“This brings me to my next topic, we all know about the ever-present lawsuit on the company's front lawn. So far I have nothing new, we’ll probably be dealing with this for the rest of year. If you are questioned by anyone at all please refer them to the law firm of Guthrey and Meyers. Have any of you heard anything?”
“I had a young man ask me if I was employed here and what my job was.” Carey spoke up.
“What did you say to him?”
“Nothing, I ignored the little twerp.”
She laughed. “Nice going Stewart. Next time this happens or if it happens to anyone else, please contact me directly.” Breathe Wiley breathe. She shifted slightly in her chair and unbuttoned her jacket. “This brings me to my final topic. Obviously, all of you know that I am a single woman that tends to lead my life in privacy. I want to thank you for respecting my privacy over the past nine months, as well as my entire family's privacy over the years. I’ve never been one to live in the spotlight, and don’t plan on doing so anytime in the future. Now, there is a part of my life that involves an employee of Wiley Steel, therefore I have decided to go public with…my sexuality.” She took a deep breath. No one dare said a word. “I am a lesbian and I’m in a serious relationship with Cassidy Harland.” She paused to see the look on everyone’s face. Cassidy looked over at her and smiled. Clark starred back and forth at the two women. Rich smiled. Carey and William looked at each other in shock. Kenneth stared at the table. “Let me continue by saying that there has never been and never will be inequity in the company. No one receives preferential treatment for any matter. Miss Harland is well respected in the company, and like all of you, she is an asset to Wiley Steel. Our life outside of the office is our own personal business. I have always been impartial when it comes to my employees, I plan to continue my beliefs and trust in all of you, that’s why I offered this information as a courtesy.” She looked around the room. “Are there any questions or comments regarding this issue?” She waited patiently. Here we go.
“I’m happy for both of you.” Rich smiled. Cassidy smiled and Ian nodded, then waited a few more minutes.
“Well then, if we seem to have no comments or concerns I’ll consider this matter closed. Therefore, we won’t hear about it ‘around the water cooler’.” She added edge to her voice for the last statement. She meant to put a touch of fear in everyone at that table. Her life was not open for discussion and neither was Cassidy’s. She smiled inside when she saw that her point was made perfectly clear. She reached out and squeezed the brunette’s hand gently, then let go as she stood up. She glanced at her watch, the meeting had taken longer than she anticipated. It was close to five thirty pm.
“I’d like to take everyone to dinner at Framaggio’s. Is Italian okay with everyone?” Cassidy smiled, trying desperately not to laugh.
“That sounds good to me Miss Wiley.” Carey added. Rich was right behind him.
“I‘m not in any hurry, we can drive back tomorrow if you want to Cassidy.” Ian figured they might ride together.
“Sure.” She answered.
“Good, let me make a few calls. I’ll meet you all in the lobby in ten minutes.” Ian said before she walked down the hall to her office, she went inside alone and shut the door. Cassidy didn’t expect to get invited inside, she continued walking with the guys. Ian quickly sat down and called Giles. She let him know her plans for dinner, she told him to be out front of the restaurant at eight p.m. to pick her up. Then she called the most elegant Italian Restaurant in town to reserve a table for six. Her last call was to the car service.
A few minutes later she appeared behind Cassidy, who was engrossed in conversation with Rich. “Are we ready?” The brunette turned around, almost into her arms.
“I believe we are."
~ ~ ~
Two hours of amazing food and three bottles of wine later, everyone was conversing about the steel industry, no one had brought up the topic on the back of everyone’s mind. Ian and Cassidy were happy about that. As soon as Ian paid the seven-hundred dollar bill for the table, everyone walked outside. The Bentley was parked in front of the black limo at the curb. Ian instructed the driver to take anyone home that wasn’t comfortable driving their own vehicle from the office. Cassidy was standing beside Clark outside.
“So that’s why you wouldn’t go out with me.” He stated dryly.
“Yeah, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I would’ve never pegged you for a lesbian though, her neither, to be honest.” Cassidy only smiled. “You two look good together.” She couldn’t help but hear a touch of sarcasm in his voice. At that moment Ian walked up and grabbed Cassidy’s hand, their fingers locked together.
“Good night, everyone. Please be careful driving home.” Both women walked towards the waiting car. Giles opened the door and smiled at both women.
“Good evening Miss Harland.”
“Hi Giles, it’s nice to see you again.”
As soon as the door was shut Cassidy leaned over, their lips met passionately. Tongues tasted the remnants of pasta and wine mixed with arousal. Both women pulled away breathless.
“So that went well.” Ian grinned.
“Yeah.”
“What’s wrong?” Ian could hear the hesitation in Cassidy’s voice.
“Ian….” Cassidy looked down at their hands that were still interlocked together. God I love her so much. “I need to tell you something.”
“Okay? I love you Cassidy, honey you can tell me anything.”
“Clark Watkins,…” She stopped to stare into deep blues looking back at her.
“Uh huh, what about him?”
“He asked me out.”
Ian laughed and squeezed the hand that she was holding. “I don’t blame him, you’re gorgeous.” She smiled brightly.
