“Daddy, how many jobs would you like me to handle? I just feel like you always put it on me,” Amber whined.
“Because you are responsible, reliable, and you’re my daughter. Just remember, this will all be yours one day, and besides, you need to know all aspects of the business, not just the parts, baby girl.” Her father let out a slight chuckle at his daughter’s frustration. “This is going to be easy for you. Trust me, nothing for you to be stressed out about. Just a few calls and a meeting once a week, easy as pie. Consider this as an opportunity to help give your fellow local black-owned business a push in the right direction.”
“Okay, Daddy, okay. But if he fucks up once, he’s out. Deal?” Amber asked, tapping her fingers on the desk.
“Now, Amber, you know how I feel about fuckups.”
“I know, Daddy. Everyone deserves a second chance. It just shows that they need more guidance.”
“Okay, we are settled, then? One o’clock good for you?” Ray asked.
“Yup, sounds good. I want some lobster salad from the country club. I will meet you there.” Amber spoke with her eyes closed, licking her lips at the thought of lunch.
“Great. See you then.” Her father hung up the phone.
Amber put the receiver down and wished it was already lunchtime. She looked at her watch. Damn, only ten thirty, but I am already hungry, Amber thought. She couldn’t help that her stomach was already growling. Her appetite had plagued her most of her adult life. Amber felt like Oprah: one month she was a size eight, and the next month she was a size twelve. Now she just didn’t care about it anymore; if the men didn’t want her full-figured size fourteen, then to hell with them.
She snapped out of her trance about food and began her daily intake inventory online. Amber kept sneaking peeks at Trevor through her glass entrance and couldn’t prevent herself from wetting her panties. She smiled at the thought of him having his way with her. She didn’t care that he worked there. I can always have him relocated if he can’t handle a little fun. After all, I am his boss, she thought.
With her thoughts on Trevor’s body, she walked out to the garage. Their flirtation with each other for the past month had reached a peak, and she couldn’t help but have a feel-good moment. Shit, don’t men have sidekicks all the time? Why can’t I? her mind questioned.
Trevor stepped back from the car, watching her walk by.
Amber knew Trevor had his eye on her. She walked as if she were on a runway, modeling the most elite fashion from Milan.
“Hello, Ms. Couture. How are you today?” Trevor asked, looking at her well-rounded ass.
Amber turned around. “I’m fine, Mr. Turner, and how are you?” She stared at his strong chest.
“Oh yes, you are, Ms. Couture. That you surely are.” He looked around and saw his coworker on the other side of the garage, concentrating on an electronic repair for a 2011 Porsche Cayenne sport. “Ms. Couture, I would love to take you out to lunch sometime.”
“Mr. Turner ...” Amber stepped a little closer and panned the garage for anyone in earshot of their conversation. “Do you think you can afford it?” Her sexiness oozed.
“Ms. Couture, now, if I couldn’t, would I ask?” Trevor said with a hint of an attitude.
“Maybe, but as you know, there is a policy at the office. No romances with coworkers. You could lose your job. Now, you know we can’t have that, ’cause you would need the money to wine and dine me.” Amber chuckled.
“Now, that would be a bad look, but I have other ways of wining and dining you,” Trevor quickly said.
“Oh, really? And what might that be?”
“Don’t you worry about that... . There are other ways....” Trevor licked his lips slowly, hinting at his sexual desires.
“Oh, really?” Amber looked at his body and couldn’t help but imagine what climaxes he could bring her to.
“I would love to show you.” Trevor words rolled off his tongue. His cell phone began to ring before he could continue his seductive slew of words. He saw the caller ID and pressed the IGNORE button.
“Are you sure you don’t want to get that?” Amber asked, noticing the sudden change in his demeanor.
“Nah, I’m good. Just an annoying bug, if you know what I mean.” His phone rang again. This time he answered it in a low, stern voice. “I told you I will talk to you after I get off work. Now, stop fucking calling me.”
