by Carol May
I have spent far to much of my life on self pity and analyzing my former relationship with Houston I know I need to move on. Flashing back to when I was much younger, I can just hear my brother John giving me a hard time about my latest breakup when I was a teenager. His voice would go up a couple of octaves, He would bat his eyelashes and say in a whiney voice, “Poor me. Poor Charlotte. I am so sad. ---- and I broke up. I am not sure how I will make it through the day. Boo hoo hoo. Boo hoo hoo.” If Brad was at home, then both of them would start in on me.
Laughing at that thought, I decide to stop by my favorite little coffee shop. This is one of the the things I did on a regular basis before Houston. Finding a parking space on the side of the building just about the time I reach the front door my phone goes off. Pulling it out, I can't help but smile. My best friend Lana has sent me a message.
Where are you? If you are still home don’t forget to bring the Miller file.
I just received the go ahead we landed the account.:
Smiling, I simply know it is going to be a great day.
Fantastic At JH getting some coffee. Want some?
After a minute she replies back.
No. Neither does Joan.
Ok. I’ll be in soon.
Great about the Miller account! I suppose you will be going to Dallas.
Walking into The Java House feels good. I have not been here in quite a while. As I open the door everything familiar floods back to me. I take in the sounds of the place, one of the local stations playing a mixture of sounds is on. The machines are playing their own little tunes as the patrons move around. Rose is behind the counter but no Terrance. Thank goodness, I only have her to face this morning.
Stepping up to the counter I am not sure how this will go. Turning around from the back counter Rose says, “Well, it’s about time you are in here. I know you have been back in Miami for what two months? I am not sure if I should hug you or turn away and not speak to you. What the hell?”
For just a second, I’m not sure where this is going as I stand at the counter waiting. She tosses down the bar towel in her hand, walks around the counter and hugs me. Hard! It was one of those types of hugs my Nonie would have given. She whispers in my ear, “I completely understand. I know your heart was shattered by that sorry piece of…”
Interrupting her, I say, “Let’s don’t go there, okay? I’m back. Well, mostly back to at least living.” Pulling back from her I smile.
She nods in agreement. “You want the usual?”
Things are beginning to get back to normal. “Sure. Hey, let’s go to dinner soon. We can catch up.” I know there are a couple of people in line but I stand for just a second more making plans. It feels really good to be doing that.
Before I can turn around, I hear someone say, “Hey sexy, you want to move that pretty little ass of yours. Other people need their morning fix. Have your girl talk later.”
I close my eyes, grit my teeth and prepare for battle. Rose says nothing. I am sure at this very minute she is afraid to say anything because she can see the fire coming from my eyes as I open them. Turning around, I launch into , “Listen buddy, I don’t know who…”
I stop mid-sentence. Standing in front of me is a man I thought I might never see again, Blaine Carlton. Leaning into my ear he whispers, “Damn fine ass if you ask me.”
Looking up into those eyes I can’t help but smile all the anger has been replaced with delight. Not sure delight is the actual word but I’m going with that. I manage to retrieve my sensibility and speak. “Not sure anyone asked you but I suppose those workouts are paying off.”
Flashing me another of those smiles of his, he says, “Since we are both here, grab us a table and let’s enjoy our cups together.”
Simply following his direction, I look around the small, brightly decorated room. I select a table near the front but off to the side. As he joins me, I feel the temperature of the room increase. “Let me guess, you are not on your way to a business meeting.”
With a slight laugh he responds, “Why Charli you must possess excellent deductive reasoning skills. I have absolutely no idea why you might think I am not headed into the office.”
Rolling my eyes just a little at him, I flash a small smile saying, “You are absolutely correct I must since you are dressed in shorts, a casual shirt and canvas deck shoes. My goodness, I must offer up my services to the FBI. Let me use my powers to deduce you are going out on a boat.”
Throwing his hand to his chest, he responds with, “My God, it is a revelation. You are correct in my destination. Why don’t you take an impromptu day and join me?”
Shaking my head, I respond “As wonderful as that sounds, I have some upcoming presentations this week. Unfortunately for me, I must work on them.”
“One of those wouldn’t possibly be for The Blaine Company would it?”
“Why Mr. Carlton, I would think you know what your schedule holds for the week. I am not sure if I should confirm or deny.”
As those blue eyes stare at me from across the table, Blaine replies, “We both know the answer to my question. I believe Supreme Corporate Travel is on the agenda for Thursday at eleven. I hope you have something up your sleeve that at least rivals J. Elliot’s little event if not best it.” Holding up one finger he continues, “I am breaking my own rule. I generally do not discuss business when I am in casual clothes with a beautiful woman.”
Nodding my head, I say, “Fair enough. No business. So tell me how long you are in Miami for?”
“My original plan was to be here only a few days, five or six, but those plans may have changed. I may possibly be in town two weeks or more.”
Just as we exit the building, I glance back at Rose to tell her bye. I catch her eye just as she is checking out a customer and I see that big thumbs up she gives. Shaking my head at her, all I can think of is how much better I feel today. Stopping on the street, Blaine offers me a ride to the office but again I decline, “I will be sitting at my desk all day. Even though it is only a little over a block to the office, I really need to walk.”
