“Were you ready to order or do you need a moment yet?” The gages in the young man’s ears caught Tally’s eye, but she redirected her gaze toward the menu.
“I’ll have the grilled chicken salad,” she answered, “No croutons, cucumbers, or cheese, but extra tomatoes, please.”
“And what dressing would you like?” As he scratched notes on his small pad, Tally became aware of an imprint along his forearm.
“None thank you. I’ll just use red wine vinegar.”
“Very good,” the waiter replied. "And do you want garlic toast, bread sticks, or pita crackers with that?”
“Garlic toast will be fine.” She folded her menu and handed it to him. The waiter’s handsome despite his bar code tattoo. Inconspicuously scrutinizing him from the corner of her eye, she admired the way he carried himself. He has a grace about him; an air of class. His confidence only makes him more appealing, she realized. If I scanned his tattoo, I wonder what he’d ring up for. I’m guessing he’d be worth whatever the cost. She bit her lip as her hunger for him grew.
“What can I get for you, sir?”
Glancing toward Lex, it was obvious he felt as infatuated with the young man as she did. Oh, he’s leaving himself open for attack, she thought, recognizing the sparkle in her friend’s eyes. The slight twitch of his lips hadn’t escaped her notice either. No wonder Jazz likes to mess with him. Sometimes, he just makes it too easy.
Without hesitation, Lex passed his menu over and said, “I’ll have the same. Thank you.”
“Wonderful. I’ll have your order out momentarily.”
As the waiter tucked the menus under his arm and made his way toward the kitchen, the friends savored the opportunity to gawk. His firm ass was accentuated by the hug of his fitted slacks contouring his every curve. The duo watched his progress until he was out of their line of sight and then giggled at one another as they returned to their previous conversation.
“We’ve been friends a long time, Tally, and though I know Jazz can be crass, I also know it doesn’t usually bother you this much. So, that being said, what’s really weighing on your mind?”
Though he’s diplomatic, Lex is also direct. It was another trait she admired about him. “Your Christmas present.”
“What?” Lex looked genuinely surprised. “You’re kidding, right?”
“I’ve been trying to decide when and how to present it to you.” They looked at each other for a moment in amicable silence. Again, she appreciated the way he waited patiently as she collected her thoughts. “Sweetie, I want to make you a partner.”
Lex chortled in amusement. “But I’m not a lawyer.”
“So?”
“So… you’re serious?”
“I am,” she stated without the presence of humor or indecision. Is that so hard to believe?
“Tally, are you daft, love? I mean, who makes an assistant their partner?”
“I do,” she confirmed. As he raised his glass for another drink, Tally knew he was processing her declaration. “Before you get too excited, let me just say, I’m making you a silent partner.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Well,” she explained, “I won’t change the name of the company. Since you’re not a lawyer, it doesn’t make sense to put forth the financial investment to change everything, like letter heads, business cards, or signs. Still, you’re a vital member of the team, Lexi. You’re not just our receptionist, but you’re our legal assistant, office manager – hell, it’d take less time to list the things you don’t do than the things you do. Truth be told, I’m a damn fool for not having done this sooner.”
“Mrs. Shallot isn’t going to like this.”
There’s that mischievous twinkle I love so much. Amusement pulled at the corners of her mouth. He’s not only accepting my gift, but he’s going to relish its impact on Jazz. She fought to suppress her laughter. “I’m tired of her belittling you.”
“And you think making me a partner will stop that from happening?”
“Yes.” Why wouldn’t it?
“Huh. That’s interesting.”
She stared at him in warning when understanding dawned. Oh, shit. I know what he’s going to say now.
“If I recall correctly – and we both know I do – your reasoning for making her a partner followed that same logic. Let’s see. You said something like, ‘if she takes ownership then she’ll work harder because it’ll be her company too’. Tell me, how’s that working out for you?”
“Yeah, yeah,” The slender woman said, ire thickening her voice. She tucked a lose strand of chestnut-colored hair behind her ear. “Shut up.”
