“Yeah, right.” He leaned back against the sofa cushions and folded his arms across his chest. “When you decide to look my way.”
“That’s not true. Remember your company’s holiday bash in February?”
“So?”
“You may not have known this, but I was in the middle of three papers and a presentation. I didn’t hesitate to drop everything and go to the function even though I had to stay up practically all night for the next two days to get things done.
“That’s what a relationship is about. You do things even when they’re inconvenient, because you care about the other person. There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s the way things should go. Look, I planned to be home on time today. But I got caught up with Chris.”
Frowning, he blinked as if he were caught completely off guard. “Chris? Who’s Chris?”
“Christophe Jensen. He’s a new attorney from France. I’m trying to get him settled, help him find an apartment.”
Shaking his head, Darnell said, “I don’t understand. Why are you taking responsibility for this man? Where did he come from? Is he working with Adam? Doesn’t Gautier have people to do this kind of stuff?”
“Yes, me.”
“No. This makes no sense to me. You busted your butt finishing your degree to play nursemaid to some French guy? Come on, Tia. Think! Use your brain!”
Indignant, she stated, “I do use my brain every day. But you don’t understand. It’s more than playing nursemaid to Chris. Adam and I have a deal going that will put me where I want to be in the future.”
Jumping to his feet, Darnell scoffed, “Adam! It’s always got something to do with that jerk.”
“You’re being unfair. Adam’s a great boss.”
“And there you go sticking up for him again. He’s an arrogant SOB. You just won’t admit it.”
Tia gasped. She had no idea that Darnell disliked her boss so much. “No, he’s not. What possessed you to say something like that?”
“I can say that and a whole lot more. You just won’t open your eyes and see the man for who he is.”
“Okay, tell me.” Now Tia folded her arms across her chest. “Who is he? Who do you think he is?”
“Adam is a man who takes advantage of your good heart. He uses you like some dollar-an-hour typist. You’re the executive assistant to the vice president of Legal Services. You should have some clout in that office. Instead, you do all of the grunt work. That crap should be handed down to some lower-level peon.”
“That comment is uncalled for.” Tia’s voice dropped an octave. She glared angrily at Darnell. “Don’t ever talk to me that way again.”
Darnell took a step back and composed himself before mumbling begrudgingly, “I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t have said that.”
“No. You shouldn’t have,” Tia agreed.
“Sometimes I wonder what’s really going on at that company.”
“Nothing that you have to worry about. Please, listen. If I help with the new guy, Adam will make it possible for me to move into a clerk position in the legal department. That’s the direction I want to go. Eventually, I want to become one of the corporate attorneys. That’s what I want.”
“This is about your going to law school, isn’t it?”
A bit embarrassed and feeling on edge, Tia muttered, “Partly.”
“See, that’s what I’m saying.” Darnell jerked his finger toward the floor, gesturing wildly. “Adam takes advantage of you at every turn and you let him.”
“It’s not like that. This is my stepping stone to a better career.”
“To what?”
“I—”
“Next you’ll be doing his laundry.”
“That’s ridiculous. Adam and I don’t have that kind of work relationship. Calm down and listen. Please.”
“You know what? I’ve had enough.” He glanced at his watch, fished inside his pocket, and produced his keys. “I’m tired of talking. Let’s just go.”
With nothing more to say, Tia held back tears as she grabbed her purse, obeying Darnell. Her heart heavy with questions and concerns for their future, Tia turned out the lights as they headed out of the apartment. Every time they were together, their conversations turned into an argument. These days their relationship felt so incredibly volatile. They disagreed on just about everything. There were days when she wondered why they were still together. They weren’t happy. A line from one of Gladys Knight’s tunes popped into her head: Neither one of us wants to be the first to say good-bye. That one line summed up their relationship to date.
Tia shook off those thoughts and decided to concentrate on having a good time. They had history and love between them. They could weather this storm and come out of it stronger and happier. She just had to do her part to make things better. Be on time and listen to Darnell when he needed her.
