Chapter 8
"Tootie over here!"
Natalie was parked on the street across from the Grammerson Playhouse Theater. It was pouring down rain and that made it hard for Tootie to make out the small car. She spotted it, then dashed her way across the street.
She stopped, umbrella in hand, looking down at the small river running between her and the door. She bent over and tapped on the car window. "Natalie, pull up or I'm going to drown trying to get in!" she yelled, trying to balance on the curb.
Natalie nodded, then moved the car up a few feet, clearing the small stream.
Tootie quickly got in, her umbrella hitting the roof of the car. She was struggling to get it closed.
"Tootie!"
"It won't go down!" She pulled several times before the apparatus gave way. Finally. She closed the door then turned to her friend. "What took you so long?"
"I had to do some groveling," Natalie pulled into traffic. Her windshield wipers were on high and batting back and forth.
Tootie gave her a disbelieving stare: "You? Grovel?"
Natalie nodded, trying to concentrate on staying in the right lane. It was a hard rain and everything was a blur.
"What happened?"
She gave her a side smirk. "I may or may not be doing a piece on someone we both know very well." There, that should spark her.
"Who?"
"Guess."
"I hate it when you make me guess," Tootie whined.
Natalie spared her confounded friend a look. "C'mon."
Tootie sat back, adjusting her chair. "I don't know... Blair?"
"Nope!" Natalie produced a smug smile.
"Wait," Natalie slid Tootie an annoyed side eye. "You're no fun, Tootie, you know that?"
Ha! "You don't give me enough credit, Nat." Tootie rested her head on the headrest; smiling internally.
"I don't give you enough credit?" Natalie stopped at a red light.
Eyes closed, nodding, Tootie wore a self-satisfied grin.
"Okay, it was a great idea to do a story on Blair," Natalie gripped the wheel with a begrudged half sulk.
Tootie cracked an eye open. "So, Harris gave you the green light?"
"Only if my rough draft is convincing enough," she turned the corner then pulled up to the curb of their apartment. The rain had slowed to a sprinkle.
Tootie opened the door, then got out. She noticed Natalie was still sitting in the car with the motor running. She stuck her head back in. "Why aren't you getting out?"
"I have another meeting… with Harris. He wants to give some pointers."
Tootie accepted that. "Oh, okay. What do you want for dinner?"
Natalie waved a hand. "Just pick anything, Toot."
Tootie struggled to keep a completely shocked look from gracing her facial features. "What about your diet? I was thinking about ordering pizza."
"Screw the diet. Get it with everything on it." And with that, Natalie reached across the seat and closed the door, leaving a very confused New York City actress to gather her wits on the busy sidewalk ...drizzle and all.
She stared at the tiny car as it moved back into traffic. What is becoming of this world?
The marble floors were cold, echoing the somber footsteps as they made their way down the seemingly long hall. A sigh was exhaled. There was a tap or two on the door.
"Come in."
David Warner straightened as he eyed his visitor. He took in the smug appearance. We'll just see how long that lasts.
He was romancing a scotch on the rocks as he sat perched on the edge of his desk. The sleeves of his white dress shirt were rolled up. His necktie had been thrown on the couch.
"Have a seat, Robert."
His nephew did as he was told.
David made his way over to the drink cart in his study. He pointed to the crystal container full of scotch. "Drink?"
Robert shook his head. "Trying to cut back."
"It's after hours," David pointed out. He pulled the cork out and held it.
That was quietly met with a vacant look.
"Suit yourself," he pushed the cork back in as he returned to his perch on the edge of the desk; grabbing his scotch. "How long are you in town?"
"Couple of days. I'll be seeing Blair in the morning," he waited a beat. "I barely got back to Tokyo, then you send for me again," Robert fluffed his tie. "Are there any new developments?"
David eyed him, letting him finish. "Let's cut the niceties."
Robert screwed his lips up at that. "As you wish," he acquiesced.
David slid off the desk, setting his glass down. "Don't play games with me, son," his voice held a low register.