As if on cue, the waiter approached with their salads. He slide the plates in front of them before asking, “Is there anything else I can get for you?” When they shook their heads, indicating nothing further was needed, he added, “If you change your minds, please let me know. Otherwise, enjoy your lunch.”
As he took his leave, Tally leaned forward and whispered, “I wonder what he’d say if I order him?”
Lex chortled as he generously splashed red wine vinegar over his salad. “I think he’d leave you with heartburn.”
Nodding in agreement, she reached for the vinegar bottle he handed her. “Yeah, that’s probably true. Of course, he wouldn’t be the only one to leave me in pain.”
Dropping his forearms onto the table, crossing them before him, Lex remarked, “So I was right. There is more to your ‘Christmas Gift’ than just a gag order for Jazz.”
Though Tally tried to mask her visual response, she knew she failed miserably. I’m sure he can read it as clear as day. He’s always been the one person who could see right through me. Not that I’m much of a liar to begin with, but I never could lie to him. She shrugged, attempting to do so nonchalantly, but realizing it just made her appear guiltier.
“Why are you doing this? What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” He reached across the table to stroke her hand affectionately.
“Nothing,” she objected, but grasped his hand anyway. “Look, I want to do something nice for you and Kode. Besides, you’ve earned it, my friend. I wouldn’t be as successful as I am if it weren’t for you.
“Well, that’s true,” Lex acquiesced with an uncomfortable chuckle.
He’s never been good with praise, and yet, he deserves it more than anyone I know, she thought, shaking her head sadly. “You’re acting like you’re agreeing with me, but I can see you’re still not convinced.” She squeezed his hand tighter before releasing it. “Lexi, you basically run the company anyway. Why not have a stake in it?”
“It doesn’t… I don’t know, feel right,” he admitted. “I mean, you don’t have to do this, Tally. I’m not going anywhere, and you know it.”
“I know, but I’m not doing this to appease you. Why don’t you stop arguing and just say ‘thank you’ already.”
“Okay,” he agreed, “so what are we talking about here?”
“Well, as you know, I started working for Uncle Harmon when I was quite young, and then, I interned with him while attending college.”
“Right,” Lex acknowledged. “I loved him. Mr. Gold was a good man, despite his addiction to work. His passing was difficult for us all.”
Tally cleared her throat, dabbing at her eyes with her napkin. “It was.” Lex looked remorseful as he bit his lip. He feels bad for mentioning Uncle Harmon’s death, even though he shouldn’t. It’s a natural part of life. Determined to push the conversation forward, she said, “Anyway, when I inherited the firm from him, both Keller Smith and Jazz opted to buy into the company, and now, each owns fifteen percent.”
“So you’re gifting me sixteen percent then, right?” He snorted in jest.
He’s enjoying this, though he’s still not comfortable with it yet. “Actually,” she answered, digging into her purse. She pulled out a sealed envelope, placed it on the table, and slid it in his direction. “I’m gifting you thirty.”
*****
Sprawled out on the kitchen floor with her husband cradled in her side, his head resting on her chest, Jazz felt satiated. “That was amazing,” she praised.
“It was,” he concurred, “though I’m sure it would’ve been easier if I hadn’t waxed the floor this morning.”
“So that means you’ve waxed it twice today.” Mack chuckled hardily at his wife’s not-so-subtle joke. “It’s too bad I need to leave already.”
Rising from the linoleum, Jazz rubbed her legs as Mack reached for the fridge. Pulling a Tupperware container out from its cold interior, he asked, “Are you okay, babe?”
“I’m fine,” she assured him. “I’m just getting old. Doggy-style is a little rough on the knees when you’re not in a soft bed.”
“I guess that means we need to explore new options.”
Jazz smiled, pulling on her slacks. “Sounds great; so why don’t you Google it and see what you can come up with for tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Shit, tonight, baby,” Mack replied, wiggling his eyebrows at her.
“Wait! Are you suggesting we have sex while the kids are home?”
