When Love's at Work Read online

  “What do you want to be called little one?” Purity asked the kitten as she made her way out of the store to her car.

  Her question was met with a purr and a trusting gaze.

  “I’m on my own, huh?”

  Meg was scurrying to tidy up her desk before leaving to meet Purity for lunch at their favorite Thai restaurant. She knew she should have begun the task sooner, but she was in the middle of a project and wanted to get all the figures entered before heading out.

  Pure said she had a surprise to show her, and Meg’s curiosity was piqued. Knowing Purity, it could be just about anything.

  As she maneuvered her gold Honda through the light mid-day traffic, Meg thought about starting her own accounting firm. She’d been thinking about it for years, and saying she was going to quit her job for years, too. She hadn’t done either, yet.

  She knew Courtney and Purity thought she’d stay with her current employer until she retired, but she was growing more and more restless. Her ideas were poo-poo’d and she definitely wasn’t given the credit she deserved.

  The thought was terrifying, though. What if she couldn’t get any clients? What if she screwed up their accounts somehow? She’d have to do all the work herself. She did have the option of partnering with Geoffrey Montgomery, but his work ethic left Meg cold. He came in when he wanted, left when he wanted, and spent most of his time enjoying life and having fun. He just didn’t take the work seriously enough.

  She had to admit, she was a bit jealous of Geoff’s free-wheeling attitude. She also had a bit of a crush on him. That’s fine in her personal life, but it only mucks things up when it comes to business. So why did the thought keep pushing itself to the forefront of her brain?

  Meg pulled into the parking space at the restaurant and walked the short distance to its entrance. She saw Purity immediately as the place wasn’t very large. The food was always delicious and it was quiet, two things the women loved when they wanted to talk about life while they ate.

  “Hey, Pure,” Meg said as she slid into the opposite side of the comfortable booth.

  “Hey, Meggie. I ordered you a Coke.”

  “Thanks,” Meg said, thinking she could use the hit of caffeine and she hated the taste of diet drinks.

  Meg had the menu memorized, as did Pure, yet they still perused it every time they came there to eat. As Meg was studying the list of entrees, something soft brushed her arm. She jumped and looked down at the table where her arm lay.

  “Where did you get the kitty?” Meg lifted the kitten off the table and into her arms, snuggling it close to her chin.

  “She showed up outside my bedroom window last night. A dog wanted to eat her.”

  “This cute little thing?” Looking directly into the kitten’s eyes, Meg said, “Did some big, bad dog try to eat you? You’re just so cute. Yes you are. Yes you are.”

  The waitress came up to the table to take their order and spent a few minutes cooing over the wee kitty.

  Meg held the kitten during the entire lunch. As Purity watched how Meggie and the kitten bonded with one another, it became clear to her that Meg was in love.

  Purity could feel her heart breaking just a little bit as she said, “Surprise! Meet your new housemate.”

  Meg’s eyes shot open wide. “For me? But I thought you were going to keep her?”

  “I was, Meggie, but you two look perfect together and look how comfortable she is with you. I want you to have her. Besides, you have a more regular work schedule than I do and I think stability is important for pets.”

  “Then I know just what I’ll name her.”

  “What?”

  “We have to live with it a while, to make sure it’s the right name. We’ll tell you in a couple days,” Meg replied.

  Meg was definitely the right choice to be little calico kitty’s new owner. And, as one of Meg’s best friends, she’d have visiting rights. It was a win-win.

  The week went by quickly for Purity and by the weekend she was ready for some down time with Court and Meggie. The three women were each bringing their favorite movie over to Pure’s apartment, along with some type of salad to accompany Purity’s famous roasted chicken.

  As everyone said their hello’s and exchanged hugs, Courtney was introduced to Misha, the sweet little calico kitten Purity had rescued and then given to Meg.

  “How did you come up with the name?” Purity asked.

  “It’s Russian for friendship,” Meg explained.

