Deceptive Nights

by Sylvia Hubbard

  Cathy’s number is enclosed in the other envelope. She will be expecting your call in the next few days. Please don’t disappoint her.

  I’ll be speaking with you when I come back in town late Monday afternoon. Good luck, Phoebe.

  Jacoby Knight

  ‘Why had she expected him to say more?’ she asked herself. He had thrown the ball in her court and all she had to do was hit it back, but it was so hard to put herself out like that. Phoebe felt he was rushing things. Even though she had forgotten about Daniel and couldn’t get Jacoby out her mind, she still felt it was much too soon to proclaim her heart to Jacoby.

  Even though this letter wasn’t personal, she found herself reading it over and over as if there was some hidden clue inside the letter to make it personal. When she laid it down on her desk, she wanted to scream more at herself than anyone else.

  Amy picked up the letter and read it over. “He sounds like a nice boss.”

  “He seems like he’s going to be, but wish me luck,” Phoebe said, trying to hide the hurt in her voice that seemed to be seeping out of her heart like a slow leak.

  ****

  “The heart wants, what the heart wants,” her mother said quietly late Friday night after she had gotten off the phone with Lawrence. He had wanted to see her tonight, but she told him she was busy and rescheduled a date with him for Saturday morning.

  Phoebe had been moping at the table, staring down at the food she was never going to eat. Patricia was looking highly disappointed in Phoebe. Phoebe had to blink several times to come from her daydreaming to understand what her mother said. “Why are you saying that to me?”

  “Because you reminded me of that night when you first started seeing Jacoby and couldn’t understand why you continued to see him. Don’t you listen to yourself, Phoebe?” Patricia chuckled at her daughter’s baffled expression. “Your heart choose him a long time ago, Phoebe, it’s your mind keeping you from him. The more you try to deny it, the more terrible you’ll feel.”

  “I’m not feeling terrible, Mother,” she lied.

  “If your lips goes any lower it will be dragging on the floor, girl. I’m your mother; you can’t lie to me. If you’re that worried about it all, just ask him. Whatever his answer is will help you get on with your life and you’ll stop all this moping around the house.”

  Phoebe knew her mother was right and seeing him this Monday would conclude everything. He’d be all business, she was sure of it.

  Lawrence came over Saturday and along with the twins, they went out to a nice family restaurant giving her mother a break. The twins were always well behaved in public. Lawrence complimented her on her parenting skills. “Most single working women don’t find the time to mother their children like you have, Phoebe, and still have a bond with their children even though their not babies anymore.”

  Phoebe flushed under his praise. “I do my best, but I must admit, my mother has been a wonderful help. I just wished my father could be here as well to see them.”

  Lawrence had a sympathetic ear for her and they talked all afternoon. When they returned home, Patricia invited him in for coffee. Phoebe gave her mother a warning look as Patricia tried several time to encourage Lawrence to stay close with Phoebe.

  Patricia took the twins on up to bed giving Lawrence and Phoebe a little privacy. They decided to watch a movie together and she ushered him over to the couch and sat by him. When she sat down, he moved over until he was sitting right beside her with his thigh touching hers. His arm moved around to rest on the back of the couch behind her head while his other hand moved on top of her hands that were resting on her lap.

  “So how’s it going over at the office?” he inquired to make general “safe” conversation.

  “I’ve been working at both offices to make sure one is working well when I leave and the other is working well for when I come. It’s been a lot of hard work, but I know it will pay off in the end.”

  “I can see the enjoyment in your face.” Lawrence tried to hide his disappointment.

  “The more I think about it, the more I would like to really thank Jacoby for the opportunity he has given me,” Phoebe admitted sincerely.

  He looked at her suspiciously. “How do you want to thank him?”

  She blushed thinking clearly about how Jacoby and she had been together the last time. “Lawrence, maybe there is something more you need to know about Jacoby and I.”

  “Whatever it is, I know that it is in the past and it doesn’t matter, Phoebe.”

  “It’s not that far in the past.”

  He looked a bit confused, but Phoebe thought this was as good as any time to let him know the real deal between Jacoby and herself.

  “Jacoby and I have made love more than one time, Lawrence. I’m not going to lie to you, but I loved being with him.” She stopped to hear his reaction to this admission.

  Lawrence frowned. “Well I have heard of his sexual appeal and I clearly understand your attraction to him, but I must admit, it takes more than sex to make a relationship. A true match is one where you can be friends and lovers, Phoebe. I am that man for you.”

  She shook her head. “Lawrence, maybe you don’t understand me all the way. Not only do I enjoy being with sexually, but also I enjoy his company. I can’t explain it, but I think I know now from these past weeks of not seeing him. I do love him.” She stopped as Lawrence stood up to get away from her. His back was to her, but the tension was evident. “Please understand that this happened all too quickly and I have tried to deny what he does to me. I ended up hurting him as a result of my stubbornness.”

  He turned around steeling himself. “You think Jacoby is actually hurt by you not wanting him when he’s a sex addict? If you’ve rejected him, there’s no doubt that he’s found someone else. Has he even tried to tell you he’s hurt? Has he even made an effort to call you or anything?”

