The Royal Couple: A Christian Romance (Royals Book 1) Read online

  He and Barbara were constantly fighting about his flirting with other women, even in her presence. Though he claimed that it never went beyond flirting she had reason to suspect it did. Confirmation came the day when she returned to their Paris apartment unexpectedly and found him in bed with a famous model.

  She had walked out on him the same time and had filed for a divorce a few days later.

  Incidentally, he had been right – she did win the Academy Award for Best Actress. He won for Best Director. When they showed up at the Oscars months after their divorce, Barbara was unaccompanied, and Jacques was with his new fiancée (not the model).

  ~*~*~*~

  Barbara couldn’t go into these details with William right now, they were too embarrassing. She could see that he wanted her to elaborate but she didn’t. She only said honestly, “I was on the rebound. I was still hurting from what happened between us. Jacques was there for me.”

  “You mean he took advantage of you, of your vulnerability.”

  Barbara didn’t disagree. “Maybe he did but it wasn’t like I didn’t know what I was doing.”

  “Why are you letting him off the hook so easily? If it wasn’t for him we would be married by now.”

  “You don’t know that. Why are you getting mad at him?” she said, annoyed at his presumptuous tone.

  “Who else should I get mad at? You? Because I still find it hard to understand how you could have just rushed into marriage with a man whom you barely knew.”

  “I can’t believe you just said that with a straight face. I was planning to marry you and I knew you for less time.”

  “That was different.”

  “How?”

  “We had a connection. You knew how much I loved you.”

  “And how far did that get me exactly. In the scheme of things there wasn’t any real difference between you and Jacques. You both betrayed my trust.”

  William sucked in a breath sharply. Then he shook his head. “I think I’ve overstayed my welcome. I’ll see myself out. Good bye.”

  Chapter 16

  William stood in the walk-in closet trying to decide what to wear to his interview with a reporter from Riches Magazine.

  He rubbed the back of his neck and groaned. He was seriously not in the mood for conversation. He did not feel focused and mentally prepared for the interview.

  He contemplated calling and cancelling but decided against it. He reasoned that perhaps the interview would take his mind off Barbara, force him to focus on something other than how he seemed to be failing in his pursuit of her.

  He sighed as he pulled the black knit sweat shirt over his head. As he was about to push his hand through the sleeve he paused and thought about whether he should dress a little less casually. The reporter hadn’t mentioned that she would be taking a photo of him to accompany the article. Still, it might be best to be prepared just in case. He dragged off the shirt and pulled a white, button down Michael Kors shirt from a hanger and shrugged it on.

  As he quickly buttoned the shirt his thoughts drifted to Sunday, two days ago. Exactly how had things ended up going so wrong?

  He’d enjoyed being at church with Barbara. It had been a contemplative experience, encouraging him to think about the way he had been living his life. He’d also enjoyed having lunch with Barbara and her family. His heart had soared as he was able to participate in that intimate family gathering and see a side of her that he had not previously seen – that of daughter and sister. The afternoon had been going so well and then he had seen the photo of Barbara with Jacques Annuad. It had set him off – them off – on the street called ‘memory lane.’ Except the memories hadn’t exactly been good ones.

  He could still recall his feelings of hurt and anger when Prudence had informed him that Barbara had married Annuad. It had been irrational, of course. He couldn’t possibly have expected an extremely desirable woman like Barbara not to have been snatched up by some other man. But so soon? It had only been three months after they had broken up for heaven’s sake.

  When she and Annuad had divorced a little over a year later, he had contemplated reaching out to her and had eventually dismissed it. Notwithstanding that he was seeing someone at the time, doubts had already begun to form in his mind about her feelings for him. Her actions suggested that she was no longer in love with him and had moved on. By the time he had dated a few perfectly interesting women and found them all wanting and then decided that he had to at least attempt to rekindle the flame between Barbara and himself, she had married Gerald Salzman.

  Justifiably, then, he had felt that he might as well get on with his life, hence his relationship with Elizabeth Kelly. But that hadn’t worked out. Post Barbara he had not been able to fall in love with any other woman. It would actually be funny if it wasn’t so tragic.

  He had spent Monday reading the latest issue of Riches Magazine and trying to predict the questions he would be asked. On Tuesday, he had gone on a lunch date with a few friends at Fifteen to catch up and also used the opportunity to seek sponsorship for the gala. He’d gone to the club and played tennis for two hours. By the time he’d returned to the condo he had crashed.

  It was now 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday morning and Barbara Dickson hadn’t called him. Not once.

  Clearly, she was still mad. But wasn’t it he who had the right to be angry? She had insulted his honor. Had actually compared him to that philandering ex-husband of hers and had suggested that he wasn’t to be trusted. What hurt him the most was that she could still say that after he had confessed to her at Prunes’ wedding how difficult the decision to part from her had been for him.

  William’s ring tone startled him out of his reverie.

  Perhaps it was Barbara.

  He quickly walked into the bedroom and grabbed the phone from the bedside table.

