Close Quarters: A Novel (Zane Presents)

by Ray, Shamara

  I had to chill. My suspicions were just that. Suspicions. I didn’t come over to anger Kai. I came over to discuss the one thing that had her pissed. Us. “Listen, when we first decided to mix business with pleasure, we both knew what it was. You knew the rules just like I did. We were keeping it light, so no one would get hurt, especially since we worked together. I’m not blind and I can hear. I know your feelings began to change toward our situation. I’m not gonna lie. I was cool with the way things were going.”

  “Don’t you mean the way things are going?”

  “That’s what I said.”

  “No, it’s not.”

  I released a stream of hot air. “Let me finish. I know you want more, but I’m asking you to be patient with me. I got a lot of balls up in the air right now. Getting fired thrust me into overdrive, trying to get my agency open earlier than planned. You know how important that is to me. But I do want to figure out where we’re going with this, when the time is right.”

  “Okay. Let me see if I understand what you’re saying. Basically, I shouldn’t rock the boat and expect anything serious until, as you say, the time is right. Yet you can come in here and question what I do and with whom even though you and I aren’t exclusive?”

  “That’s what you took away from what I said?”

  “Yes, Malik.”

  This wasn’t the time for tiptoeing around the issues. “Kai, I’m still feeling you out. Sometimes what you say and do don’t quite match up. On more than one occasion you’ve gone missing, most recently last week when I got fired. And I’ll admit that dude walking out of here right before I arrived pissed me off. You’re right we aren’t exclusive, but again, I need to be able to trust what you say and do. If you’re telling me that Big Boy is just a friend I have to take it at face value, but that’s not how it looked.”

  “You’re doing an awful lot of speculating about what I do. What about you? I guess you’re living the life of a saint. You’re not with me twenty-four/seven. Am I supposed to believe that you’re not involved with anyone else?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Bullshit. I know how you are with the ladies and I know you’re fucking someone other than me.”

  “You’re wrong,” I said without flinching. Technically, I wasn’t lying. What occurred between me and Melina was a chance encounter. Melina had made it clear that there was no chance in hell of it happening again, no matter how much I wanted it to. She was moving to Long Island in a few days and planned to sign the lease to the apartment over to me. Ever since we slept together, I’d been trying not to think about Melina. Yet somehow she kept popping into my head. I knew she was getting married and would have been moving soon anyway, but I kept thinking how much I would miss seeing her and being around her and even how I enjoyed her company when we were out together. My feelings for Melina definitely had nothing to do with fucking.

  Kai came over and planted herself directly in front of me. “It’s written all over your face that I’m not wrong.” She moved my arms out of the way and positioned herself on my lap. “But, like you, I have to take your word that it’s the truth.”

  “Fine. Sounds like we’re on the same page.”

  “Not quite. I like to get my way, Malik. Right now, you’re getting your way.”

  “And I appreciate it, but think of it as my agency getting its way.” I stood and lowered Kai onto the sofa.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Business is calling.”

  “You’re not staying with me tonight?”

  “Unfortunately, I can’t. I have to be at the Gable Building in the morning to sign the lease on my office space.”

  Kai smiled up at me. “Well, kudos to you. It seems like you’re going to get everything you deserve, after all.”

  • • •

  As I left the building, I wondered whether Big Boy had already slipped back into Kai’s apartment.

  CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

  MALIK

  I strolled through the main lobby in Grand Central Station on my way to the Gable Building on Lexington Avenue. The morning rush was like orchestrated chaos, people crisscrossing each other at varying paces, amazingly avoiding collisions. Had I not been on my way to sign the lease to my office, I would have been annoyed by the hustle and bustle. Somehow knowing that in a matter of minutes I’d be holding the keys to my own office suite helped me maintain my calm.

  The receptionist led me to the waiting area and offered me a cup of coffee. Initially, I declined, but after fifteen minutes of waiting for the property manager I had a change of heart. I glanced at my watch for the tenth time in two minutes. My appointment was scheduled for nine a.m. It was nearing half past the hour.

  Finally, the manager rushed into the room. “Mr. Denton, I’m Roger Gordon. I’m sorry to keep you waiting, but we seem to have a problem.”

  I stood, so we could speak eye to eye. “What sort of problem?”

  “It seems the suite we were going to lease to you is no longer available.”

  Heat rushed up the back of my neck. “How is that possible?”

  “I apologize. There must have been some sort of internal mix-up among our team, but that suite has already been leased.”

  “I spoke with your office two days ago and was assured that I could have that space.”

  “I apologize for this oversight, Mr. Denton,” he said, his face reddening. He was repeatedly apologizing, but not offering any viable explanation.

  “Well, what other suites can you show me in the building?”

  “That was our last suite and we don’t have any other offices available either.”

  “You mean to tell me that suite was the only available space in the building?”

