by Beth Rinyu
I was going to give up my Saturday afternoon—my birthday—to help out Gabe, so maybe he’d be willing to go with me tonight to help. Was that pushing the boundaries of our professional relationship? Oh, who the hell was I kidding? That line had been crossed when we played tongue twister and he felt me up. I sucked in a breath and worked up the nerve to walk over to his office. I knocked lightly and my knees went weak from that sexy deep into his work look he had on his face. This was a bad idea. Clearly he still had the power to make my stomach do flips, and setting a stupid goal to not find him sexy anymore only made him sexier.
“What’s up?” He raised his head from his computer, giving me his full attention.
Do it, Faith. Just do it! He’ll make sure you don’t get taken advantage of. “Umm…well, I was wondering...” Faith, really, since when did you become such a wimp and need to depend on a man? Stop using this as an excuse to spend more time with him…remember your goals. Sometimes I really wanted to slap these two bitches renting space in my head.
A blank stare fell over his face as he waited for me to get the rest of it out.
“Oh, by any chance—”
“Gabe!”
I jerked my head around to find the redhead who’d met with Gabe behind closed doors when I had first started working here. Chad was right behind her, shaking his head in defeat. It was settled. The goody two-shoes voice in my head won out over the hussy—bitch! It was just as well anyway. It was totally inappropriate to ask your boss to go on personal business with you. And that was exactly how I was going to view Gabe from now on. No more ogling that fine ass or getting myself all hot and bothered when I would smell his intoxicating cologne. Nope, this time, I was going to stick to it. Mr. Samuels was off-limits to me unless it was in a work capacity. Besides, it wasn’t like I could ever compete with the Victoria’s Secret looking model standing next to me.
I ducked out of the way to go back to my desk.
“Wait, Faith, what did you need?” Gabe asked, rather annoyed by the interruption.
“Oh, it was nothing, really.”
The girl cast a brief, questioning gaze upon me. Clearly she didn’t see me as competition. I walked back to my desk and heard Gabe’s office door close behind me.
“Great!” Chad moaned.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Now it’s gonna be my fault because she caught me in the hallway and demanded I let her back to see Gabe.”
“So, what’s wrong with that? Isn’t that his girlfriend?” I feigned naiveté, jiggling the mouse around on my computer, pretending to be engrossed in whatever was on the screen. The whole time hoping Chad would give me the full scoop on the mysterious redhead.
“More like a stalker.” He scanned Gabe’s office door before continuing. “Gabe doesn’t do relationships. He makes that clear, but some women he’s…with don’t get the message. Like the one in there.”
Gabe’s office door flung open, and Chad and I both dropped our heads. Chad began to ramble off something that made no sense, giving off the impression we were discussing work and not what was going on in Gabe’s office. Her sniffles could be heard as she walked across the office, and she mumbled something under her breath just before she exited.
“Guess she got the hint now,” Chad whispered, letting out a slight chuckle.
Chad went into Gabe’s office and closed the door while I sat at my desk, staring into space, feeling a little bad for a girl I didn’t even know. She clearly had feelings for Gabe he was unable to reciprocate. Just witnessing this made me even more determined to go forward with my plan of business only with him, and I was resolute in keeping that promise.
***
I stopped at my parents’ for dinner, which was filled with a lecture from my mother over the responsibility of owning a home as opposed to renting. She didn’t think I was ready for that at this stage in my life. If something broke, I was responsible. I couldn’t depend on my father with his bad back to go running over there to fix things when they broke. By the time I took my last bite of pasta, I wanted to scream. She could never be supportive of anything. I was tired of getting by in life by just playing it safe. I wanted more. I couldn’t get out of that house quickly enough. I kissed Joey goodbye and let her know I’d be back to pick her up in a bit. I hated leaving her behind in the house of negativity, but the last thing I wanted to do was drag her with me when I was trying to negotiate a deal on the house.
I stopped off at Sylvia’s on the way to drop off her mandel bread, giving her a quick recap of my weekend altercation with Cole and my Saturday night with Gabe. It felt so good to be telling someone. Even if it wasn’t a really proper conversation for a woman her age, Sylvia was all ears, wanting to hear every last detail.
“So, wait. He passed out drunk before anything happened?”
“Yes, and it’s just as well. He doesn’t remember anything, and I’m so thankful for that. The last thing I want or need is to strain my working relationship with him. I need my job more than ever if I’m going to go after this house.”
She tapped the tip of her index finger on her left cheek, deep in thought as she stared into space. “Hmm...I suppose you’re right.”
“So I set these goals for myself. Kinda like the Ten Commandments, and I’m trying really hard not to break them. The first one is to set bigger dreams for Joey and me and to not be afraid to go after them.”
She nodded. “Well, that sounds like a good plan.”
“It is, and I’m sticking to it. It’s the second one I’m having trouble with.”
She pinched her eyebrows together. “Oh, and what would that be?”
“Thou shalt not view their boss in a sexy manner.”
She covered her mouth to stifle her laughter.
“Seriously, why does he have to be so nice looking?”
“Must run in his family, I guess,” she mumbled.
