The wondering came at night right before I fell asleep, then somewhere along it all, my thoughts would take an erotic turn.
I imagined Mrs. Gallagher in the large comfortable bed with me, sliding between those cozy satin sheets. I pictured her eyes dark and full of desire, her lips trembling in want and anticipation and her skin hot and soft under my touch.
Dreams of her haunted me in my sleep and more often than not, I woke up hot, panting and sweaty with my fingers twitching to touch her. My feelings for her were growing stronger everyday and I had no idea how to stop them.
I wondered if she had any feelings for me. Did she think about me as often as I thought of her? Did she think about our intimate encounters? Did she desire to revisit them as I did?
Usually at this point my thoughts grew depressing so I tried to occupy my mind with other things like my studies or my work. I wanted to pick up a book and study for a while before I fell asleep when the doorbell rang.
I didn’t know anyone who knew where I lived so I assumed it was someone from the front desk at the reception area of the apartment building, coming to probably check on something so I went and opened the door.
My jaw dropped when I saw Rex.
“Oh, my God!” I said in shock.
He didn’t speak. He just took a step forward and wrapped his arms around me.
It was the most overwhelming thing I’d ever felt. “What? Where? How?” I didn’t know what to ask first.
“I’ve missed you so much, just let me hug you for a minute,” he said.
I exhaled and let it be. I hugged him back, tightly. Like a bear coming out of hibernation, I embraced him like he was my summer. God, I couldn’t believe how much I’d missed him.
When we pulled apart, he looked at me and awkwardly dropped his arms to his sides. “I feel so stupid, I had to come here in person,” he said.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
He scratched the nape of his neck and I realized he was nervous. I stepped aside and let him in.
“This is a great place,” he said.
I cared more about him, than the apartment and I just wanted to know where he’d been and if he was okay. “Where have you been, Rex?”
He looked at me in sadness and remorsefulness. “I’m sorry, Liv.”
What was he sorry for? Last I checked, I was the one who’d hurt him.
“They wouldn’t allow us access to our phones. I wanted to talk to you the moment I got there.”
“Rex, I don’t know what you mean,” I said.
“When you told me about Mrs. Gallagher having something to do with the whole art gala thing, I freaked out. I didn’t understand at the time, which was why I accused her of sending me away.”
I watched him as he struggled to find words to explain.
“Liv, the whole time I’ve been away, I was at an art workshop. I had the best, most talented artists in the industry teaching me everything I needed to know. I had no idea and to be honest, I wasn’t prepared for it. When Frank said I needed a little time off from school and went as far as to make it happen, I thought Mrs. Gallagher was trying to create distance between us.”
“Wait… wait a minute, what?” I was having a hard time trying to process everything he was saying.
“I was on a luxurious yacht trip full of talented artistic students from different schools and different parts of the world. I saw, heard, felt, smelled and tasted everything. I experienced art in its utmost form with every single sense of my being. When I was done, the only person I wanted to share this with was you, because I knew you’d understand but most importantly, because none of his would’ve happened without you.”
I absorbed everything Rex was saying, but only one thing stood out for me. “Are you saying that you’re not mad at me anymore?” He was my best friend and I’d missed him. I just wanted everything to be okay between us.
“I know I was upset about the whole art gala thing but after I left, I wanted to call you… every day, tell you where I was, what I was doing, what was happening but one of the rules were no access to our phones. I should’ve known that you’d never do anything to hurt me. I should’ve trusted you. I’m sorry, I screwed up.”
A wave of relief washed over me as everything else started making sense and I walked up to him and wrapped my arms around him.
A moment after we pulled apart, his face lit up in a beautiful genuine smile. “When I was gone, I thought about your passion and your desire for Mrs. Gallagher.”
The change of subject was an unexpected turn.
“I thought about how you felt about her and everything that’s happened between you two, how discouraging the situation is considering her status is society and her family and at the same time, how she’s doing so much to try and make you happy and I found the whole thing inspiring.”
Had he smoked something during his trip back? “Rex, you’re saying so much. I’m not sure I understand where you’re going with this.”
“Let me get to the point,” he said.
I took a breath and nodded.
“She knows I’m your best friend. I think that’s why she had Frank do everything he did, including giving me your new address.”
I wanted to speak, but I didn’t know what to say. At least his statement explained how he’d known where to find me.
“Livvy, everything she’s done, it’s been to make you happy. I think this is her way of showing you how she feels. She’s a generous person and she gives back a lot to society but she’s used this persona as a veil to express herself to you without exactly having to say it. Why else would she reach out to me if she didn’t know it’d please you?”
Finally, he was making sense. What he was saying in a way, was answering some of the questions in my head. Like why would Mrs. Gallagher do anything at all for me if I was just a mere employee? Why would she help my best friend? Why would she pay for my education?
I was aware of the rush of adrenaline pulsing through me, but I didn’t know what to do. How did acquiring this knowledge change anything? She was still a married woman with grown children.
