Quentin turned to look at the Koi swimming about in the fountain and seemed deep in thought. Billie knew he didn't have another solution. They were just pretty words. He was trying to make her feel better, but she knew the reality of this proposal. She now had to decide if she could go through with it.

Billie reached out to turn his cheek to look at her. "I'm a big girl, Quentin. I get the risks. I understand. We proceed with the plan. We make a proper show of this relationship. We'll get everyone behind us, and then make the announcement."

"And if the announcement is not enough to drive my father off the deal?" Quentin queried.

"Then we get married," Billie stated matter-of-factly.

Quentin turned back to the fountain. Billie wondered what had him in such a quandary. "This was your idea, you know?" Billie reminded him.

"I know. I just..."

"What?"

"Never mind, it's not important. I will help you. I will do whatever it takes to save your father's company."

Billie took Quentin's hand in hers. "Thank you! I don't know how I can ever repay you for this."

"There is no need," Quentin said rising and holding his hand out to her.

Billie guessed getting his revenge on his father for ending his relationship with Calista would be enough for him. She took his hand and he led her through the maze back to his mother.

"Ah, there you two are? I know those hedges are great for secret rendezvous but I was hoping to get a little more time to get to know you, dear."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get lost in your backyard."

"Backyard?! My darling girl, never call it that. A garden is the proper term."

Billie wasn't exactly sure what the difference was but she figured this was a place Mrs. Harrison obviously took pride in, so she would call it whatever the woman wished.

"Amelia?! Amelia! Have you heard from that no-account son of mine?!" Mr. Harrison said, stomping on through the doorway onto the veranda.

"Right here, Father," Quentin said, his lips pressed into a thinly veiled smile.

"Damn it, boy! You know how important this..."

"Good morning, Mr. Harrison. Or is it afternoon I've been enjoying your son's company so much that I've lost track of the time?" Billie stated.

Whatever was going to come out of Mr. Harrison's lips died there, and a fake smile was plastered in its place. "Why Ms. Dupree? You're here. In my home," Mr. Harrison said scrambling to reign in his emotions.

"Yes, Dear. After I saw that picture in the paper, I thought I should invite her over for tea," Mrs. Harrison said. "Why not have a seat, Darling, and I'll pour you a cup as well."

"You invited her?" By Mr. Harrison's tone, it was evident that he found this hard to believe.

"Well, of course. It's been some time since Quentin showed an avid interest in a woman. I just had to meet her."

"I see," Mr. Harrison sat down, eyeing his wife speculatively, obviously not sure what to believe.

"How are negotiations going with my father, Mr. Harrison?" Billie asked and this question seemed to take everyone at the table by surprise.

"Quite well," Mr. Harrison said while taking a sip of tea.

"I'm so glad to hear it," Billie said.

"You are? I was under the impression you were against my involvement, Ms. Dupree?"

"Call me Billie, please. No need to be so formal and I must say I was, very much so until I met your son here," Billie said taking hold of Quentin's arm and smiling up at him. "I think I'm going to rather enjoy working closely with him."

"Him? Work?"

Something hit the table drawing Quentin and Billie's eyes to the couple across from them and Billie noticed Mr. Harrison trying to discreetly rub his leg and Mrs. Harrison smiling into her tea cup.

"Yes, of course. Quentin has been invaluable to my company becoming what it's turned into, couldn't have done it without him," Mr. Harrison said albeit a bit moodily.

"Wonderful! If you get the chance, I would love for us to meet over dinner, and discuss some innovative ideas I have for the company. I really do believe they will increase the company's overall market value."

"Is that so?"

"Yes," Billie said smiling. "Of course, I would love Mrs. Harrison to join us as well."

"I deplore business, child. Nasty stuff. I do my best to stay as far away from it as I can but perhaps you and I can go shopping? I'll help you pick out a wonderful dress for the evening," Mrs. Harrison counteroffered.

"That would be lovely," Billie agreed.

"Well, you see the thing is... I really don't have time to..."

"To what Mr. Harrison? I would think this would be your top priority. You're not in bed with someone else, are you?" Billie asked with wide-eyed shock at the idea.

"Me? I? No... I"

Billie put her hand over her heart. "Oh, thank heavens. Because I know there are many lesser men that would try and take advantage of our situation. I knew you'd be interested in expanding the company once we've merged."

"Expanding?! I never said anything about..."

