by Lynn Emery
“If it’ll get you a lot of money, damn right I do,” Ivory said.
“I’m going to get the money without him, or you for that matter if you don’t act right,” she whispered close to his ear. Her hands travelled down to his thighs.
“Don’t play me for stupid, Desiree. I’m watching every move you make.” Despite his words, Ivory responded to her touch by loosening his grip. “I’ve done a lot for you.”
“I know that, sweet thing,” she murmured. “Now you just trust me.” Desiree patted his face. When he let go, she stepped back.
Ivory let a slow smile gradually replace the look of suspicion. “Sure, baby. I know you wouldn’t stab me in the back. It’s just I’ve got a thing for you.”
“Guess I whipped it on you too strong,” Desiree said with a giggled. She gave him a look that said all was forgiven. “Seriously, don’t freak on me. I need to concentrate.”
“Everything going your way, eh? And I’m included.” Ivory rubbed his jaw.
Desiree put down the glass and crossed her arms. “I’ve got it all worked out. Pretty soon I’ll be just where I want to be. On top.” She glanced up at him and waved her fingers in the air. “You too, of course.”
“Sure.”
“But I’ve got to go over some figures one last time before I leave.” Desiree flashed an indulgent smile then turned to more papers on the bar. “I’m going to get myself an office,” she said.
Ivory stood watching her as she seemed to forget his was there. “Uh-huh. I know just what you got planned for me,” he said in an undertone.
Chapter 17
Lainie shook her head. “You need to get on out of here. You’ve been late for the last three dates with Chandler. I’ll close up.”
“He’ll understand,” Neva said in a distracted voice. Her eyes never left the pages of single-spaced text before her.
“You haven’t seen him in five days. That’s got to be a record for you two,” Lainie said with a short laugh.
“He knows I’ve been under the gun lately.”
“Hey, you told me he came south to kick back. Now he’s hooked up with a workaholic,” Lainie said.
“I’m not putting work ahead of Chandler,” Neva responded in a high pitched voice.
“Yeah, sure.”
Neva squirmed in her seat. The last two nights she’d put Chandler on hold while taking business calls. Then she put off seeing him each time to work late. Still he had assured her he understood. Or maybe she had been too intent on business to notice. Now she reviewed their last conversations trying to remember how his voice had sounded. What exactly had he said? Only that he knew how tough running a store could be. Neva smiled at her good fortune. Chandler was caring and reasonable.
“Like I said, he understands.” Neva looked at an article she printed from the online version of a Baton Rouge business magazine. “Look here. I may be new to this, but we’ve hit pay dirt if these mean what I think they mean.”
Lainie paused from her work to peer at the print Neva pointed to. “Sure. Bellows-Clairborne did some consolidation that cost money. Then copper and zinc prices dropped.”
“That must have hurt.”
“They’re still rich.” Lainie shrugged. She went back to tapping the keyboard. She entered figures into a spread sheet from forms stuck in a clip attached to the computer monitor.
“But they now need an infusion of cash. I’ll bet they want to take advantage of this new market for materials to make new high tech medical and industrial instruments.”
“I guess,” Lainie said with another shrug. She took down one page and put up another.
“Health care is a booming thing. With an aging population, it will get more important. Not to mention using plant products for drug developments.”
“Uh-huh.”
“The fact is–”
“Neva,” Lainie cut her off sharply. “It’s five thirty. I thought you were leaving early today.”
“In a minute,” Neva mumbled. Her attention never wavered from the task that absorbed her.
“You were supposed to meet Chandler thirty minutes ago.”
“I called to tell him I’d be late.” Neva blinked at her. “I didn’t feel like driving to Baton Rouge for dinner and a movie tonight anyway.”
“Uh-huh.” Lainie shook her head again.
“I still don’t have anything on Desiree. But there’s gotta be some clue to her burst of self-confidence. Mama Jo has never been bullied like this before.” Neva combed her fingers through her hair in exasperation. She threw down the papers.
