If I Can't Have You, page 12
part #1 of If I Can't Have You Series
“Good morning, ladies.”
“Have a seat, Mr. Washington,” one of them said with authority.
I curled my lips down and stared at her as she looked at me over her glasses; then I wobbled my head, thinking, You’re not the boss of me.
“Give me the news. I finally made supervisor.” I laughed, then smiled.
Hopefully, Madison hadn’t changed her mind and decided to file charges. I hadn’t done anything to feel bad about, but women didn’t care if a man was right when they felt wronged. Afraid a cop might walk in, I glanced over my shoulder.
“Mr. Washington, your employment here at Tyler Construction is terminated, effective immediately.”
Terminated? My head snapped in her direction. Did Madison set me up? She wouldn’t make love to me, then let me go, would she?
“Why? What did I do?”
“You walked off the job this morning. We have to let you go. Your absence could’ve cost injuries to other employees.”
“But it didn’t.”
“But it could have. You’re a liability, Mr. Washington. We’re also downsizing due to budget cuts and we have to determine who’s reliable. What you did was a violation to”—she slid a sheet of paper in front of me—“our policy.”
I ripped it up. “I’ll talk to the owner about this.”
“I was going to get to that next,” she said. “You need to report to Miss Tyler’s office at eight in the morning. If you show up at the work site, you’ll be arrested for trespassing.”
Madison sure had a strange way of showing her love. I guess she’s one of those independent women used to doing things her way.
“I’m sure this misunderstanding will be cleared up mañana,” I said in my best Al Pacino voice, then left the conference room.
I got into my truck, checked my phone. Madison was at . . . on Allen Parkway. Why was she there? I headed to her location—the Royalton. That was a big, fancy condominium building. I parked in the large circular driveway with an oversized water fountain. I wasn’t buying anything here, so I didn’t park in the spaces marked FUTURE HOMEOWNER.
A valet came out. “Who are you here to see?” he asked.
I deepened my voice, then said, “Madison Tyler.”
“Who? I can’t understand you. Who are you here to see?” he asked again.
Letting go of my macho baritone, which didn’t impress him, I repeated, “Madison Tyler.”
“We don’t have a Madison Tyler who resides here.”
“But I know she’s here,” I said. “My tracking device shows her at this address.”
“Are you stalking someone?” he asked. He walked to the rear of my truck and took a picture of my license plate with his phone. “Unless you know someone who lives here and you have their permission to enter this property, stay away from this building,” he said, taking a photo of me.
Fuck him! I sped out of the driveway, got on the interstate, and then headed to Port Arthur to have Loretta’s name turned into that fire-breathing dragon.
The cover-up hurt more than getting the original tattoo. I was so angry, and I took the pain like a man. It was my fault Madison was avoiding me, but she’d better not be seeing another man. I’d made Madison suffer, and I deserved to hurt too.
“Dig deeper, dude. Make me bleed until the blood runs down my chest.” I couldn’t hold back my tears. I started crying. I wanted to lay my head on his shoulder. I wasn’t gay, but I needed someone to feel sorry for me in order for me to feel better.
The artist took a picture, put ointment on my chest, then bandaged my new tat. “Be happy, dude. You said neither Loretta nor Madison ever saw the tat. That’s a good thing. You can’t be sportin’ a dragon and be acting like a girl.”
“You’re right. Thanks, man,” I said, handing the tattoo artist three hundred dollars.
“If you need that fire-breathing dragon turned into fireworks, I’m your man.”
Putting on my shirt, I asked him, “What don’t you do?”
“Men,” he said.
I got into my truck and headed to where I knew I always had a shoulder to lean on. Couldn’t come this close without seeing my mom.
I didn’t want to believe I was really fired. That’s it! A smile crossed my face. Now I understood why she was letting me go.
I couldn’t be her employee and her lover.
