by M. Sembera
She smiled politely, saying, “He’s waiting for you, go ahead in,” as she held the phone on her shoulder.
Smiling back, I headed into Mr. Thomas’ office.
“Hey girl, what can I help you with?” he asked, smiling wide at me.
A little nervous now, I asked, “I was wondering, I know I just bought a house but I need to make another large withdrawal from my account.”
Smiling and shaking his head at me, he laughed, “Would you like it out of your share dividends or your personal account? Either way, It’s not a problem and you don’t need my permission.”
“I would like the original amount of my personal account,” I replied.
Stopping for a moment, Mr. Thomas cleared his throat and asked, “That is a very large amount, is everything alright?”
Nodding, I replied, “Yes, I just don’t want it that’s all.”
Giving me a strange look at first, his expression turned to understanding as he said, “I would never hide anything from you Ren. All you would have had to do was ask and I would have told you.”
Smiling at him, I assured, “I know,” before sharing, “Also, my share account will be closed Friday, I’m sure. That won’t affect your firm in any way will it?”
“No it won’t and I am assuming you have already been advised on whether or not that is a good idea,” he replied.
Nodding, I answered, “Yes sir, I know what I’m doing.”
Mr. Thomas returned my nod before saying, “I think it would be a good idea for us to sit down and make a budget for you. You still have money but nowhere near what you had before.”
“I would appreciate that, I need all the help I can get,” I said before asking, “Oh, can you leave the name on the check blank please.”
Smiling, he replied, “Yes honey, I can.”
After thanking him, I slid the envelope with the check inside my purse and walked out of his office.
Lying to myself, I decided to make Ellis happy and check to make sure Jackson was still coming to Hert’s party. Really, I just wanted to feel him out on the receptionist. I knew it was wrong but on the off chance he showed up with her on his arm at the party, well, it could end badly for her.
Making my way to the cubical with his desk in it, I watched him for a minute before saying, “Wow, nice office.”
Looking up at me, Jackson laughed as he replied, “Impressive, huh.”
“How do you like being back here?” I asked.
Nodding at me, he replied, “I like it.”
With light smile, I questioned, “You’re still coming tonight, right?”
“Yes, Ren,” he answered before sharing, “I’m picking my suit up from the cleaners at lunch.”
Even though I had intended on asking if he was bringing a date, I changed my mind and said, “Okay see you tonight.”
Smiling wide, he gave me a wink before saying, “Later Ren.”
Turning away from his cubical, I thought, that’s exactly what I needed. It’s funny how something simple like a wink and a smile can put you in the right frame of mind.
When I arrived home, Emerson was sitting on the couch in the living room. Walking up to him, I smiled. When he hesitantly smiled back, I sat down next to him.
“Are you okay?” I asked, wondering if he was nervous about the party.
Turning to me, he reached over and held my hand, saying, “I was going through some of my stuff in the garage and I found this.”
Confused, I looked down at his other hand. Seeing the picture in his hand, I noticed it was of all four of us. Taking the picture from him, I saw myself, with Jackson’s arms around my waist, Emerson was standing next to Jackson and Hert next to me.
“This had to have been the night before your parents moved,” I said.
Nodding, he agreed, “It was,” before asking, “What happened to them?”
Teary eyed, I answered, “Just life I guess,” as I leaned my head against his shoulder.
“I am nervous, Ren,” he shared.
Moving back a little, I looked at him and assured, “You’re sweet, thoughtful, and incredibly handsome, any girl would be lucky to have you.”
A soft smile formed on Emerson’s face before he wrapped his arms around me.
Although it was a bit on the tacky side to do so, I pulled out the dress Mrs. Thomas made me. Re-wearing a dress from a previous event was sort of frowned upon but it was special and seriously, after Hert’s party, when was I going to have the chance to wear it again? It had been a while since I had worn jewelry of any kind but when I put my grandmother’s diamond and emerald bracelet on, with the little emerald earrings Mrs. Thomas gave me, I decided to never take either of them off again.
