by lanie love
“Sage, thank you for coming in this morning,” she says and I sink lower in my seat when I feel Finch’s eyes on me. “As you may have heard, Jordana has terminated her employment with us and we need to fill the position quickly. Mr. Finch suggested that we offer you the position.”
“So, I’ll be working with you,” I ask him.
“Yes Sage, I have seen you around the studio and you have the…” He waves his hand in the air as if searching for a word. “Assets that I require.”
“Wow,” I say clearing my throat. “I appreciate the offer, but I thought that I needed more conditioning. Jordana was very well known and I’m new here. I wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes or be responsible for any drop in ratings. Is there anyone that’s willing to move from the morning show. I might fit in better there? I’m bubbly in the morning they tell me.”
I want this so bad I can taste it, but I can also taste the sour film on my tongue that is working with Adrian Finch. Morning anchoring would keep me well away from this asshole.
“I want you to in this position, Sage.” He says point blank. “I’ve seen many girls come and go and you’ve got what it takes. You should be glad I’m willing to produce you. Frankly, I don’t understand the hesitation. You always struck me as a risk taker.”
“I am.”
“Yet you’d turn down being an anchor for the evening news. These types of opportunities are few and far between. You wouldn't want to have a reputation of being the girl who passed one up, would you?” He gives me a look because he knows that he's got me.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Finch is right,” Mrs. Reed says. “If you pass on this opportunity, another may not present itself to you. I'm afraid we need your answer now, Sage.”
“Of course, I accept the position.” I give a fake smile. “I won’t let you down.”
“Oh, I'm sure you will perform extremely well, Sage.” He leers at me. “With me as your producer, you won’t have much of a choice, now will you? Finish out the rest of your week and then start fresh with me Monday morning.”
“Thank you,” I say, and make my way to the newsroom.
I take a moment to get myself together. I finish out the rest of my day, putting Finch out of my mind.
****
Kent Wade
Wednesday morning and I wake with a start as I hear Collin calling my name. I assure him that I'm awake and all is well before he leaves me to start my morning. I feel like I just went to bed. Dammit, can I at least have five hours of peaceful sleep? My workday drags on. One meeting blends into the next with little fanfare, until Trina comes strolling into my office unannounced like she owns the place. I swear with the mood I'm in, if it were anyone else, I wouldn't be responsible for my actions. But I can't intimidate Trina Davis. She sees right through my bullshit, always has.
“What do you want, Trina,” I ask her, a little annoyed as she comes in and flops her ass in a chair.
“Did you get the latest on that television company you had me look into? I sent it a while ago and you haven't responded,” she says.
“No, I haven't had time to read that particular report. What does it say, more importantly, what do you think?”
“It’s doing well. They just lost Jordana Roam, though. I don’t know what they were thinking, letting CBS get her. She is hot. Have you ever checked her out?”
“No, I hate media people,” I say. “And I avoid television news like the cesspool it is.”
“So, why am I looking into acquiring a news station,” she asks, holding her arms up in a dramatic shrug.”
“If you can’t beat them, join them. Owning a news station might not be a bad idea.”
“You better look for another one. I don’t see the Strongs giving up theirs.”
“You’d be surprised at how persuasive I can be.”
“Not really, Sure Thing. Goldie with her bone comes to mind.” I roll my eyes at the mention of her dog.
“Thanks for helping me out with that,” I say hoping she'll leave now.
“Well, I hope she's worth it, whoever she is,” she says. Fucking Trina. I think she is the only person in this damn city, besides my brother, who can’t take a hint and keep her damn mouth shut.
“Get out,” I say. “And have a good day.”
“Before I go, I actually came to give you this,” she says handing me a birthday present.
“It's from me and Keisha. Tell your sister we're sorry we can't make it tonight, but the babies are due anytime now. I'm actually on my way home to relieve her.”
“Puppies, Trina. They are fucking puppies.”
“Screw you, Wade. Leave my fur babies alone.”
“Gladly.”
“Tell your mom she still can get first pick if she changes her mind about having one,” she says before she walks out of my office.
Collin enters to give me an update on my home security. Apparently, the clever little Jen Carlyle has been spending a bit of time with the head of maintenance. I bet that poor bastard didn't know what hit him. She used him to gain entry into the apartment. Collin reports that he's been fired and measures have been taken to ensure nothing like this happens again. None- the- less, all of our security and elevator codes have been changed, a home security team is being trained, and a cleaning crew has finished the playroom which is awaiting my approval.
“Thanks for taking care of it for me,” I say.
“It is what you pay me for, sir.”
****
I decide to go against Collin's orders and drive myself to Hancock Park for my sister’s 23rd birthday party. I arrive at my childhood home and am greeted by my mother, my heart, Dr. Kathleen Wade. She comes gliding towards me with bright eyes and full smile as if I didn't see her last week to help plan this whole thing.
“Oh Kent, you're here. I'm so glad you made it,” she says kissing me on my cheek. “Are you all right, Dear?”
“Of course, and you know I wouldn't miss this for the world,” I tell her, giving her my best smile and a hug.
