Authors: Cydney Michele; Rax Lutishia; Grant Lovely
Crush (14 page)
12
It was eight p.m. on a Thursday evening. Lois was still at work. She was tired, but also felt triumphant: the jury had deliberated just two hours before ruling in favor of Chaz’s client. Her boss’s celebration had been short lived, however, because the decision was immediately appealed. Fingers played the keyboard at eighty words per minute as Lois rushed to finish the motion Chaz would file first thing in the morning. If she hurried, she’d make it home in time to see the Lifetime movie she’d seen advertised; ironically, about a female stalker in love with her boss.
She was surprised to hear the elevator ding, but assuming it was one of the other attorneys, she didn’t turn around. Until she smelled the perfume. And then she knew: Jennifer. Lois rolled her eyes and kept typing. Until she heard the voices. Two young ones, one male and one female. Jennifer never brought the kids to the office.
What trick do you have up your sleeve?
What trick do you have up your sleeve?
“Hi, C. J., hey Cherish,” Lois said, addressing the children. “Don’t you guys look cute!” Her pointed ignoring of Jennifer did not go unnoticed.
“You’re a piece of work, you know that?” Jennifer spat, fixing Lois with a look like there was dooky on her face. Jennifer sidled up to the desk and lowered her face to within an inch of Lois’s. “Here you are playing the loyal, dedicated secretary. Don’t think I don’t know that you have the hots for my ex. Forget it, sista. That’s a pipe dream that you’ll never,
ever
experience. I was and will always be a part of Chaz’s life. And when he and I get back together? You’ll be the first change he makes to the personnel.”
ever
experience. I was and will always be a part of Chaz’s life. And when he and I get back together? You’ll be the first change he makes to the personnel.”
Lois swallowed her anger, even as she took in a look that could only be described as “video vixen.” Jennifer wore a tight black dress and high, jeweled sandals. Her makeup was flawless, as usual, and her legs were free of scars or blemishes. In a word, Jennifer looked perfectly decadent. Lois couldn’t stand her.
“Is Mr. Covington expecting you?” she asked with mock politeness.
“No. Nothing like a surprise family visit to brighten your man’s day. Is he alone?”
“Yes, but he’s . . .” The rest of Lois’s sentence died on her lips as she watched Jennifer prance to Chaz’s office door, followed by two children that Chaz could have spit out, so much did they look like him. Lois reached for the phone but realized it wouldn’t do any good to try and alert Chaz of his ex-wife and children’s presence. Jennifer had already opened the door.
“Jennifer!” The frown on Chaz’s face quickly turned into a smile when he noticed that his children accompanied her. He quickly opened and closed his drawer before standing up to greet them. “My two favorite people!” he exclaimed, his arms outstretched.
“Daddy!” Chaz’s daughter ran and jumped into her father’s arms. His son, Chaz, Jr., showed more restraint, but was equally glad to see him.
“We were in the neighborhood,” Jennifer said, hugging Chaz and giving him a kiss on the lips before he could turn them away. “I called your house, and when you didn’t answer, thought I’d surprise you by stopping by with the kids. Have you eaten? Because we brought dinner.”
“No, in fact I’m starved.” Chaz took in Jennifer’s appearance. Sometimes he forgot how attractive she was. At one time, she’d had him wrapped around her finger. That time was gone. Wasn’t it? “What did you bring me?” he asked his daughter, forcing unwanted thoughts from his mind.
“Lasagna!” Cherish chirped.
“Come over to the table. Let’s see this spread. I’ll have Lois bring silverware and napkins.”
Jennifer stayed him with her hand. “That’s okay, baby. I’ve thought of everything.”
Soon, the sound of murmured conversation, punctuated by tinkling laughter, drifted out to Lois’s workstation. She knew what Jennifer was doing—playing the mommy card—and hoped Chaz knew what she was doing, too. She remembered when she first started working for Chaz, his subdued countenance and quiet mood. At first, she thought that was his personality. It was only later, as he began to heal and regain his vibrant, self-assured personality, that she got an inkling about how his divorce had affected him.
He never talked about it. The divorce. But Gina had been more than happy to fill her in on all the ugly details. At the time, LIVE-FM had been one of her favorite stations, their “grown folks’ music” format one that she preferred to its hip-hop-driven counterparts. She’d rarely missed the morning show. The DJ was funny, informative, and always dropped positive affirmations to get one through the morning. But after Lois learned that this DJ’s penis had been the wedge that dislodged Chaz’s happiness, Lois never listened to the man again.
