“We’ll talk when I get back,” Renee said as the doors slid closed.
* * * * *
Patrick walked into his brother’s office so they could talk about some of the feedback he’d received while taking Anthony Johnson’s route for the last two weeks. Robert was sitting at his desk staring at his computer screen.
“I’m surprised you’re in your office,” Patrick commented, taking the empty seat in front of the desk.
Robert Dunlap’s office was immaculate, with elegant furniture, state-of-the-art computer equipment, and a nice view of the lake. He spun around, lounging back in his leather chair. “What do you mean, you’re surprised?” he asked impatiently, wearing a deep frown on his face.
Throwing one leg over the other, Patrick leaned back. His brother’s stinky attitude didn’t surprise him at all.
Robert clasped his fingers together. “What the hell were you doing last night?”
Patrick eyes widened. “What are you talking about?”
“Some woman called here asking if we found a bracelet in one of the vehicles. She didn’t have to tell me who the driver was once I looked up her name and phone number and the search came up empty. I knew you were the culprit.”
Patrick nodded and sighed irritably. There was no reason for him to deny that he’d been the driver. “Yes, that was me, and I found her bracelet.”
“First of all, you need to remember that this is not a taxi service—we don’t just pick up folks from the street corner.”
“I’m fully aware of that, Robert.”
“If you were, baby brother, you wouldn’t have picked this lady up.”
Patrick wanted to get down to the real point of the conversation. “Did the woman say anything else?”
“No, she didn’t,” Robert said, staring at Patrick. “I can’t believe Pop brought you in to straighten me out when you’re giving away fares. Now who’s letting our profits go? I know for a fact you had no intention of invoicing that woman.”
Patrick didn’t want to get into another debate with his brother, so he stood. He started for the door, but turned around. “There is a big difference between giving someone a ride and throwing the company’s money away on women who have plump asses and their hands out.”
Patrick left the room before Robert could respond and walked down the hall to his office. As he passed the reception area, he saw Renee walk into the building, so he headed toward her.
“Hi, Renee,” he said, just as he was coming around the receptionist desk.
“Patrick, I’m so glad you’re here,” Renee said. “I lost my bracelet and was hoping that someone here found it.”
Patrick walked around to where she was standing. “As a matter of fact, I found it last night. I wanted to bring it back to your apartment, but didn’t have the number.”
Patrick saw Renee lift her hands to her face to stop the tears that sparkled in her eyes.
“You really found it?”
“Yes, I did,” Patrick said. “Why don’t you have a seat and I’ll get it for you?”
Before Patrick knew what was happening, she grabbed him, pulling him into her arms. “Oh thank you, Patrick,” she said before quickly releasing him.
Patrick laughed. “I’ll be right back.”
Renee took a seat in the waiting area as he walked back to the office.
Walking straight to the safe, he quickly pressed in the code, and retrieved the envelope with the bracelet inside.
Once he rounded the corner, he saw Renee come to her feet, anxious to get her jewelry back. He was sure it had some sort of sentimental value, and wondered if a man had given it to her.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she said as he approached her.
Patrick handed her the envelope. “It must mean a lot to you. I saw you tearing up when I told you that I had it.”
Renee opened the envelope, peeking down inside before lifting it from the pocket. “It does. My parents gave it to me for my college graduation.”
“Well, I’m so glad I was able to return it to you, Renee.”
She opened her purse. “I should give you something for your trouble.”
“Oh no, that’s not necessary. It’s our job to return lost items left in the vehicles,” Patrick said in response, then had another thought. “Actually, there is one thing you can do for me.”
Renee looked up at him. “What might that be?”
“How about lunch?”
“You mean, like lunch with you and me?”
Patrick nodded. He figured that she was going to turn him down because she probably thought he couldn’t afford to take her to a nice restaurant. “Yes, Renee. You, me, and some great food.”
“Oh,” she said as she continued rummaging through her purse.
Patrick knew she wasn’t looking for anything, but was hesitating in answering his question. “Do you still have the card I gave you?”
Renee looked up at him. “Yes,” Renee said, pulling it out of her purse.
Patrick took a step forward, closer to where she was standing. He removed a pen from inside his jacket pocket. “May I?” he asked, waiting for her to hand the card to him.
Flipping it over, he scribbled on it. “I’m giving you my cell number, so that you don’t have to call the office.” He handed it back to her. “Now, about lunch?”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Renee finally said.
“Why? You’re not married, are you?”
“No, I’m not.”
“Boyfriend?”
She didn’t answer, so he made his own assumptions. “I hope it’s not that guy from the other night.”
Renee dropped the envelope in her purse, and zipped it shut. She extended her hand to Patrick. “Thank you again for returning my bracelet.”
Patrick conceded. Giving her his cell number was his last play. He’d lost that round, so there was nothing left to say. “You’re welcome. I hope we see each other again soon,” he said as he watched her walk out to the waiting taxi.
