Chapter Twenty-one
Robby noticed the positive change in Jordan. She seemed to be floating on a continuous happy cloud without a care in the world. Several people had mentioned Jordan’s positive shift, and Robby now agreed with Linda. Jordan and Emmy must be a couple. He had noticed that Jordan always greeted Emmy last when she made her rounds in the dining area. The smile and the eyes were so intense as he stole glances of the two women chatting. It warmed his heart to see Jordan shine.
“Hey, Robby. Can we talk a minute?”
“Sure Jordan.”
“I know you have expressed concern about me not taking enough time off to relax.” She wet her lips and swallowed. “I talked to Jo about filling in for me this weekend. She has been doing an excellent job under your leadership. Let’s give her a crack at taking charge of the staff.”
He nodded and smiled broadly. “Yes, I believe she’s ready too. She has my number if anything goes wrong. Any fun plans?”
“Oh, I plan on visiting DC. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen the museums and been out to the restaurants.”
He went for the jugular. “Isn’t this Emmy’s first weekend in her new apartment?” Jordan’s mouth hung open, her eyes widened, and she swallowed again. He swooped in to fill the gap. “It’s fantastic that you’re helping her. She’s wonderful.”
Jordan shifted on her feet. “Yeah, she’s subleasing a semi-furnished apartment from another bank employee. I promised to show her around. Of course, I’ll check out one of the trendy restaurants and come back with some culinary secrets.”
“Well, sounds like a fun weekend. The temperature’s dropping again, so bundle up tight.” He winked and saw the crimson creep up her neck. For a woman with a gorgeous dark complexion, Jordan sure did blush easily. Robby felt some guilt for teasing her, but the big brother in him enjoyed watching her squirm.
****
Apartments were expensive in Washington DC, and Emmy had been looking for some time. She was lucky to snag a one bedroom with a parking space for $3,000 a month. The location was perfect—near the Foggy Bottom Metro and within walking distance of the Fairbury International Bank. The deal required the rent be paid up front for the remaining nine months. She had just moved essentials into the apartment. Now, she had serious job complications.
Emmy ran her fingers through her hair as she nursed her tea in a nearby coffeehouse. The meeting with the new supervisor had crushed her hopes. She was told they were short on staff, part-time was impossible, and he wanted her to begin several weeks early. She argued that was not the agreement she’d reached with the hiring officials. The overzealous, thirty-something executive smoothed his tie and added, “You’re welcome to resign if you don’t like the new terms.”
The nasty meeting was under her skin and no amount of tea, or alcohol for that matter, could solve the problem. She rubbed her forehead as the details of the meeting rolled through her mind again.
She had agreed to think it over and was halfway out the door when the executive hurled one last jab to enforce his dominance. “Of course, you will have to quit your private financial advisor role. That is a conflict of interest.”
“There is no conflict of interest. All the bank projects I work on are in Southeast Asia. The two private portfolios I manage, which are for friends, by the way, have nothing to do with Southeast Asia. There are no connections to companies signing deals with the bank. The legal department has been provided with the necessary disclosure paperwork. The bank has never objected.”
“Until now.”
“Why now?”
“We have an urgent need for a manager for two regional teams. With your experience, you are highly qualified to handle both. There is also a lot of required extra hours and travel to the satellite offices every other month. That raises the issue of conflict. We need you to be flexible.”
Her head was spinning. This was insane. She would not let her new relationship suffer. “This is not what I was promised.”
“Yes, but again, that was a verbal agreement.”
She wanted to leap over the desk and strangle the arrogant son of a bitch. So much for her loyalty in London and running the Chennai, India office. She could try to go over his head, but it was unlikely to change anything.
“I’ll get back to you,” she replied tersely. “As far as starting early, sorry, no can do.” She slammed the door and walked out, ignoring his last dribbled objections. From that moment on, she knew she was screwed.
