Love Is a Breeze (4 page)

“Kaitlyn Schuster and the boss,” Emily said.

“Is she a tall blonde?” Brianna asked.

“Yeah, the Arctic Queen.  Why?

“Oh, nothing. I saw her this morning and wondered who she was. I’ve seen her before, just never knew her name. She and the boss are a couple?”

“She wishes,” Liv said. “She knows the fastest way up the corporate ladder.”

“Personally, I think she’s a cold bitch.” Carly said.

“I think they are perfect for each other. They’re both cold-blooded creatures,” said Emily.

“I think he’s hot!” Liv said. “Too bad he’s so aloof.”

                                                             * * * *

Miss Davis stood by the elevator when the doors opened.

“Mr. Sharp wants to see you in his office,” she said, eyeing her over the top of her black-rimmed glasses.

She exchanged a quick glance with Carly, ignored the wide-eyed stares of Emily and Liv and said to her supervisor, “When?”

“Now.”

“Good luck,” Carly whispered, giving her a quick hug before walking down the hall to the graphics department. Brianna watched her go.

“Now! Miss Ryan.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Brianna walked off in the opposite direction toward the executive suites. She looked down at the plush green carpet. How fitting. The Green Mile. Executed, terminated, same thing.

She squared her shoulders and raised her head. She may go down but she’d go with dignity. She walked past the reception desk to Mr. Sharp’s secretary and announced, “I’m Brianna Ryan. Mr. Sharp is expecting me.”

“Yes, Miss Ryan.” She led Brianna to his office door, knocked lightly and opened it.

“Miss Ryan is here, sir.”

“Show her in.” His deep voice carried through the crack in the door. The secretary smiled as she stepped aside.

Mr. Sharp stood and stepped around his desk when Brianna entered the room. She stood with her trembling hands clutched behind her back, focusing her gaze on the perfect knot of his red tie. He’d been less intimidating in his workout clothes.

“Please sit down,” he said, indicating one of the leather chairs in front of his desk.

“If you’re going to fire me, I’d prefer to stand, thank you.”

His eyes narrowed as he studied her face. “The thought did cross my mind but I’m not going to fire you–yet.” He pointed at the chair again.

Brianna perched on the edge of the chair, clasping her still shaking hands in her lap. He returned to his chair behind the wide desk. Picking up a pencil, he idly tapped it on the shiny teak surface, thumbing through a stack of papers. For several minutes he shuffled the papers while uttering, “Hmms,” and “Ahhs.

Brianna shifted in her chair and cast a quick glance at the wall clock. Only three minutes had passed. It seemed like an hour.

She leaned back in the chair, sat up again and cleared her throat. “Since you’re not going to fire me – yet.” She tilted her head, offering a slight smile. “I’d like to go back to work. I have a deadline to meet.” She placed her hands on the arms of the chair in preparation to stand.

“Excuse me?” He looked up.

“I said, ‘I’d like to…”

“I heard what you said, Miss Ryan. Apparently, patience isn’t one of your virtues.”

Brianna thought she detected a slight smile and an amused twinkle in his eyes.

“No, sir. I find it difficult to sit still for long. That’s one of the reasons my dad calls me Breeze. I’m always moving but I get the job done. And, I really do have a lot of work to do. Sir.”

  “Relax, Miss Ryan.” Mr. Sharp smiled again.

Holy Cow!
She sucked in air and leaned back in the chair.              

He cocked an eyebrow. “I’ve been looking over your work records. Except for the fact that you’re living here, you are the model employee. Never late or sick, always meet deadlines and your artwork is quite remarkable. While your dedication to your work is commendable you simply cannot live here. Have you been able to come up with an alternative?

“It would only be another week, until pay day. I’ll stay out of your shower. You won’t even know I’m here.”

“Believe me, I’d know you were here. This is not about the shower, Miss Ryan. You cannot stay here and that’s final. I suggest you spend the remainder of the afternoon making other arrangements.”

Frustration bubbled inside her and released the wayward tongue she had tried so hard to control.

“What is it that you don’t understand about the fact that I don’t have any money? None. Zip. I know that’s hard for you to imagine.” She looked around the richly decorated office.
Are you trying to get yourself fired?
“I’m not complaining, I just need time, one week, until payday.”

His gray eyes locked with her green ones for several seconds before he reached for the phone.

“I’ll arrange for an advance on your pay so you’ll be able to find something suitable.”

