“You’re right. He would have told me. Probably hasn’t heard about it yet, but he will and not from me.” She locked her lips with an imaginary key and threw it away. “You know how these things get around.”
“And that’s a bad thing? I feel like a kept woman.”
“Oh please, Charlotte, don’t be naive. This is Zachary Taylor we’re talking about. First they’ll talk about how he seduced you. Then it will be tongues wagging about the broken hearted... It’s just not a good thing.”
“Thanks for making me feel like an idiot. He must have some good qualities. Can’t you give me a little bit of credit here? Do you think I’d sleep with a total asshole? Am I really that stupid? Don’t answer that.”
“Listen, much as I love Zac like a brother, I’ve no idea why he and my husband are best friends. They’re nothing alike. The guy is an insufferable player Mamma’s boy. Cute, but a player, Charlotte.”
My gut twisted at my best friend’s disappointment, even more than the realization that Abby was probably right.
Her face softened. “But, what do I know? Everyone has good qualities inside of them somewhere, right?”
“I guess.” I dropped my gaze to the empty plate before me, my hand clutching the water glass. I hadn’t touched the wine.
When I looked up, Abby’s back stiffened as a woman in her fifties with white hair, wearing a lime green dress strolled toward our table. “Abigail... How nice to see you and who is this fine young woman?” She stared at me like I was a gnat she’d intending to squash, and I didn’t know why. In fact, I’d never seen the woman in my life.
Abby picked up her purse and slid her chair back.“Hello, Margo. May I introduce you to Charlotte Davis. Charlotte, this is Margo. Margo, we were just leaving. Weren’t we, Charlotte?”
Abby’s words caught me unaware. She loved everyone—had few enemies—she’d even made friends with Chase’s ex-wife, but I could tell she had no intention of starting up a conversation with this woman. Neither did I.
“Oh but...well, all right,” the woman stuttered. “We can always talk more at the office.” She glanced in my direction, then back at Abby. “I’m so looking forward to that conversation. Tootleoo, my dear.”
When the woman was out of hearing, I leaned across the table and asked, “Who the hell was that?”
“That was Zachary Taylor’s mother.”
“Oh.”
“Here...” She handed me the unopened bottle of wine.
“What’s this for?”
“You’re going to need it. Either to drown your tears after a broken heart or to celebrate the most important day of your life. I don’t know which it is and I don’t know when it will happen but trust me when I say, your life is about to change. Let’s hope in a good way.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You will. We both will soon enough.”
Chapter 14
Zac
ON SATURDAY, I POURED myself into my work, struggled to find a solution to a very complicated problem. Everyone was counting on me, but I didn’t know where to begin. I hated to let people down. In fact, I refused to do so, but it still didn’t stop me from wishing I could crawl into a hole and disappear. That, or wish for some sort of magical wisdom to enter my brain.
I was an okay accountant, but not a genius like my stepfather. He’d been a whizz with numbers, extraordinary actually. I guess everyone assumed I followed in his footsteps. I didn’t, but maybe I hadn’t tried hard enough. If only I hadn’t been so social, so free-floating all over the campus, studied a bit more in college, listened to my professors. I wasn’t the playboy everyone thought I was, just bored. Bored by a subject I just couldn’t get my mind around. Why hadn’t I changed majors? I had, but nothing in Harvard’s curriculum turned me on like cooking and of course Culinary Arts was out of the question. No self-respecting Taylor would do such a thing. Margo’s words, not mine. Eventually, she put her foot down and accounting it was, a master’s program no less.
On Sunday, I smelled smoke.
After grabbing the first thing I could find, a six-foot standup lamp, I flipped it upside down and swatted at the detectors which were shrieking so loud my ears threatened to explode.
“Stop, stop, stop! You fucking piece of shit!” The damn thing kept howling like a strangled cat.
I swung and caught the plastic disk above my head, sending it shattering across the marble tiled floor. Finally, the wailing ceased. Four batteries, along with the smoke detector, rolled under the island.
My cookies.
I took the chocolate chip cookies I’d burned out of the oven and cursed. Then I carried the tray into the guest bathroom, threw the cookies into the Jacuzzi, turned on the water, and sat on the toilet beside the tub while bits of black cookie darted in and out of the jet stream. This isn’t so bad, I thought to myself. Distractions are good. It refreshes the brain. Gives one a new perspective and I needed a new perspective. Badly. I emptied my mind, breathed in, breathed out. Tried to relax. When the crumbs had dissolved into the bottom of the tub, I shut off the water.
You have work to do. Stop acting like a child.
After sweeping the mess from the broken detectors, I slammed my ass down in an office-chair by the window. I stared at my computer screen. It had taken me all morning to get everything in order, but then I got distracted by our little mishap, forgot where I’d left off in. “Shit!” I’d have to start over. No matter, the numbers hadn’t jived anyhow. Could I allocate revenue to a different project perhaps, or would that screw things up further? I scratched my head, thinking. I could do this. I had a degree for fuck’s sake.
I stroked my chin. How was the net margin different from the net income again? I couldn’t make heads or tails of anything. My mind was too jumbled, too frustrated. Too something.
