by Mia Ford
Veronica was a little taken aback, and the irritation must have shown on her face.
“I know, I know,” he held up his hands in a gesture of innocence. “I really should have talked to you about it first. But I really think this will be a good thing for the both of us. And I know that if this guy sees you, and you talk to him about how good you are with kids and how much experience you have, you’re sure to get it.”
Veronica’s mind was more than a little overloaded, and she shook her head as she tried to process all of it. She stood up, placing her napkin on the table.
“Look,” she said, her voice a harsh sigh. “This is a lot for me to have to think about, okay? I just need a little bit of time to think it over, apparently before nine in the morning.”
“I understand,” Calvin gave a nod, looking appropriately contrite.
Veronica took a breath and adopted a calm tone.
“I am going to take a shower,” Veronica said simply.
“I’ll put up the leftovers and wash the dishes,” Calvin said, offering her a smile. Veronica did not smile in return, but she did feel a little appeased.
“Thank you,” she said softly, and turned to make her way into their bedroom.
She moved into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. She stripped out of her clothes and tossed them into the hamper, and then turned on the hot water. Once the temperature was to her liking, she stepped in and began the process of cleaning herself.
As she bathed, she let herself think over the opportunity that Calvin had found for her. It had certainly caught her off guard, and she wished that he had asked her if it was even something she was interested in before he went ahead and made an interview date for her.
In the end, though, she knew it was a great idea. Calvin was right. This way, she could make enough money to satisfy him, and still manage to help out the people in her life that needed it. It seemed like a win-win situation. She could at the very least go to the interview and see how it went. After all, she may not even be selected for the position.
After she had rinsed herself off, Veronica stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel, using it to collect the water off of her deep chestnut skin. She shook some of the water droplets out of her hair, and then left it to air dry.
She began the process of moisturizing her skin, and when she was finished, she moved out of the bathroom and over to her closet. As she crossed the room, she saw Calvin laid out on the bed, his reading glasses on as he perused some law journal.
Veronica put on a pair of shorts and another tank top, then moved to get in her side of the bed. As she settled down beside him, she could see him looking over at her.
“Well?” he finally asked, and she could see that he was eager to know what her response would be.
Veronica simply looked at him for a moment, and then released a soft sigh and gave him a smile.
“I decided to go to the interview,” she said.
Calvin smiled widely and leaned over to plant a soft kiss on her lips.
“I’m so glad you made that decision,” he said, and Veronica heard the soft undertone of victory in his voice. “I think it will go really well.”
“You think so?” Veronica raised an eyebrow, her tone dropping. She scooted a little closer to Calvin, gently pressing her body against him.
“I mean I don’t see why it wouldn’t,” he said. “You’re probably one of the most experienced people he’s likely to find.”
“Hm,” Veronica mused, taking hold of the journal in Calvin’s hand and putting it on the nightstand, then resting her hand on his chest. She saw Calvin’s eyes flick up at her in confusion, and she bit her lip as she slowly lowered her hand down his torso.
Veronica was acutely aware that they had not been having nearly enough sex as of late. Well, not nearly enough for her, anyway. And even when they did, Calvin seemed to do it out of a sense of obligation, and even then, it seemed that he was the only one who ended up satisfied. Still, as rare as the occasions were becoming, she was grateful for anything at all.
Veronica hoped that since she had agreed to take the interview, he would be more open to the idea of intimacy. Veronica could already feel her body becoming aroused, and she felt her breathing catch a little as she slid the tips of her fingers under the hem of Calvin’s shirt, then started to drag them up over his skin.
“Whoa, whoa,” Calvin stopped her, taking hold of her wrist and removing it from the inside of his shirt. “It’s getting late. I have a long day ahead of me and you have an interview. We should both be getting to sleep.”
Veronica nodded, and tried to push away the feeling of disappointment. She knew there would be no point in arguing. She moved back over on the bed to her usual place, and laid down, getting nestled under the covers.
Calvin leaned over and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
“Goodnight,” he said softly and lied down beside her, reaching over to turn off the bedside lamp.
“Goodnight,” Veronica said softly as the room went dark.
Veronica felt Calvin turn over on his side facing away from her. Silently, she slipped her hand down between her legs, and like so many nights before bit her lip as she silently alleviated herself of the desire that had built within her core.
Veronica was awoken by the sound of Calvin’s alarm going off. She opened her eyes groggily, unused to having to actually wake up at that sound. She grumbled and turned onto her side as Calvin flipped on a lamp.
“Good morning,” Calvin said, his voice cheery, as he turned onto his side and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Veronica, a little surprised by his sudden show of affection, turned to face him.
“You too,” she mumbled, offering him a smile.
“Hurry, get out of bed!” Calvin said hastily, nudging her a little in the side. “You need to make sure you look appropriate for your interview!”
Veronica groaned a little at the idea of having to interact with people at such an hour as this. Then again, she would probably have to get used to it at some point, and now was just as good a time as any. With a sigh, she rolled out of bed and headed into the bathroom to relieve the pressure in her bladder and freshen up.
