I Win

Chapter 23

Miranda

I stare out the window and look down at the busy city below. I'm not particularly happy about being up this early, at the office on a saturday morning, and away from my family. Piper was upset this morning and it was hard to tell her goodbye. It's the summer and she had plans.

It's the summer mom. I'm out of school. I thought the weekend was our day. Not work day.

I frown sadly at remembering her words before walking out the door and leaving her with Sam. My phone chimes and I glance at the message to see a picture of Sam and Piper eating ice-cream with Sam mother and her Uncle.

My smile becomes huge but it doesn't last long because my office door opens and reveals one of my assistants--I still have yet to learn her name--comes rushing in and placing coffee onto my desk. I look down at it curiously and she swallows nervously at me. "Your regular." She squeaks.

I roll my eyes and grab the cup before taking a sip. It's burning. It's acceptable. She sighs gratefully and I ask, "When will the re-do be complete?" I question. I didn't have time to be stuck in the office all day. Today is suppose to be a special day. I had a surprise for everyone. The girl shifts nervously and replies, "I don't know."

"Leave." I snarl. "Your incompetence is making me nauseous."

She speeds out of my office and I get into my work. The coffee finally settles in and my mood changes to not wanting to murder everyone. Time seems to speed by and when I finally complete everything it's around noon. I shut my laptop and pack up all my things. I walk into the outer office and everyone freeze.

I figured everyone would be gone. Today was their last day. They were supposed to come in and check themselves out, return badges and such. I look around for Austin. The assistants look at me and I guess they are waiting for a long speech about their hard work.

Sam would have wanted me to at least try even though I wanted to just walk past them and leave. "You all did your job and that is what the world will expect. I'm sure your future job will be a piece of cake. You all are free to go."

The team looks confused but Austin starts to clap and everyone follows in unison. Suddenly, there are cheers and someone even pop opens a bottle of wine to celebrate. Austin approaches me with his tablet. "I canceled all of your meetings for the rest of the week. Is there anything I should be doing while you're gone?"

"I'll send you a file." I tell him. "However, call everyone and tell them to meet me at this address." I pass him a piece of paper. He glances at it curiously before looking up and asking, "Who is considered everyone...

I roll my eyes, "Save your questions for someone who has the time. Figure it out." I turn away and Austin huff behind me. "Rose is allowed." I roll my eyes. "She is family now." He smiles and escorts me towards the elevator.

"This is unfair." Someone shouts. I stop in my tracks and turn around. "And inappropriate."

I arch my eyebrow at the audacity. "Tread carefully while you're ahead young woman."

She rolls her eyes and smacks her lips, "I've worked harder than anyone in this building, especially Austin!" She spats. "How is he the only one who receives a full-time job?" She questions. "The others and I have put more time in the office doing your annoying paperwork, scheduling, running to get your coffee orders, and any other insane orders you give." She clenches her jaw and I let her continue to speak. "I know he's been getting paychecks also which is illegal because this is an unpaid internship. I'm really disappointed in you Miranda Grayson. I can't believe you're choosing Austin over everyone because he's your girlfriend best friend." She finishes. "I want what is owed to me."

There is silence in the office and the other assistants come closer to hear my response. I've never been the one to scream. "Sam and I relationship is private, my life outside of this office is private, what I choose to do with my money is private." I hiss in anger. "Austin has handled more stress and hours than any of you. While you were doing office hours from 8 am to noon, then classes, Austin is here at 6 am to noon, then classes, and back on duty to correct your mistakes. You can't even make a proper schedule." I pause. "I do not have to explain anything to you..." I cock my head to the side. "I don't even know your name."

She gasps in shock before frowning, "It's Bethanie."

I wave my hand because her name is not important. "Those checks are not from this company it is from my bank account which is also private business, Bethanie. You've been snooping through documents you shouldn't have had access to in the first place." My eyes land on Austin and he shifts uncomfortably. "That is illegal. If you would have at least done that correctly you would have known that Austin was my daughter's wedding planner. Which is private. So, as I stated before... leave while you're ahead, Bethanie."

