“Thank you, sir,” she said, ending our conversation.
A few minutes later, I entered the boardroom where everyone else was already seated around the table.
“Since Mr. Michaels has arrived, we can get this meeting started,” Mr. Hobson said from the head of the U-shaped table. He was our chief operating officer, and second in command whenever Jacob wasn’t available.
“First off, I want to hear each of your ideas on how we can diversify Turner Enterprises more. I’ve noticed in independent reports that in today’s racial climate bigger companies are getting inquiries from potential employees about diversity, and we want to make sure that we are being sensitive to the issue, as well as be ahead of the curve,” he said looking around the room for a response.
Mark bit the bullet and was the first one to speak. “I’ve always raised the question about what needs to be done to increase diversity at Turner. It sometimes feels as if there is quite a bit of attention given to the women’s issues and less about the question of race in the industry. I’ve always wondered if one area of progression hurts the other area or if we will get anything accomplished by advancing both and achieving diversity for all, women and people of color at the same time.”
“That is a very good point, Mr. Andrews. One achievement doesn’t have to overshadow the other, if both will bring diversity to our company. A good thing would be to implement a tangible initiative to show our employees that we are diverse already and that we are making strides to be receptive of people from all walks of life,” Mr. Hobson said.
“We are a global company and we must stay on top of our game at all times to infiltrate other construction companies that think like they’re in the 60s. They can’t compete with us, when we have a team of happy, engaged employees, Mark added.
“I must admit that this all sounds great,” I began. “But from a quality standpoint, I want the most qualified person in each position. To me, it doesn’t matter if that person is red, blue or pink. I just want an efficiently run construction site where everyone focuses on quality. If that means we have to–”
“We can have quality and diversity,” Mr. Hobson said, cutting me off. “That’s why we are dumping another ten million dollars into the scholarship fund. We want trained and qualified people.”
“I have no qualms with that. One of the main reasons I’ve been here as long as I have is because of our commitment to equality for all people. That’s very important to me,” I said and smiled in Mr. Hobson’s direction. “Here are my thoughts on it: As a start, we should first outline how we are already set apart from our competition. We can ensure the best win in this area by doing a review of all pay and advancement opportunities and address anything that doesn’t add up correctly. We want to make sure the wealth and opportunities are distributed by merit, but proportionately too. Secondly, I think we should review the education levels that our employees have reached and make sure we’re utilizing each person to the best of their potential.”
“Yeah, it’s quite possible that we could have someone sitting on a degree for a position that we’re advertising for and we’re just not utilizing our resources,” Mark said.
“Like what happened in accounting last year with Julia. She had a master’s degree and wasn’t offered the management position over a new hire,” I added.
“Excellent points,” Mr. Hobson said as he peered at his secretary who was jotting down notes as we spoke. “These are things we all know we should be doing, but in the day-to-day activities doing the right thing can get lost in translation. Maggie, I want you to start compiling the data of employee education levels and salaries and have it ready for our next meeting.”
“Yes, sir,” Maggie said as she continued scribbling in her notepad.
Others at the table added their input here and there before the meeting ended two hours later with everyone in agreement of solid plans to enhance our benefits packages, create a more diverse environment for our employees to work in, and expand our territory by being more inclusive. Mr. Hobson also reminded us that it was mandatory that all higher ups be at the annual masquerade ball next week.
I left the board room and headed to my office to finish up the project I was working on. The meeting was a drain, and I needed to relax. Hell, after the confusing month I had at home, I decided to pour up a double scotch from my stash. I downed the contents of my glass, grabbed my suit jacket and left the building. Thirty minutes later, I pulled into the JTC Kitchen & Bar parking lot to sit at the bar for a while before I went home.
As I turned off the ignition, I noticed the light blinking on my cell phone for a missed call. I called voicemail and listened to Ruby’s voice.
“Hey love,” her sweet voice started. “I was wondering if you would be home for dinner tonight. I’m making your favorite, roast beef with veggies. Call me back when you get this message. I love you,” she added in a tentative voice.
I smiled at the thought of finishing where we started last night.
Just a few drinks and I’ll be there, Ruby.
“Why, hi there Ronan. Ruby let you out the house tonight,” Shauntay’s friend, Serenity, said and giggled as I walked to the door. Then, she turned toward the door to walk in with me.
“I left the office and came here to have a few drinks. How are you doing tonight?” I said as I opened the door and ushered her into the restaurant by placing my hand at the small of her back.
“I’m doing well. Just waiting on my food order and then it’s to the house and to bed as soon as possible,” she said weakly. On second look, she looked washed and desperate for the closest bed.
“Girl, you look like you could really use some rest,” I told her, as the waiter came up to us asking how many was in our party. “We’re here separately, and I’m going to the bar,” I said.
“I have a to-go order, so I need to go to the bar, as well,” Serenity said as we both walked to the bar. She went to one end to retrieve her order and I sat by the TV to hang out for a while. “Well, it was nice seeing you Ronan. Tell Ruby I said hi,” said Serenity, as she was leaving.
“Sure will,” I said with a wave.
