Bourbon & Branch Water

by Patricia Green

  “Always the good girl, eh, Pocahontas?” He gripped her shoulder as she sat in her chair. “I’ll bet there’s a volcano under that chilly exterior.” His hand traveled up her neck to her ear and she pulled away, standing. The fact was she’d never realized how volcanic she could be until she met Jeff. He was…well…a force to be reckoned with. But Stormy didn’t want to think of Jeff while she was sparring with Cary. The two were complete opposites and it was distasteful to have them in her brain at the same time.

  “I have to get back to work. Have a nice lunch with your father.”

  Cary took a step back and smiled. It was feral. “You keep trudging alone, Storm, and when you get tired of being treated like a law clerk you know where to turn. I can make it well worth your while.”

  She wanted to point out that she wasn’t a law clerk anymore, but in truth, she did mostly law clerk stuff, even though she’d been promoted. The Porterman case was hers, but that was the only one so far. Stormy planned to be successful with that case and then Mr. Holyfield would give her more responsibility.

  “Thanks for the offer, Cary. Aren’t you keeping your father waiting?”

  He turned to leave, but paused to look back over his shoulder. “I always win, Stormy. Don’t forget that.”

  As she watched him walk away, Stormy shuddered. He might win his legal battles, but he wouldn’t win her heart.

  * * *

  Tanya called later that afternoon. “Can you get off a little early, Stormy? I have an apartment to show you. It’s really cute and not too expensive for you. But at this price it’ll go fast.”

  Biting her lip, Stormy considered the research she was supposed to be working on. But Tanya was a real estate agent in Fire Gorge and if she said an apartment was worth looking at, she was certainly right. “Okay. Is five-thirty going to be early enough?”

  “Yeah, and then we’ll go to The Lounge and do our usual drinks and dinner, okay?”

  “Alright.”

  “I’ll pick you up at your office.”

  They rung off and Stormy worked twice as hard doing her job until five-thirty rolled around and Tanya picked her up. Tanya drove a new Prius, kept in pristine condition, and she was proud of it. Clients were impressed at her environmental consciousness and it was comfortable and economical, too. Stormy wished she could afford a new car, but it was something she’d have to wait for. Her six-year-old Ford would have to be good enough for another two years or so.

  They drove to an apartment complex on the south side of town. There were only four apartment complexes in Fire Gorge, so Stormy recognized it immediately. It was a modest building with good maintenance and older tenants.

  “Welcome to the El Dorado,” Tanya said, as she parked. “I know you’re going to love this place.”

  “I had a friend who lived here in high school.”

  “Yeah, it’s not a new building, but it’s in good shape.”

  They took an elevator up to the third floor and walked along a wrought iron-railed balcony to apartment 312. Tanya opened the unlocked door—people weren’t concerned too much about serious crime in Fire Gorge. In a town of only five hundred people, everyone knew if someone was a shady character.

  Stormy stepped in as Tanya held the door. It was a lovely little apartment. The walls had been freshly painted off-white, and there were a white and black granite bar top and counters in the kitchen. The refrigerator and stove looked nearly new. There was no dishwasher, but Stormy wasn’t put off by that. The one bedroom and bathroom were rather small, but when Tanya told her the price, Stormy knew she had to take it. It was at the top end of her budget, but was a prudent choice.

  Tanya was nearly as excited as Stormy as they signed the paperwork later. “You’re going to love it here, Stormy. I’ll help you move in.”

  All of Stormy’s furniture had resided in storage since she came back to Nevada. There wasn’t much of it, and most was second-hand, but it was what she had and she made sure she cared for it well.

  The pair smiled all the way to The Lounge, where they took seats at the bar. Tanya bought the first round and they clinked glasses in celebration of Stormy’s new apartment.

  “So, how’d it work out what that Jeff guy?”

  Stormy nearly choked on an ice cube. “Jeff?”

  “Yeah, that cute lawyer guy, I thought you were going have dessert after your meal.”

  Normally, Stormy didn’t keep much from Tanya, but she debated over whether to tell all about Jeff. It would be particularly indiscrete to mention the spankings. Still, a little bit of girl talk would probably be okay.

