“I just got a call from Bevy. She wants to see you now, and she sounds pissed.”
Jeremy scrubbed his face with his hands, “Alright, give me a minute.”
“I’ll wait out in the hallway.” Michael walked out as Jeremy walked into his bathroom.
Jeremy joined Michael out in the hall. Michael looked at Jeremy but said nothing as he continued down the hallway with Jeremy following behind him. They arrived in front of Bevy’s office door and Michael finally spoke, “Good Luck, man.”
“What the hell were you thinking?” Bevy paced her office as Jeremy sat in the chair facing her desk. He made no eye contact with her as she scolded him. He knew there was no explanation that Bevy would understand. Not until he had time to sit down with Madison and talk about what the next step in their relationship would be could he discuss it with anyone else.
He thought about last night while Bevy lectured him. He reveled in watching Madison lose control of her body as he brought her to the most intense orgasms. She clutched onto his body like she needed him more than anything in this world and when she spoke the actual words, Jeremy lost it. Hearing Madison say, she loved him and needed him was Jeremy’s undoing.
No one and nothing would keep him from Madison. He knew this was a small step for her and she might even deny him again, but it wouldn’t stop him.
“Jeremy, do you understand what this means?”
“What did I do wrong?”
“You forced yourself on a member.”
“No, I didn’t. Is that what Madison said?” Jeremy stood from his chair.
“She didn’t have to; you had two witnesses.” Bevy stopped pacing and stood behind her desk.
“Dante and Pete said I raped her?”
“They didn’t use those words exactly, but they told me you were angry and you kicked them out while you forced yourself on Madison.” Bevy planted her palms on the top of her desk and leaned on them.
“They said I forced her?” The thought made Jeremy twisted. Never could he imagine forcing himself on any women unless she asked him.
“They said you got rough and you were angry.”
“You need to talk to Madison. She didn’t want them there. Just talk to Madison.”
“I will, but first I need to fire you.”
“Talk to Madison first.” There was urgency in Jeremy’s voice.
“No. Madison may be sixty percent owner, but I’m the final say on all decisions. We set it up that way before we signed any business contracts.”
“Bevy, do you think I raped her or even manhandled?” Jeremy mimicked her stance by placing his palms flat on her desk facing her.
“No, I don’t, and that’s not why I’m firing you.”
“Then why are you firing me?”
“You broke an entirely different rule.”
“Fuck me! What rule did I break now?” Jeremy threw his hands up in the air.
Bevy stood straight up and nodded her head. Her gaze softened as she looked at him. “My sweet Jeremy, I’m going to miss you.”
“What rule did I break?” Jeremy yelled out as he pounded his fist on Bevy’s desk.
The door to Bevy’s office flung open, and Michael ran in to check on Bevy. “Bevy, do you need me?”
“No, Michael but thank you.” Bevy huffed.
“So now everyone here thinks I can’t be trusted? Do they think I’m going to hurt someone?”
“No Jeremy, everyone here likes you. The women adore you, and I hate that I have to do this, but you left me no choice.”
Jeremy lowered his voice, but Bevy could still hear the anger in Jeremy's voice when he spoke. “Bevy, what rule did I break?”
“Jeremy, you fell in love.”
Jeremy staggered back on his feet. He didn’t expect Bevy to say that and day one at RAW flashed through his mind when he sat in the restaurant reading over the contract. The last words he had read before he signed the documents stated: Automatic termination of any Essential that falls in love with a Member.
“Do you deny it?” Bevy asked.
“No, I don’t deny it. I fell in love with Madison during the first few weeks of being here.”
“And does she love you?” Bevy never suspected Madison and Jeremy. Madison always acted apathetic towards him. But maybe that’s all it was… An act.
