“A beard…” I chuckled, “Wow! Now, that was unexpected.”
She smiled sardonically, “Well, she has a body to die for. Her ass alone would make a nun do a double take. She’s always impeccably dressed in designer attire, and I surmised she doesn’t work if she can make herself available to you during the middle of the day like she did that day in your cafeteria. I don’t think my assumptions are too far off.”
Dawn was so desperate for answers, she never paused to gauge my disposition, another character flaw. I couldn’t help but laugh. Hard. My liquor had seeped through my veins, goading my sense of humor. She showed her hand too much. Too bad she wasn’t mine or I’d have to coach her on how to hold her cards.
“What is so damn funny?” she laughed along with me, risking the subject of our humor not being the same thing.
“Your new found ability of avowing.” I placed my glass down on the bar. “I appreciate it and I will adhere to it.” I chewed my ice before continuing. “For starters, it may be wise for you to know the nature of my relationship with Ms. Rayna Brimm for professional reasons for your firm. As far as for personal reasons; you should know that I am not the type of man who’s dating options are reduced to entering into legal agreements for professional companionship. My singular tastes and pursuits affords me the opportunity to seek out women with legitimate careers and lifestyles.”
Dawn furrowed her eyebrows, “Careers? Oh, so she does have a job? Let me guess, she waits tables at night and runs from audition to audition, trying to catch a break in acting during the day.”
She was bold—too bold, and so off target. I swallowed my melting ice. “Not exactly. By day, she works at a physical therapy practice and by night, she keeps me entertained, if not off pursing other tasteful activities.”
“She works at a physical therapy office as a…?” Dawn extended her investigational activities.
“…as a lead physical therapist, who manages the practice. Her office is there on the rec property.”
She reacted with her eyes. They jumped. What the fuck did she take me for?
“Oh! Well, that’s good to know. She looks so young. I didn’t…”
“She is. And she’s also very bright, clearly.” I watched as Dawn measured my words carefully. I recalled what Rayna said the night before about not painting Dawn a better picture of our relationship and felt I owed it to both of them. After giving her a moment to chew on it, I continued, “And for the record, I am a private man regarding personal affairs, but my affairs with Ms. Brimm are serious. I need you to know this as we proceed with this business relationship. Our contract is provisory and so far I’m happy with what you’ve been able to deliver. Don’t allow what is not possible to interfere with your paper.” I drag my gaze to her contemplative eyes, noticing her signature smile. “Don’t eat where you shit. Do you understand, Ms. Taylor?”
Her smile was fading. I could tell I’d hit a nerve, but couldn’t be concerned about her feelings. I needed to clear a path for Rayna and if that meant it had to be at Dawn’s expense, so fucking be it.
“Direct enough,” Dawn murmured before taking the last mouthful of her cocktail. “The Vibe article that you’re featured in it hit the shelves yesterday. You should pick yourself up a copy. You look good and read well in print.” Her spirit collapsed.
“Indeed.” I had totally forgotten about that article. It was good to see their proposal unfold. “If you ladies need a tour of the facility, my executive assistant here can handle that.” I could feel her gaze in my peripheral and decided not to give it my attention and possibly open up a can of worms. She grabbed her purse and turned her body completely to face me.