The parking lot of the office was completely empty with the exception of a few company cars when she returned. She convinced herself not to be scared as she walked into the building and onto the elevator, checking the time. She immediately turned on the radio she kept on her desk to keep her company, logged onto her computer, and got to work on her thesis.
“Now that’s what I call dedication.”
Avery nearly jumped out of her skin. “Ahh!”
Kurt laughed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I thought you saw me walk up.”
Avery clutched her chest and tried to breathe normal. “No, I didn’t.”
“That doesn’t look work-related.” He pointed to her computer screen showing the business Web site she was using as part of her research.
“Um, it’s not,” she said, guiltily. “I guess I’m busted.”
“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me,” he said, smiling.
Damn, even his smile is dazzling.
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want the wrong person to find out and cause a massive e-mail to be sent to everyone about sneaking into the office after hours and doing homework.”
“I won’t mention a word to anyone, not even the she bear,” he said, laughing. “So, what are you working on?”
“My thesis for business stats,” she sighed. “It’s due in about eleven—no, ten—minutes and I’m nowhere near having any idea about what I’ll be doing.”
“Mind if I check it out?” Kurt asked, reaching for Malcolm’s nearby chair and laying his briefcase down.
Avery slid her body over and made room for him beside her, as he removed his suit jacket. She tried to concentrate on the screen as he read, but for some reason, she kept being drawn to him instead. He was clenching his jaw and squinting.
“Do you wear glasses?”
“Huh?” He looked over at her. “No, I don’t.” She then asked, smugly, “Let me rephrase that. Do you need glasses?”
It was his turn to look guilty. “I have been told that I need some visual assistance, but I chose not to.”
Avery shook her head at him. “Wow, you’re that vain that you’d rather go blind than wear some glasses? They also have these new things they invented called contact lenses too, you know?”
“Tried ’em, but they made my eyes dry and kept falling out,” he said as he typed. Avery stared at his perfectly manicured fingers as they hit the keyboard.
“LASIK surgery?” she suggested.
“I considered it, but I’m scared of needles,” he said, still typing.
She laughed. “I don’t think they use needles for that.”
He stopped typing and turned to her. “You want me to have surgery in my eyes and you’re not even gonna put me under? Now I really don’t want it. Paper’s done, check it out.”
Avery leaned in to see what he added to what she had already written. It wasn’t a lot, but it pulled her ideas together and made them flow smoothly. It was just the finishing touch that she needed. She quickly saved it, attached it to an e-mail, and sent it just in time.
“You are a lifesaver,” she told him. “I appreciate this more than you know.”
Kurt stared at her and said, “It was nothing. You had done most of the work already. I just jazzed it up a bit for you.”
“Still, you helped me out,” she said, shrugging.
“Well, you’ve helped me out too. All the work you’ve been doing around here doesn’t go unnoticed, Avery. You mean a lot—I mean, to the department—I mean, the company.”
The room suddenly seemed hot and Avery wondered if it was just her. For some reason, she wished she had chosen a better outfit to put on and done something to her hair. The buzzing of her cell phone was a welcome distraction for both of them. She knew it was Duke without even looking at it and ignored the call.
“Well, you’re all finished here?” Kurt asked.
“Yeah.” Avery nodded slowly.
“I’ll walk you to your car. I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving you here all alone,” he said, standing up.
“What are you doing here so late anyway?” Avery began gathering her things.
“Working,” he told her. “I gotta stay one step ahead of she bear.”
“I didn’t know you guys were in competition. Aren’t you both second-level managers?” Avery reached for her leather jacket.
Kurt helped her put it on. His fingers lightly brushed against her neck and a jolt of electricity went down her spine.
“We are, but Demi has this personal vendetta against all the managers on our team. It’s as if she’s out to get us or prove something to all of us.”
“I don’t think it’s just you,” Avery told him. “I think she feels she has something to prove to everyone, even herself. That’s why she’s the way she is.” Avery thought about the way Demi was teased in high school and the physical changes that she had made.
“You may be right, but when it comes to people like that in business, you’ve always gotta stay one step ahead of the game. Which is why I’m here this late.”
“Thanks again,” Avery said when they arrived at her car. “Where are you parked?”
“Well, my car is in the shop so I’m driving a company car this week.”
“Wow, being a manager does have its privileges.” She unlocked her door and got in. “Us regular folks would have had to bum a ride or get a rental.”
“I tell you what, the next time you need to bum a ride, call me,” he said, smiling. “And hey, if you need any more help with your project, holler at me. I’m not trying to brag, but a brother did get an A plus.”
“An A plus?”
“Okay, an A. But if they did give pluses in grad school, I would’ve gotten one.”
“If you say so,” Avery replied. “Thanks again and see you tomorrow.”
“Drive home safely,” he said and stepped back so she could shut her door. He turned and headed toward the nearby white Ford Focus bearing the Jennings International name and logo. That is one fine man, Avery thought as she watched him walk away. But you already have a fine man at home, her conscience reminded her. Even if he can’t remember to pay a damn phone bill or pick his cereal bowl off the table.
“Where the hell have you been?” Duke asked as soon as she walked in the door. “I’ve been calling you for an hour!”
