“Have you added more chairs?” I ask, looking around.
“Four actually. The workload and clientele is piling up. But, I love it.”
I glance around again. “Well, it seems cramped.”
Heidi nods. “It is. I’ve wanted to expand and open two more salons, and even add more spa options, but the business manager I hired to help isn’t really helping.”
I furrow my brow. “What do you mean?”
“I found two locations that would be perfect and are currently vacant. Jordan said he’d give me the money, but I want to do it on my own, you know?”
I nod, understanding what she means. “So, what’s the manager doing?”
“Nothing.” She sighs. “We’re not meshing very well. I think I’m just going to fire her and forget all about it.”
I see the deep sadness on her face and in her tone. She can’t give up on her dream. “Do you have a business plan made up?”
“I do. Well, the one I made up for the bank to try and secure the loans that I didn’t get.”
“May I see it? I might be able to give you some pointers and you can try again.”
“Really?” She perks up.
“Sure. Go grab them. I have a bit of time to kill.” I point at my head.
Heidi giggles and jumps up from the chair, heading to the back of the salon. A moment later, she comes out and hands me the notebook. It’s detailed and organized. I flip through the pages and see the two locations she’s speaking of. A smile spreads across my face as I continue through. I like Heidi. I know Sofia adores her, and that’s enough for me.
“Heidi, do you have your last quarter sheets?” I ask, trying my best to keep a straight face.
“Yes, I just finished them last night.”
“May I see them?”
“Sure.” She hops up again and goes to her office.
A plan formulates in my head as I look over her past year’s numbers. She’s really pulling in a chunk of money to be such a small business. I’m surprised the bank didn’t give her the money for the loan.
“Here.” She hands me the sheets, and I look it over. Her numbers are good. Very good.
I’m about to tell her my plan, but the timer goes off, and I hand back the notebook and papers. She takes me over to the sink.
“You think it’s a bad plan, don’t you?” Her sad tone returns.
“I never said anything of the sort.”
“But, you’re not saying anything.”
“I’m thinking.” It’s the truth. How can I explain to her I literally am making up a contract on the fly in my head. I change the subject and start talking about Grant and Sofia’s newest pregnancy. I’m glad Sofia finally started telling people. Now, I’m waiting for her to find out the sex so I can go shopping.
After Heidi washes out the dye, gives me a trim, and gives me a quick style, I’m ready to discuss the contract with her. “Have a seat.” I nod to the chair in the lobby. I grab the notebook and papers and sit next to her.
“It’s really bad, right?”
I shake my head and open it to where she listed the buildings. “These two, right here,” I point to the page. “I own those. Those are Gardner Enterprise buildings.”
Heidi’s mouth drops. “No way.”
“It’s true. And if you’ll hear me out, I have an idea to help you.”
“I’m all ears.” She leans forward and listens intently.
“How would you like a silent partner?”
She sits back up. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I loan you the money the bank wouldn’t give you and let you reside in the buildings, and with that, I’ll take a small portion of your profits.” I stare at her when I finish, waiting for her to see what she’s thinking.
“How small of a profit it? I’m not trying to sound ungrateful, but I don’t want to lose money either?”
“Let’s say eight percent of all profits.” It’s a tiny number, but from the profits she’s pulling in, I can see it’ll be worth it.
“Eight?”
I nod.
“Would you mind if I think it over?”
“Absolutely not and don’t feel you have to say yes either. However, I would fire the business manager. You’re not getting anything of it.”
“I agree. Jordan told me the same thing, but I’m a bit hard-headed.” She giggles.
“Listen, think it over, and let me know.” I stand, as does she, I give her a hug.
“Thank you.” She hugs me back and I leave her money for my hair and tip before heading out to Larry and going home.
“I’m going to head out,” Claire calls into my office. “Unless you need me to stay?”
I’m sitting at the table, files and such spread out around me, and I look up. “I’m good. Go home.”
“Are you okay?”
I nod. “Perfect.” It’s somewhat of a lie and perfect is a stretch.
