Page 9

She taps the little mole on her chin and looks up to the ceiling “I have worked with you for years, like since I came out of college.”

I lean back into my chair, rocking slightly feeling my impatience enter. “Luce.”

Unbothered she shrugs her shoulders and drops her arms. “This office always smells of expensive cologne and cigarettes. Until now, in fact since Ms. Penelope came.”

I had enough. “Get out and tell Wes to come see me.”

“Oh, you’re so feisty. Meow. Must be the truth.” Her fingers curl mischievously.

“Get out.” I chuckle as I open up the new file on Pastor Joseph. Dread settles as I begin to read.

My phone beeps and my heart thuds. What the hell is going on with me? Why is my heart fluttering when my phone rings?

Pen

I have been here for an hour. Can you pick me up now? If not, I will call an Uber.

Me

Penny

Why are you laughing?

Me

Because you are fucking funny. Uber over me. See you soon.

With no time to waste, I close up all the files.

“You wanted to see me?” Wes walks into my office as I stood getting myself ready to leave.

“Yes, find out Pastor Joseph schedules and get them to me.” I grab my jacket off the chair, throwing it on.

“Anything else?” Wes makes notes on his iPad.

I wonder if Pen ate anything yet… “Call Marco and tell him I need ingredients for a dinner that is Pen inspired. Tell him to include pomegranates. Have it readied at Glasshouse back entrance in five minutes.”

Wes clears his throat. “Pen inspired. As in Ms. Penelope inspired?”

Pausing I walk up to Wes and stare down at him. “And what if it is?”

Instantly Wes raises his hands in surrender. “I just think it’s nice to see you in love.”

Everything in me stills. “I’m not in love.”

Wes’s eyebrow raises. “I meant in like…It’s nice to see you in like. Let me go get everything you need ready.”

Backing slowly out of the room, Wes makes a smooth exit.

“In love? I have only known her a small amount of time. I can’t be in love…can I?”

My surroundings become a blur as I exit the gates of Nowhere.

Love. I mean, I like her company, and she is beautiful. But to be in love needs a little more, right? I like fucking her. Everything about her vagina makes me happy. But that is not love. I need more to fall in love, right? I know what some of her likes and dislikes are. Maybe I should stop this before it starts? I don’t want her to fall in love with me, it will just be heartbreak for her.

Pausing at the red light, my heart sinks when I think about stopping, what life would be like without Penny? My mind answers for me, “It will be fucking fantastic like it always is.” Mentally I give myself a high five and a wave of relief washes over me.

“Siri call Gioielleria Jewelry Store.”

“Calling Gioielleria Jewelry Store.”

Through the speaker I can hear someone wrestling with the phone. “Gioielleria.”

Taking a left, I weave my way through the traffic. “Gio, it’s Tarek.”

“Fairisles, my favorite customer. Do you need another bulk of gold chains?”

Bulk? I mean thirty to forty pieces can be considered a bulk. I have like twelve remaining. Hmm I guess I do buy in bulk.

“I need a special chain made.” Special? I guess it is. Penny is special. She is smart, pretty, and funny. I think she deserves a little something extra than my other girls.

“A special girl needs a special necklace. What do you have in mind?” The glee in Gio’s voice comes across the phone.

“Unlike the rest, I want an aquamarine diamond as the main stone. I will leave the rest to your genius.”

A clapping of hands echoes around me from my speaker. “I will keep it elegant and simple. You can have it in three days I will charge it.”

“Fabulous. Thank you, Gio.” I parked at the back entrance of the Glasshouse and as expected, Marco marches through the door with a box.

The passenger seat door opens, and he slides it onto the seat.

His eyes hold a hint of mirth. “A Penny inspired dinner? Pomegranates?”

“Yes, I’m fucking hungry, and she likes my food. I can kill two birds with one stone by cooking for her.”

Marco bends his head and nods. “Of course. Well, enjoy your dinner.” His lips strain like he wants to hold in a laugh.

“Close my fucking door, Marco,” I sneer.

“Tell Ms. Penelope I said hi.”

Before I could respond he slams the door in my face and smacks the roof of my car. What the hell is wrong with everyone? It’s just food. I pop open my glove compartment and retrieve a box of my Treasurer London cigarette and lighter. Sliding one between my lips, I flick the lighter to life. The tip flares a bright orange as I inhale deeply. Almost instantly I cough, my lungs are protesting the sudden invasion of smoke.