She turns completely red and sprints out of the office embarrassed. I look at the other students in the room. "Anyone has anything to say or would you all like to keep your good recommendations?"

The others shake their head and sip their wine. Austin follows me onto the elevator and he says, "I'm sorry. She must have found access to my laptop. I thought we were cool..."

I rub my forehead. "You do not have any friends in this business. I thought you were smarter than this, Austin."

Austin look away sadly, the elevator doors slide open, and I put on my shades, "I hope you've learned your lesson today."

It only takes me half an hour to get home. When I walk through the door I don't expect a small body to sprint my way. She tackles me in a hug and I squeeze as tight as I can before planting a kiss on the top of her head. "Hey, mom! You're finally off." She pulls onto my hand and drags me deeper into the condo. There is toys all over the place and a mess in the kitchen. I rub my forehead. I need to look into getting a bigger and more permanent place. Piper looks up at me. "I'll clean it up."

"You will." I tell her. "Now."

Piper pout, "But, I want to tell you about my day. I had an ice-cream cone this big." She stretches her arms out.

"That big?" I question my eyes going big which makes her squeal in excitement.

"You should have seen it, mom."

I pick her up and she laughs in my arms. "You can use your sugar rush for a good cause by cleaning my living room. You can tell me the story when you're done putting away all your things." I kiss her forehead and place her back on her two feet.

Piper pouts but gives in when she sees I'm serious. I walk down the hall and into my room. Sam is coming out of the bathroom. Her face immediately breaks out in a smile. She approaches me and kisses me on the lips.

I pull back. "I thought you guys would be out all day before going to Joy's."

Sam arches her eyebrow, "That was originally the plan." She leans in for another kiss. "Piper really wanted to see you and I will admit..." She pauses. "I missed you too."

Today is not going as plan I think while running my fingers through my hair.

"I was thinking we could just stay in all day and watch movies. Then, when Piper goes for a nap..." Sam pulls onto my skirt. "We can have some time in bed."

I giggle and she leans in to kiss all over my neck. "Sam, baby." She pulls back and I look at her sadly. "I'll have to return to work to wrap some things up."

Sam pouts but I can't give in.

"I was coming home for a break, sweet-heart." I kiss her again. "I"m sorry, Sam. I didn't expect you guys to be here."

She looks at me curiously, "You never come home for break." She shifts uncomfortably. "Um. Are you lying to me?"

I arch my eyebrow and Sam turns red before rushing out her mouth, "I mean... you have just been acting weird all month. Every time I wanna hang out you use Piper as an excuse which is cool. She's your heart but, now she's out of school and you're still being weird." Sam pauses. "You can be honest with me, Miranda."

I shut my eyes for a second and think of a lie. However, I can't bring myself to lie to her. When I reopen my eyes Sam is looking at me nervously. I pull onto her hand and squeeze it. "You're right. I'm not on a break."

"I knew it." Sam says. "What is it? Did I do something?"

"No." I kiss her forehead. "I promise everything will be explained later."

Sam exhale, "Whew. I thought..."

"I found out about your new job opportunity?" I question arching my eyebrow.

She swallows nervously, "No." She squeaks. "That Rose and I took the girls to see a scary movie."

"What?" I hiss.

"...I'm not taking the job."

"What?" I hiss again.

Sam shifts uncomfortably. "It's too far away."

"That job is a great opportunity, Sam." I tell her. "You will take the job."

"Pff." Sam roll her eyes. "You don't tell me what to do."

I fold my arms and Sam turns red again. "Ugh. We're not doing this again, Miranda. I want to be here with you and Piper. Seattle is too far away and I don't wanna lose you." She pauses. "Not again."