When I stepped out of my room, I made sure the hallway was empty before quickly walking to Emerson’s room. I knocked on his door then stepped in without waiting for an answer. Emerson was already dressed in his suit and tie as he sat on the chair next to his bed.
“You look so handsome,” I shared.
Standing up, he smiled a goofy smile before saying, “Thank you, you look pretty too.”
Smiling at him, I said, “Okay, here they are. Make sure you put them in the second drawer in that cabinet at the back of the hall,” handing him two boxes.
Nodding, he stated, “Yes, ma’am.”
“I’m going to go distract Hert so you can make it out of the house with them,” I shared before saying, “In case, I don’t get to talk to you later, I love you Em.”
“I love you too Ren,” he repeated setting the boxes down and hugging me.
When he let go, I left his room and headed to Hert’s.
I walked into Hert’s room without knocking. He didn’t acknowledge me at all. Standing there watching him attach the brace around his leg, I thought, ‘I’m glad you’re worried’. Hert slid his shoes on before adjusting the bottom of his slacks and standing up.
“Are you about ready?” I asked, taking a step closer.
He appeared angry but I knew him well enough to realize, he was afraid of what I was fixing to do to him.
“Do you want some help with that?” I offered, watching him fumble with his tie.
“I really hate these things, you know,” he griped.
Giving him a funny look, I asked, “Ties?”
Hert rolled his eyes at me and grunted, “Parties.”
Nodding, I said, “I know, you look nice though.”
Stopping what he was doing, Hert turned to me and shared, “So do you.”
The moment was awkward and it felt weird but I couldn’t stop myself from saying, “I’m not sorry we got married.” He looked at me as if he had gone into shock before I explained, “I’m sorry about how everything turned out but ya know.”
Nodding, he turned back to the mirror and finished tying his tie.
Emerson was gone before we headed downstairs. I wondered for a moment if Erin was bringing someone since she wasn’t very happy about Em taking Amila. It was an old rule but one she stuck to, I understood she wouldn’t want to show up to the event alone. It was clear Hert was on edge. A few times I thought about easing his anxiety but somehow his nervousness gave me confidence. Just about the time Hert started pacing back and forth, the driver arrived and we headed to the hall.
Chapter 22
I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car. Hert held the door until I was all the way out then offered his arm. Ellis was right inside the hall doors with her clip board and although I expected her to comment on my dress, she just smiled and shook her head at me. We were instantly bombarded by guests with well wishes for Hert, the moment we stepped into the main hall. Every Office employee, investor and affiliate along with The Society board and its members were all in attendance.
It wasn’t long before Ramsden made his way over to us with a fake smile or deceitful grin, whichever it was I smiled, looking forward to metaphorically slapping it right off his face.
“Mr. and Mrs. Herterand,” he greeted.
Hert replied first, saying, “Mr. Ramsden, thank you for coming,” before I chimed, “Yes, it is a pleasure to have you with us this evening and where is Angelina?”
Motioning to a table, he replied, “In her place,” with a slight laugh.
I heard Hert laugh a little too as I looked over and saw Angelina sitting at a table with Benetta, Pearl, Brooke and Nadine, the ladies from The Office brunch.
Patting Hert on the arm, I announced, “I think I will go say hello.”
Watching Angelina carefully as I made my way to her, I noticed her smug expression.
Stepping to their table, I smiled wide greeting all five of them personally. I had some time to kill before everything got going so I decided to get in on the gossip.
Two seconds was all it took for Benetta to whisper, “Did you see Mrs. Roberts came alone.”
Glancing three tables down I saw Erin visiting with Ellis’ husband Mr. Montgomery.
Being polite with a hint of displeasure for her comment, I said, “Good for her.”
Nadine quickly butted in, saying, “Well of course you think so, you’re getting divorced.”
Slowly looking over at her, I held my tongue as Pearl snarked, “Oh, was it a secret?”
