Solid Stone: Choices

by E. G. Patrick

  Chapter 24

  “Violet”

  We’re on the thirty-eighth floor. Checking the seating plan I was given, I make sure this is my spot. It’s an overly large corner cubicle with windows on two sides. This can’t be right, the others around this are much smaller. Looking down at the seating plan again, I find a cubicle marked vacant that’s a standard size, and move my things there. It’s close enough to Paul’s windowed office, which is larger than the one he had before.

  Unpacked, my laptop and printer set up, I check on Paul. “Are you all set-up?”

  He smiles, “I am. Are you?”

  “Yep, and I’m ready to go. So how do you like the new office space?

  “It’s definitely more upscale and in line with the name and brand of this place, that’s for sure. We’re going to do very well here, Violet. I hope you feel that way.”

  “Yes, I’m sure we’ll be fine. I’m going to review those trademark contracts you left for me. Call me if you need anything.”

  “Thanks, and don’t forget to take some time getting to know people, you’re not chained to your desk, and there’s a lot more to see here.” I have to smile, and I know he’s right.

  §

  I hear a woman’s voice. It’s Alice. “Hi Violet, sorry I couldn’t get down here until now. I wanted to welcome you officially. Are you all settled in?”

  “Oh, hi Alice, thanks, yes, I’m fairly organized.” I smile and then say, “The office is nice and bright, I really like that. So how’re you doing?”

  “Oh, there’s never a dull moment in my world. Mr. Stone keeps me on my toes and very busy.”

  “I’m sure he does.” We both laugh.

  “Maybe we can have lunch sometime?” She’s still smiling.

  “I’d like that, and it’s great to see you.” She smiles, and on her way out I see her stop every now and then to say hello. It’s friendlier here than I imagined.

  I’m halfway through my second contract and still trying to get used to seeing Laurier & Stone’s logo on them. Just as I’m about to highlight something I hear his voice, it’s getting closer. He’s stopping along the way to speak to people until he reaches me. “Hello.”

  I look up, pretending I hadn’t heard him coming. “Oh, hello Mr. Stone.” That felt weird.

  “Aren’t you supposed to be over there?” He points to the BMW version of the corner cubicle originally assigned to me.

  “I thought this was more in line with what everyone else seems to have.” His lips form a thin line, he stares at me and I stare back. “Do you need anything Mr. Stone?”

  “Is Paul available?” he says bringing us back to business.

  Paul’s door is closed so I check his calendar. “He should be finished with a conference call any minute now, but I’m sure he won’t mind being interrupted for you, should I go in and check?”

  “No, I can wait a few minutes. So how do you like the office? You really should be over there.” He points again to the corner cubicle. “I was very specific about that cubicle and you being assigned to it. I really think you should move there.” He rests an arm on the shelf part of my cube. He looks hot as hell.

  I’m firm. “I appreciate the gesture, but if you’re going to give me special treatment,” I say this quietly so only he can hear, “then this won’t work, me working here I mean. Alice was down here earlier, I hope it wasn’t because you sent her to check on me?” I stare straight at him.

  He stares back, like he’s about to say something else to challenge me. Instead, he repositions himself and appears more relaxed when he says, “No, Alice must’ve come down because she wanted to, it had nothing to do with me.” He smiles now, “If you need anything just let us know. We want our team members to be happy here.” He walks over to Paul’s office, firmly knocks once and opens the door, closing it behind him. I know I won’t see him until our next scheduled Saturday appointment. He’s flying out this afternoon around three I think.

  §

  I answer my cell phone, turning down the TV. It’s Ann. “Hey gorgeous, how’re the new office digs?”

  “Hey Ann.” I’m glad to hear from her. “Let’s see, modern, spacious, and high-ended comes to mind. It’s pretty much what I expected having seen Adam’s office. I’m on the thirty-eighth floor and he’s on forty. He came by to say hello.”

  “Of course he did. Why does that surprise you?” She laughs.