  Disappointment lanced through him as he glanced at the name.

  “Hello, John,” he answered.

  “Sir, I need your guidance. As you instructed, we’ve been planning the launch of Lamport Financials Beijing for April, but from what I’m hearing it looks like we may need to push it back by a month,” said his Corporate Communications Manager, John Finley.

  “Why?”

  “We had our launch planning meeting on Monday and Simmons indicated that there are a few more things that still need to be ironed out before the business will officially open. He said that there were a few issues relating to permits and patents and that everything should be finalized by the middle of May.”

  William spoke evenly, despite the dull headache he could feel beginning to form.

  “John, I’m well aware of the loose ends that need to be tied up. I told Simmons yesterday that these details do not have to affect our launch. If we can’t open fully on April 21st, as I’d hoped, we’ll do a soft opening, offering some of the services until everything is finalized. But I am not pushing back the launch. In a few minutes, I’ll be having an interview with a reporter from Riches Magazine on the imminent launch. We’re going full steam ahead.”

  “Sir, you’re meeting with reporters? I thought that I was managing your media appearances.”

  “Relax, John, this one was unplanned. As you know, I’m on holiday. The editor of Riches saw me the other night and asked me if I’d do an interview for the magazine on the Beijing expansion. I agreed.”

  “Okay, Sir, but please let me organize any other interviews. Remember, I’ve got a communications strategy in place. I don’t want you giving too many unscheduled interviews, especially before the official launch. Plus, you know how our papers get when their home grown boy takes the news to the American rags first. Please take my advice, that’s why you pay me so well.”

  Despite his pensive mood, William chuckled. “It’s gratifying to hear at least one of my employees is satisfied with his paycheck.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, more money is always welcomed,” Finley hastily added.

  “No doubt. Anyway, John, we’ll talk later, the reporter will be
here any minute. I respect your advice and I won’t give anymore interviews without at least letting you know first. But you understand, John, the launch will happen on April 21st as planned.”

  “Got it, Sir. We’ll just continue on schedule. No worries. Oh, by the way, are we still going to include the video by your father on the initial expansion right before your address?”

  William didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. I want it to be very clear that I’m just continuing my dad’s vision for expansion to the east. I want to remind people who the real credit goes to.”

  “Sure thing, sir. That’s covered. I’ll keep you updated on things. Cheerio.”

  William stared at the phone in his hand. He sighed as he resisted the urge to call Barbara. He wasn’t sure if he should apologize or if he should wait for her to apologize.

  William was so engrossed in his thoughts, that when Alfred appeared to let him know that Miss Ochoa was on her way up, he startled.

  When he entered the living room a few minutes later, he caught the whiff of a heavy floral scent and the view of a curtain of black hair, for the woman was looking down at her phone. At the sound of his voice her head shot up, and she uncrossed her legs and stood to meet him. She extended a hand, noisy with gold bangles, in front of his waist.

  William looked in mild surprise at the petite Latino woman in front of him. She was smiling broadly. “Lord Lamport, what a pleasure this is.”

  “You must be Conchita Ochoa,” William said as he shook her hand. She resumed her seat and he took the seat opposite as he put thoughts of Barbara into a compartment and focused on the task at hand.

  ~*~*~*~

  Barbara had just finished up a breakfast meeting with two prospective financers for the movie Israel. She felt that the meeting had gone very well. They had told her that they were going to review the business plan, which set out how the movie would be made, marketed and sold, and get back to her in a few days.

  She already had two other backers lined up and had received a check yesterday from one of them for $5 million. The estimated budget was $30 million, so she still had more money to raise.

  Barbara sighed. As much fun as producing a movie was, it was a whole lot more work than simply acting in the thing.

  She looked up from her glass of water and saw Beverly Simmons, the company’s line producer, approaching.

  Beverly was an attractive black woman with a ready smile to match her warm personality. She was also a real fashionista and from day to day Barbara waited in anticipation to see Beverly’s latest look.

  Barbara hadn’t seen her for several days. Beverly had taken a week’s vacation to travel to Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband and kids. Barbara nodded in approval as she took in Beverly’s appearance. Her dark brown hair was styled in an inverted bob with honey blond streaked bangs. She wore a black pantsuit that flattered her curvaceous figure and had accessorized with a thick gold chain and gold earrings.

  Beverly was Barbara’s right hand, and for Barbara she was a Godsend. When God had laid it on her heart to rename her production company and focus on a new genre she had made changes to her staff and then prayed that God would send her employees who she could depend on. Through industry contacts, she had received several recommendations for the position of line producer. Barbara had interviewed the candidates and although they had all been impressive, possessing the qualification and experience required, she still hadn’t felt a peace in her spirit about them. Then Beverly breezed in and she knew in her spirit that Beverly was the one.

  Since that time she’d had no reason to regret her decision. Due to Beverly’s efficiency Barbara could easily turn her attention to other tasks knowing that once Beverly was dealing with a matter it would be executed to perfection.

  Beverly hugged Barbara then slid into the vacant seat opposite her at the booth, dropping her wine colored Gucci bag beside her.

