Thalia Lake - Choosey Lovers Read online

  “Are you okay?” he asked Satra still laughing.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Mr. Gordon, you have to warn me before you say things like that. You could’ve killed me!” Satra said teasingly.

  Mr. Gordon chuckled himself. “I’m sorry. It’s just I’ve worked with that man for almost twenty years, and he just refuses to change. He drives me insane. I would have fired him years ago and tried to, but the board keeps saving him. They claim he’s brought very important clients to the firm. That was almost twenty years ago! What business has he brought in the last ten years or five years? Zero! And don’t get me started on that floozy Mrs. Walker.”

  Now it was Shane’s turn to almost choke on his lemonade.

  “You heard right. She’s married, but she’d never tell a handsome man like you that, Mr. Evans,” Mr. Gordon said disgustedly.

  “Please, call me, Shane,” Shane said.

  “Charlene Walker is as worthless as a two dollar bill. The only reason why she got hired here is because she was screwing the then V.P.’s brother. The woman is dumber than a rock.”

  Mr. Gordon took a moment to get a handle on his anger. Taking a deep breath, he continued, “I apologize if my frank talk is offensive in any way. I’m not one to mince my words or beat around the bush. I say how I feel, and I’m always going to be honest with you. If you didn’t buy out this company, it would have had to close its doors. It’s as simple as that, and it’s a waste. You’re saving the company, but Johnson and Walker don’t see it that way. There are a few other people who aren’t happy, but, for the most part, the main concern is whether or not people will still have a job when it’s all said and done. I’m not worried about myself. I could have retired a long time ago, but I love what I do. It’s all the young talent and other dedicated hard workers we have that I worry about. You all know how bad the economy is, and job-hunting in the advertising industry is so competitive and cutthroat now. I know there will be casualties, it’s the nature of the beast, but if we can spare some I’d be eternally grateful.”

  Satra’s heart went out to Mr. Gordon. He had a good heart to be so concerned about the employees at Vandalay keeping their jobs. Most companies didn’t care, bad economy or not.

  “I appreciate your frank talk. I find it refreshing,” Satra said smiling. “And I also admire your concern for your employees. I wish there were more bosses like you. I’m lucky enough to work for a great boss myself, so I can attest to how important it is to know that your employer cares about you and will go to bat for you.”

  Shane could tell that Satra was speaking from the heart.

  “We can’t promise you anything, but know that we will do all we can to save as many jobs as we can. This buyout can go either way, as you know. We may not even have to cut any jobs, or we may have to cut more than we anticipated,” Shane said.

  Mr. Gordon was thankful. “I do know that, but having your word that you’d try to save them is good enough for me.”

  Their food arrived, and boy did it look and smell delicious. Satra felt like she was back home in her mother’s kitchen. There was hardly any conversation while they ate. Shane had never had catfish that delicious in his life. Everything was cooked to perfection. No wonder the restaurant became packed with people minutes after they arrived. The place was buzzing with activity. There was a line at the front of the restaurant of people waiting for their carry out orders.

  “Who is the chef here?” Shane asked. “I’d love to meet him or her and tell them how wonderful the food was.”

  “Here she comes now,” Mr. Gordon said smiling.

  “Hi honey,” a beautiful brown skinned older woman greeted as she bent down to kiss Mr. Gordon on the lips.

  Satra and Shane looked at each other with their eyes wide with surprise. Her hair was pulled back in a bun, and she had on a black hair net. Her makeup was neatly applied on her smooth brown skin that looked practically wrinkle free except for a few crow’s feet around her eyes when she smiled.

  “Shane and Satra, this is my wife, Karen, the owner and chef of this restaurant.” Mr. Gordon introduced her as he beamed at his wife.

  Satra reached out to shake her hand. “It’s such an honor to meet you. Your food made me feel like I was back home in my mother’s kitchen. It was so good.”

  “Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Are you from here?” Mrs. Gordon asked.

  “No, I’m originally from Wisconsin, but both of my parents were born and raised in Arkansas so I grew up on good southern cooking thanks to them.”

