Simon reclined in his chair and stared at the ceiling. Good thing Corella reminded me about Thursday. There’s no way I would ever flake on Marcus—not after everything he’s done for me. Besides, it’s high-time I started giving back again.
He punched the numbers on the desk phone to cease the red light flashing on it. He stiffened at the high-pitched saccharine voice in the first voicemail.
Hi, Simon. He peered at the wall hanging of a black figure brandishing a swivel chair like a sword. I’m in New York, and I was hoping we could catch up.
A knot twisted at the base of his neck and his heart raced out of control. Shutting his eyes, he hit the erase key and inhaled until the beating settled.
Chapter 2
A Working Dinner
“Is Toni aware of this little man-crush you got goin’ on?” Regina couldn’t hold her tongue any longer. She’d watched her brother patter around for the last 20
minutes talking about the mythical Simon Young. “I mean, really, should we sacrifice a virgin or somethin’ to commemorate his arrival?”
“Ha, you really think you’re a riot?”
Reclining in big brother’s office chair, Regina fluffed her coils and smirked. “Yup.”
“Look, Gina, Simon and I weren’t only college roommates, we had each other’s backs when it came to dealing with some of those white, privileged assholes around campus.” He pulled freshly-printed paper out of the machine. “And he and I did some pretty significant things together in the surrounding area.” Marcus motioned to the wall behind him, where a multitude of award plaques he’d earned while in law school hung. Regina briefly skimmed the wall before inspecting her nails for any manicure flaws. “He’s smart and dedicated. He may have forgotten for a minute, but now he’s here, and we’re damn lucky to have him.”
Regina snickered and continued needling her brother, a skill she’d honed over the years. “Yeah, yeah. I’m sure he walks on water and all that.” She glanced at the clock next to the Afrocentric poster of Martin Luther King, Barack Obama, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela and Bob Marley on the wall. She was irked at the reminder of how sexist pro-black culture can be but decided to continue to test Marcus’ patience than go into a debate about the cross-cultural erasure of black women. “So, where’s your wunderkind? I thought he was on time all the time?”
Marcus caught his bottom lip between his teeth and looked down at his watch. “He’ll be here. Let’s just go wait in the conference room. Trust me. You’re gonna be impressed.”
***
Simon hiked the strap of his black backpack further up his shoulder and raced up the subway steps. He zigged-zagged between pedestrians at a hurried pace, stopping only to scan the bustling street, searching for the “large red brick building” Marcus described. He glanced down at the GPS on his phone and let out a sigh. The center wasn’t far, but even at break-neck speed, he was going to be at least 3-5 minutes late. I’m gonna have to leave work even earlier and make up the time.
He saw the same numbers on the business card Marcus gave him brandished on the brick building across the street. He switched his gaze between it and the little red man on the traffic light. The speed of the cars made jaywalking a hazardous endeavor. Simon’s constructed apologies in his mind with each flash of the red figure until its white counterpart appeared. He raced across the lanes. Entering the glass door, he was greeted by a young woman with a bright smile.
“Hello. How can I help you?”
“Hi, I’m here to meet with Marcus Kent. My name is Simon Young.”
The receptionist gave him the once over, wheeled her chair closer to the desk and took the phone receiver in her hand. “Sign in please.” She flipped her long curly hair and pointed to a clipboard with a flirty smile. “I’ll let him know that you’re here.”
“Thank you.” His backpack made a quiet thump on the floor. Instead of exploring the woman’s obvious interest like he normally would, Simon paced the small welcome area lined with resin chairs along the windowed walls and focused on calming his panting. It was nothing like the large complex maze of floors at the massive law firm, but it was someplace that offered him a chance to do more than acquisitions.
It’s going to be great working with Marcus again. They’d managed to get their degrees and pass the bar while helping the high-needs communities surrounding their law school. They founded two after-school programs in Boston that were still operating. Marcus and he also assisted legal teams that helped liberate at least five unjustly imprisoned people. It was all fulfilling.
