by Carol May
“I’ve been taking a different route to work.”
“By the looks of that smile, I’d say a certain friend of mine that might be named Charli is enjoying these different routes. How ya doing today? Nodding in agreement, “You know, I am in a really good mood today. Thanks for noticing.”
“Anytime my friend. Hey, you like basketball, don’t you,” Rose asks as she is returning to the counter with my coffee.
“I love it why? I played in high school and some intermural games at college.”
“I’ve got a n extra ticket for Thursday’s game. My neighbor was going with me. He called me a few minutes ago telling me he can’t make it.”
“I would love to go, if you are asking.”
“Course they are in the nose bleed section but hey it’s a game.”
“I’ll have to tell my brothers and do the sisterly thing. Rub it in.”
Shaking her head as if she was in amazement, “My brother could care less. He is a big old football fan. Yuck!” Putting her hand on her chin as if she was doing some type of intense concentration. “I do have to admit, I like the way those football uniforms fit those bodies,” winking at me. We could make it a girl’s night. I usually go to some type of after party, so don’t come in jeans and a t-shirt.”
Laughing, “Glad you told me about the party. I would have come in jeans. You obviously know me.”
“Tipoff, is seven. Meet me outside the arena at 6:30ish.” Turning to walk out the door, “Sounds good. See ya then.” The week moves by swiftly which surprised me. Usually, when I have some plans for the end of the week it drags on. These couple of days went just the opposite
Arriving at the arena before Rose, I was enjoying people watching. I had seen quite a few stretch limos pulling into what looked like a private entrance. Maybe, the celebrities will be in attendance tonight. I suppose it depends on what is happening in South Beach. I hear Rose before I see her.
“Look out boys, the girl’s hot tonight.” Turning just a little to my right, I see Rose. Before I can say a word, she is talking. “Charli, WOW. That’s about all I can say.”
Smiling at her with a sheepish grin, “You said no jeans but I thought these white denim might be ok.”
“Might be ok? Are you kidding? Girl, you have classy sexy written all over you.”
“Ah, Rose did you see yourself before you walked out of your place? You are looking pretty H-O-T yourself.”
“Charli, are those pumps Boutins?”
Laughing, I nod yes. “They cost me a fortune but I love the color. It isn’t a true black but it’s not an off black either.” Let’s head on in.
As we were making our way to our seats, which weren’t really that bad, I was probably handed ten cards with names/street address/phone numbers on them. I was having to really work at remaining calm. Elbowing Rose, “What is up with men? I keep getting these cards with a name, address and phone number.”
Laughing, “Charli, those are your tickets into after parties.”
More than once during the game, the fan cam showed us on the scoreboard. It was fun. We laughed. The game was close but at halftime we were ahead by nine but in professional basketball that is nothing. Standing up to stretch, Rose and I were turned around chatting with the people behind us. When all of a sudden, I saw a familiar face moving toward me. Not meaning to be rude but I continued my conversation. The next thing I knew, Nash was standing beside me.
“Ms. Jensen, he would like to see you.”
“Well, for him. Just because we had some moments that doesn’t mean I am at his beck and call.”
“No Mam it doesn’t.”
“The game is getting ready to resume, I don’t know what you are going to do but I am going to sit down, right here beside my friend.” I looked over at Rose and I thought I might have to scrape her off the floor because she melting as her eyes absorbed Nash. Smiling, I looked at both of them, “Rose, this is Nash ah?”
“Nash will do Mam.”
“Ok, Rose this is Nash. Nash this is one of my best friends, Rose.”
Giving her a I’m strong but am gentle in bed look. “Mam.”
“Oh, please call me Rose.”
Just about that time the buzzer sounded. The third quarter was underway.
“Well, thanks for stopping by Nash. Be sure to deliver my message.”
“Mam, be sure to check your phone.”
We sat down just as the away team hit a three point shot. The game was tied at the final buzzer of regulation play. We were going into overtime. Rose and I had compared our entry tickets (cards) that we had. Some were the same, some not. Mapping out a plan of where we were going for the after party, the OT began. I was engrossed in the play on the court when Rose elbowed me.