  “I…uh…did.”

  Tanya’s face lit up. “You go, girlfriend! Tell me all about it.”

  “It was fun.”

  “Fun? That’s all? Are you going to see him again?”

  “Well, I have seen him a few times. I like him.”

  “Be careful, Stormy. You might get caught. You have your job to think about. Besides, he’s a player.”

  “I figured,” she responded with a sigh. Tanya knew one if she saw one. “But it’s hard not to kinda…jump in bed with him. You know what I mean?”

  Tanya nodded. “Oh, yeah, I know. You remember how I dated Barry Whimple, the captain of the football team in high school?”

  “Yes.”

  “He was so hot. I went crazy over him. I’m sure you also remember how he treated me like shit and told all his friends what an easy lay I was. God did I hate him at the end.” She paused to sip her drink. “I think if I’d had less strong emotions about him in the first place, his rotten behavior would have meant a lot less to me.”

  The message sunk in for Stormy and suddenly the smell of stale beer in their usual haunt made her slightly nauseated. “So what you’re saying is that I should keep my feelings low-key.”

  “Yeah, Stormy, I’ve known guys with assets. They don’t play nice.”

  “Jeff seems decent. He is considerate—well, except for not calling often. But that’s me being too demanding. I have to be more casual about things, I think.” She turned back to her cocktail and fussed with the little bamboo umbrella. “Can’t he be different?”

  Shrugging, Tanya kept her thoughts to herself.

  Stormy wondered if she was doing the right thing, continuing the relationship with Jeff. Maybe it was foolish on her part and she was opening herself up to a lot of heartache. But he was so exciting. Sex wasn’t everything, however, and so far, that had been their primary occupation together. Maybe a little distance would be prudent.

  * * *

  From: 702-555-1177

  To: 775-555-3569

  Hey, babe. How r u? I called ur office but no answer.

  From: 775-555-3569

  To: 702-555-1177

  Fine. Busy.

  From: 702-555-1177

  To: 775-555-3569

  Dinner later?

  From: 775-555-3569

  To: 702-555-1177

  No. Having dinner with Tanya.

  From: 702-555-1177

  To: 775-555-3569

  OK. Lunch tomorrow?

  From: 775-555-3569

  To: 702-555-1177

  2 busy.

  Jeff was beginning to sense the brush off and he wondered what he’d done to deserve it and what had changed. He couldn’t recall feeling this kind of confusion and hurt since he’d been a gawky, self-conscious teenager in high school. Not sure what to do, he decided a little strategic retreat was a good idea.

  From: 702-555-1177

  To: 775-555-3569

  I get it. Call me if u change ur mind.

  * * *

  Stormy felt like a heel. She put her phone away and picked at her dinner. Nothing slipped by Tanya, though.

  “You look like someone kicked your puppy, Stormy. What’s wrong? Was that text bad news?”

  “No. It was Jeff. He wants to get together.”

  “And?”

  “I said no.”

  “I see. I thought you liked him.”

 
; “I do. But you said…”

  Tanya paused before saying, “Yeah, I know what I said. But what I meant was that you should keep your emotions in check, not that you shouldn’t enjoy a hot date when it comes your way.”

  Exasperated, Stormy snapped at her friend. “I can’t! I can’t just turn off the emotions and sleep with him like there’s nothing going on but sex. Okay… So maybe there is nothing going on but sex—I can’t figure it out—but that doesn’t mean I don’t want more. And wanting more makes me lean toward emotional attachment.”

  “You’re in a bad way, sister.”

  Stormy nodded. “I guess so. I hadn’t put it all together like that before. What do I do?”

  “Hmm.”

  “How can I know if he feels the same?”

  “What did his text say?”

  Stormy showed her friend the last text. “What do you think?”

  “I think he’s backing off.”

  Groaning, Stormy put her phone back in her purse. “Oh no. Do I call him?”

  Her friend shrugged. “It depends on what you really want. If you want some sort of romantic relationship with this guy, it would be smart to go ahead and see him, though you still have to keep it on the sly because of your job. If you’re worried about getting dumped—which, as I told you before, is a serious possibility—let it drop.”

