Live and Love Again Read online

  “I’m from Chicago, born and raised. I can’t imagine ever leaving. I work for a great firm. We’ve designed buildings all over the Midwest and some Eastern cities. I would like for us to have a presence in the West as well. I was in Phoenix working on winning a contract there—actually trying to steal it, but that sounds worse than it really is.” She explained her recent trip to Phoenix and showed Sarah a few sketches of the designs for the building she hoped to win for her company.

  “Wow, that’s a huge building. I had no idea they were constructing something that impressive downtown.”

  “It will be a great composition for the Phoenix skyline if they choose the right architect.” She smiled.

  “I’m sure they will.” Sarah gave her a knowing grin.

  “Do you have your own workshop?”

  “I do. I have everything you could possibly want to build anything—power tools, hand tools, the works.”

  “Do you employ anyone?”

  Sarah laughed. “If you count the neighbor kid who helps me deliver heavy furniture sometimes.” She thought for a second. “I can’t imagine ever being in a position to need to hire someone.”

  “Sarah, if you marketed to the right people you would have more work than you could possibly do alone.”

  Sarah was embarrassed again and quickly changed the subject. “How long were you in Phoenix?”

  “I flew in Monday, met with the group and presented my proposal on Tuesday, and I’m now on my way back home.”

  “That’s a quick trip. No time to enjoy our warm fall. Did you have time to do anything?”

  “No. Unfortunately, I only saw the inside of business offices, but I’m planning a few more trips out here so perhaps I’ll take in some sites then. What about you? Are you from Phoenix originally?”

  “No, actually, I’m from Illinois—not Chicago though.”

  “Small world. Where in Illinois?”

  “I’m from a farm community south of Springfield.”

  “Interesting, I’m sad to say I don’t know much about the rest of the state,” Jessica admitted. “How’d you end up in Phoenix?”

  “The Air Force sent me there, and after I retired, I stayed.”

  “You were in the Air Force? You’re full of surprises. And you’re retired?”

  “I retired about five years ago.”

  “Thank you so much for your service.”

  Sarah just smiled and nodded humbly. She never knew what to say to that.

  Before Sarah realized it, three hours had passed. They had talked nonstop the entire flight. “It was great talking with you. You helped make the time go by quickly. I truly hate flying, and I hardly knew I was in the air. Thanks,” Sarah said as she buckled her seat belt.

  Jessica buckled her own belt. “How are you getting downtown for your meeting?”

  “I’m just going to grab a taxi.” Sarah barely got out the word taxi before Jessica jumped in.

  “No, you are not! That will cost a fortune. You’re riding with me.”

  Sarah hesitated a bit. “I couldn’t impose on you. The taxi is fine.”

  “Sarah, I insist. Look, the company car is picking me up anyway. The building you’re going to is just down the street from our offices. Seriously, I won’t let you take a taxi.”

  Again, Sarah wiggled uncomfortably in her seat. She couldn’t remember telling Jessica what building her meeting was in. “Okay. Thank you. That’s very kind.” She really wasn’t accustomed to people being so generous, but the thought of spending a few more minutes with Jessica made the decision easier. She liked her a lot. It was a little scary to be so attracted to someone, to really want to get to know them. It had been a long time.

  *

  Jessica knew she had to think of something or Sarah was going to walk out of her life. Jessica had noticed Sarah when she brushed past her at the airport gate to correct the last problem in her unusually crazy morning.

  Jessica maintained a color-coded, automated calendar on her iPad, and her secretary was the only person with access. She always knew how every minute of every day was to be spent, so it was rare for anything to be slightly out of place, let alone go as badly as they had this morning. First, the service failed to call her and she overslept. Then, because she overslept, the car she arranged to take her to the airport was stolen from her by another guest at the Ritz. He apparently felt entitled to it. So when she arrived at the airport and was presented with a coach ticket, she was about ready to explode.