Robert scoffed. "I don't know what you mean." He glanced around the office for effect.
"Why the hell did you tell Blair about the warehouses?!" David's nostrils flared.
Robert tried his best not to flinch. He covered by looking his uncle square in the eye. "She would've found out sooner or later. I was just doing my duty by letting her know." He took a half step back. "After all, it's my division," he puffed out his chest a little.
"You jackass! You don't see what you've done do you?" David kept his eyes locked on Robert's... almost daring him to look away.
"I'm sure you're going to tell me." Robert crossed his arms over his chest.
"Blair's smart, she's not going to let it go that two of our most productive warehouses have been destroyed!"
Robert allowed that to sink in for a bit. "Well, no I guess that does indeed come with being president, doesn't it, uncle." He gave him a mocking smile.
David gave him a disgusted look as he turned and grabbed his glass, taking a long drink.
Robert continued to chide him. "I mean, she just needs to know what we tell her correct?"
David wiped at his mouth. "Wrong! She has a direct line to Matasuki now!"
Robert's face dropped. "What? Why would you do that?!" It was his turn to feel confounded.
"My hand was forced. If I didn't offer a solution she would've started digging… and we can't have that." David's expression was part angry part adamant.
Shit! "She doesn't know about the money, does she?"
David shook his head. "She'll never know about that… as long as you keep your damn mouth shut!" His temper was rising and a bit of spittle shot out of his mouth.
Robert pursed his lips. "I did what I was supposed to do. You said to hide it and I did."
"You can't hide that much money, son," David eyed him.
"It's in the offshore account like you said. It's holding." Robert felt the need to appease the man now.
David pointed a finger at him. "It's going to stay there until this whole thing blows over."
"And then what?" Robert took an almost relived breath.
A shrug. "I don't know. It'll have to be moved." Concern etched David's face.
"I could hide it," Robert offered with conviction.
David sneered at him. "Don't even think about it."
"You don't trust me." It wasn't a question.
David barked out a bitter chuckle. He finished off the last of his scotch, aware of Robert watching him with disdain.
"I'm not my father!"
David flicked a hard gaze over his nephew. "No, you're not," came the flat reply.
Robert ignored the direct insult. "You've never given me a chance."
"Son, I've given you a top level position. What more could you want?" David sighed.
Robert glared at his uncle. "You mean you've banished me," he snapped. "Sure it's great to be an executive, but you send me off to Tokyo, away from the family, my father!" Robert's face was red, his tone dripping with resentment.
"Our meeting is over, you know what you have to do," David turned his back.
Robert shook his head defiantly. "No! Not this time! You don't get to dismiss me!" a balled fist beat the side of his leg.
David turned back around. "Robert." Let's not do this, son.
"I'm not an irresponsible man like my father was!" His eyes bored into David's.
"I never said you were." David knew that to some degree. He leveled a stern look at his nephew.
"Oh, but I beg to differ. I got the message loud and clear, dear uncle!"
And there it is. It was deliberate and David didn't appreciate it... but he expected it.
He kept his face expressionless. "You will never get over the fact that Blair is the president of this company now."
Robert sniffed with contempt. "She doesn't deserve it." His disdain for Blair was all too apparent.
Idiot. David felt incensed. "And you do?" You think I'd trust you at the helm?
"I've worked twice as hard as she has!" Robert seethed.
David rounded on him. "Doing what? Back room deals? Cover ups? Bribery?!"
Robert was silent. The muscles in his jaw were twitching.
David got in his face. "You think I didn't know?" He shook his head giving his nephew a rueful, knowing grin.
"I brought the company a lot of money and you know it!" Robert wouldn't give him the satisfaction of backing down.
"THIS company has a reputation of being honest and transparent!" David punched the words out.
Robert hiked a brow. "Really?! You honestly believe that?" His face curled into a knowing sneer. "Your own father was the biggest crook out of..."
