Pink Slips and Glass Slippers (19 page)

Chase nodded, then handed the pole to Carlos. Ten minutes later, Chase and Parker spotted the tiger shark surface beside the boat. It floated like a shiny canoe. Then, it thrashed, splashing water into the boat. Carlos said, “Look at her. She’s a tiger shark all right.” Parker raised his chin up and said, “Wow. It’s big.”

Carlos cut his line, releasing the shark. As it slowly disappeared back into the translucent water, he said, “You guys wanna catch a bigger one?”

Chase mouthed, “We better get back,” but Parker cut him off, “Yay!”

Parker glanced back at Chase, “Can we? This is fun Daddy. We’re gonna catch a big shark!”

Chase said, “How much time do we have?”

“You’re my last client today. We’re already out here and I’m having a blast. I’ll go out some more—where the big ones are.”

Chase rubbed his chin and frowned, then looked at Parker. His son’s eyes rivaled a Labrador puppy. “Sure.”

“Yippee. Can we fish tomorrow too?”

“No, not tomorrow…but, we’ll do something fun. I’m thinking of taking the day off.”

“Can we make a sand castle?”

“Maybe.”

“Yippee.” Parker’s hug could melt dry ice.

Carlos set a new hook with a whole bonita fish, saying, “This is for the big sharks, Parker.” While allowing Parker to touch the live fish, causing a burst of giggles, Chase left a message for Ruth that he’d be off tomorrow. Then he called Oksana and gave her the day off. Two hours later, as the sun hovered above the horizon, Carlos reeled a ten foot hammerhead right next to the boat. The giant fish lashed back and forth, then broke free. Though the lengthy battle didn’t result in a picture, it didn’t matter—Parker would always remember this day.

Heading back across the waves while stars sprinkled the darkening sky, Parker fell asleep in Chase’s arms. Chase gently combed his fingers through his son’s soft hair, and gazed up, thanking each star.

Chapter 13

Brooke woke up with an aching neck from a fitful night.
Monday morning, ugh.
Relieved the wedding ended, and surprised Melissa kept it together better than she had. Brooke couldn’t stop thinking about Chase. Yesterday yin-yanged, as guilt and passion alternated on her psyche. Half expecting him to call, she wondered if had any regrets.

Chase had enflamed Brooke’s body in unimaginable ways, igniting her soul. Hoping he wasn’t the type to wait three days, she had kept her cell nearby all day.

I have to go to Starbucks to see if Saturday was a fluke, or if it was real. I wish I didn’t have that stupid meeting first thing this morning. I’ll stay as long as I can—lately, he’s been going earlier, so who knows?

Either way, I have to see him today. I can’t wait three days.

***

“Can we build a sand castle?”

“Huh?”

“Wake up.” Chase’s eyelids lifted as his dream faded into realization.

“Oh, hey little guy. You’re up early.”

“Can we build a sand castle?”

“You have quite the memory son, you know that?” Chase rubbed his eyes.

Parker held his stare like a puppy waiting for a walk. After a pause, Chase said, “Sure we can. Today, we’ll build the biggest sand castle ever.”

“Yippee!”

Work had lost its fun lately and now, with the sticky situation with Brooke, Chase was relieved. He loved the beaches of Hilton Head, and could think of nowhere he’d rather be than playing hooky with Parker.

No Migraine Monday today, thank God.

***

“Good morning Brooke. Take a seat.”

“Good morning Mr. Greenberg.” Brooke raised her eyebrow while setting her Starbucks cup on the desk.

“This is Mr. Stuart Jacoby and he’ll be sitting in on our meeting.”

“Hello.” Brooke smiled at the unfamiliar man sitting rigidly beside her; Jacoby feigned a smile.

“Brooke, Pharmical is in the process of some changes.”

“Okay.”

“We feel we have to stay one step ahead of our competitors.” Pause. Greenberg continued, “We’ve made some tough decisions and I’m afraid they affect you and your department.”

“Oh.” Brooke’s eyes fluttered, unmet by Greenberg, who stared down at the papers on his desk.

“Pharmical has decided to outsource Integrated Client Services.”

“But, what about all those people I just—”

“They’ll all be offered fair severance. That’s why we’ve hired Mr. Jacoby and his firm.”

Brooke gulped and the room spun out of control.

“I regret to inform you that we’re terminating your employment, effective today.”

“You’re what?”

“Listen, I understand you’re upset.”

“Upset? I’m stunned!”

“I’d like to discuss some of the terms of your severance.”

“I need to talk to Chase Allman first.”

“Miss Hart, please don’t make this any harder—”

Brooke’s eyes narrowed, “Does Chase know what you’re doing?”

