I met Chesney and one of his associates at Smith, Katz & Adams Sports Medicine Center’s headquarters later that evening. The meeting was extremely brief. I was pleasantly surprised at how amenable Dave Smith was to not suspending me or taking any disciplinary actions until they have indisputable evidence showing that I was involved. Brian Thompson did most of the speaking while Dave Smith looked preoccupied. He mentioned that he was mortified that Michelle was on the tape and would do anything that would bring all those responsible for leaking it to justice.
It was weird seeing Thompson there. I could still see the healing bruises on his face. As much as I wanted to discuss his fight with Azmir, I knew this wasn’t the appropriate time or place. I was surprised that he hadn’t broached the subject yet himself. I also recalled Azmir’s request of me steering clear of Thompson. Azmir and I were still rebounding from that event, so I’ve managed to obey his firm request. I guess it was something I’d have to wait out.
~~~~~~~~~~
Rayna
On my way home I longed for my bed. It was later than usual so I’d hoped Azmir had warmed dinner in my wake. As I walked through the door, the aroma was delightful. The lights in the kitchen were on and I could hear the clashing of dishes ringing from there.
I placed my briefcase on the bench in the foyer when I suddenly saw a woman of Asian descent walking past. “Oh!” she gasped while holding her chest.
I must’ve given her the look of death. Who in heaven’s name is this?
“Ms. Brimm! I’m so sorry! We didn’t know you had arrived,” she flashed a nervous smile to move past our frightening introduction.
“I’m Kim. Mr. Jacobs is out on the patio awaiting you,” she said while extending her arm toward the patio.
Warily, I walk over to the balcony, passing the kitchen where I can hear Chef Boyd working the stove on the way. Soft music was playing as I walked out to find Azmir on the phone. I quickly notice the dinner table for two set up with an ivory table cloth and chairs with white covers. The fresh white lilies were resplendent with their black bulbs bursting from the center. The utensils were displayed in a formal manner with two forks and spoons with a knife. If I didn’t know better I would have thought I’d just walked into one of the five-star restaurants Azmir takes me to. There were gorgeous white lights trimming the balcony, creating a romantic ambiance. What was this for? My eyes dart back to Azmir who was still heavily engaged in his conversation.
“He bought how many shares? Is this something we’d still want to get into? Yeah? Uh-huhn. Well, let me sit on this and get back to you in the morning. Nah, man. I can’t rush this one. Something doesn’t feel right to me.”
He turns to find me waiting in the doorway. His expression changes as does the mood in his eyes. While keeping his gape on me he continues, “I gotta go, Rich. Love’s home. Yeah. First thing in the a.m.,” he assures before ending the call.
With his eyes still fixated on me he greets, “Good evening, Ms. Brimm.” He doesn’t smile, but there’s still that sparkle in his eye. And not to mention, the lights of the marina bouncing off the water, reflecting a warm glow against his skin.
“Hungry?”
“I was before stepping into all of this,” I saying, gesturing my hand to the romantic set up. “I see we have guests.” I was asking for an explanation when a young male waiter, with honey blonde hair and the most piercing green eyes, wearing a black chef coat, came out with two bottles of wine. He didn’t speak. Azmir acknowledged him by asking me to take a seat.
“Join me?” he asked, pulling out a chair. I stroll over to him and sit. He scoots me to the table and takes his seat. Once we’re down, the waiter approaches the table and says.
“Good evening, sir and Ms. Brimm. I am Chaise, one of your waiters for this evening. May I offer you a drink? Tonight we have a red, a 2005 Chateau Lafite Rothschild and white, a 2007 Sassicaia.
Azmir chose red and I followed suit. As Chaise pours into our glasses Azmir asks, “So, I hear your meeting with the Smith, Katz & Adams Sports Medicine Center’s heads went well. How are you feeling overall?”