“Ian.” Cassidy’s voice was very serious. “He was persistent.”
“What did he say to you?” Now Ian straightened up. I’ll kill him!
“He kept asking me until I told him I was involved with someone. Then, just now he congratulated me for being with you, but he seemed very sarcastic about it.”
“Hmm…I’m sure he was just upset that you wouldn’t go out with him. Either way, I can guarantee you he won’t ask you out anymore.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I guess I’m just surprised that no one said anything.”
“I’m not. They’re scared to death of me. That’s not to say that they won’t be talking to each other, but you can bet they won't say it in front of me or you. Come here.” She pulled the smaller woman into her arms. “I love you, that's all that matters to me.”
“I love you too. I’m glad you did that today. I feel a lot better.”
“Me too.
Chapter 17
In just over a month after Ian came out to her employees about her relationship with Cassidy, an employee, she didn’t hear any slack through the grapevine about her sexuality and not producing the next Wiley heir. Hinkley was doing everything he could to make her life miserable, instead all it did was piss her off. The lawsuit was starting to finally take off since a settlement looked impossible. Guthrey let her know that she needed to appear with him in court for the preliminary hearing in a week. Clark Watkins, Ian’s assistant backed off of Cassidy completely and settled into his position, Kenneth Latrey was already working on new deals for his department. Ian still hadn’t hired a Locomotive Services Director.
~ ~ ~
Her face had finally dried from the tears she shed that morning. As soon as she awoke Giles drove her to the cemetery. This was her first birthday waking up without hearing her parents' voices. She leaned against the marble statue and talked to her parents as she always did when she went to their resting place. This time she knew they were looking down on her. She received the answer she was looking for when she felt the cool gust of wind. Giles stood next to the car watching her softly out of the corner of his eye. Two hours later they came back to the estate. He gave her the present that he had for her,
a pair of cuff-links that her father had given him on his twenty-seventh birthday. They were silver with onyx gems on each end, she remembered seeing Giles wear them for years when she was a kid. This brought tears to her eyes once again. She finally retired to her room to rest for a while. Ian was as happy as a little kid when she heard the doorbell ring, she came running down the stairs to meet the woman that Giles had just let into the house.
“Hey!” Ian threw her arms around the smaller woman and pulled her into a tight embrace. Cassidy returned the enthusiastic hug.
“I missed you so much.” Cassidy said as she pressed her lips to Ian’s. Giles took that as his cue, he grabbed the small suitcase and turned towards the staircase. Cassidy broke away long enough to say hi to him before he started up the stairs.
“Might I make a suggestion Miss Wiley?” He spoke while standing on the second step.
“Sure.” She turned around, still holding Cassidy in one arm.
“The next time you anticipate the arrival of Miss Harland, try not to run down the stairs like a giddy elephant. I believe you‘re no longer at that age.” He then turned and continued up, hiding a small smile.
Ian laughed and shook her head.
“So you ran down the stairs huh.” Cassidy smiled and threw her arms around the taller woman’s neck.
“Uh huh, and apparently I’m too old to run down the stairs in my own house.” She pouted.
“Aw, come on birthday girl. I don’t think you’re that old, besides, I’m older than you remember?” It was Cassidy's turn to pout, she ran her fingers through the short blond hair at the back of Ian‘s head.
“How could I forget?!” Ian joked. Cassidy playfully smacked her shoulder, then kissed her again. Ian’s lips parted long enough for Cassidy’s tongue to enter. As the kiss heated up Giles was making his way back down stairs.
“Miss Harland is all settled in your room Miss Wiley.” He shook his head and walked towards the kitchen. “I do believe you’re too old for heavy petting in the foyer as well!” He laughed to himself. She’s so happy, Leland and Lorraine would be thrilled, I hope you both can see her from up there. They women prolonged the kiss and ignored the salt and pepper haired man when he walked past them.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t drive in last night. I was working with William on a locomotive deal. I never thought we’d finish it, but it finally went through around nine p.m. Then, of course Wendi and Trina wanted to go to breakfast this morning. I think they just wanted to see your present. Hey, by the way, when are you going to hire someone for that position?”
“I don’t know. I’m sorry you had to work so late honey.” She said with the most apologetic blue eyes that Cassidy had ever seen. “And thank you for the roses, they’re beautiful.” She pointed to the array of pink flowers that were on the table by the doorway to the living room.
“You’re welcome. Besides, you can make it up to me later.” Cassidy wiggled an eyebrow seductively. God how does she do that? She makes me want to rip her clothes and have my way with right here, just by looking at me.
“Oh I intend to.” Ian bent her head slightly to claim soft lips once again. “So when do I get my birthday present?” She questioned.
“I can’t very well parade around in front of Giles in the nude now can I?” She laughed.
“Mm, I’m sure he won’t mind.” Ian teasingly bit Cassidy’s bottom lip and provoked another kiss. I sure as hell won't mind!
“Miss Wiley, you should kindly move out of the foyer. Miss Harland has been here all of twenty minutes and you’ve yet to let her step into the house. Tsk-tsk, shall I remind you of your manners?” Giles bit back a grin. “Dinner is on the table.”
