by Kerry Leigh
Alex laughed. “You love my optimism I’m a perfect match against your negativity.”
“Hah, I guess I haven’t been coming across clearly after all these years. I’m perfectly happy, I take chances, but it’s god to have expectations. That way you’ll never be disappointed.”
"Has the plane come?"
"A couple hours ago."
"A couple hours!" Alex exclaimed in surprise.
“Well what are you here for Don’t you have someone in charge while you take time off for the visit.”
“Of course, I did.” I said. “Father had meetings that were pressing and of utmost secrecy or leaving me holding my dick in my hands. To be honest I could have a nervous breakdown at any moment. I’ve never felt so stressed, at this point I wouldn’t mind someone putting me out of my misery.”
"Where’s Jess?" Alex asked. "Shouldn’t you be bonding; a couple isn't something that you can fake."
I rolled my eyes.
“I gave her time to shop,” then said, “she gets a shopping spree, so she can dress like someone befitting my fiancée.”
“I never knew lying pays off.” Alex said
"We do what we must, Chachi. What sort of man would I be if I didn’t treat my beloved, especially when he’s got an unlimited black card."
"Yeah, it wouldn’t look right at all," Alex said.
"If you’re dressed in the finest suits, but she looks like she came out of H&M it wouldn’t signal you’re on the same pages."
The image of her having fun and smiling at all the bags in her gorgeous hands made me smile. Jess needed spoiling. And I was the guy to help her.
My phone rang, and I almost dropped it in fear. My dad’s name was on the screen.
Scared, I answered. “Father…”
“Logan, we won’t be around until late evening. So, there’s been an interesting change of plans. Make a dinner reservation for the four of us, and we will meet you at 8 PM.” His tone had no lightness, no humility. Just stark order, no bullshitting from a boss to a worker. It made me angry. I wanted to scream out loud and break things.
Then I took a deep break and balled up my fist for a couple moments, just squeezing and letting go, squeezing and letting go. I let out a deep breath.
And I felt less angry.
“Yes, father, Then I’ll see you at eight o’clock sharp.”
And then I hung up on the phone just like my old man. I felt a good energy course through my body.
"Great." Alex said. “Are you going to be fine, like spiritually I mean? A fiancée is all well and good but what happens if you punch your dad?”
I opened my hands and put them up. “Relax it’ll all be good. I’m the model of restraint.”
“That bottle of tequila says no.”
“I’ll be better in person, He owns everything but this is my turf and there’s no one that can make me uncomfortable.”
“That’s great to hear. You’ve got this,” Alex said. I know you’ve still got some things you want to talk about but my lunch break is finishing soon. Though, if you need me I’m a phone call away.”
“Well, that’s a relief to hear. Don’t stress, dude, you’ve got this,” said Alex. “I hate to duck out, but I’ve got to hit the showers before my shift starts. I’ll have my phone on if you need me, okay?”
“Don’t let Deacons see you with that.” My erstwhile understudy for the week adored his little power trips, of course as a countermeasure for my inability to ever take over the company by forcing the staff to comply with the rules they usually took liberties with. I preferred mavericks, Deacons - not so much.
My staff just had to cope for a week, besides while Deacons was reliable and independent, and that was what I needed, some of the staff would feel incensed for a while for the switch.
Alex gave me a pat on the back and headed to start or finish his day.
I exhaled and looked at my watch once more, erratically, then hit my forehead mockingly. I had a lot of time to kill and I didn’t know what to do. It felt like a guillotine hanging over my head, and I knew I had to take my mind off things before I got sick or mess up this scheme.
I thought about Jess, and what she was doing. Then I rang her. Then she answered. Giggling.
“Hello dear.”
I smiled grinned. She had adjusted herself to the know reality a bit too well
“Hey lover. How are the stores? I hope you’ve been running a marathon on my bill.”
“We had brunch.” Jess said, And I heard Kaitlin giggling softly We might have also had a drink or two.
“Well, you can take those drinks into the stores, or you can ask them for wine.”
“They hand out wine!?”
“Well not for you, normally, but for high end buyers, like the you now, absolutely darling.”
“This is the best day of my life. Or the best relationship I’ve ever been in.”
I exhaled and couldn’t hold back the grin on my face. “Dad rang so well have dinner in the evening. So, take your time and have fun, you just need to be ready by eight.”
“Okay awesome.” Jess said.
“I’ll come ready. What are your plans?”
I looked around the staff meeting room then looked through the window. “I need to relax so I’ll probably get a drink or two before hand.”