“Come on outside. Aaron is already here, somewhere,” she says, leading me out into the yard.
The party is in full swing, complete with live band and mile-long buffet tables. Leave it to my mother. I swear this woman loves to throw a party. And with the exception of her charities, birthdays are the biggest events of the year for her. It used to be she and Dad’s anniversary. My blood still boils, thinking about my pathetic excuse of a father.
I make my way around, greeting everyone and making polite conversation as I snack on the hors d'oeurves that are being served. I place Keisha and Trina's present on the table with the other gifts and head to the bar area. As I suspected, Brooke and Aaron are already there, well on their way to inebriation.
“Happy birthday, Little Sister,” I say to her with a hug.
“You came,” Aaron says.
“Don't start with that shit. When have I ever missed a birthday?”
“Well, we weren't sure about this year, Bro. With Jen running amuck in your apartment once again.”
“Give me a fucking break.”
“Look, I know she's hot and I'm in no position to lecture you about fuckin’ and duckin’, but come on man. After what happened with Mom, I thought you'd be done with her.”
“What do you mean fuckin’ and duckin’,” Allie asks, coming up behind Aaron with a drink in her hand.
“Before your time, Baby,” he tells her, putting his arm around her waist and pulling her towards him.
“Uh-huh,” she says, taking a sip of her drink, frowning at how strong it is and hands it over to me. “Jen needs to get a life.”
What the fuck. How does everyone fucking know?
“How did you all find out,” I ask, looking at all three of them.
“Claire called Mom upset this morning,” Brooke says. “She gave her quite the tongue lashing from what mom told me. She was waiting to let you have it, but I begged her to ruin my party. That should give you time to put your puppy dog face on.”
“What the hell. I’m not a kid anymore. Mom doesn't have to lecture me on how to act.”
“Look, Bro, I mean it. You need to end it with her once and for all,” Aaron says.
“I want nothing to do with her, Air. She just showed up. She got passed security… and everything.”
“Are you saying she broke in,” Phil says, coming to join us and inwardly I groan because I know the lawyer wheels are going around in his head. “You need to press charges. I know a judge.”
“No, Phil. I already took care of it.”
“Are you sure,” Brooke asks. “Because I don't want Mom worrying about this. It took weeks for her to walk into the kitchen and not think of Jen slicing her wrists open because of you.”
“And that was some crazy shit,” Aaron says. “What if Mom hadn't come home from Bora Bora yet? Jen would probably be dead right now. She would have come back from Phil’s and found her dead on her kitchen floor.”
“I know,” I say. “She got help for that. She's fine now.”
I lie again, that fucking bitch knew exactly how to get everyone’s attention. She knew damn well what she was doing and it sure as hell wasn’t a suicide attempt. And I know better than I know my own name that Claire told her daughter that Mom was home. She knew Mom wouldn't let her bleed to death. She’s crazy, but she’s sure as hell not stupid. Maybe she is, if she thought that shit would make me fall in love with her.
“Dude, she's fine now? Seriously, Bro,” Aaron chimes in.
“Fuck off.”
“I don't think your mother needs to hear about this. As far as she's concerned, it's all been taken care of and I think we should keep it that way.”
“Agreed,” Aaron and I say in unison.
“My advice is to take care of it though, Kent,” Phil says. “It sounds to me like this girl still may need help.”
“I'll look into it.”
“Good,” Brooke says. “Now, let's get back to my party. I’m going to grab Tuck and dance.”
“She doesn't seem too broken up that Dad’s not here,” I tell Aaron as we watch Brook enjoy the spotlight.
“You see those earrings she’s rockin’,” he asks and damn if I can’t see them from where I am. Huge diamond studs.
“Must be about five karats,” I say.
“Courtesy of Dad.”
“Asshole. Trying to buy her love.”
“Give him a break. You know he must feel like shit for missing out on her birthday this year.”
“Whose fault is that?”
“His. But Allie’s even feeling funny about being here,” he says, pointing to where she’s chatting it up with Mom. To everyone else, it looks like old times, but to Aaron and me, we know better. Even from here, we can see how uncomfortable they both are.
“Allie is family,” I tell him.
“She knows, but it’s still a touchy situation all around.”
I nod in understanding. It’s like we’re all holding our breaths waiting for something to blow.
****
Before the party ends Aaron, Mom and I call Brooke up on the stage. We inform her that we all pitched in to buy the perfect birthday present and it's pulling up in the front drive.
She barely lets me finish the speech before she takes off to the front of the house. I can only imagine visions of a brand-new sports car dancing in her head. She’s been dropping hints about one ever since she saw Allie’s. She wants a silver one that sparkles like diamonds.
The whole crowd gathers around the front yard in amused surprise as the VanTare Platinum RV in all its tricked-out glory comes roaring up the drive, fully loaded, and customized. Mom tries in vain to hide her tears of laughter at Brooke’s face, but Air is laughing full on.
“I love it, Babe,” Tucker tells her, unaware of the meaning behind it.
“You have got to be kidding,” she says.