"Of course, you didn't. It's too early to let the cat out of the bag but there are big ideas out there on the horizon and if you're not careful you'll miss the opportunity," Billie prophesized.

"Now see here, young lady, this deal and its terms will be set by your father and myself. I'll have no one else gumming up the works. New ideas... opportunities..." Mr. Harrison grumbled.

"Well unless your plan is to tear Dupree Industries apart, I would think you'd be open to new ideas. The next new inovation is what can launch DH tech to new heights."

"DH Tech? Who said I'd be changing the name of my company to ..."

"Well the companies are merging are they not? Or do you think it's best to come up with a totally new brand to work under? I can have our marketing team start drawing up some logos with some new designs if you would like?"

Mr. Harrison stood up and threw his napkin down on the table. "Now, listen here! There will be no new logo. No new name. I will not be going to dinner with you. Whatever is to be decided is between me and your father!"

Billie shrugged. "If you say, so. Guess that will just give me more time to devote to your son."

Quentin could not get over the change in Billie. She was formidable. Watching this sparing match with his father was exhilarating, especially because it was evident, Billie had the upper hand.

"And I am so looking forward to getting to know you better, Ms. Dupree," Quentin said covering Billie's hand with his.

Mr. Harrison stopped his seething and stared at the couple. He did not like what he saw. "Quentin, I need to speak to you. NOW!" and Mr. Harrison stormed off to his office, leaving Quentin no choice but to follow.

"I'll be back in a moment," Quentin told Billie, giving her a kiss on the cheek before disappearing into the house.

Billie stared a moment or two at Quentin's retreating figure, wondering what his father was planning on discussing with him.

"I can see why my son is falling for you," Mrs. Harrison said her smile broad, her eyes full of mischief when Billie's eyes met hers.

"You have no worries, Mrs. Harrison. Your son has shown me firsthand that his heart will not be in jeopardy. He would never allow it. This is just a mutual agreement and with a little luck we will both get what we want."

With a knowing look, Mrs. Harrison said, "We'll see my dear. We'll see."

***

Quentin got to his father's home office. His father had already taken position in his chair behind his massive desk or had ascended his throne as Quentin had come to think of it.

"Shut the door, Quentin," Mr. Harrison commanded as Quentin entered.

Quentin always cringed at that final click into place. It always felt like it sealed his fate. "Sit down, Quentin," his father said pointing to the chair across from him.

"I don't have a lot of time, Father. Billie and I are due back in town for a show," Quentin prefaced the conversation and chose to stand.

"You're... dating this girl?" Mr. Harrison questioned.

"It was your idea," Quentin told him.

"It was my idea that you take her out, keep her occupied, and out of the way. Yet, here she is in my home, having tea with my wife, inviting me to a diner to discuss ideas for expansion."

Quentin had trouble fighting back his smile. "Yes, quite motivated, isn't she?"

Mr. Harrison frowned at his son. "Motivated? A very good buzzword, my concern is what is she motivated for?"

"She wants her father's company to succeed. Billie works hard, harder than anyone at that company I'd wager. It's only natural she would want to discuss ideas with the possible new co-owner."

"I saw the way she was cozying up to you, Son. She has designs on you. Billie Dupree is a very smart and crafty woman. Not unlike her mother. If she wants something, she will do whatever it takes to get it. Even using you."

"Billie Dupree? Use me? Whatever for?" Quentin asked.

"To get to me, of course!" Mr. Harrison exclaimed like Quentin was being daft.

"You think Ms. Dupree is trying to get to you through me? How?"

"How can you not see she is trying to get her claws into you? Make you fall for her? You're her insurance card. If she can make you fall in love with her, she can still have a hold on this company."

Quentin continued to play dumb. "I don't understand how would a possible relationship between Billie and I have anything to do with you?"

"Just promise me that you won't let this girl get the better of you. Must I remind you of Calista and how that turned out? Billie Dupree doesn't love you, Quentin and she never will. You're just a means to an end. Once you're no longer useful you'll be cast aside just like before. I don't want that to happen to you again, Son."

Just the mention of Calista caused Quentin to clench his fists at his sides. Did his father really believe he was that naïve, that stupid not to realize where the real blame lies? Obviously, this was the case.

"You don't have to worry about me, Father. I know exactly where I stand with Ms. Dupree."

"Be certain you don't forget it. She'll break your heart, Son. They all make promises in the beginning. Make you believe they love you, only you, but in the end..." Mr. Harrison just shook his head in dismay.

"Is that all you have to tell me?" Quentin asked.