"You're not going to lose me." I tell her. "I know my track record is not the best but long distance relationships work. I want you to get out there and experience life. If you wish to stay and things are going great in a year or so. Piper and I will come. Nothing will pull us apart ever again, Sam." Sam looks away and she's clenching her jaw. "I know jobs around here is not to your liking, Sam. You're going to be unhappy...." I squeeze her hand. "Please. Just trust me."

"It's hard." Sam chews on the inside of her cheek.

I look away, guilty. "I completely understand but it will all be worth it in the end."

Before Sam could say more Piper is sprinting in the room while screaming, "I'm done." She bounces on the bed and looks at the two of us oddly. "What's wrong?" She pouts.

Sam forces a smile on her face and she pulls Piper in her arms before tossing her in the air and catching her. Piper laughs and Sam tickles her before saying, "Mom has to go back to work." Piper immediately pouts while folding her arms in frustration. "So, me and you are going to go hang out with Rose, Nat, and the twins."

Piper completely ignores Sam and she hops off the bed and say, "But, mom." Her eyes becoming wet. "I wanna spend time with you. It's Saturday."

My heart shatters looking at that face. I pull her into my arms and say, "You can tag along with me but you have to be a good girl."

Piper smiles go big and she hurries off the bed before screaming, "I'll be a princess."

I watch her go and I squeeze Sam hand before whispering, "We'll finish this later?"

"Yeah sure." Sam replies before kissing on the lips and disappearing out the door.

[][]

Piper and I head into the fancy restaurant and take a seat in the back away from prying eyes. As we wait Piper talks my ear off. She speaks about the twins and her friends from school. She even tells me about the scary movie they all went and saw a couple of days ago. She covers her mouth when she catches herself, "Oops." She whispers coming closer to my face. "It's supposed to be a secret mom. Don't be mad but I wasn't scared." She smiles so big. "I'm a big girl."

I kiss her forehead. "You are but no more scary movies."

Piper whines and places her head in my lap. "Are we leaving soon? Why are we in this boring restaurant?"

"Mommy has to take care of important business. Be patient sweetheart."

Piper sighs dramatically with her head in my lap. I give her my phone to play with and finally the man I've been waiting for steps through the curtains. He gives me his famous boyish grin. I roll my eyes.

"Miranda Grayson." His voice is deep and husky. "It's always a pleasure to be in your company."

Piper looks up from her phone and frown. She locks the screen and comes closer. The man glances at her curiously for a second before speaking, "Well, hello."

Piper buries her face in my body and I say, "Manners, Piper."

She looks up, "Hey." Before practically jumping in my lap.

Alvin is not offended. He walks closer to me before planting a kiss on my cheek. Piper looks up and frown. He then takes a seat across from us. We get into small talk as the waiter brings him expensive bourbon. I ask for water and juice for Piper. Once she is comfortable around Alvin she is back scrolling through my phone.

"I have to say..." Alvin starts after taking a sip of his neat bourbon. "I figured you were using the lake-house as an excuse to see me."

"Alvin I was very clear in the email."

"The very private email." He replies smoothly.

"There have been a few hacks in my company lately. I didn't want anything getting out and anyone getting the wrong idea." I explain. "I was being cautious."

"I understand." Alvin replies. "However, I am very disappointed. I even put on my best suit." He finishes with a wink.

I chuckle, somehow Alvin always gets a laugh out of me. His flirting is never forceful but always playful. "Alvin you're wearing a ring again."

Alvin glances down at his finger and turns a shade of pink. "I'll leave mother nature herself just to be with you." He pauses. "I know we are meant to be."

"Shut-up." I tell him. "I've seen you and her in a few tabloids. She's beautiful and you're happy."

"I am." He replies seriously. "She's good to me and great with the kids. My youngest daughter is going through the hell phase. She's fourteen and only talks to her phone. I can't keep up. But, home has been so peaceful since she's moved in..." He pauses. "I'm sorry. I'm rambling. You don't want to hear about my happy marriage. It's the drama people tend to like."

