“Everything is going to be fine, Abbey. You’re not going to loose your job. By the way, what I told you is confidential. When Ralphy wants the employees to know, he’ll tell them.”
“I understand. I won’t say a word until he does.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. I don’t want you worrying about this.”
“Have you ever handled a sale of this nature with such a clause?”
“Of course.”
“Did it work out?” She couldn’t help sounding deflated.
“Perfectly. Honest. I wouldn’t kid you about that. Businesses sell everyday and most employers make sure staff is taken care of.”
“It’s understandable, you know. If I stood in Ralphy’s shoes, I’d want to sell too. I just hope...it all works out.” She exhaled and squeezed Rick’s hand. “I know he’s taking it hard and he really isn’t himself.”
“Can I take your order?” The server asked, picking up the menus.
“Yes, thank you. Sausage and Penne for me What do you feel like, Abbey?”
“Lasagna and garlic bread, please.” What she’d really like to order is a new life, a new identity. Could this little waitress bring her that in a red and white checkered napkin? Why? Why must her life always be fraught with drama. She should have been a fucking actress. Serenity now!
“Coming right up.”
Rick poured more wine. “Excuse me for a moment I want to wash my hands.”
“Go ahead . I’m going to do the same.” Abbey was slow to get up. Her eyes followed Rick to the restroom area and when she saw the door shut behind him, she slid her chair back.
As she walked she felt like she’d been punched in the stomach. It was hard to tell what part of her pain was from hunger and what was from the blow he just dealt her. He didn’t see it as a blow. No doubt he saw it as an opportunity. That was just him. Forever optimistic. This news wouldn’t phase the average person, but for her, it seemed like fate continued to play havoc with her life. There was nothing she could do about it but accept it and ride the tide. Wherever she landed she’d have to pick herself up and struggle onward. What else was new?
Rick was at the table when Abbey returned. The server was behind her ready to present their food “Smells good.”
“Would you folks like more wine?”
“No. Not for me.” Abbey replied.
“No, thank you.” Rick agreed. “I’m driving.”
“This is delicious.” Abbey closed her eyes and chewed. In stressful times food was always her comfort. And Italian food with spices, gooey cheese and zesty sauce did it for her.
Rick’s cell phone shrilled. “Damn! I forgot to turn it off.”
“Go ahead and answer it. It may be important.”
“Excuse me.” He smiled and flipped the phone to his ear. “Hello Rick Dante speaking.” He pulled out a pen and sheet of paper from his pocket.
Abbey watched him scribble notes on the paper and marveled at his business personality and acumen. As she watched those long fingers, she recalled another skill they also excelled at. Not being with him this past while was driving her crazy. She was horny. She wanted him and couldn’t help wonder how he felt. Did he want her? Is that why he called her tonight? Or has he had a string of women go through his magic house? Not fare, Abbey! Everyone was grieving in their own way. The time since she last saw him has been difficult for all of them. Yet...is it possible he was toying with her. Maybe he even felt pity for her. He never committed his feelings either way. Either he was playing his hand close to his chest or he really didn’t care for her. She was special, that’s what he said. Big deal! So is fertilizer.
“Well, well, well!” Rick snapped his phone shut and stowed it into his suit jacket pocket. “I already have a bite on the club.” He looked up at her and caught her starring at him.
“You’re kidding.” Abbey was truly amazed. “You mean to say, this can all happen so fast?”
“I’m not kidding, and yes it can. The business partners want to see it tomorrow.”
“I guess your day is planned.” She smiled, happy for him. He certainly seemed excited. It was a big deal and likely a very good commission in it for him.
“No kidding. That’s the nature of this business. A lot of ups and downs and having to be ready for anything, which I usually am. Christ! I love this job.” He laughed out loud.
“I understand how it can be a very demanding job. It helps being a people person.” He certainly was that, no doubt about it . If she looked up people- person in the dictionary, she’d find Rick Dante. Catching herself from chuckling, she forced her mind to concentrate on what he was saying.
