“Where would you and your friends go to have meaningless sex if I was at the house?”
Smooth, Jurnee. So, smooth.
Turning to look at his reaction, I was met with a big ass grin on his face. “What?”
“The only person I’m looking forward to having any kind of sex with is you, so that works out. The guys are fine with coming up with a new spot to enjoy the company of their friends, plus we all own other real estates in the city.”
“Whatever. ‘Enjoy the company of their friends.’”
“So, that’s the part of my statement that you are going to comment on? Are you totally ignoring the fact that I want to be with you?”
“Not ignoring, just analyzing.”
The volume of the music increased, and Anderson slid his hand onto my thigh. I knew he was giving me time to process, but I chose instead to get lost in the female’s voice singing about being hard to love.
Looking down, I examined his amazingly large hand and the contrast of his dark skin against my faded tanned skin. A serene sense of security swept through me as he intertwined his fingers with my left hand and placed our linked hands in his lap. At that moment, there was nowhere else I wanted to be. Driving down an unknown highway toward an unknown destination felt like the most normal thing I could do on a Sunday.
“Where are we going?”
He smiled at my question. “I don’t want you to leave New York.”
The words repeated in my head before I could figure out what to say. “The cos–”
“You can afford it if you agree to stay at the house. Look, I want to explore this with you,” He lifted our hands to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the back of my hand. “And we can’t do that if you move back to Michigan for a year.”
“We can’t?”
“How would we?”
“I don’t know, but people do it all the time.”
“I don’t.”
I yanked my hand out of his and placed it in my lap. Not quite sure why I was annoyed, but I was. A moment later, Anderson grabbed my hand again. When I tried to pull away, he growled.
“It’s scary.” The words fell out of my mouth before I could stop them.
“What? Exploring things with me or not returning to Michigan.”
“Isn’t it one and the same?”
“No. It’s not the same. You could be totally psyched about getting to know me, but terrified to move to New York. Or you could be excited to move to New York, but completely terrified about starting a relationship with me.”
The car exited the highway, and the autumn colored leaves surrounded the road like a colorful cave greeting visitors.
“Both. I can’t stress enough that I never thought Graham would be interested in working with me. And I never, in a million years, thought the asshole I met on a blind date would be interested in dating me.”
“Wow. Asshole. You’re not holding anything back.” He gave my hand a squeeze as he took a sharp left onto a dirt road.
“I mean, your two truths would have made the Asshole Hall of Fame wall.”
He laughed as the car came to a stop. He leaned over and pressed his lips on mine. “I enjoy everything about you, Jurnee Joplin Messer. Never change.”
The tree-lined driveway seemed to go on for a mile. From the protective guard of the trees, the road opened up to a precisely manicured large yard with a lovely mini barn with a thoughtful landscape and a fresh coat of traditional red barn paint.
“Where are we?”
“A farm.”
“Duh. Why?”
“Did you just ‘duh’ me? Stop asking so many questions and stay put,” Anderson stepped out of the car. I watched every confident step he took as he made his way to the passenger door. He offered me his hand, and I accepted it to get out of the car. My ankle was ninety-five percent better, so I appreciated being able to lean on him to stand.
“Mr. Douglas?”
“Yes, Pete?”
“Yes, Sir. Welcome.” Pete nodded in my direction.
“Hi, I’m Jurnee.”
“Jurnee, that’s an interesting name.”
“My parents are definitely interesting.”
Pete gave me a nod and smiled. “Well, on the phone, you said you had some questions about a pig. Shall we step into the barn, it’s going to rain.”
The sky was a mix of blue with the sun playing peek-a-boo with the clouds. “Rain?”
“It’s coming. I can feel it.”
Anderson wrapped his arm around me as we followed Pete down the stone walking path toward a red barn. The two dogs that followed the car down the drive bolted around, chasing each other. They didn’t approach Anderson or I for attention, but instead circled around us as if they were trying to keep us in a pack.
At the door of the barn, Pete paused. “Jack, Theodore. Guard.” Both dogs laid down next to one another to the left of the barn door.
“Beautiful dogs.”
“Thank you, Ms. They do their job, so they get to stay.” His tone was short but softened when he directed his attention to Anderson. “Mr. Douglas, you started to explain that you have a pig that is suffering from—what exactly?”
“Depression.”
Farmer Pete stepped aside and gestured for us to enter the barn. There were three perfectly maintained stalls, each with wood gates that only reached Pete’s waist. The piglets came alive as we approached.
“Settle it.” He snarled into the enclosure as he leaned against the middle one. “How did you determine your pig is depressed?”
“The person I have caring for Rover brought it to my attention. She says that I need to carve out more time to spend with him and–”
“Are you sure the person isn’t depressed themselves?”
I giggled. This was all new for me. Though Martin had asked me if I lived on a farm back in Michigan, I informed him that there was plenty of city in the Midwest.
Anderson drew me into his chest and wrapped his hands around my neck. If someone had asked when the last time I had felt comfortable enough with someone to engage in such a level of physical contact in public, I wouldn’t have been able to provide an accurate response—a long damn time.
