Exposed

Exposed: Chapter 26

Christmas morning began with James calling his father. Although they had just seen each other a few days previous, it seemed they talked more that morning than they had for the previous seven years. James told his father about hiring Ella to write a family and company history. James' father thought it was a great idea and would help him understand and lead the company. He added that when Ella and Mr. Gregg were set up and ready to begin organizing the family papers, he would have his lawyers send over his personal files and archives to help with the research.

When he finished talking to his father, James felt that James Sr. wanted him to succeed and be the future of Pierce International. It was the first time in years James felt like his father was actually proud of him.

After saying goodbye to his father, it was time to go downstairs for breakfast and exchange presents with Julia and Sydney. Sydney had volunteered to make a Christmas brunch. Sydney had lived all over the world and along the way had picked up a variety of recipes, many of them quite exotic, but at Christmas, she liked to celebrate traditionally. So, the brunch was Orange Pecan French Toast, bacon, eggs, English tea, and Cranberry Mimosas.

After breakfast, it was time to exchange presents. While most people would not have the least sympathy for the wealthy at Christmas, and James wasn't pretending that he was some martyr, it was hard to find meaningful presents for people who had everything or could buy for themselves anything they needed. James had learned over the years the best present conveyed that the giver knew something about the receiver. The value was not in the price but in what the present said about the relationship between the giver and receiver.

One of the things James and Brock decided to do was to purchase Julia, Sydney, Nelson, and Florence each a Columbia and a Fordham sweatshirt. It was a way of saying to the families that they had two college boys, and that James and Brock thought of them all as family.

One of the courses James was taking at Mill Brook was an elective art course: Drawing and Painting. James particularly fell in love with charcoal drawing. When he was home at Thanksgiving, he found pictures of Julia and Sydney from when they were in a sorority together at Columbia. He used a picture of each of them to create a charcoal drawing of them secretly flirting. Mrs. Webber, the instructor, couldn't stop telling James how wonderful the picture was, so he decided to frame the drawing and give it to his mother and aunt. James didn't think they would ever stop crying when they unwrapped it.

It was James' turn to be surprised when Julia handed him a small box and two envelopes. James opened the box first and found a gold and black onyx signet ring that had belonged to his grandfather. In the box was a note from Sydney that simply said, "Your Grandfather would want you to have his ring." The ring was gorgeous. A unicorn was etched into the stone, James' Grandfather had told him the unicorn was part of the Pierce family coat of arms. James also remembered his Grandfather showing him how to use the ring to seal a letter with wax.

"Thank you, Aunt Sydney, this means a lot to me."

"I think you should open the letter from your father next," said Sydney. What James found inside the envelope was the title to his grandfather's yacht. Then Sydney said, "Your father and I see a lot of your grandfather in you, and that ring and his yacht were two of his most prized possessions. We hope you'll continue his legacy."

Then Julia said, "Open the other letter." Inside was the deed to his Grandfather Spangler's cabin. Julia said, "When you asked about the cabin, I knew what Sydney and your father were giving you, and I thought it would be a good time to give you one of the things your Grandfather Spangler most loved."

Now, it was time for James to shed tears. He gave Julia and Sydney each a hug and a kiss. Then Julia said, "When you and Brock are at the cabin for New Years, think about how you want to make it your cabin."

"We will," James said, "We will.

It was a tradition in the Pierce family that Christmas afternoon would be for playing games, and by tradition and the decree of Grandmother Pierce the first game was always Parcheesi. It was things like playing games on Christmas afternoon that made James wonder if this was what it would be like to be normal, just a normal kid with a normal family. "Who the hell gives a kid who just turned 18 a cabin and a yacht for Christmas?" James wondered. But deep down he knew it was the signal that the Pierce and Spangler family torches were now his to carry.

However, James pushed his legacy and future out of his mind. The last thing he wanted to do was screw up one of the few family traditions in his life by overthinking his life at that moment. Besides he needed all of his focus on beating his mother and aunt. While he might be given a cabin, a yacht, or an international cooperation, what he wouldn't be given is any mercy when playing table games. In fact, James could never remember being `allowed' to win at anything; cards, games, swimming, tennis, sailing, nothing. If he won, it was because he was the best, because he earned the win. James' grandfather once told him that the prize wasn't what was important, it was the competition. He said, "Never hope for an easy win. Easy wins don't make you stronger, they make you complacent, and complacency is the handmaiden of failure."

