Shonee’s POV
“Hey Gerta, it’s Shonee. Just wanted to check up on you and your family. Hope your son’s doing fine now. Please give me a call when you get this message, love you.”
Ending the message, I took the phone off my ear and leisurely scrolled through my contacts until Vincent’s name and number popped up.
My thumb hovered over it. I wanted to give him a call to find out how he was doing since Ms. ‘We say jump, you say how high’ ruined his plans for today. But a quick glance at the time had me deciding not to. It was currently a whole thirty-six minutes past nine. He was probably knee deep in a business meeting and it would be best not to disturb him.
“Mm, thinking of giving your sweet sugar daddy a call,” James mocked whilst finishing a third of the parfaits Mirasol and I had made this morning.
“No.” I rolled my eyes. “And he’s not my sugar daddy! I was just thinking about calling Jordin. I wanna know how her Florida work trip is going. I miss her.”
“Ouch,” James then dramatically laid a hand on his chest. “Now, you’re basically telling me that my company isn’t good enough, I’m hurt.”
“Oh please,” A chuckle left my lips before I took a sip of my lemonade. “When it comes to Jordin, your company doesn’t stand a chance.”
“Hpmh! Then I guess I should take my leave.” He attempted to stand up.
“Good, then I can enjoy these extra blueberry pancakes by myself.” I proceeded to pull the stack of the picnic basket. 
“Ohohoho, not on my watch!” James immediately plopped down and snatched the stack from me, making me laugh.
The vibrant warmth of the sun bathed Fallon Park in a golden glow, casting long shadows across the lush greenery. James and I found ourselves nestled comfortably at one of the quaint wooden picnic tables scattered throughout the park, basking in the tranquillity of the day. The gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
Just a stone's throw away, Mirasol, Abbie, and Julia had spread out a colourful blanket, adorned with an array of delectable treats and goodies. Their laughter and chatter filled the air as they indulged in their own miniature feast, their animated gestures painting a picture of joyous camaraderie amidst the beauty of nature. From sandwiches piled high with fresh ingredients to an assortment of sweet treats, their spread was a testament to the delights of a perfect picnic on a sunny day.
“So,” James stabbed a piece of pancake and shoved it into his mouth. “How are things after the biggest engagement party of the year? Any trouble in paradise?”
“Oh, you bet,” The response came without much effort. “After that large and extravagant event, you’d think that the dynamics of Vincent and Avril’s relationship would change for the better, but honestly, it’s way worse than before.”
His eyebrows flew up. “Really?”
“Yeah, you should’ve seen them this morning. Avril just showed up out of nowhere and threw Vincent’s entire itinerary out the window because she wanted him at a business meeting with her dad. When Vincent objected, she started bragging about how her dad’s investments saved his company and how he wouldn’t even have a company without their help. It’s like she’s got Vincent under her thumb, and he can’t get away because the moment he does, everything comes crumbling down for him.”
“Wow, sounds like he's caught in quite the bind," James remarked, his expression turning thoughtful.
"Yeah," I sighed, swirling my lemonade around in its glass. "And it's not just about the meetings and events. It's like Avril is constantly asserting her dominance, making him feel like he’s being controlled and there’s nothing he can do about it. "
"That doesn't sound healthy," James commented, concern evident in his tone.
I nodded. “I just wish there was something Vincent could do to break out of her hold, like implement a new business venture or something.”
We fell into a contemplative silence until James spoke up again. “You know, that’s not a bad idea.”
“What? The business venture?”
“Yeah.” His face lit up with intrigue. “You mentioned that the reason why Beckham Incorporated is still running is because Avril’s father invested in the company.”
Curiosity had me listening with rapt attention. “Yeah, so?”
“What if Vincent did the same thing, but to a different company? If it works out, he can eventually gain financial independence from Avril and her family's influence."
My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That's actually... a brilliant idea."
“I know.” A smug look touched James' features. “I’m a freaking genius, it’s one of the many things you love about me.”
“Whoa hold your horses, freaking genius.” I chuckled, leaning against our table. “You only gave the idea, but you haven’t exactly pointed out what Vincent should invest in.”
James just shrugged. “That’s not a problem. He’s a successful businessman, I’m sure there are an endless number of things he can invest in.”  
Just then, my phone buzzed with a reminder I’d set earlier in the day. “Hey James, do you mind staying here for a while and keeping an eye on the girls? I need to dash down to the bank real quick to take care of something.”
“Oh sure, as long as there’s food in that picnic basket, I’m not going anywhere,” and as he said it, he took out the PB & J sandwiches.
I simply shook my head.  “Seriously, I always wonder how you’re able to eat this much and still weigh under 150 pounds.”
“It’s all in the work out, baby,” he replied in a sing-song voice. “Now get your butt outta here.”
Chuckling, I grabbed my purse and proceeded towards the park exit.