by Dara Girard
The woman sat down and giggled. “Stop pretending you don’t know me.”
Vivian reached for her phone wondering if she should call for help. This woman might be disturbed. “And should I?” she said cautiously, not wanting to upset her.
The woman looked suddenly worried. “Are you trying to be funny? Or am I bothering you?”
Her voice sounded so familiar. Especially that worried tone. It reminded her of someone...
Vivian jumped out of her seat. “No!”
Corinne shrank back, startled. “What?”
“Corinne?”
“Yes.” She blinked quickly, confused. “Do I look that different?”
Different? She looked transformed. “Oh. My. God. What happened?”
“I thought I needed a change so I booked an appointment at Wildfire Spa.”
Vivian came from behind her desk. “It’s incredible.” Vivian felt all her fears disappear. This was the kind of woman who could handle Brett Lattimore. This was the kind of woman ready to take the reins of her life again.
Corinne stood and rested a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t cry.”
Vivian wiped the tears away. “I’m just so happy.” And relieved. She hadn’t made a mistake.
“So you like it?”
“Of course I like it.”
Corinne sighed and sat down again. “Bonnie said I should enjoy this new look while it lasts.”
Vivian frowned. She really wished Corinne would drop her. Bonnie was always so negative. She couldn’t understand why Corinne had remained friends with her so long.
Vivian folded her arms and leaned against her desk. “Unless you had a fairy godmother suddenly appear I doubt you have to worry about your clothes turning into rags.”
“Right,” Corinne said with a nervous laugh and she shifted her gaze away. She was hiding something.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Corinne cleared her throat. “But what if she’s right? What if I can’t keep up this look? Bonnie thinks it will eventually be a burden to maintain. What if it is? I only look like this because my schedule wasn’t busy—”
“I thought you had to deal with crazy Phyllis.”
“Yes, but…I uh…really needed a break and when I saw I had a free day I thought it would be a great chance to go to the spa this time since Jason’s with his dad. But when he comes back—”
“A little makeup and nice clothes aren’t going to take hours. Choose your clothes and lay them out the night before. You can do this. But...where did you get the money?”
Corinne cleared her throat again. “I uh didn’t. My...grandmother always used to buy me things but I never felt brave enough to wear them and I’ll be paying off the spa treatment for awhile, but I just wanted to do something for me.”
“Bravo.” Vivian returned to her desk and grabbed her handbag. “Tell me the balance and I’ll take care of it.”
“You don’t have to.”
“You have a birthday coming up, right?”
Corinne frantically waved her away. “I really don’t want you to do that.” She let her hands fall to her lap. “I’m glad you’re supporting me on this and not finding me frivolous. I still haven’t thought about what I’m going to tell Jason when he comes back.”
Vivian set the handbag down. She wished Corinne would take her offer, but she didn’t want to push her. Besides, if she was able to work with Brett, the payment from that project would more than cover the cost of a little spa indulgence.
“I’m glad you came to see me so I can tell you a little more about next Tuesday.”
“Yes. Why did you want me to free up my schedule?”
“I want you to pitch your services to Brett Lattimore of Quest.”
Corinne blinked and didn’t move. She sat so still she reminded Vivian of a robot that’s central processing unit had frazzled.
“Corinne?”
“You want me to do what?”
“Meet with Brett Lat—”
“Of Quest, the property management company?”
“Yes.”
“The one whose operating divisions provide property management services to condominium associations and for rental properties?”
“Great! So you’ve heard of him.”
“How could I not? He’s been featured in The Washingtonian, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur—”
“He’s good at what he does.”
“But I’ve never worked with—”
Vivian returned to her desk and took a seat. “Brett may come off a little...intimidating at first, but he’s a lot easier to work with than the likes of Phyllis. He’s known for his charitable donations and investing in his workers so that he creates a culture that encourages productivity and wealth creation. Some employees can actually buy shares in the company. Does that sound like a scary guy to you?”
“I’ve never even seen his face. He’s always photographed in the shadow of one of the properties his company manages, why is that?”
“He’s shy about being photographed. Or perhaps he wants you to focus on his work rather than him.” Vivian waved her hand and shrugged. “Who knows? It’s just one of his many quirks. Nothing to worry about.”
Corinne made a noncommittal sound but still looked nervous before she said, “What does he need an event planner for?”
“He’s not quite sure yet.”
“He’s not sure?”
“He wants to run a workshop or seminar. I haven’t been able to pin it down because I knew you could do a better job. He wants to expose his employees to wealth building strategies. I think talking to him more will help pin his idea down better. He isn’t always the easiest to keep on target, but it’s not impossible.”
“And you think I’m the right person to do this?”
“I know you are.” Vivian pointed at her with certainty. “It’s time for you to believe it too. I told you I wanted you to start thinking bigger. This is your chance. Succeed with someone like Brett and you won’t believe the doors that will suddenly open up for you.”
