The Complications of Pi

By RK Phillips

What do you get when you mix a female born on March 14th, loves math, is clumsy, and loved by her family and best friend? You get Peyton, nicknamed Pi, of course. Add a dash of a bad break up and you get someone who doesn’t trust when love might find its way into her heart.
Peyton’s life might not be perfect, but it is wonderful and routine. She has her career as a mathematics professor, a best friend she has known since college, parents and a brother she is close to, and free time to enjoy peace. That is until the summer day Peyton accompanies her brother to a gala holding a date auction fundraiser. She is instantly attracted to someone up for bid, but is shocked when her brother bids on the individual for himself. They had never liked the same person before. Now what?

Misunderstandings, dates involving medical attention, spiteful strangers, and a myriad of other encounters leaves Peyton, a woman who lives her life by the numbers, in the throes of chaos. Who knew one little fundraiser would have such an impact on a math professor’s life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: RK Phillips
• Release date: Mar 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463947678

RK Phillips

RK Phillips is a quirky, nerdy, number loving person that finds inspiration in her dreams. She currently resides in Texas, but is originally from Oklahoma where she spent the majority of her life. By day she is an accountant, but after work her right brain is freed. Imagination and creativity come out to play in her writing, crafting, and sleeping dream world. Some of her favorite things are books, movies, numbers, and tigers. She loves hearing from people. You can reach her on Facebook or by email at [e-mail].

Book preview

THE COMPLICATIONS OF PI

by RK PHILLIPS

Copyright ©2020 RK Phillips

All Rights Reserved

Editing by:

Lauralynn Elliott

Cover Art by:

Anya Kelleye Designs

Cover Images:

Adobe Stock Images

www.stock.adobe.com

License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights reserved. Without reserving the rights under copyright, reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or any other means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

ABOUT THIS BOOK

I always joked around with people that they should put a nerdy math girl in a story for me, but no one ever did. One day I decided I would write the story myself. Thus Peyton Edison was created. She might not have turned out like I had imagined initially, but I love her all the same. I hope she finds her way into other hearts as well.

THE STORY

What do you get when you mix a female born on March 14th, loves math, is clumsy, and loved by her family and best friend? You get Peyton, nicknamed Pi, of course. Add a dash of a bad break up and you get someone who doesn’t trust when love might find its way into her heart.

Peyton’s life might not be perfect, but it is wonderful and routine. She has her career as a mathematics professor, a best friend she has known since college, parents and a brother she is close to, and free time to enjoy peace. That is until the summer day Peyton accompanies her brother to a gala holding a date auction fundraiser. She is instantly attracted to someone up for bid, but is shocked when her brother bids on the individual for himself. They had never liked the same person before. Now what?

Misunderstandings, dates involving medical attention, spiteful strangers, and a myriad of other encounters leaves Peyton, a woman who lives her life by the numbers, in the throes of chaos. Who knew one little fundraiser would have such an impact on a math professor’s life?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS BOOK

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

DEDICATION

I want to dedicate this book to all the people wondering if they could ever write a book. Try and push back the doubts and go for it. I believe in you.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First of all, I want to thank you, the reader, for choosing this book and going on a journey with me. I hope you enjoy Peyton’s story as much as I did telling it.

I want to acknowledge a few people though. In honor of my nerdy self, they are listed in alphabetical order.

Anya, creator of magical magic with book covers. I have admired your work for years on other books. I’m so happy you had the time and patience to work with me not only on my cover art, but also with the formatting. You took all my indecisions and haphazard concepts and turned them into a clean elegance.

Karen, my birthday twinkie, you kept me encouraged and researched so many swag ideas. You shared them with me when I needed a break from the writing process making me excited and wanting to be at that point in the process. You are wonderful at seeing something and changing it to fit the situation in front of you. Thank you for never giving up on me.

Kay, you dragged me along this process and forced me to do many sprints to get my words in. We might be across the big pond from each other, but without your loving pushes, I would never have finished this book. More importantly, many thanks for helping me to come up with the name of my main character. You know how I detest that part. Can’t wait to give you a hug in person.

Lauralynn, thank you for correcting the countless contraction issues in my long story and helping me to add things to do as a pre-check. My goal is not to have as many errors next time as was in this book originally. They are all cleaned up now.