He didn't see it coming. The young executive had doubled over after a swiftly moving fist connected with his stomach. It was just enough to knock the wind out of him and shut him up. David watched as he coughed a few times. He took in a deep breath.
"You keep your damn mouth shut or you're out of the company. How's that for honesty?"
"Hey, any idea what this is about?" Jo stepped into the briefing room, closing the door behind her.
"Probably a routine briefing," Agent Summers responded. The blonde haired woman was notoriously always prepared - note pad and pen at the ready.
"He made it sound urgent," Agent Mendoza supplied. He was perched by the window.
"Then I have no idea," Summers sat back and took in Jo's appearance. "It still raining outside?"
Jo tried to fluff wet hair. She had almost, almost gotten her helmet on before the sky opened up and dumped about fifty buckets of rain on her. "Stopped about ten minutes ago," came the brusque reply.
The door abruptly opened and Eric quickly made his way over to the table, taking a seat. "Glad everyone's here. Let's start."
He opened a folder. "First things first. Summers, any leads on the warehouses?"
A head shake. "No leads."
Eric checked off a mark. "Mendoza?"
"Same. No leads." He came over to the table and took a seat.
"Polniaczek?"
"Nothing new."
Eric nodded, then put his elbows on the table. "Alright. As we all know, Blair Warner was told about the warehouses and is getting daily briefings from the Tokyo investigation team." He looked at his paper. "Matasuki is the lead guy over there."
Jo interrupted. "She's been extremely private about that. I haven't heard anything concerning the warehouses from her."
Eric considered that. "Probably because they still have nothing to go on." He held up a sheet of paper. "I have the latest report from forensics - no leads. Nothing." He passed it around.
"So what now?" Summers asked, examining the report.
Eric knitted his fingers together. "There is a new development... and it's not good." He waited for all eyes to be on him.
All three looked over at the head agent. "You remember the one hundred eighty million in that off shore account Warner told us about?"
"Yeah," Mendoza cocked his head to the side. "It's still there or are you going to tell us it's gone."
Eric picked up his pen and pointed it at him. "Very good agent," he paused, knowing they were waiting for him to confirm. "Gone. As of about an hour ago," he finished.
Crap. Jo grimaced at that. "Any trace?"
"No traceable evidence so far," Eric supplied.
"Hacked?" the blonde haired agent asked.
Eric leaned back in his chair. "Analytics hasn't confirmed anything yet."
Jo thought about that. "So we don't know if it was an inside job."
Eric was careful with his words. "David Warner was cleared. We'll be getting an in-depth report on Robert Warner shortly... they are the only two people authorized for that account."
"So we need to keep focus on only transactions as we have been?" Mendoza asked.
Eric nodded. "Yes."
Mendoza and Summers had been briefed earlier about Jo's findings concerning Russell Warner's computer; nothing was verified yet as they were all waiting on the final report from analytics.
"...but keep a good trace on the financials of your departments. As soon as you see an influx, get it to analytics," he said.
"You don't think someone would be stupid enough to try and hide that much money at Warner do you?" Jo had to ask.
"Stranger things have happened," Agent Summers supplied.
Jo took a quick look at the forensics report then handed it to Mendoza. "How the hell does that much money just disappear?"
"Better question is who took it," Eric said. He looked around the table at each agent. Their faces etched in a combination of confusion and mild surprise.
Eric tapped the table with his pen for a moment, then gathered his papers, placing them in a folder. "Find out." He scooted back in his chair and stood up. "Okay, meeting adjourned."
He watched as the agents headed for the door, muttering and shaking their heads along the way. "Polniaczek, hold up for a second."
Jo turned. "Yeah?"
Eric waved her back into the room. He watched her walk over with a guarded look on her face. She stopped in front of him. "What is it?"
"I have a plan for Palmero."
That got Jo's interest. "How so?" She put a hand on her hip.
"I'm putting a human trace on her," Eric said in a matter of fact tone.
Jo dipped her head as if to hear correctly. "You're going to have her followed?"
"Not followed... reported on," Eric clarified.
