For those of you who caught my little error in characters (Chris, Ki75une), I changed the reference in Ch.1. It seemed easier since it was only one mention, plus I like Evony better as the client. Sometimes I forget what I wrote since I work on several stories and I apologize for not doing a better job of scanning through my story before publishing it. That said, I did hear the collective groan at the end of the last chapter, lol, but I hope you are all still enjoying the story and don't worry, Doccubus is endgame.
Chapter 11
Later that evening
Bo is still seething over the nights events and they way she let herself fall into their trap. She is better than that. She is the one that does the trapping. She let the thrill of the hunt, her desire to land this account, cloud her judgement and she ended up hurting Lauren. If her girlfriend had agreed, would they have really gone through with it? Never mind, she doesn't want to know. Probably.
There was a time in her life when Bo would have been involved in the threesome, but since she met Lauren, no conquest that she has ever experienced makes her feel the way she does when she is with the blonde. Now she only wants Lauren, and the idea of anyone else touching her makes her furious.
Though Evony thoroughly enjoyed their ruse, she has grown bored with the brunette's sulking. "Bo, honey, don't worry your pretty little head. You'll get that blonde of yours back, if that's what you really want. I don't know why, look at you. Yes, she is a hot piece, but you are gorgeous and should be out having your fill, honey."
Bo feels her rage building as she tries to ignore the woman. She is so done with these two and really can't wait for them to leave. The one bonus is that she doesn't have to deal with them often. She will rarely see them, if at all, as most dealings will be via phone or Skype.
"In more important news, we want you to be just as ruthless in our advertising campaign. Money is no object, but we want great return on that investment. Be creative and find us some new markets to dominate. When people go to buy liquor, our products should be the first thing in their head. Got it?" Evony quirks her brow, waiting for the brunette to confirm that her point is clear.
Bo bites the inside of her cheek to keep from saying anything she will regret and nods, "Got it."
The rise from their seats, signaling that the night has come to an end.
"Good. There will be a rider in the contract that I will have faxed over shortly that says we have the right to void this contact in six months if we are unhappy with your progress. Now have the contracts ready at eight am sharp for us to sign. We have to be on the plane by nine thirty in the morning. I have to get back to my room. I left something yummy there and seconds sounds like a great way to end the night" she smirks.
The look on Bo's face says she caught the true meaning. Both of them are known for their sexual exploits and the brunette doesn't want to imagine what the dark skinned woman has planned for her prey.
"Think global domination, Bo. Nothing less" Lambert laughs heartily and pats her on the back. "You surprised us. That doesn't happen often" he keeps laughing to himself.
"Right. Global domination. Got it," she shakes their hands, then mumbles under her breath, "Piece of cake."
Bo quickly remembers the rest of her plan for the evening. She had set it up when she thought it would take more to woo these high dollar clients , but then she didn't expect her little "test" to be the deciding factor. "Oh, Evony?, Lambert? I know it's still early, so if you get bored, feel free to hit the club I told you about. It's on me and they will be expecting you." She smiles sincerely. "I will see you tomorrow."
The two waggle their brows suggestively and nod their thanks as they happily head to their limo.
"Gross. Those are some fucked up people" she mutters to herself. Lord only knows what those two have in store for some poor saps.
Turning her attention to the problem at hand, she holds out hope that the blonde is still here, but she hasn't seen her in an hour and knows that Lauren is probably almost home by now. When Trick confirms Lauren's departure, her stomach turns at the hurt expression on her girlfriend's face and hates that she is the one that caused it. Wishing she could run to her right now and fix everything, she knows that a little space is probably best. She will try to talk to her tomorrow after the contract is finalized.
XXX
Lauren quietly lets herself into her apartment trying not to wake Kenzi. Mentally and physically exhausted, she wants nothing more than to collapse on her bed and goto sleep. The blonde really can't handle the inquisition tonight. She pours a glass of scotch on the rocks to calm her nerves and tiptoes to her room. As much as she wants to shower, it's not her body that feels dirty, and she knows that soap will not solve anything.
Replaying the conversation through her head on the ride home, she realizes that Bo never actually asked her to do anything, but the way she felt at having the idea proposed by those people just made her feel filthy. She hates that people like that think they can manipulate others and the fact that she was used in that manner just disgusted her. Bo being the one to breach the subject just hurt even more. Did they know about them? If so, how? Surely, Bo wouldn't say anything. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but the look of sheer delight on their faces as Bo squirmed seemed to the blonde to be more intentional.