If this was her way of expressing what she felt for me, then it also meant it would never go further than this. Our relationship would never develop into anything more than what it was.
“Rex, I don’t think…” I took a breath to calm my beating heart. “I don’t think that means anything.”
“I think it means everything,” he said, walking over to me. He touched my chin and our gazes locked. “Be headstrong Livvy, and risk it all otherwise you’re always going to be stuck in this stasis wondering if things will ever change. I think the change should begin with you.”
“Are you sure this was an art workshop you were on?” I asked.
He laughed softly and pulled me into his arms. “I’ve missed you. I had a completely clear state of mind where I thought about everything and this is the conclusion I arrived at.”
“I was worried about you,” I said.
“I know. I’m sorry. I was worried about you too, but I see that I shouldn’t have been.” He let go and walked around my living room. “Did you get a promotion or something?” he asked, turning to look at me.
I folded my arms and shrugged my shoulders. “Something,” I said.
“I know it’s late, so do you want me to come back tomorrow and we can catch up?”
“I think this is the best time because tomorrow night there’s a corporate gala dinner I have to attend.” I walked over to him, took his hand and led him to the couch.
When we sat down, he looked at me and said, “Explain this …something.”
It was a little past midnight and I didn’t want to go to bed just to end up thinking about Mrs. Gallagher. I had missed Rex and I wanted to spend time with him. I wanted to know everything that had happened to him while he’d been gone.
“I’m not sure how to explain Mrs. Gallagher’s recent behavior. She told me she wants me to be her protégé so my work, my duties an
d responsibilities have shifted.” Maybe talking to someone was going to help me understand her.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m working more and more on her healthcare business, meeting people, attending meetings and she’s added healthcare and languages into my curricula. I’m not just her personal assistant anymore. I think she’s building me to be something more like her.”
Rex gently massaged my knee. “Is that a bad thing?” he asked.
“I don’t know.”
“What else has she done?”
“She paid professors to teach me at my convenience because the new responsibilities are demanding more of my time, and she had one of her companies give me this apartment.”
Rex had a blank look on his face. “It sounds like a dream come true, Liv. Why is it bothering you?”
“Because.” I got to my feet and started pacing. “It feels too good to be true. Have you ever heard of anyone else doing something like this for someone?”
He gave me an obvious look. “I told you, she likes you too. That is why she’s doing all these things for you. She’s trying to make you happy. I mean, clearly she’s taken the time to get to know you and she’s using that to help you.”
“It scares me,” I admitted.
“What about it scares you?”
“Is she drawing me in so that it’ll be impossible for me to get out? Is there a price I’ll have to pay for all of these in the end?” I said, gesturing with my hands.
“I think you’re over-thinking it.”
I groaned and sat back down beside him. “Maybe, but what you said last time we met left an impact. I can’t help being suspicious about her motives.”
“I was speaking out of anger. Look, I’m back, aren’t I?”
I reached for his hand and calmly and slowly nodded, further confused my Mrs. Gallagher’s actions.
“Tell me about your trip,” I said, leaning back against the couch and watched as his eyes lit up.
Chapter Thirty-Two
I was wearing an elegant grey evening gown with a short lace train and white stiletto heels. I had silver teardrop earrings with a matching necklace and bracelet, and I was carrying a clutch purse matching my outfit.
I’d visited Andre earlier that evening to get my hair done and it now freely cascaded down my back in luscious curls, and after several online make-up tutorials, I’d perfectly learned to apply my make-up.
When James opened the car door for me and I stepped out, I felt like Cinderella heading to a ball. These were some of the rare moments that made me love and appreciate my job.
The gala was sponsored by Price Healthcare, and was a gathering of some of the partners, employees, current and prospective clients. The goal was to create an atmosphere of networking for both staff and clients and to build on new and existing relationships.
It also served as a reward for employees for work well done and, in a way, it was meant to encourage all the others to reach set goals in order to be part of such extravagant future events.
The venue was at a large hotel ballroom and the gala’s program indicated there would be live entertainment such as poetry readings, singing and stage shows. I couldn’t wait to get inside since this was my first corporate gala event.
There was a VIP entrance with a red carpet that enhanced the experience for me. I was led to the elevator where I found several people in wait and I assumed we were headed to the same place. I was a little nervous since I didn’t know anyone at the gala.
I personally worked for Mrs. Gallagher and had never set foot at Price Healthcare offices therefore all the faces I saw were new. I stepped inside with a confidence I didn’t possess and played along like I had every right to be there.
Since one of the goals was to mingle and network, I had a feeling I wasn’t going to be the only nervous attendee. When we got to the floor hosting the gala, the red carpet continued to the main entrance leading to a large ballroom. I couldn’t help staring in awe at the grandness of the venue.