Lively R&B music was performed by a new live band. I scanned the restaurant for familiar faces. I couldn’t deny the fact that I hoped I’d run into Misty Crewe on one of my many trips to this bar. But I was glad I didn’t see her and that I saw a family friend, instead.
“What can I get you to drink?” the bartender asked as he came to stand before me.
“I would like a scotch neat, no ice, and no water,” I said.
He wasted no time in filling my drink order. When I took my first sip, I waited for the burn to hit the back of my throat. I relished the burn and next time ordered a double.
“Someone is drinking away their troubles,” I heard a softly spoken voice say behind me. I froze momentarily before I turned around on my barstool and faced the beautiful and sexily-dressed Misty Crewe who looked even more beautiful and refreshed than the last time I saw her.
“Hi,” I said. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
“Hi,” she said as she sat down on the barstool beside me. “Well, I was hoping to see you again,” she admitted freely.
I was hoping to see you again, too.
Renegade thoughts I dared to say ran through my mind. I swiveled my barstool around to face forward. “Bartender give this lady whatever she’d like and put it on my tab,” I said instead.
“Thank you, Mr. Michaels. I could really use a drink right about now,” she said as a worried look entered her otherwise dazzling eyes.
“What can I get you to drink, pretty lady?” asked the bartender. His eyes raked over Misty’s low-cut bodice that exposed her ample cleavage, and an unexplainable current of uneasiness flowed through me.
Me, jealous over any other woman that my sweet Ruby. No.
It was impossible for me to feel that way about another woman. Yet, there was this feeling.
“I would like a long island ice tea, pleas
e, and make it strong. I need it after the week I’ve had,” she replied.
“What’s going on with you?” I asked her and turned my thoughts away from the reason I was finding solace at the bottom of a glass of alcohol. Ruby.
I gave Misty my full attention.
“The airlines I worked for called us in first thing Monday morning and had a meeting with all of the flight attendants. My immediate supervisor informed us that they were having immediate cutbacks and five of our flight attendants would be laid off immediately,” she let out an exasperated sigh.
“I am so sorry to hear that,” I gave her a concerned look as the bartender sat her drink down in front of her and she took a healthy sip from her glass.
“Yeah, me too,” she replied. “Guess who made the first cut in getting laid off?”
“You did.”
“I sure did. After giving the airlines so many years of my dedicated service, I feel like a disposable piece of shit,” she said.
“There are other airlines that I’m sure will grab you up,” I said trying to encourage her.
“The thing is all of the airlines have been cutting back lately and they just aren’t hiring. When things pick up, I’m one of the first on the list for them to call back, but what am I going to do in the meantime? I have bills to pay and an unemployment check isn’t going to cut it,” she said bitterly.
An idea dawned on me and slowly began to take shape. “My secretary just went on maternity leave and I haven’t gotten around to replacing her. I was supposed to consult with the temp service that my office usually uses, but I have been so busy and caught up in my own troubles that I never got around to it. Do you have any type of office skills?” I asked.
She smiled and looked into my eyes as a sparkle of hope entered hers. “I have good spoken and communication skills and I am a master at time management, if I do say so myself. I also can type around fifty five words per minute. I’m good with most office software. I also am a stickler for accuracy and I pay attention to detail,” she said. “If there is anything else I need to know, I am a quick learner if given the chance.”
I was quiet for a moment as I studied her. Did I really want this toxically beautiful woman roaming my workplace, knowing I’d see her every day and possibly travel down the road my feelings were leading to with her? Yeah, there was no need of me lying to myself; it was something about her feisty attitude that reminded me of Ruby when she was younger.
I can control myself, because I know who I love. And, I’ll be helping someone who's down on their luck.
“If you want the job as my secretary temporarily, it is yours,” I offered.
“Oh my God, Mr. Michaels, are you really offering me a job? I can’t believe this!”
“Yes, Misty, I am truly offering you a temporary job that will run for about two months,” I said, wanting to make sure I clarified that the position was temporary. “That should give you enough time to find something more solid.”
“Wow,” she said, still unable to process the turn of events.
She slipped down from her barstool and threw her arms around my neck. Her smell enveloped my senses and caused a tightening in my loins as her ample bosom and hard twin nipples pushed against my chest. I could feel her warmth through my lightweight suit jacket and shirt. Sweat trickled down the side of my temple before my arms wrapped around her of their own volition.
Misty felt at home in my arms, until I remembered where I was, who I was, and where my home was. I was a married man who shouldn’t have felt so comfortable holding another woman in my arms.
My arms quickly released her, and her arms reluctantly retracted from my neck. Amidst the crowded bar, she pulled back and peered into my eyes. Her brown slanted eyes drew me in like a magnet. I stalked her voluptuous, shiny, glossed lips. My mouth watered at the thought of what her lips tasted like. I wondered what they would feel like wrapped around my shaft.
Were they as sweet and soft as they looked?
“Have you had dinner, Mr. Michaels, or can I call you Ronan?” Misty asked drawing me out of my reverie.
“No, I mean, yes. Well, I haven’t eaten and yes you can call me Ronan,” I admitted as I remembered I hadn’t eaten since the lunch Ruby packed for me.