Could her luck possibly be changing? Relief coursed through her and she relaxed into the chair.

Interrupted by a knock on the door, he looked up as Kaitlyn Schuster walked in.  He stood as she approached the desk.  She cast a glacial frown at Brianna before turning to Mr. Sharp with a seductive smile. Bree shivered, certain the temperature dropped several degrees. She studied the back of the statuesque platinum blonde clad in a dove-gray dress. Probably Valentino, she thought
.

“John, don’t forget we have a meeting with the Henderson group tomorrow night at seven. Why don’t you pick me up and we’ll go together?”

“I haven’t forgotten, Kaitlyn. I’ll pick you up at 6:30. It’s at the Drake, right?”

“Make it 6:00 and we can have a drink before the meeting.” She gave Brianna another icy glance before she turned on her designer stilettos and marched out of the room, leaving a trail of Obsession in her wake. Brianna wrinkled her nose and sneezed.

“I don’t think she was happy to see me here,” Brianna said, wiping her hand on her skirt.

Mr. Sharp furrowed an eyebrow as he reached for the phone again. “I’ll have Mrs. Wilson call you when your check is ready. In the meantime, make some phone calls and find more suitable accommodations.”

“Yes, sir and thank you. You’ve been very kind.” She stood up.

“Not all sharks are killers, Miss Ryan.” He smiled again. Brianna grasped the back of the chair willing her knees not to buckle.

She countered with a puny smile of her own and walked stiffly out of the room.

                                                                * * * *

At five o’clock, Brianna stood at the elevators chatting with her co-workers when the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. A hand at her elbow turned her insides to Jello. The chitchat stopped, eyes rounded and jaws dropped. She turned and met a pair of steel gray eyes.

“Miss Ryan. May I have a word with you?”

“You go on, I’ll call you later,” she said to the Carly statue as the elevator doors opened.

She turned and followed Mr. Sharp to an area away from the bank of elevators, already dreading the barrage of questions she’d face Monday from the gossip team.

“Were you able to find a place to stay?”

“Yes, I found a room that will do temporarily until I can afford an apartment. I cashed the check so I’m all set. Thank you.” She smiled brightly.

“You’re welcome.” He returned the smile.

Another elevator door opened and they both turned. His light touch on Brianna’s back sent a current up her spine. They stepped into the car and the door closed. Mr. Sharp greeted a few people already in the elevator.  She was in a small space with the most devastatingly handsome man she had ever seen. They stopped a couple of floors down and several more people crowded into the small car, jostling her closer to him. She had trouble breathing and her heart raced like a marathon runner. Her palms were sweaty. He’s my boss, she kept reminding herself. Finally, the elevator reached the ground floor. They stepped out.

“See you Monday.” Brianna gave a little wave and headed for the entrance.

Mr. Sharp turned toward the entry to the parking garage, stopped and turned back. He pulled a business card from his pocket and wrote on the back.

“This is my cell number in case you need anything.” He handed her the card. “Do you need a ride?”

She dropped the card into her purse. “Oh. No. I’ll take the bus but thank you for the offer.”

Brianna watched as he disappeared through the door before slinging her bulging backpack over one shoulder and walking to the corner bus stop.

CHAPTER FOUR

John looked up when the door opened and a cool breeze rushed into Jake’s Bar and Grill. A hush fell over the patrons seated at the bar. Heads turned and followed the stunning blonde as she sashayed across the room.  He shook his head and sipped his scotch on the rocks. Wishing he’d taken the seat not facing the door, or even better, was invisible, he swirled the glass one way then the other. He seemed fascinated by the movement of the liquid against the cubes. He looked up again when the woman slid onto the bench across from him.

“I think you are the only man in this room who didn’t notice me,” she said.

“You’re hard to ignore, Kaitlyn.”

“And, yet, you do it so easily.”

“What brings you here?” John asked with a slight smile.

“You. And, I must say, you don’t seem very happy to see me,” Kaitlyn said, jutting her bright red, bottom lip into a pout.

“Just surprised. This place isn’t up to your usual standards.” John finished his drink and signaled the cocktail waitress.

“I felt like seafood and this is one of the best. Besides, I knew it was your favorite and took a chance you’d be here.”

John raised an eyebrow. “What is so pressing it couldn’t wait until tomorrow night?”

The waitress set another scotch if front of John, picked up the empty glass and turned to Kaitlyn.

“What would you like, ma’am?”