  “I’m originally from Arkansas too. What parts were your parents from?” Mrs. Gordon asked.

  “Earle and West Memphis,” Satra stated excitedly.

  “I’m from West Memphis, Arkansas!” Mrs. Gordon said excitedly.

  “Oh my goodness, did you know any Sinclair’s or Braxton’s?” Satra asked, her excitement growing by the minute.

  “Now that I look at you, you look a lot like Rosie Sinclair…”

  “That’s my aunt!” Satra shouted.

  Shane and Mr. Gordon sat back and enjoyed watching the two women get so excited and animated.

  “I went to school with her. She was one of my best friends in high school, and then we both moved away and lost contact,” Mrs. Gordon said as she studied Satra’s features. “Those big beautiful eyes and deep dimples were like a family trademark with you guys.”

  “You have to give me a hug. We’re practically family,” Satra said as she stood up to embrace her new friend. Mrs. Gordon laughed and gave her a big bear hug.

  She kissed Satra on the cheek. “Oh, how sweet are you?”

  “I can’t wait to call my parents to tell them that I met someone from their hometown who knew Aunt Rosie.” Satra smiled.

  “Tell them Karen Parker-Gordon, from West Memphis Arkansas, said hello. How’s Rosie doing these days?” Mrs. Gordon asked.

  “She passed away a few years ago. She had five kids and a ton of grandkids.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. She was such a sweet person. You remind me a lot of her,” Mrs. Gordon said fondly. “Well, listen, it was very nice meeting you. I better get back to the kitchen. Sweetie, I’ll see you after work. right?” she asked her adoring husband.

  “5:15pm, darling,” Mr. Gordon said as he kissed his wife’s hand.

  “Nice meeting you all again and make sure you come back, okay?”

  “Nice meeting you too,” Shane said smiling.

  “That woman has yet to meet a person she doesn’t know,” Mr. Gordon said laughing.

  Shane smiled at Satra. “It’s a very small world that’s for sure.”

  “Tell me about it,” Satra said in amazement.

  “I’m going to take this opportunity to go to the ladies' room before we head back,” Satra said as she stood up.

  Shane and Mr. Gordon stood up with her and sat back down when she walked away. Mr. Gordon noticed how Shane watched Satra as she walked away. There was an underlying spark between them. Mr. Gordon also noticed how Shane treated Satra since they met earlier that morning. He recognized that look because he had that same look when he first met his wife, Karen. Shane was a man smitten, and it was written all over his face as far as Mr. Gordon was concerned. Looking at Shane with a knowing look in his eyes Mr. Gordon began to speak.

  “So, what’s the story with the two of you?” Mr. Gordon interrupted Shane’s thoughts, which were all about Satra and how sexy and beautiful she looked in her suit.

  “Pardon me?” Shane looked confused at the older gentleman.

  Smiling, Mr. Gordon continued, “Let me put it to you this way – you could cut the attraction you two have for one another with a knife.”

  Shane nearly choked on his drink and began coughing. Mr. Gordon simply chuckled and continued speaking.

  “I do admire the professionalism you both show, and while I may be old, I’m not blind. You stare at her like she’s the most beautiful woman you’ve ever laid eyes on, hanging on to her every word. She’s too shy to loo
k at you because she’s afraid of you finding out that she’s just as attracted to you as you are to her.”

  All Shane could do was smile and shake his head. ‘The old man was right.’

  “Look, your secret is safe with me, young man. How could any man not be attracted to a beautiful woman like that?”

  “There’s no secret to keep, Mr. Gordon. Yes, she’s beautiful. Yes, I’m attracted to her, but that’s as far as things are going to go because we work together,” Shane stated bluntly but respectfully.

  Mr. Gordon chuckled. “You young people make me laugh. We’ll see how true your words are in a couple more months. You and I both know that when a man meets the woman he’s always wanted, nothing in this world will keep him from getting her. I won’t be the least bit surprised when I get a wedding invitation in the mail from you two, and I do expect to get one.” Mr. Gordon said before taking a sip of his tea.

