Shattered Heart (15 page)

She’s glowing again. “Oh, Ms. Jensen nice choice. Yes, the A line will look great on you. I have no idea where you are going tonight but these glittering crystals will sparkle under the lights. Apparently Houston wants me to have the full Ashley experience so I want the full experience as well. She turns, discusses something with her assistant, within what seems like a minute or two, the lingerie the dress requires is being handed to her. Looking to me she says, “Please understand the selections for your lingerie are completely based upon your selection. Because the dress has a band across the back and so much of your skin will be showing, there is no bra to complement the gown. Holding up the first selection, I shake my head. “No, I don’t care for thongs.” The second choice is a pair of navy, lace and satin boyshorts. Smiling, I say, “Yes.” I know Houston will love the snug fitting sheer-tulle hips. I am getting a little heated just thinking about wearing these for him.               “Before Ashley made any comments, several pairs of shoes were uncovered.  The shoe selection is easy, navy, satin, four inch heel, Ferragamos. I turn to leave the conference room. “Ms. Jensen, where are you going?”

“Ahh, my office.”

Standing there looking at me as if she might be preparing for battle, Ashley continues, “Oh no Mam. You must try the dress and shoes to ensure proper fit. I have a seamstress at the ready if anything should be required.”

Both Ashley and the assistant are standing and just looking at me. (My Midwest girl is fighting to escape. She’s thinking, Oh hell no, we’re not stripping our clothes off right here in the conference room.) “I can assure you Ms. Jensen, you should not feel modest in any form. We are very comfortable with women changing in front of us.”

“Ashley, you may be comfortable with it but I am not. I am just going to step into our restroom.”

“Perhaps we can step out giving you the room. Would that be better for you?” Nodding my head, the room quickly clears. I hear a light rap on the door, “May I come in?”

“Yes.” “Stunning! Simply stunning!  You were correct with the choice, Ms. Jensen. I look at Ashley with a mischievous grin and added, “Houston will like it.” Along with what is and isn’t underneath. It’s getting hot in here. After changing, I attempt to work. I give up. Gathering my things, I leave my office. Stopping at Joan’s desk, she says, “I have been wondering when you were going to stop pretending you were actually getting some work completed. Go home, relax. I have a sneaky suspicion you might need some extra energy tonight.”

Sticking my tongue out at her, I ask, “Do I have a driver?” Oh man, I can’t believe I just asked that. (Here comes my city girl now. Relax and enjoy it.) Joan nods her head and says, “out front.” Deciding to tell Lana I’m checking out early, well earlier than planned, I step into her office. All she says is, “I hope you have difficulty walking tomorrow. As a matter of fact, I expect you to be in bed recuperating from tonight for most of tomorrow. So, I’ll see you Thursday.”

What can I say to that, my friend?”

Smiling, her devious little smile, “Nothing, so out.” Motioning with her hands for me to leave, she repeats, “Get out of here and enjoy Megabucks.”

Exiting the front of the building, I realize I haven’t driven since the vulture attack. That is ok because I really don’t miss driving on these speedways of disaster. They are crazy here! Taking a taxi isn’t much better. So, I have become a lady of leisure when it comes to driving. I am pleasantly surprised when I find the Mercedes parked out front. Exiting the sedan, Jeffery removes the dress bag from my arms, places it in the trunk returning for my remaining packages. As he opens the rear door for me, I decide to ask him something that has been eating at me for a-while. Standing between the open door and the seat, I forge ahead.

“Thank you Jeffery.”

“You’re welcome, Mam. Next time, let me know and I’ll carry any packages you have for you.”

Chuckling just a little, “Jeffery, can I ask you something?”

“Yes, Mam.”

“I actually have a trick question for you.”

“Mam?”

“What do you think I did about carrying things before I began seeing Houston? Who do you think carried my packages and drove me around?”

Tilting his head slightly, he barely raises his eyebrows but I understand his message.