It saddens her what people think of the women that work at those places, because most of the ones she knows are not like that at all. Mothers, students, or women just trying to make a living. They deserve better than being treated like play things.
She finishes off her drink and strips down to her tank and underwear, climbing under the sheets she cries. Cries for her pride, her ego, for Bo and for their relationship. She cries until she passes out. Her last thoughts hoping that the new day bring better things.
XXX
Sleep avoided Bo last night, tossing and turning as her mind refused to settle. Deciding it was best to just get an early start, she gets ready for her big day at work. She should be excited after accomplishing such a feat for the company, but she still feels sick about what went down. She waits until it isn't rudely early and she tries to call the blonde.
No answer. Sighing in disappointment, she heads to the office, resolving to try again shortly.
As she enters the office, she is met with applause and Hale wraps her in a tight congratulatory hug.
"I knew you would do it Bo. I just knew it!" He let's her go and wraps his arm around her waist, guiding her down the hall to her office. He leads her in letting her know that everything was there to be signed, she just needed to review it.
She nods and does her best to look excited, hoping that everyone buys her act.
As she finishes the details and reviews the contracts, she calls the blonde again. This time she leaves a brief message apologizing and saying to call her.
Bo is thankful when Evony and Lambert leave quickly. Only pleasantries and then right to business. There was no talk or teasing of last nights events and she appreciates that they can actually focus on work. Seems like they spend more time causing trouble and partying.
Once they have gone, she tries one more time. "Come on Lauren answer the phone," Bo whines, but her plea goes unheard as it goes to voicemail once again.
"Dammit!" Hearing the beep she leaves another message. "Umm...Hi Lauren its Bo, again. Please call me back. I'm really sorry, but it's not what you think, just please call me. I wont leave another message. I am not trying to hound you. I just really need to talk this out with you. You mean so much to me...Just please call me."
XXX
When Lauren wakes up she is not surprised to find to several missed calls and an two apologetic messages from Bo. She sighs after playing them, opting to not respond just yet as she gets ready to head to school. She has several classes and then she needs to formally accept the new job and sign her paperwork. She needs to focus on her future today.
Still feeling dejected, she finds solace in the fact that she is one step closer to her career goal today, and isn't that all she really wants anyway? All she has ever wanted was a medical career and to help others. She never wanted love or family, well...at least that is what she resigned herself to after her father suddenly died. Avoiding personal attachment meant she wouldn't open herself to that emotional hurt ever again. Her mother and Kenzi were all she needed. She had their love and that was all she needed, right? Right?
She shakes herself from her thoughts, grabbing a coffee and heading out the door. Meeting Bo has changed her life, the way she feels and what she wants. The caring brunette easily tore down her walls from the first smile. The first touch, well...there was no going back. Lauren was too cocky that her walls were impenetrable. She found the brunette intriguing, but she blew any chance of staying her course when she sat on the brunette's lap. The electricity between them was palpable and she was done for.
XXX
Coming home for lunch, Lauren runs into Kenzi and it takes all of three seconds for the girl to be onto her, despite her efforts to conceal her mood.
"Hold up Lo, what's goin on? Something's wrong."
"I'm fine Kenz" Lauren groans, picking lightly through her food.
"I call bullshit, Lo. What happened? Did you not get the job?" Kenzi hops up on the counter and picks some off of Lauren's plate.
"Actually, I did get it. I found out last night" the blonde smiles tiredly.
"Okay...so why are we not stoked about that? It's what you wanted right?" she asks confused.
"Yes, it is. I am happy about that." Knowing it is pointless to try and evade the girl, Lauren spills it, "Something happened at work last night."
As she reviewed the events, her friend went berserk. Lauren had to calm her down several times after threats of sending the Russian mafia after Morrigan Liquors. The girl is upset with Bo, too. She finds it hard to believe the woman would suggest such a thing based on her possessive behavior towards her friend, so she settles on one important detail, "Did she actually ask you to do it?"
Kenzi knows this answer would change everything. If Bo had, she was going to give her a massive beat down with a blunt object to the skull.
The blonde hesitates. "No. She didn't actually ask me. I also didn't stay for the whole conversation. I bolted on her, but before I did..."
"Yeah? Don't hold out on me Lo" the girl prods.
"Before I stormed out, I slapped her pretty hard across the face. I feel horrible, Kenz. I mean, I was upset and it was degrading, especially with them over there laughing, but she didn't deserve that. I am embarrassed at my behavior."