  She shook her head. “I just assumed it was because he had tried to convince me so many times that he was different than others.”

  “Different?” Lawrence questioned incredulously. “Jacoby Knight is no different. He’s probably even worse. He throws his money around and expect people to bow down to him. You really want to be with a person like that. A person who thinks he can buy whatever he wants? I’ve told you in the past he doesn’t deserve a woman like you. Jacoby only cares about himself.”

  Phoebe was very confused. From what she knew about Jacoby personally what Lawrence was saying didn’t sound like the Jacoby she knew. Could Lawrence be that jealous of Jacoby to the point that he would say or do anything to get Jacoby out the picture with Phoebe? “Lawrence, Jacoby really has nothing to do with our friendship.”

  “He has everything to do with our friendship, Phoebe. Can’t you see? If you’re going to always think he could possibly have feelings for you, how can we be together?”

  “That’s the point Lawrence, I couldn’t be with you even if I had not been with Jacoby. I am not romantically attracted to you.”

  He pulled her in his arms as if the more they touched she might think differently. “Things change, Phoebe. People change. Tomorrow could be different.”

  She shook her head. “It won’t, Lawrence. I know time won’t change how I feel for you.”

  “You don’t know,” he said disappointedly releasing her and giving her his back.

  “I don’t mean to hurt you, Lawrence.”

  “I know.” His voice belied his feelings though, but it still could not make her change her mind.

  To make him feel better, she said, “I do appreciate all you’ve done. Your friendship has made it easier for me understand how I feel about Daniel. I think you are a great guy, Lawrence, and you’ll make some woman very happy.”

  He turned around and in disappointment said, “I was hoping that it would be you.”

  She pulled him back down to the couch. “Well as friends, let’s finish watching the movie together.”

  He sat back down and she allowed him to pull her to hi
m as they finished watching the movie together.

  Chapter 25

  Jacoby watched as Lawrence left out the house. She came out on the porch with him and gave him a hug. Jacoby gripped the steering wheel so tight the leather squealed in protest. Once Lawrence had pulled off, he got out the car and came up to the door. She had gone inside and lights were being turned off down the stairs.

  He was so angry at himself for wasting his time speeding all the way from Metro Airport in order to see her thinking maybe if she saw him, she would see what a foolish mistake she had made.

  He was the fool to think she could actually appreciate the attempt he had made. Getting back in the car, he slammed his fist down on the steering wheel and then drove off cursing himself.

  ****

  Phoebe thought she had heard someone on the front porch, but knowing Lawrence was gone, she quickly went upstairs to her room and looked out the window to see a car pulling away across the street. Daniel was probably still after her.

  Moving away from the curtains she sighed with relief that she had gotten everything out to Lawrence. She had a feeling he would still continue to try to pursue her and she didn’t feel she could continue to keep Lawrence as “a friend” for much longer. He seemed too adamant in them becoming closer.

  About an hour later as she was getting out the shower, Daniel called her. Phoebe was in full capacity of her senses and angrily answered the call once she knew that it was him.

  “I wanted to know if I can see the children,” he said.

  “I’m going to press charges against you, Daniel,” she announced not even bothering to respond to his statement.

  He became exasperated. “I sent you flowers!”

  “Which I probably paid for with my money.”

  “Why Phoebe?”

  “Did you forget that you stole from me?” she asked. “Once the prosecution finishes gathering all the evidence against you, including the camera at the ATM that shows you stealing the money there, will be a warrant for your arrest.”

  “Dammit Phoebe, I’m coming back so we can be a family again. They’re my kids too,” he sneered. “I’m their Daddy, Phoebe.”

  “You may have fathered them, Daniel, but you are not their Daddy. Daddies provide for them, hold them when they’re scared, wipe the tears from their eyes, tuck them in at night, encourage them, and would never leave them. Any man can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a Daddy.” She slammed the receiver down hard and then dropped on the bed trying to calm herself down.

  The phone rang again and angrily she answered, “Daniel, quit calling me. I don’t ever want to speak or see you again.”

  “I’m not Daniel. Do you want to speak with me?” Jacoby asked calmly.

  Phoebe gasped. “What’s wrong?” she asked highly concerned very off centered.

  He seemed mildly amused. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

  The frustration in Phoebe’s heart washed away as she relaxed a little. “He was being a pest if you must know.”

  “I don’t care to know, unless you wanted me to know, Phoebe.”

  Phoebe was quiet for a moment wondering if he was trying to say something else. In his background, she heard some weird voices. “How’s your mother?”

  He sighed before answering and Phoebe had a feeling he wasn’t speaking of the subject that was really on his mind. “She’s getting better. There was inflammation in her pancreas and she couldn’t leave the hospital until she was able to eat. We’re flying home tonight on the red eye. She’ll need a lot of rest.”

  “You’re a very good son. She’s blessed to have you.” Phoebe complimented him, loving how deep his voice became as he spoke about his mother. “Although she hasn’t been near you all your life, you seem very close to her.”