She locked her door. They moved down the hallway. Silence seemed to be a constant companion between them. These days she didn’t know how to talk to Darnell. What was she doing in this relationship? She hadn’t been happy in a long time, and she was certain Darnell felt the same way. Were they together because there was no one else or out of habit? Whatever the situation, they needed to sit down, talk honestly, and hash out their issues.
Five hours later, Darnell parked outside Tia’s apartment. They sat for a moment, listening to Darnell’s CD of Eminem’s greatest hits. The night had been long and difficult. The concert was loud and filled with young people who stood up throughout the entire show. Their actions baffled Tia. Why pay good money for seats if they didn’t plan to use them?
Unfortunately, Darnell’s basketball buddies had accompanied them with their current bedmates. Now she understood why Darnell questioned her wardrobe selection. Dakai’s and Lamar’s chicks of the hour looked as if they had been poured into the crevices of their clothing. Tia wondered how the women could walk in such tight outfits. Both of them practically spilled from their tops, displaying an ample portion of their breasts. For some reason, Darnell expected Tia to dress the same way.
The night had been filled with catty remarks and loud cursing. By the time the concert ended, all Tia wanted to do was go home. But there was more fun to come. Dakai, Darnell’s high school friend, suggested dinner. They all jumped into their cars and headed to the International House of Pancakes on Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak.
The food was delicious, but the company was not. The men acted like juveniles, laughing loudly and treating the server like their personal slave. Their dates talked to each other in soft whispers, excluding Tia. She didn’t mind, but it did make her feel like a third wheel. Thankfully, dinner ended and the couples went their separate ways.
Now Tia was headed down the hallway to her apartment. Darnell trailed behind her. She halted at her door and removed the key from her purse. After unlocking the door, she asked, “Are you coming in?”
Darnell shook his head. “No. It’s late and I have a couple of calls to make tomorrow morning.”
The relief she felt by his answer shocked her. She still had a question or two. “On Sunday morning?” she quizzed.
“Breakfast meetings. My job depends on when customers are available. I have a valid reason for working on the weekends.”
“I’m not trying to start a fight.” Tia shrugged. “I’m surprised. That’s all.”
“Well, now you know.”
“I’m sorry.” This was her boyfriend, and she wanted to be close to him. Tia stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around Darnell’s neck, trying to entice a response from her man. She kissed his lips, waiting for a response.
It came, short and not very sweet. He brushed his lips across her and then loosened her hold on his neck.
“I got to go. Once I’m done, I’ll call you. Maybe we’ll catch a movie in the afternoon.”
“Sure. Okay.”
Darnell tilted his head toward the door. “Go on in. I want to make sure you’re safe before I leave.”
Nodding, Tia e
ntered her townhouse and turned on the hall light. Darnell shut the door after her.
With a sigh of relief, she moved farther into the room and dropped her purse on the sofa. For the second time that evening, Gladys Knight’s haunting lyrics sprung to mind. Only this time, Tia began to wonder if she should be the first to say good-bye.
5
Darnell never called. Tia never called him when he was making cold calls. She learned a long time ago to not disturb him while he worked.
Sunday dragged by without a word from him. After waiting most of the morning, she decided to get on with her day by doing a little grocery shopping. To top off her evening, she selected a light dinner of tuna salad, wheat crackers, and sliced tomatoes. She planned to watch a movie and then head to bed.
While preparing her meal, Tia debated calling Darnell. At least three or four times, she picked up the phone but returned it to its cradle without dialing. She glanced at the clock on her nightstand and doubted Darnell was working this late.
Besides, she really needed time to consider what she wanted to do. Should she and Darnell stay together? Were they at the end? Or did they still have some life in their relationship? Were they worth saving? Tia didn’t have any answers. She just had this nagging feeling that they were close to splitting.
Monday morning presented a welcoming distraction from the troublesome issues of Tia’s personal life. A surprise waited for her when she arrived at the office. One long-stem yellow rose floated in a vase with a fresh, steaming cup of Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte and a strawberry croissant.
