Truly Madly Deeply
Sara S. Knox
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Copyright Acknowledgement
This is a work of fiction. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author. All characters, names, places and incidents are used fictitiously from the author’s creative imagination.
Copyright © 2012 by Sara S. Knox
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system without authorization from the author.
Dedication and Acknowledgments
This book is dedicated to my amazing husband, Elijah Knox, Jr., who has been my best friend since our wedding day March 26, 1986. He has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and reminded me that through God all things are possible. Elijah you have the key to my heart and I will love you for infinity. I also dedicate this book to our daughter, Meghan Khrystyan Knox, who if she had lived would have been 21 at the time of completion of this book on her birthday June 5, 2012. She will always be an angel of ours.
I would like to acknowledge the fact that without the Lord, our father and creator, none of this would be possible. I thank him first and foremost for giving me this gift of visionary creativity. In remembrance of my English/Literature/Creative Writing Instructor, Nelle Strickland, that was a renown Southern writer who wrote under the pen name, Nelle McFather. In 1992, Ms. Strickland planted the seed for my creative writing growth. I miss her and may she rest in peace. Author Donna Altman of the Within Series has been an inspiration/mentor for me. Thanks Donna!! I can’t forget my girls Alexis Bell, Ashley Jury, Betty Munford, Chaura Spears, Dana Hipps, Deanna Booth, Elizabeth Carridine, Kala Hodges, Lennette Hamm, Rachelle Nails and, Tera Thornton. Thanks for reading my drafts and encouraging me complete this novel. It may not be exactly what you originally read but I hope you will still love it as well as my new readers. ENJOY!!
Author’s BioSara was born and raised in Southeast Georgia. She currently resides in Georgia near the Florida line with her husband Elijah and their two dogs Diva who is a blonde long haired Chihuahua (and lives up to her name!) and Caesar who is a Rottweiler/German Shepherd Mix.. Sara has been writing things from her imagination since 1989.
This first novel is based on a short story Sara wrote in 1997. Since 2009 she has been revamping this short story into a novel striving towards publication.. The idea was instilled in her by the encouragement of a few girl friends whom she has acknowledged.
Her vivid imagination began to flow as she began to think about past and present issues from external and internal environmental settings. She doesn't write ordinary romance so she calls it mainstream adult fiction which is not for those under 18.
Writing is an obsessive emotional outlet that Sara uses to relieve stress. English and Literature were her favorite subjects especially in college. Sara's characters are developed from many people within her life. These characters come to life as the author develops an understanding of individuals and feed off of many attitudes, body language, and responses of those around her. She realizes that this gift of visionary creativity has been handed to her from the Lord above. She truly hopes all of you enjoy reading her debut novel Truly Madly Deeply as she works on her next novel.
My website: www.sarasknox.com
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CONTENTS
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Excerpt
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Sara S. Knox
Prologue
Amaia Collins has been a certified public accountant for 14 years and CFO of a skilled nursing facility that had 250 beds and 185 employees for 5 years. She had been approached by a family friend, Kenneth Monroe, who works for Karmikell’s Fashions Inc. as the Director of Human Resources. He had informed her that the company was currently looking to hire a new CFO. She was extremely interested. She had typed up her CV and emailed it to Kenneth. Now she was in the office interviewing with the CEO/President of the company, Elliot Karmikell, Sr. Elliot took his time reviewing her CV again before speaking.
“Amaia, you have a very impressive CV. I see you have always been a CPA even when you worked for a Skilled Nursing facility for 5 years but you resigned four years ago. Can you tell me what made you leave?”
Amaia sighed before beginning. “My husband was diagnosed with inoperable prostate cancer and I took care of him at home during his battle with the help of hospice. He suffered for a long time. For the last six months of his life, I took a leave to care for him until he died and chose not to return to that position so that I could focus on my daughter’s needs and education. Being my own boss helped with that decision as well as not dating so that I would not have to worry about added pressures in my life.”
“I admire you for that. Your integrity is a wonderful asset. I see you have a Master’s Degree in Business Administration/Management from Berkeley. Your transcripts are very impressive. You graduated 5th in your class. Phi Beta Kappa. So how long have you been in San Diego?”
“Two years.”
Elliot nodded before speaking again. “You have a knowledge of not-for-profit accounting in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, OMB Circulars A-133, A-110 and A-122, TANF program regulations and compliance requirements, and appropriate Code of Federal Regulations sections. Current trends, developments, and theories in job readiness training and adult education. Current trends and developments in welfare reform and the development of Welfare-to-Work programs under the DHHS TANF and other federal programs. Issues, concerns, and barriers of employees newly entering the workforce. Laws, regulations, and rules governing work requirements for TANF participants. Resources of public and private social service and related agencies. Organizational development, human resources, and program operations. General office software, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite and MIP software (or other similar not-for-profit general ledger software) and use of databases. The ability to foster and cultivate business opportunities and partnerships. Create and assess financial statements and budget documents. Recognize and be responsive to the needs of all clients of the organization, including funding organizations, the Board of Directors, local community advocates, participants, and employers. Supervise staff, including regular progress reviews and plans for improvement. Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form. The day to day responsibilities of this company fits with your knowledge and skills. I see you as an asset to this company. When can you start?”
