Magnetic, page 17
“Is there anything else I can get for you besides more tea?”
“I’m fine.” Layne spread her napkin across her lap. “Has anyone ever told you that you bear a striking resemblance to—”
“Ass,” Stacy said lowly with a chuckle.
“Dinner’s at seven. Will you be there?” Layne whispered.
“Yes, I will,” Stacy said with a smile. “The flowers are beautiful.”
When Layne had finished her lunch, she softly demanded her bill, then made a fuss about the tea being four dollars. She could tell that Stacy wanted to laugh. Layne put her money in the folder along with a house key and slid it in front of Stacy. “This isn’t a roping, just a little something to let you know I’m not playing around, either.” Layne looked back over her shoulder as she walked out. The expression on Stacy’s face was worth a million bucks.
Layne found herself vacillating again between the desire to let go and allow things to take their course with Stacy and her need to have everything in order, under her control. This courtship, or whatever they were engaged in, was unorthodox. To Layne, the progression was out of order. There were no dates; rather this thing between them had taken on an intimacy of evening meals, late-night stays—some overnight—and a domestication that usually came after months of being together. Layne had just given Stacy her house key without considering what that actually meant, and what freaked her out the most was she liked it.
*******
During dinner that evening, the conversation was light. Layne and Stacy discussed their day and Layne’s upcoming trip. Stacy volunteered to take care of the yard and water the plants while Layne was gone. But as they sat on the deck enjoying the evening, Stacy pulled Layne’s house key from her pocket.
“I’m not sure what this means,” Stacy said, holding it up.
“That makes two of us,” Layne said honestly. “I felt terrible about how things ended last night. What you did for me was extremely kind and I loved it.” Layne sighed as she looked over the yard. “I think that’s what scared me. We’re not sharing financial responsibilities or living under the same roof, but it feels like it sometimes. It’s like we’re already in a committed relationship, and we don’t really know each other. But as I said before, the odd thing is I feel like we do.”
“It would be very easy to change that. We could take a step back, start going out on dinner dates, go to the movies like everybody else does.”
“My need for organization screams that that is exactly what we should be doing, but…I enjoy this, and I keep asking myself what’s so wrong with it.” Layne reached over and took Stacy’s hand. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you seem so much more at ease with it than I do, and that throws me, too.”
“When you preface something by saying, ‘don’t take this the wrong way,’ the person hearing it almost always does,” Stacy said with a smile. “I do get where you’re coming from, though. We didn’t start off typically, so our relationship isn’t going to be typical, either. But if it’s working, why buck?”
Layne squeezed Stacy’s hand. “You teach me how to relax and I’ll teach you…nothing,” she said with a smile. “I like you just the way you are. Hold on to that key, you’ll need it to check on my plants.” Layne swallowed hard. “Just hold on to it for if…”
Stacy returned it to her pocket. “You’re telling me that you trust me. That’s all this is, and that’s fine with me.”
Layne smiled and nodded.
Chapter 28
Layne’s heart was heavy as she boarded the plane to Seattle. She actually looked forward to Alana joining her, wanting the connection to Stacy. The warm body she’d left that morning felt so cuddly and soft that she could barely force herself out of bed.
They stopped talking about the future, and Layne did her best to just throw caution to the wind and enjoy things as they unfolded. They spent every night making love like they’d never see each other again. They’d taken walks, watched a movie or two. And Stacy had introduced Layne to her neighbors, Deb and Bob.
Layne had gotten a few emails from Ronnie, who said she was happy that things were working out with Stacy, and Layne knew it would be a while before they saw each other in person. It wasn’t out of the norm for Ronnie to disappear, but it was for different reasons this time, and that still stung Layne a bit. She’d also talked to Jenny on the phone one day during lunch, and Jenny explained that she’d been working on Molly, who still was hanging on to her resentment for Stacy like a dog would a bone. That too stung Layne, but Jenny assured her that it wouldn’t last forever.
