The Chauffeur

  I obsess over my date with Francine on Saturday and have been at odds whether I was going to keep it or not, but April said she had plans of her own and I ought to keep mine. I would love to have taken April to the awards banquet. Three weeks ago, it would have been great to go out with Francine, but now, I don’t want anyone to touch me but April.

  Focusing my priority on MileHigh, I spend the week tracking down the missing delivery and, after threatening to take my business elsewhere, SpiritCAD agrees to get me another fuselage built and delivered. Only one person will have permission to sign for deliveries of any sort from SpiritCAD. In the meantime, it’s time to talk to Dad about this, and who was behind the threatening and vulgar message left on April’s door.

  “Hey, Roger, is my father in?”

  “He is, he’s just reviewing contracts, so go on in,” he replies with a blush. I don’t know who wants me more, Robin or Roger. At least, unlike Robin, he didn’t lick his lips while staring at my dick. Robin being called on the carpet for harassing me helped, I think.

  “Hey, Dad. Do you have a few minutes?” I ask, peeking into his office.

  “Sure, Son. I could use a break. Let’s sit over here,” he suggests, guiding me to the corner and his soft leather chairs.

  “So, April, huh?”

  “Yeah. How do you know about that?”

  “You have a mother, Jason,” he announces as if that’s news to me. “We share everything. You know that.”

  “Yeah, and now we know where Kyle gets it.”

  “Is anything going to come of this?” He’s slipped into interrogator mode, so I respond appropriately.

  “I think so. I hope so. I like her,” I say, taking a deep breath. “She’s a challenge, and I like that.”

  “And she’s not hard to look at either.” I look at him and give him my bitch brow.

  “You been looking, Dad? And behind your girl’s back?”

  “I’m married, not blind. You’re still possessive, Jason?”

  “Like that’s anything new?”

  “Just remember where your possessiveness got you with Amanda,” he reminds me, crossing his legs.

  “I know. I’m afraid I will have it worse with April. One of her best friends is male, and she thinks they’re just friends. He’s made it clear to me that it’s more for him.”

  I sit quiet, picking invisible lint off my slacks, contemplating how I’ll handle it if I ever see him touch her again. I look up at my dad; he’s waiting for more.

  “I like her, Dad. That note on her door scared the shit out of me. I’m sure Kate is behind it, and that she’s the one that intercepted my fuselage, too. There’s something more to her anger than my outbidding her. Her reaction, when we were in Hawaii, was extreme. She freaked. She said she needed this particular building, then called her mother immediately as if she was involved somehow. The word is that she’s scared.”

  “Okay, let me look into it. I’ll start with the significance of the building,” my father says with a quizzical expression. “I’ll let you know what I find out.”

  ~.~

  Saturday finally arrives, and I need this date with Francine over. Just as April promised, a car comes to pick me up at six o’clock and Francine at six thirty. Francine is a beautiful, voluptuous woman, there’s no doubt about it, but I prefer what April offers. Francine has a one-track mind, whereas April is well versed in many subjects.

  When the car stops at Francine’s high-rise, I run up to get her. She opens the door, looking exceptionally beautiful tonight, wearing her dark hair down and straight with a form-fitting red dress. The first thing she does is go in for a kiss. I deflect it and kiss her cheek.

  “What’s going on, lover? Normally, you would have your tongue down my throat and your hand up my skirt by now.” She wraps her arms around my neck, and I remove them, stepping away from her.

  “Things are different, Francine. Let’s get going, shall we?” I hold the door open for her, then wait in the hall for the elevator. I can feel her watching me. “Let’s just have some fun tonight, okay?”

  “There’s my Jason. I was a little worried for a minute,” she says, snuggling close to me in the corner of the elevator.

  She’s aggressive on the ride to the banquet and when I’ve removed her hand from my thigh for the third time, I know I’m going to have to say something before she sticks her hand down my pants, and when her hand reaches for my zipper, I’ve had it.

