Authors: Cydney Michele; Rax Lutishia; Grant Lovely
Crush (18 page)
21
Later that evening, Chaz and Lois chatted in the sitting area of Chaz’s office. They’d gone over the events of the day, Chaz’s schedule for the rest of the week, and now discussed how Lois would be affected by Gina’s promotion.
“So, she’s like . . . my supervisor?” Lois asked, not aware of the frown that accompanied the question.
“You’ve only got one boss, and that’s me,” Chaz replied. “We’ve made it very clear in the job description that Gina is to manage the office, not the secretaries. All of you will still report to the attorneys you work for. Gina will oversee the file clerks and other supporting personnel—cleaners, maintenance, lawn services, temp services, and so on. She’ll also be the liaison for social events and work with our public relations firm to heighten our profile, especially when it comes to community projects.” When Lois remained silent, Chaz continued. “Lois, is this a position you would have wanted? If so, I offer no apologies. When it came to making this decision, I was very selfish. You’re the best legal secretary I’ve ever seen, and I appreciate being able to bounce ideas off of you. As long as you’re in this firm, which I truly hope is a long time, you’re working for me.”
Any resistance that Lois had to the idea evaporated in that moment.
“I’m thinking about having a meeting.”
Lois knew Chaz had changed the subject, but didn’t know in which direction. “A meeting?”
“With Ms. Anonymous.”
“The person writing the letters?”
Chaz nodded. He was 98 percent sure he knew the sender’s identity, but the remaining 2 percent was why he decided to tell Lois about his plans. He had to cover all of his bases, in case this was a setup.
“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Lois tried but failed to keep from fidgeting in her chair.
“I want to know who it is,” Chaz said truthfully, continuing to eye Lois intently. He’d noticed her fidgeting and wondered if the reason had anything to do with the 2 percent.
“But then would you . . . oh, I’m sorry. Never mind.”
“Would I what? Act out the things she’s written in the letters?”
Lois bowed her head, too embarrassed to speak.
“I doubt whoever it is would even show,” Chaz replied, trying to prevent Lois from further embarrassment. “But with a meeting, there is one person I could effectively eliminate from suspicion.”
“Pete Bennett?”
Chaz nodded.
“How could you be sure he wasn’t behind whoever showed up?”
“I’ve thought about that. I have my ways.”
“Pardon me for being honest, Mr. Covington. But you have a nationally recognized law firm with a staunch reputation to uphold. Any scandal resulting from a meeting would be costly and detrimental. If you decide to move forward, please make sure you’ve counted all the costs.”
Chaz looked at Lois, respect in his eyes. “You’d make a good attorney, Lois. Have you considered law school?”
For the second time today, Lois warmed at her boss’s praise. Later that night, she’d feel the heat a third time. And once again, thoughts of Chaz would be the reason.
22
“I need you, Chaz.” Taylor toyed with the straw in her daiquiri. They sat on The Terrace at The Peninsula Chicago.
“I want you,” Chaz replied. The weekend following the dinner at the Bateses, Chaz had told Taylor about his conversation with James and how uncomfortable it had made him. He and Taylor had continued to talk almost every day, but since that night this was the first time they’d seen each other. “How’s James?” he asked at last.
“He’s . . . okay.” A wistful smile appeared on Taylor’s face. “But lately he’s become obsessed with sex, and the fact that he can’t satisfy me . . . like he used to.”
“But what about oral?”
“I try and reassure him that he’s still handling his business, that I’m satisfied. And I am, most of the time.”
“And those other times?” Chaz softly asked.
Taylor looked at Chaz. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She shrugged, but remained silent.
“You know how much I love you, Taylor. You’re my best friend. But James is also my friend. And while he thinks he can handle your stepping outside the marriage, and even encourage it to a degree, the reality of actually finding out would feel quite different. Trust me, I know.”
“But Jennifer cheated on you. You had no idea there was somebody else.”
“So what will we do? Go to James, announce our intentions, and make sure he’s okay with the idea?”
“Well . . . when you put it that way, the idea does seem preposterous. But what if you didn’t know?”
“What do you mean?”
“What if our meeting happened anonymously . . . like the person writing those letters?”
Chaz sat back and crossed his arms. “How could that happen?”