Nodding his head, he says, “Alright that is acceptable but be aware of two things.” As I tilt my head just a little to the left and look up at him, he continues. First thing, I will stand here and enjoy the way your body moves and how those luscious hips sway as you walk away. Second, be ready at seven thirty for dinner. We will dine in one of my places, then move onto the floor to dance. I have given you ample notice for you to get all of your presentations taken care of today.”
Standing here, I just look up at him for a second. Then, shake my head. I forgot how tall he actually is. “Blaine, you are too much. What if I have plans for tonight?"
Looking at me with what I might describe as a what the hell look, he responds, "Cancel them."
"Bossy."
"Darlin, are you only now realizing that?"
I can't help but smile, "Well here are two things for you. First, I will be ready at eight thirty for dinner. I generally work until seven. Two, who says I want to dance?”
Putting his finger under my chin, he tilts my head back even more. Looking into my eyes he says, “I do. Not up for discussion.” His lips meet mine in a gentle, slow kiss. Pulling back he tugs on my lower lip just a little then says, “Now, turn and let me watch you walk away. I like a woman in a tight skirt and heels.”
Chapter 22
Walking away from him, I can’t help but put a little extra swing in my hips. I would love to know exactly what he is doing but I am not under any circumstances turning around. Well, one quick glance over my shoulder won’t hurt. As I glance very casually, I see him actually standing in the same spot watching me walk away. Smiling as he very subtly nods his head, he winks, and pulls out his phone. Our moment is over but it was a good one I must admit.
Looking up from her computer Joan smiles at me, saying “Well, good morning to you. You look as if you are having a good day.”
Not stopping at her desk, as
I usually do, I answer her over my shoulder, “It is off to better than good, let’s say great!” Glancing over at Lana’s office, I notice her door is closed but I can hear her on the phone so I know she is here. I immediately submerge myself in the day’s work. This morning has been very successful. I have completed some presentations, to discuss with Lana.
Pausing briefly to eat lunch, I find myself at an excellent stopping point around five thirty. I must admit I am actually looking forward to tonight with Blaine. These past few months have been extremely difficult. Who am I kidding? The past few months have been more like what some might describe as a living hell. Contemplating what a momentous occasion this is evening is shaping up to be I decide to pamper myself with a mani/pedi before heading home to primp (as my Mother would have called it) for the evening.
Being co-owner of Supreme Corporate Travel means I put in some really long days but it also means I can call it quitting time when I want. That is not a perk I have ever really taken advantage of so why not today? Understanding that a successful business requires many sacrifices, I tend to take a great deal of work home with me, often working until late night. Lana has interests that are beyond SCT and I am happy for her. The late hours I spend on work keeps my mind from wandering into a dark hole that will undoubtedly suck me in further. Taking a deep breath as I close my door, I decide to stop in to chat with Lana for a second. Before I have an opportunity to speak, I realize she is on the phone. She has no idea I am here since her chair is turned around placing her back to the door. Judging from the small laugh I just heard, it seems as if we both are having an interesting day. I can't help but smile a little to myself, when I her on the phone talking in a low almost husky tone. I would recognize that tone anywhere. It's her bedroom voice. Backing out as quiet as if the room had a sleeping baby inside, I continue with my early exit. Pausing for a minute at Joan’s desk, I say “I am heading out for the day. Please let Lana know. I stopped to tell her myself but she seems to be occupied with a phone conversation.”
Smiling Joan replies, “I think there is someone special that she is holding out on us. I know since she and Terence cooled things off while you were gone, she has been putting in some longer hours than usual but the last couple of days she has seemed to be very upbeat. What I might call jolly, if I lived in another country.”
Crap! Have I been so involved with myself that I haven't realized she has been working late into the night? Stopping to think for a minute, I smile as I continue our conversation, “Come to think of it, I have noticed that her perkiness has been more than usual.” Raising my eyebrows just a little, with a smile I mean to be devious, I say, “Well, good for her but we are going to have to get more details. If, she is holding out on us, we can’t let that happen. Can we?”
Shaking her head, Joan says, “No, we can’t but don’t forget that is a two way street. If your actions today are any indication, I think Lana may not be the only one holding out. I think I see a girls night in the very near future."
Quickly changing the subject, I say, “Well, I am out of here. Good night.”
Her response is, “this is just what I mean. You never leave early. By the way, it is nice to hear you with some lilt in your voice. I must admit, I've been worried about you.”
I let her know that I didn't mean to cause her to be concerned about me. "It's just been a long slow road for me these past few months. I am feeling better, I must admit." Turning toward the door, I stop to look back at her flashing her a smile and a wink.
Thinking about what Joan said on the taxi ride back to 303, I realize that I have a really long way to go before I am on the other side of the pain that both my heart and head feel. I can't simply sit around. I have a life to live and the only way the pain will decrease is if I make some attempt at moving on.
Standing inside the closet, I decide to go with a short, black slip dress. As I place the hanger on the hook, I step back to examine it. It is short. Really short. Running my hand across it, I enjoy the sensual touch of the fabric. Even though it is lined it, it’s still rather sheer which means a black bra with some shape to it. Since he said we would be going to one of his clubs I think this is definitely the dress.