Now, she sat pondering her bleak options. Nibbling on her scone, she watched people move in and out of the coffeehouse like ants. The time with Jordan had been so relaxing. Did she really want to jump back into the hectic world of big banking again? I should quit and take the full-time plunge into financial consulting. No matter what she decided, her savings would take a pounding.
The bad choices tumbled around in her mind, but at least she was looking forward to Jordan’s visit. Emmy’s mind floated back to the first night she laid eyes on Jordan. Her crisp white chef jacket contrasted sharply with her light mocha skin. She marveled at the tender, funny, and generous Jordan and that damn grin. Jordan’s best smile was the one where her lips were closed and slightly turned up mischievously at the corners, one side more crooked than the other. Emmy had seen that smile a lot since Jordan had come out to her mom and Carter.
Now if the damn logistics were not such a hellish challenge. Emmy would have to talk to Jordan about the new complications and consequences. It was only fair to get Jordan’s opinion since they were a couple. She smiled. Yes, they were a couple. Although Jordan had faltered at times, Emmy was crazy about her.
****
Jordan cursed herself for departing after lunch. The awful Friday traffic was made worse by the drizzling rain with a snowflake here and there. By the time she arrived, it was nearly four thirty. Against her better judgment, she double-parked on the street with blinkers flashing and called Emmy.
Her cares melted away as Emmy strolled toward her. Before Emmy had settled in the vehicle, Jordan grabbed and kissed her like it had been months since they were together. “I missed you.”
“It’s only been a couple of days.”
Looking into Emmy’s eyes, Jordan moved in for another kiss. Sensuous and long, their tongues mingled. A siren and blue lights cut short the celebration.
“Shit.” Jordan glanced in the mirrors.
The police were getting out of the patrol car. The one on the driver side was a cute female cop with a tight uniform accentuating her muscular figure. Same-sex marriage was legal in DC, and the city was pretty gay friendly. The odds of getting a ticket usually depended on whether the police had to make their ticket quota for the month.
When the female officer got to the window, she gave them a stern look. A wave of anxiety rushed through Jordan. Double shit. The beautiful face of a black woman with high cheekbones and dark green eyes stared her down. Jordan had slept with a DC cop awhile back when she had gone to Freddie’s Beach Bar in Alexandria, Virginia. There weren’t many lesbians in the bar, and the two had hooked up. After the show and several drinks, Jordan had taken her to a hotel in Crystal City where they had a long night of heavy sex. The woman woke as Jordan was sneaking out in the morning. Giving a flimsy excuse, Jordan had promised to call and never did. That was over two years ago. This can’t be the same woman. Yet how many black women in the DC area have those gorgeous green eyes?
The female officer shined her light in Jordan’s face. “Driver’s license and registration, please.”
Jordan’s hand shook as she handed over the paperwork. She heard the radio chatter as the male officer ran her plates.
After what seemed like forever, the policewoman spoke without a hint of emotion. “Ma’am, sounds like you’ve been free and clear of the law. No speeding tickets, no parking tickets but you’ve been careless tonight.”
Fines in DC were hefty, and Jordan expected the worst.
“Parking here not only unfairly blocks others but
is a safety hazard. I could give you a ticket. Given your spotless record, I’ll let you off this time.”
“Thank you.”
Before Jordan could start the vehicle, the policewoman said, “Are you and your girlfriend or wife going out tonight?”
Out of the corner of her eye, Jordan saw Emmy’s head snap at the question. She looked at Emmy whose eyebrows were scrunched. Play it cool.
Turning back to the officer, Jordan cleared her throat. “Yes.”
“Well, be safe and remember to drink and drive responsibly. Take a cab if you party too much.”
“Yes, officer. Thank you.”
“If you’d like a good recommendation, there’s Karaoke at Freddie’s Beach Bar across the river. I personally think the Saturday drag show is one of the best.”
Jordan’s mouth sprang open, and only then, did the cop crack a smile. She winked shortly after seeing Jordan’s reaction.
