True Confessions (16 page)

We both giggled. I believed money and power were better than sex to Taylor.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. Guess who Mother talked to the other night?” I asked, licking sauce from my fingers.

“Who?”

“Guess?”

“I don’t feel like guessing, just tell me.”

I gave Taylor a look.

“No. I know you’re kidding? Mrs. Logan talked to her ex? Your daddy?”

“Yep.”

“Oh, what I would have given to be a fly on her wall.”

“She said they talked for about two hours.”

“Talked or screamed at one another?”

“Mother said it was a liberating and very calm conversation.”

“That’s deep.”

“Tell me about it. I’m glad they finally talked and put some closure to their situation.”

“I know what you mean. Years ago, I thought your mom was going to have a nervous breakdown over your daddy.”

“She almost did.”

“And then she just snapped out of it.”

“She said she prayed about it.”

I was silently thinking that some men could put you through some serious changes all in the name of love.

“I never understood what your dad was thinking. Dumping your mom for a woman twenty years younger. I never saw that coming. Not in a million years. They always seemed so happy together.”

“Neither did Mother.”

“Men do that shit all the time, though. They get sick of the old model who was there for them from the very beginning when they didn’t have a pot to piss in, but once they get older and successful and the money is rolling in, well, it’s time to switch to a newer, younger, and improved model.”

Eagerly, I shook my head in agreement.

“But if an older woman goes after a younger man, she’s seen as a cougar.”

“Double standards.”

“Sad, but true. Mrs. Logan should have found herself a nice young stud and got her groove on.”

“Taylor.”

“What’s wrong with that? Why couldn’t she enjoy herself too? After thirty years of the same old stuff, I’m sure she wanted some variety. Some young stuff.”

“You are too much,” I teased.

“My Kennedy.”

“My Taylor. Can I tell you something?”

“Of course.”

“To be honest, I’m not sure if I want to meet my birth mom if they do find her.”

“Why not? Regardless of what she did, you’re still a part of her. That’s not going to change.”

“If I had a child, I could never give up my baby.”

“We couldn’t, but playing devil’s advocate, you don’t know what the lady was going through at that time.”

“It doesn’t matter. I would have made a way.”

“Your biological mom did you a favor. You grew up with a wonderful family who loves you like their last breath depends on it.”

“You’re right, and I count my blessings every day.”

“Look at me, you know my history. I have a mother who is working on her fourth marriage and that one isn’t going so well. I have had so many stepfathers that I can’t even keep track, and my mother equates gifts with love. I would have given anything to have her attend my plays and recitals. Instead, she sent flowers while she was off traveling around the world and spending one of my stepfather’s money,” Taylor stated with a tremble in her voice. I knew this had caused her much hurt and pain over the years.

“I realize I’m very lucky.” I bit into another wing.

“If for nothing else, you deserve answers and inner peace. Besides, you need to know your medical history.”

“I guess.”

“Trust me, K. Here, take some more of these wings while I get us another round of drinks. That bartender is hooking these up,” she stated, rising from the table.

“I don’t want any more wings.”

“K, take them and quit being difficult. And it’s going to be all right. No matter what is bothering you, it can only get better.” Taylor winked before walking off to the bar.

On the walk back to our cars, arms linked, we talked more about Drake.

“Seriously, what are you going to do about him?”

“I haven’t figured it out yet.”

“Kennedy, I’ve known you for a long time. Whether you believe it or not, you are a strong woman. She’s there, inside you, waiting for you to release her. Mr. and Mrs. Logan have doted on you your entire life, but you’re a grown woman now and you have to handle your business. Don’t be a doormat for that fool.”

“I know all this.”

“Well, act like you know it. I’m serious, K. Drake changed you somehow.”

“How?” I asked, stopping in mid-stride.

“You stopped thinking for yourself. That’s not you. Drake thrives on control and power; don’t give him yours.”

“It may be too late.”

“It’s never too late. You’re a beautiful woman, inside and out, and you deserve someone who’s going to treat you special and kind. And with respect. Drake just wanted a beautiful woman on his arm and in his bed. He couldn’t care less about your dreams, goals, and aspirations.”

“Taylor, I loved him. I really did.”

“K, love doesn’t hurt and make you lose yourself. Think about it. Drake should love the person you already are, not try to change you into his ideal mate. That Michael guy back in there, I saw how he kept looking at you. Give him a chance.”