Moments later, Chaz’s office door opened and out walked her boss and his brood, looking like one big happy family.
“You’re leaving?” Lois asked, surprised. She knew Chaz had planned to work a couple more hours.
“I’ve been roped into seeing a movie, the latest Pixar flick,” he said. “I tried to get out of it but . . .”
“C’mon, Daddy!” Cherish said, her eyes glowing with admiration and love.
“Yeah, Dad, c’mon,” C.J. echoed.
Chaz raised his hands in mock surrender. “What’s a father to do?”
“Yes,” Jennifer cooed, speaking to Chaz with words Lois knew were meant for her. “What’s a daddy to do but hang out with those he loves most?” And then to Lois: “Thanks for all your hard work, Lois. We appreciate you.”
Lois’s disgust was enough to make her lose her lunch. She finished typing the motion and decided to call it a day. She’d have to come in extra early in the morning, but Jennifer had drained her energy. She tidied up her desk, then walked into Chaz’s office to drop off the paperwork.
“He left in such a rush,” she said, noting the messy desk that was a rare sight in Chaz Covington’s office. She methodically began to straighten it up, putting files, pens, and other office accessories in their proper place. She opened the top drawer to put away his electronic calendar. That’s when she saw the prepaid cell phone she’d purchased earlier.
“That’s funny. Has it been here all this time?” Lois picked it up and punched a button. The screen lit up.
Oh, no! I didn’t mean to turn it on!
She scanned the phone’s face and was about to put it back into the drawer when she noticed an envelope icon, alerting the user that a message awaited. Obviously, the stalker had taken the bait and given Chaz her cell number. Lois didn’t hesitate to open the text. She scrolled to the beginning of the exchange.
Oh, no! I didn’t mean to turn it on!
She scanned the phone’s face and was about to put it back into the drawer when she noticed an envelope icon, alerting the user that a message awaited. Obviously, the stalker had taken the bait and given Chaz her cell number. Lois didn’t hesitate to open the text. She scrolled to the beginning of the exchange.
The first one was from Chaz: who are you?
The response: Is this really you?
Don’t use my name, if you do, this is over.
Okay.
Who are you?
I want you.
I get that, but why?
I’ve wanted you for a very long time.
You’re a creative writer.
You like?
Maybe.
Is there any way I can be with you? It would be so
good. . . .
Lois’s jaw dropped as she read Chaz’s answer: Anything’s possible.
13
Lois was still reeling the next morning. She arrived at the office at seven a.m., partly to finish the work she’d left last night and partly because she knew it would take her a couple hours to perfect the neutral face that would be necessary to greet her boss.
Since reading the last two lines of the text on Chaz’s phone, the words had played like a mantra in Lois’s head. The sender’s blatant question:
Is there any way I can be with you?
And Chaz’s unmistakably welcoming response:
Anything’s possible.
Lois had spent part of the night and all of this morning trying to figure out why Chaz would have responded the way he did. She held him, his character and reputation, in the highest regard, and imagined him with a partner of taste and refinement. Sure, she’d heard the tales that men liked a lady in the living room and a whore in the bedroom, but Lois hadn’t thought that applied to someone like Chaz. That’s why she’d found the letters so intriguing, yet so ridiculous at the same time. They were just a joke, just fun and games. No one like Chaz would ever take such correspondence seriously. She’d expected Chaz to “rip the sender a new one,” to tell them in biting and scathing terms that they must “cease and desist” immediately from their appalling behavior. But instead, he’d encouraged it.
It’s only because he wants to catch the culprit.
Lois’s conclusion was logical, but it didn’t make her feel better.
Is there any way I can be with you?
And Chaz’s unmistakably welcoming response:
Anything’s possible.
Lois had spent part of the night and all of this morning trying to figure out why Chaz would have responded the way he did. She held him, his character and reputation, in the highest regard, and imagined him with a partner of taste and refinement. Sure, she’d heard the tales that men liked a lady in the living room and a whore in the bedroom, but Lois hadn’t thought that applied to someone like Chaz. That’s why she’d found the letters so intriguing, yet so ridiculous at the same time. They were just a joke, just fun and games. No one like Chaz would ever take such correspondence seriously. She’d expected Chaz to “rip the sender a new one,” to tell them in biting and scathing terms that they must “cease and desist” immediately from their appalling behavior. But instead, he’d encouraged it.