Getting into the back seat, I glance up before he closes the door, “Just so you know, I am capable of doing things for myself.”

“I have no doubt about that Mam. Houston wants things done for you.”

“I admit, I don’t mind the not driving but sometimes I know y’all have better things to do than babysit me.”

“Mam, we have a job and our job is to complete the assignments Houston gives us.”

“One more thing, Jeffery. How did you end up working for Houston?”

“I knew someone that knew someone, Mam” shrugging his shoulders.

“Well, not exactly what I expected.”

In a mimic of Jeffery’s actions I shrug also, “Actually it is exactly what I should have expected.

Another man of little words.” Jeffery closes the door and walks to the driver’s side. As we were pulling away from the curb, he looks back at me in the mirror, “Any other place you want to go, Ms. Jensen?” “No, I don’t have any other place. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Mam.”

“Ok, Jeffery, one more thing. Please stop it with the Mam and Ms. Jensen. Please call me Charli. You call Houston by his first name.”

“Mam, calling you by your first name is one thing I will never do. Thank you for the offer.” “Why, Jeffery?”

With a smirk, he answered, “Excuse, my reaction, Mam but I like my job. I like working for Houston and I would like to continue to work for him.”

“I only ask you to call me by my first name. We are spending quite a bit of time together, since you drive me more than the others but somehow I don’t think your just my driver are you, Jeffery? Please be honest.”

With somewhat of a sigh he answered. “No, Mam. I’m not. Houston wants to be sure you are safe. That incident with the paparazzi worried him. Probably more than he is willing to admit to anyone even himself.”

“Thanks for your honesty, Jeffery.”

Glancing into the mirror again, Jeffery smiled. “Your welcome, Charli.” I returned his smile “Do you carry a weapon?”

Glancing back with a wrinkled brow, he doesn’t answer for a minute. Just before we enter the parking garage, he says, “More than one, Mam.” Sensing the topic is making him very uncomfortable, I let it drop. Helping me upstairs with my packages, I am just happy to be home. That thought hits me pretty hard. I sat down on the sofa to absorb the revelation, I just experienced.  As I sit here, Jeffery returns from taking my things upstairs and hands me an envelope. I immediately recognize the writing on the front as Houston’s.

Charli

“If you don’t need anything else or are not planning on leaving for awhile, I will head over to Highlands, Mam

Looking up from the envelope, I smile and answer, “No Jeffery, I don’t need anything. Thanks. Before, you say anything, I know, if I need to go anywhere I’ll let you know.”              

Chapter 27

I sit here turning the envelope in my hands, looking at Houston’s writing. The weight and texture of the paper remind me of the cards that were inside my packages. Those same cards are now tucked in the small box in my lingerie drawer. Reaching up to my neck, and touching the antique pendant, I smile. That small box held this necklace that never leaves my neck. Even though, Houston gave me this necklace, I can’t think of it as mine. I see it’s as a loan, the way some jewelers lend expensive pieces to certain individuals. Touching Nigel’s symbol of love, it seems as if Penelope has loaned this stunning piece to me. I have a sneaky suspicion as to what I will find. Opening the envelope, I wasn’t surprised to find a set of directions. Holy cow! We are really celebrating my return to the work world. Hump, I need to grab a bite to eat if we aren’t going out until 10:00 which by South Beach standards is early. 

To Do List:

*Go upstairs.

*Enjoy a long hot bath to relax.

*Take a power nap. You’re going to need it for tonight

*Do whatever it is you do to make yourself beautiful

*Jeff will pick you up at 9:00.

Entering the bathroom, I notice another note. This one propped on top of what has become my vanity. Same stationary, I love you. I smile to myself, open the bottom drawer adding this to the other notes. This is one little routine we have gotten into that I hope we never break. Leaving notes for each other, on plain little scraps of paper sometimes, tucked in all kinds of places. No place is safe. Taking out my Siren Red lipstick, I move over to his vanity, and write I can’t wait to “sex you.” Happy with myself, I turn to the bathtub to start the water.

