Sitting back down with her at the table, I sipped on the drink as she called his office. She was obviously put right through to him since the questions began flying out of her mouth. To her credit, the conversation remained very professional. They spoke for about fifteen minutes before she hung up.
“We’re meeting lover boy for lunch at the building he has. He was right. He has absolutely no clue about how to start a program like this.” That amused Kim since she was no longer looked like she wanted to hit something.
“He might surprise you.” I couldn’t believe that Kim was considering even meeting with Jack.
“We’ll see. Right now, my biggest concern is what he does with you. If he hurts you, I swear I’ll cut his dick off!” The vehemence in her voice said she’d do it to.
“Trust me, any guy that kisses like him isn’t going to hurt me.” I swear the words just flew out of my mouth.
“What the hell else happened last night that you didn’t bother mentioning?” Just like that she was in killing mode again.
“Oh my God, Kim. I just met the guy! Nothing else happened.” My sister obviously thought I was a slut! Who else would take it further than a kiss on the first date?
“You have no concept of what dating is like today. I guess that’s partially my fault, too. Listen, baby, guys like Jack,” she saw my eyes narrow at her reference to him, “all men of his experience level, are going to expect a lot more than kissing on a date.”
“He was very nice to me, Kim. After our kiss, that was it. He walked me upstairs and asked me out again.” I really thought her perspective on men was off. Maybe I hadn’t dated before, but he definitely didn’t seem like the type to push a girl into doing something she wasn’t ready for.
“Just promise me you’ll be careful. Seriously, I’d be heartbroken if something happened to you.” She was exasperated again, which was much better than dealing with her anger.
“I promise. Now come help me pick out something to wear.”
She gave her best I give up expression, and followed me back to the bedroom. I’d worn my only nice dress yesterday, so I had no idea what to put on today.
“We’re going to a building, and I’m sure it’s pretty run down if he’s willing to use it for charity. I’d consider a pair of jeans and a sweater.”
I took her advice and pulled out my nicest casual clothes. All of my things were pretty worn, but this outfit still had a little use left in it. I hoped he didn’t mind that I didn’t wear designer clothes, but all I could do was dress in what I had. The entire time we were cleaning, I got the lecture on how to not let any man take advantage of me. I’d been a pretty shy girl in high school and had not dated for that reason. Losing my mother at such a pivotal time in life had stunted me socially, and instead of learning to spread my wings, I’d reverted into the need to be protected. If it hadn’t been for Kim, I’m not sure what would have happened to me.
She’d put her entire life on hold after our mother’s death. At the time she was engaged to Franky. He was a real party animal, and it suited my sister perfectly in those days when she had no responsibility. Having to take care of me, she stopped drinking and hanging out at all the clubs where he performed, basically cutting all ties. They’d broken up two months after my mother died.
We were all each other had at the time. Looking back, I wasn’t sure if the situation had been reversed I could have just changed my entire life to take care of a whiny younger sister. I was definitely depressed in those first few years. Being the baby of the family, mom had catered to me.
Kim got her life in order and decided that I’d never fall into the same pitfalls she had. Needless to say, she became a pretty strict disciplinarian. Not that she would have ever lifted a hand to me. She made rules that were easy to live by, if you were a nun.
When I wasn’t in school, we did charity work for the homeless shelter. The organization that helped us get back on our feet after my mothers’ passing basically kept us out of the shelters. Mom didn’t have life insurance and Kim was living with her boyfriend when she passed, and he didn’t want her working. They offered her a job, helped us find a low-rent apartment, and guided her toward the social services that made sure we could eat and acquire health care. To say she was indebted to the organization is putting it mildly.
Kim pulled me out of my walk down memory lane when she informed it was time to meet Jack. He’d sent his car for us and the look on Kim’s face said even she was impressed as we slid into the backseat. For people used to taking the transit system, this was a little slice of paradise.
Kim chatted with the driver as we rode, and I was a little surprised to see her smiling. I learned that his name was Dante and he’d worked for Jack for the last nine years. My sister didn’t like men in general, so watching her conversation with Dante was something new. She almost appeared to be flirting. I had to bite back a smile as I listened to them.
We pulled up in front of three story brownstone on the upper west side of town and I was shocked. Apparently Kim was amazed as well when Dante walked around to our door and opened it. “This is the building?”
I knew she’d been expecting some rundown place, but this was beautiful. The bottom floor had a glass front with a wide set of stairs accompanied by black railing. The face was dark brown and looked like it was more suited for an art gallery than a social service building.
“Mr. Duncan acquired the property a few months ago, if memory serves. He’s waiting inside.” Dante smiled widely at my sister before walking back to the driver’s side and sliding back in.
Kim didn’t hesitate in walking up the stairs and opening the front door. I followed behind her, and was amazed at the surroundings. Hard wood floors gleaming met my eyes. Pale cream, freshly painted walls and a huge open space with no furnishings surrounded us.
chapter Four
Opportunity
“Ms. Yates,” Jack walked out of a room in the back, stopping before my sister and extended his hand. “I’m so glad you could take the time to meet with me today.” My heart raced at the smile he gave her.
