“What in the hell are you doing Mother? We never discussed this, and I won’t let you—"
“Stop, just stop.” Lacy fought back the tears that threatened to break free. How could she, how could he. Her eyes met his and she read nothing on his face. Not an I’m sorry, nothing. She was such a fool. Used once again as a toy. Play with the poor kid then toss her aside. Damn him. Lacy pushed back her chair away and stood. She was determined to show them she was much better than them. She tossed open the file and information on the club was on the first page. She glanced at the info, It listed Amy as the owner. What a joke. The PR department didn’t even get that right. Ass holes.
“Thank you for the generous offer, but I won’t need it.”
“Don’t let your pride get in the way, my dear. Both of those firms will pay you well for your expertise. I’m sure you might even be able to make enough to where you won’t have to undress for men to make extra money.”
Lacy was fuming but determined to hold it together. “There’s no nudity at my club, and if your PR team did their job correctly they would have found out that I don’t work there, I own it.”
Lacy got a little bit of pleasure from the shock on her face. But Jamison was still emotionless. “I don’t allow any nudity, it’s a high-end club. One that many of your employees take clients to. Check their entertainment receipts.” Lacy pointed to Jamison. “And how dare you show up here, say what you said, and do what you did. Then just stand there while she fired me. Did you know? Is this what you wanted to talk to me about? Oh, I think I’m going to be sick.”
Lacy grabbed her stomach and turned to the door. She had to get out. Away from these two hypocrites. She jerked open the door and rushed down the hall. Running out to the porch. Fighting to catch her breath. The door opened behind her and she whipped around, staring at Jamison.
“Lacy, I had no idea. You must believe me. I do have something I need to tell you. Please give me a chance to explain.”
“No, you had plenty of time to talk, but you chose to get the one piece of me I never gave to you. I hope your happy now.” She shoved past him. Determined to get her stuff and leave with a little dignity. His heavy footsteps pounded behind her as she hurried to her office. She opened her desk drawer and pulled out her purse. Maria jumped up from her desk and Lacy put up her hand to stop her.
“I’ll call you later. I need to get out of here. Can you lock up the conference room? I will be back later to get my stuff.” She turned her head to look behind her. “If that’s okay with management.”
Jamison stepped in front of her “You’re not going anywhere. Just give me a minute to explain.”
“No, now move.” Lacy stormed past him as she raced for the door. She needed to clear her head. Find a way to get past the humiliation of being used by the Michaels, again. With determination fueling her anger she ran to her car. The club would be her first stop. Amy was up to something and Lacy needed to find out what. Then home. She would come back to the office, once the building was clear. Her designs were perfect for the Fashion contract and she was going to find a way to get them in front of the designers, even if it meant through another agency.
7
Jamison kicked the chair out of his way and punched the divider that surrounded Lacy’s desk. “What the fu—”
“Whoa buddy. None of that here.” Maria said as she crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. “I want to know what in the hell you did to my friend.”
“I did nothing” Jamison pointed to the door. “She was the one. My dear sweet Mother.” He crossed the room, draping his arm across her shoulder, pulling her close. “This woman can destroy a life and erase a dream, without losing an ounce of sleep over it. Right Mom?” Jamison’s voice was cold, laced with anger.
“Enough of the drama.” His Mothers acid tone chilled the room. “I did what you were supposed to but didn’t have the balls to. She’s not one of us. I did you a favor. Now can we concentrate on tomorrow?”
She gave him a hostile look, shoving his arm away from her, and Jamison’s temper flared. “She’s not one of us, she’s better, and you had no right.”
“I had every right. This is my company, you work for me and don’t you forget it. Now I’m almost out of time, let’s go over a few details about tomorrow.”
Jamison gritted his teeth as he grabbed his phone. He needed to find her, make this right. Once she knew about tomorrow she would understand.
“Markus, I will need you ready for the briefing by ten. And for god sakes act surprised.” Jamison sat back, waiting for her to finish. “And you, Marie.”
