30
A grand gesture, take two
[Hank]
I don’t tell her how I went to Pendelton’s offices. The low-rise building is black and sleek with a modern exterior of glass, but the inside contains dishware posters as its décor. The images prominently display their antiquated products. It’s a contradiction to the building and the designs Midge showed me. I don’t really want her working here, but I know she wants to prove herself to this ass, prove something to herself, and I want to help her see she can do anything. This is my grand gesture.
“Can I help you?” A pretty little blonde asks from behind a high counter desk. I don’t have an appointment, but Pendelton will see me. We’ve been working on his pricy toys for a decade.
“Hank Paige. Pendelton is expecting me.” When Midge didn’t get the job, I made him a counter offer, either see Midge as he promised, or his vehicle won’t run. He didn’t believe my proposition, so I’m here unannounced to collect on my threat. Instead of the old, white-haired man with a mousy looking mustache, I’m greeted by a man in his late thirties, clean-cut, sharp suit, tugging on his cufflinks.
“May I help you?” he offers, sneering at my hand and thinking twice about shaking mine. Grease sits under my fingernails. I left it there on purpose. “I’m Julian Pendelton.”
“I’m here to see the old man.” He’s definitely the one who interviewed Midge, and my fingers twitch to punch him. We stand facing off like one of those this or that comparisons. He’s prim, trim, and refined, like some of the dishes portrayed in the pictures on the wall. I’m the chrome edge and leather straps on Midge’s designs.
“My father’s busy. What can I do for you?”
“I’m thinking you remember Midge Everette. She interviewed here last week. She and your father had a deal.”
Julian smiles slowly. “Of course, I remember her.” The implication is clear. Midge made an impression, and this man hoped to collect with his offer.
“She’s my girl,” I clarify for him, “and your old man made her a promise. I’m here to see he holds true to that.”
“Why do I sense there’s a threat in your statement?”
“No threat. I keep my promises.” My eyes narrow as I wait.
“I’ll pass on your visit to my father.” He straightens the already stiff cuffs and excuses himself.
As I exit the building, I can’t miss the Bentley, parked front and center before the building. A quick unlatch of the hood, and I find what I need, proving I’m loyal to a fault.
+ + +
Although it’s nearly midnight, I finally have a chance to call her.
“Did I wake you?” I hear her rustle under the sheets, and I wish I was there. I’d smother her with my apology, kiss away her fears, and draw her against me.
“You okay?” Her voice remains steady, distant, and hesitant. I don’t like the separation I feel from her, but I know I put the space between us. Her silent treatment earlier in the day kills me. I don’t want it to be a reminder of someone else, although it is. But it also makes me reflect on the fact, I did this to myself. Midge was willing and wanting to give me an out for my son, and I pushed her over the edge. Still, I find it curious she asks about me, as if she’s worried about me, when I’m worrying about her. It’s a strange sensation to think she really cares about me.
“I’m good,” I say for lack of something else. I swipe a hand over my hair. Shit, this is difficult. “So, Pendleton finally called.” It isn’t a question. She sent me a text earlier in the day to tell me he did. I’ve been at the crisis center since three and it’s been a hectic evening.
“What did you do?”
“I just made him hold up his end of the deal.” Silence fills the line and I can almost imagine her twisting her lips with thought.
“Why?” It isn’t a question I can answer, knowing she’s upset with me. Because I love you.
“It’s my grand gesture,” I awkwardly explain. “I want to please you. I want you to be happy. If working for Pendelton means you get what you want, then I want that for you.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” she says, not addressing what I’ve just admitted.
“I wanted to.” It’s true. I want to do everything for her. “Let me drive you there tomorrow.” Sensing she’s about to object, I interject, “It’s insurance.”
“Insurance for what?”
“He’ll actually see you. He’s not getting his engine running until he does.” She huffs softly, but not fully giggling at my joke. I miss her laughter, and my heart pinches knowing I put the sadness in her.
“You nervous, little lady?” I cough to cover the slip. I’m trying not to pressure her, but I can’t help myself. She’s my little lady.
“No.” She pauses. “I think it’s lost its luster the second time, but I guess I should thank you for looking out for me. I know you must have done more than take those plugs.”
More. I owe her so much more. I want to give her so much more. I ignore her probing statement. I don’t want to explain the altercation with Pendelton’s son.
“No thank you is necessary, baby.” I wince at the use of another endearment, but I can’t help myself. I want to wrap her up and hold her and I’m tempted to U-turn to her house. I’m on my way home, and my bed wouldn’t be the same since I had her there last night. Her scent fills the sheets. “Let me drive you tomorrow,” I repeat.
“You don’t have to do that.” Her voice softens.
“Please. I want to.”
“Okay,” she hesitates. “The meetings at ten.”
“I’ll be ready.” Tomorrow won’t come soon enough.
+ + +
Leaning against the hood of Brut’s SUV, I wait. Midge seemed nervous during the ride here, fidgeting with her skirt. She remained quiet, rubbing at her forehead. Hopefully, it was nerves for the interview and not me. She returns forty minutes later. Crossing the parking lot, she takes my breath away in her tight red skirt and high heels. She’s a vision of businesswoman on a mission, and the determination on her face goes straight to my pants. I’m hardening as she strides toward me, and I itch to wrap her in my arms and kiss the crap out of her when she gets close to me. I hold the thought. Her lips curl slowly, and I step forward.
“Well?”
“At least, he saw me this time.” She shrugs, a touch of the confident woman fading a little. Her forehead pinches, and she reaches for it. “He said he’ll get back to me.”
I open the SUV door for her, telling her I need a moment. I step up to the Bentley, return the plugs, and then turn for the building. There’s a sense of being watched, so I salute the glass. Asshole. He better give my girl a chance.
Climbing into the SUV, I find Midge with her head against the window, stroking her forehead again.
“You okay, baby?” Her eyes close at the endearment, but I don’t care. I’m worried.
“I think I’ve worked myself into a headache. It will pass.” She continues to rub, massaging at her tense skin. We drive a few minutes in silence, and I wait on edge for her to explain what happened.
“It was good, though, right? He loved it.” I can’t stand the quiet between us.
“I think I did well. He was attentive, unlike his son, and took notes.” Suit guy comes to mind, and I cringe. He’s the type of guy she should be with, dressed the way she is. She’s smart and talented in a business sort of way. They would fit one another, and I grip the steering wheel harder. I don’t want her to fit with the uptight suit. I want her with me. She goes silent again, her head resting against the glass. I reach out for her leg, and when she doesn’t brush me off, I squeeze.
“I just need some acetaminophen or something,” she groans, but a half-hour after we get back to the shop, she squeezes at her temples as she sits at her desk.
“Why don’t you go home?” I offer.
“Brut will hate me. I already took time this morning. It’ll pass in a little bit.” She sits up, but the strain on her face hints at the pain.
Sometime after noon, I demand she take a break. The computer has to be adding to the ache.
“Lie down for a bit in the office. I promise no one will disturb you.”
“Maybe I should just go home?” Even her voice sounds stressed.
“Can you drive?” I don’t trust her nod. She doesn’t look well. Stepping forward, I lead her to the office.
“Just an hour. I’ll feel better in a bit.” I don’t know why she’s trying to quantify the time. If she hurts, she hurts. I spread a blanket over the couch and help her to her side. She curls into herself, clenching at her head. It pains me to watch her, so I kiss her hair and head to the shower. I’ll have work to make up, but right now, I need to be close to my lady.