  “Will you please stop that?” I snap, tossing her hand onto her lap. The rest of the ride to the banquet is quiet.

  When we arrive, the room is crowded. I’m happy the event has a good turnout, but there’s one thing that’s noticeable—I sense her. I can smell her. I shake it off knowing I’m totally losing it.

  “Come on Francine, let’s get a drink and find my family.”

  As soon as we get our drinks, I see Kyle with Emily and Nicole with Adam and … April? With Paul Wainwright? What the fuck is this shit?

  Paul is an old ex-college friend of mine. He was notorious for fucking and leaving broken-hearted sorority sisters in his wake. That included Amanda. He was the reason behind our breakup. By the end of his senior year, he couldn’t get a date to the grocery store, let alone to dinner.

  “Jason?” My dad intercepts me at the bar by putting his hand on my shoulder.

  “He’s already fucked one of my girlfriends, Dad. I’ll be damned if he gets another.”

  “I know what you’re up to, but you’re here with someone else, too. Don’t you fucking pull any of that shit here, do you understand me?”

  There’s the side of my father you don’t want to know. He will fuck you up without fail.

  “Yes, Dad.” I stare at April. “I guess I should go say hello to her.”

  “Yes, you should, but most importantly, be a Rowe.” I nod and escort Francine to my family.

  I drink my Chivas down in one gulp, looking at April over the rim of the glass. She’s wearing a sleeveless, low-cut black gown that looks perfect on her. Her hair is pulled off her face into a shiny, sleek ponytail, and she looks beautiful. Francine takes my arm, and I let her. It’s the gentlemanly thing to do.

  “Paul,” I say flatly, keeping my eyes on April.

  “Jason, my God! It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

  Not long enough. April’s eyes are focused on me, but they occasionally shift to Francine.

  “Oh, Jason, I’d like you to meet a friend of mine. April Sanders, this is Jason Rowe and his girlfriend, Francine de Paulo.” April’s eyes get huge. I need to set this shit straight right now.

  “Paul, I’m sorry, but Francine is just a platonic friend, not my girlfriend.”

  “That’s right. I’m just his happy ending tonight, right lover?” Francine says in a sexy tone, running her hand up and down my arm. I pull away from her immediately.

  “No, you aren’t that either,” I correct her.

  “Then why am I here?” she asks in front of everyone, including my family who has gathered around us. I can’t believe we’re doing this here. I pull her to the side so we can have a more private conversation and I curse myself for not taking care of this in the car. I fight the urge to roll my eyes when I look over my shoulder to find that my family has formed a huddle around us.

  “Francine, I need to tell you that I’ve recently become involved with someone and I promised her that I wouldn’t be with another woman while we explore our relationship.” I look at my family for help, and they all look at April, who is sporting a beautiful red blush. Francine also notices.

  “You’re the girlfriend?” I’ve never heard Francine laugh so hysterically before. “You ditched me for … for that?” Francine runs her hand up and down in front of April to exaggerate her point.

  “Francine, don’t be rude,” I scowl.

  “Rude? Me? You have one hell of a nerve, bringing me here to flaunt me in front of this little sorority sister.”

  “Francine!”

  She tosses her ha
ir at April. “By the way, why are you with Paul and not with your boyfriend?”

  To April’s credit, she doesn’t say a word. She merely remains stoic, but I know that she’s near her breaking point. Besides, everyone in the room is watching. Kyle and Nicole are having a hard time keeping Emily and Adam at bay, as well. They’re maintaining control for April’s sake.

  “Do you actually think you can hold a man like Jason? Sweetheart, even I can barely keep up.” Francine continues to laugh. “Look at me and then look at you. Christ, do you even wear a bra?”

  “That’s enough,” my mother snaps.

  “Oh no, Mama Rowe is angry. I better tuck my tail and run.” Francine wiggles her long fingers as though she’s scared. I’m beginning to wonder if she’s been drinking because this isn’t like her at all.

