It's All a Matter of Choice Read online

  “You don’t have to, Emmet,” she said softly, “You could stay a little longer.”

  Emmet shook his head.

  “I don’t feel comfortable, Anita,” he said looking down at his pants.

  Yes. He probably felt all wet and uncomfortable.

  “All right, but…but…we can still watch a movie next week, can’t we, Emmet?” Anita asked him. She was worried that he was going to break and run because of this.

  “You still want to?” Emmet asked her.

  “Yes. It will be my last weekend here. I’ll be moving out the following week. I’ve almost got enough money. One more paycheck will do it,” she said. “If you don’t come, I’ll be here by myself with no company.”

  Anita pouted a bit. Emmet was a sucker for pouting. It made him think of kissing.

  “All right,” he said, “Next Friday then.”

  Anita gave him a breathtaking smile and Emmet couldn’t help smiling back at her. She took his hand and walked him to the door, opening it. Emmet walked through and turned to her.

  “Thank you for tonight, Anita,” he began, “I just wish I could have…”

  Anita placed her finger against his lips, shushing him.

  “Emmet, you were wonderful,” she said softly, replacing her finger with her lips and kissing him gently. His brown eyes met hers.

  “Really?” he asked her.

  “Really. Now good night, Emmet,”

  “Good night, Anita,” Emmet replied, waiting for her to close and lock her door before he left. When he heard the click, Emmet turned and walked toward the elevator.

  “She wanted me to take off her bra,” he thought as he pressed the button and waited for the doors to open.

  Even wet boxers couldn’t stop his immediate erection. Emmet looked down.

  He had almost made it to third base.

  Maybe that meant next Friday could be a home run. He was going to have to work harder on his batting.

  *

  John Bowen listened to George on the phone. He’d found Anita. She was several states over.

  “According to her employment record, she’s staying at the ‘Short Stay Motel,’ George said, frowning slightly at the name. It had to be a dive.

  “Short Stay Motel, eh? And what’s the name of the place she’s working?” John asked, drumming on the phone impatiently.

  “B, B &B Inc. She’s an office worker,” George replied. He took a deep breath. John wasn’t going to like what he had to say, but he had to say it. “Look John, this is the last time I’m going to track your daughter down for you. I could get in a lot of trouble for this. One or two times wasn’t bad…but you’re stalking her. I’m not going to help you do it anymore.”

  ”What? You son-of-a-bitch! You owe me! I saved your fucking life!” John said, slamming his hand against the phone in frustration. How could George do this to him?

  “Look, I’m changing my number and this is the last time, John. I’ve more than made up for what you did for me. I’m not going to do this for the rest of my life. I’m cutting you off, John. If you ask me, you should leave your daughter alone. It’s clear she wants nothing to do with you. You’re mooching off her and you never did shit for her in her life,” George said.

  “I fucking GAVE her life!” John snarled into the phone.

  “You fucked her mother between jail terms. You weren’t ever a father to her, John. You need to live your own life. I hope she gets away from you for good. Now, goodbye,” George said, hanging up the phone.

  John Bowen let out a stream of curses at the dial tone.

  “Ungrateful son-of-a-bitch! Everyone’s fucking ungrateful,” he hissed, slamming the phone down. It fell and dangled as he walked away from the booth, heading for the highway, his duffle bag thrown over his shoulder. He had a lot of hitch-hiking to do. It would take him a couple of weeks to make it to where his daughter was.

  “Daddy’s coming, Anita. Daddy’s on his way,” John breathed as the first car whizzed by him, the driver ignoring his thumb.

  *

  ”How can I help you THIS time, officer?” June Barrows asked the helmeted motorcycle cop who pulled her over. He flipped up his goggles and looked the SUV over.

  “Is this your car, ma’am?” he asked her.

  “Of course it is,” June snapped at him. “Why’d you pull me over?”

  The officer looked at the four older women sitting in the SUV with her. Agnes was in the seat next to June, rolling her eyes and smoking a cigarette.

  “Just a routine stop, ma’am,” the officer said, “This is quite a vehicle you’re driving. I was curious to see who’d drive something like this. There’s a lot of trafficking going on between states.”