“Ah, Charli, you need to report to the scorer’s table immediately.
“What?” The next thing I know during a timeout, I heard over the sound system, “May I have your attention please. A Charli Jensen is needed at the scorer’s table immediately. Charli Jensen immediately report to the scorer’s table.” I sunk down into my seat, bending my head, trying to cover my embarrassment.
“Hey, you need to go to the scorer’s table,” one of the guys from behind told me. Asking Rose, “How does he know my name?” Her reply came with a pointing at the scoreboard, “Oh crap, Charli everybody knows who you are.”
Looking up, there I was, which actually was no big deal, my picture had been on there a couple of times tonight but this time my name was underneath it. Standing up, I began walking. The timeout was over and the game was being played. When I reached the security officer that was guarding the entrance I shut my eyes. Standing there wasn’t Nash but Houston. He was laughing with everybody around him. As our eyes met, he smiled and I snarled. He laughed as he walked over taking me by the hand and led me to a front row seat. As he hugged me, I gritted my teeth and managed to say, “Really? Little extreme don’t you think?”
Through those sensual smiling lips came, “Next time come with Nash.” There is an empty seat beside Houston. I sit down, trying my very best to look pleasant. After that embarrassing experience, I might pop up on the fan cam at any moment. I feel my phone vibrate. Pulling it out, Houston looks over at me with a raised eyebrow. “Ahh, now you check your phone.” When I look down, I have 4 missed texts. Two from Houston, one from a number I don’t recognize and Rose. I open Rose’s OH MY GOD! Who is that? I close my eyes, and count to five. I hear the buzzer going off. The game is over. I am being helped up by a laughing Houston, when I hear “Damn man! You having to track’em down? Heard what you did, when you were suppose to be watching my fine skills on the floor.” Houston leaned into this man that some call a basketball god and made a comment that caused them to laugh and slap each other on the back.
Houston, held his arm out to me, pulling me into his side and introduced me. The ball player looked down at me saying, “Here’s the thing. If you get tired of this piece of work (nodding toward Houston) you just look me up. I stood there saying nothing just nodding.
My phone rang, I looked at it. Oh darn, it’s Rose. I didn’t text her back. Turing around, I look up to where we were sitting. She’s standing there, waiting for me to pick up. Sheepishly, I say “Hello.”
“You have got to tell me who he is. Have you known him long? Why haven’t I heard about him?” Turning away from Houston, I talk into the phone. “Houston is his name. I haven’t known him long. The man I introduced you to earlier is his driver.”
“You mean they come in sets? Oh sweet me, Charli. You have been holding out. Listen don’t worry about the after party because looks like you’re going to have your own. I text a couple of people that I usually go with to see if they are here. They are, so I am all good. Now, listen to me, Go take care of that fine piece standing beside you.”
“I don’t know what I am doing, Rose. Obviously, this wasn’t in my plan. I’m sorry.” Pretending to fan my face, “He is fine isn’t he?”
“You have to ask? Don’t
be sorry. If I had that standing beside me, girl I’d be dragging him out of here.”
I smiled, and waved. “Talk to you later.”
Turning around, Houston was talking to a gentleman that I recognized as the owner of the team. They were engaged in what looked to be a serious conversation. I seized the opportunity, took a selfie and sent it to my brothers. Feeling pretty smug, I waited for responses. Neither came, but after I looked at the time I understood why. It was late by most people’s standards. Deciding they were probably asleep, I put my phone into my bag. Houston wrapped up his conversation and away we went out some private exit.
“Where’s Nash?” I ask as we were exiting the arena.
“He left just before the overtime began. Gone home, I suppose. Why? Do you need something?”
“I was just wondering. He’s always with you besides I don’t think he has the thing I need. Well I suppose he has one but it isn’t the one I need.”
Leaning down sideways, he said, “He better not have the thing you need. I don’t share. Believe it or not, I have a driver’s license. I don’t need Nash for everything.”
