by Emery, Lynn
“Are you kidding? They’re still celebrating.” Alex laughed. They had disliked their stepmother on sight.
Evan grinned.” They did do a dance around the living room when I broke the news.” He squinted at Alex.” But back to Lanessa.”
”How did we get to Lanessa is what I want to know.” Alex’s mouth turned down. He picked up his towel again and looked away.
“Mood swings, highs and lows, rushing off on exciting spontaneous getaways?”
“I never used the word exciting.”
“Only one woman fits that description,” Evan went on.” Lanessa Thomas.”
Alex frowned and said nothing. For the past week Lanessa had popped into his mind like a genie out of a bottle. With disturbing frequency he found himself thinking of her. It was only curiosity. They had known each other for years. He only wondered how she was doing with her business.
“Well? Where did you see her,” Evan asked.
“Karin and I went to New Orleans. We were at the Saenger.”
“Whoa. Wish I could have been there for that introduction.” Evan whistled softly.
“Lanessa didn’t see me. And I was not going to wave my arms to get her attention,” Alex said with force.
“I see.”
“Okay, now what is that tone of voice?”Alex twisted the towel in his large hands.
”Well, seems to me you could have said hello. Like you told me, she’s out of your blood.” Evan raised his dark eyebrows.” Right?”
“Definitely.” Alex stood up and started for the locker room.” So why even go there? I’ve had enough drama with that lady.”
Evan snatched up his towel and bottled water. He fell in step beside him after a few long strides.” I think—
“Drop it,” Alex said.
Evan held up a palm. “It’s dropped.”
Alex strode to his locker. With a quick twist of the key, he banged the metal door open. Evan had touched a sore spot. That there was such a spot had him more upset with himself than his friend. Exciting. That word hummed along with her name in his mind. Lanessa had a way about her, a spark that ignited intense heat within him. He’d been convinced that those embers were dead. But then he saw her. With a few short steps they would have been speaking to each other. Alex clenched his jaw tight. He got into the shower and let the warm water cascade over his head. Was he a masochist or what? He and Lanessa had no business being within miles of each other. As a couple they were pure poison. Better to keep distance between them. Later as he dressed, Alex became surer that he had the right attitude. Though he exchanged banter with Evan, his thoughts were not so far from Lanessa.
Evan parked in the driveway at Alex’s house.” I’ll see you later.”
“Okay. Listen, I didn’t mean to get an attitude with you earlier. It’s just…” Alex shrugged.” I’ve moved on.”
“Yeah, right.” Evan nodded.” I understand.”
“I’m glad she’s doing okay.” Alex made the comment sound casual, he hoped.
“Uh-huh.”
“From what I could see she’s moved on, too.” Alex felt the muscles in his neck tighten. He had a picture of the man who’d stood next to her smiling.
“She was with some guy.” Evan gazed at him searchingly.” I got it.”
“What? You think I care? Well forget it,” Alex burst out. He knew instantly he’d spoken with too much force.” I mean, we’re both happier now. And that’s good.” Alex opened the passenger door of Evan’s Lexus.
“If you say so.” Evan looked at him, head to one side.
“You’ve got something to say, so out with it.” Alex readied himself for a debate.
“Not me.” Evan shook his head.” You say she’s out of your life, I accept that.”
“Fine.” Alex was irritated by his response rather than pleased.” She is.”
”Great. You can look forward to a life of quiet stability with Karin,” Evan said.
Alex flinched at the way he’d made it sound. He might just have used the words boring, monotonous or drab routine.” Nothing wrong with quiet times.”
“If that’s what you like. Well let me get outta your way.” Evan grinned.” I’m sure you have some thrill-a-minute evening planned at a lecture.”
“Funny man,” Alex retorted. He shut the car door with a solid thump.
Evan gave him a final wave and drove off with a big grin. Alex felt grumpy for hours after.