My tires screech as I swerve into traffic my adrenaline surges. I fire off a quick text.

Me

I’m almost there, Treasure.

My phone buzz and the screen on my dashboard says, “Dad.”

“What’s up, old man? Still breaking hearts in Tokyo?” I ask as the cigarette hangs in the corner of my mouth.

My father’s hearty laugh greets me. “I only broke one heart in my life boy. The others don’t even matter.”

The car idles at another red light. “When are you coming back to the US?”

“I’m currently boarding my plane. Where are you going?” he asks. I can hear the flight attendant trying to get his attention.

“Archer Holt has an event.”

“Oh, I saw him on TV. Do you know him? Are you interested in politics? Make your old man happy and say yes,” my father said, sounding hopeful.

“No, I’m going to pick someone up.” I make two more right turns, then I drive up behind the cue of cars waiting.

“New chain collector?” That’s what my father calls my situationships, “chain collectors”.

“No.”

“So, you didn’t get a necklace for her?” My father’s voice rumbles on the phone.

“I did, but this one is…”

“Different? But you’re going to give her a necklace? Hmm.”

I roll my eyes at my father. “I had one specially made for her.”

“Oh, okay.” The sarcasm drips from his voice. If it were another person and I would have said, “Fuck you,” and got off the phone. But with my dad…

“Anyway. I will see you. Are you staying at my house or yours?” I ask as the valet knocks on my glass.

“The last time I stayed at your house, I walked in on you receiving a blow job from one woman and you were sucking the cunt of another. I will stay at my house and keep my sight,” He huffed.

“Safe journey. See you around old man.”

“And you son.” The call ended. I reach across my glove compartment digging for a ring that I hardly use.

Finding the grey box that holds the ring of the Quarter Masters, I slip it on my finger.

It doesn’t take long for the valet to take my car from me.

I skip up the carpeted stairway, and I am met with two men in dark black suits. Why the hell they are wearing sunglasses so late at night?

“Can I have your invitation please sir?”

I raised my hand and flashed the ring of the Quarter Masters.

Instantly they move to the side allowing me to enter.

* * *

PENNY

Tarek

I’m almost there, Treasure.

I smirk and shake my head. Treasure in all the nicknames that he could give to me.

“Who has the infamous Penelope Holt grinning?” A soft soothing voice murmurs beside me.

I glance up, slipping my phone into my clutch. My smile widens as I take in the sight of Roxanne. My jaw almost hits the floor.

“Oh my god Roxy. You look incredible.”

The Roxanne I know is beautiful but understated, always wearing muted colors and loose modern pants, or layered sweaters and jackets. Her hair, always tucked in a low bun, gave her an air of quiet professionalism. When I think of Roxy, I picture dependable bulky office attire, nothing to draw your attention.

“Thank you, Pen. As always you look stunning,” Roxanne smile, her teeth look extra white in contrast to her red lipstick and her brown skin.

I step back to take her in. “I understand why Archie is fussing.”

She flicks her dark shiny hair over her shoulders. “He can stay fussing.”

My adrenaline surges, old Roxy cared about Archie’s feelings, this new 2025 Roxy doesn’t give a fuck. I love this for her.

“Roxy, who designed your dress?” I wanted the designer to create one for me. Roxy looks like a walking temptation. Men are looking around the room with every move that she makes.

Roxy rubs her hand over her statuesque form. “A new designer, her name is Le Ker.”

Le Ker understands a woman’s body, I can tell by the silhouette of the dress. The floor-length gown slides over Roxy’s curves, curves that I didn’t even know existed. The sheer nude fabric adorned with bold red vine like patterns, cascades down the entire length of the gown. What intrigues me most is the strategic cutouts on the side of the dress. It’s sexy and I love it.

“I have so many questions.” Looking at her side, I see my brother charging towards us like a mad bull.

In an instant he reaches us. His nose flares and he closes his eyes for a second. Is he inhaling her?

“What the hell are you wearing?” Archer growls, yanking Roxy’s arm close to his chest. His voice is low and possessive, sneering right into her ear.

Before I could comment on Archer’s caveman behavior, Roxy glances down at the hand gripping her arm then slowly back up to him. As if to tell him, “Let me go or else.”

Instantly Archer drops her arm.

“This dress is inappropriate for this event,” Archer snaps. The tip of his ear is turning red. I wanted to jump in, but I love seeing my always-in-control-near-perfect-brother unravel.