It’s only because he wants to catch the culprit.
Lois’s conclusion was logical, but it didn’t make her feel better.
She finished the paper she was typing, looked at Chaz’s closed office door, and then at her watch: 7:45. One of the attorneys was already in the office, but most other attorneys and all of the supporting staff arrived between eight and eight thirty. By the time Chaz arrived at his usual nine a.m. start time, the office was normally in full swing.
Don’t do it, Lois. What’s on that cell phone is Mr. Covington’s business, not yours.
These were her thoughts, but her legs had other plans. Before she knew it, Lois had left her desk and walked into Chaz’s office. She reached for the desk drawer key in its secret compartment underneath the desk, unlocked the drawer that she’d made sure was secure before she’d left the night before, and picked up the phone.
Don’t do it, Lois. What’s on that cell phone is Mr. Covington’s business, not yours.
These were her thoughts, but her legs had other plans. Before she knew it, Lois had left her desk and walked into Chaz’s office. She reached for the desk drawer key in its secret compartment underneath the desk, unlocked the drawer that she’d made sure was secure before she’d left the night before, and picked up the phone.
An envelope icon indicated the new message:
Why Mr. Covington, your personality is as sexy as I’ve imagined, and when it comes to you, I’ve imagined plenty. There are places I’ve never been before. I want you to take me there.
Lois squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the images that arose unbidden in her mind. Images created by the words of other letters and e-mails she’d read:
hard and naked, burning, massive manhood . . .
Lois stroked the edge of Chaz’s desk, imagining it was his chest. The wood was hard and smooth, the intricately carved grooves at the edge felt similar to what she imagined the ridge of a penis tip felt like, after viewing one online a few nights before. She wanted to stop the thoughts but could not. She continued to stroke the wood, and the now familiar tingling that had started in her core began to spread lower....
hard and naked, burning, massive manhood . . .
Lois stroked the edge of Chaz’s desk, imagining it was his chest. The wood was hard and smooth, the intricately carved grooves at the edge felt similar to what she imagined the ridge of a penis tip felt like, after viewing one online a few nights before. She wanted to stop the thoughts but could not. She continued to stroke the wood, and the now familiar tingling that had started in her core began to spread lower....
“You’re here early!”
Lois’s eyes flew open.
What in the world is Gina doing here this early?
What in the world is Gina doing here this early?
“So are you.”
And Mr. Covington? Oh my God!
“Is that a new cologne you’re wearing?” Gina asked Chaz, as Lois listened to the conversation happening just a few feet away. For the first time in her life, she was thankful for Gina’s flirtatious nature. She hurriedly placed the cell phone back in the drawer, turned the lock, placed the key back in its holder, ran out of the room . . . and into the arms she’d envisioned seconds before. Her left knee and Chaz’s heavy briefcase had a forceful encounter and her rather thick heel chose this most inconvenient moment to connect with the only snag in the carpet. The wobbling began and Chaz—whose hands were full with the briefcase in one hand and a smoothie in the other—helplessly watched the inevitable happen. Lois tried to right herself, but the law of gravity prevailed. She went down on the floor, her feet went up in the air, and the sound of ripping fabric suggested that Lois’s humiliation wasn’t over. If possible, Lois would have clicked her heels three times and been home. But one heel was still stuck in the carpet and the other heel dangled off Lois’s nonmanicured toes—now exposed through a pantyhose run the size of Shaq’s shoe. Lois prayed to God to die right then.
Chaz’s firm grasp on her arm was the clue that she was still very much alive. “Lois, please, let me help you up.”
“No!” Lois exclaimed, her exposed bare butt cheek making its acquaintance with the carpet. She’d purchased her second thong in her life the night before, and why she’d decided to wear it today was now beyond her. “I mean, thank you, Mr. Covington, but . . . I can’t.” Lois felt an ugly cry coming on. It was the last face she’d want her boss to see. And why was Mr. Covington groping her leg?
“Mr. Covington . . . please!”
“Lois, does this hurt?” Chaz squeezed Lois’s calf and then her ankle.
Lois winced but not from the type of pain Chaz imagined. Chaz’s touch was soft, yet firm. His hand was burning hot. Or was it her leg? All Lois knew was that she couldn’t think while he touched her.
“Mr. Covington!” Lois shrilled again. The words were uttered more harshly than she intended. “I’m okay. It’s just that, please, can you leave me alone?”
