Strictly business, p.15
Strictly Business, page 15
Eileen inched closer, insinuating herself against him. He wanted to run. The way he wanted to run a million times before around the woman. He hated this so called relationship Eileen seemed to invite between them. He had no interest in her and she should have taken the hint by now. He'd spent years rejecting her advances but Eileen wouldn't give up. Would he have to be flat out rude to the woman to get his message across? Would he have to embarrass her in front of her friends to make his point?
"Joe," she said her hand going up his arm. "You've been a stranger lately."
Joe turned to Eileen, and was stunned to see her in a nearly see through gown that left very little to the imagination. Joe jerked at his top button of his shirt. "Sorry Eileen, the factory takes most of my time, these days."
"You're not falling for that little imp, are you?" Eileen's voice was harsh but whispered.
"And if I am?" He tossed her a curious glance.
"She's after your money, you know that don't you?"
"No, I don't." Joe's face lit with amusement. "I thought she was after me." Joe chuckled. "Since I'm obviously such a catch."
Seeing the glint of anger he flashed her, Eileen's voice softened to a whisper once more.
"I see you are nearly done with the new building." She oozed with enthusiasm. "I'd like to introduce you to McCarthy's daughter, she's half owner of her father's sewing machine business, you know?"
"How interesting, another time maybe," Joe glanced at her. "Yes, another month and we'll be ready to start transporting machinery." He smiled as a maid brought a tray of wine.
Joe took the wine and offered one to Eileen. He shot Kia a quick glance, and she was being swept across the floor in one dance after another. He smiled. He liked watching her dance. She was provocative.
Every now and then he caught her eye and she smiled at him. His wife had become quite the bell of the ball.
He wondered if any other man in the room was as anxious to get home with their wives as he was. Kia dominated his thoughts these days.
"I only want what's best for you, darling. Oh look, there's Di now. I've simply got to introduce you, she a doll." Eileen purred pulling at his arm till he followed.
Before he knew what Eileen was up to, Joe was being completely being mauled by Di McCarthy. The woman, slightly clad in a minidress that hid few secrets, she moved herself against him insinuatingly, her lips brushing his cheek as she persuaded him to dance.
Joe cleared his throat, and happened to glance into her eyes. He knew what he saw there was nothing short of lust and he hated her for it. Short of pushing her away, what could he do?
Joe began to feel uncomfortable. This wasn't where he wanted to be. Unwilling to make a scene, and uncomfortable at the way Di was all over him on the floor, Joe was at a loss what to do. Eileen had put him in this particular situation many times and he was tired of it.
But the music suddenly stopped and Di still held him in her clutches. Soft lips grazed his cheek. He stiffened and pulled away. "I think I better call it a night."
Joe jerked away, but it was too late, the entire room was hushed and Kia had seen them and ran out of the ballroom in what looked like tears. Di stumbled once but still clutched him, but he pushed away and followed his wife.
Eileen and Di followed them. Calling after him.
"Kia wait—let me explain…"
Kia stopped short, turned around and shook her head. "There's absolutely no need."
And she darted off into the night alone, and crying.
Unable to catch Kia, Joe turned on Eileen. "What was that about?"
"I don't know darling, she'll calm down," Eileen smiled and reached for his arm. "After all you are a handsome devil and lots of women want your favor. She'll have to get used to it."
Joe frowned. "I don't know what's going on through that ultra female mind of yours Eileen, but I don't need you running my love life. I never have. You were my father's wife, and I respected you for God's sake! But I won't have you interfering in my life anymore. Think again woman. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going home to my wife."
"Wife?" Eileen hissed. "She's not your wife. The entire thing is a fiasco and you know it. The whole town knows it, Joe. Oh Joe, don't you see—I only want…"
"No, I don't see. Please make my excuses. Goodnight." Joe left with nothing short of misery in his heart.