“Says who,” Roxy replies as she sends a small wave to a Congress man watching her from the other side of the room. She is so unbothered by my brother’s antics.

“Me. I said so,” Archer jaw clenches and his chin juts out. My poor older brother is having a crisis, and he doesn’t know how to deal with it.

“Well, it’s a good thing your job is being a politician and not a fashion designer,” Roxy says nodding and smiling gracefully as if she and Archer weren’t drawing curious glances from other guests.

The Archer I know would be more concerned about his image, especially in a ballroom full of people who are prone to gossip.

“Fashion Designer or not you look like a woman who is trying too hard to bag a rich man at my event. In other words, a slut.” Archer pulls away and fixes the sleeves of his jacket.

A sharp gasp leaves my mouth, as I was about to give him a piece of my mind. Roxy interjects, “You mean like your bubbled-headed, botox infused girlfriend.” Roxy pushes up her breast with her hand, and my brothers’ eyes betrays him as they fall to her cleavage. “Unlike your girlfriend I know my worth and I will aim for someone, much higher than you.”

Regret flickers over my brother’s face. “Shit. Roxy, I-I am sorry.”

A waiter stops near us. “Champagne?”

Roxy takes up a flute and sips as the waiter continues through the crowd. “You’re sorry? No, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I wasted my heart and my life on a no good, egotistical, arrogant, judgmental, hypocritical simple clown like yourself.”

I should jump in and defend my brother, but honestly, he deserves this.

“Roxy please,” my brother’s silver eyes soften, and he stretches his hand out and holds her palm. “Let’s go somewhere private to talk.”

Roxy drops her hand and turns to me, brushing the air beside my cheek with a pair of effortless French kisses. “Let’s do lunch sometime.”

I nod wrapping her in a hug. “I would love that.”

With a smug glance at my brother, she steps back. “Forget the two weeks’ notice. Archer Holt I officially quit. I’ll grab my stuff in the morning.” Without waiting for a response, she gives a Congress man a quick wave before flicking her hand toward the bar and striding off.

“I’m not done talking,” Archer calls after her.

“But she is. Let it go and come back tomorrow,” I encourage him, touching his sleeve lightly. He kisses me on the cheek and made his way to Roxy.

Letting it go, I turn to leave. It’s best if I meet Tarek outside. I look around the room to see my mother and I spot her in deep conversation with a tall, elegant man. From the way she is touching her neck and laughing I can tell she is smitten.

The best idea would be for me to go across there and say goodbye. I would save myself the talk for later. I choose the talk. I came, I saw; I floated around the room. Now I’m done.

My heels click against the marble floor, echoing through the hallway as I make my exit. I could still hear the music from the ballroom. Like myself, it would seem that some people have grown bored by the night activities. Some are leaving, others are standing in small groups having deep conversations.

“I wonder if he is outside already?” I murmur.

“Penny!” someone shouts my name. My stomach sinks in disgust, I know that annoying voice.

Melvin comes strutting up to me like a proud peacock. What did I ever see in this man? He is a doctor, approximately 5’9", in shape, with light brown skin, dark brown eyes, and pink lips. Comes from a politically well-known family. On paper he seems like the perfect guy. In reality he is a low-down scum bag roach of a human.

His stride is slow, as he nears me. I’m confident Melvin will never make a scene because his image is everything to him.

“Melvin, sadly, you look well,” I comment.

Stopping in front of me, with a champagne glass in his hand Melvin nods. “I see you are doing good.”

“Well at least you don’t have to get your eyes checked,”

He sips his wine, and drags his eyes up my body. “I should be upset by the little stunt you pulled.”

“Stunt?” I ask.

“Yes, my money was gone. I got that back. I lost my job.” His cheeks reddened.

I lean forwards and whispered, “Don’t forget the girl you cheated on me with is charging you with sexual assault to save her ass.”

“At first, I hated your guts, Penny,” Melvin says.

I chuckle. “Mel, how can you hate my guts when you couldn’t even reach them,” I reply.

“I miscalculated, Penny. I was wrong. You should take me back.” Just like that he expected me to run into his cheating arms.

“I am not a dog. I don’t eat my vomit once I throw it up.”

His jaw rocks, and a rush of air leaves his nose. “You fat ungrateful bitch. I never wanted you.”