  Aw’s echoed from Courtney and Purity’s mouths. Pure gave Meggie a hug and said, “It’s perfect!”

  Indeed, it seemed that the kitten not only liked the name, but was developing her personality rapidly after receiving it. Courtney snatched Misha out of Meg’s arms almost immediately and then placed her inside a paper bag that was tipped on its side and laying on the floor. Court was tapping the end of the bag and running her fingers across the opening. Misha was batting at Courtney’s fingers furiously.

  “I think we have a little attention whore on our hands,” Courtney proclaimed as Misha poked her tiny face out of the bag to make sure all eyes were on her and then scurried back inside her playground.

  “I’ve decided to quit my job and start my own accounting firm,” Meg dropped the bomb on the two unsuspecting friends.

  “Really?” Court asked, not quite sure whether to believe her friend, although the look in her eyes was new, and determined.

  “It is so past the time when I should have done this.”

  “This is so exciting, Meg!” Purity beamed at her friend and gave her a big smile and a heartfelt hug.

  “I found some space in an office building for $325 a month. It’s just a little space, but I think it will be perfect for what I need.” Meg paused. “I’m terrified, thrilled, and I want to throw up.”

  “Like that time on the spinning tubs?” Courtney offered. “Remember??

  “I remember,” Meg said, the reminisce burned into her brain. “It’s exactly like that!”

  The trio were all lost in the past for a moment as the vision of Meg puking into the bushes after spinning around so fast her head felt like it was going to fly right off. Her stomach contents were not sure which way was up or down. Meg loved carnivals and fairs and was the first one to start spinning the circular amusement ride. Of course, Courtney and Purity had joined right in. Before they knew it, they were all feeling a bit green around the gills, although Meg was the only one who tossed her cookies. Half an hour later, all three of them were on the ride again, with Meg stating defiantly that it wasn’t going to get the best of her! This time no one vomited. Meg had been triumphant.

  If she wanted to venture out on her own, Courtney and Purity knew Meg could do it and they’d be right there to help in any way they could.

  “Meg, I bet Tapestry would help you decorate your place,” Purity said, knowing how much Tap loved to create a warm, welcoming space.

  “What about me?” Court asked, slightly insulted. “I’m creative and I know how to decorate.”

  “She doesn’t want shrunken heads and castrated penis art, Court,” Purity said, smothering a giggle.

  “I resent that,” Courtney began.

  Meg interrupted her by saying, “I’m sure you’d do a great job, Court. but you’re right, Pure, I’m looking for a business-like atmosphere with just a touch of whimsy.”

  “I can be whimsical,” Courtney muttered under her breath, still playing with Misha. “At least the cat loves me.”

  “Oh, Court,” Purity said, joining her friend on the floor and showering her with kisses and hugs. “We love you! We just don’t want you to decorate our places of work. You can decorate my home any time.”

  “Yeah, you say that now. I know how it is. Misha is the only one who understands me,” Courtney said.

  Meg joined her friends on the floor and they double-teamed Courtney with I love you’s and hugs and kisses until they were all laughing and the small tiff was forgotten.

  “I can’t believ
e you’re doing this, Meg,” Purity said with joy in her eyes. “I’m really proud of you. I know this is scary, and I also know you’ll be great. You deserve this so much.”

  “It’s so nice to have friends I know I can count on.”

  “When can we see the place?” Courtney asked.

  “Any time you want. I’ve already paid this month’s rent and I’ve got the keys.”

  “Let’s go see it now,” Court said.

  “Yes!” Purity joined in.

  “Okay,” Meg stated, thrilled that her friends were as excited as she was about her new endeavor. She was finally doing what she had dreamed about for so long.

  Everyone loaded themselves into Meggie’s car and headed over to her new office space. Meg was right, it was perfect. Not too large and not too small. Goldilocks would be proud.

  There was a space for a receptionist, although Meg wouldn’t be availing herself of any kind of secretarial service until she got established. Meg pictured a round table where she would meet with clients and, of course, she’d need to purchase a desk for herself. The space also had a small storage area and restrooms down the hall.

