Turned Out Saga

by Angel M. Hunter

  Looking at Candy, Champagne knew that she wouldn’t be able to move forward without bringing up and moving past the fact that they’d seen one another over the weekend. Crossing her arms and leaning back in the chair, Champagne cleared her throat. “There’s something we need to discuss before we move on to my expectations.”

  Candy had an idea what she was talking about. Of course, she wasn’t going to bring it up, but she was glad Champagne did. She was curious to know whether her boss was gay and who she was with. Was it her husband, a friend, a brother, a lover?

  Candy was well aware of the fact that a lot of couples frequented gay clubs to add spice to their relationships. As a matter-of-fact, she’d taken part in a couple of these escapades. Is that what Champagne’s outing was about?

  “This weekend we saw one another out, and I want you to know that what’s done outside of this office, on personal time, is just that-personal. If seeing me out is going to affect how we work together, you need to let me know right now.”

  Champagne chose her words carefully. The more she’d thought about it, the more she felt it unnecessary to justify or explain why she had been at Fantasies. It was her and Zyair’s business, not anyone else’s.

  Damn, that’s all she’s going to say. “No, of course not. We’re both adults, and it is what it is.”

  “Good.” Champagne uncrossed her arms and slid the folder across the table. “Inside are some forms that need to be filled out. Once you’re through with them, we’ll go over your job description and what’s expected.”

  Candy took the folder, opened it, and pulled a pen out of her purse.

  Champagne stood up. “I’ll be in my office. Let me know when you’re done.”

  In less than fifteen minutes Candy knocked on the door. “I’m done.”

  For the next half an hour, Champagne filled Candy in on her expectations. She told her that over the next two weeks, she would be responsible for answering the telephone, taking detailed messages, and going through the files, and learning about the clients, amongst other things.

  Candy was anxious to get started. The only part of the job description she wasn’t feeling was the answering the phone part. She didn’t take this job to be a receptionist.

  Just as she was thinking it, Champagne told her, “You won’t be answering the phone for long. I’m looking to hire another person.”

  Together they determined for the time being that Candy would work from twelve to five p.m. Champagne did explain to her that in this line of work she had to be flexible and that some evenings and some Saturdays were required.

  “Don’t worry, you’ll know in advance when you’re needed, and we’ll work something out as far as the normal hours go,” Champagne reassured her. She also gave Candy a tour of the office. “Until I hire someone, you’ll sit up front. Hopefully, that won’t be for long, then the office to the right is yours.”

  Candy looked to the right. Damn, my own office space. She was liking that.

  By the time they finished talking and going over how Champagne liked things done, it was four p.m. Champagne was worn out from talking. “You can leave early today.”

  “Thanks.” Candy put up the papers she was looking over and told Champagne she would see her tomorrow.

  When Candy left the office, Champagne breathed a sigh of relief. It felt good to finally have someone else in the office. It made it feel like a real business and not a one-person show. She knew that running her own business was going to be a challenge, but she just didn’t realize how much of a challenge it would be.

  Champagne was starving. She never got a chance to finish her salad. I bet you it’s soggy now. I know I should have had them put the dressing on the side.

  She reached for the phone to call Zyair. The second her hand touched it, it rang. She pressed the speakerphone button. “Personal Touch, how may I help you?”

  “Um, hello?” the voice on the other end said. Champagne picked up the phone and placed it between her ear and shoulder. “Hello?”

  “May I speak with Champagne?”

  “This is she.”

  “Hey, lady, it’s Sharon.”

  Champagne was pleased to hear her voice. “Hey.”

  “Do you remember me?”

  “Of course, I do. How are you?”

  “Fine. I was sitting here in my office and came across your card. Since I hadn’t heard from you, I thought I’d give you a call.”

  “Well, I’m glad you did.”

  Champagne held the phone up to her ear and started pacing the floor, feeling a little nervous, as if she was on the phone speaking with a man. Champagne recalled being attracted to her and had even thought about her a number of times. She just couldn’t bring herself to call her.

  “Are you up for dinner this evening?”

  Champagne wanted to say yes right off the bat but she knew she should call Zyair first to see if he had anything planned. She didn’t feel like going through the process, so she said, “I’m free tomorrow.”

  “I’m not for dinner, but I am for lunch. Is that good for you?

  It would only be Candy’s second day. Champagne wasn’t sure if she wanted to leave her alone in the office so soon. Then again, she was a grown-ass woman, and it was only lunch. “Yes.”

  “Good. Listen, I’ve got to go, but I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. We’ll meet downtown at Cora’s Kitchen. You know the place?”

  Champagne told her, “I do. They have the best soul food in the area. What time?”

  They agreed on one p.m. and hung up.

  Champagne sat back in her chair, placed her hands in her lap, and closed her eyes. She pictured Sharon and the way sexiness oozed from her body. What if she’d seen her at Fantasies? Would they have danced together? Would she have taken her home?

  Champagne wondered what they’d discuss at lunch.