“Men are constantly trying to tell plus size women they don’t want us. But the truth is you don’t look like the guy I want. Anyway, I must end this Tête-à-tête,” I wonder if Tarek arrived as yet.

“I’m beginning to hate everything about you Penny. The crass way you have. I hate your guts.”

I chuckle. “And you look like a dry cracked heel. Have a good night.”

His eyes expand, and his shoulders drop.

“That’s why your womb is barren, and no sperm will ever enter it.” Smugly, he sips his wine. The fat jokes didn’t usually affect me, but this one did.

I wanted to pull my fist back and blacken his eye, but this is my brother’s event. Even the slightest hint of bad behavior could tank his votes.

Swallowing my pride, I throw my shoulders back and say, “No, my body was just smart enough not to accept you.”

God, I want to smack him in his face so hard, my palms are itching.

“You will never find another man like me, Pen. One who is intelligent, comes from a good family, God fearing. You will never find a man to fuck you the way I did.”

I caught his scent before I saw him. The smell of expensive bold cologne and smoke. I close my eyes and wait for his presence to be known. A soft kiss brushes my forehead, and I am pulled to his side.

“Sorry I’m late, Treasure,” Tarek’s voice rumbles, his presence out shadows Melvin’s. I look up at him and smile.

“Never a problem.” all the vexation that I felt toward Melvin seeps out of me.

“Who the fuck is this?” Melvin snaps as he points at Tarek like a child throwing a tantrum.

Tarek doesn’t bother acknowledging Melvin, his focus is solely on me. “Marco packed us dinner.”

“Really what did he pack? Please tell me there is a chocolate cake in the mix,” I reply, wanting to leave now.

“He sent chocolate mousse and pomegranates,” Tarek announces wiggling his eyebrows with a playful grin.

“I love chocolate cake. It’s my favorite, but the mousse will do. You’ve been smoking?” I flick my head to the lit cigarette in his hand.

“Fuck sorry. I had a rough night,” Tarek states, his eyes never leave mine.

Melvin stomps his foot in frustration. “Penny who the fuck is this?”

Before I could answer Tarek calmly takes his lit cigarette and puts it out in Melvin’s drink never looking at him.

I bite back a laugh. It’s like Melvin doesn’t exist to Tarek.

“I have to admit I sort of missed you,” Tarek says, taking my hand, steering me toward the exit.

Melvin lunges in front of us, blocking our path. “You disrespectful motherfucker, fight me.”

Tarek looks down at him in disgust. “Nah that would be animal abuse.”

I couldn’t hold it in. I laugh, and Tarek chuckles right along with me.

“She is my fucking woman. I prayed for her. God gave her to me,” Melvin howls and stomps. His fists are clenched.

Prayed for me? What bullshit is this man spewing?

Tarek pulls me to the back of him and leans down to Melvin. “She was your woman, and God decided to give her to me. Who am I to block a blessing.”

Without a second thought, Tarek pulls our arms over Melvin head then he spins me around and brings me closer. Leaving Melvin behind.

“She is nothing but a fat, barren, whore,” Melvin shouts, his voice is dripping with venom.

Tarek stops in his tracks and looks at me. For the first time I can see the rage bubbling in his eyes.

“Don’t fight him. This is my brother’s event. Think of the headlines.” I press my hand onto the lapels of his jacket.

Slowly Tarek pries my hand from his jacket and walks toward Melvin. He steps closer positioning himself so that Melvin is completely blocked from my view. Tarek’s head dips low and I see the subtle movement of his arm. A moment later a low agonizing moan cuts through the air.

“Shh, shh. Let’s not make a scene,” Tarek murmurs to Melvin as he calmly escorts him to a wall. Melvin collapses, sliding down the wall until his head slumps to his chest lifeless.

“Oh my god did you kill him?” I ask as Tarek wipes his hand in a handkerchief as he walks up to me.

Tarek glances back at Melvin’s crumpled figure. “He is alive.”

“Is he?” I put my hand to my mouth. Melvin looks like he is in the deepest sleep propped up against a wall.

Tarek places a firm but gentle hand on my lower back, turning me toward the exit. “He is.”

How can he be so confident? It serves Melvin right but still…

“Until we meet again Melvin, and I promise we will,” Tarek shouts with a nonchalant salute at Melvin.

With a small squeeze, Tarek turns his silver stare back to me. “Let’s go, Treasure.”

“Your place or mine?” I ask.

“You choose,” he replies.