Part 14: IMPROPER PROTOCOL
After leaving his grandfather's room Sean made his way to the kitchen picked up the phone and dialed Sheridan's number. The phone rings.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Sheridan, it's Sean."
"Oh, hi. Where are you? I'm really looking forward to seeing you tonight."
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm running a little late. I got caught up talking to my grandfather."
"That's ok. I'll be waiting until you get here."
"I'll be over as soon as I can. See you when I get there."
He hung up the phone and slowly made his way to the front door. Once he got outside he stood at the top of his steps and took in a deep breath. It was going to be a long night and he had to brace himself for it. He went down the steps and got into his 1964 red Mustang, which he had driven for the past 14 years. He loved that car and took great pains to keep it in mint condition. After two new engines and several other replacement parts the car maintained its new appearance.
As he drove to Sheridan's house, Sean reasoned that marrying Sheridan was not going to be all that bad. Sheridan was a good woman and she was very beautiful. He figured she had to know that he was not madly in love with her so what would be the harm. He knew that all she wanted was the Logan name and right now all he wanted in his life was for things to continue to run smoothly. So in essence he would give her his name and she would ensure that his life would follow the predetermined course that his father and grandfather had willed for him: a comfortable life with a socially acceptable family.
Thinking more of Sheridan, Sean winced at the fact that she was so emotionally detached and it seemed that all she was interested in was money and position. She prided herself on knowing everything there was to know about prominent people and what they wanted and needed to succeed. She made her living as an image consultant advising high-level executives and politicians on how to present themselves so as to be perceived in the most favorable way. She was one of the best at it, but the side effects were that she judged everyone by the same standard and Sean did not like it at all. Whenever they would go to parties together, she was always so preoccupied with proper protocol and what everyone was wearing including their accessories and she never relented to categorizing people as upper class and lower class, old money or new money. Sean especially hated when she would critique his character. She was constantly telling him that he needed to associate socially with other more prominent young executives regardless of what he thought of their character. Her idea was that 'if you're seen with the right people things would come easier to you.' Sean could not help, but agree with her, but some people he just was not going to be associated with.
James Payton was on Sheridan's 'toppers' list and she was constantly egging Sean to invite him out with them so that she would have the opportunity to try and enlist him and some of his international business associates as clients. Sean, however had no intention of ever being seen with James outside of the office or on business and he and Sheridan always ended up in an argument about the subject. Sean continued to think about these things as he drove up to Sheridan's house.
When he approached her driveway, he felt a certain chill run up his spine, but ignored it. He parked behind her jaguar and sat there for a few minutes conditioning himself to act happy and excited. He slowly got out of the car and walked up to the door and knocked. After a few seconds, Bernard, the butler answered.
"Hello, Mr. Logan. Come in please."
Sean walked into the entryway and stood there with his hands in his pockets waiting for Bernard to direct him.
"May, I take your jacket, sir?"
"No. Thanks anyway. I'm just here to pick up Sheridan. Where is she?"
"Ms. Winthrop will be down shortly. You can wait in the sitting room. Please follow me"
Sean knew where the sitting room was and could never figure out why he had to continually go through this protocol whenever he came to Sheridan's house. He almost felt like a stranger. He also never knew why Sheridan insisted on having this big house when there was only her. He surmised that she just wanted to keep up appearances for anyone who may come around and wonder how much money she and her family had. He hated pompous displays and fumed over this as he followed Bernard to the sitting room. When they reached the entrance, Bernard motioned for Sean to enter and took his leave, closing the double doors behind him.
No one was in the room and a dreary silence encased him as he scanned his surroundings. Every piece of furniture had some type of social significance and Sean never knew whether he could actually sit on anything because of it's historic value, so he just propped his back up against the mantle over the fireplace and folded his arms and then crossed his legs to wait for Sheridan to make her entrance. He waited for several minutes and thought about leaving when he heard her coming through the door.
"Ah, here you are love." She said with her arms outstretched headed toward Sean.
He stood erect from his leaning position and moved toward her and they fell into an embrace. He kissed her forehead and held her forearms as he moved her back. "You look lovely tonight and what is that fragrance you're wearing?" He asked smiling at her.
Sheridan stepped back to model her new satin wrap-around, royal blue dress that hung right above her knees. The color was a perfect match for her dark blue eyes. The full skirt of the dress swirled as she turned around. She also wore a sapphire and diamond choker around her neck and high-heeled royal blue designer shoes to match her dress. Her flaxen blonde hair was pulled up in a professionally styled chignon.
"So, you like this ensemble? I ordered it from a new German designer who is becoming the rave amongst the upper echelon. Louis Zantuk, a French beauty consultant styled my hair. He just opened a few new full service beauty salons and spas all over town and everyone who is anyone has appointments there." As she spoke she rumbled through her purse looking for something. "Sean, I'm going to have to make you an appointment there for a manicure and a massage. You never know who you may run into to boost your image."
As she ranted on Sean led her toward the front door so that they could get the evening started and then over with. Sheridan continued looking for something in her purse and finally located it.
"Here is that key." She stopped in the hallway realizing she had forgotten something. "Oh Sean wait here I forgot my attaché case. I have some things in it I want you to show you later on."
"OK, sure. I'll wait here until you get it."
Sheridan walked away from Sean and into one of the side rooms and then reappeared with her alligator attaché` case
"Now, I'm ready. I just have some ideas in here I want to run across you while we're eating."
As she talked she allowed Sean to gently guide her out of the front door and into his car. Sean got into the car and started it up while Sheridan went on and on about the pomp and prestige of the new neighbors and some of her new clients. He patiently listened and smiled as she continued on. He was wishing that he had cancelled, but he determined that he was going to make the most of it. He had long settled on the fact that once they were married he would be working in New York so much and she would be traveling around so often that they really would not have to spend too much time together. He considered these occasional dates, where he had to force himself to listen to her go on and on while he faked interest, as the price he had to pay to eventually have the wife and children that his father and grandfather could be proud of. He was getting anxious to have children especially because of his grandfathers failing health, but he hoped that they would not take on any of Sheridan's traits other than her beauty. He definitely wanted his grandfather to at least see one of his great grand children before he died. As he thought about these things, he heard Sheridan calling his name...
