Unrestrained Behavior: The Pleasure and Risk of Choice (The 'Un'missable Series Book 3)

by Jerry Summers

  “I can do that.”

  “Oh, if we don’t have any pressing appointments at the beginning of June please don’t book anything. I’m going to go to Cancun for two weeks, lie on the beach, do some site seeing, and relax while you begin your studies.”

  “I’ve pretty much cleared your calendar, so you are free to travel your little fanny off. All the SERF board meetings are on your schedule for the next year and unless there is some type of emergency everything is up to date.”

  “Terrific. I deposited a year’s salary, benefits, and office rent in the business account along with the estimated amount for your books. To be sure, I put in an extra ten thousand dollars, in case I’m out of the country and you need extra funds unexpectedly.”

  Mona shakes her head, tears welling. “I can’t thank you enough.”

  “Sure you can. Pass all your classes and get your degree so we both can get back to work as soon as possible.”

  “You got it.”

  ***

  Over the next few weeks, as all Wendy’s business affairs are winding down, Mona helps get her vacation plans in order for the trip to Mexico. Shortly after she leaves for Cancun, Jim calls again to try and speak with Wendy, and Mona delivers the message Wendy left for him loud and clear.

  “Very well. But can you please put her on the telephone?”

  “Nope, I can’t. She’s in Cancun and won’t be back in San Diego for another ten days.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll call her cell phone.”

  “You can if you’d like, but she left it on her desk, so she won’t answer that for at least ten days as well.”

  “I don’t suppose you’ll give me the name of the hotel she’s staying at in Cancun will you?”

  “Sure I will. As soon as hell freezes over.”

  “That’s pretty rude don’t you think?”

  “Yeah, I suppose you’re right, but I don’t think it’s as rude as fucking some other guy in her bed,” Mona replies sweetly. “I’ll let her know you called, and if she’s interested in talking to you, which I don’t anticipate her being, she’ll get back to you. Is there anything else I can help you with today?”

  “No, thank you, you’ve done enough. Just let her know I called again.”

  “Good day, then.”

  ***

  Meanwhile, Wendy sits in a cabana on the beach in Cancun and watches the sunrise as she listens to the surf crashing on the shore. She is lulled into the melodious ebb and flow of the ocean as she studies the purple hues of the emerging sunrise. The warm breeze accentuates the previous calm of each passing moment as she contemplates how the world is beginning to come back to life. She is somewhat saddened by the realization of the oncoming hustle and bustle, recognizing the absolute peace she has just experienced will yield to the commotion of vacation life, even in the manufactured serenity of the all-inclusive Hyatt Zilara resort. In this moment, Wendy decides that although she isn’t a morning person, the peace she has experienced watching the sun greet her will require her to revisit this spot tomorrow morning. She likes the feel of quiet contemplation and for the first time in a very long time she is content to do absolutely nothing.

  CHAPTER 19

  vengeance is whose?

  Wendy returns to San Francisco from Mexico reluctantly. The next day, she walks into SERF’s monthly board meeting and senses things have begun to escalate with Jim.

  According to Mona, he has been trying to reach her, but to her surprise Bonnie has been the more persistent and urgent recently. Bonnie is vehement as she discusses the emerging revelations about Jim and MEC. As the board listens intently to her about the recent discoveries Skip has made, a sense of an inevitable impending conflict between Jim and the board becomes an insidious undercurrent in all the various conversations.