“You’ve stolen my cook.” Alana did her best to keep a straight face as she glared at Layne. “I used to have a meal when I got home, but now it’s hot nothing.”
“I’d like to say I’m sorry, but that would be a lie.” Layne grinned at Alana as she dropped into her seat. “Get a ticket this morning?”
“No, it was raining, and I guess the doughnut Gestapo didn’t want to get wet. Are you rested and focused this time?”
“No,” Layne said with a grin as she remembered what she and Stacy had done the night before.
Alana stared at her for a moment. “You look different. All of the years we’ve worked together you’ve had a determined and fierce look in your eyes. It’s not there. You look happy, Layne, and I know Stacy is. She hasn’t painted a stroke since that first night we got back from Seattle. Stacy paints away her pain.”
“I’ve never seen any of her work.”
“She’ll show you when she’s ready. Her older stuff is beautiful—lots of landscapes, some of Anna, all warm colors. The stuff she’s done over the past few years is dark, even yours.”
“Mine?” Layne asked in alarm.
“Shit,” Alana mumbled and looked at the rest of the boarders. “Did you eat breakfast? Do you have anything in your bag? I am freaking starved. I’ve gotten used to Stacy doing all the shopping, my pantry is bare.”
Layne squeezed Alana’s arm. “Mine?”
Alana sighed. “I figured she’d have shown it to you or at least told you about it by now. She’s private about her painting. I think you should wait and let her reveal it when she’s ready.”
“It’s dark?”
“Sad, you look sad,” Alana said impatiently. “She started on it the day after she arrived in New Orleans. I’d gone into her room one day to do something I can’t remember, and I kind of peeked at it. Of course, you didn’t have a face then. After we got back from Seattle, it was done, and yes, I sneaked back into her room when she wasn’t there. Honestly, that’s how I’ve gotten a look at her work because she’s not keen with even me looking at it.”
“Is she good?”
Alana smiled and looked at Layne. “Amazing. Her talent in that arena is not a Mayeaux trait. She got that solely from her mother. Colleen was a master, God rest her soul. She died when Stacy was twelve.”
“How?” Layne asked, feeling sorry for Stacy, who’d lost two very important women in her life.
“Brain aneurysm.” Alana snapped her fingers. “Took her just like that. She was my favorite aunt.” Alana looked away. “Coffee, my kingdom for a cup of coffee.”
Layne handed her the mocha latte she’d boarded with. “It’s got my germs on it, but you’re welcome to it if you dare.”
“I dare,” Alana said as she took a long swallow. “Thanks.”
*******
Stacy seldom carried her cell phone on her person, but she’d developed a habit of keeping it with her when Layne left. The past three days, she survived on text messages and late-night phone calls. As she finished mowing Layne’s backyard, she looked at it and smiled seeing Layne’s latest text. I miss you.
“Are you keeping the plants on the inside watered, as well?”
Stacy looked up at Molly, who was standing a few feet away. “Yes, I am,” she said with a smile that wasn’t returned.
Molly cocked her head to the side and folded her arms. “Do you know what you’re doing?”
“Yes, I take care of my cousin’s, too.”
Molly pursed her lips as she looked around the backyard. “Are you staying here while she’s gone?”
“No, but Bob and Deb next door keep an eye on her place if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“Fine,” Molly said with a nod and turned to walk away.
“I won’t hurt her.”
Molly stopped and turned. “You had no problem hurting Ronnie.”
“That’s not true, and I think you know that. You just don’t trust or like me. You don’t know me, either.”
“I know Layne and Ronnie, and that’s all that matters to me,” Molly replied coolly.
“But if it turns out that I’m good for Layne and make her happy, will you let your guard down and get to know me?”
“Why do you care?”
“It’s important to Layne.”
“Take those sunglasses off and look me in the eye when you answer my next question.” Molly met Stacy’s gaze when she moved the glasses onto the top of her head. “Do you have legitimate feelings for Layne?”