"Sean? Sean? Are you listening to me?"
"Yes, sweety, I was just trying to concentrate on this crazy traffic. What were you saying?"
"I said that you need to get rid of this ancient car. It's a disgrace that a man of your stature is driving around in this thing. Now if you ask me you should drive a Lincoln Continental. It reeks of prestige and it is an American car. You don't want to cause any friction with the American public by having a foreign car. This thing on the other hand is a throw back to, to I don't know what. You really have got to change what you drive Sean."
"Well Ms. Winthrop. I happen to love this car and I won't be getting rid of it anytime soon." He said sarcastically.
"I can't believe you. Sometimes you can be so stubborn. Why in the world would you want to keep this thing? It's like you're trying to hold on to a part of your past."
"Maybe you're right Sheridan." He said quickly looking at her and then his mind wondered again as he turned forward and whispered to himself, "Maybe you're right."
During the rest of the drive Sheridan continued to pour one her suggestions as to how Sean should change his attire, his appearance as well as his outside activities to meet the right people, while Sean's mind drifted to his father's meeting Monday morning with Elana. He wondered what she looked like after 9 years and what type of person she had become: if she were any different than when they started college. She was always so different than Sheridan. Even though she had money, she was so down to earth and that's what he remembered loving most about her. She never minded throwing on a pair of jeans and T-shirt and then walking alongside the lake in the park or heading to the local diner to grab a burger and fries. Sean had missed that in his life which had been replaced with weekly outings with Sheridan in the most expensive places in town. He used to say to himself that if he didn't have money she probably wouldn't give him the time of day. At first he rather enjoyed having her by his side because most of the men in the room would stare admiring her beauty, but once they talked to her for a while, they quickly found out where her mindset was and began to shy away because all she thought about was getting clients and changing everyone's image. Now Sean felt the same way, he could not stand her constantly suggesting what he needed to change about himself and never once heard her say what she actually liked about him.
Soon they arrived at the restaurant and were escorted out of the car by the valet workers. Sean led Sheridan into the dining hall of the restaurant and they were seated.
"I hope these seats are acceptable to you Mr. Logan." Pedro, the hostess said as he pushed Sheridan's seat in and gave her a distressing look knowing that she would be sending the food back several times because of changing her mind or wanting to be seen eating what some of the more prominent guests were eating.
"Thanks Pedro, this is great." Sean said
"Your waitress Pamela will be with you shortly." Pedro took his leave.
Sheridan looked at her menu and picked out her entire meal, but Sean didn't feel like eating.
When the waitress came to the table, he just ordered an appetizer and Sheridan ordered a drink, appetizer and salad.
"You don't want a drink or anything love?" She asked before the waitress left.
"No, I'm not in the mood for a drink right now." Sean said, motioning to the waitress that this would be all for him for now.
Soon the waitress returned and served their drinks, appetizers and bread. As they waited for Sheridan's meal, Sean played with the homemade bread that had been sliced and decoratively placed on a plate for them to enjoy before dinner. Sheridan snacked on her appetizer or 1st course as Sean looked at her knowing that before dinner was over with she would order $150 worth of food alone, but only half sample everything.
"Sean please do not play with the bread. That's so uncouth. We're not at some fast food restaurant or something. This is a very upstanding place and people are looking at you." Sheridan was becoming agitated at the slight glances they were receiving mostly because they were a good-looking couple and people were curious as to who they were more than anything. She thought that it was because of Sean's antics with the bread.
"Sheridan. I'm paying for this bread so I'm going to do whatever I want to with it and if I want to play with it then that's what I'll do." He takes a piece of the bread tears off the edges and balls it up in his fingers. "Did you ever eat bread balls when you were a kid?"
Sheridan is sorely upset now as Sean continues to roll each piece of bread up in his hand and place it on his bread plate in a circular design. Wiping her mouth with her dinner napkin, Sheridan says, "I can't believe you. What is your problem? I'm going to the powder room, and when I come back I hope that you will have regained your composure and act a little more civilized in this establishment." She got up quickly and strutted to the ladies room as Sean threw a little piece of bread at her back, but she didn't feel it. He laughed to himself thinking she was going to have a fit when she came back and saw a bread ball on the floor near her chair. He figured that if he acted obnoxious enough, maybe she would cut the date short and he could go home and talk to grandpa more.
A few minutes later, Sheridan came back to her seat and was determined that this night with Sean would not be ruined. They had been distant from each other for the past few months and she could see that during that time he seemed to be slipping even further and further away from her. She did not want to risk not snagging one of the most eligible bachelors around, so she was going to do what she could to secure that for herself, but she could not tolerate him embarrassing her. She sat down with a smile and a renewed resolve to lighten up their evening.
"Now. Have you decided to behave yourself Mr. Logan." Sheridan asked as she took her seat.
"Yes. I'm sorry. I was just trying to have a little fun. I'll try to behave."
Soon the server came with the main course and Sean watched Sheridan as she ate and they listened to the soft music of the band in silence. Before dessert was served Sheridan thought it would be a good time to show Sean her new ideas for her image consulting company.
"Oh, Sean let me show you this." She reaches for her attaché case and as she opens it she continues talking. "I was thinking that I need to diversify more. Right now I only cater to the wealthy white clients, but I have noticed that there are quite a few well to do African Americans coming on the scene who work in corporate America and may also appreciate my services. Now to do that, I need to team up with someone. Sort of Network or use that person's name and image to get me into the market. If I can show that I'm doing business with a prominent and respected black company then I think I will be readily accepted. You know how black people love to dress expensively and spend a lot of money on whatever it takes so that they can be accepted." She smiled as she lavished in her idea of bringing in countless minority clientele and the profits it would bring her.
Sean grimaced at her use of words and became defensive. "What do you mean they'll do whatever it takes to be accepted?"
"Well, you know, they always want to fit in with us, so what better way for them to do it than to team up with someone whose business it is to better the image of society."
"Sounds like you better be careful if you actually enter this field because I don't think black people take too kindly to someone who stereotypes them."
"Yeah maybe you're right. I don't want to turn that market off." As she thought about what Sean said she pulled out some magazines and other paper work out of her bag then closed the case and put it on the floor. Sean had become interested in what she was contemplating and continued their conversation.