Lastly, I want to thank all my friends and family who supported me during all the changes I endured over the last two years. I know it wasn’t easy and life never is, but your friendship and love means the world to me. I love you all.

Chapter 1

Peyton threw the eraser at the chalkboard in defeat. It bounced off and landed on the floor as the white powder clouded the air. When the dust settled she saw her friend leaning against the door laughing.

Peyton crossed her arms and huffed out, Don't start with me.

Simone walked into the room looking at the carnage. I believe it is Chalkboard - 1, Peyton - 0.

More like 17-0 today already, but who's counting. Letting out a deep sigh, Peyton pushed up from the chair, ambled over, picked up the missile and tossed it on the tray. So, what are you doing here because I know it isn't to congratulate me on my latest disaster? She grabbed the broom to clear up what she could.

Actually, I came over so you could congratulate me. William proposed!

At this sudden announcement Peyton paused and whipped her neck around so fast it was a surprise her head didn't snap off. Really?

Simone held out her hand wiggling it in the typical ring show-off dance. Yes!! It was totally unexpected.

I am so thrilled for you, Si! She rushed over to hug her best friend, realized the broom was in her hand, and tossed it over her shoulder, not thinking. A crash resonated through the room as Peyton wrapped her arms around her friend. As the sound reached her ears, she let out a frustrated, Dang it, not again.

Uhh…Pi, what was that?

Shoulders slumped as her arms let loose. I don't want to look, but I pray it wasn't the window nor the aquarium.

Aquarium? You have fish? Peyton shook her head and Simone lifted up so they could observe the mess. There on the floor was a glass vase shattered in pieces as water made its way around the floor like a river among rocks. Daisy petals scattered among the debris.

No fish because they just die. I can't keep the little swimmers alive. Instead, I have it set up and keep plants in there. The kind that basically take poison to kill.

Simone laughed, knowing how her friend was with living things. Good news. The window and plant world are safe. The beautiful flowers are history, though, along with the glass vase that held them.

Peyton turned and surveyed the mess while grumbling. Should have known better.

Pi, who bought you flowers? Do you have an admirer that you have failed to tell me about?

As if. Nope, those are courtesy of a little thing I call self-indulgence. I thought to try and treat myself against my better judgement. Breakables and I don't go together. While talking, she snatched up the offensive broom and propped it against the wall. I mean, heck, even you weren't stupid enough to buy me a clay pot for the Aloe Vera plant you gave me, but rather a plastic one. Which, I want it noted, is still alive and thriving. She waved towards the desk where the green leaves stretched up to the ceiling as if practicing yoga. Sit, let me go get a few towels to clean up this mess, and I want to hear all about how William proposed to you.

Peyton disappeared down the hall, returning a few minutes later with several towels and placing them on the floor to absorb the water. There, that can do its magic and we can chat. Spill. She noticed her friend just rolled her eyes, used to her antics and avoidance issues.

The next hour progressed with Simone recounting each magical detail. Peyton was very thrilled and ecstatic for her, but she must admit that she was also a little jealous. She wanted a love like that. Not that she had any prospects. She shared in the moment and pushed her envy to the back of her mind where everything else went to concentrate on her best friend.

Soon Simone was leaving because she had to go meet William for dinner with his parents. Squeezing Peyton, she sighed before pulling back, Sorry, Pi, I would love to stay and hang out with you, but he wanted to break the news in person. However, I wanted to tell you as soon as I could and before the rumor mill found its way to you. I would have worried you would have found out online, but I know you aren’t really into the social network thing. Love you, girl. We must hang out soon.

Yes, we must. Tell Willy Wonka I said hi. Peyton winked before turning to head back to the mess as Simone’s laughter echoed down the hall. Well, at least she didn’t ask me to be her…

Oh, I almost forgot! Simone stuck her head back in the door, a bit out of breath from running back. "You are going to be my Maid of Honor. Notice I didn’t ask because you would have said no. Thus, I am telling you. Really got to go now; I’m late. Love ya!"

Holy bananas… She knows I hate being in any sort of limelight. Out of the corner of her eye, Peyton saw the chalkboard and swore it smirked at her. Oh, shut up. You are on my shit list too.

What did I do this time?

