked.

“Lollypop, you came to me of all people for the sake of your client. You have what it takes,” he replied.

“But that’s different. You’re my dad, while I don’t know any of the other people out there,” I argued.

“I may be your dad Beverly, but you could’ve still gone about your life and not come to me of all people. We have a past, and the fact that you were willing to look passed our past for Mordecai, shows that you would do anything for him. You have excellent communication skills, and for as long as you keep your confidence and not let those people intimidate you, then you’re good to go,” he advised.

“Ok, I think I can do that, but will you help?” I asked.

“Of course! How was it looking when you saw it?” he asked.

“It’s a brilliant concept, but he told me that only a producer like you would be able to pull it off. I want to not only help him with this, but I also want to surprise him for his birthday,” I smiled.

“I’m pretty sure he’d like that,” he chuckled.

“Getting you to work with Mordecai is going to help in more ways than one, so thanks dad,” Angel said to him.

And it would.

With my dad helping Mordecai, it would bring more positive exposure to Mordecai, it would trump Hunter’s takeover from him in March since the collaboration with my father would be the more anticipated project, and it would put me in a good light as ‘the new agent who landed Hershel Haskins’.

Despite the fact that he’s my father.

“Anything for my little girls,” he smiled.

We spent the rest of the day with him, catching up on all three of our lives. He was fascinated to learn about what Angel and I had gotten up to through the years, and we were amazed by all the different things he had done. He may have failed his family, but he had definitely done his part in helping others.

“We’ll stay in touch right?” he asked us nervously as we all walked towards the door.

“We’ll call you every day dad,” Angel laughed.

“Ok! I’m just making sure that we’re all ok now,” he chuckled a little.

I smiled as I hugged him. “We’re ok daddy.”

“We’ll see each other again at Mordecai’s birthday party correct?” he asked.

“Yep!” we agreed.

“I look forward to it,” he smiled.

Angel and I left soon after, and I dropped her off before heading back to the house. It was eight in the evening, and I was in a really good mood. Apparently, so was Mordecai since when I got home, he was cooking.

“Hello gorgeous!” he smirked before kissing me.

“You’re cooking,” I said, wide-eyed.

“Yes, I know how to cook, unlike some people,” he teased.

“Shut up,” I mumbled.

“How was your trip my gorgeous girlfriend?” he asked.

Someone is feeling exceptional today.

“It was wonderful! I got a lot done. What about you?” I asked.

“It was busy, until about two hours ago when I had this ever so brilliant idea. Now, go up, take a nice long bath, and everything will be ready when you’re done,” he instructed.

“Well ok,” I giggled before heading upstairs.

When I got to our room, there was stuff laid out on the bed. There was a little black dress, a black clutch with diamond detailing, and matching shoes in an open box next to the dress. There was a set of body washes and candles readily waiting for me.

There were also two boxes, one rectangular, and one square. I opened the square one first to find a pair of diamond drops. I set it back on the bed to pick up the rectangular box, and found that it was a diamond bracelet inside.

I only noticed the note when I put the bracelet box down. I picked it up and was met by Mordecai’s familiar hieroglyphics (I’m kidding).

Hello Gorgeous So, I’m finally well enough for us to have that date, and I figured why not tonight? You already mean the world to me, so I figured I might as well show you just how much. On that note, go take that nice and hot bath, get gleamed up (even though in my personal opinion, you couldn’t get any sexier), and I’ll see you in a while.

PS A while probably means an hour from now.

Kai

I blushed to myself before heading to the bathroom to run my bath water. I poured the foam bath and scented oils into the water, and when it was ready, I stepped inside. I let myself be surrounded by the scents, and just relax for a few minutes.

I would’ve stayed longer if I didn’t have a deadline. I got out of the water and dried myself before applying lotion onto my body and getting dressed. I applied minimum make-up and styled my hair in curls (which Mordecai thinks I don’t know he likes).

By the time I was done, I felt as good as I looked, and I looked like a million bucks. I looked over my appearance one more time before heading downstairs. I could hear Mordecai talking to Geronimo, and I was never prepared for the sight that greeted me.

I think my jaw dropped and I was drooling.

Mordecai had showered and changed into a perfectly fitted tuxedo. His hair was even styled to perfection. He looked so at ease talking to Geronimo, and I didn’t even register what they were saying to each other. I was too entranced.

“Oh hey Bev,” Geronimo said when he noticed me. Mordecai turned to face me and his eyes widened.

“Hey,” I said with a small smile.

