Three hours later, Caylen lay on her couch watching some love story on Lifetime and sipping a glass of chocolate milk. She thanked her lucky stars that she was able to get Kyle Winthrop to agree to let her take a million dollars of his money and use it to get his ass out of debt and put a return in his wallet.
~
"You have a call on line one, Ms. Jarrett," Sara called over the intercom. Caylen grabbed the receiver of the phone.
"Caylen Jarrett."
"Hey, C.J., how's your day going?" Margo asked.
"Busy as usual. Yours?"
"Same. I had to sneak away to call you. I swear my office phone knows when I'm in there. It never stops ringing. Everyone and their brother is trying to buy a house right now with either no credit or horrible credit," She huffed. Her bank account seemed to be the only thing reaping the benefits of her sixty hour work week lately.
"It's a buyer's market all the way around. I thought about moving some of my market shares," Caylen said.
If the stock market crashed again or the president ran the government into a hole then she would surely be hurt by it, but Caylen was smart with her personal investments.
"Let me know if you want to buy another house anytime soon," Margo said.
"Yeah sure, my condo is plenty for me. You know I'm not into giant mansions. I don't know how my aunt and uncle find each other in that house of theirs. I guess I'm more like my Mom. Her house is modest, not small by any means, but a quarter of the size of Aunt Viv and Uncle Herb's."
"How is your Mom, by the way?"
"Good, she just got back from Europe. She and Aunt Cindy, Mom's sister, went and did a three week tour of multiple countries." Aunt Cindy was widowed just before Caylen's father died and ever since the two sisters seemed inseparable.
"Now that sounds like fun!"
"I've never been, but the two of them can't stop talking about it. I think I've seen a thousand pictures of their trip." She laughed.
"Shit, I have another call coming in. Anyway, I was calling to see if you wanted to go out tonight."
"Sure. I'll be in the office until probably seven. I have some loose ends to tie up before next week. I'll meet you at One Up around eight-thirty," Caylen said.
"Okay, see you then."
~
True to her word, Caylen walked into the bar at eight-thirty. She was wearing jeans and a tight black polo shirt that showed off a nice amount of cleavage thanks to the underwire bra that gave her the extra lift. She was also wearing black flip flops.
"You know that outfit is nice to look at until you see the flip flops on your feet. I bet everyone standing outside saw you pull up in that outrageously expensive car and their first thought was Damn! You're cute, but you don't flaunt it. Then, they see those stupid things you call shoes on your feet and BOOM! Your chances are shot in the ass," Margo said as she took her Gin and Tonic from the bartender.
"Margo, Margo, Margo. You of all people know that I prefer comfort and I wear a god damn business suit sixty hours a week, just as you do. Therefore, I find jeans and flip flops comfortable. Besides, when have you known me to cruise around for companionship? And, what's it to you anyway?" Caylen smiled and rolled her eyes.
She was happy to see the glass of whiskey coming her way. She quickly took a couple of sips and set the glass back on the bar. The two women enjoyed the light banter. It had become a routine for them to pick on each other when they were out at the bar.
"I just can't get over you wearing flip flops like they're going out of style." She shook her head and laughed knowing damn good and well no matter how much money she had or how high class she was by day, comfort was at the top of Caylen's list when she wasn't in that office. Honestly, she probably wore flip flops more than dress shoes.
"You're just jealous. We'll go tomorrow and by you a pair." Caylen winked.
"Wonderful, I can't wait to own yet another pair of flip flops." She grinned. "Seriously, I secretly think they're kind of sexy on you."
"Oh please!" Caylen smacked her arm.
Margo had to admit half of the women in the bar were wearing some kind of sandals. Maybe it was because the bar was a few blocks from the ocean. She wasn't about to join the new trend. She was perfectly happy in her ankle boots. Besides, they gave her an extra inch of height and at five foot three, she needed all she could get.
Karaoke quickly started after nine o'clock. Margo and Caylen usually spent the evening making fun of the singers instead of joining in the chaos.