In the beginning of my time at the company, Chase let me get away with way more than he should have. He wasn’t an idiot and I’m sure he probably saw right through my inadequacies, but lately.... What the hell was he trying to prove by giving me such a complex business problem, especially one that could make or break me, him, and everyone in the company? He had to know this was way over my head. In fact, I was drowning. Was he trying to expose me as a fraud? Nah. Not Chase. We were friends. At least I thought so.
What the hell was I going to do now?
Charlotte.
We hadn’t talked in a few days, and now it was the weekend again. I’d never told her why I left without waking her, which, in hindsight, may have been a mistake. A big one. I hadn’t called either. I knew if I did, I’d never get this project underway, not that it had helped. Had I fucked up more than just my work at Remington’s?
I couldn’t stop thinking about that silky dark hair, the way her eyes changed texture when aroused, but more than that. She could help me. With that massive brain of hers, she’d probably know exactly what needed to be done. How to fix this fiasco in front of me. If it didn’t get fixed? Well, both she and I were out of a job and Chase... After the dust settled, I’d be lucky if he ever talked to me again. Or worse.
I clicked on the next document, hoping to find different information, but it appeared as fucked up as the first. We were in danger of bankruptcy because of some faulty investments. It had happened before, correcting itself eventually, but this time was different. Someone had leaked secret information to our investors and they’d threatened to sell. If they did that, we could lose the entire company. Chase’s legacy. Fifty-thousand jobs.
I couldn’t do this alone. Did I want Charlotte’s help? Hell, yes! But there was a price to pay. I didn’t want her to think solving problems was the only reason I wanted to be with her. Especially after what I’d done.
It was true when I’d said Charlotte’s brain got me hot. Witnessing the spark in her eyes, the way her face lit up when she was excited about something was an aphrodisiac for me. Those chocolate brown eyes hypnotized me too. And that hair. She reminded me of a panther. Wild. Untamed. Her skin was like silk,
the color of almonds in candlelight.
My cock grew hard and I thought about taking a break from the computer to relieve some of the tension. How perfect our naked bodies had fit together. My hand to her glove. Her tongue to my waiting mouth. Like two pieces of a puzzle.
Shit! I was in trouble if I didn’t stop fantasizing about this woman.
Call her.
Maybe I could ease my business problems into the conversation. Gradually. Make her see, this was both our problem. After all, technically we did work at the same company. If this merger didn’t go through, we were toast. So was everyone else at Remington Enterprise. I was just about to call her when a text came through on my phone. It was Margo.
Zac: Hello Mother.
Margo: So today its mother, is it?
Zac: What do you want?
Margo: Just wanting to see how we’re getting along is all.
Zac: We are not getting along. That’s how.
Margo: I see. But you will figure it out, won’t you? Everyone is depending on you.
Zac: Yes. I’ll figure it out.
Margo: Good. Now what else is bothering you?
Zac: What makes you think something is bothering me?
Margo: You only call me mother when you’re upset about something. Is this about a woman?
Zac: Why do you say that?
Margo: Few nights ago, I saw...evidence.
Zac: Evidence? What sort of evidence?
Margo: You always cook when you’re upset. And you’re the ONLY one who cooks in that awful kitchen they call a lunchroom.
Zac: So I made a few things. So what?
Margo: Either you had a guest in the break room at some ungodly hour of the morning, or you were practicing for when the President comes to visit.
Zac: How did you... Were you spying on us?
Margo: Please. Give me some credit here. You left two of my good pieces of china in the dishwasher.
Zac: So that’s where they went.
Margo: Were you dining with a woman or practicing for the President’s visit?
Zac: Neither.
Margo: Okay, keep your little secret.
Zac: Listen Margo, if you’re done grilling me, I have a lot of work to do.
Margo: About that. You looked a little panicked at our board meeting. You are going to be able to give us a solution on Wednesday morning. Right?
Zac: Thought the meeting was Monday.
Margo: It’s been changed. That’s why I called. Something weird with Mr. Remington. I guess he can’t make it Wednesday. Think it had to do with his wife.
Zac: She okay?
Margo: How should I know?
Zac: I gotta go. See you at the office on Monday.
Margo: Good bye, son.
As I hung up the phone, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. For the first time in ages, I was actually glad Margo had called. I knew it was simply prolonging the inevitable but, this gave me hope. The Charlotte kind of hope.
I dialed her number.
“Hey, sweet thing,” I said, trying for adorable instead of the insensitive jerk she knew me to be.
“Zac?”
“Are you expecting someone else?”
“No. It’s just...I’m not exactly your biggest fan.”
“I should have woken you. I’m sorry if you’re angry, but it wasn’t my fault.”
“At first, I thought you were coming back and when you didn’t... Well, it made me feel like shit, Zac. Like total shit.”
“I’m sorry, Charlotte. Really I am.”
“So what was the big hurry anyway?”
“There was an emergency board meeting.”
“An emergency,” she repeated, sounding suspicious.
“I’m really sorry for leaving you and not calling all week, but you’ve no idea what a mess I’m up against. I’ve hardly slept.”
Except when I was dreaming of you.
“I guess I understand. I know you have a lot of responsibility. Way more than I do these days.”