  June frowned at him.

  “So, if I had been somebody black or Latino, I suppose you’d have us all face down on the road while you searched my vehicle,” she said, her blue eyes hard.

  The officer looked uncomfortable.

  “Not necessarily ma’am. Now have a good day,” he said, walking off quickly.

  June watched him in the side view mirror, frowning.

  “It’s so unfair,” June muttered as she started up the SUV. Agnes blew a smoke ring.

  “Just be glad we aren’t black or Latino. I would have never gotten the gravel out of this dress,” she said, smoothing her hair.

  June scowled at Agnes then pulled off behind the officer, her blue eyes focused on his back as he pulled away.

  She might have given him a little “bump” with her big, shiny grill if she thought she could get away with it.

  Chapter 22 ~ Let’s Make a Deal

  Brandon Luster wasn’t looking too good these days. The past week had been horrible. He closed only two mediocre deals. Even Herman outclassed him, landing all four of his interviews.

  Without Emmet’s help, Brandon wasn’t producing. It didn’t make him feel any better to know that Emmet was doing quite decently with his own closings, and was continuing to line up interviews. But the associate had no one to blame but himself. He had been riding on Emmet’s back since he first was hired by B, B & B, and as Emmet improved in setting up interviews, Brandon took it all for granted. He never considered the possibility that Emmet would one day handle his own deals. He never thought he would evolve.

  Everything and everyone changes. Sometimes abruptly, as in Emmet’s case and sometimes over a bit of time. Inwardly, Emmet had been ready for this change for a long time, he just didn’t know how to bring it about. With Anita’s help, he was able to look the part. Yet, he always had it in him to be successful. He only needed an opportunity to prove himself.

  Brandon sat at his desk, tapping on the keyboard furtively. There had to be a way to improve his cold calling skills. In his gut, he knew what it was and it irked him. Brandon had a lot of pride, and he would have to swallow gallons of it in order to do what he needed to do to keep his job.

  He would have to ask Emmet for help.

  It was early and associates were still arriving. Brandon watched from his cubicle as Emmet walked into the office, then his eyebrows rose in surprise when the “Golden Boy” walked over to Anita’s desk, leaned down and gave her a little kiss on the mouth. The other office workers looked just as shocked as Anita did. Then the brunette gave Emmet a little smile as he walked away.

  On the way to work, Emmet wasn’t sure how he should greet Anita after Friday night. To just say “hi” didn’t seem appropriate, considering how far they had gone. He didn’t want her to think that he was the kind of man that would pretend there was nothing between them, when there was. His stomach was in knots as he exited his car and walked to the elevator that would take him upstairs. But once he saw Anita, his attraction to her took over and it was easy to kiss her hello in front of everyone. After all, she was all he saw. Emmet didn’t even turn red afterwards.

  Anita watched him go, her smile still plastered on her face. Melissa eased up to her, grinning.

  “Seems as if Emmet’s gaining confidence in more
than one area,” she said to Anita, who blushed and shuffled the papers on her desk busily, “You two an item?”

  “I guess you can say that,” Anita replied as the other girls oohed at her.

  “So, have you…you know?” Melissa pressed, “He’s awfully cute now.”

  ”That’s none of your business,” Anita snapped, frowning at Melissa.

  “She hasn’t,” Susan said from her desk, applying another layer of red lipstick to her mouth, “I can hear the frustration in her voice from here.”

  “I am NOT frustrated,” Anita said to Susan, who turned in her swivel chair and eyed Anita coolly with her blue eyes.

  “That’s what your mouth says,” she quipped, turning back around, leaving Anita fuming. She looked up at Melissa, who was watching her closely.

  “Don’t you have work to do?” she hissed at the office worker.

  “Nope. You haven’t done it with him. Too bitchy,” Melissa replied smugly, then walked back to her desk and sat down daintily in her chair. Anita wished she could have pulled it out from under her.

  “I hate working with women,” Anita said under her breath, picking up a pen and starting on her paperwork.