Ever since we were young, our parents would rent an RV for us to travel to Yosemite. Brooke hated every minute of it. We had to endure listening to her bitch and moan the whole trip. She swore when she was old enough to stay home alone, she’d never ever get into another one.
“Enjoy it, Little Sis,” Aaron and I say and then get out of dodge before she comes after us. We say our goodbyes, promising to hang out together soon.
Finally, back home, I go to bed knowing that tomorrow night my beautiful Sweet Angel will be once again in my playroom.
Venice Beach, California
Laura Robert’s Apartment
Sage Turner
JR and I are having dinner with Laura and Randy, the photographer and sort of boyfriend who did the photo shoot for her latest book.
She wants to cook for us at her place. I think she's been watching a little too much Food Network and it has made her bold. Last I knew, she could barely boil water and even then, I had to watch her.
Before we leave the car, I warn Jacob to be nice about her cooking. After all, she could surprise us. I'm sure she's made something quick and easy. He makes a stink face, but agrees to be kind.
“Ling Bling,” I say to her as we enter and I hand her a bottle of wine.
“Nice,” she says. “Pinot noir. You got the good stuff.”
“Yeah, I was recently reminded how good it tastes,” I say. “Wow, it smells good in here. What are you making?”
“Coq Au Vin,” she says and JR chokes very loudly on the beer Randy just handed him. Laura rolls her eyes and heads back into the kitchen.
“I thought we agreed on something simple,” I whisper to Randy, who just shrugs as he gulps his beer.
Forty minutes after we've eaten the pizza we ordered for dinner, I help her clean up the kitchen.
“Whelp,” she says as she dumps what was supposed to be coq au vin in the trash. “There lies my venture into the world of cuisine. May it die a beautiful death.” I smile at her, nursing my glass of wine and she frowns at me. “Come on, let’s go out on the patio while our guys bond,” she tells me. “You guys behave yourselves. No peeing on the furniture.”
“You ask too much of them.”
“Okay, what's wrong, you seem off tonight,” she says, closing the patio door and sitting down in the chair next to me.
“Everything,” I answer, looking back to make sure JR is out of earshot. “My life is a mess. I have a boyfriend who I can't fuck, a boss who wants to fuck me, and a Dom who is fucking somebody else.”
“Okay. Okay,” she breathes out, rubbing her temples. “Let’s back up for a minute. Your boss?”
“Oh yeah, that's right, I didn't tell you. I got a promotion today to co-anchor the nightly news,” I say. “Guess who my producer is… Adrian Finch.”
“That's great,” she says. “Whoa, wait, isn't that that weird guy you ran into at Chains.”
“Yup,” I say, taking a gulp of wine.
“Shit,” she says, doing the same. “Well, you know what? Don't let him stand in your way. There's always gonna be some jackass you have to work with. If he even thinks about trying anything, report his ass. Now, about this Dom of yours. You really went and did it, didn't you?”
I nod my head yes.
“Well, come on,” she asks, scooting closer to me. “Don't make me drag it out of you? How was it?”
“It was great. He was great,” I confess.
“And what the fuck do you mean he's fucking someone else,” she says.
“Will you keep your voice down,” I whisper, looking over my shoulder to see JR still talking adamantly to Randy.
She listens quietly as I explain everything that happened with Mr. Wade yesterday, including the voice I heard over the phone.
“I don't get why you're so upset about this. I mean, it was what you 'agreed upon’. Right? You have a 'boyfriend' anyway. Right? It's not like you two are in a 'relationship’ or anything, right?”
All the while, she’s using those damn quotation fingers that she knows I can't stand.
“Kiss my butt,” I say to her.
“Now, Miss
Turner, that type of language will not be tolerated,” she says, deadpan and in her best Dom voice. My mouth almost hits the patio table.
“Shut the fuck up,” I say, laughing as I smack her arm.
“Seriously though, Say, if it bothers you this much, then maybeeeee...” she sings.
“I love JR.” I don't know if I'm saying that to her or myself at this point.
“Yes, Saytie, I know, but are you in love with him?”
“Of course, I am in love with him. We've just hit a rough patch, that's all.”
“Okay, then answer me this: If your Dom was to call you this minute and ask you to come to him, what would you do? Who would you choose to be with tonight?”
“I would choose JR. I was just hurt that he called another sub so quickly after I left, that's all,” I say.
“But why were you so hurt?
“Can we just drop it, please?”
“You never want to face your feelings.”
“There’s no point,” I say and she puts her hands up in surrender.
“Alright, fine, let's not talk about it. But what's gonna happen tonight when he gets you home and wants to do whatever it is that you guys do together tonight,” she asks just as JR and Randy walk out to join us.
We all hang out on the patio a while longer before Jacob tells me it's time to head home.
On the drive, he seems lost in thought and I know it’s my fault for being so distant lately. I think it's because our relationship is not moving forward as quickly as he wants.
“Sweetheart?”
“Yeah,” I tell him turning away from the window. He takes my hand.
“I know we made a decision to wait until we were more stable career wise, but now that we've both been promoted, I see that as a good sign that it's time to take the next step. I’m ready to settle down.”
“Me too.”