  “I love that pantsuit,” Barbara commented.

  Beverly smiled. “Thanks. The shopping in Arizona was good. You, of course, look divine, as always. I’m loving that coral blouse you’re rocking, girl.”

  “Thanks. How was your trip?”

  “Pretty good. Remember I told you it was a family reunion planned around my great-grandmother’s 100th birthday. There was a little Madea-type drama here and there but mostly it was a blessing seeing folks I haven’t seen in years.”

  Beverly paused to order a café latte from the waiter who’d appeared at their table, then she continued, “So how’d the meeting go?”

  Barbara smiled. “It went very well. They really seemed interested.”

  “How much did you ask for?”

  “Five million. If they come through, which I’m praying that they will, I’ll only need to raise $20 million more. I’ve got three more meetings this week with other prospective investors.”

  “I hope one of them is William Lamport.”

  Barbara frowned. “Why?”

  “I stopped by the office before I came here, and I understand from Lisa that he’s going to be the main sponsor for the gala this year. My logic is that if he’s willing to fund the charity why not this movie and it won’t be a donation it would be an investment. I think you should put the proposal to him.”

  “I don’t know about that, Beverly.”

  “It’s certainly your call, but as one of your most trusted advisors I strongly recommend that you approach him. Oh, by the way, speaking of Lamport, your mom dropped these off at the office for you just before I left. She said that he left them at her house on Sunday.”

  Barbara could see Beverly try to cover her smirk as she handed over the Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses.

  Barbara gave her a look that made it clear that she would not be entertaining any queries about why William Lamport was having lunch at her mother’s house.

  Beverly was a smart woman. She took the hint.

  “So, how’d the interviews for accountant go?” Barbara asked as she placed the sunglasses in her handbag. The reason Beverly hadn’t been present at the meeting with the prospective investors was because they needed to find a new accountant. She had fired the previous one a few days earlier when he had verbally assaulted one of their staff with a slew of profanities.

  “It’s down to two candidates. I think either of them could be a go. When you meet them you’ll decide.”

  “I hope they are Christians, Beverly. This is a Christian production company. I need to be surrounded by people who love the Lord and who share our vision of ‘Changing Lives One Film at a Time’.”

  “I know that, Barbara, and that was the first question I asked them.”

  “Yeah, the last guy was supposed to have been one too. He cussed worse than a pirate. He even shocked me and I have heard some pretty rough language in my time.”

  “That’s not my fault. He said at the interview that he was a Christian.”

  “I guess that demonstrates that we need to do more praying about who we hire and let the Holy Spirit guide us. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, God sees the heart. God always knows what’s best even when we think that we know better.”

  “Amen, sister. You are so right.”

  “Good.”

  “So, having said that, will you pray about asking William Lamport to invest the money?”

  There was silence for a full minute. “I walked right into that one didn’t I?”

  Beverly nodded vigorously. “Uh-huh. Yes you did.”

  ~*~*~*~

  She was not at all what he had been expecting, William mused. Her jet black hair reached the middle of her back and her bright, engaging smile lit up her whole face. To top that, her chocolate-colored eyes looked like they were having a party. But it was the way that she was dressed that struck him most.

  William took in her bright pink blouse, dark blue miniskirt and purple high-heeled shoes. He had expected someone slightly less… colorful. She wasn’t interviewing him for one of the lifestyle magazines after all. Finance was a serious topic.
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br />   “Lord William Lamport. I am so, so happy to meet you at last,” she gushed.

  “Please call me William. At last?”

  “You’re a financial kingpin. I’ve wanted to interview you for the last five years since you took over the helm of Lamport Holdings, but I never got the opportunity. So you’ll bear with me of course if I have tons of questions. There are at least five years’ worth.”

  William laughed at her vivacity and Conchita Ochoa did not take her eyes off of him. Not even when his butler appeared and offered her a drink. Not even when she took it with a distracted, ‘Thank you.’ Not even when she placed her phone on the table between them to record their conversation.

  She scrutinized every inch of his face looking for even one tiny flaw. She found none.

  How was it possible for a man to be so insanely, outrageously handsome and yet command the respect that William Lamport did? He was a legend. In the business world he was revered as a genius, a man driven, determined and with an extraordinary, even uncanny, ability for making the right business decision each time. Most remarkable of all was that in the cutthroat dog-eat-dog world of corporate business and investment, he was also considered a gentleman.

  As the interview got underway William found, to his surprise, that while Ms. Ochoa might be flamboyant in her dress, she was very professional when it came to her job. She asked him very incisive, analytical questions that showed she had done her research and understood the area well.

  She wasn’t kidding about the number of questions either. Due to the volume, the interview lasted almost an hour and a half. When it ended, Conchita thanked him and turned off the recorder.

  They chatted lightly for several minutes. He found out that she was actually from Spain and had attended his alma mater, the University of Cambridge, to also pursue a degree in Finance. They wouldn’t have met there, though, because she had enrolled two years after he had left.