“Sounds like you need a break to handle some private matters. Maybe we should put a hold on that wining and dining me,” said Amber, trying to make light of the situation.
Trevor’s phone began to ring again. He looked at the caller ID and answered it with a grin. “My man, can I call you back in five?” Trevor held his hand up to prevent Amber from walking away.
Amber rolled her eyes and walked away, but she was interested in who Trevor was so angry with. She knew he had no kids, and didn’t think he had a steady girlfriend. She definitely didn’t want to get involved in any love triangle.
It was already twelve thirty, and her stomach was crying for nourishment. She walked out of her office and headed for her car. The country club was only a mile and a half away, but she wanted to be there before her father and their newly appointed employee.
Amber entered the country club and headed for the dining area. The staff knew her and her father well. She was seated out on the balcony, at her favorite table overlooking the pool. She quickly placed her order with the waiter and waited for her father.
When her lunch arrived, so did her father, with a shockingly handsome, tall, caramel-toned, slender man at his side. Amber sat up straight and knew she couldn’t gobble down her lunch, as she had planned.
“Hello, Daddy.” Amber stood to kiss her father on the cheek.
“Hello, sweetie. Amber, I would like you to meet Mr. Robert Joseph Polland, Jr. He runs a car detailing business, and I would like him to handle the detailing end of our business.”
“Hello, Ms. Couture. My pleasure to meet you. Your father has told me a lot about you.” Robert extended his hand to shake hers.
“Please, call me Amber. I hope it was only good things.” Amber chuckled lightly as she greeted her new employee and sat back down. She was instantly attracted but knew she couldn’t act on it, because her father would be keeping a close eye on this new service added to his business.
“I see you have ordered lunch already. Did you order for us as well?” Ray questioned.
“No, I didn’t. Sorry. But you can order lunch, and then we can get down to business.” Amber glanced at Robert.
“Well, I couldn’t have said it better myself.” Robert smiled.
“So, Robert, let me begin by first asking, what experience have you had in the car business?” Amber asked, hoping he would have some knowledge so she wouldn’t have to micromanage his every move.
“Well, honestly, Amber, I have very little, if any. When I was younger, I had an awful experience, and let’s just say I told my father that this wasn’t my thing.” Robert sat back and waited for her response.
“So, I don’t understand why you are here. If you—”
“Amber, this car business was the first business his father started, and it has been in the family for many years. Since Robert’s father passed six months ago, it was natural for him to push forward and keep the family’s business intact, without any delays. He is the oldest, and if I remember correctly, Robert, your mom knows everything about how this operation is held together. Am I correct about that?” Ray interjected.
“Absolutely correct, Ray. My mother’s years of watching, listening, and traveling with my father taught her everything there is to know about the business. So, I figured, why not get a crash course from my mother and move ahead? Besides, my father wanted it this way.” Robert smiled at Ray.
“Okay, but it’s not just washing cars, I hope you know. You can’t just say you know what a car looks like and know how to clean it. Some of our clients have special paints, secret compartments, a certain way they
want their cars waxed. I just can’t see how you can have a crash course on that and run a professional detailing business.” Amber’s tone was full of irritation at this point.
“Amber, now, honey, let’s calm down a little. Robert is here. I have known his family for years, and like his father helped me at one time, I am here to help him. And, you know for a fact that the more we help our own, the better. That will be the only way we can grow. Now, since we cleared that up, let’s talk some numbers, and you two can handle all the details of the day-to-day operations at another time.” Ray spoke quickly, not wanting any details of his interactions with Robert’s family to be exposed. Ray’s eyes alerted Robert not to mention any of his dealings with his father to Amber.
Their lunch lasted over three hours. Amber learned she was now in charge of overseeing Robert, who would detail all the cars on the lot every other week and would handle clients that came in for repairs or service on a daily basis. She couldn’t believe her father was getting into a business relationship with someone that was new to the car business. Her father had a soft heart when it came to black-owned businesses. He had always believed if you helped your own, it would always bring a prosperous outcome, even if it meant giving an opportunity on a silver platter. She loved that about her father.