  Jessica noticed Sarah again when she was waiting in the first-class line to board the flight. She really got a chance to appreciate her as she watched her walk in front of her down the jet way to the plane. Sarah wore a fitted taupe suit and beige heels. Her slacks hung low on her slim hips, and the short jacket length allowed Jessica to have a perfect view of her shapely, tight butt. Her long auburn hair was pulled into a soft ponytail at the back of her neck and clipped with a simple but elegant barrette. Jessica imagined waking up with that silky red hair across her chest, and she felt a familiar hot rush in her lower body.

  She had a chance to really get to know her on the flight when fate sat them next to each other. Now she needed to think of a way to spend more time with her. Maybe she could even ask her on a date. She had thought of the car ride at the last minute. Not only could she help out a new friend, she could also buy herself another thirty minutes to get brave enough to ask her out.

  Bravery was not normally a quality Jessica lacked, but even at thirty-eight, she still got nervous when it came to asking a beautiful woman out to dinner. Jessica was sure Sarah was a lesbian, but she had learned her lesson years ago about stereotyping. One time she had even been slapped in the face. She still believed that woman was in denial.

  She and Sarah had discussed everything else it seemed, but they hadn’t discussed whether either of them was in a relationship. Jessica had been so fascinated by Sarah’s woodwork. It was art—beautiful, creative art with wood as the medium. She wanted to get to know her better, and not just for her artistic skills. Jessica wanted to know if her body was as fit under that business suit as she imagined it was. She’d have to think of something fast.

  Jessica led the way through O’Hare International like it was her own backyard, practically running in her designer heels. Sarah followed blindly behind her.

  “Oh my God, it’s cold here.” Sarah said as they rushed out the door into the cold Chicago November morning.

  Jessica pulled her into a toasty warm, sleek black limo. Jessica nodded at the driver before she pulled the door closed, and he picked up both bags and placed them in the trunk.

  Jessica opened the glass between them and Jimmy. A gust of crisp air filled the car as the driver climbed in then wasted no time in getting the car moving. “Thank you so much, Jimmy. We need to stop at 111 South Wacker Drive on the way to the office.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Welcome home. The traffic isn’t too bad. We’ll be there in just a few minutes.” Jimmy flashed a cheerful smile at her in the mirror.

  “How’d you know the address?” Sarah asked.

  “I know Chicago.”

  “This is nice. I’m going to owe you,” Sarah said as she rubbed her hand across the black leather seats and looked around at the glistening interior of the luxury vehicle.

  Jessica kicked off her heels and relaxed into the seat across from Sarah. Her skirt slid up slightly as she reclined.

  “Okay, have dinner with me then,” Jessica said quickly before she had time to think about it. Here goes nothing. Will she slap me while I’m giving her a ride?

  “Excuse me?”

  “You said you owe me, right? That’s how you pay me back. Come to my home tonight after your meeting, and I’ll fix dinner for us.”

  “And this would be paying you back, how?” Sarah tilted her head and smiled.

  “It would be great to have company and I need to know the results of your meeting. Where are you staying tonight?”

  “What? Why? I…I’m staying at the Airport Hyatt. I fly out tomorrow at nine, so I’m just heading back out near the airport for the evening.”

  “And miss the city? Why don’t you just stay with me? I live near the lake. It’s beautiful, and an easy, quick cab ride from your meeting location. I have plenty of room. It’s warm and comfortable, and I can have Jimmy drive you back to the airport in the morning.”

  “Jessica, seriously, I couldn’t impose on you again. You’ve been too kind already. Besides, you don’t really know me.”

  “Listen, this is my town. I’m being a good hostess. All you have to do to be a good guest is to say yes.” Jessica pulled a note pad from the console, scribbled something on it, tore it out, and handed it to Sarah. “Give this to the cab driver when you get done with your meeting. I’m on the twenty-third floor. The number’s there on the paper. I’ll only be a few minutes in the office this afternoon, so I’ll be home when you get there. Jimmy will take me home tonight so I’ll bring your bag in with me. You can focus on your meeting knowing all other arrangements are taken care of.”

  “Umm…I don’t know…I mean…” Sarah hesitated.

  “It’s done. I’ll see you this evening.”