  Stormy considered both scenarios. She certainly didn’t want to get dumped, but she also didn’t want to throw away a chance at happiness with someone special. Presuming he truly was her someone special. So far, he’d treated her very well, except for those three days with no calls, but he’d apologized for that and had been quite attentive ever since. She nearly blushed. “Attentive” made her think of all the attention he paid to her during sex. That was definitely “attentive.” Remembered intimacies made her belly clench down low. There was more to Jeff than his great looks, however. He was smart, funny, charming.

  Maybe he was a player as Tanya said, but maybe he wasn’t. Tanya’s assessments were not always right. There’d been that guy she’d almost married, until she found out he was already married. And that guy who fooled her into thinking he was well-off by borrowing suits and a car from some friend. Tanya later admitted that she’d have been better off meeting the friend.

  It was entirely possible that this was another misjudgment on Tanya’s part.

  “I’m going to call him.”

  “Going to go for it, huh?”

  Stormy nodded, her mind made up. “Sometimes you have to take a chance.”

  “Like that old comedian George...urn…Carlin used to say, ‘Take a firkin’ chance!’“ Tanya’s smile was wry. “I’m an expert at taking chances. Not so much at hitting the jackpot.”

  Patting Tanya’s hand, Stormy hoped for better for her friend. “You’ll wish on the right star one of these days, Tanya. I know you will.”

  “Maybe you’ll get there first. I’ll be rooting’ for you.”

  Story’s appetite had returned, but she had a phone call to make. “Excuse me for a minute?”

  Tanya picked up a menu and turned to the dessert page. “I’m going to order a hot fudge sundae while you’re on the phone. I need a consolation prize.”

  Laughter made Stormy buoyant as she exited The Lounge and parked herself to the side of the tavern’s doors. There was a smoker out there, but Stormy waved away the smoke and focused on dialing Jeff’s number. He answered after three rings, just as Stormy figured she’d get his voicemail.

  He was breathing hard when he answered. Breathing hard like he did after sex. Oh no. Had she messed up that badly?

  “Hey, baby. Miss me?” There was a smile in his voice, not a reprimand.

  “Yes. Did I interrupt…something?”

  “I was working out. Got to keep the girlish figure.”

  Remembering his wonderful muscles, Stormy grinned. It was a relief to know he wasn’t with another girl already. “I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

  There was a pause. “Sorry for what?”

  “For being so terse with you. For saying no to lunch. I’d love to have lunch with you.”

  “Okay. I was wondering what the cold shoulder was about.”

  “Cold feet, more like it. I’m afraid of you.”

  “Afraid? Wow. How come?” Genuine surprise colored his voice.

  “You…move me. I don’t know. I was…afraid.”

  “Not afraid anymore?”

  “Terrified.”

  He laughed. “I’ll try to make you less fearful at lunch tomorrow. I ought to spank you for giving me the frosty treatment.”

  As uncomfortable as a hot fanny might be, the idea of making that connection with Jeff was appealing. “You would?” Maybe that was eager-sounding. She wasn’t eager for a punishment spanking, was she? The erotic kind was a different story.

  “Maybe. It wasn’t in my lunch plan. Do you deserve it?”

  “Maybe,” she countered. The thought struck her that if he spanked her hard at lunch time she’d have a difficult time sitting at her desk for the rest of the afternoon. She remembered what that was like from the other day at his office. It would be physically uncomfortable, but it would also remind her about Jeff and his interest in her, his caring about her behavior. It was mighty confusing. “That’s not the kind of-” she couldn’t say “spanking” while standing in a public place, could she? “Err…attention I’d choose.”

  That brought on a chuckle. “We’ll work it out. I’ll be meeting with the Randolph’s at eleven. Would noon be okay with you?”

  She normally took lunch between twelve-thirty and one o’clock, but it wasn’t like she punched a time clock. And there had to be some benefit to being a junior attorney at the firm. “Yeah, that would be fine. Where are we going?”

  “I’ll surprise you.”