  *

  Emmet walked into his cubicle and sat down, turning on his computer. A stack of financial magazines were on his desk and he picked one up, studying the cover before opening it and looking at the table of contents.

  “Making the moves on Bowen, eh Emmet?” a voice said behind him.

  Emmet turned in his chair to see Brandon standing there, his blue eyes resting on Emmet soberly.

  “We’re dating, if that’s what you mean, Brandon,” he replied.

  Brandon looked Emmet over. He could feel the change in the associate. He was more confident…more…well…manly. He didn’t seem as much of a pushover as he used to be.

  “Emmet, can I talk to you?” Brandon asked him suddenly, “It’s about work.”

  Emmet’s brown eyes washed over his old nemesis.

  “Sure,” he said, gesturing toward the folding chair, “Have a seat.”

  Brandon sat down and looked very uncomfortable. Not a normal look for him. He usually dripped confidence. Emmet found it slightly reassuring that Brandon Luster could be nervous in his presence.

  “How can I help you?” Emmet asked him.

  Brandon looked at him, and decided to just tell Emmet what was wrong and what he needed from him. It would be painful, but it was better to be straight and get it over with. All Emmet could say was no.

  “Look, Emmet,” Brandon began, “I worked with you for a long time…”

  Emmet’s eyebrows rose.

  “Worked ‘with’ me, Brandon? You took all my interviews,” Emmet said to him, frowning slightly. “That’s hardly ‘working’ with me.”

  Brandon shifted a bit in the chair.

  “All right. But I did help you keep your job, Emmet. I closed those deals and you got half the money and half the credit,” Brandon said.

  Emmet almost snorted. Almost.

  “The only one who knew about my part in it was Mr. Allen. You never said anything about me setting up your interviews to any of the associates,” he countered.

  “Mr. Allen is really the only one who mattered though, Emmet,” Brandon replied, “He knew you were good at setting up interviews. That’s why he kept you on. We were a team.”

  As much as he hated to admit it to himself, Emmet realized Brandon was right. Without him closing the deals, Emmet could have lost his job, not to mention made next to nothing without the split bonuses.

  “So what do you want now?” Emmet asked him directly. The “team” was dissolved now.

  Brandon hesitated, taking a deep breath.

  “Listen, I was never any good at cold calling, Emmet. Now that you are closing your own interviews I’m not doing too well. I stink on the phone. I can’t even get past the receptionist half the time. If I don’t start producing soon…I’m going to lose my job,” Brandon said.

  If Emmet was vindictive, he could have asked the associate what any of this had to do with him. But he wasn’t that way. He continued to look at Brandon.

  “I need help, Emmet. I need to learn how to set up interviews…reach the people I need to reach. You…you know how to do that. I was wondering…if you could give me some pointers?” Brandon asked him. “When you weren’t producing, I helped you out. It’s only fair.”

  Emmet stared at him for several moments. Brandon was an asshole for the most part, but he did come through when he handled Emmet’s interviews. It wouldn’t be right to let him lose his job when he could be helped. But still…

  “You’d have to pay me, Brandon,” Emmet said evenly.

  Brandon frowned.

  “What? Pay you? Why?” he asked.

  “Because this is a skill that took me years to hone. I think I should be paid for my time and knowledge. Plus, if you are paying me…you will take what I tell you more seriously,” Emmet replied.

  Why, the skinny little bastard. This was nothing more than extortion as far as Brandon was concerned. He kept Emmet’s head above water until he came into his own. Brandon’s scowl grew darker.

  “How much?” he asked.

  Emmet looked thoughtful.

  “Fifty dollars an hour,” the associate replied, “Consultation fee.”

  Brandon turned all kinds of colors.

  “Fifty dollars an hour? That’s too much,” he said.

  “Some consultants charge seventy-five. I’m good at what I do, Brandon. You’re getting a bargain. If you follow everything I tell you…you will be getting interview after interview,” Emmet responded, “But it’s up to you. I’m not going to twist your arm.”

  Brandon looked at Emmet with a new respect. The associate wasn’t stupid at all. And he did have a right to be compensated for his knowledge and his time.