Veronica went through her normal routine, though having Calvin rustle around alongside her was certainly something that would take getting used to. She felt her eyes on him as she selected a very professional- looking pants suit for the interview. She cast him a warning look before he could say anything. She loved this particular outfit, and she would not be deterred from wearing it.
Eventually, they both made themselves ready, and Calvin held the door for her as they made their way out of the apartment. Veronica blinked sleepily as they made their way toward the elevator.
“Wake up!” Calvin said excitedly beside her. “This is going to be a great day for you, I can already tell.”
Veronica could only grumble. She was less than excited to even be awake, much less facing an interview. In her hand, she held a small briefcase that held her resume and a few reviews from her previous customers. She was too tired to be experiencing any real emotion at all, but she felt relatively neutral about the whole ordeal.
After all, Calvin wanted this more than she did. If it was up to her, she would have still been in bed. However, she figured she could at least do this small thing to appease him. So, she would give it her all and if she could then Calvin would leave her alone, at least for a little while.
It did not take them long to arrive at Calvin’s building, and she could feel him becoming more and more worked up the closer they got to their destination.
“Okay, now his office is on the top floor,” he explained as they went. “There will be a secretary there named Lynn who will be waiting for you, so you will just check in with her at the desk.”
Veronica nodded and gave a grunt to signify that she had heard him.
“You may have to wait, we’re a little early,” he said, looking fidgety. “But not too early, I don’t think.�
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“I’m sure we’re just punctual enough,” Veronica offered easily, wanting him to just calm down for one second.
The two got on the elevator with a few other people, and Calvin pressed the button for his floor, and then hers.
“Just be sure to be calm and relaxed,” Calvin instructed her, his tone embodying neither of those traits. “Just be natural, you’re sure to get the job after my personal recommendation, and if you show him what I know you’re like.”
“I will do my best,” Veronica said, some of her annoyance becoming evident in her tone.
“Sorry,” Calvin released in a sigh. “I just really want this to go over well.”
Veronica felt a soft surge of guilt at her own impatience.
“I know,” she sighed, and gently squeezed Calvin’s free hand. “I know this means a lot to me, and I don’t want you to think I’m just going through the motions. This is important to me, too, and I am going to conduct myself in a way that will be sure to reflect very highly upon you.”
Calvin smiled and leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead.
“I’m glad to hear that,” he said.
The elevator let out a soft chime, and the doors slid open.
“Here I am,” Calvin sighed, and Veronica heard a bit of tension creep back into his voice. “You know what to do?”
Veronica nodded and gave him a smile.
“I’ll be fine,” she assured him. “Have a good day at work.”
“I will,” he said. “Give me a call when you finish the interview! I want to hear all about it.”
“I will,” Veronica nodded. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Calvin smiled, and disembarked from the elevator.
Veronica let out a soft sigh of relief that Calvin was gone. She did love him, but he certainly was a little oppressive when it came to relying on her to do just about anything. A part of her wished he would just trust her to be an adult and stop hovering over her. But another part of her recognized that he was probably only acting this way because he cared.
Still, Veronica couldn’t dwell on these thoughts, as she had to begin to mentally prepare for her interview. As the elevator headed up to the top floor, she focused her mind and went through all the possible questions he could ask her, and created a set of potential answers for them.
With another soft ding, the elevator doors opened, letting her out into a small foyer area, with a large reception desk and a row of soft chairs and a couch. Veronica felt a flutter of nerves as she approached the desk. As she drew nearer, the woman behind the desk, presumably Lynn, looked up and smiled at her.
“Good morning,” the woman, a brunette in her middle ages, smiled at her. “How can I help you?”
“Hello,” Veronica greeted her politely. “I’m Veronica Lawrence, I have a meeting with Mr. Davenport at nine.”
“Oh, of course,” Lynn gave her a smile. “You’re right on schedule. Mr. Davenport just got in. Let me tell him you’re here, and you can probably get started with your interview a little early. Just have a seat and I’ll be right back with you in just a moment.”
“Thank you,” Veronica smiled, a little surprised by the courtesy that the secretary had displayed. She took a seat on the edge of a nearby chair and took a breath to calm the nerves that had begun to flutter in her stomach. She wrung her hands a little on the edge of her briefcase and closed her eyes.
“Miss Lawrence?” Veronica heard Lynn’s voice, and she immediately looked up. “Mr. Davenport will see you now.”
Veronica gave her a nod and a smile, and she stood to approach the door.
She moved over to where Lynn stood, holding the door for her, a pleasant smile on her face.
“Just relax and stick to your guns,” Lynn advised her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Be yourself- if there’s one thing he can’t stand, its people trying to fake him out.”
Veronica blinked, more than a little surprised by genuineness that this complete stranger was displaying. It was altogether very comforting, and Veronica felt much more confident.
“Thank you so much,” Veronica said, her appreciation very evident in her tone.
“Of course,” Lynn smiled. “Ready?”