  “Again, I apologize, but we can add you to our waiting list. You’ll be at the top position when a suite becomes available.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

  “I really wish there was more that I could do to rectify the situation. We have your information and will be in touch if anything opens up. Again, I’m really—”

  I turned and left the office while he was still talking. I was seething. Perspiration had dampened the collar on my shirt. I headed into the bathroom across from the elevators. I snatched a few paper towels to blot around my neck. I threw the used paper towels toward the garbage and they missed, falling to the floor. I walked over and kicked the metal garbage can. I caught sight of myself in the mirror and my face was as red as Roger’s. I took a deep breath to compose myself. I picked up my wad of towels from the floor and chucked it in the trash. I took another deep breath and then exited the bathroom. I stopped dead in my tracks. I’d know that comb-over anywhere.

  Donner turned toward me. “Malik. I didn’t think we’d be running into each other so soon.”

  “What the hell are you doing here?”

  He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “It’s a free world, isn’t it?”

  “For some.”

  “I’ve heard that you’re planning to take over New York, but seems like you’re getting off to a rocky start.”

  “Oh yeah, and where did you hear that?”

  “I think you know it’s not a coincidence I’m here.”

  My fist clenched. “Kai?”

  “My people are loyal to a fault, Malik. Especially Kai. I have to commend you. This is a great find. I think this location will be perfect to set Kai up in a satellite office, which she’ll head for Newport and Donner. You look surprised. Don’t be. Kai’s been keeping me posted on your plans for quite some time.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Isn’t it obvious?”

  “So you fired me because you knew I wanted to start my own agency.”

  “I felt you were no longer an asset to Newport and Donner. I’m not going to hand my clients over to the competition. And you never quite fit into the team dynamic at Newport and Donner. For some reason you refused to accept the pecking order.”

  “Maybe because I was better th
an anyone you have employed there.”

  “That may be and I guess only time will tell. So here’s some free advice for you. If you’re ever going stand a chance in taking over New York, you better surround yourself with trustworthy people. It’s one of the things I’ve prided myself on throughout my extremely successful career.”

  “It seems you’re surrounded by lowlifes without an ounce of integrity, just like yourself. Do me a favor, keep your advice because just like you said, it’s free and not worth a damn.”

  We rode the elevator down together in silence. When we reached the ground floor, I turned to Donner, and said, “Get ready for the takeover, Gerry.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

  MELINA

  Boxes cluttered the living room and part of the hallway. Packing was going exactly how I had expected—slowly. I felt as if I was walking in circles and not making any progress. I couldn’t figure out what items to pack first, what should go or what should stay. Ellis encouraged me to leave everything, or throw it away, and buy whatever I needed. I wasn’t raised that way and rejected the notion as soon as it left his mouth. I planned to leave the living room and kitchen furniture for Malik, since I would have no use for them at Ellis’s place. My bedroom set I would donate to a shelter for women. There were single mothers that couldn’t afford furniture and a free bedroom set could make life just a tad easier.

  I squeezed through an opening in the boxes to get to the door. I let Giselle in and rubbed her swelling tummy with both hands. “Hi, mommy.”

  “I see who’s going to get all the attention,” she said, laughing. “Can I get some love, too?”

  “I’m sorry, Gigi.” I gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Come on in and watch out for the boxes.”

  “It seems like you’re making progress. What do you want me to do?”

  “Not much.”

  “Melina, I’m pregnant, not an invalid.”

  “I know that.”

  “Tell me what you need me to do.”

  “Okay. You can start bubble wrapping the picture frames over on the étagère.”

  Giselle stepped over a small box and went over to the shelves.

  “Be careful.”

  “I’m fine.” She picked up a picture of me, Ellis and his parents. It was from the night we went to the jazz benefit at Lincoln Center. Giselle traced her finger down the picture, then clutched it to her chest.

  I paused, puzzled by her behavior.

  She carried the picture over to the couch and sat down. “Melina . . . ”

  I put down the tape roll I was using. “Yes?”

  Giselle was staring vacantly at the picture. “I wonder if my baby will look like him.”

  With deliberate steps, I moved closer. “Like who, Gigi?”

  “His father.” Her lips were trembling and tears formed in her eyes.

  “You found out you’re having a boy?”

  “No . . .I mean . . .I wonder if my baby will look like Dr. Harlow—Ellis’s father.”

  “What are you saying?” I heard what she said, but my mind wasn’t comprehending or processing it correctly. “Giselle, why . . . why would the baby look like Dr. Harlow? What are you telling me right now?”

  “We met at a medical conference about a year ago. When I saw him, I thought he looked familiar. I guess I knew his face from your pictures. I went over to introduce myself, just to say hello and to let him know that we knew someone in common. We started talking, but had to cut it short to attend our sessions. We ended up having dinner together the first night of the conference and then met for breakfast the next morning. It was strictly professional. I was in awe of his career in medicine. I asked him as many questions as I could about his experience in pediatric surgery. I wanted to know about some of the career choices he made along the way and any advice he could give me. On the second evening, we made plans to meet at the cocktail reception. We talked all night. About everything. He was so charming and engaging. We left together and went back to my room.