"I think you should sing tonight," Margo said.
"What? Me? Sing?"
"Yeah, why not?"
"I do not do karaoke, Margo. What the hell is in your drink tonight? First, you grill me about wearing comfortable shoes, then you tell me to sing. Something has gotten into you."
"No, not really. I just thought maybe I could talk you into it." She teased.
"Don't bet me, you know how I am."
"I bet you twenty bucks you won't sing," Margo said with raised eyebrows.
"I told you not to bet me." Caylen didn't like betting because she could never say no. She spent ten thousand dollars one night in Vegas and swore she'd never go back.
"Chicken, bock, bock…" Margo tormented her.
"You're on," Caylen sighed. Great, now I'll never be able to show my face in this bar again. Even though it was considered a straight bar, Friday nights were a predominantly lesbian karaoke party. Caylen grabbed the song book and jotted down her selection. She was next, so she finished her drink and quickly ordered another to help calm her nerves. Damn you, Margo.
The older woman running the DJ booth called for C.J. to take the stage just before Journey's Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' began playing. Caylen's voice found every note seductively as she sang the words perfectly. Margo noticed a few women turn their heads to see who was singing and wondering who she was singing to.
"Your girl can sing." A brunette sitting next to Margo leaned over to her.
"She's my best friend. We're not together."
"Is she single?" The woman asked. Margo gave her a once over and figured what the hell, Caylen would turn her down anyway.
"Yeah."
The song ended quickly and Caylen made her way back to the table with her hand out. Margo obliged with a crisp Jackson, which Caylen folded and slid into her back pocket.
"C.J., I have to admit you impressed me. All of that singing in the shower has paid off."
"Oh please." Caylen shook her head.
"Excuse me, C.J., is it?" The brunette stuck her hand out.
"Yes." Caylen shook back.
"You have a very sexy voice."
Okay, why don't you just come right out and say it. Caylen thought. "Thank you."
"May I buy you a drink?"
"No thanks." Caylen smiled. "I've had my limit for the night." She really hadn't but she wasn't in the mood to pick anyone up. The brunette smiled and nodded before going back to her own table.
"She was pretty. Why'd you say no?" Margo asked.
"Not in the mood I guess. One night stands are overrated and I don't have time for another gold digger. Hell, I don't have time for any kind of woman at the rate I've been working."
"I hear you. I haven't had sex in six months, but honestly I don't have time for a relationship either." They clinked their glasses together.
Five
Caylen found herself lying on a towel, soaking up the sun rays on the Fourth of July. Her dark blue bikini left little to the imagination, but she hated tan lines and refused to go to the tanning booth like most of the people in Santa Barbara. So she settled for the smallest and most revealing bathing suit that she could find. Her condo building sat right behind her. If she squinted her eyes, she could almost see both of her balconies. The ocean waves crashed against the shore with demanding power lulling her thoughts. She rolled back over and closed her eyes with the tanning oil glistening on her skin.
"I am so glad the banks are closed today, but the traffic is horrendous." Marg
o plopped down on her own large towel. "All I need now is a frozen Margarita."
Caylen didn't open her eyes. "Yes, that would definitely do the trick."
Neither of them noticed the woman headed their way, chasing a Frisbee. Her blond hair was tucked behind her ears. She was tall and thin, maybe a little taller than Caylen since everyone seemed to be taller than Margo.
"Ouch! God damn it," Caylen yelled when the woman clumsily landed on her with the Frisbee in hand.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," She said as she frantically tried to regain her ground, flinging sand on Caylen and Margo. "I was running backwards and didn't see you. I'm really sorry." She walked away embarrassed.
"What the fuck!" Margo tried to brush the sand off, but it was useless. "Now they're throwing themselves at you, C.J."
"Oh Please." Caylen smacked her and repositioned herself on the towel. "She scared the shit out of me though." Both of them were laughing about the situation as they replayed it in their heads.