“Oh really? Couldn’t prove it by me.”
Putting his arm around my shoulder, he pulled me into him. With what most would call, a bedroom voice he said, “Baby, I’ll be more than happy to demonstrate my skills.”
Stopping and taking a step away from me, his eyes slowly traveled down my body with a passion that left me feeling scorched from his gaze. Smiling semi-wickedly, he moved his hand down to a very low spot on my back as we walked. He must have unlocked the car using his free hand. A sexy sleek sports car directly in front of us beeped. Opening the door for me, he lightly caressed the spot where his hand touched my skin. This seemingly small gesture, became one of the sexiest actions I’ve experienced.
As we roared away from the arena, I realized this felt right. Me being with Houston. I didn’t need to ask where we were headed. It really didn’t matter. I hadn’t felt this way in a very long time, if ever really. I decided to just sit back and enjoy the ride. He pushed some buttons, and the crooning voice of Old Blue Eyes himself began. That’s when I knew this was going to be some kind of night. Suddenly, I ached for the firmness of him. I reached out, placing my hand on his thigh. This touch soothed my need. His hand covered mine as we sat quietly enjoying this sensual touch. We remained this way until we pulled into the garage at Dade 303. When I tried to pull my hand back, Houston’s hand clamped down on mine. We sat like that for just a second enjoying this simple yet complex connection.
Chapter 16
“Good Morning, Charli. It’s starting out to be a great isn’t it?”
“I guess, Lana. I’m not sure how great it is starting but it sure sounds like someone is having a good one. Any reason I should know? It wouldn’t be connected to the good mood I noticed Terrance in when I stopped by the Java House this morning?”
Smiling at me, “Possibly.” I always enjoy watching her at the beginning of a new romance. She has so many facial expressions. I turn around and look at Joan as she hands me a package marked fragile.
“Okay? Weird. Where did this come from, Joan?”
“Messenger brought it this morning. Did you ever open that other package from a couple of weeks ago?”
Exhaling deeply and squeezing my eyes shut, “No, I forgot it. I laid it over to the side and didn’t think anything else about it. I’m not sure where it is exactly.”
I walk into my office, deciding to open today’s arrival first. Sitting down at my desk, deja-vu hits me hard. Closing my eyes, I give myself a brief pep talk. Reaching over to my computer, I click on my favorite music app, find something to listen to. Just as, I pull out my box cutter to open the package an upbeat song that always makes me happy comes on.
I sing along softly, because that is the only way I would ever sing out loud in public even if I am in my office. I break the seal and what do I find? A box inside. Okay. I open that box and go through this process two more times. Really, how immature is this? I wonder is my friend Rose at the Java Hut playing a prank on me. This is about like something she would do. Finally, I pull out a small wooden chest. What in the world? I try to open it but it seems to be locked.
That is when I notice the ecru envelope. Opening it, I smile, the embossed card simply reads: Bring the contents of the first package along with this to The Museum and Gardens of Biscayne tonight. Your driver will pick you up from your apartment at seven.
Defiantly not Rose. I look around my office for the first package finally finding it inside a drawer under some papers. I open it and inside is a chest that matches the other one but only larger. I lift the chest out, take a deep breath, “Really?” I open this box to find a beautiful antique wine glass laying in a bed of midnight blue velvet again with a handwritten note enclosed. Try not to shatter this one. Smiling, I pick up my phone, C … U… @ 7.
“Charli, did you finish the Rowling and Peele travel package?” asks Lana as she comes into my office, sits down across from me. I shake my head just enough to clear away any thoughts about what is locked up in the small chest. “Huh? I’m sorry Lana what did you say?” “Did you finish the Rowling and Peele itinerary?”
“Yes, believe it or not, I’ve already emailed it. Why?”
“Peele contacted me just now and “assured” me he hadn’t received anything from Supreme Corporate Travel.”