So Kia saw all that. Surely she didn't think …
Oh, but she did think. He knew that as sure as he knew he was falling in love with Kia. How and when was not important. Telling her was.
She wasn't home. He drove around looking for her but he found nothing. He drove by the new factory. He drove by the old factory. He circled the downtown area, nothing. No Kia. Loosing Kia darkened his mood.
Where had she gone? He decided to go home and check again. Maybe she just went for a walk. But the apartment was dark and quiet and there was no sign of Kia.
He called her mother. "Sorry to bother you Mrs. Giavonni, but I'm looking for Kia."
"I'm so glad you called. She's here, Joseph. But no, she won't talk to you. I'm afraid she needs some time to calm down. Can you call back tomorrow maybe, Joseph?"
"If I could just talk to her for a moment—explain?"
"She won't come out of her room. She won't talk to nobody. But you wait, I'll see what I can do. "Mrs. Giavonni left the phone and was gone a long while. When she came back she confirmed his worst fears. Kia was having nothing to do with him.
Joe didn't want to call back tomorrow. He wanted to talk to her now. He had to make her see the truth. That Eileen had done this to him for years, humiliated him, in public, acting like some common whore around him. How could he explain it wasn't his fault. That he didn't even know the woman. He wanted no part of the woman, any woman except her.
"I'm coming over there," he announced and hung up before Kia's mother could object.
On his way over he rehearsed what he wanted to say. But nothing seemed good enough no matter what he felt. In truth, he didn't owe Kia any explanations, but in his heart he knew he owed her everything. Without her, the new factory would not be a realization. Without her help he would never have gotten over Georgina. He would never have began to feel worthy of another love. Kia had done this for him. Released him from his bonds. Kia—the woman he loved.
When he arrived he talked with her mother for a while, then walked up and knocked on her door. She didn't answer. He leaned his head on the door and willed her to come open it. It didn't work.
After an hour of talking to her mother, Kia's brother came down the stairs and shook his head. "She won't come down."
"She's sure stubborn," Joe said rubbing the back of his neck and then glancing at her brother. Bud hadn't been around that often when he had visited her mother. He felt obligated to get to know the young man. He was family. He was a part of Kia's life, and he wanted him as a part of his life.
"It's dad's fault," Bud said after a long silence.
"How you figure?" Joe asked glancing at Bud with new respect.
"She don't trust anyone since he went to prison." Bud answered.
"It hurt her badly?" Joe asked trying desperately to understand his wife and family.
"Yeah, she worshipped dad, up till then. Norman is the first one she's dated since dad went to jail. And she only dated him 'cause she knew she didn't care about him."
Joe studied the young man. "How old are you, Bud?"
"Sixteen, "he answered obviously not seeing the relevance in that question.
"A wise sixteen." Joe smiled.
"Ah ... when you live with a house full of women, you get to understand them—a little."
Joe chuckled. "Do you think she'll ever listen?"
"Maybe. I think she likes you."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. Only she's real stubborn—and scared."
"Of what?"
"Gettin' hurt. Of you leavin' her too. Like dad did. She worshipped him. Couldn't believe what he'd done."
"But she left me."
"Doesn't matter. Women don't make much sense that way. First thing I learned when I started dating was that it's always my fault."
"You got a girlfriend Bud?"
"Nope, not now. I think I'll wait a while before I jump in that mess again." He snickered. Then seriously he looked at Joe. He seemed to gauge his question first. "Do you love her?"
"Very much so."
Bud just nodded. "Yeah, I kinda thought so. I'm glad."
"I guess I better be going. Tell her I'll see her tomorrow." Joe insisted.
Bud nodded. "Joe?"
"Yeah?"
"Welcome to the family." He snickered.
"Thanks."
Joe went home, but he didn't sleep. Instead he lingered around the apartment, smelling her perfume on the bed, looking at the gowns she hadn't ever worn. How could one night around Eileen turn into such a nightmare?