  Would they have idle chitchat? Would they talk about one another’s sexuality? I could always bring it up in the conversation. The more Champagne thought about it the more she was like, It’s time to get the ball rolling. If I’m going to sleep with another woman, I need to go ahead and do it, instead of thinking about it.

  On that note, Champagne decided to call Zyair and see what he was up to, how his day was going. She was ready to broach the subject again.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “I Wanna Sex You Up” Color Me Badd

  Zyair wasn’t in his office to answer Champagne’s phone call. He’d been to the bank.

  The second he entered his office, DaNeen followed behind him. “I don’t mean to bother you, but there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

  “Give me about fifteen minutes to get settled and then I’m all ears.” Zyair didn’t like being rushed. He needed a few minutes to get it together.

  DaNeen wanted to talk now. “Fifteen minutes?” She’d been putting off resigning for quite some time. Now she was ready to let him know that she’d be moving on. She was going to start her own dessert business and was going to ask him to be her mentor.

  “Yes. Then I’m all yours.”

  DaNeen stood there and looked at him like she wished he was all hers. “You promise?”

  Zyair didn’t answer her. He just smiled and watched her as she walked away. After all, he wasn’t stupid. He knew that she was attracted to him, and he to her. He also knew not to act on that attraction. Anyway, it would only lead to heartbreak and death. Champagne would kill him.

  Zyair thought about the time DaNeen decided she wanted to come onto him. Of course, he turned her down. Now if he wasn’t with Champagne, he might have took her up on her offer. She had sexiness oozing off her. That was one of the reasons he’d hired her. He recalled when she came in for her interview.

  * * *

  When DaNeen had walked in, he almost jumped up and hugged her.

  This is a natural beauty, he thought.

  As he interviewed her, he found her to be intelligent, funny, and sassy. For a minute there, he wasn’t sure
if he should hire her because he was attracted to her, but he was desperate. His other hostess had to resign because of a family emergency. Hire her, he did, and he’d been pleased with his decision ever since.

  * * *

  Zyair noticed he’d left his cell phone on his desk. He clicked down to MISSED CALLS and saw that Champagne had called. He tried calling her back but it went straight to voice mail. “Hey, sweetie, just returning your call.” He then retrieved his messages from his service. I’ll return phone calls later.

  Picking up the phone, Zyair paged the front desk.

  “Send DaNeen in please.”

  Less than a minute later, she was walking into his office.

  “Close the door,” he told her.

  She did.

  “Have a seat.”

  When she sat down, Zyair couldn’t help but notice the slit in her skirt revealed a lot of her toned thighs. The skirt definitely hugged every curve.

  “What can I do for you?”

  DaNeen crossed her hands and placed them in her lap. “I’m leaving,” she blurted out.

  Zyair frowned. He didn’t understand what she was talking about. “Leaving? Where are you going?”

  “I’m resigning. I’ve decided to start my own dessert business.”

  “Wow! Where did that come from?”

  Zyair didn’t know she baked, didn’t know she wanted to start her own business. Hell, when he thought about it, he didn’t know a lot about her.

  “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. As a matter-of-fact, when you hired me, I recall mentioning to you that I bake.”

  “I know you did but that’s not the same as saying, ‘I want to bake for a living.’”

  “At the time, it was just a dream. Between working here, watching how you run your business, and taking entrepreneur workshops, I’ve realized it’s something I could do as a business.”

  “Do you have any potential clients?”

  “Well, I’ve been baking for parties and weddings. I also have two mom-and-pop restaurants I bake for.”

  “Impressive.”

  “You see, my working here has taken up so much of my time. I could use that time to get clients, you know, target restaurants.”

  “How come you never approached me about stocking your desserts?”

  “I don’t know. I just didn’t.”

  “The first lesson you need to learn about business is to take advantage of every opportunity.”

  As DaNeen stood up, Zyair noticed her curves once again. I wonder if she would be down for a threesome.

  “The other thing is, I need a mentor and I wanted to know if you would be it.”

  Without a second thought, he told her, “Sure.”

  DaNeen came around the desk and threw her arms around him, kissing him on the cheek.

  At that exact moment, Thomas came busting through the door. “Yo, man, you wouldn’t—” He stopped midsentence and wondered what the hell was going on. “Oh, excuse me, I didn’t mean to interrupt anything.”

  DaNeen stepped back. “I’m sorry,” she told Zyair. “I just got carried away.”

  Thomas was taking it all in with a raised eyebrow. He sat down and followed Zyair with his eyes as he stood up to walk DaNeen to the door.

  “Listen,” Zyair told her, “you don’t have to quit. We can work something out until you’re up and running.”

  From where Thomas was sitting, it appeared as if DaNeen batted her eyes and pushed up her cleavage as she said, “Are you sure? I don’t want to be an inconvenience or anything.”

  “I’m sure,” Zyair reassured her, and closed the door behind her.

  Thomas couldn’t wait for her to leave the room.

  “What’s up with you and her?”

  “Nothing, man. She’s my employee.”

  “Are you sure she’s not more than that?”

  Zyair didn’t bother answering the question. He just sat down behind his desk. “What’s up?”

