Chapter 2
The morning came fast after Charlize and Steph passed out from drinking the previous evening. The sun wasn’t as bright, but at least her apartment was in order. Steph swung her feet off the bed into her slippers. There was a chill coming off her window as she sauntered toward her closet. Her navy blue pant suit was the outfit for the day, and a shower was definitely necessary to wake her up completely. Steph nearly forgot that Charlize had stayed the night, but the scents of fresh coffee wafting through her apartment served as a quick reminder. Charlize had folded up her sheets and blankets, dressed, and was pulling the pot of coffee off the stove.
“Girl, you know I love you and everything, but that couch has got to go!” Charlize complained rubbing her lower back. “I don’t mind being sore when I wake up in the morning but not from that lumpy futon.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Steph laughed as she sipped the hot brew. It was perfect. The coffee was just what she needed to get her morning going. Charlize started cleaning up the kitchen.
“You know you don’t have to do that, right?” Steph told her between sips of her java.
“Yeah, but I’m proud of what you got going here. And, lord knows, if I don’t, you’ll leave this mess in here until the next time I come over. So I might as well take care of it now,” Charlize rationalized to her. Steph shrugged her shoulders as she downed the drink and prepared herself to leave for work. Charlize followed Steph out the door, walking with her out of the building.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to drop you at work? You know my shift doesn’t start until tonight. I can still make it home and to bed in a reasonable amount of time. I don’t like you taking the bus,” Charlize stared at her friend.
Steph smiled softly, “I like taking the bus. You don’t have to worry about me, Charlie. I’m fine, I promise.”
“I know why you did it, but don’t you feel some kind of way about letting Bobby keep the Benz? I mean, he bought it for you, and he don’t drive it, so what use is it just sitting in that garage of his?”
Steph kissed her friend on the cheek, “I know you’re concerned, but I know what I’m doing. You know how Bobby gets down anyway. I can’t afford to get caught up in anymore of his nonsense. But when I get more money together, I’ll get something. Now go home and get back to bed. Bartenders suck if they’re tired.”
“Alright,” Charlize raised her hands in defeat, “I’m going home. Call me if you need me to come down there and whoop that bitch’s ass. I ain’t got no problems losing a wink of sleep over that.”
Steph giggled as she watched Charlize shadow box on her way to her car. She got so caught up watching her that she nearly missed her bus, again. A few quick steps down the block and she made it just before the driver closed the door. The same five people, who board the bus with her every morning, were already seated as she found one of her own. The ride to work was quick and when she got off the bus, her favorite person, Mr. Pike was walking into the building as well.
“Good morning, Steph,” his lips moved magnificently as she watched them say her name.
“Good morning, Mr. Pike,” she returned his greeting in the most sultry tone she could manage this early in the morning. She restrained her excitement that he remembered her by name. Mrs. Cartwright caught a glimpse of them chatting and rolled her eyes as she deliberately passed them without speaking.
“That was rude of her,” Steph observed, mumbling under her breath, “What’s her problem?”
“She’s always been a bit protective over me. We worked at my old law firm together. She’s seen everything I’ve been through in my career and gets a bit territorial when she see’s someone else take a liking to me,” John rambled off the explanation like it was an everyday occurrence.
“Excuse me,” Steph snickered, “But I haven’t taken a liking to you.”
“My apologies, I thought you liked me because I like you,” he sort of blurted out clumsily.
“Strictly on a professional level,” Steph added for him. They both chuckled and she blushed seeing he was just as awkward as she was. There was a connection they shared even though they barely knew each other.
John held his hand out for Steph to lead the way inside the building. She obliged as she sashayed into the lobby. Associates and clients were milling around waiting for the business day to get started. A few eyes darted their way as John and Steph stepped onto an empty elevator.
“That’s what she’s worried about,” John whispered as the elevator moved up to his floor.
“What are you talking about?” Steph questioned mocking his whispered tone.
“The looks people were giving us as we came into the building. The rumors are going to start soon, but I think you can handle anything. Enjoy your day, Steph,” John smiled as the doors opened and he stepped off.
Steph didn’t know what to make of the comment he just made. She didn’t see anything wrong with them walking into the building together. Shaking her head, she walked to her office to see Anna standing by her door waiting for her to come in. There was no reason for her to be there, and Steph was in no mood to entertain her snobby ass this morning.
“What do you want, Anna?” Steph questioned as she hung up her jacket and placed her purse on her desk.
“I feel like we’re not clicking,” Anna admitted to her.
“That’s not my fault. You have an imaginary beef with me, but what you think about me is none of my business,” Steph rolled her eyes as she prepped her work area for the day. She wished that Anna would just say whatever she had to say and get out of her hair.