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  “That was really thoughtful of him and of you. Thank you Franklin.”

  He smiles. She must look better after eating Charlotte’s breakfast. That unwanted and unhealthy concern on his face is gone.

  She spends a few minutes looking over the financials, but mostly she’s admiring DeShaun’s beautiful work. These are a masterpiece. It takes no time at to get a clear picture of Shockley.

  “He’s clear! He doesn’t owe anyone anything! It’s all profit.”

  “That’s how I see it,” Franklin smiles at her.

  “We can do this!”

  “I agree.”

  She’s up and hugging Franklin before she knows it and right in front of her staff. “We can do this!” It feels like it so she must actually be jumping up and down.

  “Settle down. We need to talk to the bank, but it looks really good, Judy.”

  She’s walking around the table behind everyone. She notices their heads turn to follow her. “It’s actually better than taking on Mr. Wade. The two businesses compliment each other. They buy and sell from each other. Under one roof and one management the costs will be significantly reduced the profits will soar.”

  She stops suddenly. “They have been best friends since they were just getting started. Why didn’t they see this? Franklin. Why? What am I missing?”

  “I don’t know Judy. I can only guess that they respected each others business. Maybe they never thought of merging.”

  “DeShaun would never fudge the numbers. It’s not his way. These have got to be true figures but they only go back five years. That’s odd.”

  A quick text to DeShaun to call her.

  “Okay, Judy let’s work out a proposal based on these reports. I think we should pitch them both, as soon as possible.” Franklin looks around the table for agreement.

  Every one agrees. Bill is going to start over, he says, scrap the Wade proposal and rework everything. “I need my office. Come on Justin let’s lay this out.”

  The door shuts loudly behind them, but she’s still engrossed in figuring this out. “It’s not just me, Judy.” That’s what he said.

  “Charlotte, please check out Wade and Shockley, their wives and children and see what you can find out about them and any connections to each other and Simon Perry or any of the Perry’s.”

  She nods and leaves.

  My cell rings. “DeShaun thanks for calling me back. I’m sorry I wasn’t available when you called. This is great work. It’s more like art than finance.” She laughs while he gloats. “These only go back five years, do you know how things were before then?”

  Silence from DeShaun. Shit. Not good. “I appreciate your time and effort, DeShaun. You know my purpose is to make this work, not only for us but for Wade and Shockley too.” She listens to DeShaun for a long time while all eyes are on her. “Thanks DeShaun everything you’ve told me will be kept in confidence. Have a good weekend and don’t worry. Okay?”

  Franklin and the staff watch her closely. She’s sure they’ve seen her happy demeanor fade. Calm and controlled, “Charles please check Shockley’s website and find out which products he’s buying from Perry. Then compare those products to the financials.”

  “You want to know what percent of his sales are Perry products.”

  She nods.

  “You’re thinking that Simon will pull the product line.” Franklin stares at her. She watches his face harden. “Still the company is in great shape now, at least as far as the bank is concerned.”

  “Yes. But after. I promised Mr. Wade that I wouldn’t break up the company and let all his employees go. I won’t be able to keep that promise. DeShaun and the Shockley employees will have to go too.”

  Charles looks up from his laptop. Inexperienced and innocent of having to make hard decisions, his face mocks her. She’s falling into the same strategy pit as Simon.

  “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Judy. Let’s get the facts first.” Franklin’s voice is also calm, but his eyes bore into hers. The trap door at the end of this hallway she and Franklin are being forced to walk, just got bigger.

  She sits down and reaches for her endless mug. She can’t drink anymore.

  “Do you know Marshall Distributing, Miss Mason?”

  “I only know what they do and that they are only a couple of years old. Dion is in one of my business groups.”

  Chandler picks up his laptop and sits down next to her. “Look at their website. They are competitors to both Wade and Shockley and I happen to know that they aren’t doing so well. His wife is a teacher at the same elementary school as Gretchen. They talk. What if we throw him into the mix? Add his customer base to Wade’s and Shockley’s and we’ve got a good size company.

  “To grow, Dion has had to reach out farther. He’s active regionally and according to his wife, is looking to grow nationally. Apparently he’s been seeking out contacts and is getting serious interest,” Chandler explains.

  Judy studies for a moment and then merges Chandler’s information with what she knows. “He is forward thinking and fearless. I haven’t had a lot of discussion with him, but what I have I got a hint that he’s a great salesman, but not the best at managing. I wonder what his interest would be, if we made him head of the new company.”

  “Buy three companies, Judy? The bank is going to laugh at us,” Franklin smiles trying to keep his concerns undercover.

  “Do you really think so, even if we come up with a killer business plan?”

  “Banks don’t care about business plans, Judy. Assets are all they are concerned with.”

  “I know. I was reaching.”

  Walking around the table again, “But on the other hand, all we are concerned with at this moment is getting the money to buy Wade and Shockley. Right? After that our next task is to make it work. Would Dion simply move in with us?”

  Franklin laughs. “He has a monetary investment that will need to be satisfied, Judy.”