James, Julia, and Sydney had a great time playing games that afternoon. They also ate plenty of candy, pastries, and leftovers from the Christmas Party. In addition to the holiday treats served at the party, Betty and Trudy made sure there were boxes of goodies for everyone to take home.

Around 5:30, James decided he needed to get out of the apartment, but when he got down to the lobby, he didn't know which way to go. So, he just started walking and thirty minutes later found himself standing at the entrance to the Chrysler Building. He didn't know whether it was just random chance or his subconscious that led him there, but he decided it was time. So, he went in, and after convincing the security guard on duty that he was James Pierce III, he rode the elevator up to the Pierce International executive offices.

When the elevator doors opened, James was surprised to see Axella sitting at the front desk. "Axella, what are you doing here on Christmas Day?"

She smiled and said, "There is someone in this office 24/7. I schedule myself for Christmas evening. I need to get out of the house about this time every year. I dearly love my children and grandchildren, but after two days of chaos, I need someplace quiet and in order. Also, I can leave Gerald with the cleanup. So, what brings you here?"

"I don't know, I just kind of found myself here."

"Well, you had us all concerned," Axella said.

"What do you mean?"

"When your mother and aunt discovered you weren't home and didn't tell them where you were going, they notified the security company and me. The reason there is someone in this office 24/7 is to deal with executive problems and problem executives."

James smiled and said, "So am I an executive problem or a problem executive?"

"Both! If something were to happen to you it would be very much an executive crisis. Up until a few months ago, your anonymity was considered to be your best security; however, you're not anonymous anymore. You might not be on the cover of the tabloids and teen magazines yet, but..."

"I get it. I'm not James Spangler anymore. I should call Mom and Sydney."

"I've already taken care of that. The security guard in the lobby notified me you were downstairs. When you are ready to leave, a car from security will take you home."

"Is it okay if I go to my office?"

To that point, Axella's expression and tone had been scolding, but now it softened, and she said, "Of course."

When James went to his office, he put his thumb on the security scanner and the door opened. He walked to the windows on the far side. New York City was dazzling at night. James never tired of that view. New York is often called the `City That Never Sleeps.' "How could it sleep with so many tens of thousands of lights constantly on," James thought.

As James was admiring the view, he got a phone call from Brock, and the first thing out of Brock's mouth was, "Fucker! You got a yacht and a cabin for Christmas?!"

Brock had texted James earlier and asked what someone with everything gets for Christmas. James wasn't sure how to reply, so he sent a text listing a sweater, a couple of ties, and his Grandfather's ring. Then a couple of minutes later, he added, "Oh and Mom gave me Grandpa Spangler's cabin, and Dad gave me Grandpa Pierce's yacht."

James laughed, then said, "Please don't tell anyone at school."

"Why not?"

"I'm sure there are already kids at school that think I'm a rich entitled asshole. I don't need to add to that impression."

"Okay," Brock said, "but my silence will cost you."

"How much?"

"Well, how much can you rich entitled asshole take?" Brock said wickedly.

"Everything your arrogant jock cock can dish out."

"Damn, I miss you," Brock said.

"Ditto," replied James. "Oh, since you lost the bet, I have decided we're spending New Years at our new Cabin."

"Our new cabin?"

"Yes, when Mom gave it to me, she said we should make it our place. So, when we're done making it ours, it's going to ooze with Brockiness and a tiny hint of Jimmy..."

"Wait! Did you just say, Jimmy?"

"Yep,"James said. "When we're there we are Brocky and Jimmy, two Lost Boys from Neverland who refuse to grow old."

"And", Brock added, "The only people allowed to visit us there are fellow members of the Lost Boys Club."

"Damn right!" James said. "Anyone wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase will be stripped naked and thrown into the lake!"

"I can't wait for New Years," Brock said.

"So, did you tell the Ambassador and your grandmother why I can't go down to D.C. for Christmas?"

"Yes," Brock said, "Grandma was disappointed, but the Ambassador explained that with his being called back into service and appointed a Special Trade Representative to the E.U. just two weeks ago, it wouldn't look good for the head of Pierce International to be paying a social call. Especially, when they can't say it's because you're fucking their grandson. However, they expect us to visit them in Brussels this Summer."