Corinne stared at the outfit Rania had suggested she wear for her new client meeting, which she’d laid out on her bed. The rest of the new clothes she’d put away in her closet. But this outfit took all her attention.
How had they known?
She turned to the full length mirror standing in the corner and stared at the woman who had left the Wildfire Spa only a few hours ago. A woman who looked attractive and successful. She didn’t want this feeling to end. She knew it would eventually. Soon she’d have to wipe off the makeup and tie up her hair and get into her worn pajamas. She’d be the ordinary Corinne again.
I will not settle for less.
That’s the part of the oath Rania had had her repeat before Corinne left. Things had changed. She had to believe it. Starting tomorrow she wouldn’t race through her morning. She’d take care of herself.
If she didn’t want this feeling to end she’d have to fight to keep it. Even the instructions had told her that she had to wear one of her new stockings to the meeting next Tuesday.
A meeting with the founder of Quest.
She didn’t know which one to choose. The four stockings weren’t too shocking, but they all seemed more daring than anything she would have chosen. She decided on a latticed patterned one. Since he liked buildings, perhaps a cross pattern would work with him. Not that she expected him to be looking at her legs, heaven forbid, but it seemed the most suitable.
She couldn't believe Vivian had gotten this chance for her. She was to pitch her services to Brett Lattimore. The man in the shadows.
She’d never thought she’d have Quest as a possible client, let alone work with a man who liked to be anonymous. She’d never have thought of approaching a company like his. Could she do this?
She had to try.
She didn’t want to let Vivian down. She believed in her. This was her chance. Even if he turned her down, at least she’d give it her best. No mo
re settling.
But first she’d have to give Jason his answer.
Chapter Thirteen
“Six months?” Jason and Harrison said in unison.
When Harrison had returned that Saturday to drop Jason off, she’d invited them to sit in the living room to tell them her decision.
“Yes,” she said. “Just as a trial. Six months with your father and then six months with me. I don’t want to make any rash long-term decisions right now. Six months or nothing.”
Jason looked at his father for guidance. Harrison shrugged. “Sounds fair.”
“But I also want to have a full weekend with you once a month. Okay?”
Jason shrugged.
Harrison nodded and spoke for his son. “That’s fine.”
“So I can pack up now?”
Corinne swallowed, hurt that he was still so eager to leave. “If you want.”
“Okay.” He looked at his father. “Can I get a couple more things?”
“Sure. Need help?”
“No.” He raced out of the room.
Harrison returned his gaze to her. “I know how hard this is for you.”
Corinne flexed her hands in her lap determined to keep herself in check. She’d fall apart when they left. Jason still wanted to go. He wanted to be away from her. “I doubt it.”
Harrison leaned back against the couch cushions and studied her with appreciation. “So what has gotten into you?”
“What do you mean?”
A teasing smile touched his lips. “You know exactly what I mean.” He looked her up and down. “I’ve never seen you like this before. The hair, the clothes. You look amazing.”
Corinne felt her face grow warm. A compliment from her ex shouldn’t make her so happy, but it did. More than she wanted to admit. That morning she had made sure to wear makeup and a new red blouse. “I thought it was time for a change.”
“I hope you won’t be disappointed though.”
“Disappointed?”
“If this scheme doesn’t work.”
“Scheme?”
“Yes, splitting his time between us. If at the end of it all he still wants to live with me, you will be okay with that, right?”
No, but she’d have to accept it. “I don’t want to think about the future right now. Making this decision is hard enough.”
Harrison nodded in understanding. “I know.” He grinned before he winked, reminding her of when he used to flirt with her. “I’m a little jealous.”
“Jealous?”
“That you never made an effort like this for me.”
Corinne stiffened, sensing criticism. “I had but you hadn’t noticed.”
“Trust me, if you’d done something like this, I would have noticed.”
“Maybe.” Probably. Perhaps if she’d gotten an invitation to The Black Stockings Society sooner she could have saved her marriage. She stood, not wanting to reflect on the past and think about what she couldn’t fix. It was too late to win him back. “I’m going to check on Jason.”
She found him in his bedroom stuffing an action figure in a duffle bag. “I have another packing box for you,” she said setting it on the bed.
“Thanks.”
She looked at pictures of The Hulk, Cyborg and Black Panther hanging on his wall. “Do you want me to help you take down the posters?”
“No,” he said in a soft voice as he put a stuffed bear in the bag.
She sensed he was avoiding her gaze, but couldn’t understand why. She didn’t want to pressure him. “I’ll miss you.”
“Hmm.”
Since he was so focused on taking his toys she did the adult thing and got another suitcase and packed more clothes, his shoes, and the items he’d need for his afterschool art class. She closed the lid of the box and zipped up the suitcase with a sigh. The room still had enough items to remind her that it was his whenever he needed it, that she would get to see him one weekend a month, but it still felt empty. She blinked back tears and grabbed the box. “I’ll come back for the suitcase, it’s heavy,” she said.