  “Come on, April,” Emily says. “Let’s get you away from that … cheap sleazehobag.” She leads April over to their dinner table where they put their heads together and burst out laughing.

  “That’s right, you can laugh, but I’ve fucked him,” Francine shouts loud and clear enough for everyone to hear. I facepalm my brow and pray to God this doesn’t make the paper.

  “Francine, get out. Now!” I hiss, gritting my teeth.

  “I don’t have a ride. Besides, the fun is just beginning.”

  “I don’t care how you get home, but you are finished here.”

  She flinches, then turns to look around the room as if looking for her next victim when her sight lands on Paul.

  “Hey Paul, since your date wants my date, want to go to my place?”

  “Don’t even think about putting your hands on me. I believe Jason told you to leave; I suggest you do it.” He looks around the room and asks, “Would someone escort this woman out, please?”

  I’m hoping someone steps up to the task because I don’t want it to be me. I breathe with relief as soon as Adam wraps his big hand around her forearm and directs her toward the exit.

  “Go to hell, Jason. Don’t ever call again.”

  “Don’t worry.”

  Like that needed to be said.

  “Well, I need a drink,” I say to change the subject. “I apologize to everyone. Especially you, Ms. Sanders. Enjoy your evening.” I give her a slight bow before heading to the bar.

  “I’ll go with you,” Kyle says, and we walk in relative silence. “Wow, that was fucked up.”

  “Yeah, it was. I’ve never seen Francine like that before.” The bartender hands me a Chivas, and I take a large sip. Dad’s going to be pissed.” Kyle nods and orders drinks for himself and Emily.

  “Did you know April was going to be here tonight?” He looks over his shoulder to see if anyone’s behind us. I look as well and find April and Paul talking to my family.

  “I had no clue. She doesn’t tell me shit. I’ve never seen anyone keep things to herself as she does.”

  “Emily says she’s always been like that,” he offers while we look at the girls.

  “We better get back,” I say, grabbing my drink. Hoping to do a little damage control, I stop to say hello to Keith and Shelly Wray, glancing in April’s direction now and then.

  As the night wears on, I keep an eye on her and see nothing to indicate that she and Paul are anything but friends. He doesn’t even touch her. Taking my seat at my family’s table, I’m glad she’s sitting behind me where I can’t see her. Everyone’s attention focuses on the stage when the speaker for the Chicago Literary Guild is announced. Shock engulfs me. It’s Paul Wainwright. How many more surprises are there going to be tonight?

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed your dinner this evening, but we need to get the awards portion of the ceremony started. I want to be the one to introduce our first recipient. We were blessed the day this young lady joined our small group. She has devoted more of her time and efforts than she’d have any of you know. She spends much of her free time teaching underprivileged adults and children to read and write, and recently expanded her curriculum to include basic computer and job-seeking skills. She fights every day to find ways to fund our Community Learning Center in hopes of keeping it open. She obtains new and used books—everything from cheesy romance to the more complicated research resources. She has even sweet-talked her way into getting two new computers donated to the center. You might say this lady is very resourceful. She finds the craziest ways to acquire the funds to accomplish her goals. If you know her, you know these efforts are very close to her heart.

  “For her dedication to the Community Learning Center, we honor her tonight with the Chicago Literary Guild’s Selfless Achievement Award. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm thank you and congratulations to April Sanders.”

  A feather could have knocked me over. April receives hugs and handshakes from everyone at her table, then makes her way to the stage. The glass beads on her black dress sparkle in the light and she looks even more beautiful. My heart is big and proud of her. Everyone in my family applauds, looking at each other in shock. We were completely unaware that she was even involved with the Guild.

  “Thank you, Mr. Wainwright. I don’t know what to say. I do what I do because I love to teach. I enjoy watching my students have their ‘ah-ha’ moment when what I teach them finally clicks. If I had to do it all over again, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Thank you.” She waves her trophy at the audience, and I exchange a smile with her when she sneaks a peek at me before returning to her seat.