"So, who have you targeted to network with you on this venture."
"Well, I haven't actually contacted anyone, but I have been spending my time with a marketing plan and I have researched these black magazines to find out if there's a particular company or person that the black market is familiar with. I came up with a few people, but I finally have settled on one person."
"And who is that?"
"Do you remember George Powers?"
Sean felt as if he had been jolted at the mention of Mr. Powers name. "Yeah. I know him. He's the real estate guy who lives in Greenwich Village."
"Yes, and did you know that he and my father went to college together and that they're really good friends. He even donated a large sum of money to my father's campaign when he ran for governor years ago."
"I remember that. You know he would be a good candidate for your plan. He's been in business for years and he's pretty successful. As far as I know he has a very clean image and a lot of black people really respect him. That may work well for you Sheridan. The question is how are you going to convince him to do this?"
"Oh, no, no love, it isn't George Powers that I'm thinking about. We need someone more contemporary and more with the times. Someone on the way up and who everyone is watching. Someone very attractive who the younger generation can look up to and pattern after."
Sean knew she could only be talking about one person if she had mentioned George Powers and his stomach began to churn with anticipation of just hearing the words roll off of Sheridan's tongue.
"I'm talking about Mr. Powers daughter. Elana. Don't you remember her? She was the pretty black girl from high school. Come to think about it, I think I remember you getting some math help from her at one time or another."
"Yeah, I know who you're talking about." Sean said trying to sound disinterested while hoping the gnawing in his stomach would cease. He had hoped to come on this date to forget about Elana and now she was the topic of conversation.
Sheridan continued with a hint of humor in her voice. "As a matter of fact there used to be a rumor that you had a crush on her or something. Do you remember that?"
"I don't remember any rumors." Sean answered bluntly.
"Oh yeah, Sean. People use to say that you liked her and would follow her around like a little puppy dog. Isn't that just too funny. You and a black girl. I get a kick out of it just thinking about it. Anyway. I was looking through these black business magazine and there are several references to her company Powers & Lambert." Sheridan shifts the magazines to Sean after she opens to the pages mentioning Elana's company and she continues. "You know I even saw her on the cover of these two - Accountants Monthly and this Black Enterprise." She shoved the magazines in Sean's face and he felt that his heart would stop pumping.
The Accountants Monthly was a business magazine that featured Elana on the cover. She was dressed in a black business suit with a lavender blouse and standing with her arms folded. As he studied the picture, it seemed as if she looked directly at him and was about to speak. Her hair was pulled up and long wisps of hair hung loosely curled below her shoulders. The title read 'The Changing Face of Accounting' with a caption reading 'Minority and Women Owned Businesses are Taking the Accounting Profession to New Levels'. The Black Enterprise magazine featured Elana and her partner Jonathan Lambert on the cover. On this magazine Jonathan is in the background leaning against a large cherry wood desk with his arms folded while Elana is standing authoritatively in the foreground holding some paperwork and wearing a pair of Brooks Brothers glasses. She is dressed in a sky blue tailored pants suit with a white silk blouse. The jacket to the suit is tied in the middle and hugs her full hips while the large collars of her blouse, overlap the collars of the suit and open up just enough to not reveal any cleavage. Her hair is loose, combed back off of her face and hangs straight down her back just below her shoulders in a blunt cut. The caption reads 'Brains, Beauty and Braun Pulls Major Companies Out of Slump.' Her big light brown eyes captivate Sean and he is amazed at how beautiful she has become and almost can not believe it's her. He searches the picture and finds she does not have a wedding ring on her finger and is somewhat disappointed. He continues to stare at the cover and noticing how strikingly handsome Jonathan Lambert is, he surmises that the two of them had to be involved. They looked too good together not to be and he found some comfort in that thought. Meanwhile, Sheridan was continuing to expound on her plans to team up with Elana.
"Now Elana is young, very intelligent, and successful, which lends credibility to her great image. Her style is impeccable and worthy of duplicating, but the drawing card is that she is strikingly beautiful and extremely sexy which will draw other black people to her. Don't you think, Sean"
Sean was still in a daze wondering what Elana actually was like as a person now. The last he heard she was hard to deal with and arrogant, but somehow he could not picture her like that. He last remembered her as lively, full of energy and having great passion for what she believed in. Hearing Sheridan call his name he responded, "What? I'm sorry. Don't I think what?"
"Don't you think she is beautiful and sexy which will lure important clients particularly other women who want to be like her and successful men who want to be with her?"
"Yeah, people will DEFINITELY be drawn to her." He said thinking about how drawn he was to her just looking at her picture. He turned the magazines around and handed them back to Sheridan. "You know I think I'll take that drink now." He said motioning for the waitress to bring him a screwdriver. "Heavy on the vodka." He instructed, hoping that a few of the drinks would rid his mind of her, but after four of them, it did not and he still could see the image of her staring out at him from the front pages of the magazines.
After a few more drinks he had become somewhat animated and finally spoke as Sheridan went on about her plans. "You'd better know what you're talking about when you go to meet with Elana. People say that she isn't one to mess with, so make sure whatever you're offering her is fair because I'm sure she'll see straight through it if it's anything, but what it should be or she may throw you out of her office."
"Well I just told you what I'm going to offer. As a business man what do you think."
Sean for the life of him couldn't remember her telling him what she was going to offer so he skated the issue. "Sheridan, you know what you're doing just make sure you would offer a white firm the same thing."
Sheridan continued to speak of the company this time referring to Jonathan "And her partner here is quite good looking himself and will also draw other prominent blacks. I wonder if they're a couple. They sure would make a nice one and that would be even better for my business."
"Maybe they're just partners Sheridan. You know business only."
"Did you look at them. I don't see how they can just be partners, and it seems that neither one of them is married. I don't see any rings on either of their fingers."
"You know Sheridan their personal life really is none of your business." He said pointing a finger at her with an almost empty glass in his hand and spilling some of the remaining drink onto the table.
