by Young, Sage
“Hey bro, I just saw your newest assistant running by me crying. At this rate you will run through every employee at every temp agency in town before the
month is over.”
“Very funny, we have a meeting in two hours and our reports are fucked up, so now that you are here you can help me put these reports together before we meet with the rest of the committee.” Ivan buzzed his secretary, Betty Connors.
“Betty come into my office I need your assistance on this project.”
After the meeting Ivan had a message on his desk informing him that a new temp would be there on Monday morning.
CHAPTER TWO
FRIDAY, JUNE 10th
“Steph, you are a lifesaver, I am so glad you are available.”
Stephanie Young stood in the office of Brianna Robinson, her best friend since elementary school. Stephanie was a strikingly beautiful woman with hazel colored eyes and caramel colored skin. At five feet seven inches everything she wore seemed to fit her like a glove. Standing there in a gold colored sleeveless blouse and pencil skirt she looked every bit of the corporate image. Stephanie looked at Brianna. ‘My best friend is a natural beauty and I wish I could get her to see herself as everyone else
does.’
Brianna was five feet six inches with cocoa colored skin and a beautiful head of wild curly hair. Brianna never had to wear makeup because her skin was impeccable. Her daily make up regiment consisted of eyeliner and lip-gloss. Her slender figure was something that she always had to work on and she was diligent about keeping her body in shape, but you would never know by the clothes she wore to hide her figure.
Brianna always wore the latest fashion, but nothing too tight or too short. Although she was very beautiful, she was extremely shy and did not socialize outside of work other than their monthly girl’s night out. Stephanie remembered when they were back in elementary school; Brianna would always sit by herself reading and Stephanie would sit beside Brianna at lunch, trying to talk to her, but Brianna was not very talkative, always giving one-word answers or just nodding. After a while they became fast friends and inseparable to this day.
“Okay Bri, what does the job entail and why are you so desperate to fill the position?” Stephanie growled. “Stop being so negative, this position is right up your alley, now that you have completed real estate school.”
Stephanie was previously a paralegal working at a major law firm in Center City Philadelphia until she was laid off along with 100 other employees when the firm decided to downsize. With the economy being what it was, she was not able to find another job right away, so she decided to follow one of her many dreams and go to Real Estate School. Stephanie completed the program and was again looking for employment. She had many aspirations that she had not yet accomplished. ‘Dreams Deferred’ was how Stephanie referred to them.
“First let me just say thank you for agreeing to fill the position. I think they are looking for someone who is available for six months. It’s with a major acquisitions firm that deals primarily in real estate. I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for you.” Brianna said confidently. ‘And we can’t keep anyone in that position for longer than two weeks. The last one didn’t last two days.’
“Bri, stop talking to me like I’m one of your employees in need of one of your pep talks because you know I’m allergic to bullshit. Tell me straight up without the ass
kissing. What’s up with this position you obviously can’t fill with any of your employees?”
“Alright, alright, I’m going to give it to you straight.”
Brianna said exasperated. “This client is very difficult to work for, and by difficult I mean, he is an asshole. I can’t keep anyone in that position longer than it takes to complete the paperwork for this position.” Brianna said frustrated.
“So when in doubt, throw your best friend under the bus.” Stephanie replied.
“No, it’s not like that and you know it. You are the most assertive, strong-willed, no-nonsense person I know.” Brianna said.
“By assertive, strong-willed no-nonsense you mean pushy, opinionated, and kick ass first and take names later type of person.”
“Well, yeah. Look this client is threatening to pull my contract and go with another temp agency if I can’t get a competent person with a backbone. I really need your help and I'm calling in one of my favors.” Stephanie flopped in the closest chair next to her.
“Are you sure about this Bri, you know me, I can’t promise I won’t tell this clown where to go if he disrespects me.” Stephanie said.
“Well, I’ll tell you this;; if he can’t work with you then they can pull my contract because I’m out of options.”
“Alright, alright but this has to count for two favors.” Stephanie said defeated.
Brianna jumped out of her chair and ran up to her best friend and hugged her.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet, we will see after I start on Monday.”
Brianna and Stephanie sat and discussed the particulars of the position and what was expected. After Stephanie completed the necessary paper work to become an official employee of the Robinson Employment Agency, Brianna handed the paperwork to her assistant for processing.
“Make sure you put a rush on this paper work, I don’t want any delays in having Ms. Young start work on Monday.”
They headed out the door to meet their other best friend Tara for happy hour at Club Pulsate, one of the hottest nightclubs in Philly. Twenty minutes later Brianna and Stephanie were walking in the door.
“Why did we have to come here? Why couldn’t we just go out to dinner and enjoy a nice meal?” Brianna complained.
