Anointed (Urban Books)

by Patricia Haley

  There wasn’t much she could say. He knew his industry better than she did. “Just don’t give up.”

  “Who’s talking about giving up? I’m just feeling sorry for myself right now. I’m going to keep looking; that’s all I can do,” he said solemnly.

  Dave’s door opened and Sherry instantly tensed. “I have to go,” she muttered into the phone. “I’ll see you around six.” She didn’t give him a chance to respond, feeling compelled to end the call abruptly. Dave didn’t come outside his office. He hadn’t noticed her on the phone, but it was too late to get Edward back on the call. She’d see him in a little while anyway. Sherry got to work, hurrying to ensure she got off on time today, for a change.

  The afternoon zipped by. Sherry had watched each second of the last ten minutes click down. Finally it was 5:00 P.M., close enough to quitting time. She opened her bottom left drawer to pull out her purse, eager to go. Dave approached her desk, coming from a meeting he had with legal. He set a stack of what looked like contracts on the corner of her desk. She eased her purse under the desk and turned toward him with full attention.

  “Can you believe it? I was in that meeting for two and a half hours,” he said, sighing, “But we got it done.”

  She smiled, hoping he’d finish and go on to his office, allowing her ample room to bolt for the elevator. Her mind was racing. She had to pick up a few items at the supermarket, cook, and be ready for Edward’s visit at seven. Sherry was giddy at the notion and couldn’t wait.

  “I hate to ask,” Dave said, “but is there any way you can get these copied and shipped this evening? I realize this is short notice.”

  Her energy slumped but she was careful not to let it show. “Of course, Dave, I will gladly make the copies and get this shipped out. I’ll just need the addresses?”

  “Are you sure, because I can get someone in legal to do this if you have to go? I totally understand and it’s no problem if you have to go.”

  “No,” she said, reaching for the stack. “Consider it done. I’m fine with time.” She let the words crawl out, deciding that dependability and a steady paycheck were better than a consistent five P.M. quitting time.

  Dave left and Sherry called Edward.

  “Edward, darling, I have to work a little late but not much.”

  “What, again?”

  She pressed into the phone like usual. “It won’t be long. I’m going to rush through and get out before six. I’ll have dinner on the table by seven-fifteen, I promise.” She wouldn’t be serving her famous stuffed chicken breast as planned but that was an acceptable sacrifice.

  “Why do you have to stay late practically every night? It cuts into our evenings together. Don’t they have more than one secretary in that place? I don’t want them taking advantage of you. Are they paying you for the extra time?”

  “Yes,” she whispered. She got that Edward was upset, but his ranting wasn’t getting the copying done. She had to go and told him so. He didn’t like it but she’d make up for it later.

  Sherry felt drained after the call. Balancing Dave’s needs at the office with Edward’s at home were awkward, but manageable. At least, that was what she chose to believe.

  Chapter 26

  Edward was already mad, so Sherry was determined to keep her promise about having dinner done by seven-fifteen. It was six-forty when she walked into her apartment. She didn’t bother turning on the oven. The safest bet was to fire up a skillet. She tossed in the ground beef, some onions, tomatoes, and peppers for a quick dish that she could pour over mashed potatoes. It wasn’t the meal she’d envisioned for them, but it would do. She turned the skillet on high along with a pot of water for the potatoes. Thank goodness the tiny spuds didn’t have to be peeled. There wasn’t time. Her tossed salad didn’t blend well with the meal, but they’d eat it anyway. A meal was a meal at this point. She hurried, pausing only to grab an extra breath here and there. Sherry was pleased that the potatoes boiled so quickly. At five after, she was smashing feverishly. The meat mixture was done and the salad tossed. Sherry leaned against her refrigerator, exhausted yet pleased.

  Five minutes later Edward rapped on the door, exactly as scheduled. Sherry had decided at the supermarket that she would keep the date peaceful with Edward. She’d walk delicately around any topic that got him agitated.