"Hey what's wrong with you? I think you've had a little too much to drink and it's time for us to go home." Sheridan motions for the waitress and asks for their check. When she returns Sean signs the ticket and they get up to leave. At the parking lot Sheridan volunteers to drive and complains the whole way home, terrified of anyone seeing her with a drunk Sean and driving the Mustang. Sean lays back as his mind is flooded with thoughts of Elana. Why after all of these years was she suddenly everywhere: in his company, in his mind and now part of his girlfriend's life. It pained him to be coming so close to her and he strained to figure out how he would avoid her for the duration of her company's involvement with Crealite. He contemplated taking a vacation, but decided that it would not last long enough. And finally he realized that there was no way that he would be able to avoid her, so he had to create a diversion to keep his mind off of her while she was at Crealite and not allow him to be too affected when they would come in contact with each other again.
When they drove up to her house, Sheridan parked the car and got out. She was mad because of the spectacle Sean had made of himself at the restaurant, by having too much to drink and throwing bread all over the place. "Sean, I'm going to call a cab to come and take you home. You can pick up your keys tomorrow.
Sean made his way out of the car after he had decided how he would avert his attention. His solution was that he would begin to shower Sheridan with a lot of attention and thus he would be too occupied to notice Elana. "Hey, baby," he said as he grabbed Sheridan by the waist with one hand and took the pins out of her hair with the other so that it fell over her shoulders and down to the small of her back. "Why don't you come here and give your man a little taste." He slurred his words as he tried to kiss Sheridan and moved his hands under her dress to grab her derriere.
Sheridan reacted by avoiding his kiss and shoving his hand back to his side. "Honestly Sean, you are drunk. Now look what you've done to my hair. I was at the salon all day getting this done." Standing beside him, she put her arm under his and behind his back and helped him up the steps and into her house. Once inside, she got Bernard to help her put him in the sitting room on the couch. When they laid him down Sean pulled Sheridan down with him and began kissing her feverishly. Bernard stood there in astonishment at his behavior and wanted to know if he should help Sheridan. Sean spoke "Get lost Bernard, I'm about to make love to my woman. Unless you want to watch."
Bernard turned around quickly and stormed out of the room and closed the doors loudly. Sean continued to hold Sheridan and kiss her against her protests. "Come on baby. It's been a long time. I haven't been treating you like I should be." He rolled over on top of her as she tried to break free.
'Sean stop it you're drunk. Let me go I said! Let me go!" She beat on his chest as he engulfed her mouth and kissed her with everything he had. He had to make love to Sheridan wildly and passionately because it was his only release from thoughts of Elana. He grabbed hold of her wrists and held them with one hand as he moved his other hand through the wrap opening of her dress and grabbed her small breast. He slowed his kisses long enough to speak to her "Come on Sherry, you know you want it. Stop fighting me and I'll give you what you want. I'm not going to hurt you."
Sheridan relented at the sound of his deep voice and the feel of his hands cupping her breast. He removed his hand and went to unzip his pants. She thought to herself that she had not been with him in eight months and now was the most opportune time. Her only problem was that she did not understand men and only thought of herself. She did not realize that sometimes men want to dispense with the formalities and just get down to business.
"Ok honey, but not here, let's go upstairs." She said.
"No, Sherry." He whispered, "Right here. Right now." Sean had gotten his pants unzipped and had let her wrists go to untie her dress, open it and expose her thin naked body clothed only in a pair of bikini underwear. He unbuttoned his shirt and removed her panties, but Sheridan started to protest again insisting on going upstairs.
"No Sean, not on this furniture. Do you know how much I paid for this? Do you know where it came from? It will cost me a fortune to get this cleaned and the embarrassment. Bernard knows what we're doing in here and..." She continued on, but Sean tried to ignore her. After removing her panties he pushed his pants and underwear down to his ankles. Then he spread Sheridan's legs and entered her. He tried to concentrate on shutting her up with pleasure, but nothing worked and after a minute of effort and her complaining about the furniture while he was trying to make love, he felt himself about to release, so he pulled out quickly and collapsed on top of her.
Sheridan, pushing Sean off of her jumped up in disgust. "Ugh. How could you do that Sean? We always use a condom and Look!" She pulled her dress off and held it out between her forefinger and thumb. "You have ruined my designer dress. I told you how much I paid for this and now look at it! How am I supposed to take this to the cleaners? AND MY COUCH! OH MY GOD, MY COUCH! What am I going to do?" Sheridan stood there anxiously not knowing what to do next.
Sean stood and pulled his pants up, as he listened to Sheridan complain. Then he sat back down on the edge of the couch with his shirt still open and put both his hands on his head and rubbed his temples with his thumbs. Sheridan picked up her underwear, put them on and then reached for a throw blanket to cover herself.
"I'm going to take a shower and change. I would appreciate it if you would get yourself off of my ruined Franco Deperone couch and clean yourself up. Now if you want to do this properly. I will be waiting upstairs in my bed after I shower." She walked toward the doorway and as she went out she put her head back in the door. "Oh, expect to receive a bill for my dress and the couch cleaning or replacement." She said and gently closed the door.
"She must be kidding." Sean thought to himself as he buttoned his shirt. He wondered why he had let the liquor get the best of him as he searched for the phone and then dialed for a cab.
Sean decided that he would go home and get some restful sleep, because he needed that more than he needed to spend the night with Sheridan in the strict missionary position and hear her complain if he made a mess on her satin sheets. Now through his drunken stupor he remembered why he hadn't touched her in so long and that was because she was always correcting him and trying to show him the proper way to make love. There was never any spontaneity in their love making just the same old thing. She'd take her designer clothes off and put them away before she'd put on a designer negligée that he had to be careful not to tear or stain. And they always had to be in the bed. His suggesting anywhere else would have been a mortal sin on his part as far as Sheridan was concerned. She never initiated their lovemaking and he wondered if she even liked sex at all. Once he tried to have her in the front seat of the mustang and she belted him causing a scar across his left cheek. He was tired of it and as he heard the cab pull up and blow he walked toward the door where Bernard was standing, holding it open for him. As he brushed past Bernard he made a snide remark. "It's good you didn't watch Bernard because it wasn't much of a show. Tell Sheridan I'll come by tomorrow to get my keys."
Sean walked out of Sheridan's house toward the cab and Bernard closed the door loudly behind him.