“Vodka martini, very dry. Gray Goose, if you have it. And, I want it with two olives, not onions,” Kaitlyn said.

“Thank you, Liz.” John smiled at the waitress.

“Can’t I have a drink with a friend?” Kaitlyn looked through her lashes.

“Of course, but you said you were looking for me. There must be a reason.”

The waitress set Kaitlyn’s drink in front of her and turned to John, “Your table is ready, sir.”

He stood and turned to Kaitlyn. “Would you care to join me for dinner?”

“I’d love to.” Kaitlyn slid out of the booth and hooked her arm through his, licking her lips like a kitten savoring the cream.  They followed the waitress to a small table in the dining room. John held a chair for Kaitlyn before seating himself.

“Your waitress will be with you shortly,” Liz said, handing them menus.

Kaitlyn perused the menu a moment.

“Who was that redhead in your office this morning?” she said without looking up.

Ah, the real reason for the visit
. “One of the graphic artists.”

“Oh?  Her work is not up to standards? Doesn’t Human Resources usually deal with employee issues?”

“It was personal, not an HR problem. And, quite the contrary, her work is very good. Exceptional, actually.”

Kaitlyn looked up, raising one perfectly penciled brow.

“Oh. Since when do you handle employees' personal problems?”

“It really isn’t your concern, Kaitlyn. Let’s order, shall we?” He signaled the waitress.

Kaitlyn frowned and narrowed her eyes.

“I haven’t decided yet.” She looked down at the menu, turning the pages back and forth. “I came into work early this morning because I wanted to talk to you about something but you were clearly preoccupied with that girl.”

“You had all day to speak with me. Now you’ve gone out of your way to find me. What is so urgent, Kaitlyn?”

Kaitlyn glared at John. “I tried twice. Both times
she
was there.” She lowered her lashes and formed her lips into a seductive pout. “I heard Charlie Myers is retiring soon. I want his position.”

“He may be,” John said. “I’ll consider you when the time comes.”

The waitress approached the table and addressed Kaitlyn.

“I want the spinach salad, raspberry vinaigrette on the side and no onions, broiled sea scallops with drawn butter, no garlic. Steamed, fresh vegetables instead of potatoes. And another one of these.” She pushed her martini glass toward the waitress.

The waitress nodded, took the glass and turned to John.

“I’ll have the fillet, rare. Baked potato, loaded and the Cesar salad, please.” He smiled at her. “You’re new, aren’t you? What’s your name?”

“Maya. I started last week.” She returned his smile. “Would you care for another drink, also?”

“No, I’ll have coffee, black. Thanks, Maya.”

Kaitlyn raised both perfect eyebrows and looked at John with a hint of green in her ice blue eyes.

“Flirting with the help, are we?”

“I was simply being polite, Kaitlyn.”

“Your politeness will have her drooling all over my dinner.” Kaitlyn huffed.

John gave a slight shake of his head but said nothing.

“I have some concerns about our meeting with the Henderson Group tomorrow night. I think–”

John held up a hand in protest. “No work talk. I’m sure you have everything under control, as usual.”

Maya brought their food. John relished every mouthful while Kaitlyn picked at her meal, clearly piqued at John’s lack of interest.

“Would you like dessert?” Maya asked while clearing the plates.

John looked at Kaitlyn. She shook her head.

“No, thank you,” he said, ignoring Kaitlyn’s miffed grumble. “I would like another cup of coffee.” He smiled. Kaitlyn simmered.

When they rose to leave, Kaitlyn swayed slightly and placed a hand on John’s chest to steady herself.

“Ooh, I feel a little tipsy,” she said, looking up through her thickly mascaraed lashes. “Perhaps you should drive me home.”

“Since when do you get tipsy on two martinis?” he said, recognizing her ploy and removing her hand from his jacket. “I’ll get you a cab.”

Kaitlyn straightened, cast him a cold look and said, “I’ll drive myself.” She strode to the door without looking back.

John shook his head, put down a generous tip and left the restaurant.

                                                                * * * *

Brianna sat on the edge of the sagging bed, hands covering her ears and cursing the strong Irish frugality that led her to this seedy residence hotel. It seemed like a good idea at the time. She wanted to save money for a real apartment and the pictures on the website didn’t look bad. Now, she was surprised they even had a website.
The Washington Plaza
. She smirked
,
a
grand-sounding name for such a dump but it was near the bus stop and only a twenty minute ride to work but how was she going to work if she couldn’t get any sleep?