A note sat under the coffee:
Thanks for giving up your Saturday to help me. I really appreciated and enjoyed the afternoon. Chris.
“That’s so sweet. Chris is such a gentleman,” Tia cooed softly, taking in the gentle fragrance of the flower. He didn’t have to do this.
She locked her purse inside her bottom drawer and headed for Chris’s office, tapping lightly on the door. After several seconds without a response, she peeked inside and found the room empty. The lights were on. A briefcase sat open on his desk. It looked as if he had dropped everything and hurried away. Tia shrugged. He must be in an early morning meeting.
Unable to thank him properly, Tia returned to her workstation and enjoyed her impromptu and delicious breakfast. I’ll thank Chris later, she thought, biting into the buttery croissant. After finishing her meal, she got to work.
The morning flew by as she focused on her assignments. Near noon, Chris stepped out of Adam’s office. He approached her desk with a warm smile on his face. “Good morning,” he greeted in that sexy, accented voice that never failed to stir her blood and make every nerve ending tingle with awareness.
“Good morning to you. Thank you for my breakfast and the flower.” She smiled broadly.
“You’re welcome. I wanted to give you a little something special. I know your life is busy and your time is precious. I don’t want you to think that I’m ungrateful for your efforts on my behalf.”
“I didn’t mind. Actually, I had a good time. You’re a lot of fun. That wicked sense of humor of yours really tickles me.”
One blond eyebrow arched into a flirtatious curve. “Does it, now?”
Giggling softly, Tia answered, “Yes.”
“Since you enjoyed my company so much, what about this Saturday? Do you have time to look at a couple of apartments with me again?”
“Certainly.”
“For all of your efforts, I promise to feed you again. Maybe I’ll provide a little dinner this time.”
“A full meal! Wow! Be still my beating heart.” Tia patted her chest.
He winked at her. “Stick with me. There’s more to me than you know.”
Laughing softly, she touched his hand. Something warm and inviting sizzled between them. For a moment, the endless possibilities flashed through Tia’s head, paralyzing her. Instantly, she shook off the sensations. “I don’t doubt it. How was the rest of your weekend?”
“Uneventful.”
Pretending to be surprised, she opened her eyes wide. “What? No late-night hallway parties?” Tia enjoyed this little flirtation with Chris. It meant nothing, just a way to pass the time. It was fun and harmless.
“No. I don’t think I could take two weekends back-to-back.” He perched on the edge of her desk and picked up her pen, twisting it between his fingers. “What about you? What did you do with the rest of your weekend?”
“I went to a concert Saturday night. I spent Sunday grocery shopping and watching a movie.” Tia shrugged. “Nothing big.”
“Concert?”
“Eminem.”
“Rap.”
“Correct.”
“Sounds like fun,” Chris replied with a sarcastic edge to his voice.
“Part of it was,” Tia replied. “There were way too many people, which made it difficult to see anything. Plus, the people seated in front of us stood on their chairs throughout the whole show. We couldn’t see a thing.” Tia opened her mouth to add more when her twin turned the corner and headed straight for her desk.
Nia strolled up to Tia’s workstation dressed in a dramatic, white off-the-shoulder crepe dress. The fabric cupped her body and emphasized the curve of her breasts. Slits in the long sleeves revealed trim arms. White stiletto heels adorned Nia’s feet, and she carried a matching white leather clutch under one arm. “Hey, Tia-Mia.”
Surprised, Tia rose from her desk and met her sister in the center of the room. “Hi. What are you doing here?”
“Don’t look so surprised. I do know where you work. Want to do lunch?”
“Um. I don’t know. Let me check my schedule.” Frowning, Tia returned to her desk and checked hers and Adam’s calendars.
Chris stood and watched the pair. He smiled and then said, “Oui. Two for the price of one.”