After leaving his grandfather's room Sean made his way to the kitchen picked up the phone and dialed Sheridan's number. The phone rings.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Sheridan, it's Sean."
"Oh, hi. Where are you? I'm really looking forward to seeing you tonight."
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm running a little late. I got caught up talking to my grandfather."
"That's ok. I'll be waiting until you get here."
"I'll be over as soon as I can. See you when I get there."
He hung up the phone and slowly made his way to the front door. Once he got outside he stood at the top of his steps and took in a deep breath. It was going to be a long night and he had to brace himself for it. He went down the steps and got into his 1964 red Mustang, which he had driven for the past 14 years. He loved that car and took great pains to keep it in mint condition. After two new engines and several other replacement parts the car maintained its new appearance.
As he drove to Sheridan's house, Sean reasoned that marrying Sheridan was not going to be all that bad. Sheridan was a good woman and she was very beautiful. He figured she had to know that he was not madly in love with her so what would be the harm. He knew that all she wanted was the Logan name and right now all he wanted in his life was for things to continue to run smoothly. So in essence he would give her his name and she would ensure that his life would follow the predetermined course that his father and grandfather had willed for him: a comfortable life with a socially acceptable family.
Thinking more of Sheridan, Sean winced at the fact that she was so emotionally detached and it seemed that all she was interested in was money and position. She prided herself on knowing everything there was to know about prominent people and what they wanted and needed to succeed. She made her living as an image consultant advising high-level executives and politicians on how to present themselves so as to be perceived in the most favorable way. She was one of the best at it, but the side effects were that she judged everyone by the same standard and Sean did not like it at all. Whenever they would go to parties together, she was always so preoccupied with proper protocol and what everyone was wearing including their accessories and she never relented to categorizing people as upper class and lower class, old money or new money. Sean especially hated when she would critique his character. She was constantly telling him that he needed to associate socially with other more prominent young executives regardless of what he thought of their character. Her idea was that 'if you're seen with the right people things would come easier to you.' Sean could not help, but agree with her, but some people he just was not going to be associated with.
James Payton was on Sheridan's 'toppers' list and she was constantly egging Sean to invite him out with them so that she would have the opportunity to try and enlist him and some of his international business associates as clients. Sean, however had no intention of ever being seen with James outside of the office or on business and he and Sheridan always ended up in an argument about the subject. Sean continued to think about these things as he drove up to Sheridan's house.
When he approached her driveway, he felt a certain chill run up his spine, but ignored it. He parked behind her jaguar and sat there for a few minutes conditioning himself to act happy and excited. He slowly got out of the car and walked up to the door and knocked. After a few seconds, Bernard, the butler answered.
"Hello, Mr. Logan. Come in please."
Sean walked into the entryway and stood there with his hands in his pockets waiting for Bernard to direct him.
"May, I take your jacket, sir?"
"No. Thanks anyway. I'm just here to pick up Sheridan. Where is she?"
"Ms. Winthrop will be down shortly. You can wait in the sitting room. Please follow me"
Sean knew where the sitting room was and could never figure out why he had to continually go through this protocol whenever he came to Sheridan's house. He almost felt like a stranger. He also never knew why Sheridan insisted on having this big house when there was only her. He surmised that she just wanted to keep up appearances for anyone who may come around and wonder how much money she and her family had. He hated pompous displays and fumed over this as he followed Bernard to the sitting room. When they reached the entrance, Bernard motioned for Sean to enter and took his leave, closing the double doors behind him.
No one was in the room and a dreary silence encased him as he scanned his surroundings. Every piece of furniture had some type of social significance and Sean never knew whether he could actually sit on anything because of it's historic value, so he just propped his back up against the mantle over the fireplace and folded his arms and then crossed his legs to wait for Sheridan to make her entrance. He waited for several minutes and thought about leaving when he heard her coming through the door.
"Ah, here you are love." She said with her arms outstretched headed toward Sean.
He stood erect from his leaning position and moved toward her and they fell into an embrace. He kissed her forehead and held her forearms as he moved her back. "You look lovely tonight and what is that fragrance you're wearing?" He asked smiling at her.
Sheridan stepped back to model her new satin wrap-around, royal blue dress that hung right above her knees. The color was a perfect match for her dark blue eyes. The full skirt of the dress swirled as she turned around. She also wore a sapphire and diamond choker around her neck and high-heeled royal blue designer shoes to match her dress. Her flaxen blonde hair was pulled up in a professionally styled chignon.
"So, you like this ensemble? I ordered it from a new German designer who is becoming the rave amongst the upper echelon. Louis Zantuk, a French beauty consultant styled my hair. He just opened a few new full service beauty salons and spas all over town and everyone who is anyone has appointments there." As she spoke she rumbled through her purse looking for something. "Sean, I'm going to have to make you an appointment there for a manicure and a massage. You never know who you may run into to boost your image."
As she ranted on Sean led her toward the front door so that they could get the evening started and then over with. Sheridan continued looking for something in her purse and finally located it.
"Here is that key." She stopped in the hallway realizing she had forgotten something. "Oh Sean wait here I forgot my attaché case. I have some things in it I want you to show you later on."
"OK, sure. I'll wait here until you get it."
Sheridan walked away from Sean and into one of the side rooms and then reappeared with her alligator attaché` case
"Now, I'm ready. I just have some ideas in here I want to run across you while we're eating."
As she talked she allowed Sean to gently guide her out of the front door and into his car. Sean got into the car and started it up while Sheridan went on and on about the pomp and prestige of the new neighbors and some of her new clients. He patiently listened and smiled as she continued on. He was wishing that he had cancelled, but he determined that he was going to make the most of it. He had long settled on the fact that once they were married he would be working in New York so much and she would be traveling around so often that they really would not have to spend too much time together. He considered these occasional dates, where he had to force himself to listen to her go on and on while he faked interest, as the price he had to pay to eventually have the wife and children that his father and grandfather could be proud of. He was getting anxious to have children especially because of his grandfathers failing health, but he hoped that they would not take on any of Sheridan's traits other than her beauty. He definitely wanted his grandfather to at least see one of his great grand children before he died. As he thought about these things, he heard Sheridan calling his name...
