The moon illuminated the night sky, its presence pouring out beauty on all mankind. The scent of clean, fresh air caressed my nostrils. Letting off steam should have invigorated my spirit, but instead of feeling refreshed, I felt like a horrible person.
“I messed up.” I closed my eyes and leaned with a heavy heart against my car.
I shouldn’t have walked into the club knowing how messed up I was. I shouldn’t have spoken to Edel that way when all she’d done as a good friend was tell me the straight truth and not the sugar-coated shit even though I feel bad by her words.
Tears rushed down my face. I was still not over Blade. I had walked into that club with anxiety and tension and I had poured out all the anger and pain I felt on Edel, who did deserve what I had done to her, by the way.
How long would I keep the memory of him in me and allow it to crush my spirit? Blade had hurt me really bad, he’d broken my soul, and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t shake him out of my memory.
I needed to get the hell over him! I needed to move forward without looking back. Blade had done nothing but bring sorrow to my life. I was still suffering emotionally and psychologically from the things I had experienced at his hands. He’d lied to me, deceived me, and made me feel unworthy of his love.
“I can do this, I can get over him.” I had to get a grip on my emotions.
I was already claustrophobic and aqua-phobic, I couldn’t be club-phobic or party-phobic because of my experiences with one man.
I took a deep breath and marched towards the entrance with confident strides. I would get into the music, I would drown myself in fun and drinks. That was the only way to break his hold over me.
“Um, have you seen my friend?” I asked the bartender when I returned.
“The one with the funny accent?” he asked.
“Her accent is not funny!” I barked at him.
He immediately apologized. “I’m sorry, she left with a guy.”
I guessed she was lucky. I felt terrible for what I had said to Edel. I would make it up to her the first chance I got. In the meantime, I sent her a text.
I’m sorry. Thank you for being my friend. Please be careful, and if you need me, I’m only a phone call away. Love you.
“Tequila.” I put my phone away and drummed the bar slab with my fingertips.
“Okay, coming.” He nodded.
The slow music piped through the speakers, and neon lights splashed on the dance floor as the DJ hit the club with the latest songs. I peered and arched my neck towards the dance floor, trying to see if Edel was there with her man or if she had left the club altogether.
“Here you go, miss.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me.
“Thanks.” I grabbed the crystal tumbler and poured the hot liquid down my throat immediately. It burned my belly and set me on fire. Burn, baby, burn. “You know what?” I grabbed my purse and fetched a fifty-dollar bill from my wallet. “I need six shots. Line them up and keep the change.”
“Sure thing, lady,” the bartender looked perplexed, but he gave a slight shrug and moved to get my drink order.
I needed to forget. I needed to take a risk, to let all my inhibitions down. I smiled as I watched people dance to an old song, the Black-Eyed Peas hit, Party.
The bartender returned with the shot glasses. “Here ya go.”
“Thanks,” I murmured, then rubbed my palms together as I stared at the small glasses before me.
“I can do this,” I whispered and closed my eyes. I opened them at the blast of a new song, then brought the first glass to my lips.
The tequila ignited a fiery sensation in my guts, but that didn’t deter me. I moved to the second, to the third…then finally the sixth. I couldn’t feel my legs anymore; my mind was numb. My brain swirled, flashing different scenes, the laughter from the club a noisy bell to my ears. I didn’t feel any more pain.
“Excuse me, miss.” The bartender moved towards me.
“Who me?” I pointed at myself with my thumb and giggled for no reason. Then suddenly I became dizzy. Then everything went dark.
****
THE MORNING AFTER…
I don’t know how long I had slept and where I was, but I knew I was someplace safe. The bed was unnaturally soft, and the pillows were very comfortable. My eyes fluttered to the bright line of the sun that found its way into the room.
A quick glance at the grey-colored walls, the paintings of old, and the chandelier made me realize I was not in my house.
I straightened on the bed, pushed the duvet off me, and to my utmost horror, I found a man lying naked beside me.
“Ah!” I screamed.
What have I gotten myself into? I didn’t plan to fall into the arms of a total stranger! I was not a one-night stand!
“Good morning, darling, how was your night?” He climbed out of bed and got into his pajamas.
I recognized him immediately. “Wait, are you…?”
“The guy your friend was trying to flirt with. Don’t be scared, we didn’t have sex. You should be thanking me. I saved you from some unsavory characters.” He smiled.
“Then why were you butt naked?” I asked.
“Look, pretty lady, I fear vaginas, so you have nothing to worry about. I sleep naked—my doctors said this is good for a healthy penis. I’m Trey Burke, by the way,” he replied.
“Oh.” I swallowed. “I’m Kira Martin.” I guessed Trey was telling the truth because I was still wearing my clothes. My underwear was still intact plus, I didn’t feel any weird sensation down between my legs, so I was safe.
“Honey, I didn’t touch you. I would never violate a drunk woman, or man for that matter.” He walked up to me and grabbed my shoulders.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“You are welcome, Kira Martin.”
“Kira…” I stuttered and felt a sharp pain in my head. I searched my thoughts, trying to recall everything that had taken place, but I was blank. The only thing I remembered was my fight with Edel. “Fuck.” I moved to the bed.
