DREAM by Mary Smith Page A

where it lead him to.
    “Why are you telling me?”
    The waiter brings out food and refills our water glasses.
    “I’m telling you because I think you need to know this. We’re married, and we need to know each other.”
    I nod. “Okay, but I need to warn you about something.”
    “What’s that?”
    “This,” I point to the plate. “I’m not going to be lady-like eating these bad boys.”
    Gable laughs. “Duly noted.”
     
    ~~~
     
    We spent the rest of the weekend in the media room, watching movies. I learned that Gable loves comedies and he learned my love for romance. I forced him to watch a couple and he held my hand when I cried during them.
    When Monday rolls around, I’m more comfortable now that Gable and I have gotten to know each other better. I’m going to stick with the plan of paying him back; I know it will take some time, but I will.
    Misha has my coffee ready for me as I sit at the breakfast bar. She seems to be warming up to me. Maybe she’s like Gideon and doesn’t like change. At this point, I’m not too fond of it, but it keeps happening to me. My phone alerts me that Leo is here, and I head off to work.
    As always, Mrs. Stones is at her desk typing away, looking serious. I smile at her as I head into my office. The day is full of meetings with the employees one-on-one and making sure that we’re all on the same page working toward JE’s future. I know the majority of them actually travel to the businesses and work with them through the transition. However, we need to look further out and plan more strategically. I also meet with Ronnie. I want to stay on top of the books. I can’t fall into any more holes like what happened to Dad.
    “Looks like the day is about done.” Mrs. Stones takes a seat in a chair across from my desk.
    “I don’t think I’ve talked so much in my entire life.” I take a drink of the water that’s sitting on my desk.
    “You got through every manager, assistant manager, and Ronnie. I say you’re done.” Mrs. Stones gives me a small smile. “However, Mr. Butler called and you have a dinner meeting.”
    “With him?” It’s a strange way to ask me out. I roll my eyes, we’re married; he doesn’t need to ask me out.
    “No, he told me it was an actual dinner meeting with a potential client, but gave me no more information than that.”
    “Why didn’t he call me?”
    “He said he tried, but he kept getting your voicemail.”
    I grab my phone from my desk drawer and realize I hadn’t checked it all day. There were several messages I missed from him including a few texts.
    “Leo’s downstairs and ready to take you to him.”
    “All right.” I sigh, gather up everything to take home with me, and head out to the SUV where Leo is standing there waiting for me.
    “You look tired.” He greets me.
    “I am. Would you mind taking this to the house?” I hand him my laptop bag that had everything in it. “I’ll ride home with Gable.”
    “Not a problem.”
    Leo drives me over to Yearwood’s and I rush in because there’s a chill in the air and I don’t have my coat with me.
    The hostess greets me as I walk through the door. “Mrs. Butler, your husband and company are this way.” I didn’t have to tell her my name; then again Gable and I have been in the papers a lot these past two weeks. I follow her to the back toward the private dining areas.
    When she opens the door, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Something isn’t right and I see two, large men in black suits standing in the corners of the room. I scan my eyes around the table and see Gable, Gideon, and another man with his back toward me.
    “Dream.” Gable stands and comes over to me, taking my hand. He pulls me to the table and I face the man. I notice two more large men in the same suits standing at the other two corners of the room.
    My mouth goes dry as I’m staring into the face of a known, but never convicted, thug, drug dealer, and overall bad guy named…
    “Please