“I can tell you, Mr. Douglas–”
“Anderson. Please.”
“Very well, Anderson. I’ve been raising pigs since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, and I’ve never come across a pig suffering from depression.”
“Really?”
“No, Sir. Now, I have seen situations where pigs get bored. These are some of the smartest animals out there, so keeping them occupied is important. How many pigs do you have?”
“Just one.”
“Maybe Rover needs a buddy.” I looked up at Anderson.
He leaned down and gave me a quick peck. “That’s why we’re here, Love.”
“You’re getting another pig?” My response was louder than I had intended as his use of the pet name Love had the same champagne corks popping affect in my stomach as the first time.
“Any objections?” His eyebrow went up.
He was asking me if I objected to the purchase of another pig? The enormity of that question wasn’t lost on me. A grin spread across my face that I was unable to control.
“As I mentioned on the phone, I’m not thrilled with the idea of one of my piglets moving to New York City. Pigs require time outside to play in the grass.”
“Pete, I can assure you your pig will have a very comfortable life.”
“Seriously,” I stifled a laugh, “Rover has an outdoor terrace that is four times bigger than the apartment I’m subletting. The space is actually bigger than my backyard back in Michigan.”
“So, your boyfriend mentioned.” Anderson squeezed me tighter against him at Farmer Pete’s words.
“Pete, as I mentioned, I’d like to get a friend for Rover but–”
Pete raised his hands, pausing Anderson mid-sentence, “You named your pig Rover?”
“When I got him, I was staying in a
hotel while my place was being remodeled. I gave him a dog’s name to make the paperwork sail through with little or no argument. Plus, technically, pigs are banned in the City.”
The farmer’s eyebrow jetted up, so Anderson continued, “Ban or no ban, the city is filled with people who have pet pigs. Samantha, the vet that oversees Rover’s pig sitters, has a growing list of clients that hire her and her students to watch their pigs. Also, if Rover and this new piglet don’t get along or if Rover remains depressed, it will be re-homed to a Montana ranch.”
“Montana ranch?”
“Otis.” I nodded at his response and moved next to Pete to check out the piglets. The trip had taken a turn for the better at the thought we might take a baby pig back to the city with us.
“Pigs in the city. Pig babysitters. What in Sam Hill is next?”
36
Jurnee
Anderson was unhappy when I insisted on returning to my sublet after our trip to the farm and dinner. He mumbled about not understanding why I couldn’t just accept his offer as he tossed the bags he had packed for me three days earlier into his car. The drive back to Brooklyn had been silent, and, thankfully, traffic was light, so it was over relatively quickly.
I squinted at the bright screen and read a text from Derrick.
Derrick - OH MY GOD!!! Did you see the paper?
Jurnee - It’s 5:30 in the morning.
Derrick - I know. I waited until a decent hour to text you.
Jurnee - Keep waiting
Derrick - You are in the paper
I sat up in bed and hit my head on the slanted ceiling. Rubbing my head, I re-read his text.
Jurnee - What are you talking about?
Derrick – Well, assuming you are the Mystery Girl from the ‘sighting’ section on Page Six.
Jurnee - Page Six of what?
The next text Derrick sent had a link to The New York Post’s Page Six. There it was, staring back at me.
Anderson Douglas has come out of hiding with a new Mystery Girl.
Complete with a picture of the two of us leaving the restaurant together. I looked closer. The picture was from the first time Anderson took me out to dinner. The night we said our goodbyes, and I had taken the subway back to Brooklyn. This was days old. This was crazy.
Completely awake now, I wasn’t as cheerful at seeing a random picture of the two of us published online. I needed to breathe, so I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door for a walk. By the time I got on the subway, my ankle was throbbing so badly that I decided to just ride the train for a while.
When I finally checked my watch, I panicked as I discovered I’d been riding for two solid hours.
A half an hour of rushing home to dress and back on the train toward the Financial District, my text alert displayed Soraya’s name displayed across the screen.
Soraya - Girl, you made Page Six. Are you freaking out? Don’t freak out! Avery, Genevieve, and I want to take you out to lunch to celebrate. Can you make a one o’clock reservation at the Tak Room?
Jurnee - Celebrate?
Soraya - We’ll explain at lunch. Can you make it?
Jurnee - I’ll have to check with Alan. He has a long list for us to get through today.
Our morning meeting seemed to drag as Alan explained in minute detail how the partnership would work in terms of the design of each of the coffee shops. He stated that they would give me time to approve the drafted plans, but I would need to have good reasons to veto any part.
Scribbling notes as he spoke, I couldn’t help wishing I was still working with Anderson. It wasn’t that he did whatever I said, but he made me feel like I had a real say in what happened. Alan spoke like he was in charge, and I was just here for the ride.
I glanced at my phone and noted there was still an hour and a half before I was supposed to leave for lunch. Alan continued to go over the timeline and when I would need to be available on-site. Sadie popped her head in the door. I smiled at the interruption.
“Graham needs to see Jurnee in his office immediately. He requests that you two start again after lunch.”