“I’m definitely not ready to jump back into another relationship.”

“I’m not saying right this instant, but give brothers like him a chance. He appeared decent.”

“Look who’s talking. The lady who uses money and power as a prerequisite.”

“I’m talking about you, not me.” We both laughed again as we made our way to our cars.

“Whatever.”

“Listen, drive carefully and I’ll talk to you later in the week,” Taylor stated, unlocking her car door and giving me another hug.

“Love ya.”

“Love ya back, girl.”

It was a little short of a week later, after our first impromptu business meeting, that I found myself riding the elevator back upstairs for yet another one. My manager had asked me to finish it up, since I started the process, and to report back to her. She claimed that this would be good experience for me. The previous day, I had turned in my findings in a detailed, comprehensive ten-page report. Today was to be a follow-up meeting for all concerned and to tie up loose ends.

As before, I arrived early. Again, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Drake after the fiasco from last time. I realized I wouldn’t and couldn’t allow myself to be alone with him. I had thought long and hard about what Taylor had said, about filing sexual harassment charges, but I wasn’t sure. I had no doubt Drake would drag our so-called secret affair into the spotlight and I definitely wasn’t ready for that. Drake’s family had money, so losing his job wouldn’t faze him.

I was totally confused. I had no clue what I should do or how I should proceed. I knew my life was in shambles and I had to do something to move forward and reclaim it.

This time when I arrived on the floor, the conference room wasn’t empty. Apparently, another meeting was going on, which was expected to end shortly. I stood outside the door and chatted with the administrative assistant. She was an older black woman, with salt-and-pepper hair, who, I’d heard, had started out as a temp and eventually moved into a permanent position.

“How are you today, Miss Logan?”

“I’m okay and yourself?” I asked.

“I can’t complain. I’m here, I’m alive, and I’m kicking. That’s a blessing in itself, wouldn’t you say?”

I laughed. That sounded like something Mother would say. “It’s true.”

“Sometimes you young people forget to count your blessings.” She winked.

“You might be right.”

“I know I am. I have a daughter about your age.”

I smiled and looked toward the conference room door. I didn’t want a lecture on religion or the state of the younger generation.

“If I may say so, you’re smart, gorgeous, and seem like a wonderful person who was brought up right.”

“Thank you.”

“I mean it. Your mother should be very proud of you. I noticed you months ago. You stand out around here because of the way you carry yourself with such grace. You don’t gossip and be all up into everyone’s business. You have class.”

“Thank you, that’s very sweet,” I stated, again glancing back at the conference room.

I noticed the other meeting was ending, as associates walked out of the conference room, scattering in different directions. I saw a few familiar faces and I waved.

“I like conversing with young people, and I think they like talking to me because I call it as I see it. I’m real, as you say. For you, I have one simple piece of advice: remember, what looks good isn’t always pretty,” she said, raising her eyebrows.

I opened my mouth to ask her what she meant by that, but Drake and a very lovely woman with legs from here to eternity and a Halle Berry short hairstyle came around the corner and I didn’t get the opportunity. I’d never seen the woman on the floor before.

“Excuse me,” the mystery woman stated in a condescending tone as she stuck her nose up at me and briskly walked around me.

I moved out of the way. Drake barely acknowledged me.

“Miss Logan, the meeting is starting in just a few minutes,” he stated, looking down at his watch as if I was running late.

I delivered a half smile to the administrative assistant. “I guess that’s my clue to go.”

“Sure, darling. You take care of yourself,” she replied.

“By the way, who was the woman with Mr. Collins?” I asked.

“Oh, that’s Miss Reynolds. She started a week ago. Replacing the management slot that was vacated by Mr. Stephenson.”

“Umm. I see.”

By the time I made it into the conference room, I had to sit closer to the front and to Drake. I noticed every now and then Miss Reynolds glaring at me out of the corner of my eye. I couldn’t figure out for the life of me why I was getting strong vibes that she didn’t care for me. This from a woman I hadn’t even had the opportunity to be formally introduced to, or knew existed until a few moments ago.

“Good morning, everyone. Today’s meeting should be short and sweet,” Drake announced, his eyes lingering on me for a few additional seconds. Miss Reynolds caught him and openly frowned at me.

“Before we go any further, for those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to meet her yet, I’d like to introduce you to Miss Brittany Reynolds. She’s one of our new managers.”