He turned that smile to me and my knees nearly buckled. “Emily.” The man really was too beautiful. I blushed as he pulled me in to kiss my cheek.
“Hi, Jack.” Knowing my sister was watching, I pulled away putting a little distance between us. I really wanted to wrap myself in his arms, but I knew how inappropriate that would be.
“When you said you had a building, I wasn’t prepared for something this nice.” Kim seemed to be enamored with the place already and I was glad she wasn’t giving him the third degree.
“To be honest, it’s in an odd location for a business with the residential real estate surrounding it. While it is zoned for business, I couldn’t see anything other than a small bookstore doing well in this area. I think for a social services program, though, it might work?”
Asking my sister her opinion was a surefire way to get on her good side. Kim began explaining all the positive reasons that opening a back-to-work center here would be a helpful to those down on their luck. She was nothing if not an advocate for the downtrodden.
Jack listened patiently, giving his opinion and asking questions as the ideas rolled off her lips. He informed her that he’d talked with the transit system and discovered they could make this a path since many of the people utilizing the service would probably need transportation. He explained that his researchers were already seeking donations and work programs that they could extend to interested persons, but he would fund a majority of the project.
“Would you be interested in running this for me?” Jack was so charming, and I could tell even my sister wasn’t immune.
“I’ll be honest, Mr. Duncan. While I would love to run a center like this, I’m afraid I don’t have a degree.” I could see the disappointment in her face as she admitted her lack of formal training.
“From what Emily tells me, you have worked for the shelter close to your home for years. I’d rather have someone man
aging this business that has a tie to the people. You can hire the staff you need to make it run efficiently, but a personal interest is something I’d demand in anyone taking over.”
Kim knew about the people needing these services better than anyone. The shelter she worked at now turned to her for help in securing charitable funding and other opportunities. I knew she wanted this, so I was a little unsure why she was being hesitant.
“There are so many people more qualified than I am.” Kim’s eyes glazed over the space in longing.
“I’ll be honest, Ms. Yates, if you don’t want to take this on, I’ll probably see what I can get for the building on the market. My schedule doesn’t allow me the time to learn everything I would need to know about running a social program.”
“Please don’t sell it!”
Jack didn’t know it, but he’d just sold her on taking the position. There was no way Kim could let an opportunity like this slip away from the people who needed it.
“I may not be the best choice for this position, but I’ll do my best to see that it helps the people it will serve.”
“Wonderful. I’d also like to have you and your sister take over the top floors for residence. I need someone that can dedicate themselves to making sure this non-profit runs smoothly.”
“You want us to live in the building?” The look of confusion on Kim’s face was priceless. Her mouth opened and no words were coming out. All I could think about was that we’d be living in paradise away from all the crime in our neighborhood.
“Yes. The top two floors are vacant and I don’t want to rent them out with a business being run downstairs. The last thing I need is a liability if renters take residence. Something like that would send my insurance premiums through the roof. Besides, having you here, means that someone is always protecting my interests.”
I don’t know who was more astounded, me or Kim. Not only was she going to do a job that fulfilled her need to help others, we were getting a new place to live in the process. Meeting Jack may very well have been the best thing that ever happened to either of us.
“We’ll have to work out some kind of agreement for rent.” Kim was nibbling on her lower lip, concentrating. She worked hard to get us off the welfare system, so taking a handout was not something she wanted to do again.
“Nonsense. It will be part of the incentive package. I take care of my employees, but I expect hard work in return. How soon will you be able to start?”
The wheels turned in Kim’s mind as she contemplated. “I need to give notice to the shelter, so at least two weeks.”
“That’s acceptable. There are some contracts and work related papers I’ll need to have drawn up, so that should give me plenty of time. Let me know what you need as far as moving, I’ll consider that part of the package since I am asking you to relocate.”
“I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity, Mr. Duncan. You have my word that I will do my very best in making this a fully functioning center.” Kim still seemed to be in awe. It was amazing how fast things were being arranged!
“Thank you, Ms. Yates. I think we’ll have a great working relationship.” Reaching into his pocket, he handed her a set of keys. “I need to get back to my office, but feel free to explore the residential area upstairs. I’ll have Dante drive back here after he’s dropped me off. You can move in anytime.”
They shook hands before he turned to me. “Tonight at seven, Emily?” He smiled at me and I could only nod. I was so overwhelmed by everything that just happened, I needed time for it to sink in. “I’ll see you then.” Lowering to place a chaste kiss on my cheek, he did just that before walking away.
Kim just stood there for a few moments after he left gazing around with wide eyes. “I feel like we’ve just stepped inside some fairytale.”
We both laughed, and I had to agree with her. Yesterday I was worried about how we were going to afford to eat, and now, we not only had a new place to live, but Kim had the job opportunity of a lifetime.