  “What if he was close to loosing it? Would he trade his investment for a good salary, plus stability and growth? You know we can provide that, plus a hefty incentive package. We’re living in an Obama administration, anything goes. There are no rules anymore. The President of the United States confirms that every day.”

  She glances at Charles, who is staring at her. His bright blue eyes happy again.

  “What do you think, Charles?”

  “Miss Mason, I have no idea.” He blushes. “After all, my boss is wearing tiger tights, a tank top with a gun attached to her ankle. It’s Saturday morning and we’re in the office. The possibilities are endless.”

  I’d forgotten about my ankle holster. She laughs along with everyone else.

  “You’ll do, Charles. You’ll do well.”

  A plan is laid out. She has doubts, but what the Hell, she’ll give it her best. She’s been so far down that anything is up. Her staff is behind the plan and her. They are enthusiastic, exploring their skills and training and going full blast giving it their all. Isn’t that what counts the most. Success is a bonus.

  Chapter 9. Giving In

  “Not black and especially not gray. I’ve talked to Charlotte, she wants you in red. Bright red! A cute, short woman with curly black hair speaks up at Judy with defiance glaring out of her soft gray eyes.”

  Judy never wears red. It’s a power color and the last thing she wants to portray is a power woman or worse a power hungry woman. That’s not who she sees in her mind or the mirror. That’s not her motivation, but for one night she’ll trust Charlotte and do it. Simon will be attending, Charlotte confirmed and Ginny is staring at her with her mouth open.

  “What?” Judy yells. Ginny jumps.

  “You’re stunning.” Her hands are clasped over her heart. Judy thinks she sees tears forming in Ginny’s eyes. “You’re beautiful. Who knew?”

  Strapless, tight at the waist with soft folds that fall to the floor, the gown is beautiful. She’s never worn a gown before. She has three navy blue suits and she rotates them e
very week with her kaki suit. She has a couple pair of slacks that she rotates with the skirts. But this feels good. It doesn’t encumber her movements and it isn’t uncomfortable.

  “Shoes!” Ginny yells. Judy jumps.

  “I guess this is what I’m wearing tonight." Judy mumbles and gives in. It’s doesn’t really matter anyway.

  “Can you put your hair up with some curls or something?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never done it. I cut it myself.”

  Ginny gasps then turns away quickly. “I’m going to make you an appointment for a hair stylist. I’ll give her instructions and a description of your gown. Her name is Margaret. You’ll like her.”

  Going along with all this, is getting out of control. This night has all the possibilities of being a nightmare. What does it matter what she wears?

  “But, I’m not wearing stilettos!” She yells at Ginny when she sees the shoes she’s holding out to her. Ginny flinches.

  “But you’re so tall and slender. They’d be perfect.” She pleads.

  “I’ll fall off of them and feel ridiculous. Find something else, please.” The hookers in my neighborhood wear stiletto heels and black fishnet stockings. No way!

  She agrees to a three-inch red velvet pump with a pleasant design in fake gold beads that peak out from under her the gown. They’re pretty and comfortable. It’s a shame that she’ll only wear them once.

  “So how much is all this?”

  “Charlotte said the company will pay and I’m not allowed to tell you.”

  Ginny fixes her up with shear pantyhose and tries to get her to try on cups that fit over her boobs.

  “It’ll give you cleavage,” she explains and sucks back her words in response to Judy’s glare.

  “Are we done? I have a sparing match in a few minutes and I don’t want to be late.”

  “You’re going to do boxing?” Ginny looks at her like Judy’s lost her mind and then pleads. “Oh please don’t get hit in the face, you’re going to look so beautiful and a black eye would ruin the whole image.”

  Judy can’t help but laugh at her. Ginny’s put up with all Judy’s crap and bad attitude for the entire shopping debacle. She decides to give in one more time. Just one and that’s it!

  “I promise I won’t get a black eye, but I can’t promise my opponent won’t.”

  Sweet, concerned Ginny tries to smile, but fails completely.

  “I’m sorry. Thank you Ginny, maybe you’ll help me another time. I’ve got navy blue suits and little else. A little updating my image would probably make my coworkers happy.”

  “Sure. I’ll put together some ideas for you.”

  Steven is waiting for her at the club. “You look like shit.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Are you ready?”

  “Well, here’s the thing. Can we talk?”

  She can always count on Steven to listen as well as bark orders at her. He walks her over to the table where she usually drinks his green/gray sludge.

  “I’ve got to go to this formal dinner/dance charity event tonight . . .”

  “And?”

  “I have to wear a gown and get my hair done . . . “

  “And?”

  “I can’t get dressed at home. I’ll get mugged before I make it to my car. I was wondering if I could get dressed here. There are showers and everything.”

  “Where do you live?”

  “On the East Side.”

  He leans back in his chair and stares at his hands that are clenched on the table top. “Okay. I was going to close at eight tonight. Will that give you enough time?”

  “Sure. It only takes me a couple of minutes to get dressed.”

  He snorts and that crease between his eyes is glaring at her.

  “Is there anyone who takes care of you, Judy?”

  His question surprises her. If it wasn’t for that crease between his eyes, she’d think he was teasing her.”Yes. The most reliable person I’ve ever met. Me. But, I have another problem.”