***
Lanessa scanned the dining room. She had to admit her mother and the Links Charity Committee had done a fabulous job. White tablecloths covered tables arranged around the L-shaped room of the private club. A jazz quartet from the Southern University famed music department played smooth tunes. As she watched the crowd, Lanessa also had to admit that Clarice had been right-this was the best place to make business contacts. Lanessa had decided for sure when she’d learn of the Paxton-Waite connection. For reasons she did not quite understand, it bothered her. Dawson and Hargrove seemed to be working very hard to get in good with just the right people. Yes, it was standard business practice. Yet there was something almost devious about the two men. Lanessa shook her head and sipped more coffee from the china cup. Maybe she was being paranoid again.
“Darling, you look stunning. Doesn’t she look well?” Mrs. Harrington-Height gushed in a too loud voice.
Lanessa was embarrassed.” Thank you. How is Larry these days?”She had been in school with her son.
“Still winning all kinds of awards for his architectural designs.” Mrs. Harrington-Height moved closer to her.” I’m so glad to hear how well you’re doing.” She patted Lanessa’s shoulder.
This oblique reference to her recovery was something Lanessa had grown used to in the last few years.” Thanks,” she murmured. She put the cup to her lips to keep from saying more.
“I do hope our serving alcohol doesn’t bother you,” Mrs. Harrington-Height said in a confidential voice.
“No, drink up. I’m okay.” Lanessa could have said that the plump woman had one too many glasses of wine already.
”That’s a load off my mind. You mingle, dear. Lots of people here don’t know about… You know, that unfortunate incident.” Mrs. Harrington-Height blinked her large eyes at her.
“You mean when I got drunk, bashed a guy on the head then crashed my BMW?” Lanessa said matching her confidential tone.” Honey, in this crowd anyone who didn’t know was probably told within minutes of arriving.”
“Oh my! I wouldn’t, I didn’t—I’m sure you’re wrong.” Mrs. Harrington-Height glanced around desperately for an escape route.” Excuse me, must attend to…” Her voice trailed off without finishing her sentence. She waddled away.
“Lanessa, really!” Clarice spoke right over her shoulder causing Lanessa to jump.
“Gracious,” Lanessa said.” Why are sneaking up on me?”
Clarice ignored her question.” Harriet Harrington-Height is extremely well connected. Don’t be flip with her. She could be of great help to your business.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Lanessa muttered. Once again Clarice was right. This was getting to be a creepy trend.” I was just being honest about my past.”
”Not everyone in the world knows about the Twelve Steps, Lanessa. Harriet was trying to be sensitive to your feelings,” Clarice scolded.” Now you go over there and make nice to her.”
“Oh mother—” Lanessa groaned.
“Her youngest daughter is an attorney. Harriet mentioned she needs someone to do background research occasionally.” Clarice tilted her head back to stare at her oldest daughter.” Now go.”
Gaye Height-Jackson was part of a successful law practice with two other African-American women. They were on the way up. Lanessa steeled herself and plastered on a smarmy expression.
“I’ve been through worse I guess,” she said under her breath.
“That’s the spirit,” Clarice shot back. She gave a curt nod as she watched Lanessa walk away.
Lanessa made her way th
rough the well-dressed crowd. She took the opportunity to schmooze with the movers and shakers in black Baton Rouge society. More than once she stopped to exchange business cards. Lanessa was in a much better mood as she got closer to Mrs. Harrington-Height. Her target stood in a clump of designer dresses and suits. A tall woman she’d met at a Chamber of Commerce meeting stopped Lanessa. After a few moments of chitchat, Lanessa continued on. A stocky man moved aside and Lanessa realized who was standing next to the woman. As though on cue, Alex stared directly into her eyes. There was no escape this time. Feeling as though she was under a gigantic spotlight, Lanessa stood still. The voices and music seemed muffled. He was four feet ahead. What else could she do but keep going?
“Hello,” Alex said as she came close.
Lanessa felt a small shock at the sound of his voice. It was the same, smooth and deep.” Hi.”
“Dear, this is… What am I saying? You know each other.” Mrs. Harrington-Height giggled. She held another goblet of red wine. Obviously their earlier encounter was forgotten.
“Yes, we do,” Alex said.