Ray Couture was the type of man that would bend over backward to help someone out, especially an employee, if they deserved it. Trevor was one of those employees. Trevor came from a broken home and was involved in some criminal activity before he was employed at her father’s dealership. Ray never discussed Trevor’s background with his daughter but insisted she supervise his work.
After the lunch meeting was over, Amber gave Robert all her contact information and scheduled a 10:00 a.m. meeting for the next day. She headed out of the country club to her car. She couldn’t help herself when she stopped at McDonald’s for a Big Mac and fries on her way back to the office. Ever since Amber hit puberty, her weight had always been on the heavier side. After being teased in elementary school for her size, she made a dramatic change over the summer before she entered high school. Amber didn’t want to be tortured by others about her weight during her years of high school. She wanted everyone to look at her when she walked into a room, and she definitely wanted as many boys as possible to want her attention. Amber worked out four hours a day every day that summer and ate only vegetarian meals. By the time the first day of high school came around, Amber was well toned and thick. Her body was the shape of a grown woman in her early twenties.
She arrived at her office, feeling stuffed and guilty. Amber was trying to lose weight but always cheated on any diet she was on. She had talked herself into joining a gym but rarely went. If she did go to the gym, she wouldn’t stay for long. She felt as though all the men were watching her and the women were laughing at her. Amber’s self-consciousness always got the better of her.
Her cell phone began to ring as she sat at her desk. “Hello, baby. How’s your day going?” Amber said with a smile.
“It’s going well. How about yours?” Stephen asked.
“Oh, I am wrapping it up here. I had a long lunch meeting with Dad today. Are you joining me for dinner tonight?”
“Ummm ... sorry, honey, but I have a potential investor that needs to be wined and dined tonight. But I can stop by afterward for dessert.” Stephen laughed.
“Dessert, huh? Well, you sure can. After all, it’s been a while. I am beginning to think you have someone else feeding your sweet tooth,” Amber said with a little disappointment.
“You are the only one that can satisfy my sweet tooth.”
“Since I have you on the phone, I wanted to talk to you about making another investment. Do you think if I invest another fifty thousand, I can double the rate of return on my investment within the next six months? I can cut you the check tonight, when I see you,” Amber said with excitement.
“Baby, are you sure? I mean, you can. It’s a great time to do it. There are mergers with some huge technology companies in the works as we speak. Do you think your father would like to invest as well?” Stephen questioned, hoping for the right answer.
“That sounds good, but you know my dad. He won’t invest, because we’re dating. You know how he feels about mixing business and pleasure. That’s why I haven’t said a word to him. I’m waiting for a return check so I can show him how much money he can make. By the way, when do you think I will get that check, since my first investment was six months ago?” Amber asked with a little concern in her voice.
“Ummm ... we will talk about that tonight, okay? I have to go. A client from Japan is on the other line. See you later.” Stephen quickly ended the conversation.
“Steph ...” Amber was cut short and was now listening to a dial tone.
Damn. Oh well, I guess it’s an important call. I will have to talk to him tonight about that check, Amber thought to herself.
She logged off her computer and shut it down. Amber noticed Trevor watching her. She removed her blazer so he could see her double Ds better. He licked his lips as he watched her move around her office. Amber loved to see men salivate over her, especially those without a chance. Those skinny bitches have nothing on me. I can still get whoever I want, no matter how big I am. Amber smiled, thinking of all the men that wanted her.
Chapter 2
Stephen sat at Il Gabbiano on South Biscayne Boulevard and looked at his Rolex. It was now nine o’clock. He had been waiting for over thirty minutes. He waved the waitress over.
“Yes, sir? Can I get anything for you?” the waitress asked.