“The fellow I spoke to seemed very interested. He asked all the right questions anyway. This may be the fasted turnover in my career. Listed today, sold tomorrow.” He laughed and swallowed a mouthful of wine. “By the way...the one partner has the same last name as yours.”
Abbey looked up. Her inner sensory system was alerted and she suspended feeding herself for one infinitesimal moment. “Oh!”
“Yea. And his first name is...let me see,” he referred to his notepaper. “Adam!”
CHAPTER NINE
The sound of the name registered in Abbey’s brain, which quickly went into shock the very next moment. She could feel the life draining from her body as her heart beat a deadly drum. The man said Adam Fuller. She saw him review his papers and mouth the words. She wasn’t dreaming.
Why was this happening to her? It didn’t make sense. Perhaps she misunderstood. After all, there could realistically be two hundred Adam Fuller’s in this state alone. That made more sense. It had to be the answer. The Adam Fuller, her stepbrother, couldn’t possibly be the one in question. First of all, he wasn’t a business man, he didn’t have that kind of money nor that kind of ambition. He was a party boy through and through. Good old ‘down-the-hatch’ Adam.
Besides, there’s no way the Lord would saddle her with any more heartache and disappointment. No Definitely not. They had a pact. No matter how many times she heard, he throws your way only what he knows you can handle bullshit. She’d weathered more than she could handle for one lifetime and did not look forward to waking up back on square one.
She’d come a long way from her life in Michigan. She’d made wonderful progress, turned her life around. For the first time in a while, she was happy, she had a life, a love, something to look forward to. Having it threatened like this wasn’t fare. It just wasn’t. Abbey’s right hand went toward her head, which fell into the ready palm. The clammy skin of her hand spread its anxiety, slathering her entire forehead.
She squeezed herself. There was no point panicking prematurely. Part of her couldn’t understand her fierce reaction. After all this time she was still angry with him and his friend, even though she knew she had to let go of her anger to ever be whole again. The thing was, she thought she had. Then here today, faced with this possibility, she lost control of her emotions.
“Is something wrong, Abbey?” Rick sensed her sudden shift in fervor.
“No. I’m fine.” She resumed eating, putting her thought at the back of her mind...for now. She’s never told Rick her step-brother’s name. There was no reason to. Now to hear him say the name so cavalierly, stabbed at her heart. It was as if that name did not belong on the tongue of such a fine man. Abbey realized the world continued to evolve despite how she felt. It was an odd revelation.
Her worst fear materialized. Adam and Jeromy indeed the new owners of the club. She saw it coming but didn’t understand how it was possible. What on earth have those two been up to these past few years to be able to afford such an expensive piece of property?
Abbey had some heavy thinking to do. They took over ownership in a couple of weeks and she still wasn’t sure if she should stick around for the transition or take off. Maybe it would be best for everyone if she pulled up her stakes and moved on again.
On the other hand, was she going to have to spend the rest of her life running? Wo
uld it ever end? Would she ever find peace? Perhaps the only way to find inner peace was to confront her panic. She’d been told that often enough. Presented with the opportunity, she still balked at the thought.
Then there was Rick, the vagina whisperer. She wanted him more than she could believe. If she left New York, she’d also be leaving him. He lived here. His whole life was here. And he was the founder of M.A.S.A, for God’s sake.
No. She couldn’t leave Rick. Not before fully exploring the possibility of a lasting relationship. Then and only then would she pack her bags and high tail it out of the city.
The night before the take over Abbey was at loose ends. She whistled for a taxi and rimed off the street. Her nerves jumped and her heart pounded. She couldn’t relax. She was barely able to sit still in the back of the cab.
“What number?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll know when I see it.”
All the lights in Rick’s house shone like a beacon. Perhaps she should have called first. Coulda! Shoulda! Just ring the damn bell. Like the big, brave girl she was, she gathered her strength and rose her arm.
Rick pulled the door open wide. “Abbey! This is a surprise. Come in.”