The door cracked open and there was a tap as it grew wider.
"Hi, am I early?"
"Hey, Nat, what are you…" Jo held a startled expression as she watched her friend enter the room as if she worked there. Then it dawned on her as she looked at Eric, frowning. "Wait a minute."
Eric pretended not to hear his lead agent, and pulled out a seat for Natalie. "Have a seat, Ms. Green."
Natalie sat down, setting a pad and pen on the table. She addressed Eric. "I was really surprised when you called me. Normally, I would've had you come to my office, which is really just a small cubicle with no walls, but well, being all secret service and all."
Natalie was downright giddy and Jo had to wonder just when the two of them had become so chummy between yesterday and today. Huh. She flicked her gaze between them.
A grin. "That's very thoughtful of you, Ms. Green. Actually, I have an assignment for you," Eric got straight to the point.
"Really? An assignment?" Natalie practically had sparkles in her eyes at the offer.
"Eric, I don't know about this," Jo was hesitant.
He gave Jo a reassuring look. "Relax. Ms. Green here has been cleared to do an exposé of Blair Warner."
She faced Natalie. "Really? You got it?"
"So far Harris is letting me rough it out, but yeah," Natalie smiled.
"Nat that's great." Jo was genuinely happy for her friend.
"I'm glad you agree Jo." Eric said. He wanted to get to the point. "Part of her assignment is getting to know all of Blair's friends and family."
"And I have a head start because I've known all of them for years." It was a naive proclamation, and Natalie knew it, but she did indeed have at least a running start.
Eric took a seat at his desk. "Well it seems Jo has discovered that Blair has a new friend."
Natalie's eyebrow rose. "New friend?" she turned and faced Jo. "Who?"
"Her name is Amanda Palmero," Jo stated.
"Is that with an I or an E?" Natalie grabbed her pad and pen.
"An E," Jo answered. Well done, Nat.
"I need you to find out as much as you can about her. Not just what Blair tells you. I need you to get a gauge on her personality," Eric made it clear.
His face became very serious. "We can bring up her public records, here: her misdemeanors and all that, with a few clicks. But, what we can't do easily, is find out her intentions. Whatever they may be."
Natalie finished scribbling, following his requests. "Got it. I can do that. You want me to follow her, too?"
"Nat, I think that might be a bit dangerous," Jo put a hand on her shoulder.
Eric nodded in agreement. "If you happen to find yourself in the same place as Ms. Palmero, you may want to keep an eye on her, but not actually follow her around," he stressed. "That would be invasion of privacy."
"And you're not a licensed professional, Nat. We don't want you taking risks." Jo was always a bit skeptical whenever the use of civilian informants was necessary on a case. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever think one of her closest friends would be put in that position.
Natalie playfully scoffed at the dark haired agent. "I'll have you know that I've taken classes in spying." She sat up straight. "As a reporter we have to sometimes go through harsh times. You know... in order to get the story straight."
Jo bit the inside of her lip, tempering a smile that threatened to break out on her face. It was cute. "Yeah but, Nat, we don't want you to risk your life or anything."
"Look, she would never suspect me. If anything I'll make friends with her, since we both know Blair. After that, we'll hit it off and she'll sing," she shrugged.
Both agents took that into consideration. Natalie was a smart woman. Even though she was new to the company she worked for, she wasn't exactly a novice when it came to digging up evidence.
"By the way Jo, why didn't we know about this woman?"
It was a fair question. One Jo couldn't answer because she was just as surprised as Natalie.
"Evidently, she and Blair met at a gallery party recently," she said. And that was all they had on the woman.
Natalie wrote that down. "Oh. Well, you know Blair. She loves her art galleries. I'm sure she has plenty of friends from those kinds of things." She thought for a second. "What makes this one so special?"
"She was able to clear security at Warner without batting an eyelash," Jo deadpanned. It was irritating to say the least.
"Oh wow," Natalie rubbed her chin, thinking. "Who is she to Blair again?"