"Sean? Sean? Are you listening to me?"
"Yes, sweety, I was just trying to concentrate on this crazy traffic. What were you saying?"
"I said that you need to get rid of this ancient car. It's a disgrace that a man of your stature is driving around in this thing. Now if you ask me you should drive a Lincoln Continental. It reeks of prestige and it is an American car. You don't want to cause any friction with the American public by having a foreign car. This thing on the other hand is a throw back to, to I don't know what. You really have got to change what you drive Sean."
"Well Ms. Winthrop. I happen to love this car and I won't be getting rid of it anytime soon." He said sarcastically.
"I can't believe you. Sometimes you can be so stubborn. Why in the world would you want to keep this thing? It's like you're trying to hold on to a part of your past."
"Maybe you're right Sheridan." He said quickly looking at her and then his mind wondered again as he turned forward and whispered to himself, "Maybe you're right."
During the rest of the drive Sheridan continued to pour one her suggestions as to how Sean should change his attire, his appearance as well as his outside activities to meet the right people, while Sean's mind drifted to his father's meeting Monday morning with Elana. He wondered what she looked like after 9 years and what type of person she had become: if she were any different than when they started college. She was always so different than Sheridan. Even though she had money, she was so down to earth and that's what he remembered loving most about her. She never minded throwing on a pair of jeans and T-shirt and then walking alongside the lake in the park or heading to the local diner to grab a burger and fries. Sean had missed that in his life which had been replaced with weekly outings with Sheridan in the most expensive places in town. He used to say to himself that if he didn't have money she probably wouldn't give him the time of day. At first he rather enjoyed having her by his side because most of the men in the room would stare admiring her beauty, but once they talked to her for a while, they quickly found out where her mindset was and began to shy away because all she thought about was getting clients and changing everyone's image. Now Sean felt the same way, he could not stand her constantly suggesting what he needed to change about himself and never once heard her say what she actually liked about him.
Soon they arrived at the restaurant and were escorted out of the car by the valet workers. Sean led Sheridan into the dining hall of the restaurant and they were seated.
"I hope these seats are acceptable to you Mr. Logan." Pedro, the hostess said as he pushed Sheridan's seat in and gave her a distressing look knowing that she would be sending the food back several times because of changing her mind or wanting to be seen eating what some of the more prominent guests were eating.
"Thanks Pedro, this is great." Sean said
"Your waitress Pamela will be with you shortly." Pedro took his leave.
Sheridan looked at her menu and picked out her entire meal, but Sean didn't feel like eating.
When the waitress came to the table, he just ordered an appetizer and Sheridan ordered a drink, appetizer and salad.
"You don't want a drink or anything love?" She asked before the waitress left.
"No, I'm not in the mood for a drink right now." Sean said, motioning to the waitress that this would be all for him for now.
Soon the waitress returned and served their drinks, appetizers and bread. As they waited for Sheridan's meal, Sean played with the homemade bread that had been sliced and decoratively placed on a plate for them to enjoy before dinner. Sheridan snacked on her appetizer or 1st course as Sean looked at her knowing that before dinner was over with she would order $150 worth of food alone, but only half sample everything.
"Sean please do not play with the bread. That's so uncouth. We're not at some fast food restaurant or something. This is a very upstanding place and people are looking at you." Sheridan was becoming agitated at the slight glances they were receiving mostly because they were a good-looking couple and people were curious as to who they were more than anything. She thought that it was because of Sean's antics with the bread.
"Sheridan. I'm paying for this bread so I'm going to do whatever I want to with it and if I want to play with it then that's what I'll do." He takes a piece of the bread tears off the edges and balls it up in his fingers. "Did you ever eat bread balls when you were a kid?"
Sheridan is sorely upset now as Sean continues to roll each piece of bread up in his hand and place it on his bread plate in a circular design. Wiping her mouth with her dinner napkin, Sheridan says, "I can't believe you. What is your problem? I'm going to the powder room, and when I come back I hope that you will have regained your composure and act a little more civilized in this establishment." She got up quickly and strutted to the ladies room as Sean threw a little piece of bread at her back, but she didn't feel it. He laughed to himself thinking she was going to have a fit when she came back and saw a bread ball on the floor near her chair. He figured that if he acted obnoxious enough, maybe she would cut the date short and he could go home and talk to grandpa more.
A few minutes later, Sheridan came back to her seat and was determined that this night with Sean would not be ruined. They had been distant from each other for the past few months and she could see that during that time he seemed to be slipping even further and further away from her. She did not want to risk not snagging one of the most eligible bachelors around, so she was going to do what she could to secure that for herself, but she could not tolerate him embarrassing her. She sat down with a smile and a renewed resolve to lighten up their evening.
"Now. Have you decided to behave yourself Mr. Logan." Sheridan asked as she took her seat.
"Yes. I'm sorry. I was just trying to have a little fun. I'll try to behave."
Soon the server came with the main course and Sean watched Sheridan as she ate and they listened to the soft music of the band in silence. Before dessert was served Sheridan thought it would be a good time to show Sean her new ideas for her image consulting company.
"Oh, Sean let me show you this." She reaches for her attaché case and as she opens it she continues talking. "I was thinking that I need to diversify more. Right now I only cater to the wealthy white clients, but I have noticed that there are quite a few well to do African Americans coming on the scene who work in corporate America and may also appreciate my services. Now to do that, I need to team up with someone. Sort of Network or use that person's name and image to get me into the market. If I can show that I'm doing business with a prominent and respected black company then I think I will be readily accepted. You know how black people love to dress expensively and spend a lot of money on whatever it takes so that they can be accepted." She smiled as she lavished in her idea of bringing in countless minority clientele and the profits it would bring her.
Sean grimaced at her use of words and became defensive. "What do you mean they'll do whatever it takes to be accepted?"
"Well, you know, they always want to fit in with us, so what better way for them to do it than to team up with someone whose business it is to better the image of society."
"Sounds like you better be careful if you actually enter this field because I don't think black people take too kindly to someone who stereotypes them."
"Yeah maybe you're right. I don't want to turn that market off." As she thought about what Sean said she pulled out some magazines and other paper work out of her bag then closed the case and put it on the floor. Sean had become interested in what she was contemplating and continued their conversation.
