Playing With Fire & Ice

10

Waking up on the office couch, I groan sitting up I look for Cathy who was no where to be seen. I feel my eyes swollen from my crying constantly last night. Standing up I feel the oncoming tension headache.

Seeing the door open making me flinch from the light. "You can sit down I made you breakfast. I also brought some Advil and water." Cathy said as she handed me a plate that had bacon, eggs, french toast and a cup of coffee with sugar and creamer.

"Thank you Cathy." I say as I nod feeling extremely vurnerable. She sat beside me as I fixed my coffee before downing some Advil. Eating my breakfast I smile at the feeling of a home cooked meal.

As I eat my meal in silence Cathy simply sips her coffee. "Thank you. The breakfast was great." I say as I finish off my coffee. "Your welcome. Do you remember what I said last night? About putting yourself first." Cathy said and I nodded.

"But I can't simply just leave my company nor my dad. My mama always said that a strong woman takes care of all her priorities." I said. "Yes my mama said that too. But what I saw thorought my life growing up. That even though my mama was the strongest woman to me. She worked, she provided for me and my siblings but at night when she would be worn out from working graveyard shift at the hospitslmy daddy was always there to rub her aching feet, always there to distress her in anyway he could. If that meant cooking he would. If it meant cleaning the house, he would do it. Anything that she needed he would do it for her and vice versa." Cathy said as she smiled warmly at me.

"Sounds like my parents. Both of them worked but dad worked at a attorney so he made good money but mama worked too as a secretary for some corporate CEO. But mama always worked hard even though she didn't have to. I remember one day I had asked her why she didn't quit work to stay at the house. She said her mama didn't put her through college to not work and she be damned if she depend on anybody for anything." I said chuckling and Cathy laughed with me.

"But I bet your dad was there for her when she was stressed out." Cathy said. "Yeah he was there when she didn't even know she needed him. They worked well together. They completed each other. Growing up I want that desperately and I thought I had it but I don't think I did." I sighed rubbing my knees a nervous habit of mine.

"I believe you did have it Effie. Sure Sean has alot of work to do to get back in your good graces. But he was fuelled by raged and betrayal back then. You just have to be willing to give him a chance if not as a lover but as a friend. God didn't create the world overnight." Cathy said with a soft smile.

"Very true. I appreciate the advice that you have given me Cathy." I say as I stand up. "You are extremely welcome. You ever need advice or just someond to talk to. You know my number." Cathy said, I smiled hugging her before leaving the building.

Driving to the apartment, I park alongside the curb. Getting out I go up to my apartment. Taking a quick shower I put on a white button down shirt with black slacks and flats. Putting my hair in a head wrap, I leave the apartment.

Getting in my car I drive to my company. Parking along side the curb I see Sean's Mercedes and I roll my eyes I didn't want to deal with him right now. But he's already making his way over to here. Hearing a knock on the door, I get out looking at him. Deep down I was worried he looked like he didn't get any sleep last night and his usually groomed hair was unkept.

"Effie I'm sorry for what I said to you last night. I was wrong for assuming you would tell me given what I put you through." Sean said as he looked at me. "Its fine." I say coldly. He sighs but steps away and I continue to the office building. As soon as I reached my office Stacy met me at the elevator.

"Whats the plan for today Stacy?" I ask. "You have a meeting with Mr. Jackson so dicuss some fashion designs at 10 am at his headquarters. Also Mr. Jackson request that you model some of the clothes. He says you have a stunning figure. Umm...at 1 pm you have to find a place to rent out for the showcase for the fashion show being held Friday. But that's all and Freddie from realty has brought up some reports along with the isurance department." Stacy said to me.

"Okay. I got it. Get to work Stacy." I say before making my way to my office. Cutting on the computer, I settle into the chair looking at the stock market. Deciding to buy a couple more shares of businesses. Checking my emails I grumble as I see numerous request for meeting with me from starter companies. 

Clicking on the emails, I roll my eyes at how they kissing my ass to get in a meeting. Yeah not happening. Declining every request I stop when I see that a publishing business is being sold and they want me to buy it.

Interesting. They were a major publishing service for young writers but the owner is getting old and doesn't have a successor. Emailing them for a meeting on Thursday, I nod to myself as I get a immediate response.

This will be good. Business is growing everyday along with everything else. Hearing the desk phone ring I pick it up. "Ms. Young speaking." I say. "Ms. Young this is the secretary for Mrs. Wilson from Wilson & Harper Publishing. I was just calling to ask if you could come here for the meeting?" She said. "Of course. Will there be anything else?" I say cooly.

"When you buy this building will you please treat it like family? This publishing company is very important to both my husband and I." She said. "Yes ma'am I will." I say truthfully.

"Thank you." She said before she hung up. Getting up as it was 9:30, I make my way out my office after closing down my computer.

"Stacy I'm heading over to Jefferson's headquarters. You don't need to accompany me, I'll be taking my own notes." I say to her. "Okay ma'am." Stacy said before she got back to work.

Going down to the main lobby, I exit the building not seeing Sean's car which made me frown. Where was he? Why am I worried about it?

Getting in my car I drive to Jefferson's headquarters, I bring a notepad and pencil. Parking in a empty parking spot I get out going inside. Walking up to the front desk. "I have a meeting with Jefferson." I say to the lady behind the desk.

"Ah Ms. Young go ahead up Mr. Jefferson is in conference room B. Floor 3." She smiled and I nodded. Going to the elevator and pressing the button I sigh today's going to definetly be a tough one.