  “Hello, darling,” she said, opening the door and hugging him. He held her tightly. So far so good, she thought, kicking her anxiety outside the door and closing it.

  “Dinner smells good,” he said as she grabbed his hand and led him to the two-seat table in the kitchen.

  “Oh, it’s just something I whipped up.” He had always loved her cooking and paid generous compliments, causing her to love him even more. “The food is ready. We can eat whenever you’d like.”

  Edward went to wash his hands and returned quickly. “I’m ready.”

  She sat, ate, and talked. Sherry didn’t stir the conversation until he seemed relaxed. “Christmas will be here in a few weeks.” She could see Edward tensing and knew why. “Let’s keep it simple this year. We shouldn’t spend a lot of money on gifts, not with our wedding being the most important. It will be July before we know it. Every dollar we save now will count.”

  Edward took the napkin from his lap and slapped it across his plate. “Can’t we spend an evening together without talking about the wedding? I want to relax for a change.”

  Didn’t he relax all day she thought, but wouldn’t dare let those words taste air. He went to the open space that doubled as her bedroom and living room. She followed, taking a seat at the other end of her sofa sleeper. “Okay, but we’re going to have to talk about it sometime; might as well be this evening.”

  “Fine,” he bellowed, “what can we talk about?”

  “For starters we have to find a way to cut down on our costs so we can save money. I don’t need a gigantic, expensive wedding. All I truly want is to be your wife,” she said, moving closer to him. “We can go to the courthouse as far as I’m concerned.”

  “No, we’re not going to do that. Before I got laid off, you were planning a special wedding with both of our families, pretty dress, reception hall, the whole business.” He closed his eyelids, leaned forward, and cupped his forehead into the palm of his hand. “I don’t want you to be forced to settle for a cheap wedding because I can’t afford to give you what you want.”

  “You’re what I want, do you get that?”

  “No, and that’s final,” he said, jumping up.

  “Then if you’re not willing to cut down on the wedding costs, we have to cut somewhere else, because my pay and your unemployment are only covering the basics. What about moving in together to save money? We can either give up your apartment or my studio. Either place will save us at least two hundred and fifty dollars a month. What do you think?”

  Edward sat down again. “I have something to tell you,” he said in such a sad voice that it nearly brought tears to her eyes.

  “What?” she asked, bracing for the worse. She wanted to know, while, at the same time, not wanting to.

  “My unemployment benefits are running out. I have one check left, and they’re not sure I’ll be eligible for an extension.”

  She shifted to the edge of the couch. “See, that’s why we have to give up one of our apartments. It makes sense to move in together right away.”

  “I can’t move into your place and let you take care of me, no way,” he said.

  “Okay, let’s move into your place then.”

  “Definitely can’t let you pay bills in my place, just can’t do it. Plus, I might have to move out of there soon, unless my situation changes. I won’t have my fiancée or wife getting evicted or carrying the financial responsibilities of our family. I’d rather you stay put for the time being.”

  This wasn’t the time to be full of pride. His decision directly affected her life and future. If they were going to be a team, he had to learn how to accept her input. She’d push for a different an
swer, not sure where it would lead, but Sherry had to try. “I really think we should move in together, I really do.” The look on Edward’s face confirmed that his decision was final. They weren’t moving in together. “There has to be something we can do.”

  “There is: I have to get a job.”

  “But how are you going to do that? You’re already filling out tons of applications every day.”

  “Then I’ll have to fill out more. It’s time for me to stop looking for a skilled tradesman position. I’m not going to get one of those. Starting tomorrow, I’m going to the supermarkets, fast food joints, and anyplace else I think might be looking to hire.”

  “You won’t make nearly as much at those places as you did before.”

  “Doesn’t matter. If I have to get two or three jobs to make ends meet, then that’s what I have to do.”