“Let’s go check out the upstairs.” I was so excited I could barely contain myself as we walked out of the enclosed office space into the hall. We had an elevator! How freaking cool was that?
We stepped in and got off on the second floor. A long hall with two single doors across from us met our eyes. Kim fumbled with the keys until she found the one that fit the lock, then we walked inside. The place was enormous and already furnished. When I say furnished, oh my goodness, I meant it!
Both of us smiled as we walked into the full kitchen that was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Marble counters, dark wood cabinets, a dishwasher! We’d never had one. Our old apartment only had the sink and I couldn’t imagine not doing dishes by hand again. Stainless steel appliances, including a stove, refrigerator, and microwave.
It just kept getting better as we explored the living room, decorated in beige with a white leather sofa, recliner, and glass coffee table. The bathroom? I was definitely in heaven when I saw the sand colored tile floor, sunken bathtub big enough for three, and the huge shower stall.
“This place is amazing!” Hardwood floors everywhere except the bathroom. Walk-in closets? It was like we’d just hit the real estate lottery! I fell back on the king-sized bed in the bedroom, instantly falling in love with the décor.
“I feel like someone needs to pinch me.” Kim smiled widely, and it melted my heart. She deserved to be happy more than any person I knew.
We explored the top floor and discovered it was identical to the one below. “We both have our own mini-paradises.” I giggled. If ever there was a time to act like an adolescent again, this was it. Things like this didn’t happen to people like us. “I say we go home and pack up right now!”
The smile faded from Kim’s face. “I know this all seems wonderful, baby girl, but nothing comes without a price.”
“Don’t, Kim. For once in our lives, things are looking up for us. Can’t we just accept that we deserve this?” She was my sister, and I loved her beyond anything else, but her seriousness was something I wanted to ignore for a change. We’d just been handed the best gift of our lives and I was determined to enjoy it.
“It’s all well and good that we have this opportunity, but we don’t need to let it go to our heads. We’ll enjoy it while we can, but if things change, baby, I don’t want you being upset. Okay?”
“Why can’t you just be happy?” I didn’t want her to rain on my good mood. We were moving into paradise, what was the harm in just basking in the luck?
“I am happy. Like I said before, though, everything has a price. We just don’t know what it will be yet and that worries me. I know you like Jack, and I hope for your sake he’s the man you think he is but you have to wonder why he’s giving all this to us.”
“What? You think he’s doing all this just so I’ll go on a few dates with him?” The idea was insane. What man in their right mind would give your sister a job and offer us a new place to live just to date a person?
“His kind doesn’t think like we do.” She was definitely bringing me down from my high with her morbid thoughts.
“That’s kind of prejudiced, Kim. People who have money are no different than ones who don’t.” She just didn’t know Jack. Granted, I’d only met him the day before, but he obviously cared about people if he was willing to open a center for those without jobs.
“Maybe I am, but I still can’t help but worry that this is all coming a little too easily.” We walked out of the apartment and she locked the door behind us. “For now, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, I guess.”
Taking the elevator downstairs, she locked up the front door before we walked to the car where Dante waited. “Mr. Duncan said that I should take you wherever you wanted to go today.”
“I’ve got to work tonight, so if you could drive us home, I’d be thankful.” She smiled at Dante. Obviously, he was of the right class for her.
Yes, I was a little irritated that she could show him courtesy, but talk bad about Ja
ck when he’d given us the opportunity for a new life. I ignored her on the ride back, but I doubted she noticed since she and Dante chatted the entire time.
I didn’t care what Kim thought, Jack was a nice man. I was even more determined to date him after her rude assessment about characteristics of the rich earlier. People were people, no matter where they came from or how big their bank accounts were. She was being ridiculous.
Kim did ask Dante to make one stop to get boxes, and we had a pile of deflated ones and duct tape when we finally arrived back home. I took half of them to my room and started packing just to get away from her while I calmed my irritation. An hour later and I had most of my things packed, excluding my clothes when she walked in.
“I know you’re upset with me, Emily, but I just want to be practical about this. If something happens and we need to leave the new building, we’ll be back living here again.”
“Why can’t you just live in the present? Everything doesn’t have to be doom and gloom all the time. You could keep this job until you retire.” I still was angry with her for the way she put Jack and people like him in some evil category.
“If that happens, then great, but I have to keep us grounded. It’s my responsibility to look after you.”
“For the love of God, Kim, I’m twenty years old. I don’t need you or anyone else looking out for me anymore!”
With an exasperated sigh, she sat down on my bed. “I know you’re a grown woman, but it’s so damn hard letting you grow up knowing how much cruelty is out there in the real world. Can’t you understand that I love you and all I want is to keep you safe?”
“Things were hard after mom died, and I’ll never forget all you’ve done for me, but you’re not my mother. You need to stop worrying so much about me and let me live my life.” I kept the tone of my voice soft because I didn’t want to argue with her. I loved her so much, but this overprotective stuff had to end.
Bought for Love Page 3