“Cute, Chris.” Tia waved a hand in his direction. “This is my sister, Nia Edwards. Nia, this is Christophe Jensen. He’s an attorney from France and working in this office for a while.”
Turning on the charm, Nia sashayed across the floor and stopped in front of Chris. With a smirk on her face, she gave Chris a thorough once-over before offering her hand. Chris took it and kissed the back of it.
“Nice to meet you,” Nia said.
“Pleasure,” he replied in his lightly accented voice.
Nia looked past him and gazed inquiringly at her twin. “What about lunch? My treat.”
Surprised, Tia blinked back at her sister. She placed the palm of her hand on Nia’s forehead. “Wow! No fever. This must be important. You never pay.”
“Ha-ha! You’re so funny.” Laughing, Nia sank into the guest chair next to Tia’s workstation. “That’s not true. I just let you pick up the tab when we’re out because it makes you feel important.”
“I’ll remember that the next time we’re out together,” Tia promised. “It’s a little early, but I can swing it. Give me a minute to let Adam know that I’ll be out of the office for a bit and to turn on my voice mail. Then I’ll be ready to go.” Something was brewing inside Nia’s head. She rarely dropped by the office. Tia could count on one hand the number of times her twin had bought lunch.
She headed for Adam’s office, ready to knock on the door, when it opened unexpectedly and Adam and JerrDan Hill, the director of Engineering Operations, stepped out. The two men stood in the doorway shaking hands.
“Let me have one of the clerks do a little investigation and research. I’ll get back to you with the results,” Adam promised.
JerrDan folded his arms across his portfolio. “Sounds good. What time frame are we working with?”
Adam stroked his chin. “Give me a couple of weeks.”
Nodding, JerrDan added, “I’ll send you all the info I have.”
“Good.” Adam glanced past JerrDan. “Excuse me.” He strolled to the trio standing at Tia’s workstation. “Nia! How are you?”
Nia turned to Adam with a smile of pleasure on her face. “I’m good. Wha
t about you?”
“Fine. I’m fine. Oh, I’m sorry.” Adam turned to the other man. “This is JerrDan Hill. JerrDan, Nia Edwards.”
From the sideline, Tia watched JerrDan reach for Nia’s hand. Her twin smiled shyly back at the man as they shook hands.
“Nia,” JerrDan said as if he were savoring the taste of a fine, expensive wine. He smiled, revealing even white teeth that must have cost the world. “It’s nice to meet you.”
JerrDan’s smile must have flustered Nia, because she stood there without a comeback. Tia’s twin was never without a sassy phrase or comment.
Awestruck, JerrDan stared. The strong, silent hunk of a man stood riveted to the spot, staring starry-eyed at Nia. Tia felt as if she were in the middle of one of those teen sex farces where hormones ruled and common sense flew out the window.
Although Nia would never admit it, she had the same expression on her face. Tia lowered her head, hiding her face from JerrDan and Nia. She didn’t want either person to see her laugh at them.
Interesting, Tia thought. It will be fun to see where this goes. Nia shielded her heart from emotional bumps and bruises. She never allowed any man to get close to her. Yet, the chemistry that sizzled between JerrDan and Nia was unmistakable. JerrDan seemed like an upstanding, honest, hardworking guy who knew what he wanted from life and went after it without hesitation. Would he take the same approach with Nia?
At Coach Insignia, the hostess escorted them to a table overlooking the Detroit River and the distant downtown Windsor shore. Nia ordered a shot of cognac straight while Tia requested a glass of cranberry juice. They perused the menu and settled on their meals. When their drinks came, Nia sank back into her chair and watched sailboats crawl down the river.
Tia waited. After a moment, she said, “You didn’t bring me here to spend your time looking out the window.”
Nia asked softly, “So how’s Darnell?”
“Okay,” Tia answered. This didn’t feel right. Nia disliked Darnell with a passion that surprised Tia. “Why?”
Nia shrugged. “Just wondering how things are between you two. You didn’t seem all that happy the last time I saw you together.”
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