He remembered all the days and nights they had spent together. How homey she'd made the little apartment. The curtains she'd spent a week shopping for, the little placemats on the table, the quilt at the foot of their bed. Their bed! God, he had wanted her there tonight. Every night. He didn't just want her there, he needed her there.
He thought about all the times they shared. Not just in bed, but the little things they had shared. How she'd brought chicken to the factory when he worked late. He remembered how she'd fallen asleep on the couch numerous times waiting up for him. He'd never forget their lovemaking. God, no woman had fit so snugly around him. No woman had moaned his name quite the way she did. No woman smelled of sweet Jasmines and something erotic. And how she'd whistle or sing in the mornings when he tried to sleep in. All those special times, they'd shared as man and wife.
He remembered every detail. Sadly he smiled. He was falling in love with his wife. But what if she didn't want to stay with him. What if she left him? Could he live with that? He didn't think so. But if she really wanted to leave—could he stop her?
It was a week before Kia would talk with him. When she did, she wasn't smiling or looking very forgiving.
"Kia, I know it looked bad the other night. But you've got to listen. Eileen has always forced women on me, so to speak. Wanted me to marry right, according to her. It has always embarrassed me. I never knew quite how to handle it." Joe began, pacing back and forth in the small confines of the office.
"You don't handle things like that Joe. You walk away from it and you never look back, " Kia said quietly. "That is—if you want to walk away from it. Obviously you didn't want to, or you would have."
"It's not that simple. I've been taught to respect females in every way. She's my step-mother."
"Really, she doesn't act like it."
"And that's my fault?"
Kia shrugged.
"If I'd have walked away when my father was alive, he'd have known I didn't like her and he'd have blamed me, because I'm the man. I'm responsible. She's always interfered in my life. It's embarrassed me, it's humiliated me."
"Your father is dead, Joe. What's to stop you now?"
"I told her exactly where she stands the other night. She knows."
"I'm sorry for that. But that has nothing to do with us." She finished.
"What do you mean—nothing? You walked out on me, the party, because of it."
"Partly, yes, but also because I see how ridiculous our marriage is." Kia explained. "It was a mistake, from the beginning."
Joe eyed her closely, wanting to take her into his arms, but knowing she'd refuse him till things were settled between them.
"You've got the new factory, the money. That's all you really needed. I think our marriage has lasted long enough." She said quietly.
"You want a divorce?" His voice seemed to raise a notch in surprise. They were nearly nose to nose again, like old times.
"Yes!" She nearly shouted turning away from his burning gaze.
"I don't believe this. Not for one moment." He grabbed her and pulled her about to look into her eyes. "Tell me face-to-face that you want a divorce."
"I want a divorce, "she repeated dully. This time her eyes didn't meet his.
His heart seemed to stop beating for a moment. "But why?"
"We didn't marry to stay married. We knew it would end, Joe," Kia said
"I don't want a divorce. And I won't give you one either till the time is up. And not then if you don't want it," He insisted.
Kia's eyes got bigger, rounder and tears threatened to fall.
"If that's the way it has to be, then I'll go live with my mama till the time is up. Then we can get the divorce."
She was walking out the door before he had a chance to tell her why. Before he had a chance to tell her how much he loved her.
She stopped at the door. "And I want my job back, temporarily."
He looked up at her, not believing this was happening. He looked back to the floor.
"Okay, Kia. Whatever you want."
And then she was gone, out of his life.
~*~
The day Kia started back to work, the entire factory was abuzz. Every eye seemed trained on her. Even her closest friends seemed puzzled by her actions. Joe avoided all contact with her. He deliberately went to the new factory and stayed the morning.
Kia's friends seemed astonished. They didn't understand why she was throwing it all away.
"You're in love with him, aren't you?" Fannie asked one day at lunch as she munched on a ham and cheese sandwich. "Well don't look so surprised honey, anyone could see it in your eyes."