“I’m sure she is aware that everyone knows,” Brooke shared giving me an ‘I’m better than you’ grin.
Knowing exactly where the information came from, I glanced at the hall entrance and smiled before turning my focus to Angelina.
With a condescending tone, I stated, “Angelina, I am glad you could join us, are you not feeling well?”
Glaring at me as I stood, she replied, “I am very well.”
Taking a step closer, I looked down at her, saying, “Oh, because you’ve looked better.”
The other ladies at the table gasped in unison.
Before she could respond, I faced the front of the hall and clasped my hands, cheering, “Ms. Herterand is here!” Glancing back at Angelina, I shared, “Isn’t she stunning,” as her face turned white.
Heading straight for Ms. Herterand and Dr. Chepelli, I thought, stunning did not do her justice. She was exquisite.
Ms. Herterand wore a flowing light blue gown that made her eyes shine a bright blue, offsetting her black shoulder length hair. Not only that, being on Dr. Chepelli’s arm gave her a glow, I had never seen before.
Halfway to them, Hert caught my arm asking, “Is that my mother?”
“Yes it is,” I replied, smiling as I continued to them.
The second I caught up with them, I hugged Ms. Herterand.
“You are so beautiful,” I declared.
She gave a little smile that said, ‘I know’, before saying, “Let’s get this going, I never liked any of these people to begin with.”
Nodding at her, I stepped back as they walked over to where Erin was seated.
The look on Erin’s face was hard to make out and even though I wasn’t close enough to hear, I knew Ms. Herterand was offering her condolences. I’m sure Erin was confused by the way Ms. Herterand kept looking over at Angelina, that was the point. It was supposed to appear as though Ms. Herterand was telling Erin all about Angelina. When in reality, Ms. Herterand had made a point of letting me know how important it was to her that she make amends with Erin. Angelina caught my eye from across the room and I gave her a little smile. She started to stand up, then fell back into her chair before slumping down onto the floor. It couldn’t have been more perfect but as I watched Dr. Chepelli rush to check on her, Mr. Ramsden appeared put out that his wife’s passing out interrupted his conversation. Since we only needed her gone for the night, Dr. Chepelli escorted Angelina out and informed everyone he was taking her to the emergency room. Also, it helped that Ms. Herterand was the first person she saw when she came to, because she started rambling incoherently and even threw up on herself a little.
While I was standing there, enjoying ‘the show’, Hert walked up next to me.
“Are all these events like this,” he asked.
Shaking my head, I replied, “No, but this one is special.”
Hert gave me a strange look as his mother walked up, saying, “Thank you for inviting me.”
A little sad, I asked, “You’re not staying?”
Ms. Herterand hugged me before, saying, “I think I will ride with Francis, help him keep an eye on Angelina,” then turning to Hert, she stated, “Scott, take care of yourself.”
Hert nodded at her, before she quickly turned and walked away from us.
Looking up at Hert, I asked, “Are you alright?”
I could tell he was trying to figure out what was going on. Hert was smart, not to mention he knew me well enough to know when I was up to something.
Before he had a chance to answer or question me, Ramsden walked over to us. I started to walk off when I noticed Emerson and Amila walk in. Wanting to keep Hert’s attention away from them, since Em had Hert’s presents in his arms, I turned and looked up at Ramsden.
“I hope your wife will be alright,” I lied.
Suspicious, he stated, “I am certain she will be fine.”
Tilting my head to the side, I said, “I don’t know, she seemed… unstable. I had just spoken with her.”
“Perhaps she was overly excited. This evening is a big moment for all of us,” he replied.
Smiling wide, I assured, “That it is, perhaps she is concerned about the outcome of this evening.”
Hert glanced between me and Ramsden before questioning, “Would someone like to explain to me what is going on?”
Without giving me a chance to answer, Ramsden stated, “Scott, there is no need for concern. It is perfectly natural to be anxious.”