“You look...” Mordecai trailed off.

“I’m just going to check up on things,” Geronimo said before leaving the kitchen.

“You look pretty breathtaking yourself,” I blushed.

“Breathtaking doesn’t even begin Beverly. You look absolutely enchanting,” he said as he walked towards me.

“Thank you! I believe my boyfriend picked this out for me,” I complimented as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“And I believe he is a man of excellent taste,” he smirked.

I rolled my eyes. “Of course you do.”

“You truly look stunning gorgeous,” he said.

“Thank you! Now, I take it we’re going somewhere?” I asked.

“Yep, but I’m not saying where,” he replied.

I pouted. “Well that’s mean.”

“Pout all you want gorgeous. I’m not telling you anything. It’s my turn to have secrets,” he teased.

“It was worth the try,” I said dramatically.

“You’re adorable! Let’s go,” he said, taking my hand in his.

He led me outside, and for the first time, we were taking his Ferrari. It’s a yellow and black Ferrari 599 GTB. I only know this because he was very excited to tell me all about it the one day I made the mistake of asking which model it was.

He opened the door for me and closed it gently when I was safely in, before going around to enter the driver’s seat. I was fascinated by the different buttons around the steering wheel and all, and the car smelled like fresh Italian leather. When it purred to life, I smiled at the sheer look of joy on Mordecai’s face.

“You really love this car don’t you?” I commented.

“I’ve missed driving it. It’s my second love though,” he replied.

“And which one is your first?” I asked.

“Not which one. My first love isn’t a car. It’s a very special person,” he hinted.

I blushed, even though I wasn’t sure if he was referring to me since the L word hadn’t been mentioned. Soft jazz music filled the car as we took off to the destination I didn’t know, but I was just fascinated by Mordecai. It was so different seeing him like his – in his element.

“What song is this?” I asked as the unique sound played.

“We Kinda Music by Andy Narell. Do you like it?” he smiled.

“It’s very different for jazz. I like it,” I giggled as he danced a little to the melody.

“I love this particular album. It’s the first album of his that I bought,” he informed.

“What’s the name of the album?” I asked.

“Little Secrets,” he smiled.

“How come your music taste is so broad?” I asked curiously.

“I took music as a major in college. I actually wanted to be a composer and an actor, until our final project in my acting major, where we were put into groups and told to produce a mini play. I was made the director of my group, and that’s when I changed my mind about composing, but music was and is still a big part of my life. Whenever I direct and produce a movie, I work closely with the composers and the musical team because their compositions have to go well with my visions,” he explained.

Again, I was left in awe as I watched him describe his passion to me. Whenever Mordecai talks about his career, and I don’t mean the politics, but the art in itself, he always speaks with so much fervour and admiration for what he does. It’s one of the most beautiful things for me to witness.

“What?” he smiled as he reached out to hold my hand with his free hand.

“It’s nothing. You’re just amazing,” I returned the smile as I interlinked our fingers.

“Barely,” he mumbled.

He was blushing!

“No really, you are. When we watched your movies, I thought you were a brilliant actor, but when you talk about your art, that’s when you really come to life. Have you ever considered Broadway?” I asked.

“Broadway? I don’t think so. Why do you ask?” he asked.

“The raw emotion that you sometimes miss in movies, comes to life on Broadway, and I believe the same could be said for your visionary works,” I replied.

“Hmm, I’ve never considered it before, but now that you mention it, I wouldn’t mind trying it out. I guess my agent will have to come up with something,” he hinted.

“She’ll get right on it,” I laughed.

I learned even more about his past and his schooling days. He was even open about stuff involving Loraine, and I think it was safe to assume that he was on the road to forgiving himself for what had happened.

“Here we are,” he said as he parked the car. We were parked inside what looked like an abandoned building.

“There’s no-one here,” I commented.

He winked. “It’s the beauties of having money gorgeous.”

He got out of the car and came around to help me out. When the car was locked, we headed towards the elevator. From the outside, it looked as dingy as the rest of this building, except inside, it looked beautiful.

Mordecai pressed on a button before we headed down, and then forward. He squeezed my hand and sent me a charming smile, before we came to a stop. When the door opened, I gasped. We walked out, and we were surrounded by rock, glass and fish everywhere.

We were walking on a glass floor, so we could see the fish swimming below us. Around us, it looked like the wall was made of glass, joined by the rocks. It was like the rocks used to be a cave, and the glass closed the gaps. It was huge and there were two doors on the one side of the huge room.