"Yes, you may go," Mr. Harrison told him.

Quentin was left with a bitter taste in his mouth. His father always dismissed him like he would one of his employees rather than his own son. He couldn't believe the man brought up Calista as a counterpoint to him getting involved with Billie. Pretending he was looking out for Quentin's best interest. It was enough to make him sick.

What he hated, even more, was the seed of doubt his father planted. Whether or not he meant to, Quentin had his own insecurities over Billie and her ability to destroy him should he let her in, should he give her his heart.

Quentin left his father's office and went back to the veranda. He stood a moment on the other side of the glass door, observing Billie interacting with his mother. Billie made his mother laugh something seldom seen nowadays. They were quite animated in whatever it was they were discussing. He loathed to stop them. Yet Billie must have felt his presence, for she looked right at him and smiled.

That smile, it's the one that lights up her eyes and changes her whole expression. He didn't think it possible for her to become more beautiful than she already was but he was always proven wrong when she smiled. He smiled back, and she waved for him to come join them.

"Everything all right?" his mother asked.

"Nothing I didn't already expect to hear," Quentin told her.

His mother's smile went away but Quentin refused to let that happen. "I have an idea. When was the last time you went to town for a show?"

"Don't tease me, Quentin. You know my love of musicals," his mother told him.

"Then how about I take my two favorite women out tonight, dinner and a show?" Quentin offered.

"It sounds lovely, Quentin," his mother exclaimed but he'd seen Billie frown.

"Is there a problem?" he asked.

"No...well... sort of... I have other plans for this evening."

"Other plans?"

"Yes, I'm sorry but I can't possibly go with you tonight."

Quentin couldn't help but wonder what these other plans might be and more importantly whom they may involve. Yet he knew he was not in the position to ask. Still, the question gnawed at him.

His mother jumped in with, "Another time perhaps."

"Oh no, don't hold up on my account. The two of you should go without me," Billie offered.

"I'd much rather wait for a time where you could come as well," Mrs. Harrison informed her.

"Is there no possible chance of you rescheduling?" Quentin questioned.

Billie looked truly apologetic when she said, "I'm sorry but no."

"I see," Quentin said, "I guess then I should get you home."

Billie rose and thanked Mrs. Harrison once again for the tea and conversation.

"You're welcome, dear. Don't be a stranger. Come by anytime. I've enjoyed our time together." 

Quentin too said his goodbyes. As they reached the front door, Billie asked, "Aren't you going to say goodbye to your father?"

"No," came Quentin's definitive reply.

Billie was dying to know what happened between Quentin and his father but she couldn't quite bring herself to ask.

As they drove back to the city an awkward silence ensued as both the car's occupants were lost in their own thoughts. So, lost in thought it took Billie by surprise when Quentin announced they had reached her home.

"Oh! Right. Thank you," Billie said unlatching her seatbelt.

"Would you like to meet up again tomorrow?" Quentin asked.

"I have to go to work tomorrow. I need to fix things with my father. I left in a bit of a huff this morning."

Quentin now knew whatever she had planned tonight had nothing to do with her dad. "After work then?"

"That should be fine," Billie said as she was about to open the door but Quentin pulled her back from doing so.

"What, no kiss goodbye?" Quentin said with a teasing smile.

Billie sighed. "I know we are trying to make this whole relationship thing look like the real deal but there's no need to pretend now. Let's just keep to the plan, okay?"

Quentin knew it was his plan but he hated that he ever mentioned it. He wished he tried courting Billie first, giving them a chance to develop some real feelings for one another without all these barriers.

"Yeah, sure."

Billie opened the car door and stepped out, she took a few steps from the car and Mitch opened the door for her but she hesitated. Quentin watched her turn around and come back, so he lowered the window.

Leaning in Billie asked, "Would you like to come with me tonight?"

"Where are we going?"

"My Goddaughter's birthday party," Billie supplied.

So that's why she couldn't reschedule. Quentin positively beamed at her. "I'd love to."

"You would?"

"You expected me to say no?"

Billie shrugged, "Sort of. Not exactly how I'd expect you'd want to spend your time."

"You have a lot of preconceptions about me, Ms. Dupree. How about you keep an open mind and we'll see what happens?"

"All right. Deal. I'll see you back here around four then?"

"It's a date," Quentin told her. Billie nodded and stepped back from the car. Quentin took this as his cue to leave and he smiled when he saw her wave goodbye from the curb as he drove away.