“Because Bri, it was Ty’s turn to choose and she wanted to come here, now stop complaining, loosen a couple of the buttons on that blouse and relax.”
They both immediately began to look around the club for Tara. Tara Steward was the most outgoing of the trio. She had a tight body and was not afraid to show it. Her friends often teased her about having come from Cherokee heritage because she had naturally straight black hair that came down her back, deep brown eyes, and chocolate skin that looked smooth as silk. At five feet five, Tara was the shortest of the group, but you would never know it because she always wore at least four-inch heels.
Tara commanded attention when she walked into a room. She walked with such confidence that most men and women took notice when she entered. They spotted Tara on the dance floor she waved and made a pointing gesture to indicate their table. They took a seat, ordered drinks and prepared themselves for what the evening would bring. Tara finally came off the dance floor and they ordered another round of drinks.
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Lawrence Peirce and Adam Quinn walked into Club Pulsate with clients who were from out of town and looking to have some fun while visiting Philadelphia.
“You owe me big for this.” Lawrence whispered to Adam.
“Whatever man, after all the shit I’ve gotten you out of, you owe me this and your first born.” Adam jokingly said to Lawrence.
Lawrence thought back to their college days. Adam was right; he had gotten him out of quite a few jams. Adam and Lawrence were roommates all four years at Brown University. Lawrence was known for having a temper when pushed too far, he considered himself a person that could not tolerate bullshit. He never had a problem with telling people where to go when he felt like they were trying to get over on him. On more than one occasion Adam had to be the peacemaker when he got into it with motherfuckas who tried to challenge him. It wasn’t easy being an African American male, attending a predominately white prestigious Ivy League University. Lawrence felt like he was being challenged at every turn, but Adam was different.
He was a cool ass white boy and their friendship was almost immediate. When they graduated, Lawrence attended law school at Temple University and Adam joined his brother at his Real Estate Investment firm. Lawrence specialized in Real Estate law and was hired by
Quinn Investments right out of law school and had been there ever since. Now tonight, he allowed Adam to talk him into hanging out with dudes that looked like they were ready to get into some trouble.
The two young investors were from Ohio, interested in acquiring property in the area. After the business deals were done they wanted a taste of Philly’s nightlife. Both Adam and Lawrence were familiar with this club, as they were VIP members; the employees were familiar with them and catered to their needs. Upon entering the club, they were immediately ushered to a private booth that gave them the perfect view of the club and its patrons. They ordered a bottle of Patron Platinum Tequila, after the second round of shots their clients headed down to mingle in the club.
“Hey man, you have one hour then I’m out.” Lawrence stated.
“Look! Isn’t that Brianna Robinson?”
Lawrence looked around confused, not really knowing whom he was talking about.
“You know, we use her temp agency.” Adam said without waiting for a response as he headed toward her table.
“Hey, it’s Brianna right? Brianna Robinson.”
“Well, hello Mr. Quinn, it's nice seeing you again.”
“Likewise, are you here by yourself” Adam said already knowing the answer because he could see two other drinks and purses.
“No I’m the designated drink and purse watcher; my friends are on the dance floor.” She said with a smile. Adam took the seat next to Brianna.
“So, do you come here often?” He regretted the words as they fell out of his mouth; it was the oldest pick up line. She raised an eyebrow as if she was thinking the same thing.
“No, I am not a club person, but it was not my choice this month.” Brianna said a little annoyed. Adam looked at her confused.
“I don’t understand.”
“Well, my friends and I do a monthly girls night out and we take turns choosing what we will do.”
“So I’m guessing it wasn’t your month to choose.”
She shook her head as her friends were heading to the table.
“Can you guess which one of my friends chose this month?” She whispered to Adam.
As Stephanie and Tara approached to table, they were both eyeing Adam. While Stephanie walked Tara chose to dance all the way back to the table telling her friends.
“I love this place, they have the best music and the finest men in Philly. Speaking of which, who’s your friend, Bri?”
“Stephanie and Tara this is Adam Quinn; Adam, this is Stephanie Young and Tara Steward.”
“Nice to meet you ladies. Look, my friend and I have a private booth if you would like to join us.” Before Brianna could decline the offer, Tara spoke up.
“We would love to, give us a minute and we will meet you at your booth.”
Adam whispered in Brianna’s ear. “My guess would be Tara.” Brianna smiled.
“What was that about?” Stephanie asked as he walked away.
“Yeah, don’t hold out. What did he say?” Tara chimed in.
“It was nothing and I wish you had asked before agreeing to join them. You know I don’t mix my business life with my social life.”
“Who are you kidding, Bri you don’t have a social life.” Tara said.
“How do you know him, is he one of your clients?” Stephanie asked.