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
‘No. Louise was just leaving. Have you got your list, Louise?” When she nodded, he saw her to the door. “Same time next week,” he called after her.
Whatever gumption left in Abbey evaporated at that moment. Suddenly this was not a good idea. This not only was his home, it was his office, his place for...whispering. She really shouldn’t be showing up here unannounced.
“Maybe this isn’t a good time.” She said, feeling like an idiot.
“Don’t be silly. Let me take your jacket.” He reached to pull the item off her shoulders. “Can I get you a drink...a sandwich? Louise just made me a platter of different kinds.”
“She’s really helpful.” Her facetiousness was not apparent in her tone.
“Yes. She’s a Godsend. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
“Wow! That’s quit an accretion. I mean, leaving sandwiches for the next person is very nice of
her.” “The next person? She made them for me. Sometimes when I’m working I’m rushed and need
something quick. Tomorrow I’ll be swamped so she took pity on me and packed extra. There’s plenty.” “Oh, no! I wouldn’t dream of eating your lunch.” “Well, come in the kitchen. I’ll get you a beer.” He ushered her with him. Abbey allowed him to pull her along. She felt more and more like an intruder. If she’d arrived
ten minutes sooner she may have been permitted to watch all the action. How stupid was she to ever think a man like Rick would settle for a bumpkin like her. She shook her head. A headache began to thump at the back of her head. She could feel the jabs. “I won’t stay too long.”
“Why? I don’t have anything going on till tomorrow. We can hang out.” “Louise is gone. What time does Thelma show up?” As soon as she’d said it she wished she could take it back and swallow the words. “That’s twice you made reference to Louise. Ah! I see what’s going on in that head of yours.”
He walked to stand in front of her, his finger lifting her chin. “Louise is my housekeeper.” “Oh!” She visibly shrank in size. “I thought...” “Yea. I know what you thought.” He smiled. “So...Abbey’s jealous. What do you know!” “I’m not jealous.” She blushed profusely. “Don’t lie.” He laughed, pulling her into the fold of his arms. “Maybe a little.” May as well admit it, she wasn’t having any luck hiding the fact. “But I’m
here to talk to you about what I told you the other day. You know, my step-brother and his friend taking
over the club.” “Yes, by all means. I know you’ve been struggling with this. What have you come up with?” “To be honest, I did contemplate packing up and leaving New York, but...” “But what, Abbey? What’s keeping you here? I sure hope you have a good answer for me.” “Do I have to say?” She let her fall head and watched her toes squirm. “Not unless you want to. But I wish you would.” He lifted her chin. His eyes jailed hers,
holding them captive.
“All right. It’s you. You’re the reason why I haven’t left the city. What do you think about that Rick Dante?” She certainly put herself out there but in her estimation, it was a do or die situation. Put yourself out or get out. Her pulses leaped.
“I like it. Actually, I think it’s time you knew my real name. You may still want to run.” “Your real name?” She sounded as vague as she must have looked.
“Yes. It’s...Vagino Wisparenzo Dante. Hence my vagina whisperer nickname. Now you know why I changed it. My parents are from old Italy where it’s customary to name children after family members or family friends. I got tagged with a doozy. Unfortunately a name like that is not conducive to business.”
“That is quite a name.” She tried to keep her smile from escalating.
“You’re laughing.”
“No, I’m not. Really!” She was but wouldn’t tell him that. Poor guy. Vagino? What the hell had his parents been thinking?”
“So, I’m happy to hear I have some influence over your decisions. Tell me more, Abbey.” His hands went around her waist. A glimmer of hope ignited in his heart. She’d made it through a very difficult time at the club. Perhaps she was going to stay around for a long time. It looked good.
“What more can I say...Vag.” She burst out laughing. “I’m sorry. Really sorry.” She held her jaw together.
“You think I haven’t heard that before?” He smiled and pushed her hair away from her face.
“Does that mean the vagina whisperer’s magic is all a myth?”