  Sarah started to protest once more, but there was no time. Jimmy pulled over in front of a huge skyscraper. “Ma’am, this is your stop. I’ll get your bag for you.”

  “No, Jimmy. Leave it. We’ll drop it at my place this evening.” Jessica opened the door and basically pushed Sarah out before Jimmy could get out. “Meyer’s offices are on the thirty-sixth floor. I know the receptionist there, Vanessa Summers. She used to work for me. If you need anything, mention my name, and I assure you she will take care of you.” Jessica winked at her. “See you this evening.”

  Sarah was barely upright on
the curb when Jessica disappeared behind the door, and the car slid back into traffic.

  Chapter Two

  Sarah steadied herself. What just happened to me? She shivered as the damp cold bit at her skin, and it quickly brought her back to reality. She turned to the massive building and walked through the double glass doors into a large entryway with elevators on both sides. Confident that Jessica knew what she was talking about, but not one to leave things to chance, she checked the directory board between the two elevators on the south side to quickly confirm the location of her destination. Sure enough, Meyer Furniture Design had a suite of offices on the thirty-sixth floor. Her stomach tightened and she felt weak as she thought of the consequences of her impending appointment. Building furniture was her passion; selling and big-dog schmoozing was not her thing.

  She paused a minute, trying to decide what to do for lunch. The uneasy feeling in her stomach was having an impact on her hunger, but she knew she needed something or she would be useless about halfway through the meeting. Thanks to Jessica and her driver, she still had plenty of time to grab something to eat and run through her design presentation for the millionth time before her meeting started. She had no idea where to go. Maybe there was something in the building and she wouldn’t have to go out in that godforsaken cold again. Living in the desert certainly had thinned her blood. She began to scan the directory again for something that sounded like a food court or restaurant.

  “Are you looking for something in particular?” A smooth baritone voice sounded from behind her.

  She turned to find a distinguished looking man in an expensive suit standing next to the elevator looking over at her. At forty-four, she was in great physical shape. She’d been told often that she looked much younger than she was, and men still followed her with their eyes. Though she wasn’t in the least bit interested in them, she was flattered by their attention.

  “Well, yes, actually. I was wondering if there was some place to eat in this building.”

  He approached her and held out his hand. “Joseph Kline. The Townhouse just opened at eleven.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s a wine bar, and they have great lunches. Just go back out these main doors and enter around the corner.” He pointed to the right.

  “Thank you, Joseph. That sounds perfect.” Sarah took the time to pull her coat on and button it up. She had been rushing since she got off the plane. It would be nice to finally breathe. Maybe she could calm her nerves and relax for a minute. More likely, she would have too much time to think and would make herself even more nervous, but at least she would have a place to sit while doing it.

  Joseph took a business card out of his inside jacket pocket. “My pleasure, Ms. …” He paused, waiting for a name.

  “Sarah.”

  “Sarah…great, good. Here you go.” He handed over his card. “I don’t know how long you’re in town, but call me if I can do anything to help you find a nice place to eat dinner while you’re staying in Chicago.”

  “Oh, thank you.” She looked at his card. Joseph Kline, Attorney at Law. She smiled and tried not to rush too quickly toward the door. She thought that was weird—flattering, but he was not her type.

  She found the restaurant right where Joseph had indicated. It was nice, but as she took in the white linen covering the small tables and the cloth napkins, she knew it wasn’t going to be cheap. She was now questioning her decision to upgrade to first-class. Spending that extra money might have been a mistake. But she wouldn’t have met Jessica and spent a great morning getting to know her if she hadn’t upgraded.

  Women like Jessica didn’t sit in coach. Also, assuming she actually did stay at Jessica’s tonight, she would save a lot on the hotel cost. That seemed a little weird too, but it would be fun to get to know her better. It had been way too long since she had spent time with a beautiful woman—any woman for that matter. Just thinking about it brought up too many tragic images she didn’t want to linger on.