A loud squeal pierced the air, and Peyton jumped two feet in the air, no easy task with her short height. She prayed as she shifted that the voice really did belong to her brother, and she hadn’t completely lost all of her marbles. Indeed, the fool leaned back along the wall.

You scared the crap out of me. For that you are now on the list. But, I was referring to my chalkboard; it was gloating.

Do you often have conversations with your chalkboard? At her raised eyebrows her brother chuckled and lifted his hands up in defense. You are right. I forgot who I was talking to.

What are you doing here? Isn’t this a little out of your way home? Damion lived and worked on the other side of the city in the business district.

It is, but tonight is the gala, and you are my date. I reminded you a week ago, and since I knew you would have forgotten, I swung by to make sure you attended your social obligation.

Blah, did everyone have to demand her presence for events that required dressing up, emphasis on the dress part?

Go without me, Dam. I just want to go home, eat my dinner, and read a book. You won’t even notice I’m not by your side, and it will allow you to mingle with all the women there. Plus I won’t have to endure death stares all night due to their little pea brains thinking I am stealing you away.

Damion laughed at his sister and she could tell he was really amused because of the way his eyes lit up. Sorry, Sis, but you are coming with me. Why do you think I bring you with me? It’s to keep the barracudas, I mean ladies, from attacking in mass. I am not looking for anyone right now, and they all have the M word on their mind. He shuddered at the mention of that letter.

"Mustard, I can see why; it is kind of a wasted condiment. Or maybe monkeys? Manatees, oh wait! My favorite M word...Math.  Yes, who could resist the wonderful world of mathematics and logic!"

Damion rushed her and threw her over his shoulder even as she shrieked, Don’t you dare. But, it was too late. He had her over his suit jacket and tickling her.

I love you, Sis, but you are nuts. Borderline certifiable. Are we sure our parents had you tested?

Peyton continue to shriek and laugh while kicking due to the tickling. She hit his back, and chalk residue found its way onto the back of his jacket. Oops. Damion slid her down to the floor, and she decided it was best not to tell him of his tiny souvenir. It was his own fault anyway. Haha. You know damn well I am just a little quirky and there is nothing wrong with me. To prove her point, she stuck her tongue out. He just rolled his eyes at her and shook his head. Then his eyes fell on the mess on the floor.

What happened there?

Nothing. Now what time does this torture start tonight?

It isn’t like they’re going to put stakes through you or bamboo shoots under your fingernails or something. I swear, Peyton, it is just a dinner and auction.

"An auction!! Peyton collapsed into her chair and began banging her head on the nearest object, which just happened to be a clipboard. Kill me now, and put me out of my misery."

Dramatic much? If you quit complaining and are a good girl tonight, I will buy you something.

There is nothing there that I will want, trust me.

Did I mention it was a date auction?

Peyton glared up at her brother with a bit of venom hidden among hostility. Are you saying that I have to watch a bunch of men and women parade about, she waved her arm as if to emphasize the point, and be inspected as if it was a meat market? And you want to buy me one of them? Do you think I can’t get my own date if I wanted one?

Maybe I shouldn’t have brought up that point until we were there. Forget that part. Rewind history, and let’s redo this whole conversation. Good evening, Sis. Would you please accompany me to this delightful dinner I am attending tonight to raise money for The Isadora Foundation for Literacy? You would be doing me a huge favor, plus I would love to spend time with my favorite sister. I will pick you up in an hour and a half, so you have time to go home and get ready.

I am your only sister, D-ball. Peyton looked down and mumbled, And they think I am odd. Letting out a huge sigh of resignation, she relented. Fine, I presume this farce is black tie. At the nod she received, she stood and began righting her office and shooed him out the door. I’ll be ready to go. Good thing I’m not a fussy female, or your ass would be in pieces from the chewing with only a ninety minute time frame.

Thank you, Sis. You know I owe you.

Yeah, yeah. She bit her lips as he swiveled and headed out the door with the white powder from earlier still clinging to him. By the way, you might have chalk on your jacket. Bye. Love you. Then she shut her office door and locked it, so there were no more surprises popping in for the night.