Two hours later, they were packing up to leave. Margo stepped away to shake the sand off of her towel when the Frisbee woman appeared next to C.J. "Hi, I just wanted to apologize again. I didn't mean to hurt you or your girlfriend."
"Thanks. It's fine, neither of us are hurt and she's not my girlfriend. You should ask her out," C.J. said as she finished folding her towel, stuffing it into the backpack she used as a beach bag.
"Actually," The woman took her sunglasses off to reveal golden brown eyes. "I'd like to ask you out."
Hmm…maybe she doesn't know me. This could be fun. She's cute. Caylen usually didn't date women that were much younger than her. She estimated Tanner, the stripper, to be twenty-three at the most, which was by far the youngest person she'd ever been with. This mysterious woman was maybe twenty-seven and still young.
"What's your name?" Caylen asked.
"Jasmine."
"I'm C.J."
"It's nice to meet you."
Margo turned around to see the two women shaking hands. Oh that's subtle honey. Fall on her in the sand then apologize and ask her out. Real original. Too bad she's going to shoot you down like she does everyone else. Caylen caught up to her a minute later as the woman walked away.
"Did you tell her to go pound sand?" Margo asked as they walked towards the privacy gate to Caylen's building.
"I gave her my number," Caylen said.
"You what?"
It had been two and a half months since she had sex with Tanner. It was an experience that she'd never forget as long as she lived and she wasn't looking for a relationship now, but it would be nice to go out on a few dates. Caylen knew nothing would come of seeing Jasmine again. She just wasn't ready physically or mentally for another relationship. Who knew if she'd ever be ready again?
~
"I had a great time tonight, Jasmine," Caylen said as she walked towards her Bentley. She had picked Jasmine up from her apartment and took her out for Mexican food. They enjoyed Margaritas and enchiladas as Jasmine curiously asked Caylen what she did for a living. Caylen didn't actually lie; she just gave a very vague answer and said she inherited the car when her father passed away. Jasmine was in retail and worked as the store manager of an upscale boutique in downtown Santa Barbara.
"Me too, C.J. I'm glad I fell on you." She smiled and Caylen laughed.
"Yes well, let's hope that doesn't happen again. I had sand in places I didn't particularly want sand." Caylen spoke seriously but a smile played on the corners of her mouth. It was nice being out with someone who didn't know her and wasn't after her for her money.
"That's a little too much information." Jasmine wiggled her eyebrows. "I'm still sorry about that. It wasn't on purpose. My friend Judy can't throw a Frisbee for shit and I was running backwards. I never saw you guys. Does your friend hate me?"
"No, she was a little surprised and thinks you did it deliberately. But, I don't think you did." Unless you're lying about knowing who I am. Damn it, Margo, you have me paranoid now. Not everyone reads the business section of the newspaper. Maybe Jasmine really doesn't know.
"I was so mad at Judy, I refused to go to the beach again with her."
"Wow."
"We're going back this Sunday," Jasmine said sheepishly. Caylen laughed and shook her head. They pulled up in front of Jasmine's apartment. Caylen got out and walked her to her door.
"Will I see you again?" Jasmine asked as she unlocked the door and turned around to face Caylen's blue eyes.
"That depends on you," Caylen said.
Jasmine leaned forward and pressed her lips softly to Caylen's then pulled back. "I'd like to," She said with a smile.
"How about next Wednesday?"
"I can't. I close the store on Wednesday nights. What about Friday again?"
"I think that can be arranged."
~
Caylen sat on her couch reading the newspaper and drinking a cup of creamy iced coffee. She was planning on spending her Saturday cleaning her condo. That was until Margo called her cell phone.
"How was your date?"
"Not bad," Caylen sipped the cold liquid and swished it around her mouth before swallowing it. "We went to El Diablo."
"Ah, Mexican. I was in the mood for a Margarita."
"Margo, you're always in the mood for a Margarita." Caylen rolled her eyes.
"So? What happened?"
"We ate and talked. Then I took her back to her apartment."
