Jacquelin Thomas - Five Star Attraction

It is no accident that you are in the hospitality business. Your mother had always shown an interest in her own hotel, and I was happy to teach her everything I knew at the time. I believe she used the money I had given her when she left to purchase the small inn she owned. She and her husband transformed what was virtually nothing into a very successful bed-and-breakfast.

Then you returned home from the military and opened the first Alexander Hotel. Five years later, the second one opened, and that’s when I knew that you were the one who would carry the DePaul Hotel Group into the future. You have the vision and the business acumen I desire in a successor. Vision is the most powerful thing owned by any human being, even stronger than financial power. With you at the helm, I expect our modus operandi will continue harmoniously as we have done in the past.

Despite all you will hear about me, the one thing I want you to know for sure—I was just a man who loved a woman, but was foolish enough to allow others to keep me away from her. For that, I am deeply ashamed.

I hope one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me. Although we never had as much as a conversation, I have always loved you as a son. If only God had granted me a few more years. I did not want to come to you as an ill man.

I will leave this earth in peace, knowing that I have finally corrected a grievous wrong. You are the future of the DePaul Hotel Group.

Your father,

Robert DePaul

“So, what do you think?” Ari questioned half in anticipation, half in dread as he silently observed a range of emotions that had settled on his father’s face.

Malcolm shrugged. “If Robert DePaul wanted a relationship with me, he could have had one, regardless of how my mother felt. All he had to do was acknowledge me as his son. What could she have done?” He folded the letter carefully and stuck it back into the envelope.

“I get the feeling he didn’t want to embarrass Grandma.” Ari met his father’s gaze. “I do believe that he wanted to have a relationship with you, though.”

Malcolm didn’t seem convinced. “His wife never gave him children. If she had, do you really think he would have left his estate to me?”

Ari didn’t know the answer to that, but he replied, “He didn’t have to leave it to you, Dad. He could’ve left it to his DePaul relatives.”

“Maybe he should have,” Malcolm uttered.

“Dad, don’t say that.”

“I don’t need his money.”

“But he wanted you to have it,” Ari countered. “Dad, you are his son and he made sure that you were taken care of—I think it’s admirable.”

“Or misplaced guilt,” Malcolm contributed. “He made a choice a long time ago, and he should have left it at that.”

“You’re angry,” Ari told his father.

The tense lines on Malcolm’s face relaxed. “My life was fine, and I’m not so sure I’m willing to give it up for a three-ring circus.”

Ari nodded in understanding. His father was a private man, and his inheritance had thrust him into the limelight.

“Dad, legally you are entitled to everything Robert DePaul left you, and I think it’s an incredible blessing. You and Mom have always talked about owning a chain of hotels—you can do that now. Dad, this is in our blood.”

“Your mother and I will pray over this situation. The good Lord above will guide us in making the right decision.”

Ari agreed.

The butler arrived to announce that dinner was being served, and he led them to the dining room.

“Is someone joining us?” Malcolm asked, looking at the beautiful display of food on the table.

“It will just be the two of you,” the butler replied.

“This is a lot of food,” Ari interjected. The delectable spread included roast chicken, baked tilapia, steamed vegetables, rice pilaf and assorted rolls.

Malcolm agreed. “Tell Chef Ricardo to come on out here. You two will eat with us. The best way to get to know a person is over a meal, I always say.”

Franklin looked shocked but managed to recover. “Sir…”

“Call me Malcolm. The first thing I want you to know about me is that I’m a simple man. Now, there’s no way that my son and I can eat up all of this food, so y’all come join us. We don’t believe in wasting food.”

Franklin swallowed hard and then gave a slight nod. “We’d be honored, sir.”

He left the room, walking quickly.

Ari looked at his father and grinned. “I thought the man was about to pass out when you asked him to eat with us.”

Malcolm chuckled as he sat down at the table.

Franklin returned with Chef Ricardo. Both men wore expressions of disbelief and waited for Ari to sit down before seating themselves.

Malcolm said the blessing.

Franklin didn’t pick up his fork until Malcolm and Ari sampled the food on their plates.

“Everything is delicious,” Malcolm said. He wiped his mouth on the end of his napkin.

Ari agreed.

Chef Ricardo smiled. “It was very nice of you to allow us to join you.” He glanced down at his plate. “Franklin and I usually take our meals in the kitchen.”

“You went through a lot of effort to cook this fancy meal,” Malcolm acknowledged, “so I figure you might as well enjoy some of it with us.”

“Forgive me for staring,” Franklin murmured. “You look so much like Mr. Robert. He was a very kind man, although sad at times. He spoke of your mother often.”

Malcolm gave a polite smile. “I regret that I will never have the chance to meet or get to know Robert DePaul. I have always admired his business acumen.”

“Franklin, how did you come to work for Robert?” Ari asked while cutting into the tender fish.

“I was living on the streets,” Franklin said. “One day when I was looking for food, I saw these thugs trying to rob Mr. Robert. I went to help him.” He stuck a forkful of vegetables into his mouth.

“Franklin is a black belt in karate,” Chef Ricardo interjected.

“I made sure Mr. Robert made it safely to his car. When he was inside, I was about to walk off, and he called me back. I thought he was going to offer me some money, but he offered me a job instead,” Franklin said. “That was almost eight years ago.”

Ari glanced over at Ricardo, who said, “I met Mr. Robert at the World Culinary Showcase in Dallas, Texas. He came up to me after my presentation and invited me to lunch. A faculty member from the school I attended told him about me. He flew me out here to cook a meal for him and his wife. They loved it and offered me a permanent position as their personal chef. I have been with them for five years now.”

“Mr. Robert was a good man,” Franklin said. “I am sorry you didn’t get the chance to meet him personally.”

“Me, too,” Malcolm responded.

For dessert, there was lemon pound cake with strawberries and whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle.

Later, Ari settled down to watch some television while his father was in the master bedroom on the telephone.

He’s talking to Mom, Ari thought silently. He hoped that his mother could convince his father to keep the inheritance. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for his parents to live out their dreams.

Ari’s thoughts centered on Natasha; he couldn’t understand how she evoked feelings he thought long dead. The way she looked at him, even when he felt the heat of her frustration…she affected him deeply, and it bothered him.

I don’t trust her.

She was loyal to Robert. Did that mean she was just as loyal to the rest of his family?

Natasha was glad to be home. She kicked off her shoes as soon as she entered the trendy three-bedroom condo. Natasha removed her jacket next.

A full-figured woman wearing a T-shirt and jeans came down the stairs carrying an empty glass.