  “She’s an extraordinary women Phoebe. I hope you can meet her soon.”

  Phoebe used his words back at him. “Only unless you want me too.”

  He chuckled more to himself, but didn’t respond to her statement. There was this weird tension between them and she was positive there was a lot more that needed to be spoken about, but neither he nor her wished to speak about it.

  Phoebe didn’t think now was a good time to speak personally about anything. “Why did you call me?”

  His tone of voice became very serious. “To let you know Abraham Blue, my attorney, is going to come into the office to deliver some information. I need you to fax it to me in Lansing as soon as you get it. I have a meeting with some Chicago people up here early Monday morning and I need a copy of what Abraham has. Can you do that for me?”

  “No problem. Will there be anything else?” She did not think this was a good time to speak with him about her personal feelings at this time.

  “No, Phoebe, I should make it into town late Monday morning, but as you can see I have a lot of meetings all this week. Did you make all the necessary arrangements with each one?”

  “Yes. The conference rooms are booked down at the technology center just like you wanted and I’ve set up the account with them. I made sure all the copies are made and I’ve set up the catering as well.”

  “I knew I would not be disappointed in hiring you.”

  “I’m glad I could keep your confidence in me, Jacoby.”

  “Goodnight, Phoebe.”

  Before she could respond, he hung up and Phoebe was left holding the phone staring at the receiver wondering what she could she have said to make him see how she felt. He said he never mixed business with pleasure so when would be a good time to fit a personal situation in with the business.

  Lying down in bed, her last thought was that this was why she never got involved with office personnel and she should know way better than to be involved with her boss.

  Chapter 26

  On her first day at work, she didn’t mind the quietness of the office. Cathy had helped her set up the email system for the office and Desmond had come over during the weekend and made sure all of her electronic equipment was working correctly. Cathy had told her there was a stipend to hire temp’s if needed for any extra typing or filing, but Jacoby was very organized man and his marketing team - which he referred to his other employees - were very hard working and hardly at the office. It was her job to make sure they received any communication that Jacoby had for them and each team member was in charge of a certain client. Phoebe was needed to make sure that if the team member’s assistant couldn’t complete something, they would come to her for help.

  According to Cathy, the assistant’s came into the office more than the team members who preferred to either work at home or on the road. Cathy had everything organized and properly address for Phoebe, so she had no problems finding things.

  Jacoby had left a list of instructions of things he needed for upcoming meetings. Cathy would still assist her for about another month if she needed anything.

  Phoebe was nervous knowing she was going to see him late that afternoon until he shot her an email around three to let her know he had something personal to do up in Lansing and would not make it down for their meeting. Checking his calendar, she saw that he would not be getting back in Detroit for another week to attend the marketing meeting unless he made a special trip, which she didn’t think he would do on her account. Not after what she had done to him.

  Throughout the week, there was not even a hint that he really wanted to speak to her except for business purposes. He called every morning at nine on the nose to get any messages he had missed or any e-mail’s he needed to know about. He was always saying “please” or “thank you,” and he never got upset, but Cathy had told her this was his natural behavior when Phoebe questioned her about it.

  “You can fuck up so bad you want to bury your head in the ground, but he’s not one to get upset. If you tell him you can’t fix something, he’ll help you out. He’s cool like that,” Cathy explained. “Just don’t try to hide anything from him. That pisses him off.”

  On Thursday afternoon when it was getting nea
r the end of the day, Amy called up unexpectedly. She updated Phoebe on what was going on. Madeline, Latrice, and Simon would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law for embezzlement and fraud. Amy said the rumor was that they would get up to thirty years apiece if convicted.

  “It’s been pretty quiet otherwise although I was shocked that Joseph bailed Simon out of jail. Simon is not on this property or in any of his father’s other business and just has to sit around and wait for trial. Madeline and Latrice are broke and couldn’t make the million dollar bail that the judge ordered.”

  “That is terrible, but why would Joseph get his son out of jail?”

  “It’s his only boy, what do you expect? But you better be careful, because I heard Joseph and Simon arguing about you. Joseph was telling Simon to stay away from you. Simon called you a few choice names. There might be some repercussions.”

  “I’ll be careful,” Phoebe promised. “Thanks Amy.”

  “So how’s the dream job coming?” Amy asked excitedly.

  “It’s a dream, if you must know.”

  “You do sound bothered though. What’s up?”

  “It’s personal Amy.” Although she had known Amy a short time, Phoebe felt comfortable speaking with her about her present dilemma. “There’s this guy who I think I hurt badly because I was too hung up over the hurt my ex-husband did to me. Now that I’m over the hurt, I think I might have done too much damage to this guy to even get back with him.”

  “Did you hurt him on purpose?” Amy asked.

  “Oh Jesus, no Amy. I never meant to hurt him. He does things to me that I never want him to stop doing.”

  “Have you told him what he does?”

  “I don’t think it will help.”

  “What’s the worst that could happen?”

  Phoebe snorted unladylike. “He could laugh in my face. He could tell me exactly where I could put my heart.”

  “He could hug you to death and kiss you all over, but at least you tell him.”