by kj lewis
“Why didn’t you sell the one you gave back to me? You could have paid for an apartment for at least a year with the money. You know that watch is worth fifteen- maybe twenty-thousand.”
“We talked about it, but we didn’t want to. We shared it.”
I stand and remove a picture of Addie and me when we were babies, and one we took sitting on Scout’s hood. I show them to Graham.
“You’re twins?” He looks back to me.
I laugh at his question. “Isn’t that obvious?”
“Actually, I don’t know why I didn’t pick up on that. Your mom left before…I guess I just never stopped and put it all together. I just thought you were older.”
“Well, I am. By four minutes.”
“Here,” I hand the book to Harry. “You keep these.”
Harry and Eloise walk us out to where Smith and Teague are waiting for us. I hug Eloise goodbye. She kisses Graham on his cheek. He and Harry share a parting handshake before Harry pulls me into a hug that he holds for a minute.
“See you tomorrow,” he says softly in my ear, before he releases me and puts his arm around Eloise.
“You okay?” Graham asks once we are in the car. He pushes a button to raise a partition between the front and back seats.
I smile and bring his hand to my lips for a kiss before I lay my head in his lap. His fingers rest against my throat while his thumb skims my jaw, his other hand running through my hair soothing me. This feels like a relationship and he seems to be okay with that. That’s really all I’ve wanted since we’ve met.
“Graham.”
“Yes, baby?”
“I really do love you. You know that right?”
“Of this, I am certain.”
“Do you still want me to move in with you?”
“Yes,” he says without any hesitation.
“Okay. I’ll give it a try.”
He turns my face to him.
“You will?”
“I’ll try it.”
“What changed your mind?”
“Mama. She changed my mind. I don’t want to end up like her. Control is important to me. I need it. Just like you need it. But I’m realizing that giving up some control doesn’t mean I’m losing it. It just means were partners. A team as you call us. When I was answering Harry’s questions tonight, I realized Tony still has control over me. I’m basing my decisions on my past and not on what I want for my life. My need to have complete control when he was around has ironically controlled me and followed me. Does that make sense?”
“It does.”
“I’m sure I won’t always get it right. It’s a relief actually to say it. I won’t always get it right.”
He pulls me onto his lap. His arms wrapping around me. I can see his face through the soft lights of the city that shine into the car.
“I can relieve you of some other things, you know.” He runs his nose up and down mine.
“I love you, Graham.”
His eyes find mine. “I love you, Emelia.”
Deep down I know that I have felt this for a while, but my heart splits open when I hear it.
“Of this, I’m certain,” I say.
“Hey, baby. Are you riding with me to the office or coming later?” Graham runs his hand up and down my side.
I garble an unintelligible response into my pillow.
“So that’s a …?”
“What time is it?” I mumble.
“Seven.”
“What time are you going in?”
“Eight. I have a conference call in a few minutes that I’m taking here, then breakfast, then work.” He leans over me. “Why don’t you sleep in and come in later?”
“Because I have a job and I can’t just make my own hours.”
“Actually, you can.” He kisses my shoulder.
I garble another unintelligible response and make myself get out of the bed. I’m still naked from the night before.
“I won’t object if you wake up like this every morning.”
“You might when I’m seventy,” I say heading to the bathroom with my eyes mostly closed. “Not that you’ll see me like this when I’m seventy.”
“Why won’t I be seeing you like this when your seventy?”
His question has me looking back at him over my shoulder, running smack into a wall.
“There’s a wall there, babe.”
My disheveled glare makes him chuckle. When I turn back to the bathroom in an attempt to finish my journey, I run into the same damn wall.
“Aaarrrgh!” I grumble.
“Do you need some help there, Petty the Pirate?”
I flip him off and try once again to make my way through the door.
“Did you just flip me off?”
“Yep.”
“I have this call I have to do, but I’m adding it to the list.”
“You’re keeping a list?” I yell from the bathroom.
“You bet your sweet ass. I have a punishment list and I intend to follow through.” He’s standing in the doorway and my body flushes at his promise.
I climb into the shower. I hit the screen and Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine” blasts through the speakers. Just the jolt I need. I am in full Axl Rose dance moves and singing when I turn to see the shower door open with Graham watching me. His smirk brings a smile to my face. Fuck, could he be any sexier?
Opting for straight hair today, I add a little mascara and am ready to get dressed. A Hugo Boss dress is calling my name today. The bodice is made of leather. It’s sleeveless and has a round neckline with darts that shape it to my body. The bottom of the dress has a large plaid pattern in blacks and grays with a small gold stripe that runs through it. It accentuates my curves in all the right places.
I head into the kitchen for some breakfast.
“You must be Mrs. Vincent.” I greet the plump older lady making breakfast. She has graying hair, her light eyes dance and her cheeks are large and rosy.
“You must be Emme!” She rounds the corner and pulls me into a large-bosomed embrace. “Sit sit sit. I made you breakfast. What do you drink in the mornings?”
“Diet Coke, please.”
She grabs my beverage of choice from the fridge and sets it on the breakfast bar in front of me.
“I made waffles. Does that suit you dear?”
“Perfect. I love waffles. Thank you.”