  “It’s fabulous, Meg!” Courtney told her friend.

  “We need to do some kind of blessing,” Purity said, “of the office and of your new venture.”

  “It can’t hurt,” Meg responded. Purity was always the first to say they should bless this or pray about that. When their friend, Allison, moved into her home, which was a serious fixer-upper, Pure had suggested that her friends come over and write messages of love and wishes for Allison’s future all over the walls before they were painted. The party had been great fun. Every time Meg went to Allison’s house, she was reminded that lying just below the surface of paint were all the well wishes and blessings of her friends.

  It didn’t take long for the group to make their way back to Pure’s apartment. The smell of roasting chicken inflamed their appetites as soon as they walked in the door.

  “Oh my gosh, I hope that chicken is done. I could eat the whole thing,” Courtney said, heading directly for the oven to sneak a peek at the golden brown bird.

  “It should be just about done. What does the timer say?” Pure asked.

  Before Courtney could answer, the buzzer on the timer went off.

  “Yea!” Courtney said, her mouth already salivating.

  “Let me just check the temperature with the thermometer real quick,” Purity commented.

  “Smells done,” Meg said, “I’ll get the salad out of the fridge.”

  “I’ll set the table,” Courtney joined in.

  There was a flurry of activity as preparations were made to enjoy their feast. All three women assumed their regular positions on the living room floor, using the coffee table as their dining surface.

  They all joined hands and said a prayer of thanksgiving for the food, Meg’s new business, their new friend, Misha, and the blessing of their friendship.

  “Hey, did you hear that Mrs. Cravens is finally selling her home?” Meg asked.

  “Oh, is she really?” Courtney said sadly. “I wish one of her kids would buy it, but they’re spread out all over the place now.”

  “Pure, didn’t you say you were looking to buy a house?” Meg queried.

  “Yes, but Mrs. Cravens’ house is so big. I don’t need all that space.”

  “I don’t know, seems to me if someone had that much space, they’d find a way to fill it up,” Courtney stated.

  “Like with babies,” Meg said pointedly to Purity.

  “I can’t even keep house plants alive, Meggie, let alone human beings.” Meg and Purity had the “you should be a mom” conversation about every three to four months. Pure wanted to fire back with, “When are you going to have babies?” but she couldn’t. Meg wasn’t able to carry a baby to term. There was some hereditary thing that Purity didn’t quite understand. She would never be so cruel as to tease Meg about having children when she wasn’t actually able to. That would just be mean.

  “You’re not getting any younger you know,” Courtney said to Purity.

  “Well, thank you very much,” Pure replied. “Neither are you, may I remind you.”

  Courtney laughed, she knew that’s what Purity would say. She was so predictable.

  Chapter Five

  Everything for the Garden Party, which was only two days away, was falling apart. The flowers Purity ordered were delivered, but the color was wrong, Kathy’s Rentals didn’t have enough chairs, Marsha Persimmony was waiting for a return call with the confirmed number of guests and Sheila couldn’t find the RSVP list, and it was too damn hot.

  The air conditioning at The Kids’ Place was on the fritz and the heat wasn’t doing anything for Purity’s mood. She could feel the sweat trickling down her back.

  Sheila Martin buzzed Pure on the intercom to let her know the members of the jazz band booked for the event had eaten some catered food at their last gig and ended up with food poisoning. They had to cancel.

  “Of course,” Purity replied, her frustration leaking through her normally calm facade.

  That’s all she needed. This was going to go down as the extravaganza that wasn’t. She had let everyone down, including herself. She just had too many balls in the air at once to keep them all airborne.

  “How’s it going?” Alex McCallister’s voice grated on the one nerve Purity had left.

  “Dandy. Wonderful. Terrific. If you want a party with no place to sit, no food, no centerpieces and no music.” Pure reached for a tissue to wipe the perspiration off her neck and the inside of her elbows.