Chapter 2

Eighty-five minutes later, Peyton was sitting waiting for her brother to show up. She had finished cleaning up her oopsie, straightened up her office desk, driven home, showered, changed, and even managed a bit of makeup just so she didn’t embarrass her brother. Her hair she tossed into a simple upsweep which let most of it hang down to her shoulders, and wore a simple black strapless dress that fit very snugly. She almost went with the red one, but it was a bit flashier and she wasn’t into that tonight. Black glasses, a simple silver chain necklace with a ruby, and her mother’s tennis bracelet completed the ensemble.

This is as good as it is going to get tonight. Her doorbell rang, and she rose and called out. Coming, coming… She opened the door to see her brother in a tuxedo, and he was damn handsome if she did say so. I see you changed, too.

Didn’t think a chalk dusted suit would work for tonight. Let’s go. He held out his arm and once she was beside him, bent down and kissed her cheek, whispering. Thank you, and you look beautiful as always, Peyton.

Thank you. She hated whenever he asked her to be his date to all these events, but she did want to make sure he was proud of her and he was able to hold his head high among his peers. She knew why he didn’t ask someone to go with him, so she ended up giving in. There were just too many of these events if one asked for her opinion, which they didn’t.

He had her seated in the car and halfway across town before she even tuned back into the present. Have you talked to Mom and Dad lately? He nodded and pulled off the highway at their exit. Did they tell you they were planning a cruise next month? Why go on a cruise with it still so hot, I have no idea. To me it would be better to wait until winter and then escape the cold for some place warmer.

You do know it is an Alaskan cruise, right? Don’t think that is a place to be visiting in the middle of winter.

I guess you’re right. I’m glad they are getting away though. Mom said Dad agreed only because football season hadn’t started yet. Guess that’s another reason why a winter vacation wouldn’t work. He couldn’t be away from his boys.

True. Damion chuckled. You know, in that regard you were more a son than I was to him. Never did get into the game.

Chump.

Punk. I would ruffle your hair, but it would just mess you all up.

That and I would kick your ass.

True. He pulled in front of the building where the event was being held and got out of his opened door. Since the valet driver was waiting next to the car, he left it running. Before he had a chance to make it to the other side, his sister had already opened the door and gotten out of the car. Damion took a ticket from the employee and put it in his pocket. Couldn’t wait for me, huh?

You’re my brother, not a date. Hush up and let’s get this over with. Peyton turned on the smile and locked it in as she was escorted in and down the hall where the dinner was to take place. Out in the foyer there was champagne being passed around and hors d'oeuvres. She passed on the alcohol but grabbed one of the shrimp cocktails and then the little potato things. She had forgotten to eat lunch again and was starving. Who knows what they were serving for dinner, and maybe a couple of these would help fill the void in her stomach so the butterflies had less room to fly about.

What would you like to drink Peyton? Damion took a glass from one of the waiters strolling, and Peyton sat her shot glass with cocktail sauce on the now empty tray.

Water is fine if there is any out here. If not, I can wait until we get inside.

They have a bar if you would rather have some wine or a beer.

You know I don’t drink at these things, although it might pass the time by more quickly. The last half of the sentence was said to herself as an older couple came up to them. She recognized Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore from other social events and didn’t even half mind them.

Hello, Peyton, did Damion here drag you back out to another one of these events with him. I am not sure why he doesn’t find a lovely lady to accompany him, but it is wonderful to see you all the same. Mr. Whitmore held out his hand to her so Peyton offered hers up for a handshake.

Good evening Mr. Whitmore. Mrs. Whitmore. It’s a pleasure seeing both of you, too. You know how the man is. He thinks if he doesn’t pry me out of the office, that I will lose myself among all my papers and scribblings. He could be right of course. They laughed, which was the desired effect she was going for.

Mrs. Whitmore turned to Damion and inquired, Didn’t I see your name on the roster for tonight’s auction? I was surprised that you volunteered to be one of the men to be auctioned for dinner. It doesn’t seem your style.

The world stopped for a moment as Peyton realized not just that she had to endure watching everyone else flaunt themselves, but rather her own brother actually signed up for it. That shocked her more than anything. If he was going to do that, then why the heck was she here? Too stunned she missed the rest of what was said, and then the couple was gone.

You are doing what? Peyton hissed.

I have a plan. You are going to buy me.

I am what?  Her surprise was a little loud, and a few people close to them turned towards her. Her cheeks flooded with color and she faced the other direction as to not pay attention to the looks. Sorry.