“You can go in, sir.” The receptionist twirled a curl around her finger. “Just go down the corridor to the conference room. It’s the last door.”
“Thanks.” The conference room was already full of people standing and chatting in clusters as well as a few who sat sipping from paper coffee cups. Simon searched for Marcus’ familiar face. He noticed the young man from the restaurant, whose head loomed over everyone else’s. There’s—what’s his name—Jeremy. The way he stuck to Marcus at the restaurant, he has to be in here somewhere. Marcus’s wave caught Simon’s attention.
“Okay everyone,” Marcus called out over the chatter, “please sit. We’re going to get started.”
People began to circle the long conference table to sit in what appeared to be predetermined seating. The air rushed out of Simon from another firm handshake and hug from Marcus, who then turned his friend to face the seated crowd.
“Everyone, this is Simon Young. He’s agreed to do some pro bono work for us. He is a brilliant attorney. I thought he would be a good addition to the advisory board.”
A chorus of welcomes filled the room. Simon adjusted the strap of his backpack and stood in a confident stance. “Hello, everyone. It’s great to be here, and I’m excited at the prospect of engaging in some substantial work with all of you.” He noticed that Jeremy was not yet seated. The young man strolled around the table, landing his lanky frame next to an extremely stunning woman. Her heart-shaped face framed full lips, a Nubian nose and sparkling upturned russet eyes. An explosion of black coils crowned her head, and her flawless brown skin glowed.
“Just grab a seat anywhere, man. You can introduce yourself to everyone after the meeting.” Marcus took his place at the head of the conference table, right next to the woman, who cast a radiant smile at him.
To his chagrin, Simon realized that the only seat available was at the far end of the conference table, probably the furthest from the beauty. He walked around the room, unable to keep from staring at her, making it necessary to issue multiple apologies as he hit the backs of chairs along the way. His awkwardness caught her attention along with everyone else’s. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and she pursed her full lips as she and the rest of the room watched him make his way to his seat. Great. I’ve managed to look like a complete idiot. He glanced at Marcus, who looked at him with a cocked eyebrow.
Marcus squinted at the sheepish grin Simon offered. “Okay, I was recently made aware of a new grant opportunity.” He flipped through a stack of papers in front of him as he spoke. Simon struggled to keep track of what was being said. His attention remained doggedly stuck on the woman. She sat regally poised in the chair, taking notes as Marcus spoke.
“It’s highly competitive, but I think we have a shot at getting it if the proposal is really tight with a dynamic narrative. Regina, your flair for prose will be a great asset.”
So, that’s her name? How appropriate. I heard it before somewhere but where? Get a grip. She’s not the first pretty face you’ve seen.
“Maybe you can lead the proposal writing team?” Marcus passed the papers to Regina.
scanned them. The pensive expression on her face made her even more striking, if that was possible. Simon chided himself inwardly. Why was she having such a strange effect on me?
“I can contribute some content, but there are a ton of specifics that require a level of technical writing that is beyond the scope of my abilities. I’ll need someone wit
h the right skill sets to execute this proposal.”
“I think I can help with that, Regina.” Confidence burgeoned in Simon’s chest. He was quite proficient at grant writing, giving him chance to redeem himself from his earlier buffoonery.
Regina shot him a wary gaze across the table. “Are you sure you want to jump into a project like this on your first day volunteering? It can be overwhelming and requires a lot of commitment.”
Simon sat straight and smoothed his tie. She may be gorgeous, but I’m not gonna sit here and let anyone impugn my abilities. He opened his mouth.
“This is definitely in Simon’s wheelhouse, Gina,” Marcus interjected. She fixed her doubtful stare on him; her tapping resumed and quickened in cadence. “It’s similar to proposals we completed to fund projects in Boston, so his expertise on the team will raise the potential of us getting it.” The beating sound dominated the room. It was obvious that no one would dare impose their opinion on the duo staring each other down as if they were about to draw guns at high noon.