“We’ll find it. But we can’t do it all in one day. Which means you can leave.”
Neva glanced at her wrist watch before she went back to reading. “We can still have dinner at the cafe.”
“This is crazy.” Lainie pounded the desk to get her attention.
Neva jumped at the sound. “You’re the crazy one beating on our new office furniture.”
“A few weeks ago you told me he was the greatest thing since pantyhose. Now you’re going to let work come first.” Lainie ignored her insult to press her point.
“Not true.” Neva sat back. “We’ve seen each other quite a lot since he got back.”
“All I’m saying is, you’re getting a little obsessed with Marian Bellows. And becoming the empress of commerce.”
“Oh please.”
“All you talk about is the store, expanding into new ventures and the possibilities of really utilizing the land.” Lainie spoke in a crisp voice, obviously imitating Neva.
“I do not talk like that,” Neva protested.
“Just slow down is what I’m saying, all right?”
Neva stuck out her chin a gesture of stubborn denial. “I can’t just walk away at six o’clock.”
“Sometimes you can. You’re not a one woman operation.” Lainie tilted her head to one side. “Or don’t you think we can manage for a few hours without you?”
“I didn’t say that. It’s just...” Neva rustled the papers to buy time.
“Go on, admit it. You love being a mover and shaker.”
Neva twisted her hands for a few seconds. “Yes,” she blurted out as though confessing to a crime. “When I went in to Liberty Bank and showed them our business plan, they took me seriously.”
“Sure, you did a helluva job putting that baby together. You’ve got it on when it comes to seeing the big picture.”
“You helped. You were a life saver.” Neva gave her an affection smile.
“Don’t mention it. I’m happy to contribute.”
“We make a great team.” Neva leaned both elbows on the desk, her expression serious. “The truth is, for the first time in my life I feel like I’ve really accomplished something. Now I understand why Mama Jo and Papa Dub worked so hard.”
“They did that.”
“This is as much a creation as any jewelry I ever designed or pottery I ever fashioned with these.” Neva stared at her hands. “As much a work of art.”
“Girl, you’re getting all philosophical on me now,” Lainie quipped.
“I mean it. I’ve got direction now like never before.” Neva glanced around the office. “And a connection to Mama Jo and my mother, two strong competent women.”
“I’m proud of you, sugar.” Lainie nodded. “But I want you to have as much happiness in your personal life.”
“I do,” Neva said with intensity. “Chandler is so supportive, so thoughtful–”
“So fine, so sexy and so out there on his own surrounded by hungry females. Including his ex-wife,” Lainie put in. “You said that yourself.”
Neva blinked rapidly as though cold water had been thrown in her face. “And you said not to worry about it, remember.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t say work long hours and leave him stranded. You might as well put him in a giant gift bag and give him away.”
“You’re exaggerating again,” Neva said.
“Listen, I haven’t changed my mind. The man wants and
needs you.” Lainie leaned back in her chair. “But he’s got to have some attention.”
“I’m giving him lots of attention.” Neva sighed at the look Lainie gave her. “Okay not as much lately. But we’re still rock solid. In fact we’re going out to dinner tonight.”
“Good,” Lainie said firmly. “Where?”
“Satterfield’s over in New Roads. We’ll have a table outside overlooking the river with candlelight and everything.” Neva grinned.
“Sounds wonderful. Now go.”
“Yes, we’ve got something to celebrate.” Neva shook the papers. “These tell me we won’t have to worry with those people for long.”
“What do you mean?” Lainie stopped working on the spreadsheet.
Neva tapped the papers in front of her. “Just a few more days and we’ll be in a position to push back.”
“Maybe we oughta just go around them.” Lainie held up a palm. “Those folks are still a lot bigger than us, cuz.”
Neva was not listening to her. “We’re not going to let them get their hands on what’s ours.” She flipped through the papers again.
“What’s Desiree going to think? She’s still the CEO” Lainie made stuck out her tongue to show how little she thought of Desiree as their boss.