“No way. There are no myths where I’m concerned. My magic is real and provides a specialized service to this organization and club.”
“I can’t deny that. You are specialized.” She watched him watching her and wanted to throw her arms around him, kiss him. Tell him everything is going to be all right She wanted to comfort him as he had done for her many times.
“I try to keep on top of things.” He laughed. “Like I said before, I only offer my services to those I like.”
“And you...like me? Is that right? A lady needs to know if there’s any hope or if she’s wasting her time.”
“Let me tell you you’re not wasting your time and there is definitely hope. I want to be with you Abbey, more and more. I think about you all the time but...”
“But what?” Her eyes met his and locked.
“Well, you have issues of your own. I don’t want to complicate your life any further. You haven’t made any firm decisions about staying around here indefinitely, have you? You just said you thought about packing up and leaving. I can’t fall in love with a girl who’s going to run away at any moment.”
“You’re not complicating my life, Rick. You’d be instilling a sense of normalcy, stability...family. I like what my future looks like with you in it. I know I have issues but you know what? I’m going to deal with it and that will be the end of that story. Trust me. I’ve made arrangements to see Adam tomorrow. And for the record, I also said I didn’t want to leave because of you.”
“Yes. You did say that but sometimes we say things we don’t mean. What are you going to
do?” “I don’t know yet.” “Tomorrow is a busy day for both or us.” He wrapped her close and covered her mouth with his.
One hand found its way beneath her shirt and tickled its way up around her breast. “But tonight is young.”
“You’re right. It is young.” Abbey held on tight. The suction of her mouth was a powerful force that kept his tongue inside and pulled it back whenever it weakened or felt like it was pulling out. A slow burn ignited the center of her being and spread through her quickly.
Rick’s washing machine went into the spin cycle and coupled with the trend of her thoughts, she felt her sexual juice moisten the crotch of her thin, white panties. The atmosphere was charged with high-rolling tensio
n. Abbey found herself pleasantly high from the air- waves. Amid the tangible sexuality there was also a sense of calm. It was hard to explain. She only knew how good it felt. Rick nuzzled her neck, her ears and held her tight when he felt her knees give way. “Put your arms around me, Abbey.”
“You make me feel so good, Rick. I could just collapse.” “Hmm, great! You make me feel good too.” “I’m glad.” She laughed and let her head fall in the crook of his neck. “Still want that beer?” He asked, reaching for the fridge and pulling her with him. Her body
rested on his hip while his arm held her and his hand dug into her backside and crotch. He stroked her possessively and loved her warm response.
Abbey shifted allowing his fingers to run between her cunt lips through the tight material of her clothing. Surely he could feel how wet she was. “I was horny when I came in here and you’re driving me crazy. But I suspect you know that.” Her hands cupped his face just before her lips covered his. She suckled, pulled away only to return and suckle again.
His free hand cupped two cans of beer and shut the fridge door. He moved to the counter dragging his one leg where she was sexily perched. After setting the cans down, his body half turned and he pulled her firmly for his full frontal assault. “Do you realize what you just said? You uninhibitedly admitted you’re horny. That’s great, honey. Your issues are further behind than you think.”
“Cool! Maybe you’re right.” She tried to recapture his lips. Her exposed tongue wet her own lips and she saw Rick stare at them appreciatively. “But I don’t want to think about that right now.” “Sounds like someone hasn’t cum in a while.”
The washer’s cycle lessoned and Abbey could still feel the vibrations whirling steadily in her groin. “I haven’t. I feel like a revving corvette up on blocks.” She took a deep swallow of her beer and felt it rush to her head, making her scorch from adrenalin. She hadn’t had much beer to drink since that fateful night when all her troubles began. Being in a party mood and inexperience was the cause for not knowing when to stop drinking, but that was all history under the bridge. She was now an older, responsible adult with a normal sexual appetite. Nothing to be ashamed of. Rick’s hand kneaded her rear-end. “You have the perfect ass. It’s a rounded mound of English flesh.”
The V Whisperer Page 10