“Just relax. You need to clear your head. Here’s your purse.” Trey came back with my purse.
“Thanks.” I opened it and grabbed my phone at once.
Twenty missed calls!
“Geez, this is bad.” I ran my fingers through my hair. The time was eleven; I was late for work! This would give Penny a good enough reason to fire me. Fifteen missed calls were from Edel, two from Tom, and three from Penny Crisp. I checked my messages and was surprised to find some from Penny.
Where are you, Kira? Get down here as soon as you get this message! Penny texted.
“Are you okay?” Trey offered me a bottle of water.
“Thanks, I could be better. Thanks again for your help. You are a great guy, Trey, and I will never forget your kindness, but I have to go now.” I stood up from the bed.
“You can’t leave like that, you need to take a shower and eat something, you need to get the liquor completely out of your system,” he said to me.
“You don’t understand, Trey. I have something important to do, I just have to leave,” I said to him.
“If you insist.” He shrugged.
‘Thanks.” I put on my sandals, grabbed my purse, and hurried to the door. I was going home straight, where I would shower and prepare for work.
“Kira!”
I turned and faced him.
“Look, I don’t know what you’re going through, but you have to deal with it. I’ve been in your situation a couple of times and I can testify that alcohol doesn’t solve problems. Just let the pain in. Time will always heal all wounds.”
His words made sense. ‘Just let the pain in, time would always heal all wounds.’ I wanted to ask him a question: what if the pain was too big? What if the burden was too heavy?
Instead, I smiled and showed my gratitude by offering him a hand. “Thanks for everything, Trey.”
“Welcome, Kira…”
I took the elevator and landed on the
last floor of the apartment building before finding my way out.
I waved down a cab and jumped in. Something was going on in the office, and I was missing out. What if the layoff had begun? Would I be the first to lose my job?
I thought of Edel and the mean things I had said to her. I felt ashamed of my actions. I knew she was still mad at me, and I was going to make it up to her.
I paid the cab driver to drop me off at my apartment. I needed a hot shower and some Tylenol. I knew Edel was with my convertible, and I didn’t mind, because I knew the car would be safe with her.
“Finally!” I rubbed my throbbing temples and released the breath I had been holding as I stepped into my home. I needed those painkillers as soon as possible.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
KIRA
I had taken a bottle of water and some pain relievers for my headache. I felt better. I approached the Daybreak building. Something was happening in the office; there were a lot of cars and media people.
“It’s really happening.” I was now sure I was getting fired.
I guessed Edel had known it would come to this, that was why she had prepared me by taking me out last night. I began to weigh my options as I strolled into the building.
I was a freelance writer, and I could get a job online, or I could publish some of my books on Amazon and make my money from there. Finding another place like Daybreak Journal was going to be difficult, but I was hopeful things would balance themselves in the end.
More people flooded into the building. A lot of faces were unfamiliar. I didn’t even think of finding Penny or Edel now, I just wanted to know what was going on.
“Floyd, can I have a minute?’ I called to one of the security men I was a bit familiar with.
“Kira! Finally! Penny has been looking for you. Where the hell have you been? Your boss is in a tirade,” he continued in a lower tone of voice.
“I can’t talk about that now, but can you tell me what’s going on here?” I asked.
A brightness shined in his eyes. “We have a new boss. I think we are all going to like him.”
“A new boss? But Penny never mentioned it, that’s strange.” I was even more confused.
“I don’t know much about the new boss. I think you should see Penny, she is distraught,” Boyd returned.
“Okay, thanks,” I murmured and strolled briskly away.
Now I had to face two people: Penny and Edel. I could suffer the latter, as I had gotten her something she really loved, but Penny? Meeting with Penny whenever she was upset was hell. I dreaded those moments.
I walked straight to my desk and dropped my bag, then turned towards Tom and Edel’s office. I needed to see them first before going to see Penny. I wish I could have been given a heads-up on what was happening since leaving home this morning.
“Aha! Just the person we were waiting for.” Tom welcomed me with a hug.
Edel leaned on her desk with her hands across her chest. Edel looked happy, but I still felt guilty.
“How are you this morning? You got me really worried,” Edel asked.
“Um, first, I am really sorry about last night. I shouldn’t have said those things to you, you didn’t deserve those mean words. I come bearing gifts.” I grinned and offered her a bagel and a vanilla cappuccino, which were her favorite.
“Wow, you guys had a fight? That’s sexy.” Tom chuckled.
“None of your business, Tommy.” Edel took my peace offering.
“I was too hard on you, Kira. Maybe I deserved some of that tongue-lashing.” She opened her arms and invited me in for a warm hug.
“Isn’t that cute? It would be hot if you two could mud wrestle,” Tom teased, and we all laughed.
One problem was solved. Now I had to face Penny, but I needed to know what I was up against.
“Okay, what’s going on, guys? Have I lost my job?” I blurted out.
My friends both laughed. I hoped their laughter meant I had no worries because I loved working here. I enjoyed being around my friends and all these familiar faces of my coworkers.
“We don’t know what’s going on. It seems we are about to have a new commander-in-chief,” Edel gushed.