“Mr. Allman is well aware of our decision…but, he doesn’t get involved with these types of things. I’ll cover the terms of your severance…”

Well aware
is the last phrase Brooke heard. The words saturated her brain like lithium and she was now floating in an out-of-body experience. The tears trickled from her fluttering eyes. Greenberg muttered something about taking some packet home. Numbness engulfed her body. Greenberg and a security guard escorted her by the arm like they were placing her in a straight jacket. She said, “I can walk on my own.” But, they maintained their grip. She wanted to scream, to lash out. With heavy steps, she marched like an inmate enroute to solitary confinement.

Just past the exit door to the parking garage, the men let her go, then stared while she headed to her car. Shock morphed into anger. Brooke slammed the Lexus’s door, then glared back at the two frowning men, still scrutinizing her.
Do you really think I’m going back in there?
Hackles rose as she started the car, and squealed her tires, taking small delight in making the two wooden watchdogs scowl. She considered waving goodbye with her middle finger, but muttered into the rearview mirror, “You’re not worth it.”

Once outside the garage and out of view, she stopped and dialed. After the receptionist answered, Brooke said, “Chase Allman please.”

“Mr. Allman’s office.” The hair on Brooke’s neck bristled.

“Is this Ruth?”

“Who’s calling please?”

“It’s Brooke Hart. I need to speak with Chase.”

“Mr. Allman is unavailable. Would you care to leave a message?”

Brooke frowned and suppressed a grumble. “Yeah, please have him call me on my cell as soon as possible.”

“Does he have your cell number or would you like me to take it from you?”

Brooke drew a deep breath and provided her cell number, then poked the off button like she was squishing a bug, nearly losing her nail—and accidently deactivating her phone.

Brooke pressed the on button—this time with less intensity—then hit speed dial one.

“Hi Brooke, I’m getting on a conference call. What’s up?”

“I won’t be able to afford you anymore.”

“Come again?”

“I just got fired.”

After a long pause, Shane said, “Hang on a second. Let me end this other call. Don’t hang up.” Brooke dabbed her eyes. A few seconds later, Shane said, “What happened?”

“They’re dumping my department and outsourcing it to India I guess.”

“I don’t understand. Didn’t you just hire a bunch of people?”

Brooke lost it. Sobbing uncontrollably, Shane tried to pacify her by uttering phrases like: “It’s okay,” “Take all the time you need,” “I understand,” and “Let it out.” This only increased Brooke’s sorrow.

Brooke blew her nose, then drew a deep breath, and said, “I feel so bad for all those people I hired—they’re all losing their jobs. Ginny has a sick baby and really needed this job.” She wiped her eyelids as a new batch of tears formed.

“Didn’t you say they just let you go?”

“Yep.”

“That company is messed up, Brooke. You’re better off somewhere else. And, do not, I repeat,
do not
, blame yourself for the people in your department. It’s not your fault. You didn’t let them go.”

Brooke sighed, then said, “I know, I know. I’m sorry I lost it—I guess I just needed a shoulder to cry on.”

“That’s better. Give yourself a day to grieve, then we’ll talk tomorrow.”

As Brooke pressed the off button, she stared at the phone.
Why hasn’t he called me back? Is he avoiding me? What an asshole.

***

Parker looked so sweet snoozing on his towel. Building the sand castle had been an all day event that exhausted both father and son. Chase wished he could just nap like that. He could never sleep on a beach or an airplane. Chase glanced at his beach bag, but resisted the temptation to turn on his cell. He didn’t want to wake Parker up just yet—loving the way his son’s breathing blended with the gentle waves. Today had provided the day off he and Parker deserved. He noticed that his son hadn’t asked for his mommy once, hoping his son’s concerns faded like the outgoing tide.

Tomorrow, I’ll face the inbox flood, but I’m not spoiling the perfect day.

***

“Hi Daddy, sorry to bother you at work.”

“Don’t be silly, Brooke. I always love to hear your voice. How was the wedding?”

“Fine.”

“What’s wrong?”

Brooke sniffled, “You were right. I should’ve listened to you.”

“What’s the matter?”

“They fired me.”

“I…I don’t understand.”

“Pharmical fired me today. They’re dumping my whole division. All the people I brought in too.”

“That’s the craziest thing I ever heard. They just hired you. Why would they do such a thing? Can’t they find you another VP slot?”

“Nope. Chase Allman turned out to be worse than a shark. He’s a…” Brooke almost said boa constrictor. Instead, “Weasel with a fin on his back.”

“Well, I’m sorry to hear that, but it’s probably a blessing in disguise. We’ll find something better. I’m going to call Bill Barrister over at GDK. He’d love to have you work there.”

“Hold off for now. I just found out and I can’t think straight. Give me a few days.”

“Well, honey, I just hate hearing you so upset after everything you’ve…hey, why don’t you come to lunch with me tomorrow and stay home a few days? We can map out a job search together.”

Ordinarily Brooke had an excuse ready, a quick no-can-do; but now, she felt a surge of gratitude. “I’d really like that daddy. Tomorrow, I have to tie up some loose ends, but I’ll plan on lunch Wednesday.”