Totally unaware of the effect he was having on his employee, Chaz continued his chivalry. “It’s okay, Lois. Let me help you.” He moved closer, straightened out her leg, and reached for her foot.
A throat being cleared from the hallway deepened Lois’s shame.
Great. Just what I need. Blabbermouth Gina as a witness to the worst experience of my life.
Later, she would wish that it
had
been Gina.
Great. Just what I need. Blabbermouth Gina as a witness to the worst experience of my life.
Later, she would wish that it
had
been Gina.
“Well, what do we have here?” Elizabeth Stein’s voice was full of mock concern. “Your assistant where she always wanted to be: flat on her back with you hovering over.”
Chaz whipped around just as Gina came up behind Elizabeth. “Sorry, Mr. Covington. I tried to ring you, but the phone was still on night service. I told her to wait, but . . .”
“It’s okay, Gina.” Chaz’s voice was soft but stern. “Liz, wait outside. In the
main
lobby.”
main
lobby.”
Elizabeth donned a smirk as she took a long, condescending look at Lois and then waltzed out the door.
Lois’s eyes were wide as she looked at Gina, still standing in the doorway. As always, Gina looked impeccable. Today she wore an off-white pantsuit, accented by a strand of faux pearls. She looked liked someone Chaz would have on his arm, which made Lois acutely aware of the fact that the same couldn’t be said for herself.
This realization was the last straw. Elizabeth Stein looked like a runway model, Gina could grace the cover of any fashion magazine, while Lois sat ass out, literally, suffering from rug burn and humility. Crocodile tears streamed from her eyes and pooled in her ear.
“I’ve got this, Gina,” Chaz said, not missing the look of barely veiled glee on his employee’s face.
“Okay, I’ll get right back to work.”
“Oh, and Gina? I don’t want to hear about this incident from someone who wasn’t here. This isn’t to be fodder for the office gossip mill. Understood?”
“Yes, Mr. Covington.” The teasing sparkle in her eyes effectively dimmed, Gina turned and went back to her desk.
“My pants are ripped,” Lois said with a sob. “I’m ashamed to have you see me like this!” Her whiney voice resembled how Nettie sounded when Mister threw her off the farm.
Ain’t nothin’ but death can keep me from it!
Ain’t nothin’ but death can keep me from it!
The lightbulb finally came on. “Oh my goodness,” Chaz said. He rose quickly and turned away from Lois. “I was only trying to help.” He walked to the door and stopped. “I’m going to the lobby to speak to Liz. There’s an extra shirt in my bathroom. It should cover the, um, problem. Then you can go home and change. In fact, take the day off, if you’d like.”
“No, Chaz, I mean Mr. Covington. I’ll come back. I just need to change my pants.”
“I’ll be in court all day, Lois. I think you could use the break.” He turned and left Lois sitting on his office floor.
Lois closed her eyes and waited until she heard the click of the door. Then she scurried to her feet and ran to the private bathroom in the back right corner of Chaz’s office. When she looked in the mirror, only one thought came to mind:
I look even worse than I thought.
Her perfectly coiffed bun had come undone, her eyes were red, and a carpet burn scar graced her right cheek. As bad as she looked, it paled in comparison to how she felt. She’d made a fool of herself in front of the man she most admired. The more she thought about it, the better Chaz’s offer sounded. “I need the day off,” she murmured, remembering she hadn’t taken a day off, sick or vacation, in a year and a half. Lois slipped her arms into the oversized sleeves of Chaz’s shirt, making sure it covered the massive split in her pants. For a moment, she reveled in the feel of it, and in Chaz’s scent that remained in the fabric. She started for the lobby and then, remembering Elizabeth Stein still lurked around, went out the rear entrance—all the while planning exactly how she would spend the rest of her day.
I look even worse than I thought.
Her perfectly coiffed bun had come undone, her eyes were red, and a carpet burn scar graced her right cheek. As bad as she looked, it paled in comparison to how she felt. She’d made a fool of herself in front of the man she most admired. The more she thought about it, the better Chaz’s offer sounded. “I need the day off,” she murmured, remembering she hadn’t taken a day off, sick or vacation, in a year and a half. Lois slipped her arms into the oversized sleeves of Chaz’s shirt, making sure it covered the massive split in her pants. For a moment, she reveled in the feel of it, and in Chaz’s scent that remained in the fabric. She started for the lobby and then, remembering Elizabeth Stein still lurked around, went out the rear entrance—all the while planning exactly how she would spend the rest of her day.
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