Outside the door of her grungy room a couple of men argued in loud, slurring voices. In the street below her grimy window cars screeched and backfired, sirens blared continuously. The bed squeaked as she collapsed onto it, wrapping the hard pillow around her ears. It was no use, the sounds penetrated and the stench of the pillow made her eyes water and stomach churn.

She got up and walked to the window, pulled back the dusty, tattered curtain and peered over the rusty metal fire escape. The street was lit up like the Vegas strip, neon signs blinking the names of various businesses:
Girls, Girls, Girls!
blinked one,
  oe’s Place
blinked another—the
J
was dead, probably hit by a stray bullet. Sly’s Swap ‘n’ Shop was closed and secured with pull-down steel gates, but
Candi’s Adult Video
with its flashing marquee was doing a brisk business.

Brianna dropped the curtain and returned to the bed. Tomorrow she would buy her own pillow and maybe even some sheets and definitely a fan. And some Lysol–lots of Lysol!

Sunday night will be different. I’ll be able to get some sleep, she thought, hoping the rowdiness of the neighborhood could be attributed to the weekend.

She fell into an exhausted sleep only to be awakened by a loud banging on her door.

“Hey, Sid. Open up,” a man’s voice said.

Brianna sat up, hardly daring to breathe, hoping he would go away when no one answered. She was glad the door had a deadbolt and a chain lock.

“Come on, Sid. Lemme in.” The man continued pounding on the door.

“Sid’s not here,” Brianna said, giving up on the idea he was just going to go away.

“Whoa, Sid. You got a girl in there? Way t’go, Sid. Hey, Tommy. Sid’s got hisself a girl.”

“Aw, shut up Ernie. Sid got arrested yesterday. He ain’t here. Go sleep it off.”

Ernie continued banging on the door.

“Girl, you wouldn’t want to let ole’ Ernie in, would ya’. I need a place to crash for a couple of hours. I won’t be no bother.”

“I’ve got a gun and I know how to use it,” Brianna lied. “Now go away before I blow your head off.”

“You’re not very nice. Don’t know what Sid sees in ya.” Ernie stopped banging.

Brianna let out a shaky breath. After several minutes of silence she crept to the door and looked through the peep hole. A man lay slumped on the floor, probably Ernie.

She flipped on the TV on her way back to the bed. She found a station with old sitcoms. The picture was fuzzy but watchable, after a few twists of the rabbit ears.

After two episodes of
I Love Lucy
and one of
Happy Days
the sun was rising. She watched a couple more shows before her stomach growled, protesting the fact it hadn’t been fed since lunch the previous day. Picking up her purse, she opened the door, leaving the chain intact. Ernie was still slumped on the floor but no one else was around and everything was blissfully quiet. Sliding the chain off, she stepped into the hallway and locked the door behind her. She tiptoed around Ernie and down the two flights of stairs, past the sleeping desk clerk and into the street. She looked around. Other than a couple of winos sleeping in doorways, the street was deserted. A convenience store sat kitty-corner and she walked toward it. She bought coffee and a donut.

“Is there a Walmart near here?” she asked the young man behind the counter.

“Yeah, a couple of blocks over on Cicero.”

“Thanks.” She left the store and headed in the direction the clerk had indicated, munching the donut and blowing on the scalding coffee.

                                                             * * * *

After three trips to Walmart and one to the Suds ‘n’ Duds, Brianna returned to her room. Armed with cleaning supplies, disinfectant and a stiff brush, she spent the next eight hours scrubbing every corner and crevice of the tiny room and adjoining bathroom until it shone–at least until it wasn’t so dingy. 

She stored her food in the little refrigerator, put the new sheets and pillows on the bed and hung new towels in the bathroom. She sprayed bug spray just in case and turned on the new fan for ventilation.

It was nearly dark when she sank onto the bed, exhausted but satisfied. The bed still sagged but it was clean and smelled fresh. She picked up her new prepaid cell phone and stored Mr. Sharp’s number in it. She curled up on her side, clutching the phone for security and soon slept soundly.

                                                          * * * *

Brianna awoke coughing. Her eyes stung. Thick smoke filled the room. Flames flicked under the door. Still clasping the phone, she hugged the pillow to her face and climbed through the window onto the fire escape. Dropping the pillow, she grabbed the ladder, scrambling down to the third floor, then the second. She stepped onto the final ladder. An explosion knocked her to the ground.