CHAPTER 14
Madison
The neck pillow that I usually put behind my head while taking a bath was underneath my butt. The elevation relieved some of the pressure. I rested my neck on a folded towel, reassuring myself it wasn’t that bad. If I were a praying woman, I’d ask for forgiveness of all my sins. It wasn’t like I didn’t believe in a Higher Power.
Something or someone had to have created the universe, galaxy, and spirit that existed inside me. Atheists and Christians could walk side by side and you’d never know who was what, unless they told you, because some of the people who called themselves Christians treated people worse than I have.
My friends didn’t have to take my advice, do as I’d done, or follow in my direction. I wasn’t trying to lead them or anybody else. I was reared to express myself and never shrink for others. My high standards and high self-esteem came naturally.
The power of positive thinking had served me well over the years. My optimistic attitude toward men earned me a collection of rings, which I was proud of. Many women would live their entire lives and never have diamonds put on their fingers or have husbands. Truth was, those women weren’t very smart, especially the ones who bought their own engagement or wedding ring.
My outlook on business had saved my dad’s company from prior potential catastrophes. And my friendships with Loretta and Tisha had survived three decades. I didn’t want new friends, but I didn’t want my girlfriends too close to my man either. I definitely didn’t want them to know I was struggling not to lose my status in the corporate world.
Thirty minutes soaking made a huge difference. I toweled off, called in-house housekeeping, and had them come clean the bathroom. I’d have to submerge my body again, right before Roosevelt arrived, but now it was time to swallow two more Tylenols and keep things moving.
Unpacking the groceries, I chopped chives, onions, and red and yellow bell peppers. I diced the tomatoes and ham, fried then crumbled the bacon, sliced the mushroom, then shredded the American and Swiss cheese. I wasn’t much of a baker, so I placed five Pillsbury cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet and preset the oven to 375. The champagne was on ice and the orange and cranberry juices were in the fridge chilling.
I didn’t care much for cooking, but I was great at it. I was damn near perfect at everything I’d done. Whisking the eggs for omelets, I imagined Raynard’s wife, Gloria, was the same way. A glamorous perfectionist. That’s probably how she snagged him from Loretta. Women who were brainwashed that love was enough, or love would make their relationship last, didn’t understand men. A man didn’t always intend to break a woman’s heart, but he did. So a woman had to have a plan to get and keep her man.
My priorities were similar to my mother’s. I had to have financial stability, emotional security (which was different from love), and a man with family values. The religious side of Roosevelt was a bonus. I was no hypocrite. I’d never gone to church with him. But if Loretta didn’t back off, I might have to join Second Baptist.
Suddenly my stomach hurt more than my ass. I’d taken four painkillers and hadn’t eaten a thing. I toasted a slice of bread, scrambled an egg, and ate it while standing in the kitchen.
After I finished my light meal, the doorbell buzzed the same time as my cell. I opened the door and let the maid in.
“The master bath,” I said, then answered Roosevelt’s call.
“I’m almost home. You need me to pick up anything from the store?”
“Thanks, babe, but I’ve got it covered. I think my allergies are trying to act up again, but I’ll be fine. I’m preparing brunch for us.” My intent was to keep him in empathy mode.
“Go lay down and rest. I’ll call my chef right now. He can cook for us.”
“That’s why I love you so much. You take such good care of me. Don’t bother calling your chef. I’ve got a surprise for you. I love you, honey.”
“I like that. I love you too. See you in a few.”
“Okay, bye.” I ended the call with a smile on my face.
Oh shit! A needlelike penetration darted up my rectum to my spine and brought me to my knees. God, please take away this pain. Perhaps I was a Christian in my own way. I crawled to his bed and lay underneath the covers. I had so much on my mind.
“I’m done, miss,” the maid said.
Rolling onto my stomach, I told her, “Thanks,” but I didn’t get out of bed. I listened until I heard the door close.
“Hey, baby. Daddy’s home,” Roosevelt said, entering the room shortly after the maid had left.
Obviously, his path had crossed with the maid’s exit. I carefully propped my back against the headboard. “Hey, you,” I whispered.
