Into You

by Sheena Binkley

  “She started being rude to me when she first stepped in my line,” I argued. “She knew it was busy, so why would she come here, especially when she had a meeting to go to? She should think about managing her time better and choosing what's more important: getting her car washed or being at her meeting on time.”

  “That’s not your decision to make, Vanessa. Every customer who walks into this store expects to have the same service, and they should. I know this is only your fourth day here, but I’m extremely disappointed.”

  I sighed and glanced at the cameras again. I saw Mark in the lobby speaking with Simone. She probably was explaining what had happened.

  “We'll just chalked this incident up to a learning experience and move on. Just don’t let it happen again, okay?”

  “Of course.”

  “But you are doing a great job. You did really well running the lobby by yourself the other day. I was impressed, so don’t let this one incident ruin that.”

  “I said it won’t happen again.”

  “That’s good to hear,” he said as he came over to the other side of his desk. He tried to take my hand, but and I stepped back.

  “Avery, we've talked about this. I said if you touch me again, I'm filing a complaint.”

  “It was a small gesture,” he said, moving closer. He looked down at my breasts then back to my eyes .

  “I have to admit, you are one beautiful woman,” he commented, slowly putting his hand on my thigh. He tried to spread my legs, but I pushed him away from me. He looked shocked; luckily, there was a knock at the door.

  “I’m in the middle of a meeting!” Avery yelled.

  “You need to come out here! Now! Dominic’s wife is at it again!” I heard Mark say. Avery looked at the cameras and groaned. A fight was happening out front; a woman, who I assumed was Dominic’s wife, threw one of the employees on the ground. I looked closely and noticed it was the girl Dominic had been talking to after my interview.

  Avery rushed to the door; when he pulled it opened, Mark was standing in the doorway. Avery ran past him and went outside. Mark looked at me and mouthed, “What happened?” I gave him a look reading “I’ll explain later,” then we both went towards the door. We watched Dominic try to get his wife off of the girl, but his wife sucker punched then kicked her in the head. She was wearing stilettos, so I knew that had to hurt.

  “That’s enough!” Dominic yelled, pulling his wife away from the employee. She turned around and started hitting him.

  “I told your cheating ass if you do this again, I will come up here and kill her!” she exclaimed then started speaking Spanish. I looked at Mark, who began translating. It was things I didn’t need to know.

  “You need to go before we press charges, Elena, Again! And Dominic, take the rest of the day off. I need to take Cecilia to the hospital,” Avery ordered. He helped Cecilia up, who was holding the side of her head.

  Mark sighed as he looked at all the customers, employees, and even people from other businesses watching .

  “I told Dominic to keep it in his pants,” He finally said. “The man doesn’t listen.”

  “Well, that’s just your typical day at Suds. Something unexpected always happens,” Simone remarked.

  Mark and I looked at her, and she shrugged.

  “Besides, when does Dominic ever listen? And his wife is nuts. If he’s not happy, he should divorce her. Plain and simple,” she added.

  Mark turned to me then motioned for me to come with him. I glanced at Simone, and she let me know it was okay, then we headed down to the restaurant.

  Mark looked around before speaking. “What happened between you and Avery? When Simone mentioned you were alone with him, I started getting a bit worried.”

  “He tried his usual pick-up lines, but I set him straight. If he does try it again, I won’t hesitate to get the state involved.”

  “If he tries it again, let me know so I can punch his ass out.”

  “Mark, don't. That will only cause problems, and people will know that we’re together.”

  “How many times do I have to say that I don’t care? V, if he disrespects you again, I won’t hesitate to lose this job or have my dad mad at me. Sure, Avery brings in money, but he’s a jackass. He always has been.”

  “I understand that, but I've dealt with his type before. There have been countless incidents of executives trying to hit on me or proposition me so they could easily sign a contract with DuRow. I put them in their place, just like I'll put Avery in his. When the time is right.”

  I smiled at Mark's raised eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?”

  “Just give it some time,” I told him. “I think I know the perfect way to get him to stop harassing every woman at this car wash. Especially if he wants to keep his job.”

  “Now I’m really curious to what you're going to do.”

  I would eventually let Mark in on my little plan, but not yet. Avery and Maya are going to slip up at some point, and when the opportunity presents itself, I’ll make sure I'm there to capture it all. That’ll get him to stop harassing me and possibly every woman at Suds.

  I noticed Mark staring at my lips, and I blushed.

  "You know how bad I want to kiss you right now?” he asked. “It’s taking all of my strength not to.”

  “We have all night.”

  “You can count on it.”