  But thinking of Jessica caused her stomach to clench with a slight rush of arousal. She wondered if she really had a chance with her. She did ask her to dinner. Sarah questioned herself. Was Jessica interested in her? Stay focused, Sarah. You need this gig.

  Sarah found a quiet table in the corner and managed to eat a small salad with her laptop open flipping through the same twenty-two slides over and over. She still worried about how the presentation would go, but she did feel a little better since she had time to review and rehearse her briefing. It was twenty minutes before two, and she knew it would only take a few minutes to get to the offices, but she couldn’t stand sitting still another minute. She paid and gathered up her things.

  Sarah tried to slowly stroll back around the building, but it only took three minutes to get to the elevator. She punched the button marked thirty-six, and in seconds, the doors opened to a large formal reception area with beautifully designed original wood furniture displayed around the room. While the smell of resin and hardwoods was comforting, the room was cold and hard. That just increased the nervous feeling she was fighting.

  An attractive young woman with a phone to her ear was sitting at the desk in the center of the room. When she noticed Sarah standing next to the desk, she held up her index finger, made eye contact and smiled. She quickly wrapped up the call. “Yes, Ms. Whitney. Of course. You know I would do anything for you. Actually, she just arrived. Okay. Good-bye.”

  She looked up at Sarah. “You must be Ms. Jarrett. I’m Vanessa. I’ll take you to the conference room.” She glanced down at her watch. “You’re a bit early. It will be a few minutes before Mr. Meyer is available, but he is very considerate of other people’s time so he won’t be late. Can I get you some water or coffee?”

  “Thanks. Water would be great, but if you could point me to the ladies’ room first, I would appreciate it.”

  “Oh yes, ma’am. Ms. Whitney asked me to take good care of you. Follow me.”

  Sarah followed her. “Ms. Whitney?”

  “Yes, ma’am, of Whitney, Stewart, and Markus. She said you were a friend and wanted me to make sure you had everything you needed. She is so awesome. I worked for her all through high school, and she got me this sweet job. I’m studying at the university, mostly night classes, but Mr. Meyer lets me off for a couple of day classes each week. I want to be an architect just like Ms. Whitney. I would do anything for her. There’s no way I could ever pay her back for all she’s done for me.” She rattled on with her chipper twenty-something attitude.

  “Ms. Whitney? Is that Jessica Whitney?” Sarah realized they hadn’t exchanged last names.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “She is a named partner in an architect firm?”

  “She is the firm. Have you seen any of her work?” Vanessa didn’t wait for an answer. “The only reason it isn’t just Whitney is because she’s too humble to take all the credit. She does it all though. Above all, she’s an amazing artist, and it shows in every building she designs.” Vanessa looked Sarah up and down. “How do you know her?”

  “We met this morning on the flight from Phoenix.”

  “Well, you’re lucky. She’s a good friend to have around here. Mr. Meyer does a lot of work for her. He often furnishes the offices in the buildings she designs.” Vanessa winked.

  “She didn’t speak to Mr. Meyer, did she?” Sarah wanted to sell more pieces to Meyer. The money would be greatly appreciated, and it would allow her time for her creative work, but she didn’t want a handout.

  “No, ma’am, but she will if you want her to.” Again, Vanessa winked.

  “No, no. I was just curious. Thank you, Vanessa.”

  “Sure, my pleasure. The conference room is just down the hall on the left. I’ll get you some water. Oh, and before you leave, stop by my desk. Ms. Whitney asked me to arrange a cab to her condo when you’re finished. Have you seen her place? It’s incredible and the view of the lake—wow. She invited me to a small office party there once. One day I’ll live on the Lake Shore.” She stood tall as she walked out.

  Sarah headed into the ladies’ room. Standing in front of the vanity, she washed her hands and freshened her pale coral lipstick. She couldn’t help but think about how small Chicago felt just now. What a coincidence that she had met someone who seemed to know everyone she was meeting with. Sarah brushed her auburn hair and pulled it back again. Her stomach did a couple of back flips. She hated what her nerves could do to her. Her whole life, she always got nervous before giving a briefing, no matter how many she gave.