Jeremy didn’t respond. It wasn’t his place to reveal anything about Madison’s life not even to her best friend. He could only speak for himself, and he already did, so now it was time to leave. Jeremy turned and walked out of Bevy’s office. He went back up to his room and packed up his things. There was a knock on the door, but Jeremy didn’t answer; Mason walked in despite Jeremy’s silence.
Jeremy continued packing, “You tried to warn me.”
“Hey man, love makes people do crazy things.”
“I’m fired.”
“I heard.”
“Wow, that didn’t take long.” Jeremy pulled socks and underwear out of the armoire.
“Dante and Pete were drowning their sorrows in alcohol when Michael came in to tell them. You know it’s not their fault. Their asses were on the line if Madison reported it before they did. It’s in the contract.”
“I fucking hate that contract.” Jeremy shoved his clothes into a duffle bag.
“I know man, but it’s necessary for a situation like this where people can get hurt.”
“I know. I’m just feeling sorry for myself. I don’t blame anybody for where I ended up. I put myself in this situation.”
“I got to get back to the bar but I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry but I’m glad we met.”
“Don’t get all sappy on me. We’re still friends outside this place. I booked us at the golf course next Tuesday.”
“I know I just hate to see you go.”
There was another knock on the door, and Michael walked in. “Bevy, sent me up to help you carry your things out.”
“Thanks, Michael.”
“Alright man, next Tuesday.” Mason gave Jeremy a one-arm hug and went back to work.
“Jeremy, I’m sorry about this. We’re all going to miss you.” Michael said as he stepped further into the room.
“I’m going to miss everyone. You’ve been a good friend, Michael. I like everyone here. It’s been a lot of fun.”
“Even Dante and Pete?”
“It’s not their fault; it’s my fault. Make sure the guys know I don’t blame them.”
“I’ll tell them, but first I’ll let them finish crying like little bitches in front of everyone.”
“You’re cruel, man.” Jeremy chuckled.
Michael helped Jeremy finish packing up his things then carried them out to his truck. He went back inside to say goodbye to all the guys. Everyone met in the restaurant to see Jeremy off. They were all sad to see him go and even Pete and Dante offered their apologies. Jeremy made sure they knew he didn’t blame them. On his way out he asked Michael if Bevy was around.
“She’s locked herself in her office. She hated having to fire you. I think she’s crying over a bottle of Jack.”
Jeremy chuffed, “It’s tough being in charge, but she must enforce the rules. Tell her I said goodbye and thank her for the opportunity she gave me. I’ll call her next week after things settle down.”
“I’ll tell her. Let’s get together next week for drinks.”
“Sounds good.” Jeremy looked around one last time at the restaurant before he walked out of RAW. He got in his car and drove down the long drive towards the towering iron gates. He stopped as he pulled up in front of the gates and looked back in his rear view mirror.
Chapter 15
The first thing Madison did when she walked into the restaurant was scan the bar for Jeremy. When she didn’t see him, she looked over at their table in the corner. Bevy sat while a group of the members stood around the table speaking to her or from where Madison stood it looked like they were yelling at her.
Whether it was mad, angry, upset, or concerned, Madi
son could tell something was wrong. Amy had her arms crossed in front of her while Sarah pointed her finger on the table as she leaned in and spoke to Bevy. The other girls acted like cheerleaders standing behind rooting them on.
On the way over to the table, Madison felt the vicious stares from the other members, and now, she knew something was wrong.
As soon as Bevy saw Madison, she stood from the table. “Where have you been all day?” Bevy asked Madison as she neatly placed the napkin that was on her lap on the table.
“I was up late, so I slept most of the day then went to the spa. What’s going on here?”
“Does she even know what you did?” Amy pointed at Madison as she spoke to Bevy.
“What did you do, Bevy?” Madison stepped closer and lowered her voice so not to make more of a scene.
“She fired Jeremy.” Sarah blurted out.
Madison faltered a bit then moved behind the girls and took a seat. Madison cleared her throat then calmly spoke. “Girls, please leave us.”