  Sherry was crushed hearing their reality spoken so vividly. The wedding and their future were in a holding pattern. She wanted to express her disappointment but didn’t. Edward appeared more emotionally deflated than she did. Sherry let him have the spotlight. Her chance would come.

  Chapter 27

  Dave languished over the sales reports, blown away by the numbers screaming out at him. Twenty percent growth and it was only May. Only the Almighty could make such a mark on a company in record time. Dave’s initial instinct was to tell Frank. Then he thought about Madeline. She’d want to know, he guessed but wasn’t certain. There was a point when there wouldn’t have been a question. Absence had chipped at her interest in DMI. He had to admit that she seemed to have lost interest in him too. Dave balanced the report in one hand and the family photo in the other. He had the answer and called Sherry into his office.

  “I need you to do me a favor.”

  Sherry asked to be excused, went to get her notepad, and returned immediately. “I’m ready. What do you need me to do?”

  Dave clasped his hands together, discretely containing his glee. “Next week is very important for my family. You see, it’s my wife’s birthday, and I want to make it very special for her. She deserves the best that I can come up with for her.”

  “Do you want me to order flowers or candy like we did for Mother’s Day?”

  “No, I have something much bigger in mind this time, something very special. I’ll need your help with making the arrangements.” He leaned his elbows onto the desk. “Have a seat,” he said to Sherry and she complied. “I’m planning to give my wife the day off, spa treatment, shopping, and the works.”

  Sherry gasped. “What an incredible idea.”

  Dave was thrilled. Sherry’s reaction confirmed that he had the right idea. Madeline would be equally pleased with his plans. He wouldn’t leave any details up to chance. “This is very important to me that she gets treated like the queen she is.”

  “Of course, Dave, I can handle this.”

  He scribbled some notes on the desk pad, ripped the sheet of paper off, and reached across the desk with it, toward Sherry. She took the note and read over it. “See where I’ve laid out a general schedule for the day?” Sherry nodded. “I figure it will be nice for her to begin with a half day of pampering at the spa. I’d like to have lunch sent over from Tribute Bistro. It’s her favorite restaurant.” Sherry’s smile consumed her countenance. He prayed Madeline would be just as pleased if not more, since she was the actual recipient of the gift he was customizing. “After the spa, I’d like to have a car pick her up and drive over to Canada to spend the afternoon shopping.”

  “Dave, this is going to be an incredible day for your wife,” Sherry said, unable to contain her enthusiasm.

  “That’s my hope,” he said. “So, mostly I’ll need your help with getting each piece of the day confirmed.” He got up and went to his suit coat. Fumbling around the inside pocket, he recovered his wallet. Dave plucked out his credit card and handed it to Sherry. “Let me know if you have a problem booking any part of this package.”

  “Don’t worry, Dave. I will take care of this right away. You can count on me to handle this very well,” she said, practically leaping from her seat. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to get started,” she said, practically at the door anyway.

  “Sure, go for it,” he said, grateful for Sherry’s willingness to coordinate his wife’s special day. With his schedule, he’d never be able to execute his plan. “Oh, and I’ll speak to human resources about making you a permanent employee, effective immediately. I’ve waited long enough. Doesn’t look like my secretary is returning. If she does, we’ll find another spot for her because you’re staying with me,” Dave told Sherry. She seemed pleased.

  Chapter 28

  Edward pushed the revolving door, raising his jacket collar outside to knock off the slight chill in the spring air. He crumbled a few papers and tucked them into his pants pocket. Finally, he had good news for Sherry. His second unemployment extension was approved. But, the $200 a week wasn’t enough to fully cover her rent, his car payment, and his other living expenses. The glee he felt when leaving the unemployment office had dwindled by the time he reached his car. He turned the key in the lock, slowly. Depression tried gripping him before leaving the parking lot, but determination prevailed for now.

