“Whatever, come on, I’ll drive us back there,” he says as he steps further out onto the brick. He’s so close that I stumble back allowing space for him. Lenny doesn’t speak as he walks past me but slows his stride as he reaches the walkway and glances back at me. I take that as my cue to follow, and that’s what I do. It’s a flashback to me having to follow behind David over the years. I snap back to reality and shake those thoughts from my head. Lenny and David are two very different people. He just so happened to want to lead the way down the short path to his Mercedes where he’s waiting with the passenger door open for me. Stepping around him, I stop before sitting and thank him. The moment he notices that I’m tucked into the seat, Lenny closes the door and moves gracefully around the front bumper to his door. I take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of lemon and coconut. I’m not sure if it’s an air freshener or just the smell of him that’s causing my cheeks to flood with heat.
“Didn’t know you were looking for a place. Is this for you or a client?”
“I’m sort of looking; it’s for me.” The moment those words slip from my mouth, I chastise myself for not saying it’s for me and my daughter Sophia. He has to know that I have a daughter. It’s not like he’s not seen our family around town. I’m not embarrassed, but I’ve also not signed my contract yet. I don’t want him to think that because I’m a single mother that I can’t do my job. I guess that makes it clear that I’d work harder than anyone else he could hire.
“Kind of a downgrade for ya, don’t you think?”
“If you only knew…” I mutter as I watch the other houses fly by before we pull into another driveway. I take in the curb appeal, noticing the clean-cut shrubs that line the front of the house, the solar lights that would light up the pathway to the front door. It’s the designer in me, taking in the small things that most people wouldn’t even notice. Lenny cuts the engine, and before he can come around to open my door, I’m out and waiting for him.
“Come on,” Lenny says as he passes me and I follow. After he opens the door, he motions for me to enter the large foyer. Immediately I notice the way the room is set up to invite you in, offering you a straight walkway toward the back of the house, a den to the left, a formal dining room to the right, and a set of stairs that I presume take you to the bedrooms upstairs.
“It’s three bedrooms, two baths and full access to the community center.” I hear his voice close behind me, but I’m not paying much attention. I already know the information and square feet of the place. I need to set my eyes on the layout visually. See if it could feel like home for Sophia and me.
“Thanks,” I say as I walk toward the back of the house where the kitchen and family room are located. As I stroll through the open kitchen, I run my fingers along the cold granite countertop and wonder what holidays will be like now with just the two of us. With the sound of a phone ringing, I take a moment to look at Lenny before he excuses himself to answer his call. He’s taller than David is and comfortable in his skin. I can tell from the way he holds himself. Shoulders square, head held high, and always watching your every move. Not to mention, he's not dressed to impress you. He’s dressed for the day. A day where he’s ready to make deals and call the shots. Lenny doesn’t have to wear a thousand-dollar suit to prove that he has power; no, Lenny walks into the room, and you instantly feel the power that he holds.
“Sorry about that. So, what do you think about the place?”
“Oh, it’s okay, duty calls—I get it. I like it. I love how open the floor plan is and the natural light that comes in back here.”
“Are you looking for a quick move in or were you looking to buy?”
“Not sure yet. Just looking right now. This is the first place I’ve seen, and there are a few others that I want to check out.”
“Where are they? Sorry, just curious if they’re any of our properties. We have a bunch for rent and sale.”
“Oh…” I say before gathering the rest of my thoughts. “There’s one in the subdivision across from here, a few are downtown, and I think one is close to Battery Point.”
“Pretty sure you just named at least half of our properties. If you want, I can clear my schedule tomorrow and show some to you.”
“Maybe, I’d hate for you to cancel your day to show me houses. I can just set up appointments and go from there.”
“Honestly, Jules, it’s not a big deal. Plus, you’re about to be an employee, and I’d want to make sure you were safe.”
“Thanks, how about I let you know later?”
“You have my number.”
“Yes, I do. Can you take me back to my car now?” I ask as I pass by him and head for the front door. I need air as these walls are closing in on me. I’d be fine if it weren’t for the fact that every time Lenny looks at me, I feel as if he’s undressing me with his eyes and I’m burning up.
4
Lenny
“Lenny, everything okay?” my mother questions me as I place my arms around her for a gentle squeeze and kiss on the cheek.
“Everything’s fine, Mom, just had a few minutes and thought I’d come see Dad. Where’s he at?”
“Study, want some tea or can I fix you a snack?”
“Thanks, but I’m good,” I respond as I step around her and go in search of my father. Mom is always trying to feed me, anything to keep me here longer than I need to be. It’s not that I don’t like visiting with my parents. It’s just that I have work to do and this needs to be a quick visit, not a long drawn out one where I have to explain my choices of not settling down for the millionth time. My mother is one of the most important people in my life, but it’s been her mission since I took over the company to marry me off. She believes that I’m missing out on not just love but companionship. A person who can stand next to me, offering advice, comfort, and love. I’ve tried to explain to her that I’m not interested in any of that. There’s no reason that I have to have a woman on my arm to make me successful or give me comfort. I can find that in the arms of whomever I want in my bed when the moment arises.