“I do,” Stacy said, her gaze unwavering. “I can’t tell you I’m in love, but what I feel grows stronger every time I’m with her.”
Molly stared Stacy down for a moment and sighed. “I want to make threats and tell you all sorts of terrible things I’d do to you if you hurt her, but I’m no good at it.” She straightened and stood tall, which wasn’t very high. “Even a house cat can do damage if angered.”
“I get your point,” Stacy said with a smile.
“Don’t get too relaxed. I have my eye on you.” Molly pointed two fingers at her own eyes, then turned them on Stacy. “That philodendron on the side of the driveway needs water.”
Stacy nodded. “I’ll take care of it. What do you suggest for the canna lilies? They’re looking ratty.”
“Cut them to the ground, they’re full of worms. Keep the new leaves that come back coated in pesticide.” Molly stabbed a finger at Stacy. “Don’t try to charm me with plant talk. I’m not there yet.”
Stacy grinned at the smirk that flittered across Molly’s face before she turned and walked away. “If you kill those indoor houseplants, you’ll see the angry house cat I warned you about,” Molly called over her shoulder.
Chapter 29
“…you’ve all done a marvelous job instituting and enforcing the updated policies. I’ve seen many of you using the positive reinforcement techniques that we’ve discussed in class, and it’s exciting to witness it in action and see the results we all want. Naturally, you’re going to encounter something that falls outside of normal procedure from time to time. I strongly encourage you as managers to meet and discuss these issues among you and come up with a solution as a team. I’m always available to give advice if you need it, as is Alana Mayeaux. We won’t stop working for you when our job here is complete. Call us anytime you need assistance.” Layne smiled at the group. “Our time together has taught me and my team a few things, as well. Thank you for working with us.”
Layne’s speech was met with a polite round of applause. She and Alana shook hands with each of the managers as they filed out of the conference room. “This one was easy,” Alana turned to Layne, “but we’re going to have our hands full with Lansing and Associates in Austin.” Her shoulders sagged as she delivered the news. “David wants us on a flight there tonight. Travel has already emailed us the arrangements.”
“What?” Layne pulled her phone from her jacket pocket and frowned at her mail.
“He called right as we began this meeting, that’s why I stepped into the hall. He claims he’s up to his ass in alligators and needs backup.”
Layne was infuriated at having her plans overturned. She’d been looking forward to going home to Stacy. In the past, she met unplanned events with enthusiasm. That’s why I was David’s tiger, Layne thought. ‘Was.’ What am I now? My personal life is changing, but my professional life can’t be allowed to suffer for it.
“Let’s get back to the hotel and get our things together. We’ll go to Austin and kick some butt,” Layne said with a conviction she didn’t feel.
*******
It would be late by the time Layne arrived in Austin, so while she and Alana raced across town in a cab to catch their flight, she sent Stacy a text.
I know you’re at work right now and probably won’t see this until later. I’m sorry to tell you that Alana and I are on the way to Austin to handle a problem. I’ll let you know as soon as I know I’m coming home. Miss you.
“That’s really cute,” Alana said with a grin as she stared at Layne’s phone.
Layne turned it away. “Have you no respect for privacy?”
Alana shrugged. “I already told you I have a peeking problem.”
*******
The tiger was pissed off, her scruff was up, claws flexed and extended. Layne’s pupils dilated as she waited for her moment to pounce.
“Gabe Lansing enlisted your services, but ol’ Gabe doesn’t work in this office anymore. The buck stops with me now.” Albert Curly looked as though he was tempted to throw his feet up on the conference table but thought better of it. “Bottom line, we run the show, and we don’t want you here. You’re not going to get the open door you expect, so I suggest you tell Gabe that we’re doing fine and don’t need your so-called expertise.” Albert grinned when the other two who sat on either side of him chuckled.