“Well since I work for myself as a CPA, I can begin immediately.”
“Welcome aboard. Return to human resources and Kenneth will have the paperwork ready for your signature since we agreed to your negotiated salary of 185,000 annually. I will see you Monday.”
Amaia nodded and went over to shake his hand before departing.
The rain hitting the window woke Amaia up. She sighed a
s she sat up on the side of the bed to look on her nightstand at a picture of her deceased handsome husband, Laurence Collins who had blonde hair and emerald green eyes. He always reminded her of Jude Law. It had been four years since his death and although she missed him terribly, she was able to be at peace within herself. The only way to keep from crying, she had to make herself realize that he was no longer a shell of a man suffering relentlessly from prostate cancer. She knew he was in a better place. Finally she put the picture down and decided to go downstairs for a glass of milk to drink with a slice of the leftover sweet potato pie. On her way down the hall, she heard muffled crying from her daughter’s, Daesha’s, room. She paused to listen before opening the door.
“Daesha?”
“Yes, Mom?” She had her back to her mother as she lay in the bed.
“Are you okay?”
“I will be.”
Amaia sighed before entering the room. She sat down beside her daughter on the bed.
“You don’t have to hid your feelings from me.” Amaia stated turning her daughter to face her. Amaia wanted only to help make her pain go away. Amaia noticed that Daesha had a small framed picture of her father in her hand.
“I know you miss him.” Amaia stated softly as she smooth her wavy brown locks with blonde highlights from her face. Amaia always thought that her daughter looked a like a young Leila Arcieri.
“Do you miss him?” Daesha inquired.
“Of course, I do. Why would you ask me that?”
“You don’t seem to cry on his birthday anymore.”
“It has been a hard four years for me. Two years ago, I finally came to terms that he is in a better place and is no longer suffering. Just because I don’t cry on his birthday anymore, doesn’t mean I don’t love him.”
“Do you think you will ever get married again?”
“At some point, I am sure I will.”
Daesha started crying again. “How can you even want to marry someone else?”
Amaia sighed. “Daesha, when and if the time comes, I hope you can be more understanding then than you are now. I know your father would want me to be happy.”
“I don’t think he would.” She said sniffing.
Amaia leaned down and kiss her on her peachy cream check. “I love you. Goodnight.”
Daesha just nodded and turned over in her bed. Amaia departed with a sigh and decided to forgo the snack and go back to bed.
The next morning, Amaia looked at herself in the mirror. Many of her family and friends told her she favored Trina Braxton. Amaia sighed before going downstairs to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. As Amaia was coming out of the kitchen, Daesha was coming down the stairs dressed for school.
“Are you okay after last night?”
“Yes, I’m fine Mom. I just needed to get it out of my system. I love you so much.” She stated hugging her mother.
“I love you too. Do you want me to give you a ride to school?” Amaia asked before releasing her daughter.
“Of course not! You didn’t buy me that BMW for nothing. It was an awesome birthday gift. Besides, I told Sierra I would pick her up this morning. I hope you have a great first day as CFO. I am so proud of you.” Daesha declared with a smile.
“Thanks and you deserved the car. Tell Sierra I said hello and you drive carefully. I will see you later tonight.” Amaia stated kissed her daughter on the cheek.
“Will do. See you later.” Daesha stated with a broad smile as she departed from the house.
Sierra Sharpe’s parents lived in the same gated community as Daesha and her mom. Sierra’s parents house was only around the corner from them. When Daesha arrived at her bestie’s house, Sierra was waiting for her when she pulled into their driveway. Daesha always thought that Sierra was beautiful like a younger version of Taraji P. Henson.
Sierra hopped into the BMW all giddy. “My mom says hello. Now what’s up?” Daesha asked as she pulled off.
“Roman finally asked me out.” Sierra stated with a bright smile.
“Whoa! As in Roman Booth the captain of the football team?”
“Yes!”
“Slow your roll hooker. You know we cheerleaders are not suppose to fraternize with the players.”
“Well, I got your hooker, trick. You know no one can put a
stop to my hormones.”
“Well you need to put a halt to your whore moans.”
“Don’t think I didn’t catch that little innuendo about the word hormones. Don’t hate on me because you are still a virgin. I am not a whore. I happen to love sex and protect myself in the process. Any way Roman is only the second guy I have been with.” She stated as Daesha parked the BMW in her designated spot at the private school.
Daesha sighed. “Well, I am going to save myself until I get married.”