"Friend, art connection? Who knows?" Jo exhaled. "We just need something solid so we can add her to the file."
Natalie sat in silence mulling over the new information. She looked down at her notes. Palmero. "Give me few days."
It was almost nine in the evening before Blair was able to untangle herself from the confines of the 39th floor. Duty had called in the most protracted of ways - involving two impromptu meetings back to back, and a two hour long presentation by the advertising department vice president.
She had texted Jo and told her so. The brunette, herself, had been quite busy, as well. She gave Blair the address of the restaurant and informed her she'd arranged a table for two reserved under 'Polniaczeck.'
"On the left... there Hamilton." Blair pointed out the small restaurant in the midtown part of Manhattan. She tapped off the GPS on her phone.
She seldom visited this part of town, although it wasn't far from the Upper East Side at all. She just had no reason to. It was middle, working class - the businesses and apartments reflected that in their architecture. Charming.
Blair applied a dab of lipstick and fluffed her hair out of sheer habit. She took a small hand purse from her briefcase and checked her teeth in the compact mirror. She blinked at her reflection... this wasn't a date or anything. Breathing in, she gently smiled to herself. Business is business.
The door opened and Hamilton helped her out of the car. "Well," she stared at the front of the eatery, pulling her suit jacket straight, "how nice."
She noticed a few pedestrians walking and jogging by - their glances a little more than casual curiosity.
"Should I wait, Ms. Warner?" her driver looked at her in question.
Blair shook her head. "No. I'll text you when I'm ready," she gave him a warm smile.
Hamilton tipped his hat and watched as Blair made her way over to the restaurant and through the front door. He'd circle the block a few times; park close by.
The restaurant was indeed quite quaint, Blair decided. It boasted an American theme of sorts. The lighting was dim as she carefully stepped up to the hostess station.
"May I help you?" a perky young woman addressed her.
Blair smiled back at her. "Polniaczek, table for two," she said. She felt a giggle threaten to escape her throat at the sound of that. It felt interesting to fire that right off her lips, she mused.
The hostess looked on her reservation chart and found the name. "Ah, yes right this way." She grabbed a menu.
Blair followed, looking around the dining room. She cracked a smile as she found green eyes locked on her. Jo smiled back, her gaze wandering over Blair's form before she dropped it; going back to being engrossed in her menu.
They arrived at the table. "Here's your table." The hostess handed Blair her menu.
"Thank you." Blair remained standing until she realized that neither the young woman nor Jo attempted to pull out her chair for her. Right. Wrong place. Biting her lip, she slightly closed her eyes, rolling them, a little embarrassed as she quickly sat.
Jo looked up. "Oh, hi."
Blair opened her menu. "Have you been waiting long?"
"No, not long," Jo went back to examining her options.
Blair slowly nodded. Noticing a glass of ice water had already been delivered. She took a sip. "Sooo…" Glancing around she noticed several large flat screen TV's on the surrounding walls.
"This is very nice."
Jo looked up, an irritated look on her face. "You say that like you expected something different."
God, here we go. A sigh. "Jo."
"What?" A brown brow rose.
"I was merely making an observation," Blair's fingers were soothingly stroking the side of her glass. My God, Jo could be the most uptight woman ever!
"Well, then I agree with you. It's a nice restaurant," she added, then promptly went back to examining her menu.
"I'm glad we could form a consensus," Blair spoke to the back of the bill of fare. She briefly entertained the urge to snatch it out of Jo's hands.
Picking up her own list of entrées, she scanned the first page. "So, what's good here?"
Jo's head snapped back up. "Just pick something Blair. I haven't tried the whole menu."
"Fine. What would you recommend that you have tried?" It was a fair question, considering Jo picked the place. One would only assume she'd know the menu somewhat.
Jo sighed as she smirked at Blair. "I've only been here a couple of times, but the shrimp is pretty good."
Great. "Okay, sounds good,"Blair gave Jo a tight smile as their waitress arrived.
"Ready to order ladies?" the woman threw a couple of straws on the table and refilled their water glasses.