“But Madison…” Amy frustrated stomped her foot on the floor beneath her.
“Please Amy, I need to speak to Bevy alone.”
“You know she fired him because of you.” Sarah pointed her finger in Madison’s face. The girls standing behind Sarah and Amy nodded their heads in agreement.
Madison receded but remained calm, “Sarah please go. We’ll work this out. I promise.”
The girls stomped away huffing and puffing and mumbling words as they retreated. Bevy took her seat while Madison stood. “Bevy, we need to go to your office to discuss this matter.”
Bevy stood back up, and with her chin held high, she strutted out of the restaurant passing all the sullen faces as Madison walked closely behind her. From all directions, heads turned watching the two women exit the room and as soon as they were out of sight the angry whispers and gossip began.
Bevy continued strutting to her office until she got to her desk where she collapsed in her chair and let loose a long ass exhale. “Madison, Sarah’s right this is all your fault.”
Madison stood in front of Bevy’s desk. “I don’t even know what’s going on. Did you fire Jeremy?”
“I had to.” Bevy threw her arms up in the air.
“I don’t know what Dante and Pete told you, but Jeremy did nothing wrong.”
Madison sighed and let her shoulders sag, “Madison, that’s not why I fired him.”
“Then why is he not here?”
“Madison, he fell in love with you. We have rules. I know the night we came up with this crazy idea we were pissed drunk but we wrote down pages of rules, and we reviewed them two days after our hangovers subsided, and an Essential falling in love with a member was a BIG no-no.”
Madison sat in the chair, rested her elbows on her knees and buried her face in her hands. “Bevy, I need you not to follow the rules this one time.”
“Madison, if you recall that was another rule we had. Under no circumstance do we make exceptions. We have followed those rules from the beginning, and it’s what kept our business thriving.”
Madison stood from her chair. “Except this one. I know I shouldn’t say this, but I’m going to exert my sixty percent of the business and tell you that Jeremy will continue as an Essential and I hope this doesn’t cause any strife between us.”
Bevy stood and paced behind her desk. She contemplated Madison’s demand. She didn’t feel comfortable giving in, but she knew she’d lose this battle. “Shall you call him or shall I?” Bevy conceded.
“To remain in control in the eyes of everyone here, you should call him and tell him after further investigation and speaking with the members, that you decided to offer him his job back.” Madison walked towards the door.
“Where are you going?” Bevy asked.
“I’m going for a drive.” Madison gripped the doorknob.
“Do you love him?” Bevy asked.
Madison kept her back to Bevy as she answered her. “Yes.”
“If he comes back here as an Essential, he’ll be having sex with other women. How are you going to deal with that if you’re in love with him?”
“Hopefully, better than the way I’ve dealt with it the past year.”
“You’ve loved him that long.”
Madison had taken a deep breath before she answered Bevy. “Yes.”
“I’ll call him tonight.”
“Thank you, Bevy. I’m sorry I put you in this situation, but I need him here.”
“How long do you think you’ll be able to sustain a relationship under the confines of RAW?”
“I don’t have any plan. The only thing I know is that Jeremy loves me and I love him.” Madison opened the door to leave.
“I hope it’s enough,” Was the last thing Bevy had said to Madison before she picked up the phone to call Jeremy.
Madison sat in her car staring down at her phone. She tapped on his name and began typing. She needed to see him, but if it weren't tonight, it would have to wait until next weekend because she was leaving for Seattle in the morning. Her billionaire client divorcing his wife gathered all his business lawyers and accountants this week and Madison needed to be available. She finished her text to Jeremy and hit send.
She drove back to the Mansion and went straight to her room. She got ready for bed and kept her phone next to her all night. By morning Jeremy still hadn’t responded. She couldn’t wake Bevy to ask her if she spoke to Jeremy, so she boarded the plane to Seattle in limbo.
~~~~~
“You want a short vacation?” Bevy wasn’t sure he heard him correctly.