Alan pressed his lips together as he closed the file in front of him. “Of course.”
“Jurnee, would you mind coming with me?”
Up on my feet, I headed to the door without a reply. Once in the hallway, I stopped her. “Thank you for saving me. I was falling asleep in there.”
“My pleasure. I totally get it.” She giggled as she slipped into her chair behind her desk. “Graham is expecting you.”
“Thanks again.”
I stopped in the open doorway when I saw Anderson sitting in one of the chairs across from Graham’s desk. Graham stood, prompting Anderson to stand as well.
“Jurnee, I’m sorry for pulling you away from your meeting.”
“Not a problem. What can I do for you?” I gave Anderson a quick smile and returned my attention to Graham. He’s dead if he asked Graham to work with me.
“Please come in and take a seat.” He gestured for me to sit at the table that was in the corner of his office. Both he and Anderson waited for me to sit before they each took a seat at the table.
“Anderson and I have been speaking about your project this morning.” He looked down at a folder that sat to the left of him on the table. I glared at Anderson when Graham wasn’t looking. He laughed.
“What were the two of you talking about?”
“Well, Anderson reminded me that the signing bonus hadn’t been issued. Which I’ve corrected.” He pulled an envelope out of the folder and slid it over to me.
“He did, did he?”
“He has some interesting ideas on locations that I think will escalate this project to another level. I’d like you to consider working with Anderson on the front half of the project and having Alan pick up once the first group of stores open.”
“Graham, whatever you think is best.” Anderson met my glance and had the decency to look embarrassed.
“Perfect. He also thinks he can get this whole project up and running a lot faster than Alan. You should look at relocating to the city sooner rather than later.”
“Interesting.” I sat back and alternated my stares between the two men that were changing my life far faster than I had thought possible.
“Oh,” Graham put his hands into the air. “Anderson, you should tell Jurnee about those apartments of Eric’s you mentioned. He may have solved your living situation.”
A loud buzz interrupted my response, “Graham, Soraya’s here. Should I ask her to wait?”
“NO!” Soraya tossed the door open, and we could hear Sadie giggling at her desk.
“Yeah, like my wife would wait for one second.” He made his way over to her. Her tips were blood red, and she didn’t look too happy to see him.
“Really, Baby. Red?”
“Don’t even try it. I’m not speaking to you right now.” She pivoted and looked at me. “Ready.”
I looked at my phone. “It’s only 11:45am. I told Alan I was taking lunch at 1pm.”
Soraya crossed her arms and stared at Graham, not saying a word. When he said nothing, she placed her hands on her hips and glared at her husband.
“Jurnee,” Graham cleared his throat. “Please join my wife for lunch. I will let Alan know that you are leaving early.”
Soraya cleared her throat and shifted her weight to the other foot, and Graham continued, “In fact, I’ll tell him you will be taking the rest of the day off.”
“That’s unnecessary. I don’t want to create any problems or delays. I’ve already missed most of last week with my ankle.”
Soraya interrupted, “You are taking the rest of the day off. Mr. Morgan will make the necessary adjustments.”
Graham sighed and tossed his head back. “Anderson, Jurnee, could you excuse us for a few minutes? I need to make up with my wonderfully beautiful wife.”
“No need–”
“Soraya.” The gravelly tone of his voice when he said her name seemed to melt
the anger off her face.
Anderson leaped out of his seat and gestured for me to head out the door first. “We’ll be in my office when you’re ready, Soraya.”
“What the hell was that about?” I asked as I fell into the chair on the other side of Anderson’s desk. He lowered himself into the chair.
“Not sure, but it’s better to give them the space they need. Besides, I want to talk to you about a couple apartments that Eric has vacant in his buildings since you don’t seem interested in moving into my house.”
“I’m not thrilled that you went to Graham behind my–” Sadie appeared at the doorway but paused for Anderson to nod his approval to enter. She handed me the envelope I’d left on the table and disappeared back out the door. “I told you at dinner last night that I didn’t want to ask to work with you again.”
“And I didn’t. I respected your wishes. After looking at the bigger picture, Graham rethought you and Alan picking sites. Anyway, the apartments–”
“That is not really respecting my wishes, though, is it?”
“Okay, it’s respecting your wishes with an asterisk. These apartments–”
“As I mentioned, I can’t afford to lease one of Eric’s apartment–.”
“You did, but that was before they gave you the signing bonus. There are three different apartments that Eric said you could get in to see this afternoon. I’d be happy to take you–”
“I appreciate your help, but I’m fairly confident that I still can’t afford any of the apartments Eric is leasing. I’ve seen his buildings, remember.”
“He is offering the ‘you kicked my ass at poker’ discount.”
“Sure he is. I’m guessing you have a favorite already picked out.”
“Yes, but clearly, you’re not ready for that location quite yet.” He chuckled.
“I don’t even know what that means.”
We stared at one another when we heard Martin greet Soraya.
“Have dinner with me tonight.” He asked quickly.
“Are you sure? You were pretty shitty last time we tried a dinner date.” I cringed at my words.
Mister Manhattan: A Hero Club Novel Page 18