Blair looked at Jo, who motioned for her to go first. "Yes, I'll have the shrimp scampi, potato au gratin, steamed asparagus and a hot tea please."
"Okay, gotcha," she finished scribbling it down, before turning to Jo. "And you ma'am?"
"Number five, medium rare, baked potato, another ginger ale and side salad. French dressing. Thanks."
"Alright. Thank you. Be out in a jiff," the waitress took their menus and left.
"You got steak," Blair practically accused.
Jo sat back, popping a straw in her water glass, then taking a sip. She swallowed. "I wanted to try something different, sue me," she shrugged.
Not caring to argue further, Blair shook her head. "How's the capstone coming?" Fair question. Since this was to be a business dinner. She waited as Jo visibly searched for an answer.
"Mm, it's coming," was all she offered.
There was a little silence before Blair straightened in her chair. "Didn't you have some questions you wanted to ask me?"
Jo nodded. "I do."
Waiting... brown eyes stared, then blinked, watching with annoyance as Jo glanced casually around the restaurant. This is ridiculous. "Are you going to make me pull every word out of your mouth tonight?"
Jo looked at her puzzled. "What are you talking about, Blair?"
"Finally, more than two words," Blair gave her a sour expression.
Jo sat forward, she was quite frankly, feeling tired. With the new information about the missing funds - she knew things were about to get even more trying. She noticed the almost resigned look on Blair's face. To be fair, It's probably been a long day for her too.
"I'm sorry. It's just been a long day," Jo explained.
"No," Blair waved a hand. "It's... I've been in meetings all day and..." she paused, noticing she had Jo's full attention. "I just didn't expect to be sitting in a restaurant at almost ten in the evening," she smiled as she tucked a small lock of hair behind her ear.
Oh. Jo had to agree with her. "It is a little late. We can always get everything to go," she offered.
"Yes, well..." Blair sipped her water. "Actually, this is fine, Jo," she looked around the room for a second. "I'm enjoying the change of scenery," she decided. It's actually quite refreshing.
Jo accepted that. She thought for a moment. May as well get some work done. Make nice as Eric had continually reminded her. "How are you adjusting to being president?"
Blair slowly put down her glass, not quite sure what Jo was asking. "Is this question part of the capstone project or..." She asked skeptically.
Jo smiled. "No, no, off the record. I'm just asking for me," she made a cross your heart gesture. "Promise," she flashed a toothy grin.
Blair hummed, then thought about that. "I'm managing...well, no. Honestly? I hate it so far."
"Really. Why?" Jo frowned; a bit surprised. She didn't expect that.
Blair took in a breath. Where to begin? "Well, for starters, we have a major problem that has no way of being resolved at the moment so it's..."
"Frustrating," Jo finished for her. She saw Blair nod in agreement.
"And I'm constantly being judged. If it's not because I'm the owner's daughter it's because they think I'm not qualified." She thought about how Robert constantly undermined her. "It's like I have to fight to stay in my position now," she finished bitterly.
"How so?" Jo had to ask.
She had read Blair's file. She knew about most of the things Blair had neglected to mention to her... like the divorce from Cliff. Although the fact they had decided to get married in the first place threw her for a loop. She thought Blair was over him.
"Jealousy." Blair answered plain and simple. "My cousin Robert, he's the vice president of global operations; believes he deserves my position."
Jo let out a laugh. "What, he thinks he can do it better than you?" Jo knew she was purposefully digging now. She was quite intrigued however, at what Blair would say. She knew all about Robert and his propensity to handle business a little off the rails rather than by the book.
"He just wouldn't be a good fit," was all Blair offered. She didn't want to get into that side of the business tonight. She looked up and was surprised to see Jo actively listening to her. Huh, that's rare, but... it felt good. She tilted her head as she felt a wave of... something go right through her.
She put her straw into her ice water and stirred it for a moment before looking back up at her dinner companion. She lightly bit her lip. Jo's eyes are so green, so...
