It's just a loan, Vance! I'll pay it all back.
And it was true. I really just needed a loan. Who could not in the bank and quickly. How would I add money to pay it back ... Well ... I had not yet arrived in this part of my plan.
But soon the school would open applications for the scholarship and my Ty could one. At least that's what I expected.
- Swift! - He laughed.
- Something quick and agile. - Go down the street hand in hand to stop the private school bus.
- Harmless!
- Harmless.
- Unharmed. - He asked.
- Intact. Come on, boy, is not even trying hard.
- It's because you said the smartest person in the house has to be you! - I laughed - I do not want to use the more difficult and ashamed. - Wrinkled her nose, laughing, and I spent an arm around his shoulders.
- Do not be pedantic, kid!
He stopped walking.
- I do not know this.
- Look! I think I will not tell you and I will remain the smartest person in the house. - I made a theatrical flourish of joy and he laughed out loud. - And I thought you had read the entire dictionary. - I teased.
- Still I have not got the letter p. What you mean? - Flashed into the void. It was just a joke ... I did not realize that he was actually reading the dictionary.
- Sassy. Pretentious. Pedantic.
- I did not get the letter P, mother! - I pulled my arm - I do not know any of these.
- Arrogant! - I decided - means arrogant. Do not be arrogant.
- Oh, no way! - She laughed - I know that the most arrogant person in the house has to be you, too.
I smiled and kissed the top of her head as the bus was coming around the corner.
- That's my puppy!
***********
- Good morning, Mr. Baxter.
- Good morning, Rose. Good morning, Laura. - I greeted the secretaries.
I entered my room and removed his coat. Laura followed me. I preferred when it was Rose who took care of my agenda. Laura seemed to read other novels and developed a little attraction for me that was becoming less appropriate. It was a smart and competent girl, majoring in business administration, it would be useful to have it around. Especially after I realized she irritated Elizabeth ... life's little pleasures. But if she kept this up, I would need to find another place for her in the company.
- The week is full, sir. And all confirmed for his trip on Thursday, already booked the right seats with the company.
- Seats? - I sat in my chair - What happened to the jet?
- Maintenance, Mr. Baxter. You said we should schedule for this month, but if you prefer ...
-.. No That's good. I never stop traveling even think it is inevitable to have to fly commercial aircraft. Rose's passing is also organized?
- Um ... yes, sir. About that ... could you take a minute?
- Of course. - I exhaled - What happened?
She turned slightly and closed the door behind him. He wore a light dark dress, short sleeves and buttons. The skirt fell to about the knees and a thin belt marked his narrow waist. She wore her light brown hair in a braid over her shoulder.
- I talked to Rose about the possibility of taking your place on this trip. It would be an incredible experience for me, sir, if I could. - He looked down, adjusting the light frame glasses - not just to see the close agreement, but the negotiations that happen. And of course I would be ready to help with whatever you needed. Was your disposal. And Rose would not mind. She just said I would have to settle with you.
I caught the jaw.
- I need my team there to work, Laura. This is a business and not a charity. If Rose does not mind and would be beneficial to you, I have no problem. I do not want delays or absences because he was making new contacts or watching a lecture, okay? If you prefer to come, come, but I expect the utmost professionalism your there, and wait here.
- Yes, sir, of course!
- Then, make the necessary changes. What's on the agenda for today?
The door of my room opened and I saw Anya enter abruptly followed by Rose.
- Hi love. - She saw Laura sitting in front of me and came straight to my mouth. He gave me a long and unnecessary kiss I had to stop.
- A thousand pardons, Mr. Baxter.
Rose had the gray bun stuck on top of the head and a pained look.
- Anya, what are you doing? - My tone was rude and objective.
- I came to see you! - She pushed my chair and tried to sit on my lap, but I pushed her with his arm.
- I've talked to you about it.
I could feel Laura holding the smile of satisfaction.
- I tried to warn you, Mr. Baxter, but she ...
- It's not your fault, Rose. - I raised a hand to the most exemplary of my employees - Thank you. Laura, you can go too, leave the door open when you go, please. I just need a minute and we will continue with the agenda.
- Yes sir. - They went out and Anya pointed to the door as if he did not understand why she should stay open.
- Do not come see me in my work environment without combining with me before, Anya. - I saw her wither - I keep my professional life and separate personal and if you can not respect that we have a problem. And do not come into my room unannounced. Especially, when the door is closed.
- Good day to you too. - He complained.
- Do not like to be surprised or stopped. You know it.
- Greg, you need to relax. - She put her hands on my neck in a massage that would be good. If only it was someone else who was doing.
Anya had dark straight hair falling in layers to her shoulders, brown eyes and slender body with soft curves. I could stand on her, kiss her mouth, put his hand on her waist, stick his face in her hair and pretend ... pretend she was someone else.
The point that I had arrived ...
- What I need is to work, Anya. - I held hands and walked away from me - and you need to go.
- When will we see each other?
Once a week, usually it was all I needed.
- Do not know. I must travel on Thursday.