  Hector Sosa interrupts with an interesting twist to everything. “I received a telephone call from a friend who was asked to sit on the board of MEC as my replacement. When I suggested to him it probably wouldn’t be a good decision for him given the financial ruin they are struggling to stave off, he began specifically inquiring about Jim Bush. When asked why he was inquiring about Jim, I was told that since Jim has done so much damage to MEC by wooing most of their largest donors to SERF, MEC administration recognized its operations have almost been destroyed. Massive layoffs have occurred and the organization hasn’t been able to stop the hemorrhaging. The administrative staff has been cut to below minimum standards, and international operations are suffering so badly many of MEC’s affiliates are considering closing their doors. But here is the really interesting part for us. While we have been extremely brutal and effective in minimizing MEC’s political influence internationally, they have decided to use a page from our playbook, that being they have offered Jim a job at the same base salary as ours, but have sweetened the pie by offering him a ten percent bonus of all the dollars he brings in and a 15 percent bonus for every donor dollar he gets back from SERF. It appears he is in final contract negotiations with the MEC board, and SERF is going to lose him whether we fire him or not, especially since we deducted the three hundred and forty thousand dollars he skimmed from his bonus this quarter.”

  Sean begins to laugh and when everyone turns and focuses upon him he acknowledges, “It’s a brilliant move on the part of MEC. A little desperate but, none the less, brilliant.”

  “So how do we stop it?” Bonnie asks.

  “We don’t. We all have good working relationships with each of these donors and we simply continue to build upon these relationships. I think our best strategy now is to fire Jim and let rumors leak out to our donors and others about his Caiman Islands account,” Sean replies.

  Jessica interrupts, “Won’t this hurt some relationships with our donor base because of the time it took to discover the skimming?”

  “Perhaps with some of them, but the facts that Skip covered the issue so well and that we honored their donations by covering the theft internally only speaks well for this organization.”

  Hector says, “If I may offer an alternative, why not allow Jim to leave without firing him and then leak the story of his theft after he is employed by MEC?”

  “What would be your reasoning for that?” Bonnie asks.

  “I believe it would demonstrate a lack of due diligence in vetting Jim’s background thoroughly, further putting MEC’s organizational structure at risk. From my perspective, it could actually be the crowning blow to the organization, and what better way to destroy Jim’s career?”

  Everyone in the room turns to Sean for his reaction. There is a long, awkward silence as Sean takes the time to ponder all the possible ramifications before speaking. “I agree with Hector’s assessment. The only better scenario I could imagine is Jim dying after beginning work at MEC because that way nothing would need to be leaked.”

  “Sean, don’t say such a thing,” scolds Bonnie.

  “I’m not serious, and I’m sorry that was a bit crass of me,” Sean says with an apologetic smile.

  “I should say so,” Jessica chimes in.

  Wendy makes a motion. “Let the board choose not to pay Jim the remaining two hundred and sixty thousand dollars in bonuses for this quarter and tell him we’ve decided to do this in lieu of turning his skimming matter over to the proper authorities. If he threatens to take us to court, we can always pay it later, but let’s see if he will call our bluff.”

  The motion is seconded by Hugo and passes unanimously. The rest of the meeting deals with updates on the Diablo Mining restoration project and consideration of a second proposal in Brazil which Hector is championing. The board grants approval of this project, pending an audited financial statement of the parent mining company and authorizes Hector and Hugo to deliver the news next week. Several other restoration projects are discussed and prioritized according to relevance for the most significant environmental impact and success within SERF’s mission statement.

  After concluding the board meeting, Bonnie catches Sean and Jess
ica on their way out. “Why don’t you two join Wendy and me for dinner? She’s going to spend a day or two more at my place before she heads back to San Diego.”

  Sean looks at Jessica who turns to Bonnie and says, “We would be delighted to join the two of you for dinner.”

  “Wonderful. How does everyone feel about Moroccan food tonight? I know of this great place in the city where you sit on the floor on these terrific pillows and everyone eats with their hands. It’s kind of funky, and I thought it would be right up Wendy’s alley. Since we are all in jeans already anyway it’s the perfect place for tonight.”

  “Sounds great,” Sean says, and Jessica agrees.

  Bonnie looks at Wendy and says, “You can sit on the floor and eat without utensils. You should he as happy as a pig in mud.”