I still am amazed at this custom designed Italian tub. The position of this glass tub against the outside wall just below the window makes me feel as if I am bathing in the clouds. The first time Houston and I bathed together, we had enough space to “sex each other” in the clouds. I hate that four letter f word so I adapted and found that using the term “sex me,” conveyed the same meaning but just on a little higher level. When I do just want to sex Houston, I feel so comfortable sharing that thought.

Turning the water on, pouring in just a little of the exclusive bubble bath that made several celebrity most favorite lists during last Christmas, I examine the shape of the tub. The glass side and ends of the tub fascinate me. The lounger insert for the bottom transforms it into, what the Italian designer described as being, a wellness experience rather than a bath. As the gigantic tub fills, I decide to have some wine. Walking downstairs to the wine room, just off the kitchen, I select a bottle along with a glass, returning to the bathroom. The wine room blows me away every time I enter it. Hearing Burning Love echoing throughout the bathroom, I pick up my pace. Walking over to answer, I think about how wonderful he is. I can get lost in his eyes.

Answering with, “How’s the world domination going?”

Houston laughs. “Baby, the only dominating I want to concentrate on right now is how to dominate you.”

“Houston, I can think of multiple ways.”

“Where are you on your to do list?”

Smiling, I know where he is taking this conversation. “Well, I’ve deviated from the list just a little.”

“Whatttt? Charli, I can’t imagine you not doing exactly as you are directed. You seldom go off course.”

Laughing, I reply with a quick, “Nope not me, never.”

“What did you do, sexy lady?”

With a fake deep sigh, “Ok, I must admit. I went down to the wine closet/cellar, grabbed a bottle along with a glass. I returned to the bathroom and that’s when I heard my phone.

“Well, I suppose I can excuse that. That was not much of a deviation from the list. I think I am going to invoke a new rule.”

“OHH really? What will that be H.?”

“Well, your punishment for deviating from my list should be” pausing for a dramatic effect, “hum let me think, I’ll have an idea later tonight.” With a brief pause, Houston says, “I’ve got to take this call on my office line.”

After our quick conversation is over, I decide to turn on a little music, I grab my player out of the closet. By the time, I am back, Houston has sent me a request for a video call. I accept.

“Hey, I see you are not in the tub yet.”

“Nope, just getting ready to get in; the water’s almost high enough for me now.”

“Baby, I have another to do list but it’s short.”

“OK. What?”

“Walk over to your vanity. Prop the phone up. Undress for me. After you undress, turn, walk away and get into the tub. I want to watch you bathe for just a couple of minutes. Then, I’ll hang up.” Smiling, I do as Houston ask. I fall asleep while I am having my wellness experience/bath and don’t wake until I’m getting cold. I have no idea when he hung up, I notice when I get out the call has been disconnected.

Next on the list is to get dressed. I enter the closet/dressing room and open the lingerie. After, my makeup is applied, I decide to go ahead and put my dress on. I have about an hour or so before I am to meet Houston which means Jeffery will be herein approximately twenty minutes.                I walk over to the mirror to give a final check before I head downstairs. My A Line, navy, chiffon, mini dress is perfect. The sweetheart neckline accents “the girls’ perfectly.  H. will like my choice. Turning to my shoes, I decide not to put them on until I am downstairs. Picking up the small beaded clutch, I slip my items inside and head into the bedroom. I am almost to the door when faintly I hear a text from Houston. Looking around, I realize, I’ve left my phone in the bathroom.

Something’s come up. Jeffery can’t come. Called you a taxi? Don’t like it but want you with me.

OK. Used cabs B4 U. No big deal. C U Soon.

Thanks for understanding.

It’s ok.