Taylor smiled. “It could actually be kinda sexy. You know: blindfold, handcuffs, soft feathers, and melted chocolate . . .”
“Whoa, where’s my friend Taylor, and who’s this dominatrix sitting in front of me?”
“Ha! What can I say, Chaz Covington? You’re bringing out the freak in me.”
“Freak” wasn’t a word often bandied about in Chaz’s circle. The fact that he’d heard it used recently from two very different women, whom he dearly loved for different reasons, wasn’t lost on him.
“I told James I was meeting an old colleague and that I’d probably be late getting back.” Taylor’s eyes were searching, beckoning . . .
But a voice from the past pushed its way to the surface, the voice of another spouse explaining her lateness. “They’re having a fund-raiser at the radio station,” Jennifer had said, sometimes substituting “private party” or “meeting” for the event. “I offered to volunteer. I’ll be home late.”
While the circumstances were different, to Chaz the feeling was familiar and did not feel good. He was a viral man who needed release, and he would get it soon. But it wouldn’t be tonight.
“I’ve got a busy day tomorrow,” he said, hoping that this truthful statement would serve to let Taylor down easy. He stood and reached for his suit jacket. “I’m in court all day tomorrow. Best prepare myself with a good night’s sleep.”
“You’re probably right,” Taylor said, standing as well. “But remember one thing, Chaz. What James doesn’t know won’t hurt him. And it won’t hurt you either.”
Chaz nodded, but as he left the restaurant, he was more confused than ever.
What I won’t know won’t hurt me?
“What is it that I won’t know?” he murmured aloud, as he waited for the valet to bring around his car.
What I won’t know won’t hurt me?
“What is it that I won’t know?” he murmured aloud, as he waited for the valet to bring around his car.
The answer came as he tipped the driver and got behind the wheel.
You don’t know the identity of who’s been writing the letters.
Chaz didn’t, but he knew one thing: he was about to find out.
You don’t know the identity of who’s been writing the letters.
Chaz didn’t, but he knew one thing: he was about to find out.
23
Chicago’s elite had turned out for the invite-only dinner, where the mayor of Chicago was scheduled to present Chaz and the From the Heart Foundation with a special award. The charity had formed an alliance with a local hospital that was committed to bringing a world-class team of scientists and cardio specialists to the Windy City. Chaz had made a one-million-dollar donation from his foundation to advance the cause. As he sat at the head table, along with the mayor; Elizabeth’s father, Kenneth Owens; and other city notables, Chaz knew in his heart that his mother was smiling down from above. In her memory and honor, he’d had the place decorated in hues of yellow, her favorite color, and had devised a menu from her favorite foods: steak, potatoes, and pecan pie, but prepared in lighter, healthier versions. His memories were bittersweet, but he reveled in the fact that attention was being given to a hideous disease. If even one life was saved as a result of his efforts, he’d believe that his mother’s untimely passing had not been in vain.
Chaz excused himself from the table and began to work the room. The speeches would begin shortly, but there were still a few people he hadn’t personally thanked. He stopped at the table directly beside where he’d sat and thanked Max for supporting all of the time and money his wife, Liz, put into the charity. He noticed that Elizabeth smiled obligingly but it didn’t reach her eyes. Later, he would wonder if her pout had anything to do with the gorgeous, twenty-something sistah who also dined at their table. Chaz waved at Lois, who looked out of place, yet happy, as she sat at a table with Gina, Melanie, and other members of the law firm staff. He acknowledged the attorney whose unrelenting advances could be labeled sexual harassment; the matronly socialite who’d offered Chaz five million dollars to bed her and, after he refused, had given only half a million dollars to the charity; and attorneys from his old law firm. After shaking hands with James and hugging Taylor, Chaz greeted news personnel, local talk-show hosts, and doctors from the partner hospital, and he finally stopped at a table that bore two of the people he most loved in the world.
“You are the belle of the ball, honey,” he said, as he knelt down and hugged Cherish. He turned and hugged C.J. “I thought I was the most handsome man in the room,” he said, straightening the collar of his son’s tuxedo. “But I think you’ve got me beat.”
“Oh, Dad,” C.J. moaned. But his eyes beamed.