"So, who have you targeted to network with you on this venture."
"Well, I haven't actually contacted anyone, but I have been spending my time with a marketing plan and I have researched these black magazines to find out if there's a particular company or person that the black market is familiar with. I came up with a few people, but I finally have settled on one person."
"And who is that?"
"Do you remember George Powers?"
Sean felt as if he had been jolted at the mention of Mr. Powers name. "Yeah. I know him. He's the real estate guy who lives in Greenwich Village."
"Yes, and did you know that he and my father went to college together and that they're really good friends. He even donated a large sum of money to my father's campaign when he ran for governor years ago."
"I remember that. You know he would be a good candidate for your plan. He's been in business for years and he's pretty successful. As far as I know he has a very clean image and a lot of black people really respect him. That may work well for you Sheridan. The question is how are you going to convince him to do this?"
"Oh, no, no love, it isn't George Powers that I'm thinking about. We need someone more contemporary and more with the times. Someone on the way up and who everyone is watching. Someone very attractive who the younger generation can look up to and pattern after."
Sean knew she could only be talking about one person if she had mentioned George Powers and his stomach began to churn with anticipation of just hearing the words roll off of Sheridan's tongue.
"I'm talking about Mr. Powers daughter. Elana. Don't you remember her? She was the pretty black girl from high school. Come to think about it, I think I remember you getting some math help from her at one time or another."
"Yeah, I know who you're talking about." Sean said trying to sound disinterested while hoping the gnawing in his stomach would cease. He had hoped to come on this date to forget about Elana and now she was the topic of conversation.
Sheridan continued with a hint of humor in her voice. "As a matter of fact there used to be a rumor that you had a crush on her or something. Do you remember that?"
"I don't remember any rumors." Sean answered bluntly.
"Oh yeah, Sean. People use to say that you liked her and would follow her around like a little puppy dog. Isn't that just too funny. You and a black girl. I get a kick out of it just thinking about it. Anyway. I was looking through these black business magazine and there are several references to her company Powers & Lambert." Sheridan shifts the magazines to Sean after she opens to the pages mentioning Elana's company and she continues. "You know I even saw her on the cover of these two - Accountants Monthly and this Black Enterprise." She shoved the magazines in Sean's face and he felt that his heart would stop pumping.
The Accountants Monthly was a business magazine that featured Elana on the cover. She was dressed in a black business suit with a lavender blouse and standing with her arms folded. As he studied the picture, it seemed as if she looked directly at him and was about to speak. Her hair was pulled up and long wisps of hair hung loosely curled below her shoulders. The title read 'The Changing Face of Accounting' with a caption reading 'Minority and Women Owned Businesses are Taking the Accounting Profession to New Levels'. The Black Enterprise magazine featured Elana and her partner Jonathan Lambert on the cover. On this magazine Jonathan is in the background leaning against a large cherry wood desk with his arms folded while Elana is standing authoritatively in the foreground holding some paperwork and wearing a pair of Brooks Brothers glasses. She is dressed in a sky blue tailored pants suit with a white silk blouse. The jacket to the suit is tied in the middle and hugs her full hips while the large collars of her blouse, overlap the collars of the suit and open up just enough to not reveal any cleavage. Her hair is loose, combed back off of her face and hangs straight down her back just below her shoulders in a blunt cut. The caption reads 'Brains, Beauty and Braun Pulls Major Companies Out of Slump.' Her big light brown eyes captivate Sean and he is amazed at how beautiful she has become and almost can not believe it's her. He searches the picture and finds she does not have a wedding ring on her finger and is somewhat disappointed. He continues to stare at the cover and noticing how strikingly handsome Jonathan Lambert is, he surmises that the two of them had to be involved. They looked too good together not to be and he found some comfort in that thought. Meanwhile, Sheridan was continuing to expound on her plans to team up with Elana.
"Now Elana is young, very intelligent, and successful, which lends credibility to her great image. Her style is impeccable and worthy of duplicating, but the drawing card is that she is strikingly beautiful and extremely sexy which will draw other black people to her. Don't you think, Sean"
Sean was still in a daze wondering what Elana actually was like as a person now. The last he heard she was hard to deal with and arrogant, but somehow he could not picture her like that. He last remembered her as lively, full of energy and having great passion for what she believed in. Hearing Sheridan call his name he responded, "What? I'm sorry. Don't I think what?"
"Don't you think she is beautiful and sexy which will lure important clients particularly other women who want to be like her and successful men who want to be with her?"
"Yeah, people will DEFINITELY be drawn to her." He said thinking about how drawn he was to her just looking at her picture. He turned the magazines around and handed them back to Sheridan. "You know I think I'll take that drink now." He said motioning for the waitress to bring him a screwdriver. "Heavy on the vodka." He instructed, hoping that a few of the drinks would rid his mind of her, but after four of them, it did not and he still could see the image of her staring out at him from the front pages of the magazines.
After a few more drinks he had become somewhat animated and finally spoke as Sheridan went on about her plans. "You'd better know what you're talking about when you go to meet with Elana. People say that she isn't one to mess with, so make sure whatever you're offering her is fair because I'm sure she'll see straight through it if it's anything, but what it should be or she may throw you out of her office."
"Well I just told you what I'm going to offer. As a business man what do you think."
Sean for the life of him couldn't remember her telling him what she was going to offer so he skated the issue. "Sheridan, you know what you're doing just make sure you would offer a white firm the same thing."
Sheridan continued to speak of the company this time referring to Jonathan "And her partner here is quite good looking himself and will also draw other prominent blacks. I wonder if they're a couple. They sure would make a nice one and that would be even better for my business."
"Maybe they're just partners Sheridan. You know business only."
"Did you look at them. I don't see how they can just be partners, and it seems that neither one of them is married. I don't see any rings on either of their fingers."
"You know Sheridan their personal life really is none of your business." He said pointing a finger at her with an almost empty glass in his hand and spilling some of the remaining drink onto the table.