"Absolutely," James said.

James and Brock talked about guy stuff for the next hour. That he could be "just a guy" with Brock was one of the things James liked most about their relationship. They shared many of the same interests in sports, movies, video games, the outdoors, and just plain life.

When the call ended, James took one last look at the lights of New York and then said to himself, "The only way I can do this is with Brock's help." James was doing it again, thinking about a future with Brock. However, this time his doubts about what he wanted were gone. What he wanted was a friend, a lover, and a partner. Wait...no...who he wanted was Brock. Now the question was whether Brock wanted the same thing.

The morning after Christmas, James woke up early and decided to go out to the estate. James almost laughed when he thought about how much time he was spending there. The traffic wasn't bad, so he made good time and was soon doing laps in the pool. It wasn't long until he noticed he wasn't alone. Gill and Peter had joined him. It was a good workout and James realized he liked swimming with Peter. Peter was a good swimmer and having him in the next lane motivated James to work harder.

After they finished their swim, they headed for the showers. James would never cheat on Brock, but he didn't see anything wrong with checking out Gill and Peter. Gill was athletic, rugged, and moderately hairy. He easily could have been a model for L. L. Bean. On the other hand, Peter could model for the Hollister online catalog. James noticed Peter was also taking notes on his shower mates' bodies, so he smiled and flex-posed. Peter blushed and quickly turned to face the wall.

After they got out of the shower, James said to Peter, "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you or made you uncomfortable."

"I shouldn't be perving on the boss," Peter said looking at the floor.

"Hey, I'm not your boss. Your father works for the estate, you don't. Besides, it's flattering. Brock has been working my ass off in the gym and it's good when someone notices. Besides, I'm sure you noticed I was also doing my own appraisals."

Peter smiled and said, "Gill is a hunk."

"Yes, he certainly is, but you're also not bad."

"Hey," Gill said, "I can hear you two."

Peter again blushed, but James said, "That's what you get for being such a fucking hunk and showering with two gay boys."

Gill laughed, and said, "The two of you are just lucky I'm straight. Now finish getting dressed and I'll make us some breakfast."

Gill made pancakes, bacon, and coffee, and then the three sat down to eat and talk.

"So, Gill, tell me about these farms you've found," James said.

Gill went over the pros and cons of all three. When he finished, James simply asked, "Which do you think would be the best for what you want to do?"

"I think the Jones Farm is the best option. It's already an organic farm and has three greenhouses. It's an hour's drive, but that's doable."

"Then let's buy it," James said.

Gill and Peter looked at James like they couldn't believe what he just said. James smiled and said, "I have to get used to making decisions, and that means finding people I trust, listening to them, and then pulling the trigger. You told me that if we don't act quickly, you won't be able to get it up and running for this Summer. Plus, some developer will likely snatch it up and put a bunch of overpriced tract homes on it."

"So, what happens if my idea doesn't work?" Gill asked.

"I think your idea will work, and now that I have bought into it, it's our idea. You're not in this alone. I expect that we'll have to make changes along the way and probably have to, on occasion get some help. I also know it takes time for any business to break even and turn a profit. However, to answer your question, if things don't work out, I'll put up a bunch of overpriced tract homes."

Gill laughed and said, "I would hate that, so we'll just have to make it work."

Peter had been listening with interest as James and Gill talked, finally he said, "So James, when I'm ready to open my first restaurant...."

James laughed and said, "Maybe you should think smaller."

"Food truck?" Peters said.

"I think a hotdog cart was more in line with what James had in mind," Gill teased.

"Oh, I see how it is," Peter said, "it's gang up on the new boy. Well, when I practice my pastry skills next year, see if either of you gets to be a taste tester."

"Hey," Gill said, "I don't need any of your fancy crepes or creme brûlée. I'm perfectly happy with a Twinkie and a Ho Ho."

"That's what your girlfriend said," replied Peter.

Gill said, "It's time you have a lesson on respect..." Peter tried getting away but Gill was quicker and soon Peter was in a headlock and getting a noogie.

"You two keep digging at each other," James said with a chuckle, "but I've got to meet with Noah and Michael."

James found Noah and Michael walking the grounds with Casper. It was something Noah and Casper did regularly to make sure everything was in order and maintained.

