RebeccaThe traffic on the way to work on Monday morning was heinous, but having Parker in the car made it a bit easier. He’d demanded to drive, whining something about losing his masculinity if he let a woman drive him to work. He claimed that Rebecca might as well cut off his balls. She rolled her eyes at the drama and threw him the keys, reminding him that they could always drive separately.And people complain about women being emos. She’d spent most of Sunday afternoon cooking and cleaning; her laundry pile had gotten ridiculous. She’d have to run to the cleaners that afternoon to pick up her dry-cleaning so that she’d be ready for her flight to Oklahoma on Tuesday just after lunch. Jason verified that he would be going with her, so first thing after reaching the office, Rebecca stopped by to get the new receptionist, Lisa, to book them two tickets.She parted ways with Parker, the morning still early and the rest of the staff usually not getting in until later in the day. Then
RebeccaThe cafe was busy, but a small table still sat open in the corner, the seat yourself setting making life harder during the rush hour effect of lunchtime in downtown Houston. Rebecca hurried over, smoothing her gray skirt as she slid into one of two lonely chairs. She checked her phone and slipped it into her purse, sitting back and enjoying the diverse array of people. Most of those in the deli were on their lunch hour too, by the nervous tick of impatience that sat on many of their faces; their fidgeting gave them away.She waved as Trisha walked in and motioned her over. “Hey, you.”“Hey, Becca.”Rebecca stood and pointed to the other seat. “Take a seat and I’ll get us something. I don’t want to lose this table, and that’s worth paying for your lunch today.”Trisha laughed and sat down. Her black slacks fit well, but her purple sweater was a little loud for Rebecca’s liking.“I’ll take a turkey on rye and a bag of chips.”Rebecca nodded and walked toward the line, a handsome
RebeccaThe rest of the afternoon was filled with client calls and coaching some of the new staff on various complex accounting principles. By the end of the day Rebecca was beat and could think of nothing better than a hot bath. She stood, turning and walking to the file cabinet at the back of her office where the roses sat. She leaned over and breathed in deeply, the sweet smell filling up her senses and reminding her of beauty and innocence.“They’re beautiful.”She turned and smiled at Jason. “Yes they are. I thought they might be from you.”He laughed and shook his head. “I’m not exactly a ‘rose’ kinda guy, but I’ll take you fishing and bait your hook for you.”“And take the twenty-pound bass off the line when I catch him?” Rebecca smiled and walked toward him, stopping on the other side of her desk.“Girl, if you catch a twenty-pound bass I’ll take the fish off, skin it and cook you a meal you’ll never forget.” He winked at her, his eyes shifting a little to look back in the dir
RebeccaParker didn’t answer right away, but pulled a spoon from the drawer in front of him and scooped two heaping spoonfuls of chocolate and sugar into a cup of hot water, stirring methodically as he walked toward her. He set it down and pulled the spoon out, blowing on it and then licking it clean. Rebecca waited patiently, knowing that half of the struggle with his relationship with Mina was the fact that Cindy, his first wife, had meant a lot to him. Mina was a rebound, the worst kind, but maybe over the last few years he’d grown to care for her. Maybe not.“No, I don’t suppose I do.” He exhaled loudly, the sound painful and shaky.Rebecca felt her heart clench at the sadness and betrayal that sat on her friend. He meant the world to her, and if there had ever been a romantic spark between them, no matter how much she loved their friendship, she’d probably struggle with not pushing it.No you wouldn’t. You just feel bad for him.“So, is the pain more about her cheating on you and
Rebecca“All settled in?” Jason worked to get his seatbelt buckled, his hair a bit disheveled, making him appear more boyish.She smiled and settled back, her black sweater dress fitting perfectly and keeping her warm too. Tall black boots that her mother had bought her for Christmas accented the outfit nicely. To say that she’d dressed to be casual and to impress would be an understatement. She’d even dragged Parker into her room to tell her which outfit looked both laid back and hot. He laughed, but played along perfectly. A smile touched her lips at the thought of him.“Whatcha thinking about?”“Parker’s been going through a lot lately, and he’s still finding it within him to be silly and fun, caring and kind.” She shrugged and frowned slightly at the expression on Jason’s face.He sat back and lifted his hips a little, his arm touching hers and his leg coming to rest against hers as well. “Are you and Parker just friends, or am I sensing more competition for your heart?”She laugh
RebeccaThe hotel was large and far more elaborate than anything she would’ve picked out, but that was Parker for you. He was into creating an experience, no matter where he went or whom he was with. Life had always been ‘too short’ for her illustrious partner, and over the last few years their budget had expanded at the office because his tastes had gone one way—up. She would’ve given him more grief about it if he weren’t so good at bringing in new clients and loading their bank account with revenues. Half the reason she was able to build such a large house in the country was thanks to his three year sales record. He’d more than tripled her original revenue when she was running the firm on her own.Parker was a big-picture guy and knew how to sell multiple product offerings to anyone who walked through their door. To say she was grateful for him would be an understatement, and as such, she’d not be mentioning the fancy hotel stays or the first class tickets.“This place is more count
RebeccaJason pulled the curtains back as Rebecca flipped on the lights in the room, her phone buzzing in her pocket. She checked it and was slightly surprised to see that her mom was trying to get ahold of her. Her parents had moved into the country after she’d graduated college, her dad wanting to get back to his roots, which she totally understood. They saw each other once every couple of months and spoke every once in a while, but a call in the middle of the day was a bit alarming.“Hey, I’m going to step out to take a call. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”Jason turned and walked toward his suitcase. “Sounds good. I’ll be here.”She slipped out into the hall, looking to her right and left before finding a small alcove where large bay windows let light slip in. She moved toward it and hit redial, her heart thumping hard in her chest. Her mother’s voice sounded fine as she answered the phone, and a small bit of relief settled over Rebecca.“Hello?”“Mom? It’s Becca. Everything okay?
RebeccaThe valet had been happy to take the car off their hands.“Two tonight?” the host greeted them as they walked through the door of the large steakhouse.Jason moved to the front and nodded at the host, talking with him as they walked back to the table. He reached back to help Rebecca remove her coat and slipped into the booth across from her, a smile on his handsome face. “You look beautiful, by the way.”“Me?” She set her purse down and reached up to fuss with her hair.“Yes, you.”“I’m in the same thing I was in earlier.”“I know, but the cold makes your cheeks and little nose red, and brings out the fiery color of your hair.” He shrugged and pulled his napkin into his lap. “You’re just stunning to me.”She wasn’t sure what to say. No one had ever called her stunning. Pretty, beautiful, lovely, sure, but stunning? No.“Thanks,” she whispered, her facade dropping a little as he smiled and chuckled. “What?”“You. You have such a wall built up around you where men are concerned.