“Fine.” The papers glided across the shiny wood. Simon stopped them before they flew off the table. Her accuracy at aiming the papers so they reached him without breaking her stare-off with Marcus was admirable.
“But you know how important this funding is,” said Regina with undertones of warning.
“I do, and I’ve every confidence that you two will produce exactly what we need.”
Simon raised an eyebrow. The strain in Marcus’ voice was unusual. He was not one to tolerate being challenged, especially when he was in charge. It was surprising how he handled Regina questioning his judgement with so much reserve. She was indeed an intriguing woman.
Simon scanned the room. Some people continued to watch the showdown while others shot him a sympathetic glance.
Jeremy’s long fingers settled on Regina’s arm; she turned her head as he leaned in to whisper quietly in her ear. An irrational pang of jealousy poked at Simon.
“I can help with the content edits and proofing, Marcus.” Jeremy’s crackling voice grated Simon’s nerves even more than before.
“Looks like you’ve got your team, Gina.” Marcus lunged from his chair, ratcheting the tense atmosphere. “Email me your timeline, and let me know when you want to organize a review panel.”
While the board members were clearly on pins and needles, Regina seemed unfazed by Marcus’s imposing physique towering over her. “Of course. Will there be a dining budget, or do you just want us to pick a few leaves from the trees out front?”
Marcus’s lips formed a thin line. “Submit the receipts to Graciella,” he quipped before heading towards the door. It wasn’t until it closed behind him that anyone dared move. The room quickly filled with voices that faded as people began emptying into the hall.
Simon set his backpack on the table and began to stuff the papers into it when a voice came from behind him. “Hello, Simon.” He turned. A short, balding man stood with an outstretched hand. “Harold Reynolds, it’s nice to have you on board.” Simon peered over the man’s head and spotted Regina hooking her handbag in the crook of her arm and walking behind the row of chairs. She stopped briefly to respond to someone while eyeing her phone and the doorway. She passed the two men, not even acknowledging their existence.
Simon grasped Harold Whoever’s forearm and shook. “Thanks. Will you excuse me?” He turned and made a beeline to Regina without waiting for a reply. “Regina?” She stopped and waited for him to reach her.
“So, you’re Simon?” She crossed her arms and sized him up. “I have to say you’re not at all like I pictured,” she jibed while resuming her progress out the door.
“You know me?” He followed her, struggling to respectfully refrain from ogling her plump, round bottom as she walked in front of him; it was tough. Eyes up! The last thing you want is to come off as a lecherous creep on top of being a dork. He quickened his pace and walked beside her as soon as they were out of the corridor.
“My brother has mentioned you quite a bit over the years, more so in the past week. He’s been excited about you joining the advisory committee.”
Simon held his forehead. That’s where I’ve heard the name. “You’re Marc’s little sister.”
“Younger sister. I guess he hasn’t mentioned me nearly as much.” Simon gently caught her arm. They stood in the middle of the waiting room, eye to eye, with people buzzing around them.
“No, he has. You’re a writer. You work at a newspaper.” Simon stared at the ceiling as if the name he was searching for was there. “The—”
“Not any more. I’ve my own blog now.”
His gaze returned to her face. “That sounds great.”
“It is.” Regina tilted her head as she smiled. She put a hand on her hip. “Marc tells me you work for a large firm.”
Simon stuffed his hands into his coat pocket and rocked on his heels. “Yeah. I just started.”
“So, this,” Regina said waving her arm, “must be a stark difference.”
“It is, but this,” Simon mimicked her motion, “is nothing new to me. I’ve done a lot of work in underprivileged communities.”
Regina’s eyebrow shot towards the ceiling. “Slumming?”
“Not as far as I’m concerned. I like to help people.” Simon grinned. “Are you slumming? I’ve been to your parents’ home. You were definitely not brought up in the hood.”
Regina opened her mouth and then clamped it shut “That’s a fair enough observation, Young.” She pulled her phone from her handbag and slid one manicured finger across the screen as she moved closer to him. “Why don’t you drop call my number so we can arrange for our first meeting?”
