by Mia Moore
As she finished her coffee, from the bathroom was the sound of the shower running and a louder, slightly off key, voice singing ‘The Lady in Red’.
She smiled.
****
At precisely eleven A.M., Annik was shown into Tom’s corner office. Large windows afforded a panoramic view of the city and in the distance was Lake Ontario. The room was a mossy green color which complimented the golden oak desk, cabinets and credenza. Tom rose to his feet as she walked in, extending his hand to her, welcoming her in a warm quick embrace.
The files which she had given him before he left his home that morning, sat on the desk.
“Well, honey, in the clear light of day…” he paused.
“Oh no. What Tom? Are you having second thoughts?”
“In the clear light of day, this deal looks even better.” He grinned. “I’m more excited about this now than I was last night. Maybe it’s because I slept so well…” They silently nodded to each other. “Anyway, I’ve had two people on this all morning. They got up firmer numbers for a full renovation of the property and did a down and dirty title search—just to make sure that Helen and Bill are in fact the owners—and there are no liens against the property. We kicked around a few ideas on how to structure it to keep as much cash on hand to get it going.” He took another sheaf of paperwork from his desk. “Look at these, and tell me what you think.”
For a few minutes the room was quiet as she read. Her eyes shot up. “You’re going to bring Helen and Bill in as partners?”
“It’s a proposal. We give them a cool million up front, and they take a draw against future earnings until Pandora’s goes fully online. And their draw is in the ballpark, with what they’re taking out of the place now. And they have a twenty percent interest in Pandora’s.”
“But…”
“Keep reading, Angel. Man, I like calling you ‘Angel’, Angel. Sexist as hell, but hey—I digress. Keep reading.”
Like a schoolgirl, she bent her head to the file. “Oh.” Her eyes raised again. “Oh! Oh Tom!”
“Yeah, you retain control—you have fifty-one percent, I have twenty-nine, and the Vanderbergs have the remaining twenty. So, yeah, Pandora’s becomes yours. Forever, baby it’s yours. Think they’ll go for it?”
She thought for a moment and slowly nodded. “Yes I do. They basically want a bundle of cash as an inheritance. I think we have a good shot.”
“Especially when you sell them on the grandeur of what you’re going to do with the place.”
“Yes, they really liked my ideas. Helen was pretty excited.”
“Okay then. You give them a call and we go to the next stage, try to close up this deal.”
“Sounds like a plan Mister Eldon.” He filled her in on other options in case the Vanderbergs didn’t want to become partners—essentially he would come up with more cash and take over their share. He moved his chair around so they sat next to each other with the paperwork spread out. They talked over the plans—he had some ideas that took her concept to another level.
This was totally fine with her. They both wanted the same thing, for Pandora’s to be the best it could. And to have a partner she loved be part of the process…that was a dream she had never dared to contemplate.
After about an hour, he stretched. “I think that’s a wrap for today, honey. Feel like lunch? I’d like to take my business partner to Porter’s, what do you say?”
“You got it, Partner.” Her wide smile lit up her face. They had worked hard for the last hour, and a break was well deserved. Hard work, but rewarding. Was this how the rest of her life was going to be? If so, then full steam ahead!
“Glad we see eye to eye then.” he said. “Let’s head out. We have a reservation at twelve thirty.” He rose, and took her hand and they went to lunch.
****
Later that afternoon in her apartment… Annik had just hung up the phone from setting up the meeting with Helen and Bill for the following Monday morning, when the phone rang. It was Jessica.
“Hi Jessica!” Her face shone with excitement. There was so much to tell her. She could hardly wait.
“Hey Annik. How are you doing? I didn’t hear from you about getting together for the second part of the interview. Still up for doing it?”
“Oh Jessica. I’m sorry. My life this past week has been crazy busy. I didn’t even think about it.” Her reply sounded like one very long word to her ears.
“Is everything okay? You sound a little… agitated or something. What’s up?” Jessica sounded concerned.