“Yes.” Lanessa could not tell if her voice had been above a strangled whisper. Her throat felt tight.
“Come, come. We were just talking about the ball season. I’m sure the Deltas are going to outdo AKA this year.” She glanced from Alex to Lanessa.
“My mother would disagree.” Alex still looked at Lanessa.
“Yvonne and I have such fun picking at each other.” Mrs. Harrington-Height giggled again.” Are you AKA, dear?”She pulled looped her arm through Lanessa’s.
A subtle hint of his cologne floated to her as Lanessa came within inches of Alex.” No, I’m not Greek. Just not a joiner,” she smiled weakly.
Mrs. Harrington-Height rattled on incessantly. She did not notice that Lanessa and Alex offered only token responses. Lanessa hoped she did not look as dazed as she felt. Her insides were twisted up by a jumble of emotions. She wanted to escape and be alone with him. A desire to be the cool, sophisticate warred with her desire to be emotional. In the space of five minutes she was a basket case. At least Mrs. Harrington-Height stood between them and kept the conversation going. Now all Lanessa had to do was find an opening to exit stage left.
“There’s Trey Brown from Senator Guidry’s office. He’s been such a help. Excuse me.” Mrs. Harrington-Height darted off.” I’m going to say hello,” she called over her shoulder.
Lanessa gasped with surprise. She gazed after Mrs. Harrington-Height with a sinking feeling. That was supposed to be my line! Alex cleared his throat and her stomach knotted even more.
“How’ve you been?” Alex said.
“Good.” Lanessa worked on slowing her heart rate.
“And you?”
“Just fine.” Alex sipped from the glass in his hand.” Congratulations on opening your business. I hear you’re doing well.”
”Yes. Well… it’s taken time just like any new small business. But I’m pleased overall.”
Lanessa congratulated herself on being coherent. If only his cologne did not mix with his deep voice to set her senses ablaze. Just keep looking around the room. Don’t stare into his eyes.
“I’m glad everything is working out for you,” Alex said.” Really.”
Something in his voice made her glance at him. His face showed sincerity with no trace of anger.” Thank you,” she said softly.” That really means a lot to me.”
Alex stared at her for several seconds.” It’s true.”
She steadied her breathing and reminded herself that he was in love with someone else now. Get it together, girl. He’s just being charitable. Lanessa managed a polite smile.
“And I’m happy about your success, too. Folks say Alex St. Romaine is Advance Tech,” Lanessa said in a crisp business tone.
“My boss might disagree with that.” Alex shook his head with an amused expression.” There are ten other employees, you know.”
“You’re setting the pace when it comes to data systems integrated with online resources. Tell me about it.”
Lanessa wanted to stay on a neutral business subject. That should help douse smoldering embers from the past. Alex went on to tell her about computer systems that might help her do research. As he explained the latest database technology, Lanessa wrestled with seeing him only as a colleague. She began to believe she had it under control until he smiled at her.
“So you see, we might be able to help you later on.” Alex nodded to her with an air of eager helpfulness.
Her pulse rate edged up again.” I can see how you moved up to senior VP so quickly. Knowledge and salesmanship.” Lanessa worked on getting her pesky reaction back in check.
“We have a great team. We all play off each other’s strength.”
“See? A true leader gives credit to his staff. I always admired that about you,” Lanessa said. Immediately she wanted to kick herself.
“I’ve always admired your adventurous spirit. Starting a research service was really innovative.” Alex gazed at her.
Lanessa let several moments pass before she spoke.” Yeah, well being adventurous has gotten me in trouble, too.” She avoided his gaze.
“Everyone makes mistakes, Lanessa,” Alex said softly.” But not everyone has the guts to take responsibility.”
A wave of guilt washed over her. Here she was being vague instead of straight up about all she’d done to hurt him. She could no longer tell herself avoiding Alex was the right choice. Just as she had faced others, she owed it to him to do the same.
“Alex, I’d like to get together with you sometime. There are some things I need to say.” Lanessa’s heart pounded as he continued to gaze at her. Those eyes were the deepest brown, like rich Dutch chocolate. After more silence, she looked away.” But I’ll understand if you’d prefer not to.”