“Dinner already? It’s only four.”
“Yes ma’am, I am aware of the time. I am also aware of your plans for the evening, therefore I have prepared dinner a bit early.” He straightened his jacket and walked back towards the kitchen.
When the women finished their homemade Manicotti that Giles made specifically for Ian’s birthday, he appeared holding a small ice cream cake with twenty-seven candles glowing on top of it.
“My god, look at the fire! Giles those candles are liable to melt that thing. Ian I didn’t know you were ancient honey.” Cassidy laughed loudly. Ian made a quick wish, blew out the candles, then shot her lover a look with raised eyebrows. Cassidy could’ve swore she heard a growl too.
“I’m not that old.” Ian grumbled.
~ ~ ~
Cassidy slid down into the black leather seat and buckled her safety belt. Ian reached up and folded the canvas convertible top back, then started the sleek machine.
“Wendi is going to be so pissed at me. She loves this damn car.” Cassidy laughed.
“So do I!” Ian grinned and shoved the gear shift into reverse.
Cassidy was impressed with the handling and power of the tiny car as they maneuvered down the winding roads of the mountain, going much faster than Cassidy would have ever driven herself. But, considering Ian grew up on those roads she felt safe on the thrill ride down the mountain.
“Where are we going?”
“It’s classified.” God I love her!
“As in you’ll have to kill me if you tell me?”
“Yeah, I’d have to tickle you to death.” One blond eyebrow raised up and a sheepish grin crossed her face. Even in the darkness of the night Cassidy could see her face.
“I see. Well, in that case I guess I’ll just be surprised. I wouldn’t want to cause you to crash.” She laughed.
A few minutes later the Lotus stopped in front of a small building. Cassidy noticed a few women standing together outside. The miniature neon sign above the door read: Sally & Susie's.
“Have you ever been here?” Cassidy asked as she shut the door. Ian caught up with her and grabbed her hand.
“Yes, but it was about two years ago, I was home from college one Summer. Anyway, I haven’t been anywhere except the Snow Drift since my parents died. I’ve sort of been in the spotlight since they announced that I was now the head of the company. And, well, I couldn’t afford to be outed, plus my picture was all over the newspaper in the entire state. I have to…had to be careful.”
“Are you sure you want to do this? We can go somewhere else, or stay at the house. You know I don’t care as long as I’m with you.”
Ian leaned over and pressed her lips to Cassidy’s in a soft, endearing kiss with a touch of unrequited love in her eyes, on top of the smoldering passion between her legs. “I love you and I don’t care who knows anymore.”
“Mm, that’s good because I love you too.” Cassidy winked playfully.
They made their way through the small crowd of women. Some were sitting at tables, some were dancing in each others arms, some were kissing in the corner, Cassidy figured at least thirty women were in there. The bar ran along the entire back wall, two pool tables were across from the door where the tables and chairs were. The dance floor took up the entire middle and a small stage was on the other side of the dance floor, opposite the bar. The place was fairly dark and smelled of stale smoke and beer.
“”What can I get you ladies?” The bartender was a little shorter than Ian with short curly red-hair.
“Southern Comfort on the rocks.” Ian turned to Cassidy with a questioning look.
“Oh I’ll have the same thanks.” Ian cocked her head to the side. “I’ve been drinking that since the night we met.” She shrugged.
“Can I see your ID’s please?” Cassidy laughed, but deep down it felt nice to still be carded at thirty. The older woman handed Cassidy’s back to her, but continued to study Ian’s.
“Is there a problem? I’m well over twenty-one.” Ian tried to hide her annoyance.
“No. No problem. I haven’t seen you in here in a while Miss Wiley, I’m sorry to hear about your parents.” She handed the plastic card back to the blond.
“Thanks.” As soon as the woman walked away to pour their drinks Ian let out a long sigh.
�
��I’m sorry honey.” Cassidy squeezed the warm hand that she was holding.
“Don’t be. I’ve come along way since the accident, but I haven’t really been out around town you know. It’s like going through it all over again when the people in town recognize me and want to give their condolences. My parent’s were well liked in this community.” She took a sip of her drink when the red-haired woman set it on the bar. “I just hope my coming out doesn’t ruin their reputation.”
“Let’s let the world run its course. Ian you’ve already taken the biggest step of all, you came out to the company and then told them about us.”
“Yeah, but I can control the company and what gets said.” She took another sip. “Here’s to us, and who gives a shit who finds out. I love you Cassidy.” They clinked glasses.
“I love you too Ian.” Cassidy took a long swallow of the bourbon. The DJ slowed the dance floor down with ‘How do I live without you?’. Cassidy leaned against her lover. “Dance with me.” Ian sat her glass down and tugged on the tiny hand she was holding.
Cassidy thread her arms around Ian’s neck, her fingers teased the short blond hair. Ian wrapped her arms around the brunette’s waist with her hands caressing the small of her back. Half of the crowd was watching the adorable couple swaying in the center of the room. Anyone with a pair of eyes could tell they were in love. Ian leaned her head slightly forward to claim sweet lips with a heated kiss. Their tongues explored one another as the dance continued.
Just Me Page 16