  Thomas started to speak, “Listen, the—”

  “Wait, before you even tell me. What I tell you about busting in my office without knocking?”

  “I see why you feel that way now.”

  “Man . . . please. You know I’m as loyal as they come.”

  Thomas stood up. “Remember at dinner, my girl kept saying she knew that Khalil dude from somewhere?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, you’re not going to believe this shit.”

  The way Thomas was acting, Zyair could tell it was something big. “What?”

  “That nigga is a freak. Listen to this—he fuckin’ hangs out at that club, Free for All.”

  Zyair had no idea what he was talking about. “Free for All?”

  “You know, the swingers club?”

  “How does your girl know?”

  “She’s a freak too!”

  Zyair laughed.

  Thomas wasn’t done yet. “Not only that but he’s done porn too.” Before Zyair could get a word in, Thomas added, “She’s bringing me the tape tonight. You know we’ve got to tell Alexis, right.”

  Zyair started shaking his head. “Nah, man, that’s something I’m not getting into.”

  “What do you mean, you’re not getting into it. We’re talking about my future wife, and your woman’s best friend.”

  “And?”

  “Do you care about Alexis?”

  “Man, don’t ask me no stupid shit like that. She’s my girl’s best friend. Of course, I care about her.”

  “Do you care about your boy?” Zyair just looked at him.

  “Well, I love that girl.”

  “Yeah, okay.”

  “I’m going to marry her one day. As soon as I get all this fucking around out of me, she’s going to be mine. I don’t want this Khalil character to ruin her.”

  “She’s a grown-ass woman.”

  “I know that, but I think you should at least tell Champagne.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “Nah, man, action. We need some action.”

  “I told you I’ll think about it.”

  “I don’t want him destroying my goods.”

  “I heard you, man.”

  Thomas stood up. On his way to the door, he turned around. “Be careful.”

  “Of what?” Zyair had no idea what he was talking about.

  “That fine honey you got working for you.”

  Zyair waved the comment off. “What is this, first grade? I’m a taken man.”

  Thomas wasn’t fooled. He knew Zyair was bothered because what he’d said was true. Thomas looked at him real serious and said, “Yeah, and you need to remember that shit.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Temporary Love Thing” Full Force

  Champagne was nervous as she got ready for lunch with Sharon. Was it just lunch, or would it be considered a date?

  Maybe it was because she was going to lunch with a lesbian, or maybe it was the fact that she figured that Candy was either gay or bisexual.

  Champagne had noticed how appealing Candy was when she’d interviewed her. And today, for some reason, she kept sneaking peeks. She knew if she didn’t hurry up and handle this threesome thing with Zyair she was going to go crazy. It was consuming her. Maybe once they did it, it would be out of her system.

  “I’ll be back in two hours,” Champagne told her after she’d given her a list of things to do and a few phone calls to make.

  “If I have any questions, should I call your cell phone?”

  “That would be fine.”

  Fifteen minutes later, Champagne was entering the restaurant. The second she put her foot through the door, she and Sharon spotted one another at the same time. Champagne could feel Sharon checking her out as she walked across the room. She found herself looking down at her outfit, hoping Sharon liked what she saw.

  When Champagne reached the table, Sharon surprised her by standing up, walking around the table, and kissing her on the cheek.

  “Thanks for comin
g,” she said.

  “No need to thank me. I wanted to.”

  Sharon licked her lips. “Did you now?”

  Champagne caught it and figured it was just something she did when talking, that it wasn’t a signal or a sign.

  At that moment the waitress walked over and placed menus on the table. “Would you ladies like something to drink?”

  Sharon looked at Champagne. “Diet coke, please.”

  “I’ll take the same.” The second the waitress walked away, Sharon said, “So tell me about yourself.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Let’s start with why you said yes to my invitation.”

  “I found you interesting,” Champagne told her.

  “Interesting how?”

  All of a sudden Champagne felt shy but she wasn’t going to let that get in her way.

  “Maybe interesting is the wrong word. What I mean is, you know how you meet someone and you like their vibe immediately . . . when you feel like, that’s a person you can kick it with?”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “Well, that’s why I agreed. That and the fact that Hunter thinks you’re cool as hell.”

  “The feeling is mutual. Hunter and I have known each other for ages.”

  “Do you want to know why I called you?” Sharon asked, breaking Champagne out of her thoughts.

  “Because you think I’m cool as hell?”

  “Cool, cute, and sexy.”

  The waitress came with their drinks. “Are you ready to order?”

  They told her they needed another minute.

  Champagne and Sharon quickly picked up their menus and started looking at the choices.

  “I think I’ll order the salmon dish,” Champagne said.

  “Yeah, that’s a good idea. Plus, it’s light.” Sharon waved the waitress over and placed their order.

  While she did that, Champagne decided to continue flirting with Sharon. Why sit here and pretend? She was on a mission. When the waitress walked away, Champagne said, “So you were saying?”

  “I was saying that I think you’re cute.”

  “Cute’s for kids.”

  “How about, I think you’re sexy as hell?”

  “How do you know I won’t get offended? How do you know if I’m even attracted to women?”