“Okay, ma’am. I’m sure you’ll have fun and find delicious things to devour on your night of eating out. Have a safe evening.” The female officer glanced over at Emmy, winked again, and walked away.
Jordan started the SUV and put it into drive. “Where to?” she whispered.
“The garage entrance is on the side street. I paid for guest parking. That was odd back there. I never met anyone, let alone a police officer, that so crudely implied—”
“I’m sure she didn’t mean it that way.” Jordan hastily changed the subject. She had already confessed her old Romeo ways to Emmy. She was not going to rub it in her face that the cute cop was a former conquest. “How was the meeting yesterday? Are you going to like or love your job?” Jordan asked casually.
Emmy sighed. “Not as well as I hoped. We’ll talk later. I made a dinner reservation at Rasika for seven. Let’s get showered and dressed.” She pointed up ahead. “Park on the right there next to the Lexus RC coupe.”
“Do you want to leave early?”
With the vehicle now parked, Emmy leaned over and kissed Jordan. “I arranged for a limo to come at six. After dinner, we’re being driven around the monuments at night. I’ve always wanted to do that with someone I care about. And that someone is you.”
“Why, Ms. Russo, I didn’t know you could be so romantic. And later tonight, I’ll bathe you in hugs and kisses. I give the best medicine.”
Brightness returned to Emmy’s face. “Absolutely, cuddling with you is the best.”
****
The limo driver called from the curb at precisely six as they were putting on their last-minute items. They had cut it close. Walking out the door, Jordan remarked with a smirk. “I can’t wait until I see what else you’re going to do to me tonight.”
“Let’s go, you lovesick puppy, or we’ll be late. Dessert is later and only if you behave.”
Despite the traffic, the limo got them to the restaurant fifteen minutes early. The strong, spicy curry aroma hit them walking through the doors. They were seated just far enough away from the musicians so their conversation was not drowned out.
“I forgot to ask if you liked Indian food.”
Jordan beamed. “Love it. And the music is relaxing. The sitar fascinates me.”
The entire meal was fabulous, but Emmy’s slump showed. She missed parts of the conversation, and Jordan had to repeat herself a couple of times. She knocked her wine over. And now, her smile had disappeared.
“Emmy, what’s going on? You’re a million miles away, and you’ve barely touched your food.”
Emmy rested her head in her hands hiding her face from Jordan. Jordan reached over and rubbed circles on the back of Emmy’s other hand.
When Emmy looked up, her eyes were moist. “The senior executive seems to be a pompous jackass. He told me to devote full-time to the bank and that my private financial advising won’t be tolerated.”
“But the interview committee told you—”
“Unfortunately, I have no recourse because the father of my new supervisor is on the board of directors. So, I’m stuck with the twit unless I resign.” Emmy delicately wiped tears from the corner of her eyes with the dinner napkin.
Jordan was at a loss for words. “What are your options?” She had to ask but was afraid what the answer might be.
“They’ve backed me into a corner. Severance pay is out the window if I resign. Managing Becca and Calvin’s portfolios is lucrative but not enough to pay all my bills. I don’t have a US license, and it would take several months to set things up. Much longer to build a client base unless I went through London.” Emmy sighed.
Jordan took a drink of water. Her mind raced. She hated to see Emmy in turmoil. Maintaining a long-distance relationship was going to be tough no matter what Emmy decided. Without warning, Jordan felt her blood pressure drop. She was slightly sick to her stomach and dizzy. God, I hope she’s not thinking about moving back to the UK. She took a deep breath, another gulp of water, and wet her lips. It was Emmy’s life, and Jordan couldn’t make the decision for her.
In a weak voice, Jordan said, “I’m sure you’ll figure something out.”
Emmy looked at her, eyes rimmed in red. “I have no choice. I’m going to quit the bank. I don’t want my job coming between us. I can control my own schedule with my private consulting and split my time between DC and Oakville. With luck, I hope to keep travel to a minimum.”