“That’s what I said. My brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first child sometime in the next week, and I’d like to be around for the birth.” Jeremy explained.
“But you will come back?”
“Yes, I’ll be back on the following Saturday.”
“So I can tell all the girls, and you won’t change your mind?” Bevy felt vulnerable for some unexplained reason. Maybe, she remembered the fury in the ladies faces when they heard that Bevy fired Jeremy.
“Yes, Bevy, I promise I’m coming back.”
“Did you speak to Madison?”
There was silence on Jeremy’s end.
“Jeremy, did you hear me?”
“Yes, she sent me a text, but she’s in Seattle this whole week. I’ll talk to her when I get back.”
“Okay, Jeremy, let me know if you need anything and text me when the baby’s born.”
“I will Bevy and thank you.”
“I should be thanking you. The girls threatened to leave RAW if I didn’t hire you back.”
“That’s sweet of them. Say hello to the ladies for me. Tell them I miss every one of them.”
“I will. The girls will be thrilled. I’ll see you next Saturday.”
Jeremy waited for Bevy to mention at least one time that Madison wanted him back but it always came back to the girls wanting him back. Madison sent a generic text message stating that they needed to talk but she was out of town for a week. He replied saying he’d be in touch.
Going by his past experiences with Madison, she most likely regretted what happened that night and wanted to push him back behind that line of employee/employer, member/essential and what ever other excuses she used in the past.
Jeremy requested the time off not just for the birth of his nephew but to get his head together. He needed to be prepared to see her again, and worse see her with other men. Bevy called to offer him his job back. That meant things would be status quo and status quo equaled the same bullshit he faced the past year.
He loved his job at Raw. His friends were there, the compensation made it possible to pay down his debt, another year and he would have eliminated his debt and saved enough money to dabble in something else, and it was where the woman he loved resided.
He had to go back, but he prepared himself for anything.
~~~~~
Madison’s week flew by as she met with her client’s busine
ss lawyers and accountants. This was a high profile love affair that was ending in a brutal divorce. Madison’s client was a young billionaire who realized too late that he jumped into his marriage too quickly.
Early on high-profile cases terrified Madison. She wondered how she’d be able to handle all the public speaking that they required, but she found out during her first time speaking to the press that as a lawyer discussing someone else’s life, it came easy. It was when she had to be herself, and the attention was on her, and her life, did she go blank.
It was during a live interview when the reporter asked Madison about her decision to pursue the law that Madison went blank. Physically her mouth went dry, and she couldn’t speak, then it felt like someone shut off all the lights. Madison couldn’t gather a rational thought. Everyone’s voice sounded somewhere off in the far distance, and she was unable to focus on anyone’s face.
The producer escorted her off the stage and Madison hibernated for a year. She still worked, but she hired a spokesperson to handle communications. It wasn’t until during one of her high-profile cases when a reporter with a cameraman unexpectedly caught her coming out of a restaurant asking her a question about the case that Madison realized what triggered her social anxiety. Madison spoke freely with no fear to the reporter. It was at that point she realized it was when things got personal that her anxiety soared.
Madison grew up with a controlling father. His desire for perfection destroyed Madison. Madison’s father placed such high demands on her and failure was not an option. The stress showed itself during times when Madison had to perform. A simple meet and greet dinner became too much for her. She felt she could never be good enough, or witty enough, or smart enough and fear set in every time she had to be herself.
Thankfully, she found a way to cope with her anxiety though she knew it would never go away completely. There was a scale she rated ever moment. Level one was tolerable, but a Level ten made her feel like the world went black. And the exhaustion that settled in after a Level ten situation was worse. It knocked her down for days.
Walking through the restaurant at RAW was a level one sometimes a two. As long as she made a beeline for her table, she was fine. The Gala registered anywhere between seven and ten. Madison could not control how the evening played out, so the range varied.
Raw: Book 1 Page 17
