The Miracle of Change

Chapter 3

For the next couple of days I am swamped with my work so I have no time to think about Charlie or all of his unnecessary drama. He has called a few times but I just ignore his calls. I also instructed Tammy to disregard any messages he leaves for me in the office.

It's Friday and I can't help but feel relieved at the end of the work week. I could really use a relaxing night to myself.

My intercom goes off with Tammy on the other end.

"Exucse me Ms. Buffet but your father is on line 2. Would you like me to patch him through?"

"Yes go ahead. I might as well see what he wants." I reply in a bored tone.

"Okay one moment." I hear the intercom click off and wait for my phone to ring.

It only takes a few seconds for the phone to ring and I immediately put it on speaker.

"Hi Daddy," I try to sound chipper but I know it comes out a little sarcastic.

"Alexa what is going on with you? I tried calling you all day yesterday and you did not return not one of my phone calls. What if it was important?" He's not yelling but I can hear the frustration in his voice.

"Daddy watch the way your speaking to me first of all, and secondly I didn't answer because I had a lot going on," not true but he didn't need to know that, "And I know that if it was an emergency you would have left me a message or just shown up at my apartment."

I know you're probably confused because I live with my parents but I have an apartment that I use on the weekends. In this case, to get away from my problems. Only a few people know about it, like Chelsea and my family. 

"That does not excuse your behavior for not returning my phone call. Your mother is worried sick."

I can't help but to roll my eyes at his last statement. The only thing my mother worries about is her money and reputation. 

"Dad we both know the only reason she is worried is because she needs her money for shopping and whatever else it is that she does with her free time."

"Alexa I know you and your mother don't see eye to eye but she really does love you. She worries about you all the time whether you like it or not." He sounds like he is trying to convince himself more rather than me and I try to hold in a laugh. 

"Okay Dad whatever you say. Now what is it that you wanted that was so desperately important that you were constantly calling me yesterday?"

"Oh yes, I wanted to see if you wanted to have dinner. Just the two of us. We haven't had a dinner together in a while and I miss my baby girl." 

"Dad I just saw you the other day at the meeting. But if it makes you happy sure why not. Where were you thinking of going?"

"Let's go to Rubio's. Nothing fancy, just the two of us enjoying ourselves." 

I can't help but to have the biggest smile on my face. This is the side of my father that I love. The mellow, laid back, don't-give-a-crap who sees us side.

"Sounds good Daddy. After work I'll go to the house and we can leave from there."

"Okay baby girl. Have a good day. I love you."

"Love you too Daddy!" I hang up the phone and relax in my chair a bit. I'm so lucky to have my Dad in my life. Everyone else is always wanting something from me or just talking to me because I'm in charge. My father really does care about me.

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I spend the rest of my day looking over foreclosure paperwork and signing off on documents that are due over the weekend. I don't work weekends but that doesn't mean that business stops. We always have a weekend crew doing the work that needs to get done before Monday.

I sign my last document and stand up to stretch. I'm about to get my things together when the intercom goes off again with Tammy on the line.

"Umm Ms. Buffet you have a visitor." She sounds a little nervous and I can't imagine who would make her feel that way.

"Who is it Tammy?"

"It's Mr. Evans ma'am."

At that name my eyes get big. What is he doing here? I have nothing to say to him. I don't know why he would be here.

"Okay Tammy send him in."

I pull my suit jacket down a little to straighten it out and take in a deep breath. I see the office door open and in walks Mr. Evans. He is in his late 50s but carries himself with more confidence than anyone I have ever come in contact with. He gives off an essence of authority and can be quite indimidating.

"Hello Mr. Evans, please take a seat. It's good to see you."

"Hello Alexa, it's good to see you too." He gives me a nod before taking a seat in one of the leather chairs opposite of my desk.

"What can I do for you? I'm really surprised to see you here."

"Well, Alexa, I got a phone call from my son yesterday informing me that you two are no longer in a relationship. Is that correct?"

Okay so if you haven't figured it out by now, Mr. Evans is Charlie's father. Not only that but he is the wealthiest man in the United States.

"Yes sir that is correct. I am tired of your son taking advantage of me and acting like it is okay to do so. He lies to me all the time and I can't even count how many times he has cheated on me. He disrespects me constantly and I will no longer stand for it."

"Well I am really sorry to hear that Alexa. I apologize for my sons behavior and really hope that one day you all can work this out. I really thought that you were the one who would be able to change his ways but I guess I was wrong. I'm sorry for taking up your time but I was in the neighborhood and figured I would just stop by rather than call you to your office. I really hope this doesn't hurt our chances of business in the future."

I stand there a little shocked. I thought he was going to threaten me to get back with Charlie. We handle a few of his properties and he could have easily convinced me. I'm glad he actually took my side and understood my reasoning.

"Of course not Mr. Evans. I'm glad you came by."

"Please, call me Charles. We have known each other long enough to be informal. I should get going but please feel free to call me if you ever need me." He stands up getting ready to leave.

"I will. Thank you Mr...Charles. Thank you Charles. Enjoy your night."

He gives me a kiss on the cheek and walks out of my office.

"Maybe my luck is changing," I say to myself, "Maybe it's really changing."