Jordan nodded and kissed Emmy’s hand. “I want you to have a fulfilling life and career. We’ll find a balance together.” Jordan was silently doing the happy dance in her head. “Let’s get going before it’s too late.”
****
As they approached the limo, the driver exited. Instead of the customary opening of the door, he held roses in one hand. “Ladies, I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty to purchase these for you.” He gave each a small bouquet before opening the door.
They thanked the driver and settled back in their seats and held hands. Emmy leaned over. “I did not expect that,” she whispered.
“Yes. A pleasant surprise.”
Before buckling in, the driver double-checked all the sites they wanted to visit. “It’s perfectly safe to walk around as long as you stick near the crowds and the well-lit walkways.” He started to roll up the inside tinted window then stopped.
“May I tell you a personal story?” His smile was timid. “My daughter came out as a lesbian in college. My wife and I struggled with accepting her. In fact, we didn’t speak for several years. We missed her wedding because of my bullheadedness. That’s time we will never get back.” He stopped and wiped his eyes. “She was diagnosed with cancer shortly after. I swallowed my damn stupid pride and finally opened my eyes and heart. Only then was I able to see what a beautiful couple they were.” Through a choked voice, he said, “We buried our only child three years ago at the age of thirty-two.” He blew his nose. “Her wife was more on the butch side. At first, I didn’t know what our Katie saw in her.” Tears spilled onto his cheeks. “Looks can be deceiving. She may have looked tough, but I never saw a more caring, attentive person. She was there by my daughter’s side all the way. We now spend our holidays together, and she’s as much a daughter to us as our Katie.” He wiped his face again.
Emmy patted his arm. “We are so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story.” Jordan couldn’t speak. She sniffled, nodded, and wiped away her own tears.
“Okay, ladies. Enough of the sadness. Tonight, enjoy.”
They rode past the city landmarks in the limo with Jordan’s arm wrapped around Emmy and Emmy’s head nestled on Jordan’s shoulder.
“Oh, I don’t want to forget.” Jordan removed her arm, winked, and laid out dessert and poured chilled champagne. “A toast to the most gorgeous woman in my life. Cheers.”
“Cheers!”
Emmy kissed Jordan’s nose. “Excellent vintage. But, there’s something wrong.” She scrunched her face and narrowed her eyes, peering at Jordan. “Hold still.” She looked farther, slightly moving her head back and forth. A deep cre
ase between her brows and a frown developed.
Jordan thought the behavior was odd, but she remained still. Without warning, Emmy smeared the sweet basil cream of the Maharani cupcakes on the side of Jordan’s neck and slowly licked it off.
“Now, that’s much better.”
“Hmm. Well, you seem to also have a problem.” Jordan dipped her finger and generously spread the cream on Emmy’s lips. She sucked in Emmy’s lower lip before kissing her deeply. By the time they broke off, they both were breathless. They finished the dessert and drank half of the bottle when the driver pulled up to the Lincoln Memorial. It was their last stop before ending their night.
While a few people gave them quizzical looks, more nodded and smiled as they strolled holding hands. At the top, they admired the marble statue of Lincoln and took in the breathtaking view of the reflecting pond and Washington Monument.
At the bottom of the steps, Jordan kissed Emmy’s hand. “This night’s been magical. You’ve made me so relaxed. I never thought it would be possible to show my feelings in public. And the driver. Wow. People’s kindness is what’s going to change our country for the better.”
Emmy kissed her softly on the lips. “We do make a terrific couple, don’t we?”
“We do, and I’ve made a decision.”
“What’s that?” Emmy stroked the side of Jordan’s neck.
“I’m coming out to the rest of the family on my birthday. I don’t want to hide anymore. Are you okay with that?”
Emmy smoothed the hair out of Jordan’s face and traced her fingers down her jawbone. “Nothing would give me more pride than being by your side.”
Jordan’s eyes moistened, but she wore the biggest smile. She grabbed Emmy, lifted her off the ground, and twirled them around. Emmy let out a squeal of delight.
Falling for Love Page 15