“Thanks for coming and bringing the children,” he said, sitting at the recently vacated chair next to Jennifer. “You look good. But the jury is still out on that chump you brought with you.”
“Antonio is a good friend,” Jennifer responded, delighted at the thought that Chaz might be jealous. “And the children love him.”
“Love him?” Chaz lowered his voice. “Is this guy spending time at the house? Around my kids?”
“Now, Chaz, I don’t know that that is any of your business.”
“If it involves my children, it’s my business.”
“No worries, darling. You and I still have unfinished business. If all goes well, we’ll take care of it soon.”
Before Chaz could respond, Jennifer’s date returned with their drinks. Jennifer made the somewhat stilted introductions, and then Chaz was forced to return to his table. It was time for the ceremonies to begin.
Tomorrow, the events of the evening would be splashed across both the business and society pages. But tonight, as the evening came to an end and Chaz drove through the rainy Chicago streets, his thoughts weren’t on his professional success but rather his life’s personal puzzle. Underlying issues aside, seeing Elizabeth with her husband and Jennifer with a date served to highlight Chaz’s loneliness in a room filled with one hundred people. He’d hoped that Naomi would return in time to join him. But the last two calls he’d made to her had gone to voice mail. Chaz knew that he was an eligible man who could get almost any woman he wanted. Yet tonight, he realized that the most intimate female interaction he’d had recently had been from a distance: through letters, e-mails, and text messages. By the time Chaz reached his home, he’d made a decision. It was time to get up close and personal. He unlocked his door, walked straight to his study, and picked up the prepaid cell.
24
Let’s meet.
Even though it was after eleven, the response came almost immediately. When? Where?
Chaz typed in the information, a boutique hotel he often used for intimate business dinners and off-site meetings. The owner was a personal friend; the staff, people he could trust. He remembered this as he typed his response:
I’ve covered all my bases. If you don’t show up alone, are working with anyone to make this a tabloid moment, or are trying to exploit me in any way, this meeting will NOT take place.
::Smiling:: Trust me, I want this meeting to be strictly between you and me. Though I must say . . . I didn’t take you for the paranoid type.
But you do realize that I am the don’t “f” with me type, right?
Of course. I have a request as well.
???
I want us to meet with the lights out until we′ve . . . you know . . . done it.
Why?
Contrary to what you may believe . . . I’m shy.
Ha! You’re right. I don’t believe you. Are you scarred, handicapped? Why continue the secrecy once we’ve met?
Just for the first time. After that I’ll . . . be more comfortable.
I’ll think about it.
I’m thinking of you and little else.
Will send instructions. From the time you receive them, the window of time to meet me will be narrow. Be ready.
Ready and waiting . . .
The next day, Chaz made a few calls to arrange the meeting. Explaining his visit to the hotel as “handling something of a sensitive legal nature,” the hotel manager assured him that the utmost discretion would be practiced. Chaz would come in through a private entrance, sweep the suite for audio or video blackmailing devices, and then text his “date” that everything was ready.
He’d tossed the idea back and forth all day, but in the end, he decided to let one person in on what was about to happen.
“Oh, I see,” Lois said softly, upon hearing the news. There was an unreadable look on her face.
“You disagree? Think that I shouldn’t meet . . . whoever this is?” Chaz’s decision to confide in Lois had been a calculated one. He closely monitored her reaction.
Lois fidgeted with a loose string on her blouse, a garment she’d had for years. She’d kept up the hairstyle and plucked eyebrows from the makeover, but when it came to her wardrobe, old habits died hard. She’d gone back to dressing the way she had before her big reveal two weeks ago. Today she wore a long-sleeved lavender blouse paired with a deep purple skirt that almost brushed the carpet.
Her heart hammered in her chest, and Lois worked to slow her breathing. “You should do it,” she said with obvious effort. Lois looked at Chaz with widened eyes before quickly ducking her head, the double entendre almost causing this black woman to blush. “Meet with her, I mean.”
A quick blink of his eyes was the only change in Chaz’s neutral expression.
Why are you acting so strangely, Lois? Are you ashamed? Embarrassed? Eager?
This last possibility gave Chaz pause. He thought back to a conversation he’d had with Taylor and suddenly wondered if Lois was a virgin. And if he honored his blind date’s request and allowed her anonymity until after they’d had sex, how would he feel to discover it was his secretary he’d bedded, that he’d taken her innocence and compromised an excellent working relationship?