“Oh my God Jessica! The most wonderful thing happened. Tom fired me as his Escort.”
“WHAT? And that makes you happy? I thought you really liked him?” She paused. “Have you been drinking?”
“I feel like I could be drunk. Drunk in LOVE. With Tom. And he loves me too. I’m just…so… happy.” Her feet tapped a happy dance as she talked on the phone. And to share this with her best friend.
“That’s great! I want details. How’d it happen?”
For the next hour, she told Jessica about running into Tom in the restaurant and their evening together. She didn’t mention Pandora’s because that wasn’t in the bag, yet. And it may be bad karma to talk about until the deal was finalized. The conversation ended with an invitation for Jessica and Craig to join Tom and her for dinner.
Again when she hung up, the phone rang. This time it was Tom.
“Hi Tom.” Grinning from ear to ear, she twirled on one foot as she answered the phone.
“Hey gorgeous. I miss you. I’m thinking of leaving early today. It’s Friday after all and I’ve got a hot Bajan queen I’d love to see.”
“You’re resurrecting a tugboat? Can I go with you? I’d love to visit Bridgeport again. It’s been years...but then you already know that with your investigation.” She bit her cheeks, barely able to stifle her laughter.
“What are you talking about? I meant you. You’re the Bajan Queen.” He sounded puzzled.
“Tom, The Bajan Queen was the first tugboat in Barbados. They used it when Bridgetown harbor was constructed. Now it’s lying on the bottom of the bay. I know you meant it as a compliment but really…that’s hysterical.” She broke off, laughing once more.
“Okay smartass. You’ve had your little laugh. I still want to see you tonight.”
She instantly agreed. Like there was anything else she’d rather do? There was no way she wasn’t going to see her Tom. Her Tom. That sounded so good.
When she told Tom about the dinner plans she had made for Saturday with Jessica, he hesitated.
“My place is bigger. How about we do the dinner there? Actually, why not ask Diana and Danny as well. Maybe my sister and Anthony? I’m in love with you and I want to shout it out. Wait! Can we get Jessica to do a piece about us in her magazine? Whadda ya say, Toots?”
“Tom you’re crazy. I love you, but this won’t make it into Jessica’s magazine. It’s pretty short notice but why not throw a dinner party? I’ll call Jessica back and then Diana. You look after your sister. But what will we serve? I better get to a grocery store.”
“Just make the calls and be ready in an hour. Pack for the weekend. I’ll see if Maria will cook the dinner and serve. Don’t worry, she’s a great cook and housekeeper.” he said.
“Ooo… this is going to be such fun. Kind of a coming out as a couple party. I better get going. Calls to make, hot man to get ready for. See you in an hour. Bye.”
They hung up and she called Jessica and then Diana. She lucked out that Diana and Danny were free and of course Jessica didn’t mind at all the change to dinner at Tom’s place. In the time she had left before Tom arrived, she packed clothes and toiletries that she would need for the weekend.
At precisely an hour after she spoke to him on the phone, her buzzer rang. She clicked the intercom, heard his voice and let him in the entrance to the building. Quickly scanning her apartment, her eyes opened wide. It would be the first time he would be in her home. Okay, there
was a bit of dust on the coffee table, a few dishes still in the sink but otherwise the place was pretty clean and tidy. Not as nice as his home of course. Her money went in the bank and wasn’t spent on lavish apartments and furniture. What the hell. It was comfy.
She opened the door to Tom’s twinkling eyes and that damned cute smile. What was he holding behind his back?
With a flourish, he brought his hand forward and presented her with a gift.
“Piglet! Oh Tom. He’s adorable. And I don’t have this one. Thank you so much. Come in.” She stepped back and threw her arms around his neck when he was inside.
He kissed her cheek and murmured in her ear, “I missed you. I know it’s only been a few hours but I can’t get enough of you, now that you’re mine. This is the way I’ve wanted to be with you for so long.”