Breathe, Sis. Look, my boss came to me and begged me to do it. We had agreed on supplying a couple of people, and the only other person single and available was Fred from Finance and well, he wouldn’t do.

What’s wrong with people from Finance?

Nothing. Come on now; the doors are opening. Let’s go.

Peyton followed along, and of course, their table was up front near the stage. This night just kept getting worse and worse. Somehow, she managed to make small talk with the rest of the table and eat her chicken and vegetables. She didn’t remember what any of it tasted like, but it satisfied the hunger, so she was content. Then began the part she wasn’t looking forward to.

Up first, the men. Her brother excused himself and left her with the bidder’s paddle and reminded her what her limit was to pay on him and not to just shout it out at the beginning either. She waved him off and watched as other men stood up and exited towards the side of the stage behind the curtain. Then the auctioneer began. To be fair, it was actually done a bit more tastefully than she had feared. A bit! There was no removal of clothes or anything of that nature thankfully. They paraded down a catwalk that had been set up in the middle and waved at people. At the end they posed a few times and then continued back to the starting place all the while people shouted out their bids.

It was a good thing that Damion wasn’t up first because she would have missed the whole thing. It took a few of the men being bid on before her brain caught up to what was going on and the shock of prices. These guys were going for $200 and $300 each. There was no way she could spend that kind of money on a single dinner with one of the gentlemen. Peyton did notice that several of the guys were being bought up by their dates, so that was good she guessed, but a few of them, nope, and the daggers some of those dates were throwing could cut a tomato in two with one slice. Oh, my goodness, that last guy went for $425. Wowzers, and not to his date.

Finally, her brother appeared, and talk about cat calls and whistles. Peyton thought her ears were going to rupture. Before he had stepped onto the runway, someone shouted $200. Then back and forth they went until it was up to $800. Eight hundred? Dang! The bidding had slowed down, and soon, there was just one bid for $900. The auctioneer was saying, going once, going twice. Oh frak-a-tack! Peyton quickly tossed up her paddle in time and said $950. The lady said $975 and pierced her with a glare that said He’s mine!  Not on your life, missy! Peyton raised again and said, $1001. The lady tried $1050, but Peyton countered with $1111 and quirked her eye at the other female. She backed off, and soon Peyton had won. Damion ran off the stage and sat down next to her and kissed her forehead.

Good job, Pi, but you know you went over what I told you to spend, don’t you, and why the odd amounts?

First off, the $111 was my own contribution. Secondly, you are insane. Thirdly, I like palindromes. I couldn’t let you go to that vulture anyway.

I’m happy you saved me. Add it to the on-going list of things I owe you. I know that woman, and she has been trying to get me to go out with her for months. She’s new in the office, and with you winning, I don’t look like an asshole. Now get ready for the rest of the show; the ladies are up next.

You going to bid on one for yourself if you have any money left over?

Hell no, it would take a special one to make me reach for the paddle.

I will say one thing; this cause is going to make out well tonight.

They clapped as the last man was claimed, and the auctioneer announced there was going to be a ten minute break, and then they would start with the next part. Peyton excused herself and went into the bathroom. The line was so long she turned around and went back to the table, but not before someone caught the corner of her eye, and she stood mesmerized for a few moments until someone knocked into her from behind. She apologized and kept on forward. When she next looked up, the person was gone. Damn, this night and whole day was getting to her. First Simone getting engaged then Damion bringing her here. She needed back in her space and surrounded by things that made her comfortable. Peyton arrived at the table just in time for the announcer to welcome the next group of participants.

The ladies did just as well as the men. The whole time Peyton just kept looking around the audience in search of the elusive dream. The one that she would picture in her mind as she was curled up under her blankets and drifting off to sleep. She wondered if she thought hard enough, if it would carry over to the dream world. Who knew? The audience was clapping again, so Peyton joined them and turned her attention back to the stage. Then the dream appeared real right in front of her. Next to be auctioned. Peyton sat up a little straighter in her seat as if that would relieve the wonderment and bizarre feelings she was having. No way. She knew the chances of it working was like non-existent. She didn’t even want to try and calculate the probability on this, because it would just break her heart either way. Then the most unexpected thing happened. Her brother raised his paddle and placed a bid.

Peyton held in her gasp. Barely. She literally bit her lip between her teeth and told her mouth to stay shut. She