Full Figured
Page 29
Avery thanked her and rushed to the phone booth. She dialed Duke’s number and just as she suspected, he didn’t answer. She hung up without leaving a message and the two quarters fell out of the coin slot. She dialed Tabitha and didn’t get an answer either. She tried to think of anyone who could come to her rescue, and for some reason, an odd, vaguely unfamiliar number popped into her head. She dialed it and was relieved when the deep voice on the other line answered.
“Hello.”
“Help me. You’ve gotta come and get me,” she cried.
“Avery, where are you?” Kurt demanded. She told him where she was and thanked God when she heard him reply, “I’m on my way!”
Epilogue
“This place is really nice, Avery,” Malcolm said, carrying the last of her boxes and setting them inside the living room.
“Thanks, Malcolm,” she said. “I really appreciate you helping me move in.”
“Hey, it’s not a problem,” he told her. They had been at it since seven-thirty that morning and it was almost six in the evening. She knew he had to be worn out, because she was and she hadn’t worked half as hard as he had.
“Where do you want this?” Sharice asked, carrying in a box of photos.
“You can put it on the table,” Avery said. She walked over to the box and removed a framed picture of herself, Malcolm, and Tabitha taken on Valentine’s Day the previous year. All three of them were dressed in red sweaters and jeans, and they all looked so happy. It was a great picture of a great time in their lives. Avery wished they could go back, but she knew they couldn’t.
“Have you talked to Tabitha?” Malcolm asked.
“No, I haven’t.” She shook her head. She had tried to call several times, but she wouldn’t answer her calls. She had even e-mailed her apologizing again and explaining what went down with Demi.
Demi—this was all her fault. And although she had been fired once Avery reported her for sexual harassment, the damage had already been done. If she had some way of proving that Demi had drugged her, she would have filed charges for that as well. That had to be the only explanation for her actions after drinking the champagne Demi had given her.
“I told her about your new place,” Malcolm said.
“Really? I wouldn’t even have this place if it wasn’t for her.” Avery smiled. “What did she say?”
“Not too much, but I think she was kinda happy for you.”
“I think she misses you,” Sharice told her.
“I miss her, that’s for damn sure,” Avery confessed.
There was a knock at the door and she hurried to answer it. “I got a visitor already?”
She opened it and was surprised to find Duke standing in the doorway with a gift bag in hand. “Duke?”
“What’s up? Is this a bad time?”
“No, not at all. We’re just finishing up,” she said and opened the door so he could come in.
“What’s up, Duke?” Malcolm gave him a pound. “This is my girl, Sharice.”
“Nice to meet you,” Sharice said, smiling, “Well, I guess we’re done here.”
“Yeah, we better get outta here before Avery remembers just one more box,” Malcolm laughed. “Nice seeing you ag-ain, Duke.”
“Yeah, same here,” Duke said, nodding.
Avery walked Sharice and Malcolm to the door. “Thanks again, guys.”
“No problem. See you at work Monday, boss,” Sharice teased.
Her first assignment within the JMDP had been as a manager over Sharice’s team. It was challenging, but fun.
“When you talk to my brother, tell him don’t forget my birthday next week,” Sharice whispered, making sure Duke didn’t hear her.
Avery and Kurt had been hanging out from time to time. They were only friends, and Avery knew if she wanted it to be more, it easily would move into another level. She wasn’t ready for that. He had mentioned it on more than one occasion. Her focus at this point was school and her workload, and becoming the best JMDP selectee the company ever had. In addition to her growing friendship with Kurt, she had also started hanging out with Daniel, who proved to be a viable source for her thesis.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” Avery told him once they were alone.
“I can’t either,” he told her, then looking around, added, “This place is really nice.”
“Thanks, that means a lot coming from you.”
“This is for you.” He passed her the gift bag. She reached inside and took out a Coach laptop bag.
“Oh Duke,” she gasped. “It’s gorgeous. You always know just what I want.”
“I figured you would need it now that you’re an executive and all,” he teased her. “I never did get the chance to congratulate you on your new job.”
“Well, it’s never too late.” She smiled.
“Does that apply to us too? Seven years is a long time, Avery.”
She stared at him, reaching out and touching his face. She loved him. Always had, always would. She pondered the question in her mind. It had been seven long years. She was a different person then and a lot had changed. But, her love for him had remained strong. Maybe, we still have a chance.
“Only time will tell, Duke,” she answered.
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Who Ya Wit Copyright © 2010 Brenda Hampton
Seven Year Itch Copyright © 2010 La Jill Hunt
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