Chapter 28

Slipping my 4 inch pumps on, I stop to check the mirror on the way to our elevator. I’m ready to celebrate. Listen to me, our elevator. When the door opens in the lobby, I am thinking about how different my life is now from what it was six months ago. How accustomed I’ve become to the water exhibit in the lobby; how our elevator travels nonstop from garage to the penthouse; how I just call this same elevator mine.
 
Exiting the building, I find what appears to be a new taxi waiting. I think Houston probably requested either a new or as close to new vehicle as possible. Always the worrier, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if it has some type of bullet proof exterior since I have a normal driver. Shrugging, I know Houston always plans ahead so I am shocked that I don’t have one of his “protectors” for the short drive to the office.

On my way. C …U … N … a bit.

Waiting.

Did U request new taxi for me?

Perhaps.

FYI…I got one.

The taxi pulls up to the Highland’s building, I feel a little overdressed but it is Miami, after all. I have no doubt I’m not the first to enter this building in a cocktail dress. Starting to swipe my card the driver assures me, the faire has been prepaid. Rolling my eyes, I laugh just a little as I close the door. I check in with the night watchman on duty. “Charli Jensen. I’m seeing Houston Donovan.”

“Oh, yes Mam. Mr. Donovan put you on the list.”

“That’s good? To be on the list, I mean.”

As a matter of fact Mam, you’ve been on the list to have access anytime for quite a few months.”

Smiling, “Thanks, that’s good to know.”

“Let me show you over to the elevator. You will take the third elevator, it takes you directly upstairs to the Highland main floor. Anytime, you want to do that, Mam, you will need the keycard for that elevator. If you don’t have one, the person at the desk can always key you up.”

“Ok, thank you.”

“Yes, Mam.”  I step inside, he sends me on my way.              When I step out, the main lights on the floor are dim. The logo for Highland Diversified is etched into the glass entrance wall. I stand and look at the rolling hills, wondering how many people know they represent Scotland. Shrugging my shoulders, pushing the door open, I walk into the office for the first time. I’ve stayed away on purpose. I don’t want to be the woman that pops in and disturbs her man. Those types make me sick. He is a very busy person with world domination on the horizon. Besides, I have a business myself to focus on.

I can’t wait to see him sitting behind his desk. At least, I hope he is sitting behind it. I’ve imagined what I could do to him while he is leaning back in his soft leather chair. I’m sure it is a soft leather one. Knowing H. it might be made out of some special type of leather, something exotic like goat hide from the highest peaks of some mountain in Asia. Chuckling at myself, I stop for just a minute to try to decide where to go. Down at the end of the hall to my left, I see my destination

So, this is the outer office of where the world domination is being plotted says my city girl. Snapping her fingers, continuing let’s step it up. Walking to his office, I select the door with the brightest light shining through. I pause for a moment. From the minute, I enter the room I’m positive this is Houston’s Miami office. It’s a spacious room, with his signature navy and cream furnishings. Considering my dress is navy, won’t I just blend right in?

The end wall closest to his two tone wood desk, is mainly monitors. A couple still running stations from around the globe, China (I think.), Australia and France. On the other side of the room is a small, conference table with eight cream leather conference chairs. Papers, folders and two laptops are on the table. It’s definitely a workspace that shows signs of being utilized. Opposite the conference table, is a small sitting area overlooking the city, which includes a navy sofa with cream piping and two cream chairs. With my back to the room, I am standing at the end of the conference table. My mind is wondering if the wood is teak. A side door behind the desk opens.  Smiling, I’m eager to see that fantastic man waiting for me. My hands are itching to touch him. Commenting on the office. “Houston, your office is everything I expected it to be.”

With a smile on my face that can’t be mistaken, I ask “Can you sex me on this table? I mean, is it sturdy enough?

Beginning to turn I hear, “Is it sturdy enough? What do you think? Would he have anything other than the best? Of course, it could hold you up. What was it you said?” My eyes increase to the size of the silver half dollars my mama collected when I was a little girl. Standing in the room by H’s desk is a woman that is as thin as a runway model and just about as tall as one. My God, is she a model?              With a condescending nails on the chalkboard voice she continues, “Oh, it was “sex me” wasn’t it? How quaint!” Following her snide comment with a hollow laugh, we stand eyeing each other.