“So this morning I figured I’d be nice and bring him some mandel bread as well. Then I couldn’t help but think maybe I was overstepping my boundaries in doing that.”
“What was his reaction when you gave it to him?”
“He seemed surprised, but he was grateful. He even said it was as good as his grandmother’s.”
Sylvia’s eyes widened.
“I’m sure he was just saying that to be polite.”
“Oh, yes, I’m sure he was.” She cleared her throat and muttered under her breath.
A questionable gaze fell upon my face before I continued with my plight. “Then I was going to ask him if he would mind coming with me to look at this house because I’m a terrible negotiator. Thank God his...booty call or whatever you want to call her walked in and stopped me. Because I realize now that would have been breaking the employee/boss commandment big time.”
“His booty call?”
“Yeah, a friend of his who works there said she’s...” I was trying to come up with the right word without sounding too harsh.
“A tramp?” Sylvia filled in the blanks for me.
“I don’t know if I’d call her a tramp.” Really, I would, just for the simple fact that maybe I was a little jealous of her.
“Of course she is! What else do you call a loose woman who has sexual relations with men, knowing they don’t want to be in a relationship?”
Damn. She was good. How in the world did she know Gabe was anti-relationship? I shrugged my shoulders. “Well, whatever she is, I was thankful she came strolling in when she did. It prevented me from breaking one of my commandments.”
“Well, Faith, that’s just silly. How on earth is that breaking one of your commandments? You should have a male presence there. A lot of people like to take advantage of women when it comes to business deals. I know it sounds silly, but when they see there’s a man with you they kind of back down.”
“It’ll be fine. I’m not going to be taken advantage of. If I don’t like what he has to offer, I’m not going to agree to it. Simple as that.”
She let out a re
luctant sigh. “What’s the address of this place anyway?”
“Two seventy-four Magnolia Way.” I pulled my phone out and searched for the listing, showing her the pictures of the property.
“That would be the perfect little place for you and Joey.”
“I know. I really love it. Keep your fingers crossed I don’t blow this.” I flung my purse over my shoulder when I looked down at my watch and saw the time of my appointment fast approaching. I said my goodbyes to Sylvia, took a deep breath, and was on my way.
Chapter 23
Gabe
“What’s up, Gram?” I answered my phone, hoping this wasn’t going to be long. I was just leaving work and was hoping to hit the gym before heading home.
“You need to get your tokhes to two seventy-four Magnolia Way…stat!”
“For what?” I could only imagine what she had gotten herself into, remembering the last time she’d told me I needed to be somewhere stat. She had gotten into an argument with someone at bingo. She’d caused such a scene they’d asked her to leave, but not before she’d told each and every one of them where to go, including the woman who’d driven her there.
“What did you do now? I don’t need bail money, do I?”
“No! It’s Faith. She’s gonna need your help with the real estate deal.”
My ears perked up at the sound of her name and my car started going in the direction of Magnolia Way. This was crazy. She didn’t need my help. If she did, she would have asked for it. “Gram, I really don’t think she needs—”
“Bubbala, love you. I really do, but sometimes you can be so dense! She was going to ask you to go with her before your call girl came to visit.”
“My what?” I chuckled.
“Look, Gabe, can you just go? She’s really gonna need your help with this. And you never know. This guy she’s meeting about the house could be some sick rapist or murderer. I know you’d never forgive yourself if something happened to her. So will you go?” she badgered.
“Yeah, maybe.” Little did she know, I was already on my way.
When I was finally able to get her off the phone, I got to thinking. Faith never gave me the address of this place, so it would look a little odd if I just showed up out of nowhere. I was at a loss for how I was going to pull this off. My grandmother was still insistent I didn’t tell Faith I was her grandson for fear I’d do something to piss Faith off and then in turn jeopardize their friendship. It was a pretty lame excuse, but I’d keep my promise and obey her wishes.
I turned into the neighborhood where the house was located and pulled over on the side of the road. I still couldn’t shake off that ludicrous dream I’d had about Faith the other night. I could still taste her lips and feel my hands all over her body. That was definitely not the way I would be feeling for my employee, subconscious thoughts or not. My mind was telling me to turn the car around and just forget it. My heart was telling me differently. Funny thing was, I never let my heart sway my decisions. I never even knew I had one other than in the literal sense. But there was just something about Faith that made me feel differently. She was so willing to give up her Saturday to help me out when Chad had asked her earlier in the day. This was the least I could do for her. Without even thinking it over anymore, I brought up Faith’s number in my phone, hit the call button, and waited for her to answer.
“Hey, everything okay?” She sounded flustered.
“Yeah. I totally forgot to ask you earlier. Did you need me to go with you when you look at that house?”
“Oh…umm…”
I grinned, picturing her actions at the moment. She was more than likely pulling in her bottom lip, bouncing her leg up and down, and gathering her hair to one side of her neck as she twirled it around her finger. I had become pretty good at reading her over the past few months, and that was her standard MO whenever she was having an internal battle, which seemed to happen quite often.