Veronica took another breath and then nodded. Lynn opened the door, and Veronica stepped inside.
Upon setting foot in the room, Veronica had to work hard to keep her jaw from dropping. She had heard of the illustrious Frank Davenport, and his intelligence and wit, but she had never had the pleasure of seeing the man in person.
The man was nothing short of absolutely gorgeous. Though he was approaching his middle ages, he had kept himself in fine shape, his perfectly tailored suit serving to display his broad, likely muscular physique. His skin was several shades darker than her own, and his nearly black eyes seemed to gleam with intelligence. His face was framed by a well-kept beard and his hair was artfully faded, with immaculate edges.
“Good morning Miss. Lawrence,” he greeted her, his voice rolling out smooth and low. “I see you are punctual- already a good first impression.”
Veronica nearly had to shake her head to refocus her mind. She was, after all, here for a professional interview on the recommendation of her boyfriend. She was certainly not here to ogle her potential employer.
“Thank you,” Veronica smiled, trying not to betray all her nerves, or the paths that her mind had taken.
“Please, have a seat,” Davenport gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk, and she moved toward it, sitting down on the edge of the seat, and immediately reaching into her briefcase to pull out her resume.
“Oh I’m not really interested in going through any paperwork,” Davenport held up his hand, and Veronica blinked up at him. She sat back up in her seat and shifted a little uncomfortably. This interview was already taking a far different turn than what she had expected.
“It’s a little formal to call this an interview,” Davenport admitted with a shrug. “Honestly, I would have preferred to discuss all this over a coffee. Or maybe you’d like something stronger?”
Davenport gestured to a small stand beside his desk, on which was a variety of decanters filled with all manner of amber liquids.
“Coffee is fine,” Veronica spoke up, managing to keep her voice level in spite of her accelerating heartrate.
“Coffee suits me better in the morning as well,” Davenport shot her a blindingly white smile as he rose and crossed the office to a counter along one wall where a coffee maker was situated. She watched as he poured out two mugs, and brought them back over.
He placed them on the side table between the two chairs in front of his desk, and Veronica was more than a little surprised that instead of resuming his place behind his desk, he took up a place in the chair beside her. He sat back in the chair and picked up his mug, bringing it to his lips.
“Oh,” he said suddenly. “Do you take cream or sugar? I take mine black, so I just forgot to ask.”
“Both, actually,” Veronica said. She would have just taken it black, but she remembered what Lynn had said about trying to fake him out, so she decided to just be honest.
Davenport gave her a smile, and once again rose and crossed to a small cabinet, withdrawing a box of miniature coffee creamers and a box of sugar cubes. He set those, too, on the side table, as well as a mixing spoon.
Veronica hurried to fix her coffee, and then rose the mug to her lips, doing her best to keep her hands from shaking. She could feel Davenport’s eyes on her the entire time, and she couldn’t ignore the reaction it inspired deep in her stomach.
“So,” Davenport spoke after they had both sipped at their coffees for a moment. “Tell me about yourself and your business.”
“Well,” Veronica cleared her throat, setting down her coffee on the nightstand beside her. “I started out just babysitting other kids in my neighborhood when I was in high school. I started out doing it for free, but I eventually figured out I could make some money doing it. I l
ove working with the kids. I actually considered getting my degree in education instead of business.”
“Oh wow,” Davenport raised his brows. “So you have a degree?”
“Yes,” Veronica nodded. “It’s only really been a couple of years.
“And you were never tempted to go explore other options?” Davenport asked, and she could hear the genuine curiosity in his voice.
“Well, I considered it,” Veronica nodded. “But at the end of the day, I have always wanted to keep up the babysitting. But with my education, I run it more like a business than I did before. It has been very helpful.”
Davenport nodded and gave her a smile, though his thoughts seemed to be elsewhere.
“You seem like a very driven and committed young woman,” he noted, and Veronica heard a shift in his tone. She blinked, taken slightly off-guard by the comment, but she assured herself that it was just meant to be polite.
“If you don’t mind me asking,” Davenport wrapped his fingers around his coffee mug. “What are your rates?”
Veronica shifted a little in her seat.
“Well,” she started, trying to think of the most diplomatic way to say what she needed to say. “I don’t really have a flat fee. I create a plan for each family that I work for, according to their income and their ability to pay.”
“That’s very considerate of you,” Davenport noted, and Veronica blinked, more than a little surprised by his response.
“Some people have said it’s an irresponsible business decision,” Veronica noted, taking another drink from her mug.
“Not necessarily,” Davenport shrugged. “You’re building a good rapport with your clients, who will recommend you to friends, and ultimately increase your income. Even if you make less money in the short term, it does help to set you up for long term success. Good business decisions aren’t determined by the amount of money you bring in on a short-term basis.”
Veronica nodded. She couldn’t agree more.
“Besides,” Davenport went on, and his tone softened. “It speaks highly of your character to know that you are willing to be flexible when providing a service for those less fortunate.”