- Ah! - She put her hands to her mouth excited - Somewhere with a beach? I can go with you ... - down finger on my tie - wait naked in the room in between its meetings. - He whispered in my ear. But he had not the effect she wanted. I never had the effect she wanted. Anya should be the tenth brunette girlfriend I had in years. And so they began to want too it was time to get rid of them. It seemed the best option to date because never wanted more. Money, travel and expensive gifts were good enough and she was kept under control. But in recent months, he had experienced some news of high society and certainly had some inconvenient friend whispering in his ear that it was time to marry and have children. I'd have to finish everything before Anya started thinking that could follow the advice of friend to me.
- I do not mix business with pleasure. See you when we combine to do so.
- I'm not your possession, Gregory! - His shoulders slumped. Great ... I would hear cries of two women today. I was reaching my limit and was doing it very quickly. - You can not put me in the corner and use me only when needed. I do not know what kind of woman you're used to, but I do not accept man who does not value me! - Raised his voice and my patience is gone.
- Anya! You are my lover. My lover. You can not come to my work as well. You lost your mind?
- Oh ... everyone knows that we are together. And the way his wife looked at me when I crossed with her on a brunch on the weekend I'm sure she knows well. I wanted to wave to her and say hi dear, just fuck her husband. - She laughed and clapped his hands slowly.
- I do not care who knows. And I thought you had talked about attending the same environments Elizabeth.
- Greg ... You need to relax. - I sat at my desk - Close that door and I'll show you how. - He winked rascal for me.
- I do not think I have to repeat myself, but do not mix business with pleasure, Anya. I will not fuck you, or anyone in my office
. - Swallow Cleaning - It's the kind of thing that I do not. You have to go. I have work to do.
- When will I see you?
- When I return trip. Perhaps.
***********
It was still only half of the week and I was counting the seconds for the weekend. It was my new reality ... administrative work in an office did not suit me. I missed my processes and audiences, but was no longer a possibility. I had no longer the same last name and Laura Scarlett even had a degree in law.
Three knocks on my door.
- Laura? Monsieur Rossel is here. I let him in?
I passed my hand on top of his head impatiently, smoothing my hair up in a tight bun.
- You can. Thank you, Carole.
She made a brief gesture and opened the door.
- Hi, kitty.
- Vance! - Smiles, false - What do I owe the pleasure of the visit?
- Hardly I talked to you this week. A gentleman can not come to visit a dear friend?
- Must! - I got up and left him to kiss my cheeks.
Rossel was five years older than me. His beard was always perfectly well made and methodically combed-back hair. It was almost beautiful. And almost charming. But always elegant: his clothes were well spent and he had a clean smell. His exaggeration with cleaning staff always made me imagine that at least one of his two divorces had happened after he took the poor woman crazy. My mind flew to Shelbi. My old friend ... the neighbor who suffered from the cheating husband and neurotic with cleanliness.
But it was not the time to remember the past.
- I confess that I had ulterior motives for coming here today.
- Say once. - Smiles, as if playing. But he was busy and wanted, in fact, he said once.
- Next week is Ty's birthday, am I right?
- It is. - I agreed. Two things have to be said about Vance: he is observant and learn fast. It did not take to discover that the way to my heart was pleasing my puppy. Tyler did not like him and I doubted that would change someday, but had yielded excellent birthday gifts. Not to serve as much ... just that Ty knew who was present and soon lost interest. Was a radio-controlled car or a book ... if this was Vance, Tyler would hate. My little cub was the man of the house. And he did not like other men invading our lives.
- What would he think of a small trip to ... Walt Disney World in Florida? - Announced quickly.
My jaw dropped and I was looking for words.
- The three of us could go there next week. Yeah ... he would lose a few days of school, but the boy is a genius! - He laughed - He can recover everything when I return. And we could hire a nanny, a day or night, you know? - His smile changed - has some great places in Orlando for adults. It has a great bar I'd love to take you and some shows at night, too. Would be great! What do you say?
- Vance ... I thank you, but ...
- Come on, Dom! Do not make me this undone. And it's not for you! It is by Ty! What do you say?
- It's too, Vance, I can not accept.
- I know you were planning to take it to Eurodisney.
- Was. I still am. - Laughs - but just get a train, Vance. And we're there in less than an hour. Back home at dinnertime. You're talking about crossing the ocean. Plane tickets, lodging ... no. You've helped me a lot and I already owe more money than I can count.
- You know I'm not charging.
- Know. But still. No. Thank you, but no. I'll just take Ty Eurodisney this time. Maybe in a few years I make a good economy and he knows the other.
- You just like me, you know? - Exaggerated in frustration.
- Do not say that! I thank you, really. But I can not accept.
- What if I direct offer to Ty?
Good luck.
- He is a child. Not decide. Who decides me and I'm saying thank you, but no thank you.
- I insist. But I know how stubborn you are.
I laughed despite not having found any grace.
- It's all right. We'll have dinner later?
- Perhaps. I have work today ... - I lifted one shoulder.