“Well, if you’re not busy then sure.” She paused for a brief second. “Or…not. I mean, not that I don’t want you to, but don’t rearrange your plans on my account.”
“No, I’m not busy. I just need the address.”
“Oh, umm…are you sure you’re able to come? I don’t want to inconvenience you.”
“Faith, if I didn’t want to do it, I wouldn’t have asked. I’m the one who called you. Remember?”
“Oh. Yeah. Okay. It’s two seventy-four Magnolia Way. I just got here, so whenever you can make it is fine. Unless something else comes up between now and then. I’m totally okay with that.”
I chuckled. Usually chicks like her drove me nuts, but I was finding her neurosis to be a cute and quirky facet of her personality. “I’ll be there in a few.”
“Okay. Take your time and thanks so much.”
I made sure to wait a few minutes before I turned the corner and spotted Faith exiting her car.
“Oh, hey! That was quick!” She smiled as she slammed her car door shut.
“Yeah, I was in the area when I called.”
As we walked up the driveway together, her feet began to scuffle. I grabbed her arm just as she was about to go down on the patch of ice underneath her. “Oh my God! I’m such an idiot!”
Even in the darkness I could see the bright shade of red that shrouded her face.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m...just such a klutz!” Her embarrassment was evident.
The front door opened just as we reached the porch. Behind it was a bad toupee, cheap suit wearing, used car salesman looking guy.
“Oh, hi, I’m Faith. Is Mr. Vail here?”
“No. Ed had a minor emergency and asked me to go over the property with you. I’m Rich Lyons. I’m with Gateway Realty.”
I was so happy I had made the decision to go with her now. I had only seen this guy for a minute and knew he was a greaseball. The way he was checking Faith out when he was probably old enough to be her dad only added to my disdain for him.
“Oh, this is Gabe. He’s my—”
“I’m a friend of Faith’s,” I finished for her.
Her eyes bulged over the use of the f-word when describing our relationship.
“So, Faith, I know Ed offered you the property first when it was listed as a rental only, but I’ve got to be honest with you, I’m a little unsure if you’re qualified for an actual purchase.”
“Oh, well, I did talk to a mortgage person and—” Faith started to explain before I interjected.
“And what makes you say that, Mr. Lyons?” I demanded.
“Well, her age for one. They aren’t handing out mortgages like they used to. I question if she has established enough credit, and her employment. I have other properties that are strictly rentals that may suit you better.”
“Oh, okay.” Faith’s voice wavered in defeat.
“Wait, hold up. Faith, you like this house, right?” I asked.
“Yes, but if I’m not going to qualify for a mortgage then what’s the point?”
The realtor nodded in agreement.
“What makes you think you won’t qualify? You’ve already talked to a mortgage person, you’re a first-time homebuyer, you have a job, and you pay your rent on time, right?”
“Well, yeah, but—”
“Then you’re good to go.”
“Ahh...excuse me, sir, that may be all well and good, but they will be taking her salary into serious consideration, and a minimum wage job isn’t going to cut it.”
As if he didn’t piss me off enough already, this just threw it over the top. “She works for me, and I can assure you, she’s not making minimum wage. Now, the last time I checked, a realtor’s job was to show the house to the perspective buyer and not scrutinize over how much money they make or check them out like they’re at a bar, trying to pick them up.”
Faith sucked in her bottom lip and looked down at the ground in embarrassment.
“I’m sure your broker wouldn’t like to hear how you demean young women half your age.” I r
aised an eyebrow at him. I was done with his sleazy sales pitch. I was pretty sure he wasn’t going to make a commission off Faith, being that she had dealt directly with the owner, which was why he was trying to steer her into looking at another property.
He cleared his throat and fumbled around with the clipboard in his hand. “Oh no, that’s fine. Have a look around, and if there are any questions or concerns, I’ll jot them down and bring them to Ed.” His whole attitude had changed from when we first walked in once he knew I was on to the game he was playing.
After Faith gave me the tour, I made a mental note of things that should be brought to the owner’s attention and addressed. The realtor was able to reach him by phone, and by the time we walked out of there, Faith had a move-in date, one hundred dollars knocked off the monthly rental price, and twenty thousand off the final purchase price.
She was silent as we walked down the driveway. Once we reached our cars, she turned around and looked at the house before focusing back on me and letting out a shrill scream of glee. “I’m so happy right now, I could kiss you!” And she did, planting a giant peck on my cheek. And suddenly that friendly little kiss of gratitude brought back all the memories of the less than innocent dream I’d had of her the other night.
***
Chad and I spent the entire week preparing for our sales pitch with Dolce Electronics. By the time Saturday rolled around, I was pretty confident we’d land the deal.
“Is Faith here yet?” I asked Chad when he walked into my office.
“She just called. Her dad has the flu, and she doesn’t want to bring her daughter over there, and no one else is around to babysit.”
“Okay, then let’s go now. We got this.” I stood up and gathered my papers.
“Oh no, Faith is going.”
“You just said she doesn’t have a babysitter.”
“Oh yeah, she does.” He smirked. “You’re gonna watch the kid, and Faith and I are going to the lunch meeting.”