“It’s Maria, and what is Markus supposed to be surprised about, or do I even need to ask?” Jamison bit back a laugh as Maria stood up to the witch.
“I apologize, Maria. You’re right, you don’t need to ask. Now make sure you have this place cleaned and polished by morning. We will have the TV crew, and the board members here. I plan to make this a big event. We will sign the Fashion Contract and announce the marketers. I see front page news here.”
“Wait one-minute, Sugar. I’m not your maid, I’m one of your marketers, and a damn good one. You would not have the multimillion dollar Slyder account if it wasn’t for me. And if I get the gist of your evasive remarks, Markus here is going to get the Fashion account, right?”
Jamison was amazed at the thrill he got watching Maria rip into his mother. She has spunk. Just what he was going to need.
“You are correct, and I know who you are. And if you want to continue working for me you will do as I ask.”
His mother turned, and Jamison grabbed Maria’s arm, keeping her from tackling the old woman. He bent forward, whispering in her ear. “Don’t do it. I have a plan, and I’ll tell you about it later.”
“Jamison, I’ll expect you at the office for our meeting at four. We have a lot of details to work out.” Her heals clicked across the wooden floor and Jamison didn’t relax until the front door closed behind her.
He turned, and his eyes met the angry glare from Maria. She planted her hands on her hips and tapped her toes until Markus, the weasel, left the room.
“Spill it and do it fast before I kick your royal ass out of here.”
Jamison rubbed his hands together and straightened up. “I have a lot I need to talk to you about, but I first need to find Lacy. Do you have any idea where she went?”
“If I did I wouldn’t tell you. Did you fire her?” Her tone was sparked with rage.
“I need to talk to her, and no. I didn’t fire her. My Mother did. But she still has a job with me, and so do you. I just can’t explain right now.”
Maria stared at him, narrowing her eyes, questioning his every word.
“Maria, please. I have to make this right.” He pleaded with her.
“Fine. She was worried about Amy being here, so I bet she went to the club.”
Jason kissed her cheek and took off for his car. He was so close to achieving his dream, one he started when he was a teen ager. And one he can’t have without Lacy.
Lacy pulled up in front of the club. She turned off her car and leaned back, glancing around the parking lot. It was full. She smiled. It took her years to build the cliental she wanted, and she will be damned if she was going to let Amy destroy it. Lacy grabbed her purse and her phone dinged. She checked her message and gasped. Someone called the city inspector. Bogus health and safety complaints. Damn it. Lacy jerked open her door and stormed inside. She was not going to let a spoiled rich woman, or an embezzling bitch take her club away. The bar was packed, not the best situation for an impromptu inspection. But she did not have a choice. So, she shoved her purse in her office, grabbed her cape and went out to the bar. Tom was answering questions about the practices of alcohol handling, and food preparation. His forehead beaded with sweat and Lacy knew she needed to rescue him.
“Mr. Gray, I’m Lacy Henson. The owner, and operator, of Borders. Thank you, Tom, I’ll take over from here.” The kids face lit up with a big smile a
nd he stepped back to the customers waiting at their next drink.
“Can we go to my office. It’s a little quieter there. You can fill me in on what brought you out tonight and I can get together everything you will need to make this a quick visit.”
Lacy spent the next two hours going through health inspections, safety reviews and liquor law requirements. She did find out that they came out on an anonymous tip of liquor law infringements. And serving minors. False accusations that were made to destroy her. What they didn’t realize is she might keep paper books, but they are complete, and accurate. She put all her binders away and dropped into her chair. Her day sucked. She lost her big chance at the Fashion design, was fired from her job, and almost lost her club. She glanced at her watch. It wasn’t even four. Damn, what else can go wrong. She blew out the breath she was holding and remembered the reason why she came. Amy. Shit. She jumped up and grabbed the door handle. She pulled it open and ran right into the last man she expected to see.