Kenzi maintains a neutral tone as she assesses the situation. She can't remember a time when Lauren's temper ever flared enough to strike someone. It really must have hit a nerve to garner that reaction. "Hmm. Have you spoken to her since?"
Lauren looks down at the floor and shakes her head no. "She left me messages, but I haven't called her back yet. I'm not sure what to say."
"Well, do you still want to be with her?" Kenzi watches as her friend's expression soften when she thinks of the answer.
"Yes, I do. I'm in love with her" the blonde confesses. Finally saying the words out loud to someone feels freeing, though she knows she should be saying them to Bo instead. They were so close the other night, now she wonders if the damage can be repaired.
"Then, you gotta put your big girl pants on and make it right." With that, her friend hops off the counter. She kisses Lauren on the cheek, grabs her bag and heads to class. "You can do it! Later, Lo."
XXX
Finally having her important heart to heart with her best friend, Lauren decides to call her mom and tell her about the internship, plus it has been a while since she spoke. She really needs to call her more often, but she gets tired of the "you are not happy" lecture and even though she has found someone that makes her happy, she just isn't in the mood to address it given the current state of affairs.
"Hello?"
"Hi mom, its Lauren."
"Lauren, honey, I've been worried about you. You havent called in a while" the older woman says in a concerned voice. "I almost called Kenzi to check on you."
"I'm fine mom, just really busy, and please don't do that" Lauren pleads.
"You sound tired. Are you getting enough rest? I know how you get about studying."
Attempting to change the subject Lauren turns her focus to her mom. "I am trying. How are you?"
"I am fine. Dont worry about me. Aunt Maggie and I have been walking four days a week and I am volunteering as a tutor for biochem students at the college. What's new with you?"
Damn, that woman is like a dog on a scent! "Well I was awarded the paid internship so I will be working at the neuroscience research labs until graduation."
"Oh my goodness" the woman exclaims excitedly. That's wonderful news honey. That's just what you wanted. Maybe that will be less stressful than those other jobs you have been doing."
Lauren cringes. She has, understandably, never told her mom about the strip clubs, just that she has been working nights and weekends.
"We will see mom. I am sure they will keep me pretty busy there."
"I just hope you are taking some time for you. when is the last time you went on a date?"
"Really mom? I have dated, in fact I went on a few recently, but we've been over this" the blonde groans. It always come's back to this. She knows her mom means well,
"Yes, yes I know, but Lauren, what you have been doing these last few years, it's not who you are. It's not good for you."
"I know mom. I just don't want anything to mess this up. I cant afford to fail its too important to me."
Her mom's voice softens. She can tell that her daughter is frustrated with the conversation, but she desperately tries each time they speak to get through to her. "Lauren, I know you think I don't understand, but I do. Your dad and I always knew you would do wonderful things. You are so caring and compassionate. There was nothing anyone could do about his condition and I know you have taken it upon yourself to take care of me and try to find a cure for the incurable and I love you for it, but you are not happy. Life is short to be unhappy. These dates, have they been with the same girl?"
"Yes, but I don't know, its complicated. I am just so busy and its only going to get worse. Its so hard to even think of a relationship now" Lauren skirts the real issue.
"If you're not sure, then she's probably not the right girl for you. I really believe that you know in the first few moments if its right. Your father and I knew when our eyes first met. I do still miss him everyday, but I am doing my best to be happy and go on living, its what he would want for us both. You know that."
Lauren can hear the twinge of sadness in her voice speaking of her lost love. She also knows that her mom is right about both things. She did know that Bo was the one at first glance and her dad would not be happy about her burying her feelings and hiding in school work.
"I know. I will work on it" the blonde concedes.
"Good. I'm so proud of you honey. And call me more often. Dont make me have to bribe Kenzi to keep tabs on you" she laughs.
"Mom, please don't" Lauren chuckles, knowing that her mom certainly would do just that if she got worried enough, and her bestie would buckle for the right amount of pizza or nice shoes since it was in the best interest for Lauren. She laughs at how her friend always looks out for her and she is happy the quirky girl was introduced to Hale. Maybe something good will come out of her relationship with Bo for Kenzi.
XXX
Bo sits alone at the bar having lunch when a hand on her shoulder startles the brunette from her daydream.
"Hey Bo, why the long face?" The familiar voice says sarcastically, knowing with certainty that her friend has something on her mind. She could hear it in her voice over the phone. Even though she tried to keep it casual and say it is about business, Tamsin can tell. Reading people is what she does best.