“Where is Houston?” I ask but get no answer.

Walking over to H’s desk, she picks up an ink pen, looks at it as she is turning it. Watching her actions, I have no idea why she is doing this. I am beginning to wonder if she has gone off the deep end. Putting my hand on my hip, I say, “Ok, let’s try a different one then, if that one is too difficult for you. Who are you?”

She maybe beautiful, tall and thin but she is strange. Drawing her eyes away from the pen, she just stands looking at me. Her eyes dart around the room and finally land on the sitting area. Something is wrong. I just know it. I’ve got that feeling like my skin is crawling. I haven’t had this feeling in a long time. A slow almost sickening smile, crosses her face as she motions to the seating area, ignoring my questions she finally speaks, “Let’s go over, get more comfortable. I think we need to have a little girl talk.”

Girl talk. “Why in the world would I have a girl talk with someone I have never laid eyes on?” I ask just as snippy as this bitch was. (My city girl snaps then points her finger at this person.)

The smile on her face seems to be growing. It is causing my heart to pound. That phrase, girl talk, didn’t help either. What do I have in common with her? My body moves on autopilot to the sofa. I sit down on the edge as she sits on one of the cream lounge chairs, leans back and puts one long leg over the other. I can’t get past the hair. (My Midwestern girl thinks it looks like a “do it yourself “dye job from a box she picked up from The Drug Store. My city girl knows it probably cost several hundred dollars because no one would walk around with a shade of red that looks the way it does unless it was intentional.) Trying to watch her closely while casually looking around the room, I ask trying to sound as if it isn’t that important, “Where’s Houston?”

Laughing, a weird little laugh, and flicking her wrist as if I should know the answer this strange woman said, “Oh, he’s gone home.”

I can feel my pulse racing. I start to stand as I ask, “Gone home? Why would he do that? He told me to meet him here.” I can actually hear my heart beating. It may pound right out of my chest. Not wanting this stranger to see what is happening to me I am desperately trying to maintain control of myself.

As my eyes run over what I would call a gaudy outfit which means it’s probably some big name designer. I manage to mumble out of a mouth that feels as if it is filled with big, fat, puffy, cotton balls, “Who are you and what are you doing in here?”

With just a little hint of a smile that some might say is almost devious shrugging her left shoulder she finally answers, “I suppose I’ve drug it out long enough. My name is Penny. I’m not surprised that you haven’t heard anyone use my name. Around Houston and his band of merry men, it is like I don’t exist.” With a sneer she asks, “I’m right, aren’t I? You have never heard of me have you?”

At this very moment, my city girl would like to smack that look off of her face. “No, I haven’t.” is just about all I can manage. Taking several deep breathes I do ask “How did you say you got into Houston’s office?”

I start to stand, it suddenly dawns on me, that maybe I shouldn’t be sitting here with her. What if she is someone Houston has tried to warn me about? I am trying to think about the layout of the room and talk to this Penny person. My eyes dart around the room looking at what I can see which really isn’t much since I am facing the window. Looking her directly in the eye, I know I have seen her before. Think! Was she with the paparazzi vultures? I don’t think so but I could be wrong. I feel like she’s vaguely familiar for some reason. “Has Houston really gone home?”

“I’ll ask the questions, missy.” As she shakes her finger at me, she continues on “For your information, yes, he really has gone home. Well not home but to the penthouse cause home is in New York. If I was a betting girl, I’d bet that he went home to you or at least he thought he was going home to you.” With a shrill laugh, she continues on, “Oh wait, I am a betting girl so I would have won that bet if I’d had money laid down on it. Damn! Just my luck.”  With a shrug of her right shoulder, she starts again. “I stopped him from doing that, didn’t I?”