“Yes, he is actually going to be one of your bosses come Monday.”
“Oh hell no, I am not socializing with them. It’s time to go Ty”
“Well, we already agreed so let’s just have one drink and we can leave.” Tara pleaded. They agreed and walked to the booth.
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“No Adam, I am not feeling this. I told you I would give you one hour with these clowns and my hour is up. It’s time for me to go.”
Lawrence said determined to leave.
“Wait until you see the ladies that are coming. I bet you will change your mind”
“Yeah right!” Lawrence said with a smirk.
“Just one drink. If you don’t like the company then I will make an excuse for you to leave.” Adam pleaded.
“Okay. One, Dri…” Before Lawrence could finish his statement the three beauties walking his way mesmerized him, all Sistas.
“Dammmn!! They are all fine. So how do you know them?” Before Adam could respond they approached the table.
“Who in the world is that fine chocolate drop sitting next to your friend Bri?” Tara whispered.
“Guess we are about to find out.” Brianna said approaching the table.
They made introductions and settled into lighthearted conversations, they talked about their careers, what colleges they attended and good restaurants in Philly. Adam offered his condolences in advance to Stephanie because she was going to be working primarily for his older brother Ivan. Tara and Lawrence were so into each other, they forgot anyone else was at the table. They were in their own private conversation. After several minutes, Adam’s clients reappeared. ‘Shit, I forgot they were here’ Adam said to himself.
“Who are the lovely ladies?” One of the clients said with lustful look in his eyes. Lawrence immediately got an attitude, ‘If they say one disrespectful word, I’m going to drop their asses,’ he thought to himself as he eyed Adam with a disgusted look on his face. Adam looked over at Lawrence and could read his body language; he was feeling the same way. They did another round of introductions and one of the clients sat a little too close to Brianna.
“So what do you do for fun?” He whispered in Brianna’s ear.
“OOOOKAY, it’s time to go.” Brianna said as she stood.
“Why are you leaving so soon Brianna?” Adam asked as he shot a dirty look to his client.
“Did he say something to offend you?” He whispered in her ear.
She felt his warm breath on her neck and the tingly feeling she felt surprised her.
“No…No I’m just tired and I uh…stayed longer than I intended too,” she whispered back to him.
His smell permeated her nostrils giving her a warm feeling inside, she wanted to bury her face in his chest and inhale deeply. She closed her eyes momentary to get her senses together. As she opened her eyes and turned to look at him their faces were so close she thought he was going to kiss her. She quickly turned to face the rest of the group.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening everyone.” She said trying to hide her flustered look. Everyone else stood as Brianna made her way out of the booth.
“Let me walk you to the door.” Adam said to Brianna not ready to end their time together.
“No, stay I will be fine.” Brianna said softly.
“I am heading out too, I have to get up early tomorrow. What about you Ty?” Stephanie said.
“Huh, oh I’m going to hang out here for a little bit longer.” She said looking over at Lawrence.
“I will make sure she gets home safely.” Lawrence said not taking his eyes off of Tara.
“Will do.” Tara responded.
“I guess that leaves just us.” Adam said to the clients. “What do you guys want to do next?”
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Lawrence pulled in front of Tara’s townhome.
“Do you want to come in for a drink?” Tara said in a hushed tone.
“That may be a dangerous proposition Ty.” Lawrence said confidently.
“I’ll take my chances.” She said smiling.
They walked through the door into the living room. Her living room was decorated with mostly African art; the colors were soft browns with a hint of orange. The atmosphere of her home gave Lawrence a warm feeling.
“Have a seat;; I’ll be back in a sec.”
Tara went to the kitchen and came back with a bottle of wine and two wine glasses. She sat down next to Lawrence on the sofa, he looked at her and before anything could be said he lowered his lips down onto hers. She moaned into his mouth as he pulled her into his lap. She pulled her mouth away, looking into his brown eyes, as she straddled him allowing her short skirt to hike up
above her thighs.
“Damn, you are so beautiful Tara.”
She leaned into him pressing her lips against his, parting her lips to receive his tongue. As the kiss deepened their tongues mingled together. Tara could feel his manhood growing against her lace thong. ‘Girl slow this down before it’s too late’ she thought. ‘Huh, who am I kidding, it’s already too late,’ she couldn’t or wouldn’t stop. She was really feeling him. He was fine and his smell was so intoxicating. She could feel the heat building between her thighs.
Lawrence grabbed the hem of her blouse and pulled it over her head revealing her black lace bra. He unsnapped her bra releasing her small perky breast. Tara leaned back as Lawrence took the left breast in his mouth while massaging the right one. He loved the feel of her breast, he alternated putting the right one in his mouth while massaging the left.