Tapping against the door, I wait for my father’s voice before entering. We learned a long time ago that if the door was closed you knock before you pass through the threshold. No, nothing happened but when he’s in here, it’s his private space. A place where he comes to think, focus on the day’s task, and come up with the brilliant ideas that he had for his company.
“Son, I wasn’t expecting you today. Have a seat,” he says in a higher pitched voice than I was expecting as he points to the chair in front of his desk.
“Had some extra time this morning and wanted to check in on my old man,” I say, taking my chair.
“Well, your old man, as you call me, is doing great. You look tired, Lenny.”
“Nah, just busy.” I shrug it off as I respond.
“You need to remember to slow down at times. You go a mile a minute, and that’ll catch up with you one day. Just look at me,” he responds as he leans back in his high-back leather chair and swivels from side to side.
“I’m pretty sure you’re doing okay. Plus, I wanted to tell you that I hired someone to replace Rose finally.”
“You going to leave me in suspense or tell me before I’m old and gray?”
“Hate to break the news, but you’re already gray.” I smile back at him before I continue. “Jules Aldridge, have you heard of her?”
“Interesting choice, and yes I have. Sweet gal and what a shame what Jules is going through right now. Your mother plays tennis with hers at the club.”
“Wait, she’s married to David Aldridge, isn’t she?”
“For now, yes. Nasty divorce it’s been. Your mother was telling me that he seized all their assets, and she and her daughter had to move back in with her parents. The only thing he can’t touch is her business. Smart thinking on her part, I’m pretty sure she knew he’d try to screw her over in the end.”
“I barely remember her growing up. I don’t think we went to school together, b
ut I remember David well,” I say as I think back to when we were teenagers and then to one other time in our adult life. David was the rowdy one in the bunch. We didn’t hang out much, but when we did, there was always some trouble—usually caused by him hitting on the wrong person after a few too many drinks.
“No, she never came to the club much when y’all were younger. She hated the prim and proper shit that we put you through. Don’t get me wrong, Jules is a good designer and is as kind as they come. You made a good choice. She needs this win.”
I let that sit in for a little longer than I should. Confused, I shift in my chair and focus on my father’s face. “Why would she need this as a win?”
“Word gets around quickly, you know this, and it shows that you’re not letting her baggage with David interfere with work. There’s been talk that he’s trying to pull clients away from her business.”
“Figures, David was always a snake.”
“Yes, and the whole family is. Treat her right, but remember, son, don’t sleep with her. I’ve seen her recently, and she’s a knock-out. You need to steer clear of her in that capacity.” I can’t help the deep rumble that escapes me as I laugh at his words. Yes, Jules is beautiful, but she’s not my type. My taste is the opposite of Jules. I like blondes versus her fire red hair, and even though her body causes me to look her up and down, I prefer longer legs to wrap around my waist.
“Nothing to worry about, Dad. She’s the farthest thing that’s interesting for me. I need her to do her job and do it well.”
“She will, pretty sure she’ll blow you away.”
“We’ll see about that,” I say softly as I’m not sure how this will turn out. All I know is I had to replace Rose before the end of the week, and Jules seemed to be a good fit. I’ve got big plans for Ward Properties, and I need to make sure she can keep up with them. If not, I’ll replace her and not because her husband is trying to destroy her name. It’s utterly professional at this point.
“Thanks, Dad. I gotta go check on a few properties and get back to work. Not all of us can sit around and play golf all day.”
“Easy, son. I love my golf and so does your mother. Trust me, when you find someone, you’ll see what I’m talking about.” He winks as he stands. Walking over to me, he pulls me into a half hug, patting me on the back before he releases me from the confines of his study. Once I’m out in the hallway, I stop to listen to see if I can tell where my mother is. With no sound, I holler out, “Bye, Mom, I’ll call later,” and head for the front door. It’s an easy escape as I step out on the white and brick wrap-around porch. It’s weird when I think back to growing up here in Ford Plantation. How I was just a kid running around in the grass, not paying attention to anything else in the world. What I never noticed were the family roots, the values that my parents were giving me. No, I still don’t want to settle down. But what it did was give me the sense to know what families want in a home. How to make it feel like a home for others with just the style. Thick green grass for kids to run through. Playgrounds to meet your friends so you can come up with great ideas for your future. That’s what Ward Properties is all about. That’s what my father has built, and I’ll continue to keep it that way.
Inside my car, I dial up Blake and wait for his voice to boom through the Bluetooth. “Is it true, you hired someone?”
“Yes, it’s true. Look, can you get that contract over to Jules before the end of the day? I’m running over to The Marsh’s subdivision to check on a few things.”
“Sure, I think Rose is doing that now. I’ll double check and make sure to tie up any loose ends on our side.”