Why are you acting so strangely, Lois? Are you ashamed? Embarrassed? Eager?
This last possibility gave Chaz pause. He thought back to a conversation he’d had with Taylor and suddenly wondered if Lois was a virgin. And if he honored his blind date’s request and allowed her anonymity until after they’d had sex, how would he feel to discover it was his secretary he’d bedded, that he’d taken her innocence and compromised an excellent working relationship?
After switching the subject to safer matters—clients, briefs, court dates, and the like—Chaz excused Lois from his office. He made a few phone calls, worked on a couple of legal briefs, and met with the junior partners of the firm. The day was another productive one, and Chaz felt great about the high-profile-type cases his firm was receiving, and especially about their 78-percent win rate. The success was heady, exhilarating; made him feel proud and powerful. By the end of the day, this excitement had turned into energy, energy that needed to be burned off. Chaz thought about putting a couple hours in at the gym, but knew that he was kidding himself with that idea. There was only one way Chaz wanted to release the pressure. It involved pumping, sweating, and using a piece of equipment that money couldn’t buy.
Lois looked at her image in the full-length mirror. She wore the heels that made her feet hurt for only the second time since purchasing them that “makeover” weekend. But she had to admit, they gave her legs a longer, more flattering appearance. The dress that the saleswoman had talked her into buying was one that Lois would not have picked out on her own. It was more fitted than those she usually wore, with a golden tone that complemented her skin. Its belted design helped define her waist, while the flared skirt hinted at more in the back than was actually there. She’d combed her hair back away from a face devoid of makeup, save for a coating of shimmering lip gloss that gave her lips a pouty appearance. Lois took one more look at her appearance, picked up her purse, and headed to her car.
“No!” Delicia screamed, after hearing her son’s question for the third time. “I want to go to the movies by myself!”
She’d spent all day at the salon, getting a fresh weave, a mani/pedi, and a facial. Then she’d stopped by the mall and picked up a designer warm-up that was casual yet elegant at the same time. Made from a satiny, stretch, burgundy-colored fabric, the pants were tight, announcing her ample behind to the world, while the V-neck top, of the same material, highlighted her bountiful breasts. Delicia knew that the Nutrisystem program she’d always wanted to try but until now could not afford, was working. It had felt good to walk out of Ashley Stuart with a size fourteen.
Delicia clipped on her earrings and splashed on perfume. She walked into the living room and was glad to see that for once, instead of fighting, both her children were engrossed in the DVD she’d purchased. “Keep an eye on your brother,” she told her grown daughter. “Call if you need me.” Delicia walked over and kissed each child on the forehead.
“When you coming back?” her son asked without taking his eyes off the screen.
“When I get good and ready,” was her reply. “Y’all behave,” she commanded, and left.
“Honey, that’s great.” Taylor sat in the living room, idly flipping through an
Essence
magazine. She’d been waiting on her husband, who’d just called to say he was going to hang out with the boys. The car they’d had customized to handle James’s disability was one of the best investments they’d ever made. Now, he was beginning to make friends with some of the colleagues where he taught. He was getting his life back. Taylor was thrilled.
Essence
magazine. She’d been waiting on her husband, who’d just called to say he was going to hang out with the boys. The car they’d had customized to handle James’s disability was one of the best investments they’d ever made. Now, he was beginning to make friends with some of the colleagues where he taught. He was getting his life back. Taylor was thrilled.
“So what are you going to do with yourself?” James asked. “Do you think you can handle an evening without me?”
Taylor smiled as she rose from the couch and headed to her bedroom to change clothes. “I’m sure I’ll think of something.”
On opposite sides of town, two women were doing the exact same thing. Elizabeth soaked in her oversized Jacuzzi tub in their home’s master suite, while Gina luxuriated in a unisex tub at the gym. Both women had spent the day hard at work. And now, both women closed their eyes and thought about one man.
Naomi smiled as she walked through the hustle and bustle that was O’Hare International Airport. She’d traveled light and was able to bypass the baggage area and head straight for the rental car agency. Within minutes, she was headed to her destination—Chaz.
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