“Jamison, what are you doing—”
“Here? Finishing something. I need to talk to you, now.” He grabbed her waist and backed her up, kicking the door behind him.
“Let me go. I heard everything you, and your mother had to say. And I’m—”
His mouth covered hers and she felt drugged, unable to fight. She leaned in, meeting the strong hardness of his lips. His tongue sent shivers of desire racing through her. She had no will to fight until memories of the day returned to her mind. She pushed back and stepped out of his arms.
“I can’t do this, Jamison. You’ve taken everything away from me, and your mother even tried to take away my club.”
“What? How?” Jamison asked in a confused tone.
“I had a surprise state inspection. Complaints of liquor law infringements and serving minors. Like I needed anything else to deal with.”
He grabbed her hands and she pulled them back. “I’m sorry, is there anything I can do?”
“No, I’m fine, the club is fine. I just need you to leave.” Lacy stepped back, putting distance between the only man she loved. Her heart raced, aching for his touch, determined to betray her, just like he did. But she held strong.
“I can’t, not until you promise me you will be there tomorrow. I have news that will affect our future. But I need you there when I announce it.”
“Really, why? Are you going to lure me in with promises of us, our future, then shove me aside for the next big contract, or prominent society girl? We’ve been down that road.”
“I’m not like her, just give me a chance to prove it. She caught me off guard today. I was just as surprised as you were. But we don’t need her, or her company, trust me. Be there tomorrow, at ten. I promise it will change your future.” He pleaded, and she looked away.
“I don’t fit your mold, or in your society.” She said under her breath. “And look around. I worked her during college, then bought it. I love this place and won’t give it up. I know a PR department will tell you I’m a bad risk.”
“I don’t need a PR department review to tell me anything. You’re worth investing in. And I’m willing to make that investment.” He leaned over, cupping her face in his hands. Their eyes met, and he brushed a kiss across her lips. “Be there tomorrow. And bring those drawings. Trust me. And make sure Maria is there. I would tell her myself, but she scares me. I’m pretty sure she was plotting my death right now.”
“She is protective, but only because she doesn’t want to train a new boss.” Lacy chuckled and he dropped his hands.
“I have to go. Don’t forget, tomorrow, ten.” He rushed out the door and it closed with a thud. What in the hell just happened? She shook her head and knew she still had one thing to settle. Amy. She stepped out to the bar and there she was, counting the register. What the hell? Lacy knew she only had one course of action to make here. She went back to her office and made a call she hated to make, but knew she had to. Amy was her friend. But one who needed to pay for all the damage she has done. Lacy grabbed her books and the record of loses. Over a hundred thousand that she could locate. She knew it was probably more, but her heart could not go back any further. She checked her watch and knew they would be entering any second. She stepped out to the bar and waved to Tom. She informed him of what was going to happen. He nodded and returned to his customers. Lacy glanced up at the big mirror over the bar and the door opened. Two officers stepped in. She knew them both. In this line of work, you get to know quite a few. She was sure they were briefed and wanted this to go down in the back. She walked up to Amy and leaned close.
“I heard you were looking for me.” Amy whipped around and Lacy stumbled back. Catching herself against the bar. “Something about a meeting we were supposed to have. One I don’t remember.” Amy was motioning to her ear, unable to hear over the music.
The show ended and Lacy’s voice cut the silence as she asked again. “What meeting, Amy?”
“Um, well, yah, I thought we should meet to hash out our little argument. How about your office, in five?” Her nervous tone sent off an alarm in Lacy’s head. Something was up. And it was more than a little money. But she would have to deal with it later.
“You shouldn’t be here, and you know it. Let’s go into my office, now.” Lacy moved aside so Amy could pass in front of her. Amy cautiously stepped out from behind the bar, and towards the hall with Lacy right behind her. Amy’s steps were slow, and hesitant. She was almost to the office door when she took off in a dead run. Lacy raced after her. Smashing her to the floor, right before the fire exit. She held her down until the cops pulled her up. Securing Amy in cuffs.