Chapter Seven
Renee stopped at the cafeteria on her way back to the office to pick up a salad. As she passed Julia’s office, she saw that she was inside. Renee didn’t need to put off talking to her.
Julia had a nice interior office whereas Renee had an office with a view near of Millennium Park. Julia’s awards were proudly displayed on the white oak bookcases that surrounded her desk.
Renee knocked lightly on the semi-open door and walked in. “So what’s going on with you, Julia?” she asked, getting straight to the point.
“I only missed one meeting, Renee, dang. Give it a rest,” Julia snapped.
Renee wasn’t going to allow Julia to make her feel guilty for pointing out that she wasn’t being a good leader. Her behavior would reflect on them both.
“You don’t have to snap at me, Julia. I figured something urgent must have come up for you to miss such an important meeting. Your participation and feedback was crucial in getting our objectives and goals defined, but you were a no-show.”
“I was working from home on another pitch that I had to get done before coming in.”
“Don’t you think you should have communicated that to me? You could have sent me an email or text message. If you couldn’t get me, you could have sent something to Cara.”
“Are you calling me a liar? I don’t just work on your accounts, Ms. McClendon.”
There it is. That same hateful, jealous behavior was rearing its ugly head again. Renee hated when Julia started calling her Ms. McClendon. She didn’t understand why Julia was being so combative about the situation. She just needed her to hold up her end of the project.
“I have other projects too, Julia. But this one is really important and I needed you.”
Julia twisted her mouth to one side and turned her back on Rene
e, dismissing her. Renee was fine with that, because she’d at least told Julia how she felt about the situation. She also decided to do one better and send Julia a follow-up email about the conversation they’d just had. She wanted to make sure she covered her own behind and she didn’t care what Julia thought about it.
* * * * *
Later that evening, Renee prepared a cup of tea for herself before grabbing her journal and sitting on the chaise in her living room to write her thoughts for the day.
Thank God, I found my bracelet. Patrick found it in his car and put it away for me. I thought that was nice of him. I hope I didn’t get him into any trouble with his boss. Everybody needs a job, and I don’t want to be the cause of him losing his for giving me a free ride in the company car. I think I need to take Cara’s advice and go back to focusing on my career instead of this dumb bet. I have to be honest with myself about turning down Patrick’s invitation. I’m just so tired of being disappointed by men and their unpredictable ways. Who knows? He may have stood me up, or done a disappearing act of his own. I just don’t want to deal with any of that anymore.
Renee stopped writing for a moment, trying to get her thoughts together as she reflected on what she’d written. She remembered how Patrick was willing to help her at the hotel and how cool he was to talk to. She also admitted that he was handsome and seemed honest.
Her eyes widened as she had an epiphany. Going back to her journal, she continued.
Did I use him? After all, everything I asked him to do for me, he didn’t hesitate. He’s sweet and handsome, so why did I reject him, really? Maybe I should re-think my decision. It would only be fair to show him some of the same trust he showed me.
She leaned over and picked up her purse and sifted through it until she found his business card. Why not give him a chance?
* * * * *
The next morning when she got up, Renee still had Patrick on her mind. She didn’t know quite how she would approach him, but she knew that just turning him down flat wasn’t right, especially after he’d been so kind to her.
She showered and dressed quickly before grabbing a slice of toast and heading to the office. At lunchtime, Renee called the limo company, hoping that Patrick would answer.
“It’s A Stretch, Patrick speaking.”
“Patrick, it’s Renee McClendon.”
“Renee, what can I do for you?”
“I was thinking about you.”
“You were? What about?”
“The way I handled things when we spoke the other day.”
“No worries, Renee. You gave me your answer.”
Renee didn’t like the nonchalant tone in his voice. The last time they spoke, he had emotion in his voice, but this time, it was very businesslike. “But you did a big favor for me, and finding and returning my bracelet was not a little thing either. I at least owe you lunch.”
“What? You don’t owe me. What is this, a tip?”
“That’s not what I meant, Patrick.” Renee didn’t like the way the conversation was going. “What I’m saying is, please accept my invitation to lunch.”
There was a slight pause before Patrick answered. For a minute Renee thought he’d disconnected.
“I would love to have lunch with you, Renee.”
They both burst into laughter.
“Why are you laughing?” Patrick asked.
“Whew,” Renee said. “I thought you had hung up on a sista,” Renee responded before releasing a giggle.
“No, I’m a gentleman. I would have let you know before doing so.”
“Thanks for letting me know, Patrick. Now where do you want to meet?” Renee asked.
“Let’s meet at the Panera close to your office,” Patrick suggested.
“Sure. How about tomorrow at noon?”
“Sounds good. If you need to, call me on my cell so that I can be sure not to miss your call,” Patrick said. “And while I’m thinking about it, give me your number so I can contact you if I’m running late or have to cancel.”