  After the ceremony is over, my family descends upon April. I have a different plan in mind, though.

  “So, you have a secret life, eh?” I ask, running my hand up her bare arm.

  Her cheeks tint as she looks at her award. “I don’t know about a secret life, but I’ve been teaching at the center for quite a while.”

  “Well, I for one am proud of you.” She beams a devastating smile at me. I can’t help but pull her to me and deliver a full-on boyfriend-girlfriend kiss.

  “Hey, Rowe, get your own date!” Paul jokes from behind me, but I ignore him.

  Ending the kiss, I whisper in her ear, “Don’t assume you’re all that now that you have an acrylic statue.” I turn and head for the bar.

  “Yeah? Well, it may be acrylic, but it’ll be going home with me tonight,” she calls after me.

  Turning around, she has a smug smile on her face. My family and our friends are waiting for my response. In a few short steps, I’m back in front of her to meet the challenge.

  “I’ll be waiting for you, April,” I say warmly before I gently take her lips with mine again.

  I hear her stuttering exhale as I walk away and leave for home.

  ~.~

  I start the following morning with another stellar ass chewing from my father for the spectacle I made at the dinner, then meet April at the end of the drive. For the first time, we run together. We start off not saying much. Okay, we start off by not saying anything at all until I can’t take it anymore.

  “I’m sorry about last night. Francine’s behavior toward you was appalling, and I apologize.”

  “It’s all right. She took it hard. You had no idea I would be there. I guess we won’t be seeing her around again, then?”

  “Most definitely not.”

  “Good,” she says, smiling at me.

  “So, why didn’t you tell me you were involved with the Guild and the Community Learning Center? I mean, as many times it was mentioned in conversation, you never said anything about being involved or receiving an award.”

  “Why would I? I mean, it’s nothing that comes up in casual conversation, really. It’s something I’ve done since graduating college. I’d like to teach someday, but right now, I like the way things are,” she explains. “Now, my dad sees it differently. We argue about this a lot.”

  Dad? I haven’t even spoken to her about her family. That’s when it hits me that I haven’t talked to her about her life at all.

  “What’s that frown about?” she asks, her ponytail flipping around her face as she run
s.

  “We need to go on a date.”

  “Where did that come from?” she giggles.

  “I just realized that I don’t know anything about you and I want to correct that. So, will you have dinner with me tonight, Ms. Sanders? I’ll even drive.”

  I look over at her, and she smiles up at me. “I’d love to.”

  “Good. I’ll pick you up at six-thirty.”

  “Okay.”

  My mind is consumed with questions that I want to ask. I want to get to know her, so I start at the beginning.

  “So, what was your first memory?”

  ~.~

  As soon as we get home, I make dinner reservations at the best restaurant in town. I also need to spruce up, so I hunt down my barber.

  “Rita, would you mind giving me a haircut today?” I ask when I find her in the kitchen. I pour myself a glass of iced tea first and head for the table.

  “Sure, sit right there.” She points to the spot I’ve sat for every haircut since I was a boy. That she habitually tells me where I need to sit makes me smile.

  “Where, right here?” I jest, looking at her with the grin I know that melts her.

  “Oh, you. Just sit,” she admonishes while getting her scissors.

  Knowing it’s my favorite part when she cuts my hair, she begins with a massage.

  “You flirting with my woman again, Rowe?” Garrett bellows as he beelines for the cookie jar.

  “You know it. She loves me best, so deal with it.” Rita stops massaging and gets to cutting.

  “You’re probably right,” he chuckles, handing me a cookie.

  “You two stop that. Garrett, if you don’t know who I belong to then we need to have a chat,” Rita says, snipping at my hair. He kisses his wife and chuckles as he walks out the back door.

  “Hey, Rita, I need my dark blue Armani shirt, have you seen it?” I ask as I bite into the cookie.

  “Yes, I just washed it and it’s ready to be ironed.”

  “Um, I need it for tonight, please.” I can feel the heat rise to my cheeks.