“We will see.” Sierra stated as she laughed softly.
Amaia was in Elliot Karmikell’s office. “Amaia, there is no need to be nervous. I just want to introduce you to the other associates in the company other than me, my wife, Sarai and your friend who recommended you, Kenneth Monroe. Are you ready?”
“As ready as ever.” She replied with a smile. She thought that Elliot resembled Djimon Hounsou.
When they arrived in the boardroom, her eyes immediately connected with a handsome man in the room that she decided must be a dark skinned Indian American. She felt he bared a darker resemblance to Ravi Kapoor. There was an instant attraction that took her completely by surprise. She decided to push those feelings aside. Elliot introduced her to his son the Vice President, Elliot Michael Karmikell, Jr. whom they called E.J., his daughter the Fashion Coordinator, Persefani Samantha Karmikell and the handsome man, Aahsod Patel, the Corporate Attorney. She shook hands with everyone as they departed from the boardroom. Finally she was introduced to Aahsod.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Collins.” Aahsod stated with a sexy smile as he extended his hand to be shaken. He knew right then that he had to have this beautiful creature. He hadn’t been this attracted to anyone in a long time.
“Call me Amaia.” She stated shaking his hand feeling an instantaneous sensation of electricity. She attempted to let go but Aahsod held on longer than necessary. Elliot cleared his throat.
“Amaia it is.” Aahsod responded and let go of her hand before departing from the boardroom.
When Aahsod was gone, Elliot looked at her and spoke. “I will let you get back to work and we will have an official board meeting at the end of the day at 4 p.m.”
“Okay, thanks Elliot.”
Elliot nodded and smiled before departing from the boardroom and heading to his office.
Later that day, Amaia was in her office filing away some reports in her filing cabinet when she heard a knock on her door. She looked around and saw Aahsod Patel standing in her doorway with his arms crossed leaning against the frame.
“Hello Aahsod, may I help you?”
“May I come in?”
“Sure.” She stated turning back to the filing.
Aahsod closed the door before approaching her. She had just closed the filing cabinet drawer and turned around to find him face to face with her. Her pulse quickened.
“What is it?” She asked almost breathless. She was thinking damn those are some sexy lips. Aahsod noticed her looking at his mouth and he smiled.
“Can I kiss you?”
“What?” she asked as if stunned by his question. She looked him in his eyes.
“I asked if I could kiss you?”
Amaia remembered where she was and gently pushed him away. “I think it would be best if you went back to your office.” She responded as she sat down behind her desk.
“Only if you are sure.” He stated.
“I am positive. See you at the board meeting at 4 p.m.” She replied not looking up at him because she was having a difficult time controlling her emotions.
It really didn’t matter because Aahsod knew he had gotten to her. He chuckled softly before opening the door
and leaving her office.
Three months had passed and Aahsod still had not broken down Amaia’s wall. He was sitting in the boardroom watching her as she spoke with the CEO/President, Elliot Karmikell, Sr. at the end of the conference table. Aahsod loved watching the way Amaia’s dress clung to her in all the right places. He was in deep thought when his boss’ wife the COO, Sarai Karmikell, leaned over and whispered in his ear.
“Stop drooling.”
He continued staring with a sly smile. “Nothing wrong with admiring a beautiful woman.” He said softly enough that only Sarai heard him.
“She hasn’t dated since her husband passed away four
years ago from his battle with prostate cancer.”
“Hmm.” Was all Aahsod said.
“Meaning?” Sarai asked with an arched eyebrow.
Aahsod looked at her serious face before responding. “Nothing. I know you and Elliot frown upon fraternizing within the company.”
“You know we just want peace at work.”
“I realize that but…”
“No buts steer clear of her. She doesn’t need the drama.”
“So you think I’m drama?” he asked looking at her. He had to admit that Sarai was beautiful like Kimora Lee Simmons. He always felt that Elliot was a lucky man.
“You have been an attorney with this company for quite some time. You are the reason that we put that little stipulation into the company’s by-laws years ago because of your umm shall we say extracurricular lifestyle.”
“Sarai, that was nine years ago.”
“Still a nasty situation.”
“I have changed a lot in nine years.” Aahsod stated.
“Yes you have but by-laws are by-laws. We don’t need to lose any employees and Amaia is a valuable asset as CFO to this company.”
“You really know how to burst a man’s joy.” Aahsod stated with a frown.
“You’ll get over it.” She told him matter-of-factly as the other employees entered the boardroom.
E.J. remained standing to go over the projections of the upcoming fashion show. Aahsod was making a mental note to figure out a way to approach Amaia Collins when he remembered that the wonderful gala of the Black Friday party thrown by the Karmikell’s was coming up tonight. He turned his attention back to the meeting at hand. When the meeting was over, E.J. asked his sister, Persefani to stay behind.
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