“That’s great Logan. I’ll see you later.”
“I’ll be waiting for you Jess.”
******
My time in the bar was great for my mood. I stuck to scotch, a couple glasses and my mood was greatly relaxed.
I felt my phone buzz and I received a text from Jess, telling me she’s finished her shopping spree and was at our new penthouse preparing for our dinner from hell. I texted her, saying I would finish things on my end and meet her soon.
Make sure you knock, was what she told me with a cute smiley face that I tried hard not to take it as a challenge. I wouldn’t stoop to doing that of course, but something about catching Jess in a state if half dress, putting on sexy lingerie… yikes, it did something for me.
Now that my mood mellowed, my feelings of lust brought to the fore and I felt the desire to get laid.
My body was rigid. Why the fuck was I tense? She was just a means to an end. And yet, there was more to the story.
I could certainly find a quickie with any of the enamored women in my phone book but I didn’t. I wanted to save all my energies for this first dinner. I closed my eyes, and licked my lips, thinking about undressing Jess taking her atop that comfy bed I hadn’t broken in. When I arrived back at the hotel I almost felt self-conscious of the slight bulge in my slacks as I took the elevator and made my way to the penthouse. In fact, my body felt rigid. Why the fuck was I tense? She was just a means to an end. And yet, there was more to the story.
I kept my mind free of lustful thoughts about Jess’ body thinking about the things I wanted to do to her. But I took a sobering cold shower, shaved, and put on my gorgeous outfit.
I put on my shoes. And sat on my couch.
I texted Jess for a progress report We needed to be in at the restaurant in like thirty minutes. Or we would be starting on defense.
I’m ready. You should come over.
I shook my head and grinned. Then replied Yeah, I want.
And I waited for her reply
Lol who wouldn’t want to come over
“Sexy girl,” I groaned and put my tie on.
At that point I realized that keeping this little partnership platonic, god knows it isn’t professional. Damn, I would have to say this is a race and I need to get the week over before I mess things up by screwing her.
Even though we hadn’t done anything, I felt the pressure over my head loosen. I had a pep to my walk and I was downright energetic as I walked out of my suite got in my limousine and got to Jess’s penthouse. Beaming smiles to everyone as I walked to my fiancée’s penthouse. I got to her room and knocked on her door.
“My love, it’s me your knight in shining Arm
or here to take you away for a magical evening with your in-laws.”
I heard Kaitlin giggle.
"He’s really invested into this whole thing."
"I am totally into this. My reputation and or inheritance is on the line here."
But not my hearing.
"Wait a moment, almost done." Jess’s voice carried over the door After a couple moments of metallic sounds the door opened and Kaitlin stood there wearing a nice dress.
"Compliments of me I suppose?"
"Those too."
"You have great taste in credit cards."
Kaitlin stood inside the door to let me in.
"All worth it, you look a perfect image I gave a wink and saw a blush creep up her face Is my fiancée all prepared to meet her family new family."
“Wait I’m nearly done.” Jess shouted from the bedroom.
“But don’t come in here. Not until I say so.”
Hah, she’s totally lying she’s just being a little diva. But it’s alright because it means’ she’s happy. She let her mouth hang slack jawed, knowing Jess heard every last word.
"Wrong. I’m just like that, quirky is endearing."
"You’re something gal." Kaitlin said. Then she looked me down to up and had a glint of approval in her eyes. “You look good Logan.”
"Why, Kaitlin, are you finally on board with this whole thing."
She shook her head.
“I will grind your balls into dust if you hurt that girl in that room. And I’ll laugh while I do it.”
I wouldn’t tell her of course, but I felt a little nervous after that.
“You’ll have to try a little harder, only a guy with balls of steel could get himself into this mess.”
“Kaitlin, be nice.” Jess declared. “I’m a grown ass woman and I don’t need a bodyguard.”
“Beside I wouldn’t dream of hurting not one hair on her pretty little head. Jess is my guiding light, my hero I could never make her cry.”
Kaitlin raised her shoulders.
“Whatever you say, but just don’t do it playboy. I never make threats I can’t keep.”
“You’re clever like you.”
Kaitlin laughed and went into the bedroom
Then she came out with her clutch bag. Purse.
“Okay, I’m done for the night. Have a great time, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Jess, don’t forget to update me.”
“No problem girlfriend.”
“Goodbye Kaitlin.” I said. And gave her a salute as she went through the door.
“Evening Logan.”
“Remember what I said.” She took her index finger, and slid it horizontally across her throat, before giving me a smile.