  All Shane could do was chuckle. Mr. Gordon was very sure of himself, and why shouldn’t he be? He’s older, wiser, and is clearly speaking from experience. He married his wife at a time when interracial romantic relationships and marriages were very frowned upon, even outlawed in certain states. Even still, Shane wasn’t ready to accept what Mr. Gordon was saying. Could he see himself having a happily ever after with Satra? Yes. When he was honest with himself, she was everything he wanted in a woman, a wife, lover, best friend. If he ever decided to cross that line with her, he knew he’d have to tread lightly. Satra seemed she’d fret easily, and after her unfortunate encounter with her loser ex Matt, he wouldn’t be surprised if she had trust issues as well. He’d take his time with her and earn her trust and her heart IF he decided to go down that road with her. For now it was too soon. There were business matters at hand, and that’s what Shane would try his best to focus on.

  “I appreciate your advice, Mr. Gordon, and I will take it to heart. If, and that’s a huge if, things get that far, you’ll be the first to know and the first on our invite list. For now, for both of our sakes, I think it’s best to keep things strictly professional.” He knew that was going to be easier said than done, but that was what he determined to do, even if it killed him. He also knew what Mr. Gordon said was true, but he couldn’t let that type of thinking take over his mind or else he’d make a lot of rash decisions with his heart instead of his mind.

  “I understand what you’re trying to do. You’re protecting your heart, and you’re trying not to mix business with pleasure. My advice to you, young man, is don’t wait too long before you make your move. A precious gem like that doesn’t come around often, and it’s just a matter of time before someone else realizes that she’s a precious gem as well.”

  Shane said nothing in return. Instead, he let the older man’s words sink in as he took another long sip of his drink, wishing it were a shot of Jack Daniels instead. The thought of another man having Satra didn’t sit well with him at all.

  Satra was walking back to the table when Shane said, “Thank you for the advice, Mr. Gordon. I appreciate it.”

  “So what did I miss?” Satra asked as she approached the table smiling.

  The gentleman stood up again and sat down when she was seated.

  “Oh, nothing but some good old fashioned man talk,” Mr. Gordon said as he winked at Shane.

  Shane’s mind was racing. He managed a smile at Mr. Gordon but he was clearly lost in his thoughts. Yes, she’s smart, beautiful and funny, and he enjoyed spending time with her. She had many of the qualities that he seeks in a woman and a wife. They are still getting to know each other but more importantly they work together. There is no way they could have a relationship. It wouldn’t be professional, and it wouldn’t work. So he kept telling himself.

  “Should we head back to the office?” Shane asked looking at Satra and Mr. Gordon.

  “I think that’s a good idea,” Mr. Gordon said.

  They all stood up and headed to the front door. Mr. Gordon paid for lunch, and the limo was already sitting out front waiting for them. Satra and Mr. Gordon carried on conversations while Shane was wrapped up in his thoughts again. Mr. Gordon’s words were still bothering him. Satra looked at him a few times wondering why he was so quiet and deep in thought. Did he and Mr. Gordon have words while she was in the ladies' room? If so what was it about? She wasn’t gone that long! One thing was for sure - his demeanor had changed, and she hoped it wasn’t due to something she did or said.

  Chapter Five

  Back at Vandalay’s offices they all went their separate ways to check phone messages and email messages. Satra had a voicemail message from Grayson wanting to know how things were going. She called him back right away and gave him the scoop on everything that happened so far. He wasn’t happy to hear about Johnson and Walker at all. Satra knew he was making mental notes of their names so when it came time to get rid of people they would be on top of his list. Grayson didn’t tolerate those kinds of people or their games.

  “How are your parents? Did you talk to your dad about not driving anymore?” Satra asked.

  “My parents are fine for now. Maggie suggested I tell them with their family doctor present so they’d hopefully realize how serious this is.” Grayson said.

  “Did it work?”

  “It did. Dad was so scared that he killed mom after that last accident that he was very cooperative with all of us. That shocked me, but I’m glad nonetheless. I’ve hired a driver that will be at their service 24/7 to take them wherever they need to go. Dad likes that idea. Maggie and I decided that we could come home sooner rather later. I think we’ll head back Wednesday afternoon.”