A flowery smell from her springy coils wafted into his nose and fogged his mind. He shook his head and retrieved his phone from his suit pocket. No way he wanted to be caught off guard around this woman again. “Sure.” Simon took a step towards Regina, accidentally bumping his arm against hers. He felt the warmth rushing up his neck. “When would you like to start?”
“Well, we still need to coordinate with J.”
“J?”
“Jeremy.”
“Oh, yes. Jeremy.” Simon plugged the numbers on Regina’s screen into his phone. Their hands brushed, sending an electric charge through his arm and body. The goosebumps he spied bursting on Regina’s arm made him want to see where they ended.
He called the new number. Regina stared at him. “What?” He flashed a self-assured smile.
“You’re all red.”
“Am I?”
“Yeah.” Regina leaned to one side of his head. “Especially around your ears.”
Simon rubbed an earlobe and grunted. “I guess the heat here is a little too high.”
“Yeah, I bet that’s it. You know,” Regina said with a mischievous glint in her eyes, “we won’t really need Jeremy’s help until we’re at the editing stage, and having to arrange schedules with one less person will make things easier.”
As if on cue, Simon noticed Jeremy emerging from Marcus’s office down the hall. Oh, not now, man. “I agree. Why take him away from Marcus until it’s absolutely necessary?” He pressed his palm against Regina’s upper back and guided her towards the door. “I’m sure the two of us can get things done.”
Not wanting to take a chance that Jeremy would find them, he guided her a little down the block before waving for a cab. “How about dinner?”
“We could stay here and order in. Marcus gave us a food budget.”
He saw Jeremy peering over the heads of the passersby, searching up and down the street. Come on. What, did he put a GPS implant in her or somethin’? To his relief, a cab stopped in front of them just as they were spotted by Stretch. “I would prefer a nice restaurant.” Simon opened the door. “We can make it a workin’ dinner. I know a great place.”
“That sounds good.”
“Regina!” The sound of Jeremy’s bellow drifted into the cab just as Simon slammed it shut.
“Is someone cal
ling me?”
“I didn’t hear anything.” Simon threw an arm over the back of cab seat. “What’s up man,” he said to the driver while tapping the headrest, “let’s hit it.” He watched with satisfaction as Jeremy’s tall body shrunk in the distance. There was no shaking his attraction to this woman, and he was going to do whatever it took to explore it further—without a third wheel.
His gut flipped when the traffic light switched from red to yellow. There’s no way he’ll catch up to us.
“Regina!” Her name seeped through the windows. The couple gazed out the back in unison. Simon clenched his fist. There Jeremy was, running towards them.
“Look, there’s J.” Regina sighed. She waved in the back window.
Jeremy reached and banged on the trunk of the cab after only a few strides of his long legs.
You’ve gotta be kidding me. Simon’s blank stare hid the irritation stirring inside him.
Jeremy approached the passenger door. Simon rolled down the window just a crack.
“Hey guys. Where’re you goin’,” Jeremy panted. Beads of sweat dripped down the sides of his head and disappeared into the wetness of his dress shirt.
“Dinner.”
“Are you talking about the grant proposal? I can join you.” Before Simon could tell him just where he could go, Jeremy jumped into the cab’s front passenger seat.
Simon read the text message that chimed on his phone as the cab moved past the greenlight.
Regina: Some other time?
He glanced over to her and was greeted by sympathetic eyes. He then peered at Jeremy’s head bobbing in the front seat.
Note to self. Use faster cabs.
Chapter 3
Can You Go Somewhere?
Simon leaned in the high-back executive chair at the head of the boardroom table, glowering at Jeremy, who stood over a seated Regina. She was so deeply engrossed in proofing the grant proposal draft that she didn’t even notice how closely Jeremy was positioned next to her, but it wasn’t lost on him.
My Way to You (Brothers in Law Book 1) Page 2