  Wendy rolls her eyes. “Pretty much! It actually sounds quite interesting.”

  “Jess and I will follow you to the place,” Sean tells Bonnie, and they all get in their cars.

  During the ride, Wendy says, “Sean and Jessica appear to be very much in love.”

  Bonnie agrees. “I believe they are indeed, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they eventually get married.”

  “Really. Do you think that might happen any time soon?”

  “No, not soon. I think Jessica wants to get Beauty Boutique Clothing firmly established internationally before she will allow herself to get that distracted. However, Sean is probably more ready than he thinks.”

  “That’s wonderful. I just really like the way they look at each other, and hopefully one day someone will look at me the way Sean looks at Jessica.”

  “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry things went so poorly the last time.”

  “It’s for the better, given all we know about him now. It just shows how truly selfish a man he is, and karma has a way of dealing with people like that.”

  “Isn’t that the truth. But tonight we are going to have fun and not worry about anything other than the food.”

  “Sounds perfect to me.”

  “One more thing though, and then I promise to change the subject. You mentioned you needed some time for reflection. Can I ask what that’s all about?”

  “Well, when I was in Cancun, I started getting up before everyone else, walking down to the beach, and sitting in a cabana reserved for my room to watch the sunrise. I found that to be the most pleasant part of the day, and somehow the sunrise felt cleansing as it started a new day off fresh and new. It was very peaceful and cathartic for me as I pondered many aspects of my life, like the things I am proud of and the things I’m not, but in those moments I found peace in my life, and regardless of all the things I have done I was able to forgive myself and others. So if I’m up early sitting by the pool don’t be concerned.”

  “I never figured you for a morning person, but what you’re describing sounds almost spiritual.”

  “Well, it kind of was for me but not in a theological type of way. More like for the first time in my life I realized the world still maintains a perfect balance regardless of what yesterday held, and we all get a fresh new start every day we are alive. Since all we can count on is today, we need to live it to the limit and accomplish good things for mankind.”

  Bonnie smiles at this revelation. “You’re going to be just fine, and I think taking time off and travelling might just be a great way for you to reevaluate things that are important to you.”

  “I suspect you’re right, and I’m really looking forward to travelling now that I can afford to. There are just a few things I’ll need to wrap up before I take off.”

  Bonnie nods. “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you how proud of you I am for the way you’re taking care of Mona. She is truly lucky to have you in her life.”

  “Thank you, but I feel the same way about her.”

  “Then your eventual partnership should be very fulfilling for you both.”

  “Unless of course I decide to travel for the rest of my life.”

  “Trust me, even travelling can get old after a while.”

  Bonnie pulls into the parking lot and gets out of the car as Sean pulls in behind her and parks his BMW.

  As they enter the restaurant, they are stunned by the contrast of the dark lighting making it very hard to focus for a moment. They regain their vision and are seated and told which courses are planned for the evening. They order two bottles of wine and spend the rest of the evening enjoying a wonderful meal with terrific conversation.

  ***

  The next morning, Wendy gets up early and sits by the pool watching the sunrise, but quickly recognizes it isn’t as spectacular as it was in Cancun. She fixes herself some coffee and smiles to herself, deciding she doesn’t need to do this again until she is somewhere she can watch the sun rise out of the ocean.

  Shortly after, Bonnie joins her by the pool with coffee of her own, and they talk for about an hour before Bonnie needs to get ready and head to the office. Wendy chuckles at the thought of her punching a time clock, then realizes it has been good for Bonnie to have something she loves to focus on. Honoring Mark is very important to Bonnie, and Wendy vaguely wishes for something that important in her own life. While Bonnie is getting ready, Wendy decides to spend the day bumming around San Francisco doing the tourist thing, riding the cable cars and walking on the wharf.

  Around mid-afternoon, she calls Bonnie and asks, “Can I bring you anything from the city?”

  “Oh, God, yes. Can you bring a half a dozen cannoli back from Stella’s Pastry on Columbus Avenue?”