  “That’s wonderful, Grayson. I told you everything would work out, didn’t I?”

  “Yeah, you told me,” Grayson said smiling.

  Just then, Satra heard a knock on her door. “Someone’s knocking on my door. I have to go. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Ok, talk to you soon,” Grayson said before hanging up.

  Satra hung up the phone and said, “Come in.”

  Shane came through the door. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just wanted to let you know that we’re going to be meeting with Vandalay’s board members tomorrow morning. In about ten minutes, I’ll be meeting with Mr. Gordon and Johnson to discuss Johnson’s position.”

  “Oh okay. Thanks for letting me know,” Satra said.

  Shane still seemed distant even though he was discussing business.

  “I’m sure Mr. Johnson is looking forward to this meeting,” Satra said as she folded her arms.

  She couldn’t help the smirk that came across her lips. Shane gave a small smile himself more because of how sexy and enticing she looked.

  “Yeah, I’m sure he’s sweating bullets and turning pinker by the minute.”

  Satra laughed after getting a mental picture of Johnson looking like a sweaty pink pig.

  “Well, I better get going,” Shane said smiling as Satra continued to laugh.

  “Hey, wait a minute.” Satra stood up and walked towards him. Her laughter stopped, and she got serious. “Are you okay? You seemed a little different after I came back from the ladies' room at the restaurant. Did you and Mr. Gordon have words while I was away?”

  Satra searched his dark eyes but couldn’t find a thing. The man had a poker face. Shane saw the concern in her eyes and his hands itched to cup her face and tell her that everything was fine. He just needed to sort out his feelings. Damn her eyes for being so big and beautiful! He could easily get lost in them as he was just now.

  Finding his voice, Shane finally said, “No we didn’t have words. Everything is fine. We were just talking business that’s all.” He put on his best professional voice and hoped it had convinced her that everything was okay.

  Satra tore her eyes from his and began looking down at her hands for fear if she kept looking in his eyes she would make a fool of herself.

  “Ok. I just wanted to be sure,” Satra said as nonchalantly as she could.

  She turned to walk back to her
seat, not able to take his stares anymore.

  “I’m going to try not to doze off, and you have fun grilling, Johnson,” she said winking at Shane.

  Shane smiled at Satra before turning to leave the room.

  ‘He’s lying. Yes everything he said is plausible, but something else is going on,’ Satra thought to herself as she sat down in her chair and turned it to look out the huge conference room window.

  ‘Well, at least I asked.’ Satra sighed before turning her chair back around to the messy table before her. ‘Let’s get to work, girl.’

  As the afternoon wore on Satra took a few coffee breaks so she could stay awake. While in the middle of going through a huge financial statement she heard a quick knock on her door and then saw it swing open before she had the chance to say anything. It was Shane, and he wasn’t a happy camper. He looked stressed and angry as he walked in and closed the door behind him.

  “Hi,” Satra said hesitantly.

  “I’m sorry for barging in like this, I just….I really need to calm down before I finish this meeting with Johnson, otherwise I’m going to rip that man apart with my bare hands.”

  Shane walked to the large picture window to stare out of it. He then left the window and began pacing the floor, raking his fingers through his thick, wavy black hair and rubbing his face with his hands as he let out a frustrated moan. Satra sat in her chair watching him walk back and forth. She felt like she was watching an angry lion. She couldn’t help but find him sexy as hell in this state, and she felt guilty for feeling this way. Here this man was agitated and angry, and all she could think about was how sexy he looked. Trying her best to get those unsettling thoughts out of her head, Satra knew she had to calm him down before he blew a gasket.

  She stood up from her chair and walked to him. His hands were still covering his face when she gently pulled them down so he’d look her in the eyes.

  The dark hairs on his wrists and hands tickled the palm of her hands and her fingertips, and she quickly let his hands go. That simple touch had her nerves and senses going haywire, and the last thing she wanted was to become a blubbering fool because she couldn’t handle a simple touch.