  The wedding consumed him. He didn’t consider the possibility of robbing Sherry of her dream ceremony. He wasn’t going to let her down. There was time left to do something. No sacrifice was too large. He’d already broken the lease on his apartment several months ago. He had to forfeit the $200 security deposit, but it was worth the freedom. He’d found a cheap room in a local boarding house, enabling him to take the savings each month and put it toward Sherry’s rent. It was his only recourse with bills mounting. She refused to take the money until he convinced her that it was insulting to him, as a man, not to be able to take care of her. From the moment they got engaged, he felt that she was his responsibility and Edward intended on making good on his commitment. She finally agreed to take $125 each month for half her rent. He was content with the arrangement. Plus it left him enough to keep his car. Thank goodness he’d bought Sherry’s car with cash last year. It was ten years old but ran well. That would tide her over until he could get her a better one. Once they got married, then there would be no his or hers. Until then, chivalry wouldn’t let him commingle her money with his, in a disguised effort to pay his bills. What kind of a man would he be? Nope, no way. It was the only shred of dignity he had remaining.

  Edward backed out of the lot and put the car in drive. He drifted onto the road, thinking. He wasn’t delusional. He had to find a way to earn more money and fast. He couldn’t keep waiting for tomorrow. Today was the day. Edward pushed on the gas pedal while trying to pull papers from his pocket, the ones he’d crammed in there after leaving the unemployment office. He flattened the balled-up paper on the passenger’s seat, looking for the address. After a few drifts into the other lane of traffic, he had the address. He pressed the pedal harder.

  He glanced at his watch. Eight-thirty. He was in for a long day. The employment center had given him the addresses of two reliable temporary services. They seemed pretty sure he’d be able to land temporary placement with one of the services. There had been so many disappointments since he was laid off that Edward wasn’t going to get ahead of himself. He wasn’t going to jump for joy until there was actually a job offer on the table. But he was inspired. Before the end of the day, he was determined to be working. He was serious. With renewed conviction, Edward considered finding a pay phone to call Sherry. Spotting a phone up ahead, he tapped on the brakes, and then pushed on the accelerator. He’d rather surprise her in person with the good news of actually having a job. Hopefully she was getting off work at a decent time tonight and they could celebrate. He winced. His finding a job would be as much of a surprise as her getting off at five.

  Normally, the notion of her having to work so hard would send him into a dark place. Not today, he was getting a job or two. Soon enough, he’d have plenty for them both and she
could quit hers and go back to school. He was charged and floored the gas pedal. His paycheck and their marriage were waiting down the road. Edward was getting to it as fast as he could.

  Chapter 29

  The hours sailed past. Sherry became consumed with coordinating Madeline’s day of pampering.

  “How’s it going?” Dave said, walking from his office.

  “Oh, very well, Dave. I’ve made most of the arrangements,” she said, giddy as could be. “Sure you don’t want me to make arrangements for the flowers or candy too?”

  “No, I have to actually handle a few aspects of the birthday; otherwise, it won’t seem personal for me.”

  Sherry understood, but she gladly would have made the extra plans. She was having an insane amount of fun. With the elaborate setup that Dave orchestrated for his wife, it was no wonder Sherry was fantasizing about having a birthday celebration as thoughtful and grand. Her elation was deflated thinking about Edward. He was struggling with money. He couldn’t afford to put her in a limousine and send her across the river to Canada for a day of shopping or anything else. He was barely able to cover rent on his room, let alone booking her at a five-star spa for the entire morning. The closest she’d get to a spa treatment with Edward was to take a relaxing bath before the other neighbors in her building used up the hot water. It had happened once about four months ago and not since. Sherry discounted Edward’s predicament, which equated to hers as well, and shifted back to happier thoughts: Mrs. Mitchell’s gift. One day, Sherry dreamed, she’d be experiencing such luxury. She was certain it could happen.

  Quitting time approached. Sherry had been so consumed most of the afternoon with her side project that she hadn’t done much for DMI. There was a boatload of work to do. Sherry’s phone rang and she answered to find Edward on the call.