It was breathtaking.

In the middle of the room was a table set for two, a side table with dishes, and a mini fridge. There was also a small podium with a Beats Pill XL. There was a kitchenette on the other side of the room. There were candles all around the room, and it just looked like I’d stepped into a movie scene.

“Say something,” he brought me out of my reverie.

“I’m speechless. What is this place?” I asked.

“It used to be an underwater cave, but it was falling apart. That’s why we had to also move forward in the elevator. It took a lot of permits and stuff, but they allowed me to get the cave repaired using reinforced glass and plastic. Even the building process was tedious, and we almost gave up, but we persevered. I was shocked when I came here about three months after the cave was done, and the water had started flowing back here again. Apparently some company blew up something in the sea, and it allowed the water to flow all the way here,” he explained.

“How? Where does the water go?” I asked.

“It flows around us all the way to the sea. We’re technically underwater right now,” he replied.

“Wait, so whatever the company blew up must’ve been what was stopping the water from coming this way. That’s probably what made the cave give in,” I commented.

“Right you are gorgeous. Ever since, it’s been my very own oasis. I come here to be one with my thoughts, and sometimes I even disappear down here for days. You and Ger are the only people who know about this place,” he informed me.

Wow!

“Wait, where do you stay if you disappear down here for days?” I asked.

“That’s a bathroom, and that’s a bedroom,” he said, referring to the two doors I’d seen.

“This place is honestly beautiful. I’d never want to leave,” I smiled.

“Well, it’s in your name too,” he informed.

“Really?” I beamed.

“Yep!” he chuckled. I couldn’t help but kiss him.

“Let’s eat before the food gets cold,” he murmured onto my lips before kissing me one last time.

He pulled the chair open for me and I sat down, before he went and grabbed our plates. Both plates were covered, so I had to wait for him to lift my lid, and I giggled when I did. He’d made lasagne, and on the plate, he’d made a heart with ketchup.

“Oh thank the heavens the heart is still intact. I told Ger to drive very carefully,” he smiled.

“He brought the food here?” I giggled.

“Yeah, while you were getting ready. He’d just come back when you came downstairs,” he replied.

“Oh, but how come the food is still hot?” I asked.

“Technology gorgeous,” he taunted.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh haha!”

He poured some expensive wine in our glasses before joining me. What I love about spending time with Mordecai is that it never feels like it’s too much. We never run out of topics, and I’m always laughing. He was telling me all about his adventures with Geronimo and Charlie, and all the trouble they used to get into. It was safe to say that I understood why they’re still best friends even now.

I opened up even more about my own past. Now that he knew more about me, it was that much easier to tell him more, but I couldn’t forget the fact that I was hiding bigger things from him. I pushed them aside for the sake of enjoying the night though.

“Dance with me,” he smiled as he got up. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell was playing.

“I’ve got two left feet,” I laughed as I got up anyway.

“It’s a good thing I’ve got two right feet. You can borrow me one and I’ll do the same,” he beguiled.

“Charming,” I giggled as he wrapped an arm around my waist.

“It’s what I do best gorgeous,” he smirked. We were actually moving pretty well and he was twirling me around and all. I was having such a great time.

“Do you play any instruments?” I asked.

“I play piano, violin, guitar and the drums. Do you play anything?” he asked.

“Just the piano,” I replied as one of my favourite songs, Not In That Way by Sam Smith, came on. I found myself singing along.

“You have an incredible voice,” he commented in awe.

“Thanks,” I blushed. My singing abilities aren’t something I share with people.

He flashed me a dazzling smile. “You get more and more amazing by the day.”

“So do you,” I returned the smile. He leaned down to kiss me.

I felt the pull from within me, and I knew that this kiss was different. I felt my nerve ends tingling, while my veins were singing. The temperature in the room had most definitely gone up, despite the present chill. The contrasting temperatures were truly something else.

“Kai,” I said breathlessly.

“Are you sure?” he asked, clearly knowing what I was asking for.

“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life,” I replied.

The bedroom was even more breathtaking. It was more glass than rock, so we could see all the fish up close, but I wasn’t concerned about that. I was more focused on the man who was making me feel things that I’ve never felt before.

He took me to the heavens, the seas and the galaxy all in one. I had never felt anything like that, and I couldn’t have asked for anyone else to take me to such heights. I was so overwhelmed and so very happy.

“I love you Beverly,” he said when we cuddled hours later.

“I love you Mordecai,” I said before I fell into a blissful sleep.

It was the best one yet.