“Let’s have lunch Friday.”
Lanessa let out a long breath.” What about the City Cafe on Third Street?”
“I look forward to it,” he said.” I better get back to the office. I’ve got a three o’clock meeting. See you Friday.”
“Yeah, Friday,” she replied.
Lanessa felt as though the room had tilted and spun around. Had it really happened so fast? A few words and she would be with Alex in two days. Whoa! She wandered around the room not really seeing anyone. When Clarice approached, she was standing at the window staring out at the busy downtown traffic.
“Wasn’t that Alex you were talking to?”Clarice beamed at her.” That young man gets more handsome every day.”
“Don’t get any ideas,” Lanessa said. She was speaking to herself as much as her mother.” He’s happily involved.”
“Um-hum.” Clarice’s tone dismissed his relationship.” You two were so right together.” She sighed with nostalgia.
“Oh we were the perfect couple. Except for the times I lied to him and used him,” Lanessa quipped.
“There you go with that flip mouth,” Clarice said in a low voice. She glanced around to make sure not else had heard.” Don’t throw away this chance, Lanessa.”
Lanessa’s eyes narrowed.” Wait a minute; you knew Alex would be here. That’s the real reason you were so anxious to get me here.”
”I didn’t know for certain that he’d come.” Clarice was unapologetic.” His mother mentioned he might.”
“Mother—”
“I didn’t steer him to you, did I? I had nothing to do with it.” Clarice wore a look of innocence.
“You’re something else,” was all Lanessa could manage to say.
“So, tell me, what were you talking about so intently? He seemed genuinely pleased to see you, baby.” Clarice eyes gleamed with pleasure.
“It wasn’t what you think, Mother. We talked computer software.”
“But you will be seeing him again? I hope you let him go without suggesting dinner at least.” Clarice’s eyes widened with disapproval.
“We’re having lunch Friday.”
“Excellent! That’s my gir
l.” Clarice gave her arm a squeeze.
“But only so I can apologize and clear the books between us. Nothing more.” Lanessa shook her head.” Nothing more.”
“Of course, baby. If you say so.” Clarice wore a knowing smile.” I’ll call you later.” She left with one last backward glance of triumph.
“Yes, I do say so,” Lanessa called out to her in exasperation. She had to keep telling herself exactly that for the next two days.
***
“This is great, Lanessa!”Robyn was almost jumping up and down with enthusiasm.
“Yeah, right.” Lanessa scanned the outline of her notes.” A pretty big project. It could take weeks.”
“I really laid it on think thanking Mr. Blanchard for referring him.” Robyn peered over her shoulder for a few seconds before sitting down at the small table near Lanessa’s desk.” I did some checking. Caine Dawson is very influential.”
“So I understand. But why me? The man must have A-list contacts.” Lanessa put the paper down.
”Oh come on. Most consultants are still in the ice age.” Robyn dismissed them with all the confidence of youth.” You’re on the cutting edge of think-outside-the box information age professionals.”
“Keep it up and you’ll have that Christmas bonus by July.” Lanessa grinned at her.
“I mean it,” Robyn said with passion.” No one else in Baton Rouge makes a specialty of finding information for people. Just the kind of thing Caine Dawson needs.”
“I guess.”
Lanessa gazed at the background file Robyn had put together on him. Dawson was the CEO of Paxton-Waite Copper & Gold, Inc., a division of Paxton-Waite International.
“Gold mines in Indonesia, copper from Mexico. How exciting.” Robyn was clearly impressed.
“Not to mention a steel factory, the Tasty Food Company and a string of grocery stores.” Lanessa shook her head.” A mega conglomerate with more divisions than a centipede has legs. Doesn’t add up.”
“Didn’t you tell me that contracting is more cost efficient than hiring staff?”Robyn turned to the computer on the table and tapped the keyboard.
”A lot of companies do seek specialized services from consultants.” Lanessa flipped through more pages on Paxton-Waite.” And I know where to get information fast.”