“Oh, hell no,” Mack adamantly shook his head in refusal. “I’m saying they’re going to be at my mom’s tonight.”
Accepting the food dish Mack offered her, Jazz smirked at her husband with anticipation. “Well then. Looks like I’ll be home early.”
“I’ll be waiting,” he promised as she grabbed her bags.
Before she dashed out the door and headed back to work, she asked, “Oh, do you think you can arrange a sitter for Saturday as well, or do you want to take the kids with us to Tally’s Christmas party?”
“I’ll check with Mom. After last year’s fiasco, I’d rather they stay home. Oh, speaking of last year’s trouble, Tally hasn’t made up with that loser again, has she? I can’t believe she dated someone the likes of George to begin with, but to take him back after the scene his wife made. Ugh!”
“No, she hasn’t, though Lord knows he’s tried to convince her to,” Jazz replied, her mouth pursed in disgust. “He even made an appearance today.”
“Really?” Mack raised his bushy eyebrows in surprise. “But they’ve been broken up for – what – two months already? There’s something seriously wrong with that guy.”
“Three months, actually,” Jazz corrected him. “And tell me about it. It’s kind of confusing. I mean, George never had this kind of gumption while they were together.”
“Why do you think he does now?”
“Because he misses the gifts she showered him with and the clout he had as her boyfriend,” Jazz answered. Just makes me hate that fucker all the more.
“Just makes me hate the fucker all the more,” Mack voiced, making Jazz grin with delight. “Did you punch him?”
“No, I didn’t punch him.”
“You want me to?”
Jazz couldn’t resist kissing her husband. God, I love him! “I’ll let you know,” she promised as she slipped away.
*****
Looking at the envelope Tally had slid in front of him, Lex said, “This is too generous. I can’t accept it.”
“It’s too late,” she insisted. “It’s already done. We’re equal partners now, you and I.”
“Wait,” he replied, calculating percentages in his head. “If you’re giving me thirty percent, how’s that make us equal partners? You still have forty percent, allowing you to maintain the controlling portion.”
“Well, not when you consider the fact I also gifted ten percent of the company to Kode.” She gave him a satisfied look, taking a generous bite of her garlic bread.
I know that look. He sighed. It means there’s no use in arguing. Even if she hadn’t already finalized the papers, she wouldn’t listen. “Why did you do this?”
“I already told you.”
Lex arched an eyebrow, giving his friend a suspicious smirk. “I don’t believe you.”
“I don’t know why you wouldn’t.”
“Because I know you too well, that’s why,” he insisted. Why won’t she just tell me the truth? It’s not like – suddenly, his chest tightened with concern. “You’re not dying are you?”
“No, no, don’t be silly,” Tally replied, waving his concerns away with her hand. “It’s nothing like that.”
“Well, then I’m right; it is something.”
Tally finally caved. “Yes, I confess there’s more I’d like to discuss with you.”
“Okay, so discuss.” He gestured for her to continue.
“I would, but the problem is I’d prefer not to have it associated with your Christmas gift. I mean, I don’t want you thinking the two are related. It’s not a quid pro quo situation, I assure you.” She gestured toward the sealed envelope. “You really do deserve that, no strings attached.”
I knew it. He stabbed a forkful of field greens, raising it to his lips. “First of all, I would never assume such a thing, at least not where you’re concerned. Jazz, sure, but not you. Secondly, we’ve known each other our entire lives. You know you can tell me anything.” He tucked the food into his mouth.
Tally swallowed nervously. “I know, it’s just… maybe it’s not the right time, you know?”
“For what?” Lex was frustrated with how the conversation kept circling back onto itself. “Tally, outside of Kode, you’re my best friend, and there’s no one I love more. I thought you understood that. I mean, when have I ever made you feel judged?”
“Never,” she admitted, sipping her water. “You’ve always readily accepted me, even when I made the mistake of my life with George.”
“Why are you hemming and hawing then?” he asked. It seems like an unnecessary use of energy, especially for a woman who’s always known what she’s wanted, and never stopped until she got it.