When Noah saw James, he said, "It looks like you have something on your mind."

"When I talked to Dad, I asked why he wanted the estate next door. He said he was tired of the daily drive into the office and was thinking of using it for a remote executive office. However, Brock and I will be living in my mother's apartment in Manhattan while we're in college, and I like my office in the Chrysler Building, so Dad said to do with that property what I want."

"Do you have a plan," Noah asked.

"I don't have a plan as much as I have a hare-brained idea," James said. I told you to get my grandparents' cottage ready for Dad and Courtney to live in; however, Dad said they have other plans. So, that's where Brock and I will stay when we're here. So now we have two mansions to deal with."

"Do you want to sell the other estate?" Casper asked.

"No," James said, "so you will have to find a couple of additional grounds assistants."

"Two?" Casper said, "I guess that means Gill is going to be a farmer."

James nodded and Casper smiled. Casper knew that vegetables and fruits, not trees and flowers, were Gill's true passion.

"I enjoyed the Christmas party," James said. "I hope everyone else did."

"It was a smashing success," Michael said. "We have all heard from family members who were so happy to be invited back to the estate for a traditional Christmas."

"I want to continue to host that party every year," James said. "Also, I've decided that the Pierce mansion needs to remain the `official home' of the Pierce family. I know that Mom was constantly organizing events for the company, for charities, and for our family's public relations. I can't ask her to do that for me, and that isn't going to be Brock's role either. So, I need someone at the estate to plan, organize, and oversee family and company functions on the estate. Also, Brock and I are still kids and need an adult to make sure we don't embarrass ourselves, or more importantly Pierce International. Do you have any suggestions?"

There was silence.

Finally, James said, "Michael do you know of someone who can do the job?"

"He does," Noah said. "He is just afraid to say the name, so I will; Sandy would be an excellent hostess for the estate. Before Sandy quit work to take care of the children, she was a convention and event planner at one of Hilton's largest hotels."

"What do you think?" James asked Michael.

"Sandy would do an exceptional job, and she is ready to start working again, but isn't that a conflict of interest if I'm the estate manager, you know, nepotism?"

James, Noah, and Casper burst into laughter, and Michael looked confused. James said, "When Betty gets back, we need to have a meeting of the Walker Family Trust Directors."

"Yes," Noah said, "I'll put it on the agenda."

James then looked at Michael and said, "Nepotism is not a word in the Pierce-Walker vocabulary."

"Okay," Michael said, "however, I don't think I should be the one to bring it up with her."

"You're right," James said, "I think her father-in-law should do it since it was his idea."

"That not a problem," Noah said, "I've been taking care of family all my life."

James smiled and said, "Thank you."

Michael wasn't sure what his father and James were referencing, so he decided it was time to change the topic, and asked, "What are you thinking about for the other estate?"

"I'm thinking that's why I have an estate manager, an estate manager emeritus, a head groundskeeper, and hopefully an event planner. We can discuss your ideas when I'm home at Spring Break." James said. Everyone nodded, and James smiled, then said, "That's my second decision today. I hope I'm getting the hang of it."

Casper said, "So far you seem to have your head on straight, and your eyes are clear."

"But I'm sure you'll let me know when I fuck up," James said.

Noah said, "If we're doing our jobs, that should never happen, at least as far as the estate is concerned."

James smiled and said, "Thank you. I'll let you get back to your tour, and you can discuss how clueless your boss is."

The guys laughed, and James started to walk away, then he turned and said, "Michael can I have a word with you?"

They walked a little further and then James stopped and said, "I'm assuming that Sandy will say yes to being the event coordinator and official hostess here at the estate."

"She really enjoyed the Christmas party, and helping get the mansion ready, so I'm 99 percent sure she will."

"Good, tell her I have two events she needs to start planning. She'll work directly with Axella Trent, who heads the company's Executive Concierge Department. The first event will most definitely be happening, mine and Brock's graduation party. The second event I hope doesn't happen, but if it does, I want a plan in place. The estate needs to prepare for the possibility that my father will die during his medical procedure. If that happens, I want the estate and staff ready for whatever the family and company might need of them. Also, I don't want Courtney, Sydney, or my mother to know we're making contingency plans. They need to stay positive and focused on Dad."

"I understand," Michael said.

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