“Thanks, I’ll be in the office soon,” I say and disconnect the call with a click of a button on the steering wheel. Traffic is lighter than usual, which allows me to make the fifteen-minute drive in ten. I park in the driveway of the model home, running inside to get the keys to a rental that we have on the market. It’s not rare for us to have some houses for rent rather than for sale. This was Blake’s idea as he proposed diversity to our plan. At first, I wasn’t on board with this, as I felt it would lessen the value of our other homes. It seems I was wrong and he was right. Yes, I’m man enough to admit when I’m wrong; it’s just not often. Blake proposed that not every person in Savannah can afford to have a mortgage, especially as so many are re-building after the crash of the market. But they have jobs, and people have to have a place to live. Why don’t we give that to them? They can still have the comforts of a home, a yard, and friendly neighbors—all for a small price each month. It seems we do 50/50 on each. One of our subdivisions is almost half full of rentals. It’s paying our bills, and we’re able to afford the more exceptional things that we desire.
I go to open the door to leave, but I’m face to face with Jules as she’s standing on the front porch looking back at me with shock on her face. She explains that she’s here to view the one property here that we have for rent. I think back to this morning’s conversation with my father about her living situation. Part of me wants to ask, but the other half says to stay out of shit that I have no business knowing. What happens outside the walls of work isn’t my problem, and since she’s technically not my employee yet, I leave it alone.
Offering to take her, I open the passenger side door to my Mercedes and wait for her to slide in. My eyes follow her body down into the seat, noticing how she fits inside perfectly. Like the car was made for her. I take a quick glance over to her Camry, wondering how it is that with all the money David has that he put her in that. It’s not a bad car. It’s practical and family size. But I know David, and he likes to show off; also, the reason he drives a BMW F90 most days. That’s his everyday ride. His other one is his Porsche Panamera. See where I’m going here? Things aren’t adding up, but if I know me, which I do, I’ll figure this mystery out.
Small talk fills the car, but I notice Jules fidgeting in the passenger seat. The moment I put the car in park, Jules is out of the car faster than I can blink. I’m sure she’s uncomfortable around me. It could be that or the fact that her new boss/partner is showing her a home where she could live. I have to give her credit. There’s no way I could move back in with my parents. I’d sleep in my office before that happened. But then my father said something about her daughter, which I didn’t know anything about. It has no reflection on her, nor her work, but I’m shocked she didn’t bring her up at our meeting. Shifting gears, I open the door and watch her expression change drastically as she enters the space. It’s not one of over enjoyment. It’s more of a wow, this is almost perfect. Following her lead, I keep my eyes on her, examining the way she looks at the small touches within the walls. Her hands are gliding over the molding, the granite, everything. She’s got a great eye, and I noticed that the moment I walked into her conference room and saw those pictures hanging on the walls. I go to ask her something, but before I can speak, my phone rings.
“Excuse me, I need to take this,” I tell Jules as I notice its Rose on the other end.
“How may I help you, Rose?” I say the moment I answer.
“Lenny, I’m going over the contract one last time and need to know why you wanted to add that she has to work here in the office and not hers? You do realize she has her own company and Jules is a third party on this, right?”
“I do, but you work in our office, so should she.” My voice is flat not wanting to veer away from my stand on this.
“I understand that, but that’s not what I originally told her. Is Mrs. Aldridge aware?”
“She is, I’m with her now if you need to speak with her?”
“What? The meeting was over hours ago.”
“I’m showing her the house in The Marshes.”
“All right, wasn’t expecting that. What are you doing, Lenny?” I can hear a twist in Rose’s voice. A mixture of amusement and terror runs through the line.
“Nothing, I’m not up to anything. Oh, can you add in that she can have any one of the rentals that we have?”
“I
certainly will not add that. Have you lost your mind, Lenny Ward? This is not like you. You don’t give anyone anything.”
“I know, but let’s just call this helping someone out, shall we?” I respond and wait for her lashing to come again.
“I’ve got my eyes on you, and I’m not adding that to the contract. You will need to get Jules' permission first. She’s not like the rest of the women you like to mess with, Lenny. She’s a good person and doesn’t need you knocking down walls for her. Trust me on this one.”
“Fine, I’ll deal with that when she finds a place. I, I don’t know, Rose,” I say as I run my free hand through my hair. Something about Jules gets under my skin, and I can’t put my finger on it just yet.
“Maybe I should extend my retirement a little longer.”
“Not happening, I love you like family, but this is a done deal, Rose. Make the contract happen, and I’ll deal with the rest. See you back at the office,” I say before I disconnect the call. Walking toward the back of the house, I know Rose is right. I shake the conversation off and focus on the matter at hand—and Jules.
5
Jules
Plopping down in the old wooden chair at my parents’ dining room table, I let out a sigh of relief. Somehow, I was able to enter the house without them waiting for me at the door. Sophia, on the other hand, made a mad escape up the stairs, slamming her door just as my rear hit the wood. I was hoping for the chance to sit here for a moment before my mother would walk out of the kitchen and notice me. Thanks to my grumpy daughter, that doesn’t happen. I slide my purse off my shoulder, placing it down on the table next to the folder that holds the Ward Properties contract, and catch my breath.
“Jules, does she have to slam doors?”
“Yes, Mother, she does. She’s fifteen. She’s mad at the world, and that’s her way of letting me know what a great job of parenting I’m doing.”
Forty Candles: A Standalone Romantic Comedy Page 3