“Doing what?” I ask.

“Are you really that stupid that you can’t keep up with the conversation? My goodness, his standards are falling. You can call him but I think you will want to hear what I have to say before you do.”

With a look of confusion, all I can do is sit and try to piece things together, why her face seems familiar. How she knows H. Am I in danger? Think, Charli, think.  The bad feeling is easing away. Normally, I would be glad about that but the bad is being replaced with a feeling of fear.

She can read me. I had no idea I am so transparent. “Don’t be afraid. I really didn’t mean to
scare
you. Here is the way it is going to happen. We ARE going to have our little talk. Then, what you do with the information you learn is of little consequence to me. I do hope for your own sake that you have enough sense to run away when we are finished.”

Penny looks at me, “I thought it was time we met. So, I came to Miami. I don’t know how to say this any other way than to just come out and tell you, Houston does not love you. He might have thought he loved you for just a little while but he doesn’t.”

Standing up, I can’t decide if I want to attack her or escape this horrible place. Reaching a decision quickly, I realize she isn’t worth any type of physical contact. (If I ever touch her, my Midwest girl that learned to defend herself against her two brothers might take over. She is locked and loaded that’s for sure.) I walk toward the door. I don’t have to listen to this crazy woman.  Stopping, I draw my shoulders up to give myself all the stature possible, turn and give her a scathing look. (Hello, city girl).

With that I address her in a tone that I hope matches my facial expression. “Listen! I have no idea why,
you think,
you control who Houston loves or doesn’t love but let me assure you, you don’t know anything about me or my relationship with him. You are wrong. He does love me.”  (Ha! Take that. I love my city girl!)

Looking me up and down. Her gaze rests on my chest. With a shrieking laughter, she retorts, “I see you have a copy of my necklace.” Reaching up, to caress the piece of jewelry that means so much to me, I stand trying to draw strength from the love Nigel and Penelope shared.

Let me guess, he gave it to you while you were sitting somewhere romantic between his legs leaned back against his chest. I also bet that he had just finished a romantic story about Nigel and Penelope.”

Stunned, I move my head in acknowledgement. I manage to utter, “Yes.” What she just said makes the small pit in my stomach suddenly becomes a crater.

“No!” Did I just yell the word no out or was it in my head? Standing there, my mind is working in overdrive. No, no, no. Pull yourself together. There is an explanation. Don’t do this. I feel like I am going to be sick.

With a snarl, and a wicked grin that would please the devil himself, she asks, “You’ve figured it out, haven’t you? or at least a small piece of the story.”

It’s not a quirk of fate, is it?” I ask turning away from her as the bile rises in my throat. It is taking every ounce of my energy to keep my hands from flying to my mouth. I will NOT run away. Both my Midwest/city girls agree. We don’t run from anything. Somewhere way down inside me, they have melted into one. She has her hands on her hips and is looking at me with her best what the hell look. We can do this. Think about our feelings for him. Big deal this bitch knows things. We know how he makes us feel. Apparently we both have secrets. We haven’t shared ours, either. Drawing on my inner strength, I face her with a look that I hope scares her. My icy, cold eyes (at least I hope they are) are meeting hers. Sneering at me she responds quickly, “OOOO, quick to deduce, good skill. You are going to need it. Especially, if you think you are going to travel in these circles. Now, why don’t you come back over here, sit down and we can finish our conversation.”

Standing in the middle of his office, I’m deliberating my next action. The thing I want to happen is to wake up from this sickening nightmare. That’s it this is one of my horrible nightmares. I’ll wake up any minute. Contemplating my next action, for a minute or so, I walk back to the navy sofa and sit down.

“Excellent, you need to hear what I have to say. He isn’t the man you think he is. Let me guess, the Houston you know is kind, caring,” raising her eyebrows “a considerate lover, one that makes you wonder where he has been all your life. He puts your needs first doesn’t he? You thank the powers that be that he came into your life.”