“Have a good night, Harmony.” She gives me a small smile and closes the door.
I drop my pen and lean back in the chair, looking out at the Memphis skyline. How has my life changed so much? And now Spencer has me thinking even more than before.
When he came to my office, my heart stopped for two reasons. One, his handsomeness. Two, the expression on his face had been sheer panic. I didn’t know what to do. The sex was raw, hard, but there was something else underneath it. Something he isn’t telling me.
But I know what I’m not telling him. It can’t possibly be the same thing. I saw it in his eyes. He will never do relationships. The big question is: what am I going to do? I hate when Sofia is right. My heart constricts, thinking of her words.
Love.
I can’t stay in the office anymore, but going home doesn’t sound appeasing either. Sofia’s out of town with the team on their road trip. I know Caroline has Grant, so I call the one person who’s been there for me when I’m in the deepest troubles.
“Are you home?”
“Yes, Princess, I am,” my dad answers.
“I’ll be there in twenty. I need some Princess-Daddy time.”
“The ice cream will be waiting.”
I call Larry next, who is already waiting for me, and I gather my items and head out to the car.
On the way to my parents’ house, I try not to think of anything because it’ll be easier to talk it out with Dad. He’s a man of sound reasoning and the one person, besides Sofia, to tell me the truth. The difference between Dad and Sofia: he doesn’t beat around the bush. He’ll give it to me straight, and that’s what I need right now.
When I walk into the house I go to the den, but Mom is there watching TV. “He’s in the kitchen.” She smiles, and I kiss her cheek.
“You’re still my favorite mother.” I giggle and head over to the kitchen.
Dad is at the table with a pint of chocolate mint chip and two spoons. I don’t say anything at first, just sit next to him, and take a bite of the ice cream. He remains quiet as he watches me swallow down a few more spoonfuls.
“You must think I’m a fool,” I finally say.
“Never.” He answers and takes a bite from his spoon. “Want to talk about it more?”
I sigh deeply. “Sofia thinks I’m falling in love with Spencer.”
“And what do you think?” he gently asks.
I fall into silence and take another bite of the cold, creamy ice cream. “I can’t.”
Dad clears his throat and digs into the pint again. He waits for me to explain my silly, non-expressive answer.
“I run a multibillion dollar company. I own a professional baseball team. I barely have time to eat, and thank god my assistant reminds me. I’ve lost ten pounds, and I’m not even trying. The only time I get any restful sleep is after sex. I can’t be in love.”
“Princess.” Dad shakes his head and sighs. “None of those are valid reasons for not falling in love.”
“I…I just can’t do it.” Tears are beginning to fill my eyes.
“You’re lying, and you just do
n’t want to admit your feelings.” Dad calls me out.
I stick my spoon in the ice cream, fall back in my chair, and stare at my hands. Spencer’s steel gray eyes and coal black hair pop in my head. I think about our friend-date and friend-dinner. Our talks. Our fights. Sex. All the sex. But most of all, it’s the way he holds me, grips my hand, the way he looks at me. Especially, when he looks at me when he first walks into the room and our eyes meet. I close my eyes and the tears burn down my cheeks.
“Does he want more with you Harmony?”
I shake my head.
“You want more, don’t you?”
I sniff. “Not marriage or kids. I’ve never been that way. However, it’s nice to have someone to have dinner with, watch movies with, and just be with. I crave the companionship and the…love.”
The words have left my mouth. I said it out loud. Hard-ass, cussing, blunt Harmony Gardner wants love. I want to call someone mine and be his.
“If he doesn’t want more, then you need to get out now or it’s going to hurt more than it does right now.”
I wipe my cheeks. “I needed to hear it, but I don’t want him to be out of my life.”
“You can’t have both. He’s either in or not. You can’t fake this.” His voice is stern, and I nod.
Now what am I going to do?