“Yes, I am expecting someone else to arrive and was wondering if you can inquire with the hostess if my guest has arrived.” Stephen reached for his phone on the table and texted, Where are you? You’re late.
“I’m right here,” a sexy voice whispered behind him.
Stephen smiled with glee as he stood to hug this beautiful, green-eyed, blonde bombshell. She stood five feet six inches with heels, and her well-toned Coke bottle figure had all eyes on her. He called her Candy because her body was so sweet.
“Candy, my love, thank you for gracing me with your presence.” Stephen kissed her full lips.
“Sorry I’m late. I had an unexpected photo shoot I had to get done,” Candy nonchalantly said.
“I thought you were all finished with that.”
“Yes, but one of the clubs I work for called me, and they wanted me to do some test shots at the reopening of Playmates Club. Well, it used to be called Alleycat. I hope they will put me on the cover again.” Candy crossed her fingers.
“They would be stupid not to. Would you like some champagne to celebrate, then?” Stephen held her hand in his and signaled the waitress to come over.
“Yes, sir? Are you ready to order?” the waitress asked.
“Can I have a bottle of Krug Clos du Mesnil, nineteen ninety-five?” Stephen said with ease.
“Sir, I will check to see if we have any in stock. We rarely get such a request. Please, give me a minute or two.” The waitress was a bit blown back at his expensive taste, but she knew fulfilling his request would be well rewarded.
The waitress arrived within minutes with his bottle of champagne, along with the manager.
“Sir, you have requested one of the best champagnes in the world. I just had to meet you. My name is Giovanni. I am the executive manager here.” He extended his hand to shake Stephen’s.
“Nice to meet you, Giovanni. My name is Stephen.”
“Can I have the pleasure of having our chef put together a delicious meal for you and your lovely guest?” Giovanni asked, sensing a piercing eye from the waitress.
Stephen turned to Candy. “Are you okay with that, Candy?”
“Sure. Why not? But I am allergic to seafood.” Candy looked to Giovanni.
“No problem. Sir, are you allergic to anything as well?”
“Yes, basil. Will that be a problem?” Stephen asked with a grin.
“No, sir, not at all. Your w
aitress will be back to serve you the first of four courses.”
“Thank you, Giovanni. Again, it was great to meet you.” Stephen reached into his pocket and discreetly slipped him a crisp one-hundred-dollar bill.
Giovanni gladly accepted and rushed to the kitchen.
Candy tilted her head to the side. “Stephen, since when are you allergic to anything?”
Stephen laughed as he raised his glass to toast. “I’m not, but if this place is as good as they say, then the chef shouldn’t have a problem. Buona fortuna!”
“Good luck, indeed.” Candy sipped her champagne. “Wow, this is good.”
“Well, it better be for two thousand dollars.”
Candy’s eyes widened. “Damn, I guess I am special.” “Sweetness, you will always be special to me.” Stephen retrieved a small black velvet box from the inside pocket of his blazer. He placed the box on the table and opened it.
Candy sat perfectly still. She was stunned by the flawless three-carat diamond studs he presented to her. Her jaw dropped.
“Do you not like them? I picked them just for you.”
“I love them.” Candy immediately left her seat to hug and kiss Stephen. “I just love them... . Thank you, thank you. Stephen, you are the best boyfriend I have ever had.”
Stephen and Candy sat with each other for another two hours, while their courses of food were served continually. Their waitress didn’t skip a beat. As soon as they finished one course, another was placed in front of them. When the last course was served, they noticed they were the only ones left dining and the entire staff was now there to serve them.
Stephen’s cell phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and ignored the call. Candy excused herself to go to the ladies’ room, and he signaled the waitress for the bill. A few seconds later his phone rang again, but this time he answered it, since Candy wasn’t in earshot. “Hey, baby. I’m on my way. I just finished getting another investor.”
“Stephen, it’s almost midnight. Your dessert is waiting for you,” Amber purred into the phone.
Full Figured 4: Carl Weber Presents Page 11