Braxton Greco

I'm currently in the third meeting of the day, I have five more then I can go home to Charlotte. That is if she'll in fact, be there this time. I'm starting to come to the conclusion that she thinks the court-case against Peters WILL has somehow impacted our arrangement. It hasn't, and it won't, at least not from where I'm standing.

We were getting close in Greece, we were intimate and that's a game changer. How could she possibly think that not winning the judgement would affect that? I've made my intentions toward her known, perhaps she would like the option to continue our relationship without threat of disinheritance? A little voice in the back of my head tells me she could want out of it all together, but I'd give Brynn everything she wants before I'd let that happen. The attorneys know, that if there is even a hint of possibility before we go to trial that the WILL can be completely voided, that we back off and settle with Brynn. With the cost of the team of lawyers I have working on this case, they better not mess it up.

Scanning the case files that they have assembled so far I know Brynn and her lawyers are worried. Reviewing the evidentiary List, we have character witnesses, doctor evaluations. All backing up the claim that Peter Hensen was completely sane, and within his rights to disperse of his estate in the manner of his choosing. We also make the counter claim that Brynn is committing slander and character assignation purely for financial gain, given her amount of debt, it seems promising. I find a name on the list that surprises me a little, Keith Hensen. He states that Brynn tried to get him to support the claim that his grandfathers mental health was not as it seemed. Keith refused to be her accomplice and is testifying on our behalf. I'd say that's the nail in Brynn's coffin, the people that are close to Peter will win this case for us. The WILL, will stand and Charlotte and I can continue our relationship.

I vaguely listen as quarterly numbers are discussed and pick up my phone, I text Charlotte asking if she planned to be home tonight. I don't receive a response, but its only noon. She is sure to be sleeping still, I'll give her a few more hours. I try to listen to more topics of conversation but the distraction of Charlotte is too overwhelming. I send an email to my secretary asking her to call the hospital to see if Charlotte is on rotation to work. Within five minutes I hear that she is in fact set to work tonight. I feel the familiar frustration and annoyance roll through me like waves breaking on a beach. So help me, if she doesn't call when she wakes up.

At 4 o'clock my cell rings. I silence everyone in the room and answer, "Did you sleep well?" I ask, glad that she called.

"I did, thanks. Uh, I was just calling because I forgot to tell you, I'm working tonight and tomorrow." She says, nervously.

Two more days, I think to myself. "How many days do you have off?" I question, not angry that she is choosing to work, just wishing I had been informed that she was going back so soon. I don't want her thinking we are less then a real couple. I need her to start seeing our relationship as more then an arrangement, it shouldn't be so hard after being together in Greece. My frustration with her came to a boil yesterday and I lost my temper and for that I'm sorry.

"Three days, I think. Unless they call me in." She replies, sounding a little relieved that I'm not angry.

"When do you start your normal shift?" I question. Wanting to at least spend my nights with her.

"They'll let me know. Hopefully, by next week." She answers readily, seeming more at ease with the phone call.

"Will you stop acting like we're in a fight? It was a long day, I'm sorry I yelled." I tell her, teasingly.

I hear silence then she starts to giggle. "Am I acting like that?"

"Yes." I reply, smiling.

"Sorry, I'm new to this kind of stuff. No one has ever needed or cared to know what I'm doing. It doesn't come as natural to me then it does to you, I guess." She replies, I hear her honestly laced with embarrassment.

"I understand." I say, not waiting her to feel inadequate or embarrassed. "Saturday the Klein's are hosting an event. I'd like for you to go with me."

"Yeah, I can do that. I'll make sure I get it off." She states, simply.

    I smile unable to stop myself, a little open communication is exactly what we need to focus on. The more I get her to think in terms of us the more she will see us as just that.

    We say our goodbyes and the meeting picks up where is stopped. Again I try to listen yet I'm preoccupied with organizing events and scenarios where I can take our relationship to the next level. Being seen together socially, will calm whatever qualms or misgivings she has regarding our status. I'm not going anywhere and I have enough patience to wait fo her to realize it.

Mr. Greco, do you have an recommendation?" Jerry Gilman, one of my employees asks.

"I wasn't listening, Recommendation?" I question.

"For assistant to the project supervisor on the Upper Eastside Hotel project." He answers.

"I want Keith to do it. Get his feet wet." I don't think Peter ever gave him a shot, he deserves it. If he comes up to snuff I will start finding more work for Keith within the business and maybe promote him to work his own projects. "I want him on it as soon as Steven Daniels needs him."

My phone buzzes and I look down to see a text from Charlotte. "Question about Saturday. What kind of event is it? Formal? Semiformal? Casual?

I answer her back, "Formal. No underwear and it better be easy to take off."