“Stupid bitch. This isn’t over.” Amy screamed.
“Yes, it is.” Lacy handed the copies of the ledger to the cops and knew her night would end at the station, making a report. But it was the right thing to do. Who knows how long Amy had been stealing from her. She trusted her friend, supported her, and this was the way she re-paid her, with a knife in the back. Her frustrations were mounting as she watched Amy being hauled out the back door.
“Lacy.” Amy screamed. Lacy stared at the back of her friend. “I hope you enjoy the gift I left you at your office. It makes us even. You destroy me, I destroy you.” Her hideous laugh echoed over the music and Lacy chocked on the fear stuck in her throat. What in the hell did she do? Lacy shot to her office, grabbing her purse. She sprinted to the bar and told Tom to take over, and call if he needed anything then she jumped in her car. Racing to the place she was just fired from to find out what damage her deranged friend did. She dialed Maria, but it went to voice mail. Her heart raced as she got closer. All she could hope was that no one was hurt. She prayed hard as she skidded to a stop in front of the brownstone. The parking lot had just a few cars, good. She went inside and passed Chelsea shutting down her computer.
“Hello Lacy. I was told that if you came back to help you gather your belongings.”
“I bet you were”. Lacy mumbled as the young society girl smiled back at her. “I’m fine, Chels. I just have a few things I need to gather, then I will be gone. I am going to get most of my things tomorrow.” Her emotionless face didn’t surprise Lacy. She was a well-trained robot for Mrs. Michaels.
“Don’t worry, Chels. I will only be a minute and Maria can help me. I covered it with Jamison earlier. So corporate gave me the okay. You can call him to verify.” She curtly nodded and left. Lacy needed to check the office. Amy did something, and she had to find out what, and fast. She checked all drawers, and desks, throughout the offices. Searching all cabinets and closets. She entered the board room and found Maria dusting the table. Lacy laughed and tossed a roll of paper towels at her.
“Hey chick, don’t knock it. The witch ordered me to clean up, or else. I chose the or else, but your boy toy talked me onto staying. Said I would not be disappointed. So here I am cleaning up this shit hole for the rich and famous.”
“I’m impressed.” Lacy said as she wiped her finger across the top. “Your house is a mes
s. I wasn’t sure you knew how to clean.”
“Ha, and I do, I just don’t. I like the lived-in look. What brings you back here.”
“Amy. She said she left me a gift. I was afraid she left a bomb or something. I had her arrested on the embezzlement charges. She’s pissed, and called it revenge. I’m just checking everything. Don’t want anything to happen tomorrow that can fall back on me. Oh, and Jamison said you were to be here tomorrow. He has some big news he thinks we are going to be a part of. I know I’m not going to be welcome. But I’m going to use the excuse that I need my stuff in the conference room.”
“Good idea.” Maria stated. “And tomorrow sounds like it’s going to be fun. Might be a two-donut day. Make sure you bring me some. I’m going to have to put up with Markus, gloating, so you owe me.”
Lacy slapped her friend. “What happened to your diet?”
“Don’t judge me, and I want the chocolate covered ones.” Lacy shoved her friend and they laughed as they walked to the conference room. She opened the door and slapped her hand over her mouth and chocked on the bile that rose in her throat. Maria pushed past her and froze.
“Oh, no, Lacy. I’m so sorry.” Maria said as she gripped Lacy’s arm
Lacy face filled with tears as she scanned the length of the dress. It was shredded and coated with red paint. All those Lace squares ruined, her dream destroyed, again. Her knees went week and she dropped to the floor. She had nothing left to give. The dress was gone, and her sketches were in pieces. She dropped her head into her hands and the shock of defeat held her immobile. Maria sank beside her and she fell into her arms. She was emotionally lost. No job, no design, her dreams in pieces around her. The Michaels have won, again, and Amy helped them.
Seduction in a Suit: An Office Romance Collection Page 29