  “Yes, I suppose so. It was strange calling him Mr. Stone though. Proper etiquette you know.”

  “There are worse things to endure, and besides, you’re getting some now, right?”

  “Yes, I took your advice.”

  “I knew it! You’d only ditch two Saturday afternoon dates with me for him. It’s okay though, I’m cool with that, you dirty and lucky girl!” She squeals down the phone, which makes me laugh.

  “Okay, enough about that. We’re just friends, and at some point all good things will come to end. I’m sure of it.”

  “Just enjoy it and go with the flow.”

  “Mmm, he said something similar to that.”

  “Told ya! You’re two consenting adults and that’s mature, and hot as hell. You won’t share any details will you?”

  “No!” We both laugh.

  “Sorry, I know you’ve got a lot on your plate right now. So are you gonna continue living at the loft then?”

  “For three months at least. I’ve decided to try the new job and living here for three months, and will see how it goes.”

  “That’s smart, Vee. You have choices you know, and I’m here to support you, you know that.”

  “I know Ann, and I’ll always be here for you too. How’s Ted?”

  “Ted’s always good. You know what I mean. He’s just Ted and I love him for it.”

  I’m so happy for them, they’re a perfect match. “I do and I couldn’t be happier for you. You landed a good one there.”

  “I know,” she says quietly, changing the mood.

  “I want you to be happy too Vee, you deserve it. I hope I’m not being too pushy. Are you really okay with the way you and Adam are right now?”

  “For now, yes. I still have feelings for him, but it’s different this time. I feel in control of my emotions, it’s good actually. I guess I’ve toughened up.”

  “Vee.”

  “Yes.”

  “Don’t change too much, okay?”

  “I’ll do my best.” Didn’t Adam say the same thing?

  “Good, and can we get together this week?”

  “I’d love that. How’s Thursday or even Friday if you’re free?”

  “Friday sounds good. Be happy Vee and I‘ll see you then. Bye.”

  “You too, bye.”

  §

  I’m online working when an instant message pops up.

  Adam Stone: Why are you still working?

  Violet Cole: You should be glad. I work for you now, remember?

  Adam Stone: I’m smiling, but why are you working so late? It’s almost nine there, isn’t it?

  Violet Cole: Yes!

  Adam Stone: So stop then!

  Violet Cole: You’re not the boss of me. Oh wait, you are (grinning).

  Adam Stone: (Grinning too) In more ways than one. Sorry, couldn’t resist.

  Violet Cole: Delete this chain at once – LOL.

  Adam Stone: Chain? Interesting choice of words 

  Violet Cole: Slip of the tongue. Shouldn’t you be working? What time zone are you in?

  Adam Stone: I like your tongue (don’t worry, this chain, as you call it, will be deleted when we’re done, I know a guy). Mountain time so it’s seven here.

  Violet Cole: I know you do, and shouldn’t you be at some bigwig dinner at this time?

  Adam Stone: Can I come over?

  Violet Cole: Impossible!r />
  Adam Stone: Why?

  Violet Cole: Because you’re on Mountain time and I’m on Eastern time, isn’t that obvious?

  Adam Stone: I can be there in less than three hours you know.

  Violet Col): That’s past midnight here, too late, sorry.

  Adam Stone: You may be on Saturday. Who’s grinning now?

  Violet Cole: That’s a scary thought! Will I be sorry or are you just saying that for effect!

  Adam Stone: I intend to be very effective (devilish grin).

  Violet Cole: That remains to be seen. Kidding, please don’t hold that against me. Pleeeaaaas!

  Adam Stone: You’re bold when there’s a keyboard and screen between us. On Saturday, it’s just you and me, remember?

  Violet Cole: I know. (Nervous)

  Adam Stone: You should be.

  Violet Cole: You’re glad, aren’t you?

  Adam Stone: Yes.

  Violet Cole: Now I’m worried. One syllable answers? Are you mad at me?

  Adam Stone: No, but you’ve got me thinking…about Saturday that is.