He sat on the side of the bed, kissed my forehead, and then touched my hair. “I missed you so much, Madison. How’re you feeling?”
“I’ll be okay. I just need to relax for a moment.”
“Well, I have some news that might cheer you up a bit.”
With all the craziness happening, I’d forgotten about his surprise. I smiled.
“I wish I could hold things in like you, baby.”
“I don’t want you to ever keep anything from me ever. You ready for our surprise?”
“‘Our’?”
“Our . . . the ten million my grandfather is giving me.” Before he completed his sentence, my eyes lit up. “We’ll have it in two days. He decided not to wait until after he dies to give it to us. He’s giving Chaz his and I’ll get mine.”
I wasn’t sure if the “we” and “us” included me, or if he was referring to Chaz; but as far as I was concerned, his money was ours. I was going to make my dad so happy when I gave him the news.
Holding his face in my palms, I said, “We should think about getting married right after the season is over.” Then I planted a sloppy kiss on him.
“Baby, what’s the rush? That’s two months away. My mom wants me to wait two years.”
“I’m not marrying your mom and I’m not waiting that long to start having your babies.”
“You’re right. I agree. Two years is too long. Let’s talk about this later. I’m going to take a shower so I can get in bed with my baby and Aphrodite and start practicing on having our first.”
My eyes widened. Sex wasn’t what I had in mind.
“First things first,” I said.
“That’s the chef. I didn’t know you’d cooked, so I’d called him anyway. Let me get rid of him and I’ll be right back,” Roosevelt said, disappearing out of view.
I was so overjoyed I forgot about my ass hurting. Maybe sex would help me feel better. If I could ignore a cramp in my leg during sex, then overlooking a pain in my ass should be easier. I’d have to make sure Roosevelt took it slow, and there was no way I was getting on top at any point soon.
He came back in the bedroom. “Invite Loretta, Tisha, and their kids to my suite for this Sunday’s game so we can announce our wedding date in three months,” he said, holding up three fingers.
“Really!” I said, holding up two fingers.
“Really, babe. You’re right. You love me. I feel the same about you. What’s the point of waiting? Where’s my ring? Put it on and don’t take it off again,” he said, entering the bathroom.
Roosevelt had just made me the happiest woman in the world, but I was not inviting Loretta anywhere.
CHAPTER 15
Madison
Brunch was wonderful yesterday. Afterward, we curled up in bed and watched Kevin Hart’s standup concert movie while eating popcorn and enjoying a few cocktails. Consuming alcohol with meds wasn’t recommended; but for the first time since the incident with Granville, I was feeling pleasant. And I was thankful I’d made it through the night without having sex with Roosevelt.
Usually, we spooned where he held me in his arms, but this time I cradled my breasts to his back and slept peacefully. The position was my way of avoiding tempting him to have intercourse. I couldn’t risk having him getting an erection and trying to penetrate me in the middle of the night. I didn’t want to lie about why we couldn’t. I wasn’t ready.
Opening my eyes, I kissed the nape of his neck.
Roosevelt faced me and pressed his lips to mine. “Good morning, sunshine.”
“Morning, my love.”
“How’d you sleep?” he asked.
“So good,” I moaned. “I appreciate you, baby. The way you love me makes me feel like the luckiest woman in the world.” This time I pressed my lips to his.
“What’s on your schedule today?”
“I have to go into the office,” I said, easing out of bed. “Then, this afternoon, I have a doctor’s appointment.”
“For your allergies?”
“Yes,” I lied.
My butt ached, but not nearly as much. I was actually able to walk normally to the bathroom. I drew bathwater, went to the kitchen, ate a cinnamon roll from the day before, and then swallowed two Tylenols with a glass of water. Didn’t want any unnecessary pains hitting me unexpectedly.