Kia's eyes widened. Had she been that transparent?
"Oh don't worry—I doubt anyone else knows. But I know you Kia. You're different now. You'll never come back here and be the same girl that left. You can't. No one could."
Fannie went on and on about their relationship and how it could have worked, if she'd just talked to him about it, a refused to listen. She didn't want to hear this. Fannie just didn't understand that Kia had brought a new life into this and that the life would be hurt.
But the work in the warehouse proved too much for Kia. She couldn't hold up her end of it. It frustrated her. She became angry, at everyone. She had to get out of the warehouse, and onto a machine or something so she could continue working. She couldn't risk the possibility of him learning the truth. But her family was here, and she needed them, now that there was a baby on the way. She always needed her mother.
She refused to trap her own husband into a loveless marriage though.
She had no idea how she was going to continue working and being pregnant without his knowledge. She didn't know what she would do when he found out either. Could she run away, dare she? But he might hunt her down and follow her.
When Fannie got another raise though, she became explosive, for no reason. She was on the floor talking to her friend and all of a sudden all hell broke lose.
"Dammit, I work as hard as you, but I didn't get a raise. Neither did anyone else. I want to know why."
"Then maybe you should ask me?" Joe said coming to stand just behind her.
She could smell his sweat, feel the heat emanating from his body. She knew he stood behind her and she knew she'd be on top of him if she whirled about.
She turned slowly, but her head began to swim, the factory began to turn around on her and she was about to start a tirade of abusive language when all of a sudden the lights went out and she collapsed at his feet.
"Good Lord, what's wrong with her?" he gasped going to her side and pulling her up in his arms and carrying her toward his office.
Fannie smiled and followed, unable to stop the giggle. "Well boss, I think you of all people should know."
Joe glanced around at Fannie's expression, dumbfounded. "Me?"
"She's going to have your baby, you fool! And she thought she could put one over on me, not likely." Fannie laughed and returned to work.
"M—my baby," he rasped, and then looked down into her face. It was smudged with dirt, and she was obviously oblivious to her surroundings.
"My God, "he rasped again, and pulled her closer, tighter. He kept muttering all the way into his office where he gently deposited her on the couch. He stared down into her sleeping face and smiled.
Oh how he loved this woman. And now—now she was giving him something no other woman had ever given him. She was pregnant with his child.
He called his physician, and the doctor came out to the plant. By the time he arrived Kia was coming out of it.
The doctor looked at Joe. "Excuse us, won't you Joe?"
Joe didn't want to leave her side, but it was obvious he didn't belong in the room during the examination.
He paced for an hour outside. When the doctor came out, he was smiling.
"Is she alright?" Joe asked, concern marring his features.
"She's fine, Joe. And you are going to be a father."
"Thanks doc, "Joe responded, still stunned by those words.
"Can I go in?"
"Sure, she just needs a little rest. And I'd take her out of this warehouse. It's got a lot of new improvements around here Joe but the paint fumes are not good for a new mother."
"I will. I would have—had I known."
"You can inform her doctor she's just fine."
"Thanks." Joe shook his hand.
"Congratulations son."
When the doctor left, Joe went inside. Kia was sitting on the couch, staring at the floor.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Kia seemed to tense, he saw that in her shoulders. He wanted to take her in his arms right then, but he waited.
"I didn't know how." She finally managed without looking at him.
"Is this the reason you wanted the divorce?" He asked his voice not sounding right even to his own ears.
"Partly."
"You don't want my baby?" He asked simply but with bated breath.
Her eyes met his, and he saw the tears. She had big tears that fell down her cheek in two long rolls. "Of course I want MY baby."
And then he couldn't stand it any longer, he had to be near her, had to take her in his arms, and kiss her as though she were a prized commodity. "Oh Kia, I'm so happy, honey."
"Happy?" She pulled from him and stared. "How can you be happy? And don't call me honey."