“I know. I could hardly wait for you to get here. I feel the same way.”She turned her face up to his and kissed him long, her tongue seeking his.
They hugged for a few moments and she said, “Come see where I have the Winnie the Pooh collection. We better put this little fellow with his friends.”
She slipped her hand into his and led him down a short hallway to her office. Inside, on a shelf above her desk was a set of Winnie the Pooh stuffies. Reaching up on her tippy toes she squeezed Piglet in next to Tigger. Tom chuckled at the display, recognizing each of the toys. He had bought them for her on birthdays, Christmas, any special holiday, after she had told him once that Winnie the Pooh was her favorite childhood storybook. She felt his hand stroking her back and turned to see him gazing about the room.
“Would you like the fifty cent tour since you’ve never been at my place?” She smiled up at him.
“Sure.”
She led him into her bedroom and then down the hallway into her small kitchen, the dining and living rooms. He complimented her choice of primitive ‘island’ artwork, her color scheme and the warm inviting space she had created. That was good to hear. Sure she liked it but to hear someone as sophisticated as Tom say he liked it, was gratifying.
She scooted back to her bedroom and picked up her overnight bag, then to the closet for her coat.
He took the bag from her and they left her apartment. When they reached his car, Tom suggested popping into a grocery and liquor store before heading home.
“Our first shopping trip together.” She was gushing and didn’t give a damn. “I’m looking forward to this. Isn’t that lame?”
“Yeah, pretty lame and I’m looking forward to it as well. We’re hopeless.”
He turned into a shopping center, containing a liquor store. When they went in, he grabbed a shopping cart and selected wine, bottles of liquor, and liqueur as they strode through the aisles.
“I’m really not a heavy drinker. It’s been a while since I stocked up.” He looked at her with a sheepish grin.
“Sure, a likely story.” She knew Tom didn’t drink too much, had never been even tipsy in the years she’d known him.
When they finished loading a couple of cases of bottles into the trunk of his car, they headed for a florist farther down the mall. She selected an arrangement that was already on display in the refrigerated case. It was an autumn arrangement of russet, oranges and a splash of deep, red chrysanthemums for accent. She also selected votive candles in a Sandalwood scent for the bedroom. The look on Tom’s face showed that he enjoyed watching her make the selections, playing hostess.
Next stop was the grocery store where they purchased food for the dinner the next evening as well as for their supper that night. They just wanted to stay in, snuggle together and be alone. Enjoy the newness of being a couple. Not with the excited getting to know you nervousness a couple who had just met might feel. Theirs was the comfort of a friendship that had blossomed into love.
Chapter 16
Annik eased out from under the down duvet and slowly placed her feet on the soft carpeting. She stood up and turned to look at Tom. His soft snore confirmed that he was still asleep. He looked so peaceful…and young. There were some lines on his face when he was awake but his skin was firm and his body, trim. Seeing him so relaxed and still, showed youthfulness about his face, his handsome face that she loved.
Softly, she crept downstairs to surprise him with coffee and breakfast in bed. The evening before had been quiet and comfortable. Munching on deli barbecued chicken, assorted salads and sipping a couple of glasses of wine. And talking. There was still so much to learn about each other. He had told her about his sister Bonnie. On one hand it would be great to meet her but on the other hand, what if they didn’t like each other. How would that affect him?
She searched through the cupboards to find the coffee, sugar and items she would need to make breakfast. Everything was organized pretty much the way she organized her own kitchen. A few minutes later fresh coffee was dripping through the coffee maker and butter was sizzling in the pan almost ready for the eggs to be cracked. Multi tasking with bread in the toaster, frying eggs, stirring cream into the coffee, she didn’t hear him enter the room.
As she turned, searching for cutlery, a movement caught her eye and she jumped. “Tom!”
“Look at you, all domestic. I guess you found everything you needed. It smells great. I’m starving.” He walked to her and nuzzled her neck, drawing her body close to his own.