  “Consider it done. I’m on Broadway now anyway.”

  “Oh, I love you so much. You have no idea how badly I’ve been craving their cannoli today.”

  “Ask and ye shall receive,” Wendy says, laughing. “I’ll be heading back in about an hour. When will you be home?”

  “I’ll be there before you get home with my cannoli.”

  Wendy laughs again and heads toward Stella’s Pastry. She picks up the required cannoli and then heads for Bonnie’s.

  When she walks into the house, Bonnie says, “I asked my staff to serve a carbonara for dinner tonight, which should be ready within an hour now that you’re home.”

  “Terrific. That sounds amazing, especially with the cannoli. I’m going to take a quick shower before dinner, okay? The city always makes me feel dirty.”

  “Okay,” Bonnie says. “Hey, wait, how long are you planning on staying?”

  Wendy considers for a moment. “I’ll probably leave the day after tomorrow.”

  Bonnie says, “Okay. I’ll have the pilot ready to take you home whenever you want.”

  “Thanks. Ten o’clock would be perfect. I’m just planning on laying by the pool tomorrow. Can you take the day off and spend it with me?”

  Bonnie grins. “I can do whatever I want. I control a billion-dollar company. Besides, I can take the calls I need to from home and the dreaded paperwork can wait for another day.”

  “Thank you for doing this. I have really missed just hanging out with you.”

  “Well, now that you’re not working as much, maybe we can do more of it,” Bonnie suggests.

  “Yes, but now you are working as much as I was,” Wendy says with a laugh. “I would really like that though.”

  “So would I. Let’s just make it happen, starting tomorrow.”

  They spend the next day lounging by the pool and catching up on each other’s lives. Wendy spends an enormous amount of time talking to Bonnie about Jim, the hopes she had about their relationship when it first started, and how terribly hurt she was to find he didn’t feel the same way she did about their relationship. Bonnie recognizes how significant Jim’s betrayal is to Wendy and encourages her to not close herself off to another man coming into her life.

  “I know, not all men are like him. I’m still open to the possibility but I’ll probably be much more careful about opening up so quickly in the future. Any man worth it will understand and allow the relationship to evolve slowly, over time,” Wendy
says, sipping a mimosa.

  Bonnie agrees. “Sometimes, in spite our better judgment, things progress faster than we expect them to, and even though we often get hurt it’s worth the risk to experience the intimacy, passion, and thrill of a new exciting relationship. Love truly sucks when you both don’t feel the same about each other, but when you do love each other intensely there is nothing in this world that compares.”

  Wendy thinks about what Bonnie has just said, then admits, “I know you’re right. When I remember how Jessica and Sean look at each other it keeps me hopeful. There is so much admiration and devotion in their eyes and actions towards each other, and I just think I’m ready to have that in my life now. In fact, if I were to be completely honest, I kind of crave it. Does that make me desperate?”

  “No, of course it doesn’t. It makes you human.”

  Wendy nods. “Thank you for that.”

  “There is a man out in the world somewhere who will adore you completely, and for whom you will long to be with most of the time. You’ll feel empty when you are apart from one another, and you’ll have the utmost respect for one another. Your responsibility is to remain open to the possibility of meeting this man. Who knows, maybe it’s even someone you have already met.”

  “Well, if I’ve met him that means I’ve ignored him. Why would he still be interested in pursuing any type of relationship with me?”

  “Because you are a beautiful woman both inside and out, and I suspect if a man can ignite the passion within you, you’ll rock his world like it’s never been rocked before.”

  Wendy blushes. “Again, thank you, and I suspect you see way more in me than I do in myself.”

  “That’s the way it works my dear, unless you’re an ego maniac.”

  Wendy’s cell phone rings and she answers it without looking at it. She instantaneously regrets her lack of judgment, cringing when she hears Jim’s voice on the line.