Nodding, Hert replied, “Thank you, and I appreciate you stepping in here while I am leading from so far away.”
Thinking, ‘oh hell no’, I blurted, “What now?”
Ramsden gave me a slick smile as he informed, “Didn’t Scott tell you? I have agreed to stand in until a vice president can be appointed.”
It only took me a second to realize, Ramsden was setting himself up for control.
Furious, I wanted to shove him down and beat him up. Truthfully, after my announcement it wouldn’t matter anyway, however, there was something about knowing Hert had played right into Ramsden’s hand that provoked me.
Glaring up at Ramsden, I asked, “You requested the position?”
Hert replied for him, saying, “Mr. Ramsden was gracious enough to …” before I held my hand up to stop him.
“Clearly, Mr. Ramsden was not aware that I have someone in mind for that position. I’m sure he was simply being courteous and has no actual desire to run The Office,” I stated before looking up at Ramsden, asking, “Do you?”
Ramsden took a moment to reply, “I feel Scott would be more suitable to appoint his successor.”
Concentrating on not rolling my eyes, I shared, “I agree. I also know that Romero Pertratelli would be appointed if he was still with us.”
Hert appeared conflicted as he questioned, “Who did you have in mind?”
“Actually, I have two people in mind,” I shared before explaining, “One for the vice president position and one to be his second.”
Scoffing at me, Ramsden said, “What makes you think you are in any way capable of making that kind of a decision?”
Staring directly at Ramsden, I replied, “Aside from the fact that I have the controlling share, which makes me capable of all kinds of decisions, I know the man my husband is and I am aware of those qualities in other people as well.”
I knew I had gotten under his skin as he snapped, “You are in no way trusted enough to be an advisor on any Office issues.”
Surprised and pleased, when Hert spoke up assuring, “I can decide who I take advice from,” I left them to their conversation, saying, “Excuse me, I am going to go tell Emerson and Amila hello.”
By the time I made it over to Amila, Emerson was introducing her to his mother. Erin was very polite but I could tell it
was going to take a while for her to warm up to the idea of them being together. Luckily, Erin was called to a different table by another society member.
Giving Amila a hug, I said, “You look so pretty and I love your dress.”
Smiling at me, she gushed, “Oh my gosh Ren, so do you and you will never believe what happened.”
Shooting Emerson a concerned look, I thought, he better not have proposed on the way over, as I asked, “What?”
“When we walked in, Mrs. Montgomery asked me to call her Ellis. Can you believe that?” she cheered.
Smiling at her, I shared, “She must like you then.”
Amila’s smile beamed as she glanced up at Emerson. Seeing the adoring way he looked down at her, made me happy for them.
“I’m glad ya’ll are together,” I said, not really meaning for it to be out loud.
They smiled at me then each other before I felt a tap on my shoulder.
When I turned around, my breath caught in my chest. Slowly exhaling, I thought, ‘Why does he have to be so damn cute?’
Smiling wide at me, Jackson greeted, “Hey,” before glancing at Emerson, saying, “How ya doing man?”
Emerson replied, “Good,” then said, “I’m glad you came.”
Giving Em a curious smile, he questioned, “Isn’t this Hert’s party?”
“I meant it is good to see you,” Em quickly covered before Jackson said, “You too and Amila you look nice.”
“Thank you,” Amila cheered before Em took her hand, saying, “Let’s go find our table.
She nodded at him then it was just me and Jackson.
Smiling at him, I complimented, “You look nice.”
Jacks flashed a smile before giving me a once over and saying, “You look beautiful Ren.”
It was a bitter-sweet compliment. On the one hand, I liked hearing him say I was beautiful but on the other hand, I was accustom to him not saying how I looked because it would offend me.
Not knowing what to say, I asked, “So, did you come by yourself?”
Laughing, he replied, “Was I supposed to bring a date?”
“No,” I blurted before saying, “I mean I guess you could have, if you really wanted to. I don’t know what the invitations Ellis sent out said. If it was plus one or…”