Chapter 50

DORIS

I stepped out of the subway station, inhaling the myriad of smells in the morning air. I walked quickly to where I had agreed to meet my biological father, Joe, outside a busy café. We had planned to spend some quality time together.

I decided I would let myself get to know him without resenting that is missed out on him my whole life.

“Hi, Doris. Long week?”

“Long but mostly good.”

“Tell me about it.”

As we settled into our seats, a comfortable silence hung between us for a moment. Then, my father's eyes twinkled with mischief as he leaned forward, breaking the silence. "Okay, what’s up? How's life treating you these days?"

I chuckled, appreciating his casual approach. “Life has its ups and downs, but I can't complain. Noah woke up for a brief moment." I didn't think I'd ever mentioned Noah to Joe before, so I told Joe all about how Noah had saved me, and I brought Joe up to date on the situation.

“Sounds like it’s a critical time where you definitely want to make sure you get the best doctors.”

I nodded.

“Things have been eventful,” I said. “Between work, singing, Mia, and Arthur. Then there’s still my worry about the whole Brooklyn land tract situation."

Joe nodded, a hint of concern shadowing his features. "I've been following the trail of evidence. There’s a lot of subterfuge. It is going to be a daunting task to reclaim what's rightfully your client’s."

His words struck a chord within me. The challenge was immense, but I was determined to fight for what was right. "Yes, it's going to be tough, but I won't back down. We can't let them destroy my client's personal dreams and family history. There has to be another way to satisfy the city. We need to find a way to win this battle."

Joe's eyes gleamed with determination. "That's my girl. I knew you'd have the fire in you to fight for what's right. And speaking of fighting, I have something for you." He reached into his bag and pulled out a well-worn folder, sliding it across the table to me.

Curiosity sparked within me as I opened the folder, revealing a list of names neatly typed on yellowed paper. "What's this, Joe?"

He smiled a hint of pride in what he had found shining in his eyes. "These, my dear, are the names of key people who can help you win back the Brooklyn land tract. They are community leaders, activists, high-level politicians, and influential figures who have the power to make a difference."

I scanned through the list, recognizing a few names and feeling a surge of hope.

"Most of the people on this list owe me a favor, so when you decide on your exact plan of action, if you need me to call in those favors for you, let me know.

Joe’s network seemed to span far and wide. "This is incredible. Thank you."

He reached across the table, squeezing my hand gently. "You don't have to thank me, Doris. This is your fight, but you're not alone. You have the strength and determination to make a difference, just like your mother did."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought of my late mother, her unwavering spirit and passion for justice. I missed her every day, but her memory fueled my resolve. "I'll make her proud. I promise."

Joe nodded, his voice filled with love and encouragement. "I know you will."

Joe smiled at me. "Now, tell me more about your relationship with Arthur. It seems like it's getting serious."

I couldn't help smiling back. "It's too soon to tell."

"You want it to be more?"

"I do, but it's too soon to know," I said, basically repeating myself.

"Bullshit," Joe said. "I knew the moment I first glanced at your mother that she was the one."

Yet you left her, I thought. Just because they're the love of your life doesn't mean that everything will work out like a happily ever after fairytale.

"We'll see," I said. "For right now, I'm just going to enjoy every moment."

"Good for you.”

ARTHUR

Tonight I had planned to sweep Doris off her feet. We had been through so much together, and I wanted to make a date for her that was an unforgettable adventure.

As I approached the door to Doris’s apartment, anticipation coursed through my veins. I held a bouquet of colorful lilies and roses.

Doris opened the door, and her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the bouquet. "Arthur, you didn't have to do this!"

I smiled mischievously. "I couldn't resist. I wanted to. I'm determined to give you a night you'll never forget."

She giggled, "As I'm sure I've told you before, Arthur, there's nothing about you that's forgettable."

She stepped back so I could come in, and I noticed she had placed photos of Mia or the three of us all around her small living room. It warmed my heart. It also made me want her to live with us even more. Those photos should be in my penthouse's big living room, not Doris's small one.

I didn't say anything about that, though. I didn't want to push her.

“Tonight is all about you, Doris, and making you feel special."

She laughed, the sound echoing through the air like music. Taking her hand, I led her to the car that awaited us, ready to whisk us away to our first destination. The engine roared to life as we drove through the city streets, the wind tousling our hair and adding an air of exhilaration to the night.

Our first stop was an underground speakeasy hidden beneath a vintage bookstore.

“Oh, my goodness!" Doris exclaimed, "How do you even know about this place?"

“I have my ways.”

The atmosphere was electric, with live jazz music filling the air and couples dancing, slowly swaying to the beat.

We slipped into a cozy booth and indulged in exotic cocktails with names of old-time stars combined with clever phrases, like the Frank Sinatra Scotch Sipper.

"Every time I look at you, Doris, it's like bathing in sunshine while seeing the most beautiful woman in the world."

We stayed at the speakeasy for a while, having drinks and listening to the music. I'd like to think that her gaze looking at me was as hot and wanting as mine was looking at her.

Next, I surprised Doris with tickets to a thrilling aerial show. The performers defied gravity with their breathtaking acrobatics, twirling and soaring through the air.

Doris and I held hands, our hearts pounding in sync with the pulsating music, as we marveled at their daring feats.

"This reminds me of the Pink performance."

I had no idea what show Doris meant and told her so she told me she'd show me videos later.

I whispered in her ear, with all the sexual innuendo I could muster, that I had plenty of plans for her later. Much, much, later.

The night was still young, and I had one more surprise for Doris. I took her to a secret rooftop bar, accessible only by a hidden staircase. As we reached the top, we were met with a breathtaking view of the New York City skyline illuminated by a dazzling fireworks display.

We found a cozy spot on a rooftop terrace, surrounded by twinkling lights. We laughed, teased each other, and reveled in the moment's joy.

We found ourselves wrapped in each other's arms as midnight approached, watching the fireworks explode in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Time seemed to stand still as we shared a passionate kiss, the world fading away around us. It was a moment of pure excitement and connection. I kissed her jaw and neck and then back up to her ear.

“We’ve had a great evening so far. Now I want to take you home and taste you.”

Doris shivered, a testament to the electrifying chemistry between us.

“Well,” she said, with a huge smile in her voice, “if you insist.”