“She’ll agree, what else? Desiree has her faults, but letting people get the best of her isn’t something she stands for.”
“Still we have to consult her eminence. And I repeat, Marian Bellows hates being challenged on anything.” Lainie looked at Neva.
“How many years have we been taking you-know-what from them?” Neva straightened her desk in preparation for leaving.
“Let’s see our great-great... Forget it. I don’t wanna say all those greats.” Lainie gave a grunt.
“Exactly my point. Well no more.” Neva squared her shoulders and stood up. “It stops with us. Are you with me?”
“Yes ma’am!” Lainie stood up and saluted her. “I’m armed and ready, ma’am!” she yelled like a boot camp trainee.
“Good. At ease soldier. Just make sure those spreadsheets and market projections are loaded,” Neva barked and returned her salute. They both laughed out loud.
“We’ve been working too hard.” Lainie gasped out between giggles.
Neva could only shake her head at first. She wiped tears from her eyes. “Lost our minds for sure.”
“Get outta here or you’ll be having breakfast with the man.” Lainie sat back down.
“Who says I won’t?” Neva wore a wicked grin.
“Have mercy. Take your time. I’ll be here early in the morning.”
“Humph, you’re the workaholic.” Neva paused on her way to the door. “Don’t stay here alone. Come out with me.”
“Charles is coming in twenty minutes. He and Jeroyd are going to move that old cooler for me.”
“But it’s getting dark and–”
“Anyway I finally found someone who can repair it.” Lainie took a deep breath. “I hope it’s worth it.”
“It will be. That old cooler is from the forties and in great condition.”
“Except it doesn’t keep anything cool,” Lainie retorted.
“And Mama Jo would have a flying fit if we got rid of it. Besides it will look great in the store.” Neva had planned to put the old red cooler with the Coca-Cola emblem in the store.
“Yeah, yeah. I have to admit it does bring back good memories. Now goodnight.” Lainie waved at her to go.
“Bye.”
Neva stopped only to check on Mama Jo and the aid before driving to Chandler’s house. She looked forward to telling him about her new ammunition against the Bellows family.
She let down the car window to catch the cool evening air of late April. The day had been warm but the temperature was dropping. An orange color spread across the dark blue sky as the sun set. Neva drove up to Chandler’s place at seven o’clock. He was waiting outside and did not look pleased.
“Hi, sweetie. Sorry I’m a little late.” Neva kissed his cheek.
“You were to meet me here at six so we could beat the crowd,” Chandler said. “There’s probably a line by now.”
“No, really.” Neva looped her arm through his. “We’ve got time– Uh-oh.”
New Roads was just a short ride across the Mississippi River but the last run was at six o’clock. The closest bridge was twenty-five minute away. Then the town was another twenty minutes.
“Right. We’ll be eating at nine by the time we drive all the way to Baton Rouge to cross the bridge.” Chandler looked at her with his dark brows drawn together.
“I didn’t have my heart set on Satterfield’s tonight, baby. There’s always the weekend.” Neva attempted to smooth over this bumpy start to their first date in over a week. “In fact, Saturday is better anyway.”
“Maybe I was looking forward to it,” he said in a chilly voice.
Neva swallowed hard. “Of course. Sorry.” After a few moments of tense silence, she leaned against him. “Forgive me?. Let’s go to the Inn and get a booth,” she said in a soft, contrite voice.
Chandler’s grim expression relaxed somewhat. “Okay. They’ve got their special prime rib tonight.” “Fabulous. That beef just melts in your mouth.” Neva smiled up at him and was relieved when gave back what looked like a genuine smile.
Dinner was better than she’d hoped considering the close call they had in the beginning. More and more Chandler opened up. Neva made sure to listen about his day first for once. Still she had a difficult time containing herself. She thought she’d done an admirable job of it. Then Chandler leaned forward with a gleam in his clear, dark eyes.