  “Sounds like my kind of party.” Alex had a humorous glint in his eye.

  “You think this is funny?” Pure stood up, then came around her desk to stand within a foot of Alex’s body as he leaned casually against the doorjamb.

  “Amusing,” he replied, “not funny.”

  Purity’s eyes darkened and her nostrils flared as her anger, annoyance and disappointment in herself finally found a target for release.

  “Did you come here for a purpose, Mr. McCallister? You see, unlike you, some people have to work for a living. Do you like spending all your free time poking your nose in where it doesn’t belong?”

  Not one to back away from a challenge, nor one to have his integrity questioned, Alex replied, “The Kids’ Place is my business and may I remind you, Ms. Zyetta, that I am a board member of this organization and have the ability to hire and fire employees.”

  Alex knew it was a direct hit by the way Purity physically took a step backward; however, he also saw the defiant tilt of her chin.

  “Was that supposed to be a threat, Mr. McCallister?” Pure put her hands on her hips and stood her ground.

  “Call it what you want. All I care about is that the Garden Party is a success for the agency. I don’t care how it happens, just make it happen.” Alex turned to leave Purity’s office.

  Purity shot forward like a bullet being fired from a gun. She maneuvered herself around Alex so they were now facing each other in the hallway.

  “You think I don’t want it to be a success?” Purity practically yelled, knowing she should keep her mouth shut and go back into her office, but also knowing she was beyond out of control and swiftly passing into the this-kind-of-behavior-could-get-you-fired territory. “I have worked day and night to get this event ready, plus working on all of the other events planned for this year. No wonder you have such a high turnover in this job, you use people up and toss them aside when they’re all burnt out! No one can keep up this pace and yet you have the audacity to casually walk into my office and tell me that you don’t give a rat’s behind about how things get done, you just want them done. Well, let me tell you something Mr. I-Can-Hire-And-Fire Board Member, I quit!”

  With the words hanging in the air, Purity spun around and headed for the main entry doors of the building. She was fuming. The kind of anger that you know is misguided and you can’t even feel self-righteous about it. You know you’
ve crossed a line and there’s no going back. And, you also know you were dead wrong, feeling overwhelmed, and too afraid everyone would think you were a loser if you asked for help.

  By the time Purity made it to her car, hot tears were falling down her cheeks and the deep heaving of her breath was enough to make her feel as if she was choking. She hadn’t been mad at Alex, it was the stress of the situation and feeling inept. She hated feeling inept. Purity pounded her hands on the side of her car. She hadn’t stopped to grab her purse. She couldn’t even get in her car and drive away.

  “Damn it to hell!” She’d have to actually go back inside and get her bag. Pure sighed, not even trying to stave off the tears. Her jagged sobs emptying the past month’s anxiety from her body. After several deep breaths, she finally felt her lungs fill with air.

  What had she just done? Not only had she quit a job she loved, she had insulted the very man she’d spent so many hours dreaming about.

  “Feel better?” Alex McCallister asked.

  She couldn’t look at him. What could she possibly say? She had questioned his integrity. Well, he shouldn’t have laughed, Pure thought, knowing the weight of her judgment was slim at best. She had been at fault and she would need to be the one to make amends, even if she didn’t get her job back.

  “Yes and no,” Purity replied, still facing her car. “I’m sorry. I was way out of line. Actually, I couldn’t even see the line.” Purity took a deep breath, then forced herself to turn and look into Alex’s eyes.

  “I’m sorry,” Pure said again.

  “You said that.”

  Purity felt her back straighten at his remark. “Well you could say you forgive me.”

  “Nothing to forgive,” Alex said matter-of-factly. “Want to go get a drink?”

  “What?”

  “I said, do you want to go get a drink?”

  “I just yelled at you and quit my job and you want to go for a drink?”

  “Yeah. It’s damn hot. Everybody’s nerves are on edge. They’re supposed to get the AC fixed this afternoon.”