  “Neither of us could explain why we were about to tempt fate, but we were like two magnets drawn together. Obviously, I knew he was married and he loved his wife. He told me the only reason Mrs. Harlow wasn’t with him was because she had a bad cold and decided to stay home at the last minute. She usually attended the conferences with him because it gave her an opportunity to shop while he was preoccupied and couldn’t halt her spending spree.” She laughed to herself.

  I eased down on the arm of the sofa, waiting for her to continue.

  “We were in my room talking for hours and when he finally leaned over and kissed me, I knew there was no turning back. We made love—and that’s what it was, Melina—it was tender and sweet. It was like he understood me and I understood him. I had never been with a mature man like Dr. Harlow. A man his age. Being with him made me realize that I wanted someone like him in my life. Not him necessarily, because I knew that could never be. You know me, Melina, I’m not a homewrecker. But after being with Dr. Harlow I knew I wanted an established man, in his prime, that had mellowed over the years and could appreciate the important things in life. If anything, that night with Dr. Harlow opened my eyes to what was missing in my life. When he was leaving my room the next morning, we handled our farewell with class and sophistication. Considering the delicate nature of the situation, and the parties involved, we swore never to speak of what transpired and agreed to never see each other again, not even during the remainder of the conference. He kissed me on the forehead before I closed the door behind him. I attended the rest of the conference and returned home three days later. A week later, a dozen roses were delivered to me at the hospital. He called. We had dinner. And so it began . . .

  “He really loved his wife. I wrestled with that. I still do. When I think back to that first night, I wish that I could rewrite the past. I know it’s foolish, but it’s what I think about, alone at night, with this baby growing in my stomach.”

  I sat staring at Giselle, trying to make sense of the fact that Ellis’s sister or brother was about to be born to one of my best friends. “Giselle—”

  “I know you hate me because I hate me,” she interrupted.

  “You’re pregnant with my fiancé’s sibling. Why didn’t you tell me any of this before?”

  “How was I supposed to tell you that I was having an affair with Ellis’s father? What would you have thought?”

  “I don’t know what I would have thought, but I would have told you that you’d lost your damn mind!”

  “You don’t think I know this sounds crazy?”

  “Giselle, it doesn’t sound crazy. It is crazy. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I don’t know. I felt like I couldn’t get you involved. We were together for seven months and every time we saw one another we swore it would be the last time. We just couldn’t stay apart. After he died—” Her voice caught in her throat. “After he died, there was no way I could bring this to you during your time of grief. I mean, I was grieving, too, in my own way.”

  “This is unbelievable.”

  “There’s something else you should know. We had been together the night before he died. We made love and when we said it was going to be the last time I sensed it was for real. The guilt had been getting to both of us and we realized it was time to truly end it. He had a heart attack the next night. Six weeks later, I found out I was pregnant. He never even knew. I must have gotten pregnant that last time we were together. That’s fate for you.”

  “Oh God, Gigi.” I moved next to her and hugged her. “Who else knows about this?”

  “No one. Not even Charlee—you can’t tell a soul. Promise me.”

  I leaned back, so I could see her face. “I can’t make that promise.”

  “Melina—”

  “You just told me that you’re having a baby by my fiancé’s dead father. As complicated as this is, I think Ellis would want to know that his father has another child. Your baby is his family, his brother or sister.”

&nbs
p; “Melina he will know this baby through you. You’re going to be auntie, remember? I can make you and Ellis the godparents, so Ellis can have an active role in its life. But please don’t say anything. I don’t want to taint Dr. Harlow’s legacy and destroy his family.”

  I could see the desperation in her eyes. It all made sense now. Why she was so down about the pregnancy and refused to share any details about the father. I shook my head. “Nothing has changed. I love you and I’m here for you just as I’ve always been. I’m in your corner and always will be, but I have to think about this. Ellis deserves to know.”

  She sighed heavily. “Who knows, maybe you’re right. I’ve been carrying this secret around like a heavy weight. Maybe it’s time to let it go and deal with the repercussions. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll understand.”

  I did my best to assure Giselle that she would always be my sister and that I could never hate her, but I didn’t hide my disappointment. On my way back from walking her to her car I started to replay so many things—past behaviors, conversations, and most importantly, our recent dinner at Ellis’s. Giselle was actually with Bebe and Ellis discussing her pregnancy. She was supposed to be one of my bridesmaids. As much as I wanted to tell Giselle everything would be fine, I couldn’t because that may have not been the truth.

  CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

  MALIK

  Kai startled when she saw me standing outside of her apartment building. I quickly approached her, captured her by the arm and escorted her past the doorman. She pulled away once we got in the elevator, stealing glances at me from the corner of her eye. When the elevator stopped, she looked at me nervously. I followed her down the hall and inside her apartment.

  “What are you drinking?” she asked.

  “What are you serving, something laced with arsenic?”

  “I’m trying to keep this civil.”

  “All right. I’ll take a beer.”

  Kai handed me a Heineken and a bottle opener. “I figured you’d want to open it yourself.”