“Floyd said the same thing. Um, have you guys seen this person? This new boss?” I asked.
They shook their heads. I never saw this one coming. Penny had worked so hard for Daybreak Journal. Why would she just give it up so quickly?
“I am not judging her, but I think Penny just needs to chill, you know, be patient. One of us can come up with a big story.” I grinned.
“That will be you, I guess.” Tom winked.
“I had gladly accepted the challenge, anytime, any day.” I had taken some of what Edel had said to me to heart and I was ready to take some risks. I was prepared to get back my job.
“I have to see Penny,” I announced then strode towards the door.
“Hey, Kira…I am sorry I left you at the club alone. I came back looking for you, but the bartender said you’d left with a guy.” It was Edel’s turn to apologize.
I laughed as I remembered the moment I had found myself next to a naked man.
“We’ll talk about my misfortune later. For the record, I am not mad. We are good, Edel, we are all good.” I blew her a kiss then walked out of the door with a great feeling of doubt. I was uncertain of what lay ahead, whether times were dark or light, whether I succeeded or failed. I would be all right. I would put my head down and roll with the punches. I was not used to surprises but I was willing to be patient this time. I was ready to open this package wrap after wrap till everything was uncovered.
“Is she in?’ I asked Penny’s secretary once I reached her office.
“Yes, for now. She’s waiting to talk with you, Kira,” the secretary replied.
I nodded my thanks, strolled over, and rapped the door softly before stepping into my former boss’s office.
“Good morning, Penny. I am so sorry that I came to work late. I have a good explanation for my behavior, I am so sorry,” I apologized.
How colorful Penny looked today. She seemed almost excited, which was rare, and for the first time, she was not wearing her horn-rimmed glasses while working on some files.
She wore a dress with a floral pattern, and her brunette curls fell around her shoulders. Penny seemed like a different woman. She was beautiful. She had stopped what she was doing when I’d entered the room.
“Have a seat, Kira.”
“Thanks.” I took a seat without question.
“I don’t care about your reason for coming in late. It’s not something that happens often; I knew you had a good reason for it. How are you?” she asked.
“I’m okay.” I felt confused, light-headed, like I was a feather dancing in the wind, waiting for the dust to swallow me up. I just needed to be strong to hear whatever Penny had to say to me.
“I already told you that there will be layoffs and I wasn’t kidding when I made that statement. Daybreak Journal had her glory days, but we have failed to bring back that glory in recent years, and that made us bankrupt. I am not the type of boss who enjoys withholding rewards and benefits. I love hard-working people and I cherish resilience. This was the reason I made that tough decision to let people go, but things changed.” She smiled.
Can she just get to the point already? I thought to myself.
“Daybreak Journal is about to witness something big. I don’t believe in miracles, but what just happened this morning, what is about to happen, is a huge miracle!” There was a heavy dose of excitement in her voice.
I couldn’t relate to what she was feeling. From what I had learned, she was selling the Journal to some other person. Was that a miracle? Undoubtedly, that was not worth celebrating. I didn’t mean to be a wet blanket, I was just musing around the facts in my head.
“That’s nice…” I forced a smile because I didn’t know what else to say.
“This morning, I received a call.” Tears welled up in her eyes. I could see s
he was fighting so hard not to cry in front of me. “Someone offered to work with us, and by doing so this person will help us build a fan base with their influence. That way, we get back the popularity that was lost. It’s a rare opportunity for a person like this to make such a great offer. I feel blessed. I feel the Daybreak Journal is set for greater things. I feel we’re lucky. Plus, I get to stay on here and do what I do best.” Penny never stopped smiling.
“Wow.” I was shocked by the rumors of her selling and by this new offer. This was indeed a miracle! But that didn’t explain why I was in her office, and I was too scared to come at her directly.
“There is someone who requested you anchor the interviews. This is why I called you. The new owner has been reading your articles and following your publications. He thinks you are brilliant and deserve this opportunity,” Penny informed me.
Now this was interesting. “This turn of events is unbelievable,” I muttered.
I knew I had over a thousand likes per post on Facebook, but I never knew someone would pick me out from the hundred people working in Daybreak Journal for something like this.
“It’s believable, Kira. You are one of the best writers I have, and this was the reason I felt really disappointed when you failed to present the big story you promised,” Penny replied.
Her words made me feel special. She encouraged me without deliberate effort. “So, if you considered me one of your best writers, why did you demote me then and threaten me indirectly?” I asked.
“I needed to make you sit up and take notice. I wanted you to know that you’re not indispensable. You must work your ass off for every story and make it happen no matter how challenging your assignments becomes.”
I nodded because everything Penny said was right. “Who is the new person in charge?” I asked.
“Patience, Kira. I was just drawing up a plan. But he is a very busy person, so the interviews you will have with him will last for three days. You’ll get to ask him a lot of questions about his job, his career, and his love life. You’ll cover both for the television and for the Journal, while Edel and Tom will work on our social media pages. I trust you, I know you will not fail me, please don’t. This is our last chance. We as a working family need to survive.” Penny leaned closer and placed her hands on the desk. “The ball is in your court, Kira. Run with it.
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