This wasn’t uncharted territory for Calloway. They’d had their share of unwilling clients, and they’d dealt with each one with reason, cajoling. David looked at Layne expectantly because she could charm the mortar out of a brick wall when she wanted to, but on this morning, she didn’t.
“Mr. Calloway, do you have Mr. Lansing’s phone number?” Layne asked with her hand poised above the intercom sitting in the middle of the table.
David blinked in surprise.
“That’s not a good idea, pretty lady,” Albert said as he sat up straighter. “You do that, and it’s going to cause a full-scale war between us all.” He pointed to the two sitting beside him. “We’re unified and ready to meet Gabe head-on.”
“And why should that matter to me?” Layne asked with a bored expression.
“Because he’ll fire you rather than having to replace all of us at the same time,” Albert retorted.
“You’re worried about us being fired after you’ve succinctly stated that we’re not needed?” Layne smiled as she crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair. “Let’s look at the nuts and bolts of this. Your sales are down thirteen percent from last year at this time, customer satisfaction is down forty-seven percent. Lansing produces one patented product. Other companies have tried to manufacture a rival but have failed to produce a product that can outlast the Lansing Hydraulic Pump. Your product is sound, and you have a large market in the petrochemical industry. The reason Lansing is failing is not the economy, it’s mismanagement. You were promoted to director of operations last year, and for the first time in the company’s history, your profits are down. You are right, Mr. Curly, the buck does stop with you, and Mr. Lansing knows it. Calling us in to rectify that should mean to you that this is your last hope before you find yourself in a very long unemployment line.”
Layne tapped her fingers on the table. “I’m not going to beg to help bail you out of something you’ve gotten yourself into,” she said with a cold smile. “I have better things to do with my time. So we’ll get out of your hair and explain to Mr. Lansing the same things I just told you, but I can guarantee when the wheels of our plane touch down on the runway in New Orleans, you’re going to be looking at the want ads.”
The bluff had been called, the cards laid out on the table, and Albert Curly paled but was not willing to acquiesce easily. “And you think by coming in and teaching our secretaries how to smile and our people to sound cheery on the phone will change all that?”
“On the flight from Seattle to Austin, I went over your company portfolio and relayed the data I learned, but you haven’t taken the time to review ours?”
“Sister sunshine, I don’t have the time to study pamphlets on manners. I have a company to run,” Albert said with a chuckle, but this time, his associates didn’t share in his humor.
“If I take the time to work with you,” Layne began and held up a finger, “and that’s a big if. The first thing we’ll do is teach you how to conduct research. If I were in your shoes and I considered Calloway the adversary, I would’ve already studied everything I could. But it’s not just research, it’s implementation, and frankly, I don’t think you have the ambition or fortitude.” Layne stood. “All of this I will explain to Mr. Lansing. A week from now when I return, if you’re still here, I expect your full compliance. You can start by showing me that you’re willing to rise to the challenge by addressing me properly. My name is Ms. Stone,” she pointed to Alana, “that is Ms. Mayeaux, and you already know Mr. Calloway. Have a good day, gentlemen.”
No one said a word as the three of them left the building and approached David’s rental car to which David handed Alana the keys. The gesture meant he was upset, and Layne was about to get an earful as soon as they left the parking lot. David proved that to be true the minute Alana pulled onto the highway.
“What the hell was that, Layne? Lansing specifically told me that he wanted to rehab Albert Curly, who happens to be his nephew, for fuck’s sake!” David threw up his hands. “Well, we’re done here!”
“Let me talk to Lansing,” Layne said calmly from the backseat.
David turned sideways so he could glare at her. “And what are you going to tell him? We can’t do the job he hired us to do?”
“We can do the job. Larry, Moe, and Curly back there cannot. I did my job, David. I went over the sales reports and researched Lansing from its inception. Gabe Lansing is a businessman. He’s been running this company successfully for almost twenty years. Do you honestly think he’s going to let it fall in the crapper because he wants to throw his nephew a bone?”