For the past week, my top priority has been keeping my conversations with Spencer, short as they were, to the topic of sex and baseball. Tomorrow is my birthday and work is never-ending. The worst part is I’ve not been sleeping well at all, and I look a wreck. My emotions and erratic thoughts are keeping me up. Plus, tonight I’m going to have to be at some fancy-schmancy event and Spencer is escorting me.
“You’re going to be late,” Claire says.
“Yep.” I’m still typing an email that has to go out right now, and I don’t understand what she’s saying. “What…wait…what?” I hit send and look back at her as she stands holding my green couture gown and matching heels.
“Spencer is going to be here in five minutes.”
“Oh, shit.” I jump from my chair and run to her, grabbing the gown.
I race to my private bathroom and look at my mess of hair and makeup. “I look like pure shit.” I yell at myself in the mirror.
Claire comes in with a large bag. “Sit down on the toilet.”
“What are you going to do?” I ask, but do what she tells me.
“I’m going to fix you.” She smiles and opens the bag. “Trust me.” She hooks up a flat iron and then begins to tease my hair.
“Harmony.” I hear Spencer shout my name.
“In the bathroom.”
When he walks in, he stands tall in his black tux, freshly combed hair, and shaved face. Not seeing him for a whole week is about to send my libido into overdrive, not to mention my feelings “I’m guessing you need a few more minutes.” He chuckles.
“Something like that, but I need your help.” I don’t have time to ogle his body, although I want to so badly.
“What’s up?”
I begin to unbutton my shirt. “Claire, you’re about to see more of me than you might want too.” I hate to do it to the girl, but I’m out of time.
Claire continues to work on my hair. “I’m not looking.”
“Great. Spence, grab that small blue bag.” I point to it on the counter. “Stop for a second, Claire.” She does, and I shimmy out of my pants. I sit back down on the toilet, and she begins on my hair again. “I need the thigh highs.” I reach out my hand.
“I do like you in those,” Spencer moans, making me smile. He makes me feel sexy all the time. Like a boyfriend. Stop it Harmony.
“Okay, I may not be looking, but I can hear,” Claire adds, and I laugh.
“I promise we’re not going to have sex in front of you.” I maneuver myself to slide on my silky stockings. “Ouch,” I exclaim as Claire tugs my hair.
“Sorry,” but she pulls tighter. “Don’t move.” She grabs the flat iron and works my bangs. “Spencer, please hand me the green scarf in the yellow bag.”
“A scarf?” What the hell is she doing to me?
“Trust me, please.” I catch her rolling her eyes.
Spencer chuckles, giving her the scarf, and I ask for my heels. I’m actually surprised how attentive he’s being as he helps me slide my feet into them.
Claire fiddles with my hair a little more, and then sprays it lightly with hairspray. “Okay. Now makeup.” She opens a purple bag. “Close your eyes.”
“Ms. Gardner,” I hear Larry call for me.
“Two minutes, Larry. Just pull the car around front, and Spencer and I will meet you there,” I order from the bathroom.
“Yes ma’am.”
I feel the light touches of the brushes on my face. I pray Claire isn’t making me look like an Andy Warhol painting.
“Mascara time. Look up.” I do as she tells me, and she sweeps the wand across my lashes. “Lips. Open up.” She traces my lips with a pencil first, then the lipstick, and finishes with a gloss. “Time for the dress.”
When I glance up at Spencer, he winks at me with a smirk on his face. How is it possible for him to be sexier than when he left for the road trip?
“Up,” Claire orders, and I stand. With Claire’s help and Spencer letting me hold onto his arm, we get the dress on.
After I’m zipped up, and I’m adjusting my boobs so they don’t sag like a sack of potatoes, I check the mirror. “Shit.”
“Oh no, what’s wrong,” Claire gasps checking me over.
“Nothing. I look damn good. Where the hell did you learn this?” I turn my head from side-to-side inspecting everything. Claire has put my air up in a high bun, swept my bangs to the side, and used the scarf as a headband and holder of the bun. Makeup is light, but she gave me bright red lip.
