NEW HEARTS OLD FLAME

Chapter One First Impressions

New York, New York

Present-Ten years later

Wednesday morning, Drew sat behind his desk going over a contract. It pertained to a piece of industrial land overseas. He still hadn't decided, if it would be a lucrative investment for him. Over the last ten years, Drew had grown his business into a massive corporation. His nightclub Stallions were now located in fifteen different cities along the east coast. Which included five other states, besides New York.

However, Stallions wasn't his only establishment. Drew dabbled in several other business investments as well. Some he maintained complete control over. While others, he stayed on board as a shareholder. With his current net worth sitting comfortably at one point eight-billion dollars, money was not a problem.

"Mr. Watts," Drew's secretary buzzed in. "Your father is on line one. Do you want me to tell him you're busy?"

Drew started to say yes, but his father rarely called.

"No, send him through." When the phone rang on his end, Drew picked up. "Yes Alan, what can I do for you."

"Must you call me by my first name?"

"I'm sure you didn't call, to discuss how I address you."

Over the years, the two had never patched things up. On the outside looking in, it appeared that Drew's rudeness came from nowhere. They both knew different. The rocky foundation of their relationship had been laid a long time ago.

Drew's father sighed. "No, that's not why I called. It's about your mother."

"What's wrong with mom."

"She's alright, she misses you."

"I'll be there this weekend."

"Your grand opening is on Friday, in Richmond correct?"

"Yeah."

"I'm really proud of you son."

"Thanks." Both Drew and his father remained quiet. "I gotta go. I have a lot of work to do."

"Sure son."

Drew heard the sorrow in his father's voice. He didn't care, nor did he feel sympathy.

Picking up the phone again, he called his mother. It had been six months since he went home to Arlington, Virginia. The last time there, he drove down to Richmond with the intention of visiting Nina's parents. Only he didn't have the courage to face them. Instead, he bought stock in a local bar and purchased a restaurant, along with an old warehouse.

Sitting on three acres of wooded land, the warehouse gave Drew the seclusion and privacy he needed. With the renovations almost complete, it would be his home whenever he was in Richmond.

"Hi, mom."

"Drew! I'm so glad you called! When are you coming home!"

"I'll be there this weekend."

"How long are you staying this time?"

"Maybe a week or so. I'm not sure. I was going to come by and take you out for lunch, on Saturday."

"That would be nice. Your brothers are going to stop by on Saturday as well."

He closed his eyes, aware of what she was implying.

"I would love to have all my boys here together," his mother added.

"OK, I'll try my best to make it. "He pinched the bridge of his nose.