“Well, it might be because I sent it to his partner, William Rowling. I doubt if they even talk? It’s no wonder that this retreat we have assembled is the final attempt to hold together a company that clearly needs to be dissolved. We’re a corporate travel company specializing in retreats not miracles. I’ll send it to Peele right now,” as I turn to my desktop.
“Just keep the sarcasm in the office, even though I agree with you.” Looking down at my desk as she stands Lana sees the larger chest. “Charli, this is beautiful. Is it new? Where did you get it?”
Looking up, I smile, “Open it.”
She opened the box and sighed. “This is gorgeous, May I?” Nodding my head, Lana picked up the fragile stemware admiring the etchings. ‘”Charli, these are orchids.”
“I know, isn’t it stunning?”
“Ok, give it up where did you get this or do I even have to ask?”
With a smile, followed by a little lower lip biting, I shrugged my shoulders, “Houston.”
“I should’ve known. It is beautiful and I really don’t go for that “vintage” stuff.”
“Stop with the air quotes, that drives me crazy and you know it.”
“I know. By the way, the glass is beautiful too.” I ball up a paper and throw it. I can hear Lana laughing all the way back to her office.
Chapter 17
Leaving my apartment, I was sure to bring both packages. I feared for my emotional health if I left either behind. If I have learned anything about Mr. Houston Donovan these last few months, I know to be in my lobby at the designated time. Houston or whomever picks me up is always prompt. Just as I exited my building, a sleek dark blue luxury sedan pulled up. I was surprised when Nash wasn’t the driver. A man, perhaps a few years older than Nash came around opening my door. “Mam, I’m Jeffery and I will be your driver this evening.”
“Thank you Jeffery.” As we sped down, I-95, I thought about my life and how happy I am. If a fortune teller had predicted that I would have met a very wealthy man, fell in “something” with him, I would have belly laughed, as my brothers say, because I would have thought she was crazy. The pathway of life sure can take a great many turns, mine definitely has. Wow, who would have thought I would be where I am now? My brothers. I sit and look out the window biting the inside of my cheek. I need to call both of them. It’s been awhile since I have talked to either of them. I haven’t received a text or an email. Except for the text about me being at the ballgame. I suppose staying in touch isn’t the Walker way. I think that would have made Mama really sad to know that the three of us have grown so far apart over the
years. Nope, I am not going to do this. I could easily make myself depressed very quickly. This is a night that I am excited about. Obviously, Houston has put some thought into it. Before, I know it we are turning into the long drive. I need to ask Houston how we can use this wonderful estate after hours and have it all to ourselves. Whatever he does to get this place makes me feel really special.
As the car stops, about mid-way up the tree lined drive, I look over to my left noticing the shadow of a man stepping out from behind one huge, old tree. He opens the door and gets in. Before, I can say anything, Houston breaks out into the biggest smile. He takes my hand and pulls me onto his lap all in one swift movement. Smiling back, looking into his eyes, he pulls my head to him taking my mouth in a passionate kiss as we continue up the drive. The driver stops in front of the main entrance and soundlessly exits the vehicle. We sit lost in each other as my hands move down his strong, well defined chest. Breaking our heated connection, “Charli, you’re going to have to get off my lap or we will never get out.” Moving into the seat beside Houston, I exhale deeply. “Would that be such a terrible thing?”
“As much as I want you at this moment, I take all precautions to prevent my employees seeing me ravish my girlfriend.”
Girlfriend,” nodding my head. “Am I your girlfriend?”
“I certainly hope so. Do you consider me your boyfriend?”
“Honestly?”
Yes, honestly?”
“I am not really sure what I think of you as, you are many things to me. I definitely think I would call you my somebody but I think we are just a little too old to be girlfriend/boyfriend.” Nodding his head in agreement, we exit the car.
“Jeffery, this is fine. I will let you know.”
“Very good sir.”
We begin to walk away, “Sir, Ms. Jensen” stopping we turn, realizing Jeffery is holding the cloth bag I had placed my chests in.
“Ms. Jensen, You left this bag.”
I almost laugh because he looks funny standing there holding a black/pink paisley printed bag. “Thank you, again, Jeff.”