She waved and stood briefly. “Thank you, Mr. Collins. I look forward to meeting everyone and fostering productive and meaningful working relationships. I’ll be making my way around to meet with some of you in the next few days.”

“Okay, let’s get down to business. The first item on the agenda is…”

The meeting went by quickly, and the good news was that we were able to pacify our clients with some modifications on how we handle their accounts. Bottom line, they were no longer pulling out, and our working relationship would continue.

Throughout the meeting, I noticed a silent communication going on between Drake and Miss Reynolds. It was very subtle, but there nevertheless. I knew it wasn’t my imagination because it was how we used to act with each other in public. I immediately picked up on the vibes they were giving off to one another.

Finally, the meeting ended and I couldn’t wait to get off that floor. I retrieved my legal pad, purse, and pen, and was trying to slip quietly away. Of course, that wasn’t in Drake’s plan.

“Miss Logan, have you been formally introduced to Miss Reynolds?” he inquired. He was trying to be funny and I hated him for it. I knew what was going on; he was messing with me.

I turned around with a smile plastered on my face. Drake and Brittany were standing side by side, looking at me expectantly. “No, I haven’t.” I reached out my hand. “Good to meet you. I’m Kennedy Logan.”

“Brittany Reynolds. Kennedy, what a lovely name.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re one of those relations service reps, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I’m one of those.” I immediately didn’t like her condescending tone.

“I must come down there and check out the team. I haven’t been in the trenches in a while.” Then she laughed a shrill, irritating cackle.

“You do that.”

“I told Brittany what a wonderful team you and I made behind closed doors, working on our project,” Drake injected, emphasizing “working.”

“Did you?” I said, knowing what he was insinuating.

“Drake and I have spent an enormous amount of time behind closed doors as well,” Brittany said. “So, your services won’t be needed anytime soon.”

“Good for him.”

“Drake is showing me the ropes, so to speak.” She laughed, daring me to read between the lines.

Heifer,
I silently screamed. “Well, it was nice meeting you. Take care.”

“You too, Kendall.”

“That’s Kennedy.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Of course, Kennedy.”

I bet you are. Heifer.

With them not too far behind me, I started to make my exit and escape. I could hear them whispering and laughing behind my back and having too much fun. Yes, they were very comfortable with each other. As much as I despised Drake, I still felt a twinge of jealousy.

“Miss Logan, may I speak to you for a moment?”

With a scowl on my face, I walked over to the administrative assistant’s desk.

“Yes?” I asked, slightly annoyed. I just wanted to get back to my floor, to the security of my cubicle, and hide out for the remainder of the day.

“I know this is none of my business, but as I said before, you seem like a nice girl. You remind me of my own daughter with your mild demeanor. Since I consider myself a Christian lady, I figure it is my duty to speak with you. God don’t like ugly.”

I was getting sick to my stomach as I watched Drake and Miss Reynolds walk conspiratorially down the hallway together. I couldn’t pull my eyes off them. An image of the two of them embraced in the heat of passion flashed before my eyes.

“Watch your back with him.”

“Him. Him who?”

“Mr. Collins.”

“Mr. Collins? I don’t understand.” She had my attention now.

“I don’t want to get all up in your business, but I hear things. Management tends to forget we are in the room.”

“Things like what? You hear what?” I asked, getting a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

“Unfortunately, not good.”

“Please tell me if they concern me.”

“Well, I don’t want to cause any trouble and lose my job. I have bills…”

“You won’t. This is between you and I. This won’t go any further; you have my word.”

“I’ve overheard Mr. Collins discussing your personal relationship with Mr. Brewster.”

“Mr. Brewster?”

“Mr. Collins was bragging about how you were not as hard to get next to as he had been led to believe. Supposedly, he had been told you were a challenge when he moved here from LA and he set out to prove Mr. Brewster wrong.”

“What?”

“There was other stuff said and, believe me, it isn’t fit to repeat. I think what happens between a man and a woman should remain between—”

I cut her off and started to walk away. “Thank you, I appreciate your information.”

“Baby, you need to check that Drake Collins and put him in his proper place,” she whispered.

Mr. Brewster was one of the oldest black managers on the floor. He was a senior vice president with the longest tenure. Why in the world was Drake discussing our relationship with him, or anyone for that matter? I was totally speechless.