  Violet Cole: I think I should go now.

  Adam Stone: Only if you promise to stop working. I can check you know.

  Violet Cole: Not funny. I’m concerned.

  Adam Stone: About what?

  Violet Cole: You checking up on me.

  Adam Stone: I’m kidding.

  Violet Cole: No you’re not.

  Adam Stone: Behave or you’ll force my hand. (Snicker)

  Violet Cole: Good night boss man! (Nervous laugh)

  Adam Stone: Oh, I like that! Nervous keeps you on your toes! Now please shut down your computer and get some rest. You’ll need all your energy on Saturday—it’s only two days away! Good night and pleasant dreams!

  **End of Instant Message—Violet Cole, signed off.

  Chapter 25

  “Violet”

  Oh shit. I try to get out of the aisle before she sees me. No luck. I need to find a new grocery store. “Hey Violet,” Emilia says like we’ve been friends for years.

  “Hi,” I try to sound rushed.

  “How’s Adam?” Again, she wastes no time getting to him.

  “He’s out of town.” Come on woman, you must know this is awkward.

  “Yeah, he always did travel a lot. Although, I thought with you, he’d do less. Oh well, I guess some things never change.”

  “Actually we live together.” I lie. He stays over, close enough. “So the travel’s no problem. Sometimes I travel with him.”

  Her smile dissipates, helping to end the conversation. “Oh, nice seeing you,” and she briskly walks away. Yeah, right. I continue browsing and throw two bars of Cadbury in the cart. I’m smiling now.

  §

  Paul and I have just finished meeting about a merger that Adam’s been leading. He’s asked Paul to join the project team that’s been working on it with him. I’m pretty sure it’s the same merger Adam started when we were first dating. It’s with two major airlines and a big deal that will draw lots of press when it’s finalized. I’m flattered that Paul’s trusted me to review some important documents on due diligence before we close. With a pile of files under my arm, I head back to my desk with plans to work late.

  I feel his presence and look up. Adam smiles at me. “I see you’ve got the files then?”

  “There’s a lot to go through. I think I’ll have to stay late tonight.”

  “I’d say take the files home, but we can’t risk it, we had a close call on this one.”

  I speak quietly. “Is this the one that almost got leaked?” He nods. “When I’m finished I’ll lock up these files and my notes. I always do.”

  “I know you do. Carry on then,” he says, slipping in a wink as he heads to Paul’s office.

  It’s six and I stretch in my chair. I’m now reviewing the inventory of planes that were added to sweeten the deal for our client.

  I cross-reference the notes outlined in the agreement, and create a spreadsheet with the cost of each plane against the inventory list, including a couple of new ones. When I’m finished, the numbers don’t add up. I recheck them again and still no change. This is important. Paul’s left for the day, so I call him and tell him what I’ve found. “Great job Violet. Can you send me your spreadsheet so I can take a look at it?”

  “I’m emailing it now.” I also tell him the file’s password.

  He stays on the line with me, “Holy shit!” I’ve never heard Paul curse before. “Sorry Violet. Stay on the line while I call Adam, okay?”

  “Okay.” I wait on hold.

  When he comes back on the line, it’s a three-way conversation, with Adam’s speaking. “Are you still here Violet?”

  “Yes, I’m at my desk.”

  “I’d like to see how you came up with this discrepancy. Come up to my office please. Paul, I’ll call you back when I’ve reviewed everything.” With that he hangs up, leaving Paul and I on the line.

  “You better get up there, he wasn’t happy when I told him. He’s glad of course that we found it.”

  “I’m pulling my files together now, do you want me to call you after I speak with him?”

  “Yes, and thanks again Violet. I keep telling you how important you are to this team.” I have to smile.

  “Thanks Paul. I’ll call you back after I meet with Adam.”