"Hey what's wrong with you? I think you've had a little too much to drink and it's time for us to go home." Sheridan motions for the waitress and asks for their check. When she returns Sean signs the ticket and they get up to leave. At the parking lot Sheridan volunteers to drive and complains the whole way home, terrified of anyone seeing her with a drunk Sean and driving the Mustang. Sean lays back as his mind is flooded with thoughts of Elana. Why after all of these years was she suddenly everywhere: in his company, in his mind and now part of his girlfriend's life. It pained him to be coming so close to her and he strained to figure out how he would avoid her for the duration of her company's involvement with Crealite. He contemplated taking a vacation, but decided that it would not last long enough. And finally he realized that there was no way that he would be able to avoid her, so he had to create a diversion to keep his mind off of her while she was at Crealite and not allow him to be too affected when they would come in contact with each other again.
When they drove up to her house, Sheridan parked the car and got out. She was mad because of the spectacle Sean had made of himself at the restaurant, by having too much to drink and throwing bread all over the place. "Sean, I'm going to call a cab to come and take you home. You can pick up your keys tomorrow.
Sean made his way out of the car after he had decided how he would avert his attention. His solution was that he would begin to shower Sheridan with a lot of attention and thus he would be too occupied to notice Elana. "Hey, baby," he said as he grabbed Sheridan by the waist with one hand and took the pins out of her hair with the other so that it fell over her shoulders and down to the small of her back. "Why don't you come here and give your man a little taste." He slurred his words as he tried to kiss Sheridan and moved his hands under her dress to grab her derriere.
Sheridan reacted by avoiding his kiss and shoving his hand back to his side. "Honestly Sean, you are drunk. Now look what you've done to my hair. I was at the salon all day getting this done." Standing beside him, she put her arm under his and behind his back and helped him up the steps and into her house. Once inside, she got Bernard to help her put him in the sitting room on the couch. When they laid him down Sean pulled Sheridan down with him and began kissing her feverishly. Bernard stood there in astonishment at his behavior and wanted to know if he should help Sheridan. Sean spoke "Get lost Bernard, I'm about to make love to my woman. Unless you want to watch."
Bernard turned around quickly and stormed out of the room and closed the doors loudly. Sean continued to hold Sheridan and kiss her against her protests. "Come on baby. It's been a long time. I haven't been treating you like I should be." He rolled over on top of her as she tried to break free.
'Sean stop it you're drunk. Let me go I said! Let me go!" She beat on his chest as he engulfed her mouth and kissed her with everything he had. He had to make love to Sheridan wildly and passionately because it was his only release from thoughts of Elana. He grabbed hold of her wrists and held them with one hand as he moved his other hand through the wrap opening of her dress and grabbed her small breast. He slowed his kisses long enough to speak to her "Come on Sherry, you know you want it. Stop fighting me and I'll give you what you want. I'm not going to hurt you."
Sheridan relented at the sound of his deep voice and the feel of his hands cupping her breast. He removed his hand and went to unzip his pants. She thought to herself that she had not been with him in eight months and now was the most opportune time. Her only problem was that she did not understand men and only thought of herself. She did not realize that sometimes men want to dispense with the formalities and just get down to business.
"Ok honey, but not here, let's go upstairs." She said.
"No, Sherry." He whispered, "Right here. Right now." Sean had gotten his pants unzipped and had let her wrists go to untie her dress, open it and expose her thin naked body clothed only in a pair of bikini underwear. He unbuttoned his shirt and removed her panties, but Sheridan started to protest again insisting on going upstairs.
"No Sean, not on this furniture. Do you know how much I paid for this? Do you know where it came from? It will cost me a fortune to get this cleaned and the embarrassment. Bernard knows what we're doing in here and..." She continued on, but Sean tried to ignore her. After removing her panties he pushed his pants and underwear down to his ankles. Then he spread Sheridan's legs and entered her. He tried to concentrate on shutting her up with pleasure, but nothing worked and after a minute of effort and her complaining about the furniture while he was trying to make love, he felt himself about to release, so he pulled out quickly and collapsed on top of her.
Sheridan, pushing Sean off of her jumped up in disgust. "Ugh. How could you do that Sean? We always use a condom and Look!" She pulled her dress off and held it out between her forefinger and thumb. "You have ruined my designer dress. I told you how much I paid for this and now look at it! How am I supposed to take this to the cleaners? AND MY COUCH! OH MY GOD, MY COUCH! What am I going to do?" Sheridan stood there anxiously not knowing what to do next.
Sean stood and pulled his pants up, as he listened to Sheridan complain. Then he sat back down on the edge of the couch with his shirt still open and put both his hands on his head and rubbed his temples with his thumbs. Sheridan picked up her underwear, put them on and then reached for a throw blanket to cover herself.
"I'm going to take a shower and change. I would appreciate it if you would get yourself off of my ruined Franco Deperone couch and clean yourself up. Now if you want to do this properly. I will be waiting upstairs in my bed after I shower." She walked toward the doorway and as she went out she put her head back in the door. "Oh, expect to receive a bill for my dress and the couch cleaning or replacement." She said and gently closed the door.
"She must be kidding." Sean thought to himself as he buttoned his shirt. He wondered why he had let the liquor get the best of him as he searched for the phone and then dialed for a cab.
Sean decided that he would go home and get some restful sleep, because he needed that more than he needed to spend the night with Sheridan in the strict missionary position and hear her complain if he made a mess on her satin sheets. Now through his drunken stupor he remembered why he hadn't touched her in so long and that was because she was always correcting him and trying to show him the proper way to make love. There was never any spontaneity in their love making just the same old thing. She'd take her designer clothes off and put them away before she'd put on a designer negligée that he had to be careful not to tear or stain. And they always had to be in the bed. His suggesting anywhere else would have been a mortal sin on his part as far as Sheridan was concerned. She never initiated their lovemaking and he wondered if she even liked sex at all. Once he tried to have her in the front seat of the mustang and she belted him causing a scar across his left cheek. He was tired of it and as he heard the cab pull up and blow he walked toward the door where Bernard was standing, holding it open for him. As he brushed past Bernard he made a snide remark. "It's good you didn't watch Bernard because it wasn't much of a show. Tell Sheridan I'll come by tomorrow to get my keys."
Sean walked out of Sheridan's house toward the cab and Bernard closed the door loudly behind him.