Avery remained calm as she walked past him and up the stairs into their bedroom. “Work.”
“Bullshit, Avery! I know your ass came home and left. You opened the gift I left you on the table and look,” he pointed to her outfit, “you took the time to change clothes and everything!”
“I was at work,” she said, nonchalantly.
“Work? ’Til midnight? And you couldn’t answer the damn phone?” he yelled.
“I was too busy working on my paper, which I had to e-mail my professor.” She sat on the side of the bed and removed her boots.
“You couldn’t do that shit from home, Avery? I don’t know what the hell is up with you but—”
“No, Duke, I couldn’t do that shit from home because the fucking Internet is off! So after working until nine o’damn clock and coming all the way home, I get on the computer and the damn Internet doesn’t work, oh, and neither does the phone, which means the bill ain’t paid.”
Duke tossed his head back and closed his eyes. “Damn, I forgot. I’m so sorry, Avery. I meant to take care of that bill, for real. I guess I was thinking the Internet was through the cable company, not the phone company.”
Avery reached into the drawer and pulled out a pair of sweats. Without even saying another word, she slipped them on after slipping out of her clothes.
“Avery?” Duke called her name, softly. She turned the light off and climbed into bed. He reached out for her and she pulled away. “I’m sorry, Avery. Come on, you know we don’t go to bed mad. I love you.”
Closing her eyes, Avery prayed that she would be in a better frame of mind to deal with him when she woke up, because rig
ht now, she wasn’t.
Chapter 6
“Come hang out with us tonight, Avery,” Tabitha pleaded. “You are becoming such a prude!”
“She does have a point. You haven’t been out with us in a minute, Avery,” Malcolm said as they returned from lunch the following Friday. “We’re just going to the Jazzy Blues Café after work, nothing big.”
“I wish I could, but you guys know I got class tomorrow. Not only that, but we have a test that I’m probably gonna fail even though I’ve been studying all week.”
“If you know you’re gonna fail it, then you may as well come out and get wasted,” Tabitha suggested. “What do you have to lose?”
“You are crazy, Tabitha,” Avery laughed. “As soon as this semester is over, I will be back in full effect, I promise.”
“Oh my God!” Tabitha shrieked when they got to their aisle.
“What is it? Is it a mouse?” Avery stopped dead in her tracks. There had been rumors about there being mice on the floor below theirs.
“Girl, no,” Tabitha laughed. “Look!”
Avery went to see what had Tabitha so excited. She was shocked to find a large vase with a dozen roses sitting in the middle of her desk.
“Damn, someone must really be in the doghouse and trying to work his way out,” Malcolm said, smiling.
“Hmm,” Tabitha said, reaching for the card. “Let’s see who it could be.”
“Step off, chick!” Avery pushed her back playfully and grabbed the card. She couldn’t help smiling as she read Duke’s scrawly signature. Things between them had become increasingly strained since the Internet had gotten disconnected. He didn’t seem to understand why she was so angry over something so menial, and because he didn’t understand it, it made her even angrier.
“That is so sweet,” Tabitha said, sniffing the flowers.
“Yeah, it is,” Avery said, thinking maybe she had been a little hard on Duke the past few days. She picked up the phone and dialed his number.
“Yo’,” he answered.
“Hey, you,” she said. “You made my day.”
“That was my goal,” he said. “You like them?”
“I love them,” she said, “But not as much as I love you.”
Avery’s computer chimed and she noticed she had an e-mail from Kurt. He had been working in another office for the past several weeks, but he remained in contact with her often via phone and e-mail. He had even helped her out with her homework a couple of times when he called her desk late and found her still there. Avery found that the more they talked, the more she enjoyed him. He was entertaining and comical, yet he had so much wisdom that he didn’t mind sharing.
Hey A:
Just wanted to say hello and hope you’re having a great day. Came across this info and thought you could use it for your project. Don’t work too hard and enjoy your weekend. See you soon.
K
Attached to the e-mail were three articles dealing with redeveloping diminishing neighborhoods and creating new opportunities for communities, the topic of her thesis that she had been working on tirelessly. The fact that he not only took the time to help her out with her homework, but he even thought enough to help her with the research for her project was impressive to Avery on so many levels. She knew as a manager, Kurt had a lot on his plate, especially with all of the changes and cutbacks going on with the company. Having someone truly care about the goal she was trying to achieve was a welcome change.
Hey K:
Thanks for the info. I def appreciate the help. Enjoy your weekend as well. Can’t wait for you to get back!
A
Avery read the message over again, and wondered if the last statement was a bit much. She decided to change it to the team can’t wait until you get back to the office and hit the send button.
“Baby, you still there?” Duke asked.
“Huh?” Avery’s attention went from the computer to her boyfriend on the phone. She couldn’t believe she had allowed the e-mail to distract her.
“I asked what time you’re getting off tonight.”
“Um, I’m not sure,” Avery told him. “Why? What’s up?”
“Nothing, I just thought we could maybe go out, get something to eat,” Duke replied. “Maybe go to Jasper’s.”