She helped Harrison pack Jason’s items in the trunk, before she turned and squeezed Jason on the shoulder, sensing he wanted to keep his distance from her, but he surprised her with a quick hug and whispered, “You look pretty,” before he darted into the backseat and closed the door.
She didn’t cry as she watched the Lexus drive away. She didn’t know how to take his quiet words, when he’d barely been able to look at her.
One day she’d get him to. One day she’d make him laugh again, one day he’d be the carefree kid she knew and loved. She gripped her hand into a fist. One day she would win him back.
She heard footsteps hurrying across the grass and turned and saw her mother coming towards her. “Was that Harrison?”
“Yes,”
“I saw you packing things in the trunk. Does this mean…?”
Corinne took a deep breath. She’d made her decision and would stand by it. “Jason’s staying with his father a little longer as a trial run.”
“Have you eaten? Do you want to come over for dinner?”
Corinne plastered on a smile. “I’m fine, Mom.”
Her mother took her hand and led her towards Corinne’s front door. “Let’s go inside.”
“Mom, I really don’t—”
“I won’t force you to eat anything. I only need a quick chat.” Corinne let her mother drag her into the living room and sat down before she said, “What is it?”
Her mother sat in front of her and pressed her hands together. “Oh dear. How do I say this?”
Corinne folded her arms and sighed. “Mom, please just—”
“I’m afraid this strategy isn’t the best one.”
“Strategy?”
“You are an attractive woman, but it’s not the only way to handle men.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I know he’s your ex, but that doesn’t change anything. He’s a married man now.”
Corinne frowned. “I still don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She licked her lower lip and rubbed her forehead. “What a terrible kerfuffle.”
“Mum!” Corinne said, using a word she only said when she was annoyed.
“I know you’re desperate, but trying to seduce Harrison—”
“What!”
“Is a bit overboard.”
Corinne stared at her shocked. “S-seduce? I’m not trying to seduce anyone.”
“But your hair and clothes. You haven’t dressed like this in years. You suddenly decide to get a makeover when Jason wants to live with his father. What does that mean?”
“My makeover has nothing to do with seducing Harrison. I thought you had a better opinion of me.”
“What else was I to think? Your sisters have tried for years to get you to dress up a bit and you’ve refused. What’s different now?”
I joined a secret club. But she couldn’t tell her that. She couldn’t tell anyone. “I have a new client I have to impress. I thought this new look would help me with my business.”
Her mother motioned to her makeup and clothes. “So all this is for business?”
No. “Yes.”
Her mother released a sigh of relief. “Well, in that case you look sensational.”
Corinne stood feeling suddenly tired. Bonnie thought the makeover wouldn’t last, Vivian thought it could help her win a new client, her ex-husband thought she was trying to win back their son and her mother thought she was trying to seduce her ex. It was all too much. She wanted to be alone. “Thanks.”
Her mother kissed her on the cheek and she smelled liked ginger. “Now I can tell your father not to worry either.”
“I can’t believe you two—”
“If you saw it from our perspective you’d understand. One day you leave the house looking like a drowned rat—”
“Mum!”
“And come back looking like a sex kitten.”
Corinne shook her head. “Not exactly.”
Her mother grinned. “But I’m close.”
“Maybe you should stop watching me.”
“You’re our daughter. That will never happen.”
Corinne hurried her mother out of the house then sat alone in the kitchen. She’d done it.
She’d made a decision about Jason.
She’d taken a risk and joined a secret club.
She’d agreed to pitch her services to a new client.
Now all she had to do was win him over.
For the first time in years, she wasn’t afraid, she was excited.
Chapter Fourteen
She felt surprisingly calm as she rode the metro for her meeting at Quest’s downtown office. But as she hurried through the crowded platform she bumped into someone and dropped her portfolio. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, but before she could reach for it a strong brown hand held the portfolio out to her. “Glad to see you’re still with us.”
She froze. She knew that voice. That cuttingly cruel voice.
The Neanderthal! Her eyes flew up and she saw that aggravatingly beautiful face. She gasped. What were the odds of bumping into him again? What was he doing there?! Why did he have to be at this station? She snatched the portfolio from him. The handle felt hot from his touch. As if he’d just traveled up from Hades to torment her.
Fortunately, his comment had been too low for others to hear, not that anyone would have understood his cryptic message if they had.
Meeting him again had been unlucky, but she wouldn’t let him rattle her. She was prepared for this. The makeover, the stockings, she’d win over the founder of Quest and then win Jason back. He’d see the kind of mother he had. She was no pushover, she was a winner. Corinne opened her mouth to make a rude reply, but he didn’t give her a chance. He turned and walked away.
She stared at his broad back wanting to create as much distance between them as she could.
Unfortunately, after watching him head to the station’s east exit and up the escalators she had a sinking feeling that she’d have to stay behind him longer than she’d hoped because he seemed to be going in the same direction she was. Once they left the station and headed down the sidewalk she kept waiting for him to cross the street, turn into an alleyway, disappear into a building. But he didn’t.