“Syrup or fruit?”
“Fruit please.”
“I shop on Monday’s. Is there anything specific you would like?”
I look around only to realize I’m the only one in the room. Her smile is patient and kind, giving me a minute to process her question.
“Anything specific for me?” I place my hand to my chest.
“Yes. Anything specific for you?”
“Thank you, but I don’t need anything. I don’t want to be a bother.”
“Nonsense, child. I’m here to take care of things. And it will be nice to finally have a lady here to take care of.”
Is that unusual?
“Graham said you are working in his building, so I assume you don’t need me to prepare you a lunch?”
“No, ma’am. I’m good. But thank you.” I reply kindly. She sets a waffle in front of me and it smells delicious. She’s topped it with blueberries, strawberries and smidge of whipped cream.
“Good morning, Vinnie” Graham greets her affectionately.
“Good morning, dear.” She places a waffle matching mine next to me at the bar.
“You look beautiful.” He kisses my temple.
“Thank you. So do you.” I run my fingers down his tie. He’s dressed in a smart, bespoke gray suit with a hint of color in his tie that sets off his blue eyes. It fits his masculine body to a T. He’s clean shaven today.
“Vinnie, would you pour her some milk, please?”
“She prefers Diet Coke,” Vinnie says unaware of the constant battle she is engaging in.
“Milk please, Vinnie.”
“Do you want
milk, Emme?” she asks me.
“No ma’am.”
“Very well then.” She wipes the counter down before addressing Graham. “She doesn’t care for any.”
“Vinnie.” Graham gives her a bossy look.
“Are you giving up coffee?”
“No.”
“Then she should be allowed the drink of her choice.”
“I love you,” I tell her as earnestly as I can. Graham stares at me while his thumb skims across the tip of his fingers. I ignore him and take a bite of my waffle. A small whimper escapes me.
“The pleasure you take in eating is directly connected with my cock,” Graham whispers in my ear, giving the appearance of a light kiss to the outside observer. He pulls my hand onto his crotch to prove his declaration.
“Chicken Parmigiana for dinner tonight. Is there anything specific you would like tomorrow night?” Vinnie asks, unaware.
Graham looks to me for guidance.
“I won’t be here for dinner tomorrow night.”
“Oh. You have plans?” he asks.
“I’ll be in Memphis,” I answer finishing off my Diet Coke. “So you choose what you want to eat.”
“What do you mean you’ll be in Memphis?” Something in his tone has Vinnie discreetly stepping away.
“I’ll be in Memphis. I told you I usually go at least a couple times a month. I should have made the trip last week, but I wanted to be here for the mentor pitch meeting.”
He doesn’t say anything. I don’t understand why he’s upset.
“You’re taking Teague.”
“No. I don’t have the extra money to get him a ticket at the last minute and I don’t need protection in Memphis.”
As if on cue, Teague and Smith enter into the apartment. It’s time for us to leave.
“You misunderstood me.” He stands, wiping his mouth and pulling on his shirt cuffs. “I wasn’t asking you. I am telling you. You’re taking Teague.”
“I didn’t misunderstand you. I’m telling you, I don’t need protection in Memphis. I’m going and coming back in the same day. I go all the time.”
I grab my things and head to the elevator.
“We’ll meet you in the portico, Mr. Taylor,” Smith says and motions for Teague to follow. Great. Now I have to fend for myself.
Graham follows me onto the elevator and we ride down in silence. I reach for his hand and he puts it in his pocket, out of my reach. His eyes never leave the elevator door. He’s the first off when they open. Teague and Smith are waiting for us.
“Good Morning,” I say to Teague who is holding my door open. “You look great,” I add with a weak smile, acknowledging his new suit.
Graham’s mood remains sullen on the ride to the office. Troy has his elevator waiting for him when we walk into the lobby. Graham enters and I push the button to ride the regular elevators just like everyone else. Graham exits his elevator, grabs me by the elbow, and directs me into his. The doors close. My heart calms at his touch. He doesn’t comprehend the power he wields. How can I give him control when he doesn’t fully understand the power he has to destroy me with a simple touch?
We ride in silence to the forty-second floor where I exit. Turning, I watch as the doors close and Graham doesn’t acknowledge me.
“Hi, Miss Emme.” Reggie greets me as I place my things on my desk.
“Good morning, Reggie. How was your weekend?”
“It was good. I had a da..da..date!” His smile is almost bigger than his face.
“I’m not surprised, a handsome fella like yourself.” I pull it together and give him the Emme he deserves. “Was she everything you dreamed of?”
“I have hope that she will be,” he teases. I want to tell him how adorable he is, but I know he’s trying to come into his own.
“I start with Mr. Taylor tomorrow, so I’m still yours today if you need me.”
“Great. Let’s get started.” I attempt to move past my distraction.
It’s almost noon when we finish working on matching profiles to the companies that have signed on to be a mentor. My growling stomach sends us on our way to the eatery. I’m still out of sorts from my morning with Graham, so I migrate to the comfort food portion of the menu. I end up with a plate full of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and a cheese burger. Not the healthiest by any means, but soothing nonetheless. Reggie has a salad.