  She grinned and they filled in the details, careful to remember that they shouldn’t be seen together except at their respective offices or in court.

  Back at the table, Stormy relished each bite of her dinner like it was a feast for the gods. Tanya slowly nibbled at her sundae as Stormy ate.

  “You’re grinning from ear to ear. It’s a wonder you don’t slobber your food down your chin.”

  Laughing, Stormy finished her fries with a flourish. “I am in a good mood.”

  “I can see that. Jeff was receptive, I take it?”

  Stormy nodded. “Yes!”

  Tanya smiled and whatever she said was drowned out by the jukebox for a moment and then the topic of conversation changed.

  Although she had a positive attitude going, Stormy continued to mull the potential problems over in her mind. It was possible she’d made a huge error already. Several huge errors where Jeff was concerned. They were on opposite sides in a law suit. Her brother Drake might get over-protective when he found out about Stormy and his friend Jeff. Her mother was ringing wedding bells. And Jeff wasn’t really in her league in the dating market. He was Varsity and she was still Pee Wee. However, each Pee Wee leaguer wanted to be on the big kids’ team someday. Stormy wanted to be on Jeff’s team, and she didn’t want to get picked last. “Take a chance,” she reminded herself. “Take a fuckin’chance.”

  Chapter 8

  Jeff checked the weather report the next day and cursed. Rain was predicted. Of course, he thought sarcastically, plan a picnic, you’re sure to get rain, even in the desert. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a Plan B. He made up the ice chest of food anyway and hoped for a break in the clouds at the right hour. If worse came to worse, they’d eat in his car.

  The meeting with the Randolphs went well enough. They agreed sincerely to show up at the next negotiation session, but were quite irritated by Ella Portermans attempt to sabotage the process by circulating petitions around Fire Gorge. The petitions called for the immediate cessation of work on the distillery and a call for a new town meeting to re-consider the permit.

  Jeff assured them that the permit would be fine and he’d counsel them ahead of any town meeting. He p
ointed out that there were jobs at stake and people were always concerned about unemployment, especially in small, modest-income towns. The distillery would employ quite a few local people and that wouldn’t be overlooked.

  “I heard that the Portermans got a young whippersnapper attorney from Fire Gorge,” Leland said, concern in his voice.

  “I heard it’s a woman,” Nan added.

  “Yes,” Jeff told them. “I know her credentials.” He didn’t want to say anything bad about Stormy, but the truth was, she lacked experience. He’d been a practicing attorney for almost five years and was on the path toward partnership. Stormy’s lack of experience wasn’t her fault at all, but it was still a disadvantage for her and her clients. “I don’t think she’ll be a problem.”

  The Randolphs both relaxed visibly.

  Jeff was less comfortable about it. He knew that both of their law firms would take a dim view of their fraternization. Every hour he spent with Stormy was risky. In Las Vegas, where they could be lost in a sea of people, it was not particularly worrisome, but out in Fire Gorge, people would talk. As it was, it was rather dangerous that Stormy’s mother knew his first name, but that couldn’t be helped. Hopefully, she wasn’t the gossipy type and wouldn’t put two and two together.

  It would be rather awkward telling Juanita the truth after the case was closed, but with a little luck she’d see that it was a necessary white lie and nothing more sinister. Jeff hoped he’d impress her enough to make the matter minor.

  Stormy was smiling as he met her in the parking lot of Holyfield, Ramus and Fyne. Her beauty outshone the utilitarian surroundings like a beacon in the darkness. She wore a green, knit dress that clung to her figure. She didn’t need to emphasize her tiny waist with a thin black belt, but it did exactly that. Her low heels did little to increase her height, and Jeff considered how petite she was and how she fit into his arms. It was appealing in a way he’d never considered before, having always dated long-legged blondes. Stormy was a sweet little package. He’d be proud to introduce her to his friends and family someday, after the case was over. In the meantime, they were relegated to meeting in the parking lot at her work, in a far corner, where they wouldn’t be observed. Jeff didn’t like it, but he also didn’t want to cause Stormy any hardship, so it was necessary.