Renee rattled off her cell phone number and they ended the call.
* * * * *
Renee was at it again. Giving a new man a chance, and she was a bit uneasy, especially after the last two debacles. She left her office ten minutes early, but when she walked into the restaurant, Patrick had already arrived and was sitting at a table.
“You beat me here,” she said as she approached him.
“I was in the area, so I came on over just in case you got here early.” Patrick stood. “Are you ready to order?”
“Sure,” Renee said in response.
They walked together back to the front and looked at the menu displayed on the wall above the cashier’s head. Renee unzipped her purse and Patrick covered her hand. “This is on me,” he said, giving her a smile.
They walked to the other end of the counter to wait for their meal and then took the trays over to their table.
Plopping a straw into his cup, Patrick took a sip. “So, do you have any brothers and sisters, Renee?”
“I have three sisters and one brother.”
“Wow, you have a pretty big family.”
“Yes, and my extended family is huge. What about you?”
“It’s just me and my brother.”
“What do you like to do for fun?” Renee asked. “I’m a real foodie. I don’t do a lot of cooking, but I love eating.”
“I am too. I love to try new dishes,” Patrick said. “As a matter of fact, if you’d allow me, I’d love to take you to this great French restaurant I discovered. The food is the bomb.”
“Sure, I think that will be fun.”
“Of course it will. I’m a fun kind of guy,” Patrick said, lifting his brows.
“I like to have a good time. I also love to travel. This world is big and there is so much to experience. I want to do as much as I can while I can. There are several places that I’d like to go,” Renee shared.
Patrick smiled. “I think that’s cool. I pick a new place to go every year.”
“Really? Do you write anything down or have a bucket list?”
“I don’t write them down, but I have a whole map on my wall with colored pushpins to mark where I’ve been and where I’m going.”
“That is so awesome,” Renee said. She was finding that Patrick was a very interesting man. “When you’re not traveling and trying new dishes, what do you do?”
“I play pool, go skiing, surfing, and just about any other water sport.”
As Renee listened to Patrick talk about all the things he liked to do, she wondered if he dreamed of doing them or had already experienced them.
“Well, Renee, I’ve told you all about me, so tell me a little bit about yourself besides you being a foodie.”
“For me, I love taking long walks, reading cozy mysteries, singing, and hanging out with my sisters.”
Patrick’s eyes widened. “You sing?”
Renee smiled, because she usually didn’t tell anyone about her ability to sing. “Yes, all of us do. We used to have a little group when we were young.”
“What happened?”
“We grew up, and not everyone wanted to keep singing.”
“Makes sense. Everyone has their own dreams and goals. I can see that.”
Renee stared at him because he was so levelheaded and could relate. “Yes, we loved singing together, but wanted to respect one another’s vision for our lives.”
Music wafted through the air as they ate their meals. They talked more than they ate. Renee was having such a good time.
As one song ended another one began, and this time it was one that Renee knew.
“I can’t believe they’re playing Christmas music and it’s not even Thanksgiving,” Renee said.
“You know as soon as November hits, they start decorati
ng, so I’m not surprised.”
“I like Babyface singing “White Christmas”, but I think the Drifters version is my all-time favorite,” Renee said.
“I love all the music that’s played around Christmas time. It seems to make even the meanest person a little nicer,” Patrick said.
Renee laughed. “You’re so funny, Patrick. I haven’t enjoyed a lunch date so much in such a long time,” she said.
Patrick raised his eyebrows. “Is this a date?”
Renee smiled. “I guess it is.”
Patrick glanced at his watch before picking up his napkin and wiping his mouth. “I’m so sorry that I have to leave, but I need to pick up a client from the airport.”
“Aw, so soon?”
“Yes, but we can continue our conversation over dinner on Saturday night if you’re free,” Patrick offered.
Renee hesitated only for a second before she answered. “Sure, we can go out on Saturday.”
“Great, then be sure you wear a really nice dress, because I’m going to take you to that restaurant I mentioned earlier,” he said, getting up from his seat. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek before picking up his tray. “Is it okay for me to call you this evening?”
Renee smiled. “I don’t see why not.”
Patrick left the table and dumped his garbage in the can on his way out. Renee watched him until he was out of her line of sight. She too needed to get back to her office, but she felt so much more relaxed after this lunch than she had in a very long time.
* * * * *
Before going to bed, Renee took the time to journal her feelings.
I had lunch with Patrick, and I must say, I enjoyed myself immensely. I didn’t think about work, people, or anything else, just him and me talking over a chicken sandwich. It was so delightful, and I learned a lot more about him. He isn’t as cut and dried as I thought he was going to be. He even asked me to go out with him on Saturday. He seemed to be well traveled, knew a lot about food and music. I wonder what his background is. Hopefully I’ll find out more about him at dinner. Where did this man come from?
Note2Self: Stop thinking of him only as a limo driver!
A Husband by New Year's Page 7