Brooke hung up, set the phone down, and flipped on the radio—
Build Me Up Buttercup—
the song instantly brought memories. She recalled convincing Tanner to take a dance lesson before the wedding.
Buttercup
was the song they practiced with—over and over. She could still picture him trying to swing her around with that silly grin on his face. She cranked it up and sang along.

After the song ended, she considered the irony in the lyrics with her current situation as rain began pelting her Lexus. She flipped on the wipers, but they barely kept up. Brooke slowed and leaned forward, but continued driving. Her happy Tanner memory had washed away like an August storm, and her mind returned to Chase. She checked her phone—nothing.
I guess the big CEO is nothing more than a weasel. I can’t believe I slept with that asshole.

***

The flight back seemed long. A storm hovered up ahead in central North Carolina, holding unexpected gusts and thunder and lightning. Though Chase figured he could land, he felt queasy. Parker’s eyes popped as each bolt of lightning descended from the clouds. He asked, “Will lightning hit our plane, Daddy?”

Nervous laugh. “No son, we’re safe. Our plane has special stuff outside so lightning won’t hurt it.” This was a partial lie, but Chase didn’t want to discuss the real answer and cause his eyes to really pop out.

Chase decided to divert to the east and allow the storm to pass. He also diverted Parker’s fears, asking, “You wanna fly over to the ocean and look for dolphins and sharks?”

“Yippee.” He loved how his son’s face lit up. Parker’s enthusiasm was contagious, bringing a huge smile to his father’s lips.

Flying low, they observed the fraying white tops of the lazy waves, directing the ocean toward land. Seagulls were dive-bombing a darkened area of blue water. “Daddy, look—what are those birds doing?”

“They’re called seagulls and they’re fishing.”

Parker eyed his father, “Where are their poles?”

“They use their mouths and dive in far enough to catch a fish.”

Parker pondered as his three-year-old microprocessor spun. Chase delighted in Parker’s curiosity. Betsy Stanton at Angel Academy had marveled at Parker’s intellect and verbal skills—developed well beyond his age. Chase needed a
Tell Me Why
book to keep up with Parker’s inquisitive mind.

Chase noticed the storm had moved west. He asked Parker to check one more time for dolphins and sharks. After a full scan, Parker cheered as another bird plunged underwater, returning with a fish wiggling in its beak. Moments later, Chase brought the plane down with a bounce, then slid to a stop on the wet jetway of the tiny airport.

Unfazed, Parker asked, “Can we go to Chuck E. Cheese?”

“Sure, but then it’s bedtime mister.” He thought,
Daddy has to go back to work early tomorrow.
He hadn’t worried about work in four days.

After splitting a cheese pizza, they returned home. Duke greeted them at the garage doorway with wild licks and a tail that nearly knocked Parker to the ground. Chase wondered when Oksana had last walked him and motioned outside for a quick yard relief.

They brushed teeth together and washed up just enough to avoid Oksana’s scorn the next morning. Chase tucked Parker in. Duke jumped to his usual spot in the bottom corner of Parker’s bed then posed with mouth down, eyes slightly raised. Father and son recited Parker’s special prayer and a warm glow spread inside Chase. The weekend had been quite an interesting ride—exactly what both father and son needed. As Parker’s eyes fluttered into sleep, Chase brushed his son’s hair back, reminiscent of his carefree childhood.

As Parker drifted off, Chase headed downstairs. His mind flashed back to early Sunday morning. He could still picture Brooke—how incredible she looked—in light and dark, clothed and unclothed.
Hmmm, that reminds me
.

Chase bee-lined to the garage and popped the trunk. There it was—rolled up in the corner. Carefully gripping the lingerie, the feeling returned…her smooth skin, her delicate touch. Smothering his face with the silky garment, he inhaled deeply, groaning as her sweet alluring fragrance aroused him. Holding the small slip like a feather, he headed inside while pressing it to his nostrils each time he needed to breathe.

Once in bed, he inhaled the lingerie one more time, smiled, then placed it beside his pillow. Though physically exhausted, his mind was playfully awake. He replayed the night with Brooke with crystal clarity. She had ignited his mind, body, and soul—and now, even the memory thrilled him. He fell asleep thinking about her and awakened early the next morning to her aroma.

After inhaling once more, he called Duke from Parker’s room. “We gotta do a quick run today. Can you handle that?” Duke’s head cocked slightly.

***

The drive to Starbucks flew. Chase peered at the lingerie on the passenger seat and grinned. Parking nearby, he glanced in the rearview mirror and slid his finger back and forth against his front teeth, then patted his hair. He glanced at the lingerie and decided to leave it in the car—a good excuse to get her alone. Chase then jumped out and scanned the street for the Lexus.
Crap.

Once inside Starbucks, he did a quick search—no Brooke yet. He squinted at the counter and caught Marcus’s eye, drawing a nod. The line was lighter than usual. With one more person to go, still no Brooke, Tonya said, “Hi Chase, where have you been?”’