  “All right. Fifty dollars an hour,” he conceded.

  “To be paid at the beginning of each lesson,” Emmet said, “Cash.”

  Brandon scowled again but nodded.

  “You’re going to have to come to my house in the evenings. I have an office there and can show you what you need to know. I suggest you get a notebook to write everything down,” Emmet said. “I think seven would be a good time. Seven to nine.”

  ”That’s a hundred bucks a visit,” Brandon hissed.

  Emmet nodded.

  “It will pay for itself in bonuses,” Emmet replied.

  “Fine,” Brandon said. He needed this help. Emmet had him.

  “We can start tonight,” Emmet said, writing his address down on a piece of paper and handing it to Brandon. “Be at my house at seven.”

  Brandon looked at the address and then at Emmet.

  “I would have never thought I’d have to count on you,” Brandon said.

  “Life’s full of surprises,” Emmet replied with a smirk.

  Brandon left Emmet’s cubicle without another word. He’d be there at seven with a hundred bucks in his pocket. But it better damn well be worth it.

  *

  At lunch, Emmet told Anita about the arrangement he made with Brandon. She was very impressed.

  “Wow, Emmet. What did he say when you told him he had to pay you?” she asked him.

  Emmet shrugged.

  “There really wasn’t too much he could say, Anita. Either he pays me or I don’t show him what he needs to know. His job is at stake after all,” Emmet replied, twirling his fork in his spaghetti. He picked up the swirled noodles and inserted them into his mouth.

  Anita looked at him speculatively. Two weeks ago, Emmet would have never struck a shrewd bargain like that with Brandon. He wouldn’t have had the confidence. It was like watching a bud unfold and flower into a small lion. Not that Emmet was aggressive. He wasn’t. Emmet was just realizing his own worth.

  “You’re something else, Emmet,” Anita said softly.

  Emmet looked at her and felt his stomach tighten.

  “You’re something else too, A
nita,” he replied, his brown eyes full of affection, “Since I’ve met you…I feel as if I can do anything.”

  Suddenly, there were several sighs from a table two aisles over from them. Anita glowered at her fellow office workers who were all smiling at Emmet.

  “I swear, they really get on my nerves,” Anita griped as Melissa fluttered her lashes at her. Emmet blushed slightly.

  “Maybe we should start going out for lunch,” Emmet suggested.

  Now there was an idea. But Anita could only imagine what her co-workers would think they were really up to. More than likely that she and Emmet were getting a bit of afternoon delight on their lunch break. Especially Melissa. Didn’t she have a love life of her own?

  “Maybe,” Anita replied, spearing a chunk of chicken in her salad rather viciously.

  “Um, have you decided what movie we are going to watch Friday night?” Emmet asked, trying to get her mind off her co-workers.

  “I was thinking a fantasy this time. Something light, easy and feel good. Have you ever seen Dragonheart?” she asked him.

  Emmet shook his head.

  “Well, Dennis Quad plays a disillusioned knight who has a grudge against dragons because the prince in his charge became evil after he received half a dragon’s heart to save his life. The prince becomes king, and is played by David Thewlis, who is really nice and bad. One dragon is left and get this…Sean Connery does his voice,” Anita said dreamily.

  “James Bond?” Emmet asked her.

  “Yep. The best James Bond,” Anita sighed, “Anyway, I don’t want to tell you the entire movie, but I like it. Are you game?”

  Emmet couldn’t help but think about what would most likely follow the movie. He’d been boning up for it in anticipation, so to speak.

  “Yes, I’m game. How about I bring another pizza?” he asked her.

  “Ok. But I want sun-dried tomatoes on it this time. I love them,” Anita replied.

  “All right,” Emmet said, looking at her soberly.

  His eyes looked a bit…well hot. Anita couldn’t help coloring. It wasn’t hard to tell what Emmet was thinking about. Anita shifted as a sweet little twinge hit her lower belly. Next time things got hot and heavy between them, Emmet wasn’t going to get away from her. If he had another little accident, she’d make him strip down, throw his clothes in the washer, then him into her bed.