- You know, Dom? One day I give up on you.
- Give up nothing. - I joked, giving him a pinch on the arm and his gaze melted on me.
Give it up, yes.
And it will not be ...
***********
Buckled my seat belt and Laura sat next to me, with a faint smile.
- You want something before takeoff? - The stewardess approached solicitously.
- I'm fine thank you.
- A glass of water? - And she asked the flight attendant walked away promptly. - I have never traveled first class. - She confessed.
- It's the same thing that the executive. Only more expensive, with a little more space and you can choose between bad food or awful.
She laughed softly. I was not funny and his laugh indicated that she just wanted to please me.
- Mr. Baxter. Can I ask you a personal question?
- I do not know whether, Laura. - I looked at her from the corner of the eye and noticed it was not going to give up. I better stop it at once. - A question. It's all right. Ask your question.
- You are a handsome, rich, smart, successful. But always seems to be so ... Excuse me, but does not seem very pleased with what won.
I could always judge the character of a woman by the way she listed my qualities. The list showed the priority that every thing had to her. Rico was always the first or second list. It could be just a coincidence. But it was a surefire coincidence.
- I am a focused person. Only that. Do not show feelings out there, but I am very satisfied with my achievements, thanks.
- I did not mean to offend. - Hurried.
- No offense.
- It's just ... working for you for over a year and do not remember seeing anything on your calendar to indicate that you relax. I do not know if it's healthy to live alone work. - She seemed to measure his words carefully not to hit me the wrong way. I respected his decision. But I wanted her to stop talking.
- Do not put my leisure moments in my professional agenda.
- But spare time out of it, sir? You might not have to work so hard. It could allow a moment of leisure. I book a massage for you at the hotel. Or time to relax by the pool, or ...
- I'm fine just doing my job, miss. Relax when you return home. - I left my tone explain that the conversation was over. She was silent for a few seconds and wanted to pull some other subject, but I ignored her nervousness and opened the book.
- Scarlett? - He asked, reading the cover.
I downloaded the book and exhaled.
- It is the continuation of the Wind. But it is written by someone else. I do not know if it. - I shrugged.
- Oh, I think worth yes. Since it is a person who has understood the first.
- Perhaps. But could end up distorting the original author's intent.
- ... It is in this case would be a problem. - She turned aside, looking excited to have gotten a subject. She was like that, so ... the kind that agreed with anything the guy said to continue the conversation.
Or maybe she just did not want to displease the boss.
Whatever it was, at least it was better than the other woman in my life: the kind that shouts at me for attention.
- You liked the Wind? I confess I have not read, but I have a lot of desire. The film is fantastic.
- I think sucks.
- Uh ... - her smile faded and she did not know what to do with.
- History and forced badly told. Scarlett is the worst human being that ever lived: in reality or fiction. And make it a heroin was bad taste. She is the kind of person which decent people should want to distance and the film ... honestly? I think Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh a bag is not so pretty.
I do not know why I decided to regurgitate so angry about the book ... but in the last years of my life, I do not remember anyone ever have asked me something. What book I like. What movie. What music. I not remember having a conversation with someone when the person really was
interested in me. Elizabeth was only interested in money. Eleanor had interest in me, but it was always in his garbled version and only mixed with affection control. After Boe retired and gone, without even saying goodbye, I found myself trapped and surrounded by people who knew me less and less. True, before you go, Boe had sent me an address of an email with your cryptic message "when you need it." Maybe it was just his way of saying goodbye and, considering how else had abandoned me without at least one message - enigmatic or not - I was grateful to Boe for your consideration. Anyway, sometimes I found myself wondering if he should not come in contact with it. My version of a friend. Unlike Derek that increasingly seemed just more interested in business than in friendships. Or maybe I should forget Boe and his intentions. Maybe I should look for new friendships. Or maybe just not be rude to people like Laura who showed the least amount of real interest.
- Sorry, I think I got carried away.
- ... Not in any way. - She smiled - I think I had only heard good things about the story, but ... people do it, is not it? - She touched my arm - Praise just because it's a classic and want to pretend they are educated.
I pulled my arm and I decided to steer the conversation back to an appropriate location.
- I need to review material as soon as we get to the hotel. Just call the contractor staff once we get to confirm everything and then you can take a break. We met after lunch.
- You want me to make any reservations for lunch? When you get to the hotel? Or would you rather just ...
- I'll eat something in the room. You can do as you like and then find ourselves.
I gave a hint in the book indicating that he was going back to my reading. She smiled, lifeless and found a magazine.
***********
Laura said something that bothered me and I found myself walking through the hotel corridors towards the pool. I could spend twenty minutes sunning, could not it? Reading my newspaper and drinking something? It would not be horrible.
I passed through the gate that separated the inner area of the external and my senses were invaded by sunlight, lively music, the smell of salt and plants, the sound of children running and swimming. It was almost contagious. I sat on one of the sun loungers and gave my room number to one of the waiters in exchange for a cold drink.
My Life in the End Page 14