“You’ve done very well,” he said in a mock serious tone.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Neva stared back at him.
“It’s been almost twenty minutes since we sat down and not once have you mentioned the store. Or any of the family business for that matter.” Chandler took her hand. “Good girl.”
“I can think of something else. And what’s with this ‘girl’ stuff?” Neva tried to make light of it, but she was annoyed by the patronizing manner he’d adopted.
“Now you know I didn’t mean anything by it,” Chandler chided. “All those long days have you touchy. I’m going to be politically correct from now on, scout’s honor.”
Neva’s eyes narrowed. He was still treating her like a petulant child. “Let me tell you something, mister, I–”
“Please let’s not fight,” Chandler said with a sincere and serious look. “You’ve got a lot to deal with these days and so have I.”
After several seconds, Neva relented. “I am on edge these days. Mama Jo is acting... strange. Though she swears she isn’t sick.”
“You did take her to the doctor. He said she may just have been too enthusiastic about her recovery.”
“But her blood pressure was too low for a while.” Neva tried once more to understand her grandmother’s melancholy behavior.
“The home health nurse checked it several days later and she had responded to a change in medication.” Chandler lifted a shoulder. “Give her time. She’s entitled to a be down once in a while like everyone else.”
“I guess.” Neva grimaced still not comforted. “Marian Bellows is trying to devour us like they’ve done a lot of other folks.”
“Neva, honey, take it easy.”
She raked her fingers through her hair in frustration, “Not to mention Desiree. She’s jumping up and down on my last nerve.”
“I know.”
“At first I was hoping she’d be sensible. But her galloping ego won’t let her admit Lainie and I know what we’re doing.” Neva slapped the table cloth causing several diners to glance at her curiously. Yet she did not notice. She lapsed into deep thought on her predicament.
Chandler sat quietly for several moments, his jaw muscles worked as though he was chewing on what to say next. “Neva, why don’t you let her have it.”
“What?” Neva gave him a
baffled look.
“Let Desiree have the store or whatever else she wants.” Chandler nodded eagerly. His eyes were bright. “Mama Jo would happily give you a portion of the family land outright. Hire a forestry manager.”
“Is this a joke?” Neva’s eyes were wide.
“You said money from lumber would be substantial. Then we’d have more free time.” Chandler nodded to himself. “You and Tariq could really get close and we could be a family–”
“You’ve thought this all out for me.” Neva gazed at him.
Chandler misread her reaction. He smiled at her with indulgence. “Sure, babe. No more stress, no worries. Let her have the headaches.”
Neva drew back from him and folded her arms. “If you–”
“Well, good evening, Ms. Ross.” Hollis Claiborne wore an ingratiating smile that could melt butter. He nodded to Chandler. “You know my cousin Marian.” He stepped aside to let her be seen.
Marian stared down at Neva. Her thin lips had a faint curl down. “Indeed she does.”
“Hello.” Neva clipped off the word to make it barely polite.
“Congratulations on making such gains with your store,” Hollis said.
“Thank you.” Neva flashed a too bright smile at him. “We’re going strong and intend to get stronger.”
“With the competitive business climate, one has to be open to change.” Hollis glanced at Chandler then back to Neva. “But of course you understand that.”
“Sterling Enterprises has changed.” Neva lifted her chin. “We’ve positioned ourselves to take advantage of all kinds of new possibilities. I’ve done my homework.” She noticed Marian Bellows clutched her purse tighter.
Hollis’ warm smile cooled. “Is that right?”
“Oh yes, amazing what a little digging can do. You can find the right information if you look hard enough,” Neva said. “Information is power in this business climate.”
“A little knowledge is a dangerous thing,” Marian said sharply. “Wise words best heeded.” She whirled around and stalked off.
“Ms. Ross, we’re prepared to deal generously with your company. I have a proposal that–”
“Not interested. And no other store is going to make it, you can’t find the right location.” Neva stared at him with a challenge in her eyes.