Avery knew Duke was making a true effort for him to call and want to go out on a Friday night. Normally, that was the one night he had reserved for his boys. Not only that, but he had suggested Jasper’s, which was her favorite restaurant. And as much as she wanted to go, there was no way she could risk failing her midterm.
“Duke, I have a midterm tomorrow. I really gotta study tonight.”
“You can’t study after you eat, Avery?” Duke pleaded.
“How about I eat after my midterm,” she offered. “We can go out tomorrow night.”
“But the fight’s tomorrow night,” Duke sighed. “Los is having a fight party.”
“You can’t go to the fight party after you eat?” Avery teased. “I get out of class at four, Duke. We can go then.”
“A’ight, Baby,” Duke laughed. “That sounds like a plan.”
“Okay, I’ll see you when I get home.”
“I love you, Avery,” he said.
“Love you too,” Avery replied, sitting back in her chair and sighing.
“What’s wrong?” Tabitha asked.
Avery looked up and saw that her friend had walked back over to the desk. Avery minimized her instant message screen and hoped she hadn’t seen anything.
“Nothing,” Avery said. “Duke and I are going to Jasper’s tomorrow night after I get out of class.”
“Jasper’s is my spot,” Malcolm told them.
Avery’s desk phone rang, saving her from any further questioning. “This is Ms. Belmont, how can I help you?”
“Avery, I know Kurt is out of the office, but I still need a monthly report for your team,” Demi said.
“Yes, I know,” Avery told her.
“Do you think it’ll be ready by two, in time for the conference call?”
“It’s ready now.” Avery reached for report that she did last night after completing her homework.
“When you get a chance, bring it to my office.”
“Sure,” Avery replied. “I’ll be right there.”
“What the hell does she want?” Tabitha asked.
“The monthly report for the team,” Avery answered, standing up. “She needs it for the conference call.”
“Why is she asking you for it? Kurt’s not even here.” Tabitha frowned. “She’s trying to set him up and sabotage this project. I can’t stand her.”
“She can’t sabotage anything, the report’s done and I already did it,” Avery said, winking.
“You did?” Tabitha looked surprised and so did Malcolm.
“When?” he asked.
“Last night, after I finished my homework. Unlike the two of you, who chose to hang out, I stayed and worked,” she teased and passed her the papers.
“Wow, girl, how long did you stay?” Tabitha asked, flipping through the report.
“Until about twelve.”
“Now, I feel bad,” Malcolm said.
“You should.” Avery playfully hit him in the chest.
“This is really good, Avery. Hell, you should definitely apply to the JMDP next year,” Tabitha said, passing the report back to her. “I’ll put in a good word for you.”
“Thanks, but I don’t think so. That’s your thing, not mine. School is enough stress, I don’t need any more,” Avery said, shaking her head.
“It’s not any more stressful than what we are doing now. The only difference is we’ll get to experience the same stress on a bigger corporate scale and from all departmental points of view. I can’t wait!” Tabitha smiled.
“Damn, Tabitha, I swear, I hope you get in, because at this point I’m sick of hearing about it.” Malcolm shook his head.
“I’ve prepared for this program for the past three years. I know it
inside and out and my application is so tight, there’s no way for them to decline it,” Tabitha informed him. “And when they announce my name at the gala as one of the winners, Kurt will take me into his arms and whisk me onto the dance floor, declaring his undying love for me.”
“I don’t know about all that,” Avery laughed. “You act like the cat has your tongue every time he comes around.”
“I’m waiting for the right moment, that’s all.” Tabitha walked back to her desk and sat down.
“If I were you, I’d hurry and make a move. According to Sharice, Kurt has his eye on some new chick,” Malcolm announced.
“What? Who?” Tabitha’s voice shot up about three octaves and she turned red as a beet. Avery wondered the same thing.
“Some line level director in the southeast office, I think. That’s why he’s always there,” Malcolm said.
“Wow.” Tabitha looked deflated, then perked back up. “Oh well, that just means that I have to request to work in the southeast office as my first assignment, that’s all.”
“I love that air of confidence you have when Kurt’s not around.” Malcolm shook his head. “And what’s gonna happen in the southeast office ? You’ll still be waiting on the right moment.”
Avery joined the teasing. “Yeah, she’s gonna be at his wedding, still talking about waiting for the right moment.”
“You two are so not funny right now.” Tabitha rolled her eyes at them.
“I don’t understand what the problem is. You can talk to a million other guys. I used to think it was because he was a brother,” Malcolm turned and said to Tabitha.
“No, that’s not it. You’ve seen Tabitha talk to men of every age and nationality. The only shade she’s worried about is the color of his money!” Avery giggled. She could see her friend losing the fight not to laugh. “That’s probably her real reason for wanting to get into the JMDP, so she can scope out all the single, wealthy managers.”
The JMPD was the junior management development program offered by the company. Each office was allotted one selectee each year and it was competitive as hell to get into. Employees worked on their applications one, sometimes two years in advance in hopes of being selected. Not only did it provide one-of-a-kind, hands-on training and a salary almost as large as the managers, but the perks were pretty good. Members got a company car, a corporate spending account, and VIP treatment at all the corporate-sponsored events.
Full Figured Page 23