“That’s all you’re eating. A salad?”
“I have to watch what I’m eating now that I have a woman to entertain.”
It’s funny because Reggie is the most willowy person I know. He hasn’t grown into his body yet.
“Reggie!” someone calls from one of the communal tables.
“Greg!” Reggie greets with excitement.
“Miss Emme, this is Greg. He works in the department I’ll be interning in.”
“Sit with us.” Greg motions to the table.
I’m not in the mood to be sociable, but it’s important that Reggie bond with his co-workers.
“That good with you?” Reggie asks excited.
“Of course,” I smile.
“I’m Greg,” he says, holding out his hand to me. “This is Rick, Bear, Bobby, and Steve.”
“Nice to meet you, Greg, Rick, Bear, Bobby and Steve. I’m Emme.”
“Oh, we know who you are,” Bear smiles cheekily.
“Great.” I roll my eyes.
“Oh no. That’s a good thing,” Greg says.
All six guys are dressed sharply in their suits. Some could use a little tailoring, but for the most part, they are getting it right. I’m glad I built a clothing budget into the program. I want to give my guys every advantage they can have. And dressing the part is an absolute advantage. Conversation flows easily and I end up enjoying their company. I’m thrilled to see Reggie being included. I think his team really likes him and not just because they think I’m Graham’s girlfriend.
“Anyone want dessert?” I ask standing to clear my cleaned plate.
Five pairs of eyes look at me like I have grown a second head. Reggie doesn’t blink an eye.
“Where are you going to put it?” Bear asks.
“Nowhere. I’m going to eat it.” I answer smartly before retrieving a piece of coconut cake.
“Dude. You don’t even know what you’re talking about,” I hear Greg say when I sit back down.
“A hundred bucks says I’m right. I’ll poll ten guys in the office and they’ll all agree with me,” Bear says.
“About what?” I ask.
“The top five most memorable football plays?”
“If Music City Miracle isn’t on your list then it’s incomplete,” I say digging into my cake, looking up when I don’t get a response.
“You know football?” Greg says in disbelief.
“I do. But I prefer basketball and baseball.”
“What team do you like to watch?” He’s testing me.
“I like to play, but I follow the Grizzlies. Grit n’ Grind Baby! And the Cardinals.”
“You play ball?” Bear snorts.
“When I can.” I lick the icing off my fork.
“This I’d like to see,” Bear chuckles.
“She has quite the arm,” Graham says from behind me. He rests his hands on my shoulders. All the guys stand, acknowledging his presence. Graham acknowledges each one personally, and they seem surprised he knows their names. I’m not. I know Graham is not about to place my Reggie on a team he doesn’t know well.
“We have a meeting.” Graham looks down at me, his thumb skating over the back of my neck. Nothing anyone else would even notice, but I soak it in.
“Shitake!” I glance at his watch I’m wearing. “I’m late! Nice meeting y’all. Reggie, see you at two?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Greg, maybe you can introduce Reggie to the rest of your team,” Graham says.
“No problem. We’ll take care of it.”
I start to walk away when Graham’s hand comes to rest on my lo
wer back.
“Oh.” I stop and turn to Bear. “And Wide Right and Hail Flutie should be on your list, too.”
“I can feel the hundred in my hand already,” Greg brags.
Graham and I make our way to the elevator.
“Are we in the conference room on my floor or yours?”
“Your floor. Acquiring more fans?” He looks at me through slated eyes.
“Hardly. They were getting to know Reggie.” I can tell he’s not buying it. I swing through my office and pick up my laptop.
Jackson is there to greet me when I walk into the room, and I greet him back with a big hug. I haven’t seen him in a couple of days, but it feels like ages. It takes me a moment to notice that Harry is standing behind him.
“Hi, Harry.” I offer him a hug that he reciprocates.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
Even though Jackson had already been filled in on the revelations about my paternity, I am still surprised to see them together. Apparently, Harry’s been Jackson’s client for some years now.
“Did we change the meeting? I thought our meeting was at three?” I ask them, connecting my laptop to the system.
“I asked them to sit in on this meeting.” Graham stands at the end of the table looking delectable with his hands in both of his pockets. God, I could mount him right here. His slight smile shows he knows what I’m thinking.
“Okay. Is there a problem?” I ask sincerely, forcing myself back into the present, crossing my ankles in hopes to obtain some relief from the ache I’m feeling.
“Sorry, we’re late.” Ben and Adam come in, closing the door behind them. I notice Teague and Smith are sitting in the corner behind me.
I take a seat with everyone else and pull up the slides on the screen in front of us.
Graham hits the button that changes the glass walls to privacy glass.
“Do you want me to start?” I motion to the financials projecting on the sleek television.
“This isn’t about the mentor program.” Graham starts.
“Oh, okay. What’s up?”
“Your resistance to understanding security in this family.”
“We’re here.” Lucy, Jules, and Ruth enter the conference room.
What is this, a fucking intervention? I have to sit on my hands to keep from folding them across my chest. “Let me get this straight. You decided I needed a come-to-Jesus meeting about security, so you thought it best to pull everyone into a room instead of having a one-on-one conversation with me.”