  Even though the restaurant was kind of noisy, I was still uncomfortable with this conversation. I wanted to kiss him too, but I didn’t want anyone at Suds knowing about it.

  “I'd better go before anyone sees us talking to each other. But tonight, I want you to pack an overnight bag. You’re coming home with me after the club.”

  I stared at him, and he gave me a knowing look. For some reason, his take-charge attitude was turning me on.

  “Wait, what?”

  “I got a taste of being with you overnight, and honestly, I don't know if I want to be apart from you,” he admitted. “I hope you feel the same way.”

  I was about to speak, but he shook his head. He looked up, letting me know the camera was turned on in the restaurant. Then he nodded and went out the door. I didn't even look at the camera as I headed back to the lobby area. I really hoped it wasn't on the entire time we were talking. If it was, we would have a lot of explaining to do.

  Mark

  I walked outside, trying to get myself together. I'd just met Vanessa, and I was so into her, I couldn’t even think straight. She’s the first woman to make me feel this way, which is exciting but nerve- racking.

  I walked over to Missy, who wore a bright smile. “There’s never a dull moment here. I just knew Elena was going to show up after Dominic called her instead of Cecilia.”

  I shook my head. “I still can’t believe he did that. Cecilia was at work, so why would he call her?”

  “Idiot,” Missy replied then changed the subject. “I have to admit, though, you and Vanessa make a really cute couple.”

  “We do, don’t we?” I teased with a smile.

  “Just don't mess it up, Mark. You know I consider your family my own. I’ve seen a lot around here, and your behavior in your past relationships always left a bad taste in my mouth, so I really hope you treat Vanessa right, because she is a nice girl.”

  I nodded. “I know. Even though this is new, I don't want to mess it up. I want to see how things go between us.”

  Missy smiled. “I’m glad. And congrats again on your business venture. I hate I can’t come out with you all tonight. Just make sure you’re here bright and early in the morning to work.”

  “Of course, Missy. I wouldn’t leave you to do everything on your own.”

  “But seriously, Mark; I always knew you had it in you. I really hope you tell your dad what you’ve been up to, though. Don't let him be the last to know about your plans.”

  “Why? So he can berate me about it? I’m tired of him always putting me down about what I want to do.”

  “This time, he won't
. He’ll be proud of you, Mark. You just have to believe he will.”

  “Do you really think that? You know how he acted the first the first time I told him about my dreams. He told me I wouldn’t make it.”

  “That was because it was something you envisioned with your mother. Your father was always kind of jealous of the relationship you had with her. While Sebastian and Carmen related more to him, you related more to your mother.”

  “It's that, and what he did to my mother. I still won’t forget that.”

  “Of course you won’t, Mark, but you should forgive him. It’s only right that you do.”

  I sighed as I noticed my dad’s Ford F-250 pulling into a parking spot. I glanced at Missy; she smiled and said, “Maybe today is the day for it.”

  “I highly doubt it.”

  Normally, my dad didn't show up at his other businesses. He mainly let the managers deal with them, while he focused on the corporate location. He probably stopped by because of what happened between Cecilia and Elena.

  Everyone greeted my dad as he approached me with a smile.

  “Good morning, Mark. Glad to see you’re here working.”

  “Where else would I be, Dad?”

  “I’ll talk with you in a second, but first, I need to talk to Avery about what happened earlier. I saw the entire incident, and I’m not happy. And there was a complaint filed by Ms. Windsor regarding the new cashier here, so I need to talk to her as well.”

  I started getting nervous when my dad mentioned what happened with Vanessa. Ms. Windsor has always been a difficult customer. She even gives Missy and me a hard time, so I don't blame Vanessa for what she said.

  “Hi, Enrique,” Missy greeted.

  “Hi, Missy. I don’t see how you’re still here with everything that’s going on.”

  She smiled. “I guess I’m just used to it now.”

  She nudged me to talk to my dad, but I just took a deep breath. There was no point in talking to him when, it’d probably turn into a full-fledged argument. And I think people have seen enough drama for today.

  As my dad walked inside, Missy sighed. “I t tried to give you the opportunity to speak with him. Why didn’t you take it?”

  “Because I know how things will be between us. There’s no point in starting something that neither one of us can finish.”

  Missy looked confused as I walked away, towards the break room. I needed some time to think.

  Vanessa

  I was in the middle of ringing up a customer when I noticed someone approaching the counter. I noticed how handsome he was as he stood in front of me. His complexion was tanned and smooth, and he ran a hand through his jet black hair, tousling it a bit. I saw that his eyes had a hint of brown since he was looking directly at me. If I didn’t know any better, I'd say he could be Mark’s father.