The stunning décor offered a sophisticated ambiance and the outstanding color and lighting added a taste of glamour. The countless round tables had a black and white theme and were beautifully adorned to match the event with several bottles of champagne in an ice bucket as a centerpiece.
There was a dimmed stage with a podium on one side of the ballroom which made me eager for the night’s entertainment.
I handed in my invitation and was given a place card for my table. A number of people had arrived and as I looked around, I wondered if my boss would be in attendance.
I was glad to be a guest in the event instead of playing a background role like in the past. I found my table in the middle of the room and was surprised to hear someone recognize me.
“Olivia? Is that you?”
I turned to face the familiar voice and was relieved to find Colin Peterson walking over to me.
“Wow, look at you. You look absolutely gorgeous,” he said as he lightly hugged me and planted a kiss on my cheek.
“It’s so good to see you, Colin. I was afraid I wouldn’t know anyone here,” I said.
He was handsomely dressed in a black tuxedo and a bowtie. I’d been used to seeing him in official clothing during our time working together, but the tux made him look great.
“It’s good to see you too,” he said. “I see we have the same table. How awesome, right?”
I nodded, greatly pleased I’d be seated next to someone I knew.
“Have you attended a gala dinner before?” I asked.
A waiter serving champagne walked over to us and Colin took one glass and handed it to me and then took one for himself. “Once, last year. It’s a little nerve-wracking for a newbie but once you get the gist it gets easier. It was easy for me since I work at Price Healthcare offices and I know some of the staff.”
It was going to be challenging for me since I was isolated from the other employees.
“You shouldn’t worry, you’ll attract more attention than you think, granted it won’t be for all the proper reasons but you can use that to your advantage.”
I met his gaze, wondering what he meant. “What’re you talking about?”
He gave me a slow flirtatious once-over, indicating his meaning and I couldn’t help laughing as I playfully slapped his shoulder.
“Did Mrs. Gallagher attend last year?” I asked, masking my interest by sipping some champagne.
“I think so. Yeah, she attended, but only briefly, you know, just to make an appearance.”
“Who makes the keynote speech?”
“One of the other two partners,” he said. “Mrs. Gallagher does most of the heavy lifting and generates a great deal of profit for Price Healthcare. The other two partners are old guys who refused to sell their shares during the acquisition and usually just follow her lead because they’ve greatly benefited under her leadership. At this point, a speech is more in their department,” Colin explained.
Wow, she definitely was a force to be reckoned with.
“How are you doing as her personal assistant?”
“Not bad, it’s a challenging position but I’m having fun,” I said in enthusiasm.
“Having fun? She’s a bit of a slave driver, how do you manage to have fun?”
“I find my ways.” I loved working for Mrs. Gallagher. I loved being around her and talking to her. I hated days when time passed without me seeing her and with my added responsibilities and crazy time schedule, it was happening a little more often than I desired.
“How long have you worked for her?”
“Going on four months now, I think. Why?”
“I’ve worked for Price Healthcare for almost five years and I got my first invite last year. You must’ve made quite an impression.”
I cleared my throat and scanned the room. A lot of people had arrived but not nearly enough to fill up the tables. “How long do these things last?” I asked.
“About four hours, though sometimes they can go past midnight. L
et’s mingle. Just join a group, listen to what they’re talking about, express your opinion and if it’s interesting enough, you’ll get their attention and then you can introduce yourself. We’ll meet back here when everyone is present and ready for dinner.”
I nodded and looked around. There were a lot of people in groups, both men and women. They were all elegantly dressed in gowns and suits and made me feel like an extra in an episode of Revenge during one of Victoria Grayson’s lush parties.
I joined the group of five people who were standing closest to me and tried to conduct myself the way Mrs. Gallagher would, with confidence and charisma. There were four men and one woman and they were talking about female empowerment in the modern business world.
I didn’t have any particular opinion in the matter, but I had a feeling I’d joined the wrong group because there was only one woman present and I knew she expected me to express my thoughts in support of what she was saying.
Some of the men were forward-thinkers and agreed with her but one particular guy challenged her, stating that women best expressed their strength in controlled environments and while they were capable of competing with men, masculinity would always win out.
I didn’t think I cared about the subject, until I heard myself speak. “So, I guess women like Ginni Rometty, Abigail Johnson, Oprah Winfrey, not to mention your boss Amelia Gallagher have only succeeded in getting where they are today because they expressed their strength in controlled environments…or has there been some form of masculine intervention we’re unaware of?”
Everyone was speechlessly staring at me. I had to rerun what I’d just said in my head to make sure I’d not crossed anyone. A second later, everyone except the guy I had challenged laughed and one by one, they all introduced themselves, stating their positions in Price Healthcare.
When I introduced myself, everyone, including the male chauvinist, wanted to hear more from me. It was encouraging and a bit overwhelming, but I was more interested in networking and identifying people who I could make some use out of in the future if and when the need occurred.
Cougar Boss Page 28