  She drops her eyes and stares at her hands now clenched on the table top. Why is this so hard to talk about?

  “And?” Steven prompts.

  “Well, there will be dancing and I’ll probably have to do it.”

  He laughs but breaks off quickly.

  “I don’t have a clue how. Do you know?” She searches his eyes hoping he knows.

  “Yes.”

  “Could you show me?”

  “Sure.”

  She’s breathes relief. He snickers. “And?”

  “Well Ginny, who picked out my clothes, said she didn’t want me to box and get a black eye because it would ruin the outfit. Do you think we could spar another time? She worked hard on me and I don’t want to let her down.”

  “I would never give you a black eye, Judy. I would never hurt you.” Something glints in Steven’s eyes just before they turn sad and then the crease is back.

  “Thanks. So could we go somewhere private and you show me how to dance instead of sparing.”

  “With you in my arms, Judy, it would probably feel the same.”

  He gets up and leaves her sitting there. She’s doesn’t understand what he meant by that. But if she’d learned anything in life, it’s that if you ask someone for help and they agree to help you, you have to try to go along with them. She’s not sure, it’s never happened to her before, but she thinks she just got her feelings hurt. She feels something and doesn’t like it.

  “Heads up guys, Judy needs to learn how to dance formal party style right now. Jake, find some music, Clarence you and the guys put the weights up and let’s make room.”

  What? I thought this was going to be private. All the guys are going to watch. She feels her face turn hot and as red as that dress Ginny and Charlotte made her buy. Damn!

  Soft music replaces the usual rock and rap. Someone has turned a bunch of the lights off. She puts her head down on her arms and groans.

  “May I have this dance?”

  She looks up and Steven has put on a t-shirt instead of his usual tank top. He’s holding his hand out to her. He’ gorgeous.

  “If you want to dance with the man who has just asked you, smile and then put your hand in his.” Steven says quietly and waits.

  “What the Hell!”

  “But you have to take your gun off first. There’s no dancing with a gun strapped to your ankle.”

  She looks hard at him to make sure he’s not kidding. He’s not. She does as he says and he leads her to the center of the gym and turns her to face him before he let’s go.

  “You’ll be dancing in a room full of people. The guys will help you get used to that. For the basics, the man is supposed to lead, which means you follow his steps. Every man dances differently. Some are hard to follow and some are easy. You’ll have to adjust. This is the way I dance with a beautiful woman.”

  He puts his hand on the small of her back. “Put your left hand on my right shoulder.”

  She does.

  “It’s not a wrestling hold Judy. Lightly let your hand and arm rest on my shoulder.”

  She relaxes. It feels better. She’s surprised that she can tell a lot about his body this way. Steven feels solid and strong and non-threatening. He’s tall but not too tall. She doesn’t have to look up too high to see his face.

  Steven takes her other hand gently and holds it in his and out to the side. She’s face-to-face with Steven and their only inches from being flat against each other. Being like this with Steven her face fills with blood. She’s blushing like Charles does. It’s embarrassing but not totally uncomfortable. After all this is Steven holding her.

  “Hear the music?”

  She nods.

  He holds her and begins to sway side to side. She’s standing still. She hears chuckles from Clarence and the guys. It doesn’t bother her she’s used their comments about her, especially when Steven is teaching her something new.

  “You are supposed to move when I move and you are supposed to mo
ve the same way I move.”

  “Oh. Sorry. I thought it was something you did before we got started.”

  The crease between his eyes is back. “Haven’t you ever seen anyone dance before?”

  “No.”

  “How can that be Judy?”

  Talking in this position and swaying with Steven is not uncomfortable.

  “Didn’t you ever watch a movie on TV or go to a dance?”

  “I’ve never had a TV. I’ve never gone to a dance.”

  “You didn’t go to your high school prom?”

  “I had to quit school to work so I could pay for my apartment and laptop. I got my GED and graduated college with a B.S. in Business. But I did the work online. I could work and go to school at the same time. I had two jobs to pay for everything. I got all A’s and had the highest grade point average in my both my graduating classes. I don’t think they had a virtual prom.” She teases and smiles. That’s different? Where did that come from?

  We’re moving. She didn’t even realize they were and she’s not sure, but she thinks they’ve been doing it for awhile. Steven is moving, turning her body this way and that with a little pressure on her back.

  “Are we dancing?” She grins up hopeful that they were, because this isn’t nearly as hard as she thought it was going to be.

  “Yes. Do you like it?”

  “Yes. Am I doing it right?”

  “Yes. You’re very easy to dance with, Judy.”

  “Is that good?”

  “Yes.”

  Steven must be getting into the music because he’s moving faster and taking her all around the gym with him but he never let’s go of her eyes. “If you’re looking at me, how do you see where you’re going? What happens if you bump into something?”

  “I’m magic. I won’t bump into anything. You’re safe with me.”

  “Thanks.”

  He laughs but he’s not making fun of her. The music stops and he drops his arm from her back and let’s go of her hand.

  “Now what?”

  “The man should escort you back to your seat.” He holds out his arm and waits.