  “Enrique?” Simone greeted.

  “Hi, Simone. How are you?” he replied in a heavy accent. I titled my head, wondering how he had one, but Mark didn’t.

  “I’m doing fine. What brings you by?” she continued. She seemed a little nervous; she almost bumped into the product of the month display. I glanced at her, wondering what her problem was.

  “A lot has been happening here today, especially with our newest cashier. Vanessa, right?” he asked, turning to me.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Can I see you in the office, please?”

  I nodded and followed Enrique to the office. I looked back at Simone, who shrugged.

  I sighed and followed him. I guess either Avery called to tell him what had happened, or he caught the entire incident on camera. Either way, I didn't think I would be getting a visit from the owner.

  But I can see where Mark got his sexiness from; his father definitely has it, too.

  I slowly walked into the office and saw Enrique looking at a couple of files behind his desk. He looked up and gave a bright smile.

  “Come in, Vanessa.”

  “Hi, Mr. Fernandez.”

  He shook his head. “None of that; just call me Enrique, please.”

  I was sort of nervous. Not only because he was the owner, but he's also Mark’s dad. And he’s gorgeous.

  “First things first, you have made quite an impression the first few days you’ve been here. A lot of people have mentioned how well you're doing so far.”

  “Thank you,” I said.

  “My son even told me about some suggestions you made during our meeting recently. I was truly impressed.”

  “I was just trying to see how much more the company can grow. I was in management, so it’s in my nature to think outside the box.”

  “Yes, Rosario mentioned that you were a consultant. I really hope you stay with us long enough to grow. You never know, you might take her position someday.”

  I laughed. Hopefully, that wouldn't happen. I honestly don't plan on staying that long.

  “But seriously, there was a complaint filed against you by one of our VIPs, Ms. Windsor.”

  I sighed. I knew that was coming.

  “Based on her complaint, you were being rude to her, but I watched the video back, and she was very rude to you. I even called Simone on the way here to ask what happened, and she told me the same thing.”

  “So, will I be reprimanded?”

  He shook his head. “No, Vanessa. Ms. Windsor has always been a difficult customer. Everyone has a hard time dealing with her, so you handled it well; but next time, just call one of the managers into the lobby; either Avery or Dominic can speak with her. I’m sure they'll love that,” he said with a chuckle.

  “I definitely will.”

  “And believe me, there have been times I wanted to tell her off, so I commend you for doing what you did.”

  My eyes widened in surprise, and he shrugged.

  “But other than that, you're doing a great job, so keep up the good work.”

  “Thank you, Enrique.”

  “Is there anything you would like to discuss with me while you’re here?”

  I glanced at him, wondering if I should bring up the situation with Avery, but I've got something for him.

  “Nope, not at all.”

  “Okay, well, I’ll let you get back to work. I have to speak with Avery about what happened. All this stuff with Dominic is getting out of hand now.”

  I didn't say anything as I stood up. Enrique extended his hand, and I accepted it, shaking his hand. “But welcome to Suds. I already know you’ll be a great asset here.”

  “Thank you again, Enrique,” I said and opened the door. As I walked back to my register, I looked over at Simone, who was sitting near the counter. I didn't say anything for a minute, not knowing if she wanted to speak to me.

  “Thank you,” I finally managed to say.

  Simone smiled. “You know I wasn’t going to leave you hanging. You’re my girl, and you always will be. Besides, that witch was mean and rude. She had it coming.”

  “That’s what Enrique said.”

  “Enrique is really nice and easy to talk to. Mark has the same qualities, so I can see why he instantly grew on you.”

  “So what’s with the attitude, then? You were really upset about us being together.”

  “There’s a lot going on that you don’t know about. And now that this has happened, there’s more being thrown into the pot.”

  "What are you talking about?”

  Simone sighed. “Let’s just leave it at that for now, okay?”

  I nodded. “Okay.”

  “And you’re an adult, so live your life and be happy. You should be. I just hope things work out between you and Mark.”

  “I hope so, too. But let’s not talk about that here. You know anyone can listen to the audio if a video is played back.”

  Simone started looking worried when I said that. She tried to play it off, but I knew something was off. I just decided not to address it at the moment.

  “But I won’t be coming back to the house after the club,” I announced.

  S
imone nodded. “So you two are spending the night together?”

  “He asked, so I agreed.”

  “Like I said, you do you. I won’t stand in the way. But we probably should go together or take our cars so no one suspects anything.”

  “Especially Maya. She’s probably looking for me to screw up.”