“Sorry she’s insanely protective of me.” Jess said.
Looking around, I paced the living room.
“Had, it’s never a bad thing when someone shows their love. I think it’s endearing honesty.”
“I’ll come out real soon.”
The sun set while I sat a chair waiting. “It’s best if we give each other a couple pointers on recent history. If you don’t mind the shouting.”
“That’s a terrific idea Logan.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“Well, it would be upsetting if I couldn’t say my fiancées name with confidence just the meat and potatoes.”
“My name is Jess Anders, I was born in Vermont, and moved to Brooklyn when I was ten. I live with my friend Kaitlin to split the bills.”
“Nice.”
“I took my passion for cooking and I’m working at a world-renowned restaurant hoping for recognition. If everything goes well, I will head into the back and learn under head chef Jean. But I’ll probably go off to culinary school soon.”
“Fantastic. And your family?”
“Parents are together and strong. Mom’s a teacher and my dad works at a bank probably not a bank but is an insurance broker. I have a younger sister, twelve, and an older sister, that isn’t in the picture right now.”
“Excuse me?”
“Well, she got a science degree. Then moved to the west coast. She got married to her Greek boyfriend frat bro boyfriend. Now, she's been pumping out my little nieces and nephews every other year. So, we see each other on the holidays which is great. I wanted to get her husband’s grandma’s mash recipe but he says it’s a family secret so we’ll just have to see about that. Anyway, she’s completely different to me.”
“It seems she doesn’t quite have the flair for adventure that you have.” I said, “What do you have right now? What sort of life do you lead. I mean, I’m just going to take a stab in the dark. You’re probably not in a relationship or the lucky guy is in for a surprise when he hears what you've been up to.”
Jess laughed, noticed a change wash over her face like a tide - from happy and charming to subdued and indecisive.
"I don’t have a boyfriend. I haven’t really been with anyone for the past year and a half."
“What nearly two years I said astonished. And shook my head. You must be joking.”
"I wish."
I shook my head.
"That’s crazy, the men of New York must be falling all over you."
"Yeah well maybe I’m just choosy."
"I mean it Jess. I said. I can’t believe, I refuse to believe a woman like you isn’t drowning in date invitations."
“I do get the occasional guy coming up to me. But they’re usually not my type. Or I’m usually not their type after a surface level introduction.”
I nodded. "Right, sorry for going off script. Let’s continue please."
"Nothing more to it. I wake up at 5 AM go to work where I’m not appreciated much, head home, and go out with my friends. In case you haven’t noticed I’m pretty much a boring stay at home person. This is probably the zaniest thing I’ve done since I was in college." She said.
“So, with that in mind, where did we meet again?”
I picked up a pitcher of water and poured myself a refreshing glass. “We met at party of course. Some friends held it and we were just drawn to each other.”
Jess laughed at that. “Oh, we did huh. And do you think I make it a habit of going to parties?”
“Don’t you?”
“Um, occasionally.”
“And that’s the point, at parties, you can run into anyone, and as you know one night can completely upturn your work.”
“What were you doing in a party in Brooklyn?”
“Whatever the fuck I want. I was a screw up remember I liked to cavort with all sorts of people I and I go wherever I want to go.”
“Good enough for your parents I guess. And I guess you’ve been after me for a whole, chasing me until I finally broke down and gave you a shot despite, your drinking and partying ways. I nodded with agreement and eventually after becoming friends reluctantly we fell in love.”
“It sounds a little suspect.”
“Of course, we just made it up five seconds ago.”
“Oh, please you know what I mean.” I laughed.
“I’ve made sure that my parents have, well, unusual expectations of me. If I tell them I met you and you were a refuse collector they would believe me. Because what’s what people like me do when we have more money, all the money in the world and few important things to spend it on.”
“Must be great never having to worry about things.” Jess exclaimed.
I shrugged.
“It’s alright I guess I and took a drink of water. Enough of history lessons, dear, darling, we’re coming close the wire. And I’d like to start out playing offense rather than being on the backswing.”
“Right, I’ll just put on my jacket.” Jess said.
“It’s been so long since I’ve had to put on a fancy outfit. I really enjoy wearing this.”
I closed my eyes and sat down against the couch. And when I heard the bedroom door open and click. I turned my head and opened my eyes to a Jess that look beautiful in her dress. The dress stretched aro
und every curve and it sparkled in the light as if she was a sun goddess reborn. She was lovely.
I was slack jawed, speechless at her beauty.