Bo's eyes never leave her drink. She sounds and looks exhausted. "I closed the deal last night. Largest one ever for the company. I will have a grand for you next week. Thank you for your help."
"Anytime, but I can't help but think you should be more excited a out this," the blonde narrows her eyes at her friend, who still has not looked her way since she arrived.
Sliding a drink to Tamsin, she keeps her eyes forward and replies, "Well, I kinda let myself fall into their little game." She spins to face the blonde " You were right. I should have been more careful. I let my ego tell me that I could handle it and now..." She trails off her eyes looking past Tamsin "now I messed things up with Lauren."
"I always said you suck at readin people" the blonde spouts seriously.
"So you keep reminding me" Bo huffs.
"Lauren? What's she have to do with this?" The woman inquires curiously. She can't really see how her girlfriend would play into the equation.
Bo detailed the events to the woman, whose fury rose up as Bo's mood continued to drop.
"How the fuck would they know that about Lauren" Tamsin fumes, seemingly more upset that she didn't know it, than the fact that strangers found out about it.
"I didn't know that about her and I will admit that I looked into her when you told me you were dating. Those girl's usually get paid under the table, so it's hard to track sometimes. Many of them use fake names or don't want to be found. Sounds like inside info to me."
Those words perk Bo's ears as anger wells up that someone she knows could have done this. "What? Like someone I know told them? I don't really know anyone besides work. Wait...did you say you checked her out? What the fuck Tam!"
"What? I check out all your semi-serious dates, Bo. I am always looking out for you. Remember I warned you about that dog of a man you dated at work. Once again you should have listened to me."
"What are your feelings about Lauren, then since I should listen to you oh great one" Bo asks sarcastically, but wanting to know her old friend's opinion.
"I like her. She's good for you. Like I said at lunch, you did good there, but the question is how do you really feel about her?"
"She hasn't spoken to me since last night, but I'm in love with her, Tamsin. What do I do?" Bo's voice cracks, on the verge of tears.
"Is she worth it, Bo?" The blonde knew the minute she saw the pair the other day that it was a match, but relationships can be hard. Even the most perfect couplings don't always work out. It takes more than love. She knows that first hand and this being Bo's first real relationship makes it all the more difficult.
The brunette doesn't hesitate. She clears her throat and says with absolute certainty in her voice, "More than worth it. I can't go back to how I was after the way she makes me feel when I am with her. She woke something up inside me and I knew it the instant I saw her."
Knowing what the answer would be before she even asked, Tamsin finishes off her drink and looks Bo in the eye. "Then you go get her. You fight for her. You use your skills of persuasion to show her why you make sense."
XXX
Her talk with Tamsin still fresh in her mind, Bo couldn't wait for her work day to end. It was longer than usual as everyone wanted to chat her up and Hale insisted on dinner.
Her boss was sympathetic to her plight. Sensing her discomfort all day, he found the courage to ask her when they were alone at dinner. After hearing the story he frowned and offered her support. He has been a great friend and she really does appreciate all he has done for her, but tonight she just needs to get to Lauren.
Finally free, she mindlessly walks to the train station, not even stopping home to change. "Yes, Lauren is more than worth it" keeps echoing in her head. She is determined to see the blonde and make her understand how much she wants and needs her in her life. No more dodging calls. She was going to see her face to beautiful face and lay it out on the table.
Catching the next train to New Haven, it isn't long before the brunette is standing outside Laurens apartment at midnight. A little nervous about showing up so late, now is not the time to wimp out, so she steels her resolve and knocks on the door.
Hearing the knock, Lauren puts on her robe, cursing under her breath that someone would be at their door so late. When she looks through the peep hole, her breath catches and she can't help the smile on her face. The beautiful brunette is on the other side and she looks about as nervous as Lauren feels. Lauren's feelings are mixed, anxious about the talk they need to have, but excited that Bo has come for her. Despite the messages, she really wasn't sure that Bo wanted to still be with her after her behavior. The blonde fixes her hair and takes a deep breath to try and remain calm before opening the door.
When she hears the latches being undone, Bo runs her hands down her sides and shakes out her arms hoping not to appear as frazzled a she feels inside.
"Bo? It's late. What are you doing here?"
"I couldn't go another night with things the way they are. I miss you, Lauren. I know I fucked up but I want to make it right. Can we please talk?"