"You should change your circle of friends, Alvin. I am always open to hearing about your happiness." I reply.

We speak for a few more minutes, mostly Alvin speaks about his time with the kids and how he takes his youngest sailing now. His wife idea. Finally, the conversation drifts to business. "So, I don't mind selling the property but it needs loads of work. I'm giving you a great deal but if you don't mind me asking... why?"

"The location is perfect." I tell him. "It's secluded, private, and away from prying eyes." I run my fingers through Piper's hair. "It's also enough space for my family and with time and hard work I can knock the house down and build something bigger in no time."

Alvin arches his eyebrow, "Are you starting a prestigious summer camp or something?"

I only smile, pull an elegant pen from my purse, before signing my name and passing him a check. "Don't tell my mother about this. Thank you so much, Alvin."

[][]

Piper sleeps the entire ride towards the property however once the car comes to a sudden stop she is awake with exploding energy. She jumps out the car when I open the door and her eyes widen at the sight. "That's so much water." She tells me.

As we approach the home I crinkle my nose in disgust. Alvin was not kidding about how much work the lake house needed. The windows had gaping holes for the wind to rush in and out leaving an uncomfortable smell inside, the floors were dirty, and the stairs did not look safe to climb.

However, with the right team, all of this could be fixed. I can imagine several bedrooms, a spacious kitchen for everyone to fit, and a living room with an oversize TV. I take pictures of each corner of the home, soon I'm hearing several cars outside the house, and Rose loud voice.

"Dude, why are we at some serial killer house?" She questions.

"Serial killer." I hear Delilah scared voice. "Mom, I wanna go home. Please."

"Shut-up, Rose. You're scaring her" Joy hisses. "She will be at your house tonight keeping you up since you thought it was a bright idea to take her to see a scary movie."

Rose whines, "What no. Nathalie and I need to pack."

"Austin, seriously what are we doing here?" I hear Sam voice as I open the front door. "Miranda is probably waiting for me to come home...Miranda?" Sam finally turns and we make eye contact.

"I knew she was crazy." Rose mutters stepping closer to Nathalie.

I roll my eyes, "Surprise."

Everyone looks confused. Nathalie is the first one to speak, "What is the surprise, mom?" She asks cautiously.

"Dude," Rose whispers in Sam's ear. "Is this menopause?"

Sam shoves her away, aggressively. I run my fingers through my hair. "Why did I invite Rose again?" I ask out loud.

Austin who is currently holding a notepad and looking very seriously replies, "You stated she is family now..."

"I know what I said." I hiss, annoyed. Austin immediately shuts up. This is not going as well as I thought.

"I purchased this property for us to have a place to get away. We are all separating and starting our own lives. So, the start of every year we all choose the dates of when we all come together. It can be during summer break, Christmas break, thanksgiving, memorial day weekend. Any day is available because this property is mine now." I pause. "I know it's going to take some adjustment to be apart from each other but this place could be our home to catch up and spend time together..."

Rose sniffs, "Damn. Mama bear. I could cry right now." She looks around. "I mean, dude. This place is perfect. It's secluded. I have a reason to buy a boat." Her eyes widen. "There can be a dock placed there and maybe a huge ass aqua launch that floats on the water." She pauses and looks to me. "You're a genius. Please tell me this a no kids zone."

Delilah shoves Rose, "We can come." She turns to look at me. "Right Mira. It's for us too."

I roll my eyes as the two go at each other. I give everyone a quick tour of the place and the plans I had. It doesn't take long before Sam is getting in the car with me and Piper and we are riding home.

"This is why you've been acting all weird?" Sam questions.

"I didn't want to tell you if Alvin decided to change his mind." I explain.

"Alvin?" Sam questions. "Really."

"Don't be upset." I say.