As my eyes roam over the multitude of shoes, I find a pair of pumps that have enough sparkle on the heel to say night out. The round peep toe provides a glimpse of my perfectly manicured feet. I have never seen these shoes before but most most of the things in this entire closet I have never seen before. It is my understanding that this closet along with the items in it from before my trip to hell were replaced. Hence, new shoes. That sounds really strange but I rarely come to this room or this closet.
After those first night back, I began to sleep in what was once a guest room downstairs. As for this closet, I have had several internal arguments about what to do with all these things. The part of me that still clings to my Midwest roots, would be extremely happy if I closed the door on the entire penthouse and never came back. Sometimes, I consider that but then I think about my finances. I really don’t have the financial ability or mental strength to give Dade 303 up just yet. Someday. Maybe.
I stop myself before I start down what could be a very dangerous road that will only lead to despair. I have spent many hours on that road in the course of my thirty-two years which means I know the journey well. Nope not tonight. Walking over to the full length mirror, I do the once over. I am glad I straightened my semi-curly hair. Just as I put a few things into my bag, my phone vibrates. Looking at the text, I smile. It feels good to smile because of a man. My only response is ;) .
As I step off of the elevator, I see Blaine standing by the fountain dressed head to toe in black. With his back to me, I can take in those broad shoulders. For some reason, he looks oddly familiar this way. Turning around to face me, I zero in on gorgeous eyes as blue as the waters of the Caribbean. Pausing for just a minute, we break into smiles nearly simultaneously. Walking toward each other, neither aware of those around us, our eyes are locked.
Tilting my head back to look into his eyes, Blaine says, “My God, Charli. You are stunning.” Leaning down and whispering in my ear, “I could take you right here.” Just as he is about to pull away, I feel his tongue ever so gently brush the inner top of my ear. My body is responding. I feel the tingle in my nipples telling me it is going to be an interesting night.
Without a reply, we turn toward the doors. When we are just about there, I stop. I would recognize that voice anywhere. Looking back, I quickly scan the lobby. Stopping beside me, Blaine asks, “is something wrong?” Standing here in the lobby, my eyes scan the room. I don’t see the person I am looking for. Shaking my head, “No, I thought I recognized a voice. I must have been mistaken.” As we exit the building, I notice a black limousine with a driver standing at the open back door. Blaine places his hand on my back to guide me to the vehicle. His hand feels nice there.
Sitting beside him, each seems to be lost in their own thoughts. Sometimes, saying nothing says more than words can. There seems to be no need for small talk. I put my head back against the headrest, closing my eyes for just a moment. In what seems like a brief moment, we are exiting off of the freeway. Surely, I didn't doze off. I open my eyes only to realize we are heading away from the city. Before I could actually process what was happening, we turn again. Looking out the window, I see the tell tell sign. My heart begins to race. I must ask the question but I already know the answer. “Blaine, where are we going?”
Turning to smile at me, he replies, “I told you earlier today that we were going to one of my clubs. Why? Is something wrong?”
Taking a very deep breath, I ask, “The club you are taking me to isn’t in Miami is it?”
“No, it’s up in Orlando. I thought we would fly up for the evening. Is that a problem? We have new management and I wanted to surprise them. Get a true feel for the place unannounced.”
Swallowing hart, I shut my eyes trying to find the words to explain.
“Charli? Did you hear
me? Is it a problem that we are going up to Thirsty?”
“Actually, I am very sorry to say this but here goes. I don’t fly.”
Looking over at me, just about the time we pull into the entrance of a small private airport. He winces. "I never considered flying would be an issue." The driver parks, exits and comes around to open the door for Blaine. Problem is, he just sits not saying a word. After what seemed like an eternity Blaine gets out, walks over to the plane, up the steps and disappears inside.
Well! Alright then. I sit here not only feeling foolish, I have no clue as what to do. Did he really just leave me sitting here? Decision made. I lean over and look up at the driver, who is still by the open door, saying, “Ah, I think you can take me home. Right now please." Talking about horrible dates. This simply is off the chart of bad dating experiences. Never would anyone in a million years believe this.
“Are you sure, Mam? I believe we should wait. Mr. Carlton didn’t give me any directions about leaving.”
At this very minute, I could care less what Blaine Carlton wants but I am not about to take it out on the driver. He has nothing to do with this. “Yes, I am very sure. Please, just take me home.”
Chapter 23
Just as we are exiting the airport, my phone vibrates. Looking at the text, I see, What the hell? Where are you?
I quickly type my response. Leaving just like you did. What did you expect?
Within seconds, my phone beeps with a response, Get back here. I didn’t leave.
Oh shit! I put the window down between myself and the driver. “Excuse me. I don’t know your name but could you please turn around.”
“Tom, Ma’am. Yes, I will. Turning around now.”
“Thank you, Tom. Obviously, I made a serious mistake.”
I have no doubt that Tom thinks I am a lunatic. Heck, I think I might be one myself. Without a reply, Tom quickly turns and away we go back to Blaine.