“I’ve been a broke college student, who likes to sleep in. I can do anything in a pinch with minimal items.” She beams.
“I’m getting you Starbucks for the next week.” I hug her and grab Spencer’s hand. “But I have to go.”
We race to the elevator and then out to Larry, who’s waiting with the door open for us. Once we’re in the car, Spencer smiles at me. “What’s this benefit for again?”
“Um…” I have to think for a second. “Hell, I have no clue. It’s some animal or something.”
Spencer chuckles. “Do you not like animals?”
“Oh no that’s not it, I love animals, but at five thousand a plate when all I want to do is go home and work, it isn’t the same.”
“But I’m going with you. I think that’s a bonus.” His eyes sparkle.
“I guess so.” I try to play it off as not a big deal, holding back a smile. My heart is about to beat out of chest just staring at him. What the hell am I going to do?
“Ouch, my ego.” He covers his hand with his heart.
I laugh, and we hold hands as Larry drives us to the event. I try not to think about the fact I’m going to be thirty in less than six hours when the clock strikes midnight. I’m not sure what to think about turning thirty. I should be sad, right? I mean, I’m not jumping with joy of the concept turning another decade, but I’m somewhat okay with it. I’m the owner and CEO of Gardner Enterprise and it’s the one goal I’ve strived for and I made it. I have a nice house, which is now paid for, and an amazing family.
And Spencer.
But for how long is the major question? I keep thinking about everything Dad said to me; I thought I was a bright, intelligent person, but this shit is throwing me for a loop.
Thankfully, I can stop thinking about it when we arrive to The Club House at the Windyke Country Club, which is one of my favorite places. It’s so lush and beautiful even at night.
“Ready?”
I nod at Spencer, he pulls me out of the car, and we walk up the sidewalk hand-in-hand. “Why is it so dark?” Only the sidewalk is lit up.
“Don’t know.” He shrugs and opens the door.
I take one step in, and I’m
blinded by lights and people yelling ‘surprise’. I scream, jumping back into Spencer’s arms and see my family and friends laughing at me.
“Shame on you people, scaring me.” I grab my chest and try to slow my heart rate.
Sofia is the first to grab me in a hug. “Happy birthday, Sissy.” She kisses my cheek.
“What is all this?”
“Happy thirtieth.” Spencer squeezes my shoulder.
I’m then passed around to family and friends, greeting everyone and having a good time. This is exactly how I wanted my birthday to be, and I can’t help staring at Spencer with even more happiness.
I’m in trouble. Deep trouble.
Spencer wanted to come home with me, and my body screamed yes, but my head said no. I thank him for helping Sofia give me a small heart attack at the beginning of my party. I figure if I keep joking with him, he won’t realize I’m having a nervous breakdown on the inside.
Again, I hardly slept a wink throughout the night.
“Larry.”
“Yes, Ms. Gardner.” He glances at me from the car mirror.
“I’m going to need a lot of Starbucks today,” I groan.
“Long night at your party?”
“Something like that,” I mumble as he pulls into the Angels’ employee parking lot. “I’ll call you when I’m ready to go to the office.”
“Yes ma’am.” He jumps out to open my door, and I stroll down the tunnel.
I planned on heading to legal, but my feet carry me to the field where practice is going on. I check my watch and I know it should be over soon. But my body, head, and heart want to see Spencer in his baseball pants. I stand in the dugout, holding onto the rails. The guys are batting. They’re laughing, joking, and Tanner is hopping around like a bunny. What the hell is he drinking to be that damn hyper?
I turn away and head back toward the elevator when Sofia appears, coming from her office. “What you doing here?”
“Heading up to legal. I need to go over a few things.”
“I hope you loved your party last night. Mom and I really worked hard on it.”
I smile and hug her. “I loved every moment of it.”
“Well, happy official birthday.” She beams. “How does thirty feel?”
“Um…” out of nowhere, the tears build up. It feels like shit right now.
Spencer (The Ninth Inning: Season Three #8) Page 14