  §

  Alice has left for the day—her computer screens off and her laptop isn’t on its docking station. Adam’s office door is open, but I still knock before walking in. When he turns in his chair I can’t help how my body responds. He looks so good and so smart sitting behind that big desk. When he stands my insides twirl. He waves for me to sit at his conference table. He sits at the head and I to his right. “Thanks for coming up here.”

  I open the files. “You’re the boss.”

  He grins. “Let’s see what you have.” It’s so hard not to touch him. My inner dirty girl thoughts dance a jig in my lower parts. I watch him carefully review my notes. This is important if he’s looking at them. When he looks up his blue eyes lock onto mine, “Great catch Violet. This is very important and I’m glad you caught this while we can still do something about it. I’ll need you to send me your files by email and I’ll take it from there. You may have saved our client a few million. Well done.”

  “Thanks. I was just doing my job. Thank Paul, he suggested I review everything.”

  “But you found something that all of us missed, including me. Don’t undersell yourself.” He gets up and closes his office door. “Sitting so close to you is driving me nuts. Come here.” He uses that finger to call me to him.

  “Should we really be doing this? It’s only Tuesday.” I’m saying it teasingly, as I walk toward him. I want him as much as he wants me. I push him up against the wall, kissing him firmly. His hand squeezes my ass and I can feel he’s ready for me. Before I can utter a word he bends me over his conference table, as his windows are now tinted dark.

  “This isn’t very professional,” my sultry voice drawls.

  “We’re on our time now,” he growls in my ear. He did say he plans ahead, well done Adam. He lifts up my skirt and slides my panties part way down and then he’s in me. Fast and furiously his hips force mine against the edge of the table. “This won’t take very long. I wanted to fuck you as soon you walked in. You’re smart and soooo sexy!”

  My hair sways around my face each time his hips thrust forward. My voice shakes when I say, “Oh, Adam.” He’s fucking me so furiously. “Ahh,” I cry as my hands grasp the edge of the table. The pleasure rises faster, circling around and around until I give in. “Oh fuck!” I cry out as I feel him explode too.

  He spins me around kissing me, rounding off a perfect session. “That’s the best meeting I’ve had in a long time,” he smirks. He pushes me away an
d slaps my ass. “Can I buy you dinner?”

  “Dinner with the boss, oh, I don’t know,” I say, pretending to debate whether it’s a good idea or not.

  He pulls me into him and says, “Well?”

  “Okay, but only because you‘re making it impossible to say no,” I laugh, “but we should meet at the loft and go from there.”

  “I keep telling you, you’re a smart woman.” He closes his office door behind me and I hear him say, “Paul, it’s Adam.”

  §

  I’m pleased about having dinner with Adam. Having a good conversation is something I’m looking forward to. We’re at a local Italian restaurant. I dig into a plate of meatballs as Adam pours wine in my glass. This place is homey, not upscale, and I really like it. “So tell me, are you still feeling optimistic about the new office and work arrangements?”

  I smile. “So far so good. The people are really nice, and well the salary increase was really nice too. I never thanked you for it.”

  He smiles. “The raise was Paul’s suggestion, and after today it was money well spent, not that it wasn’t before. I’m glad you’re still willing to give it a try.”

  “Me too, but it does feel strange calling you Mr. Stone. I’ll get used to it, I suppose.”

  “If you’d prefer, call me Adam, I don’t mind.”

  “You’re kidding, right? The clerk on the thirty-eighth floor calls you Adam, while everyone else calls you sir, or Mr. Stone. Somehow I don’t think that’ll go unnoticed, do you?” I laugh.

  “I can make a culture change and have everyone go by their first name, including me. I didn’t ask to be called “Mister,” it just seemed to happen. The legal world lends itself to formalities—it avoids any blurred lines I guess. We’re secure enough though to make the change.”

  “You are indeed,” I grin. “You’d do that?”

  “Yes, if you want me to. Besides, Alice slips up and calls me Adam every now and then when we’re alone. It’s not a big deal to me, really.”

  “Honestly?” He nods yes. “Well, if you’re okay with it then…”