Chapter 2 Continued: Saving Christmas Manor

Ben Spencer and Frost Marley Construction...Meeting Katrina

Ben was just finishing up preparing to leave for the evening when his cell phone rang. It was Katrina.

“Hey sweetie, what’s going on?” Ben said. It had been a tough day, and he was really looking forward to spending some time with her tonight at his place catching up, having a low-key dinner, and watching their favorite movie.

“Ben, there is a party in SoHo tonight. I am on my way there now, and I want you to come hang out. All of my friends are going to be there, and I want to introduce you to an investor friend of mine. He is a person to know in the real estate business in New York. He could really help you when you branch off and start your own construction company.”

Ben sighed. “Katrina, it’s been a long day, and I’ve been swamped with preparing to go to Massachusetts. I thought we were going to have a quiet night in tonight, get some takeout and relax. I’m happy to meet your friend, but can we do it another time?”

“Ben, I just don’t understand you sometimes. This is the city that never sleeps. If you want to make it here, you need to be out and be seen. It is all about perfecting the art of networking while you party. You have to go where the important people are in order to become a somebody. This man could really help you get to the next level in your career. He could open up more opportunities for you, opportunities that Frost just can’t. I mean look what your boss is having you chase. A stupid old house that is out in the middle of nowhere Massachusetts. He has you working night and day on this project, just because he’s from there. It’s child’s play really. You are so much more talented than that, and you could branch out on your own and get twice as much as what you are getting there.” Katrina said bluntly.

Ben sighed again. “Katrina, Mr. Frost has treated me very well. He hired me right out of law school, showed me the ropes, and has mentored me. I like working for him, and he’s seen a ten-percent growth in construction projects over the last five years. Business is booming for him and I’m not looking to become his competitor.”

“You’re not going to go nearly as far with him than if you left and branched out. But, look, if you are too tired, I am not going to force you to come out. You’ll just be a downer anyway. Go home, and have a quiet night in. But, don’t call me if you get bored, because you missed this opportunity.” Katrina was more than a little pissed.

“I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you after I’m back from Massachusetts. I promise. I will party hop with you for a month. Have fun tonight. I will talk to you tomorrow. I love you.”

“Sooo lame. Have fun on the couch. Bye.”

Hanging up with a huff, she rolled her eyes while she walked back to her friends. The music was blaring so loud you couldn’t hear anyone talk. But Katrina didn’t care. Yet again, Ben had disappointed her. For once, she wished her boyfriend could just show up and be the boyfriend she needed. He was always so wrapped up in that stupid job for Frost, that he was really losing sight of what he was capable of. He was so talented. Katrina really did believe he could branch out on his own, and make double the money he was making with Frost. She scanned the room looking for more champagne.

As much as she loved Ben, he was so different from her. She wanted to go away at a moment’s notice. She was fun, and spontaneous, and he was always planning, responsible and working. She was so tired of him working for a man who didn’t appreciate him or more importantly her vision of their future. Maybe her father was right: dump Ben, and find a more suitable boyfriend for her.

“So, is he meeting us here?” One of Katrina’s friends asked as she approached her friend.

“No, he has to work. Ugh, sometimes he can be the most miserly, lame person. He is so boring sometimes. I can’t believe he’d rather be home with his stupid dog, watching t.v. instead of being with me.” Katrina crossed her arms, and pouted.

“He really needs to appreciate you more, and show up for you. He is ALWAYS working. You need a man that doesn’t have to at work all of the time in order to actually live. You should be with someone who understands, you, your brand, and your lifestyle. We all like Ben well enough, but he isn’t one of us, and he is never going to be one of us. Remember that Katrina. Your family will never accept him.”

“Whatever. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Let’s get drunk. Hey, you with the tray of champagne flutes! Yeah, you come here, now. That tray is for us.” Taking four flutes in her hand, she distributed them among her friends. Drink up ladies. Tonight we are going hard!”

Katrina, and her friends downed the champagne in one gulp. Who cares about Ben. Who cares about her family. Tonight, was about having fun, and drinking lots of champagne. Katrina looked around at the crowd looking for some fun guys to hang out with for the evening. She’d rather be making out with her boyfriend on the dance floor but he decided not to come out tonight so you snooze you lose. Spotting two investment brokers in the corner of the room, Katrina sauntered over to where they were standing.

“Hi Fellas. I’m Katrina. You interested in having some fun tonight? My girls and I were just going to head to a fun club. You interested in joining us?” Winking at the two men before her, she downed the second champagne flute in her hand. Tonight, would be epic.

Meanwhile…

And with a quick click, the line went dead. She was upset with him. He understood why, but he was exhausted. Over the last month, he had worked 80 hours a week readying this buy out, and he needed to be on his A game to close this deal. He would make it up to her after the holidays. Maybe he would plan a surprise trip to London or take her skiing. She would love partying in London or skiing in Aspen.

He made a note to himself to start planning after the new year.

Thanks for reading! Until next time...All my healing love,

K.