“Yeah, but let’s not talk about it right now. What are you doing for dinner tonight?”
“Um...”
“You have plans.”
“Kinda, yeah.”
With another man?
“Maybe.”
I deserved this but still, my gut wrenched at the thought. “Break ‘em.”
“What?”
“Break your plans. I have to see you.”
Silence.
“Charlotte...?”
“Did you just tell me to drop everything to go out with you after what you did to me?”
“I thought you said you understood.”
“I’m trying, but an emergency? Really, Zac?”
“It’s the truth. I swear.”
“Okay, but I have one rule when it comes to anyone in my life, and I never, ever break it. I would have told you this before, but things moved so fast between us.”
“And I’d like them to move even faster.”
“Mmmm. Sounds promising.”
“Baby, you have no idea.”
“After the other night, I think I do.”
I laughed. “What’s your one rule, sweetheart?”
“Don’t ever do that to me again, Zac. And I mean, ever! And don’t ever lie to me. Lie to me once and it’s over.”
“You got it, Charlie. I expect you’ll give me the same courtesy.”
“That, doesn’t even need to be discussed.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I’m female.”
God, she was cute. While she was trying to act tough on the phone, the suppressed laughter in her voice was inescapable. “I won’t dispute the argument that you’re female—I’ve seen the proof— but kindly explain why you think women are superior to men in the trust department.”
“Simple. A woman would never leave a man half naked in a secret room like he’s some sort of concubine and then not call him for days.”
“No?”
“No.”
“Okay. I guess I deserve that.”
“You do.”
“I said I’m sorry, Charlotte.”
“I know.”
“And I want to make it up to you.”
“Oh, I’m counting on that. Let me see if I can change my plans. I’ll call you back.”
“Fair enough.”
Chapter 15
Charlotte
I’d made a tentative date with a guy from Plenty of Dick, and he was nice enough to take a rain check. I didn’t want to cancel completely because I still had trust issues where Zac was concerned. Especially now.
Zac promised to cook for me again. He texted me his address and we were to meet for a six o’clock dinner at his apartment on Park Avenue. I couldn’t wait to see where he lived.
My tiny bedroom was in disarray because I couldn’t decide what to wear. Snatching my favorite pair of jeans out of my dresser drawer, I threw them on a chair. Along with four sweaters. Two pairs of leggings, a three-piece-suit, and a formal gown. I wanted to look sexy, not frumpy, yet everything that showed off my figure was too formal. I didn’t have the budget for too much in between.
The face in the mirror smiled back at me. “He won’t even care what you’re wearing because he’s going to take it off anyway.” My skin began to tingle. Heat spread through my core.
As I was rummaging through the closet, I remembered Abby had borrowed my adorable, body-hugging red dress. The short one. The very dress she’s seduced Chase with, which lead to her being engaged. The second time. I smoothed my hands over my slim figure, deciding the red dress was exactly what I’d need. Abby still had the dress though.
When I picked up my phone to call Abby, Chase answered instead.
“Who is this?”
“Oh. Hello, Mr. Remington. Can I speak to your wife?”
“Not at the moment.”
“Um, ok. Can I ask why not?”
“Because she just had another miscarriage. She’s in with
the doctor, right now.”
My heart plummeted. Abby wanted a baby. I lost count as to the number of times her dreams had been dashed. “I am so so sorry, Mr. Remington. Is there anything I can do?”
“No, but thank you and call me Chase. I’m sorry I was so abrupt. I’m just..Not myself right now.”
“I understand. Will you tell her I called?”
“Of course.”
“Oh, and Charlotte, is it?”
“You remember me?”
“How could I forget the brains behind that little plan to bring my wife back into my life? I owe you a lot, Charlotte. More than you know.”
“No. No, you don’t, Mr. Remington.”
“Still, I have a favor to ask.”
“Anything, Mr. Remington.”
“Can we make this our little secret? About the baby, I mean.”
“Absolutely, Mr. Remington.”
“Chase.”
“Anything you want, Chase.”
“She’s going back to work soon. The last thing Abby needs are people asking her how she is. She wants to put this past her. We’ll keep trying but we’d prefer no one knew until she’s further along next time. So no stories about the baby.”
“What baby?”
“Right.”
After I hung up, I called Zac.
“Charlotte...” His deep growly voice sounded strange.
“Zac, I’m sorry. I couldn’t break my plans. Can we do this another time?”
“Um, yeah, no problem. Are you upset about something? Upset with me?”
“I...no.”
“You sure?”
“Absolutely.” I tried to sound chipper, but I was broken hearted thinking about Abby. “Nothing you can help me with but thanks. I’ll see you at work?”
“Sure. I mean, yeah. I was going to go in early anyway. I wanted to ask your advice on a business issue.”
“Again? I mean. Okay. Glad to help with whatever it is.”
“Thanks. You don’t know how much that means to me. See you then.”
After finding my best friend had been discharged from the hospital, I spent the rest of the evening at Abby and Chase’s home. I wasn’t prepared for what I saw as I walked into the large billiard room where she and Chase were playing a game of pool.
The Christmas Fix Page 9