“Let’s get a table,” she suggested. “I really would like to know more about the man who so generously offered me a job. I hope you know that I can never repay you for your kindness,” she added as I stood and walked over to one of the empty tables in the restaurant.
I held an empty seat out for Misty and pushed her up closer to the table before taking my own seat directly across from her.
“You don’t have to repay me, ever,” I said, resuming our conversation.
Her Asian slanted eyes held me momentarily entranced. Their exotic beauty pulled me in and I lost myself willingly in her gaze. I found the strength to eventually tear my eyes away from her sexiness and raise my hand to signal a waiter to order our food.
Misty smiled and fluttered her eyes under long lashes. I was pretty sure she knew she was drawing me into her web, and I didn’t even try to put the brakes on to stop it. The air was clear between Ruby and I, but my mind rationalized that if she could keep secrets, so could I.
“There goes that frown again,” Misty said drawing me out of my troubled thoughts. “Do you want to talk about what’s bothering you?” she asked reaching across the table to rub my arm soothingly.
It went against everything I believed in to feel that way for a new woman. There was something about Misty that made me comfortable, even if I hadn’t known her for a long time. Besides being gorgeous, she was forward and genuine, which pulled me in deeper. She made me feel as if I could tell her, a mere stranger, anything and she wouldn’t judge me.
I breathed deeply and opened my mouth as my sufferings spilled out like there was no ending to the troubled waters.
“I’m having some problems in my marriage. My wife…Ruby, who used to be so warm and loving hasn’t wanted me to touch her lately. She flinches away from me like I am a horrible stranger when I try to touch her. It’s like she wants me to turn on and off, whenever it suits her,” I relived the anger and frustration that tried to overtake me once again as I thought about how Ruby had changed. “I’m her husband, damn it!”
“I’m sorry you are having trouble with your wife,” Misty said with sympathy in her voice. “If you were mine, you would never have to be concerned about where my loyalty lies,” she added looking into my eyes.
I shifted in my seat and adjusted my tie. “I shouldn’t have brought you into my personal life. It’s inappropriate given that you will be working for me soon,” I said as I refocused the conversation.
“No, no, Ronan. It’s obvious that you needed someone to talk to, so don’t you dare apologize for opening up to me. I know you haven’t known me long, but you will see that I’m more than willing to be your listening ear,” Misty said as she smiled at me.
The waitress brought our plates of food and sat them before us, which broke our eye contact. We ate our meals in a comfortable silence for a while until our hunger was appeased.
“Ronan, can I tell you something and promise me that you won’t think I’m strange?” Misty asked.
“I promise,” I said looking into her warm brown eyes. “What do you want to tell me?”
“It feels like I’ve known you my entire life. I’ve never felt like this about anyone.”
“I feel the same way,” I said. “But I’m going to be honest with you, Misty. You remind me so much of Ruby in our early years of dating and our marriage. It’s not so much of you looking like her. It’s the way you carry yourself. I haven’t met a woman who has ever been able to do that besides Ruby, until now. I hope you aren’t offended,” I added.
“Of course not, Ronan. I’m far from offended. Dare I say I’m a bit flattered? She’s a lucky woman to be married to you. Do you have children?” asked Misty.
“Yes, we have a son and daughter,” I said feeling at e
ase as I thought about my beautiful children.
“I saw how your eyes lit up when you spoke of them,” she said. “How old are they?” She seemed genuinely interested in knowing more about my kids.
“Yasmine, who is my oldest, is eight years old and my son, Benedict, is six,” I said in the voice of a proud father.
“Yasmine is such a beautiful name and Benedict is a strong name for a boy who will one day grow up to be just as upstanding of a man as his father is,” she said.
“Thank you.”
My cell phone began buzzing.
“Sorry,” I said before removing my phone from its clip to see who was calling.
My home number appeared on the screen. I hadn’t returned Ruby’s call and forgot she said she was cooking dinner.
Looking at the spread of food before me, I dismissed the call and shut off my phone before returning it to my waistband.
“You could have answered your phone,” Misty said. “I wouldn’t have minded.”
“I know, but I’ll return that call later,” I said. “Since you know a little about me, Misty, will you tell me something about yourself?” I asked.
“Of course, Ronan, what would you like to know?”
“Anything you decide to tell me would be great. I am not picky,” I said with a chuckle.
“I’m twenty six years old and the only child of my Asian mother who had an affair with a married black man. He didn’t want to have anything to do with my mother once he found out she was pregnant with me, so I have never known my father. I do know that I have two brothers and one sister that I’ve never met, nor do I care to. If a man who fathered me didn’t want anything to do with an innocent baby, then surely I want nothing to do with him.” She shrugged her shoulders as if it didn’t matter, but I could see the hurt look that resided in her eyes.
We talked for hours that night learning little tidbits about each other’s lives. Beyond my attraction, I felt like I gained a friend by the time we said our goodbyes.
I walked her to her car and saw her safely inside before she pulled out of the parking garage. I watched the twinkling of her car’s taillights as she disappeared into the late night traffic.
To The Woman He Loves Page 9