Roosevelt had tucked himself underneath the covers up to his neck. I closed the bathroom door and enjoyed another Epsom salt soak. Moisturizing my body, I massaged leave-in conditioner into my hair; then I used a wide tooth comb to create a swerve pattern in my short platinum hair.
Representing power and highlighting my Creole beauty, red was the color for today. I put on my low-rise fitted skirt, a camisole, my short-sleeved buttoned jacket, and matching stilettos.
“Bye, babe. You going into the office?” I asked.
“Yeah, I need to get up. How about lunch? You have time?”
“I always have time for you. Call me,” I said, leaving his place.
Waiting for the valet to get my car, I thumbed through my iPhone. Twelve new text messages and they were all from . . . Was he serious?
i love you madison.
please call me dear.
i can’t wait until tomorrow to see you.
what are you doing at the royalton?
are you seeing another man?
am i being promoted?
please please call me dear.
what are you doing?
you want to have coffee before our meeting?
why have you been at the royalton all night?
are you cheating on me?
who did you spend the night with?
This fool was stalking me. How did he know where I was? I set a pass code to lock my phone. Couldn’t take any chances on Roosevelt accidentally seeing text messages from Granville.
Before getting into my Ferrari, I glanced around the circular driveway; then I put on my sunglasses. It was sunny and unusually warm for this time of year. This was the kind of weather where Roosevelt and I would have sex outside in my pool. His balcony faced the street; and although he was in the penthouse, we couldn’t risk anyone taking nude photos and putting them on the Internet. If I continued getting healthy, I would be able to make love to my man in a few days.
I let down my retractable hard top. My office wasn’t far from Roosevelt’s condo, but I wanted to inhale the fresh air. The wind grazed my scalp. Two blocks down the street and Granville’s truck was behind my car.
He pulled alongside me at the red light.
“Madison,” he shouted in that disgusting, scratchy voice. “Where were you?”
As soon as the light changed to green, I sped off. Damn near running every light, I put up my top. I used my corporate pass to enter the parking garage. Thank goodness, he didn’t have the same privilege. He had to use a separate entrance into the visitors’ lot.
I hurried to my office.
“Monica, when Mr. Washington arrives, after he comes into my office, wait ten minutes, then have security come up to escort him out of the building. Advise them that he’s not allowed access to my floor in the future.”
“Sure, Ms. Tyler. Your dad called as you were walking in. He’s on hold.”
“Tell him I’ll call him later,” I said, shutting my door. I sat behind my desk and phoned Loretta.
She answered, “Hey, how are you?”
“Fucking pissed. That’s how I am. How did Granville know where I was yesterday, last night, and this morning?”
“I have no idea.”
“Liar! You told him.”
“I tried to warn you.”
“No, your ass set me up. That’s what the fuck you did. Roosevelt wanted me to invite you and Raynell to his suite on Sunday to watch the game, but I’m uninviting you.”
“Fine, Madison. I’m tired of trying to prove myself to you. If you need me, I’m here for you. But if all you intend to do is insult me, don’t call me. And be careful. Granville is a dangerous man.”
I ended the call without saying bye. Monica buzzed me.
“Yes.”
“Mr. Granville Washington is here.”
“Send him in, and do what I asked.”
That fool entered dressed like he was on his way to a rodeo. He had one hand behind his back, his cowboy hat over the left side of his chest, and he had that stupid smirk on his face. Someone needed to tell him that skinny mustache was repulsive. He needed to shave it off.
“Here, dear, I brought these for you,” he said, handing me the most repulsive bunch of flowers I’d ever seen. Where’d he get those? From a grave site after they’d sat in the sun for two weeks and dried up?
I snatched the bouquet and slammed it in the trash.
“Have a seat,” I told him.
“Yes, dear,” he said, plopping into the leather seat and damn near knocking it over again. He stared at the flowers; then he hung his head toward his lap as he pouted. “I’m sorry.”
“Granville, I wanted you to understand that you are fired from Tyler Construction. You are not allowed on the construction site or on this floor. I wish I could ban you from this entire building.”