Sam gives me a smile, "I'm not. I trust you and I'm definitely not worried about Alvin." She squeezes my hand. "I'm worried about you, Miranda. You can fool everyone else but you can't fool me. This separation is hitting you harder than you let on."

"It's always been me and Nathalie. Then Nathalie went off to college and I still stuck around." I turn around and look at Sam with anger in my eyes. "I'm insane. I can't even let my daughter go." My bottom lip begins to tremble slightly as I squeeze the steering wheel after parking the car. I inhale before breathing. "I've never had a family before...

"We're not going anywhere." Sam tells me. "I'm not going to Seattle, Miranda."

"But..." I start ready to present my argument.

"You're not pushing me away, I will be happy here with you and Piper, I will find a job, and if I don't like it I will find another." She leans forward and places a kiss on my lips. "I want to be here with you and help build this paradise for our family." She kisses me again before adding. "Plus, who will keep the insane girls out my room."

I pull back, grab her chin, my nails digging in her skin. She only stares at me with lust, amusement, and love. "Don't test me, Ms. Madison."

She chuckles, "You'll be Mrs. Madison soon." She kisses me before her words catch up to her. I look back at her in amusement. "How romantic, Sam. Proposing to me in the car."

She turns a dark shade of red, "No. That wasn't..." She chokes on her words. "It was a joke, Miranda." She smacks her forehead. "I mean. Of course, I wanna marry you but I wouldn't propose that way..." She inhales and exhales. "Okay. I'm just gonna get out the car."

I laugh so hard that tears trail down my face. Sam tries to pretend to be mad but she can't help but smile as she stares at my red face and teary eyes. She touches my cheek softly, "I've missed this." She kisses me again and this time it becomes deep and passionate. She leans over closer to me and her fingers bury itself in my hair. Our breathing becomes the only noise in the car along with our lips and tongue.

I pull down on her bottom lip and begin to suck. She moans and I have to pull away quickly. "Wait what?" Sam asks in a daze. I turn to look in the back seat. I sigh gratefully. Piper is still asleep. Sam follow my eyes and we get out the car silently even though my body is still buzzing.

Sam carries Piper in her arms, tuck her in, follows me to my room, and undress me. We make love through the night before falling asleep in each other arms and waking up to start all over again. I run my fingers through her red tresses as she sleeps on top of my body.

I fall asleep with a smile on my face and sleep into the afternoon. The smell of breakfast and loud cartoons awakens me. I put on a robe and sneak a peek down the hall to make sure Sam is not burning anything. However, I hear Rose voice. "What?" She's on speakerphone. "You're so stupid, Sam." She chuckles loudly while smacking on whatever she's eating. I roll my eyes turning around to shower before Piper notice I'm awake. "Miranda Grayson deserves a proposal on the moon, dude."

Sam groans, "How the hell am I supposed to do that, asshole?"

Rose shrugs, "I don't know." She pauses. "All I do know is if she takes your boring ass last name I'm gonna be pissed. Miranda Madison...." She tries. "Dude. that's so ugly. Your last name is ugly. Think about her future....it's not attractive."

Beep.

"Did you hang up on her?" I hear Piper asking.

"Yeah, Pipes. Rose is annoying." Sam replies. "Come eat."

I hear Piper small feet running into the kitchen. "Don't grow up too fast." She tells Piper. "Mommy wants you to stay little forever."

"I'll try."

"That's my girl." Sam replies. "So, it's all up to you. Waterpark, the zoo, or laser tag?"

I sneak back down the hall, shut the door, before jumping into the shower. Once, I'm done my phone is ringing and the first thing I hear is Nathalie voice when I answer, "Miranda Madison. Seriously, mom?"

I shake my head and laugh. "It was a joke, sweetheart." I pause as Nathalie speaks through the phone. "Of course she'll be a Grayson..."

Miranda & Sam Grayson.

It did have a ring to it.

I win.

The End :)