“I was going to surprise you with breakfast in bed. This just feels so right Tom. Cooking breakfast. Waking up together. I know I should be scared, but I’m not. And that kind of scares me.”
He poured a coffee and asked, “Why scared? I know what you mean waking up together. You can cook breakfast for me, anytime.”
She reached for plates and dished the eggs out onto them. He took the toast and buttered the pieces. They moved in synchrony with each other before sitting at the dinette table in the kitchen.
“Well…when I was younger, everything was perfect. I was happy with my parents and doing well in school. Then everything changed, so fast. Now I’m happy again. I have you. Pandora’s looks like it will be mine soon,” She crossed her fingers for luck. “Everything is falling into place and I feel wonderful. Not nervous or scared. It’s the not being scared is what scares me. I’m so happy.”
“I can see why you’d feel like that. But not this time Annik. You’ve got me and I’m not going away. Even if you don’t get Pandora’s, which I’m confident you will by the way, I’m still here.” He paused for a few moments thinking.
“Which brings up the subject of your work. Much as I’m pretty open minded…well I like to think I am, I don’t think I can handle my girlfriend being an Escort.”
She looked in his eyes as he said this. This was bound to come up, sooner or later. If Pandora’s didn’t work out, what would she do? For years, the only hand she could count on to help her, was her own. That independence had become the way she lived. It colored everything she did. And now, he was asking her to change.
“Look, I understand how you feel. Even though lots of times I see clients and there’s no sex, sometimes there is. I think I’m ready to leave that behind. Christ, the only man I want to be with is you. And if we get Pandora’s, problem solved. But what if we don’t? I will not be your kept woman Tom.”
“Who said anything about keeping you? If Pandora’s doesn’t fly, work for me. I could use a smart cookie like you.”
“We both know that would amount to the same thing. I wouldn’t fit into the corporate world…and I don’t want to.” Her heart raced. What if they didn’t get Pandora’s? What would she do? She looked down at the half eaten scrambled eggs on her plate. Suddenly, any appetite was gone. The familiar knot of worry and anguish sat in her stomach like a stone.
“Look, we’ll worry about that later, okay? Pandora’s isn’t the only business for sale. We’ll figure out a way for you to be a business owner…Hey, remember the thing left in Pandora’s box. It was hope. It’ll work out Annik.” he reached across the table and squeezed her hand. His eyes never left her face.
He rose and hugged her close to him. “I love you Annik. Trust me. It will all be okay.”
Hand in hand they climbed the stairs to his bedroom. They made sweet gentle love together. They had passed another hurdle and felt closer than they’d ever been. Annik was now his and his alone. She clung to him, knowing this and cherishing him more than she had ever thought she could.
****
They showered and got dressed. There were preparations, tidying up to do before their dinner guests arrived at six.
It was almost noon when she heard the front door open. Tom was still upstairs puttering about. Her hands were in a sink full of hot sudsy water scouring the frying pan from breakfast when she heard footsteps clacking across the hardwood floor. She turned and saw a pretty, dark haired woman stop at the entrance, a look of surprise on her face.
That must be Tom’s housekeeper Maria. She quickly dried her hands and stepped forward, introducing herself, extending her hand. Oh, this was awkward. Where was Tom? She was standing here in what Maria probably considered her kitchen. Maria would have no clue who she was.
She shook the hand that Maria tentatively held forward and noticed Maria sizing her up with a critical eye. It was understandable that Maria would wonder who she was and maybe even feel a little protective of Tom. There was a big age gap between her and Tom. Maybe Maria thought she was another Marina. When she spoke Annik recognized the accent.
“Encantado de conocerla, senora. Cual es su pais de origen?” Annik said.
She noticed Maria’s face brighten and smile, being addressed in her native language.
“Naci y creci en el Caribe, senorita, com ousted me cree?”
“Esta Senora correcto, pase mi infancia en el Barbados, nos trasladamos a Canada cuando era una nina.” Annik returned, explaining that she had arrived in Canada as a child and was originally from Barbados.