"That's it? You make it sound like you're two friends that hung out together. Weren't you on a date?"
"Well, yes, we didn't exactly jump in the backseat of the Bentley and get it on. We had a good time together. She's a lot of fun."
"Are you attracted to her?" Margo asked, trying to get to the point of the conversation.
"Yes, I don't know, maybe. I barely know her and I'm not looking for anything serious."
"What does that have to do with sleeping with her?"
"She's cute and easy to talk to. Who knows where it will lead, Margo. I'm not rushing into sex or anything else with her. Honestly, I'd just like to date her for a while and see what happens," Caylen said. She was definitely not looking for another one night. Besides, she was sure nothing would ever compare to the night she spent with Tanner. But, that was in the past and she pushed herself to let it go.
"Hmm…just don't get in over your head. I'd hate to have to knock her out. She's kind of cute," Margo teased.
"Uh huh."
"So, what are your plans for the day?"
"Not much, finish my coffee and clean the condo. The Bentley needs a bath. I might take it to the car wash later. Why? Do you have any big plans?"
"No, not really. I was going to see if you wanted to do lunch."
"It depends on what time I finish cleaning and since it's already ten and I haven't started, that's probably a no. Unless, you want to drive the vacuum or the feather duster."
Margo smirked. "Not likely, Alice, but do say hi to the Brady Bunch for me when they get home."
"Smartass!" Caylen shot back with a laugh.
"You know it. Anyway, call me if you finish in time for dinner. Maybe we can order a pizza or something."
"Alright, I'll call you." Caylen hung up the phone and forced herself to get off the couch and clean up. What was there to clean really? She was a single woman that worked sixty or more hours a week. Could the two bedroom loft really get that dirty every week? She was beginning to wonder if she was just a neat freak with cleaning supplies at her disposal.
Six
Caylen had three messages waiting for her when she walked into her office. Sara had them neatly stacked in the center of her desk. She ran a hand through her hair noting how thick it was. She was overdue for a cut. The intercom on her desk phone buzzed.
"Morning, kiddo."
"Good Morning, Uncle Herb. What can I do for you?" She hated it when he used her childhood pet name at work, but it also made her smile because it reminded her of her father.
"Grab a cup of coffee and com
e down to my office when you get a second."
Caylen hung up the phone and picked up her second cup of coffee for the day on her way down the hall. She figured she was heading out of town again. When Herb wanted to speak to her in the privacy of his office it was usually to discuss an account that she had to go close because the piss ants below her couldn't close it. In their defense, she only had to do this two or three times a year and it was usually major accounts that they couldn't afford to lose, otherwise she'd just let them do their jobs and get rid of the one's that couldn't pull their own weight. But, Uncle Herb ran the business just as her father had, and just as she would one day when the reins were handed to her. So, Caylen mentally thought about the suits that needed to go to the cleaners before she left town.
"Did you try one of those doughnuts your Aunt made?" Herb asked as Caylen walked into his office and shut the door.
"No, I ate a bowl of cereal before I left this morning. They look good though."
"Oh my god, they're fantastic. Hell on my waist though." He grinned and patted his slightly bulging stomach. His was considered fit for his age, but he had to go to the gym everyday just to keep up with his wife's cooking.
"I don't know how you do it. I'd be as big as a house if I lived with her." Caylen shook her head and smiled.
"My gym membership is my lifeline." He laughed.
She knew he was beating around the bush. He hated sending her out in the field to do someone else's job because they couldn't handle the pressure. But, he also knew how much she loved a challenge. Caylen Jarrett was the best account manager the company had ever had, next to her father. Her numbers were even higher than Herb's.
"How do you feel about New York?" He asked when he leaned back in his chair.
"What account?" She asked in the same gesture.
"Kilpatrick International. It's a shipping company with very large assets."
"When?"
"You'd need to leave Monday, meet with them Tuesday, and come home Wednesday."
"No time to go shopping on Fifth Avenue?" She made a pouting face.
One Night Page 3