“I don’t know.” Though she set her glass back onto the table, she continued to grasp it.
“Just talk to me, honey,” he pleaded, wrapping his larger hand over hers.
“I... I want to have a baby,” she sputtered, “and I want you to be the father.”
Chapter 3
“She said what?” Ishkode Ackerman was flabbergasted when he heard of Tally’s proposal.
“Yeah,” Lex nodded, understanding his partner’s surprise. “She not only wants me to be the father, but you as well.”
“Wait, wait, wait…” Shaking his head as though to clear his mind, Ishkode grappled with the notion of both being the father for their friend’s baby. “Tally knows it doesn’t work that way, right?”
“Here, baby, come sit down and I’ll explain it to you.” Lex guided Ishkode to the plush couch beneath the expansive bay window of their luxury apartment. Beyond the glass, downtown Minneapolis stretched out before him, displayed in full view. His gaze roved over the city’s landscape as it blinked into life against the darkening sky, lighting up like a Christmas tree.
Sinking into the multitude of pillows decorating the over-sized sofa, Ishkode said, “That’s a good idea. I mean, it’s weird enough she gifted me part ownership of the law firm, but this?”
Lex nodded unconsciously. Kode’s reaction isn’t much different than what mine had been, he thought. “I had reservations at first, too, but now that I understand her reasons for doing it, I’m okay with it.”
“Good,” Ishkode replied with fluttering eyes. “I’m glad you understand. Now, if you’d please, explain it to me because I’m completely baffled.”
Kissing the top of his spouse’s head, Lex patted Ishkode’s shoulder gently. “Of course, but first, let me get us some wine.” Goodness knows I could use some.
Ishkode nodded. “Perfect. I’d like some Malbec, please.”
“Of course, darling.”
Lex walked over to the wet bar next to the patio door. He withdrew a dark bottle from its place atop the wine rack, along with two ornate glasses. I remember when Kode gave these to me during our wedding reception. Pouring the earthy liquid, he warmed at the fond memory. The inky drink created a dark ba
ckground that emphasized their engraved names. He must’ve gotten them ahead of time, anticipating the change in legislation, he realized for the first time.
Corking the bottle, his mind automatically began calculating the time. Minnesota didn’t legalize gay marriage until August 1, 2013 – two days before we wed. He wouldn’t have had time to get them personalized if he had waited until after the ban was lifted. Sliding the wine back into its place on the rack, he looked over at the man he loved. He shouldn’t have had time to plan such a beautiful ceremony either, and yet, somehow he did. He’s always doing the impossible for me. Picking up the glasses, a wave of intense love washed over Lex as he drank in the view of his husband. He’s romantic and self-less; the kindest person I know.
As he made his way toward the couch, he contemplated societal views. Most religions consider homosexuality an abomination because they think it’s the greatest attack imaginable on the family core. He rolled his muted blue-gray eyes. That’s just ridiculous. I mean, how can love as pure as ours be wrong? He couldn’t imagine a soul as loving as Ishkode’s being sent to She’ol. No, he thought with certainty, my God is merciful and loving. He believed his omnipotent God – by whatever name was uttered – didn’t make mistakes. According to Kode’s Ojibwe traditions, we’re Agokwe, or niizh manidoowag. Being two-spirited means we ought to transcend to Gan Eden, even if by means of Gehinnom.
“Here, darling,” Lex said as he handed Ishkode a Bordeaux glass partially full. He stroked the silky, raven-colored hair of his pensive lover before settling in beside him.
“Thank you, Lexi Love,” Ishkode replied with a smile.
“Ugh, I wish you wouldn’t call me that.” Lex made a sour face at the term of endearment. “Ever since she heard you use it during Thanksgiving dinner, Jazz has been referring to me as such. Now, whenever you say it, all I can hear is her voice mocking me.”
Ishkode pursed his mouth in discontent before declaring, “That woman is a zagime.”
“She’s not that bad,” Lex retorted. I don’t need him going into a fit over this.
Flawed Perfection: A Collection of Winter Wishes Page 20