"Here you are ladies," their waitress said as she sat their dishes and Blair's hot cup of tea, down on the table. "Is there anything else I can get you?"
"No, we're fine," Jo answered for the both of them. She looked to Blair for confirmation.
Blair smiled at the woman. "Thank you."
They both started digging into their meals. Jo sliced then speared a piece of steak; chewing as she addressed Blair. "So you were saying, your cousin Robert is making things difficult for you?"
"Mm hmm," Blair wiped her mouth with a napkin, nodding. "He's cut from the same cloth as my late uncle, unfortunately," she said with reproach.
She had always looked up to her uncle Russell. When she was a little girl, she had loved it when her dad and uncle would take her and Robert deep-sea fishing with them. Russell had taught her how to cast her bait; and she and Robert would often get into fishing contests: who could catch the most! She would usually just edge him out. Her mother hated it when she'd come home smelling like fish, and quite frankly, so did she! But it was worth it to spend time with her father and uncle.
Jo's fork paused over her meal. "How's he pressuring you?"
"Oh, well," Blair thought of the best way to state it. Jo seemed to be making small talk, a rarity when it came to the two of them. "It's just that we have a situation that needs immediate attention and he's putting pressure on me to resolve it quickly."
"Why's that?" Jo ate a fork full of mashed potatoes.
"It has to do with his division. Something about keeping his manufacturing team happy. I can understand that," Blair went back to eating. She wondered if she'd said too much. Some things need to be kept in the family.
Jo watched, as her blonde companion didn't bother looking up. She sensed she wanted to stop there and didn't press the issue, for now; but she'd file away that bit of information, none-the-less. Got it.
"You know, Blair, for what it's worth, I know you have what it takes to resolve the situation," she paused. "Whatever it is you're facing." She noticed Blair swallow then take a sip of water, not once taking her eyes off of her. Jo added a reassuring smile.
"Thank you." Oh that felt so not Jo-like. Blair sat her fork down, crossing her arms over her chest and giving the unreadable brunette a questioning look. "What are you up to, Polniaczek?"
The playful tone made Jo smile. She speared another cut of meat. "Whatever do you mean?" she chewed.
Mmm... not sure. Blair leaned forward. "You are being nice to me," brown eyes glinted.
Jo made an amused face. "Really, was I?"
"Yes," A nod with a bright smile, "I'd say you were being uncharacteristically nice," Blair joshed her table mate.
Jo lifted her chin playfully. "Hmm, and it never occurred to you I was just being nice because it would benefit the project?"
"Benefit how?" Blair observed the woman across from her; lifting a interested brow as she tilted her head.
Jo dabbed her mouth, clearing her throat. "Well, if you resolve the issues you have, that will give you more time to concentrate on helping me with the capstone project."
Blair gave her a knowing look. "Is that so?"
Jo nodded, taking a sip of ginger ale. "Yes."
Interesting. "So, is this a diplomatic way of saying you want my undivided attention?" Blair gave Jo a teasing, rakish smile. Brown eyes captured green, and Blair could almost see the brunette regret her words. Oh Wow, is that a blush I see?
Jo shrugged slightly. "No I just..." she thought for a moment. The sultry look she was getting from Blair doing nothing to help her stay focused. "...want the contract we have to stay on track."
Blair nodded, then chuckled. She couldn't dispute that. "Well, I guess I can't disagree with you," she stated, her eyes twinkled a bit.
"No you can't." Jo's eyes lingered before she dipped her head, smiling to herself.
Blair got comfortable in her seat. She fought a smile that eventually found its way to the surface. She regarded her friend. Maybe the California sunshine had indeed melted some of that tough Bronx exterior. She looked around the restaurant; it was still fairly occupied for how late in the evening it was. There were different baseball games on multiple televisions; the other patrons engaging in light table banter.
It was just for a fleeting moment that she found herself feeling out of sorts... No. That wasn't quite it. In fact, she felt... happy.
Her eyes passed over Jo's form. She had obviously exchanged her working attire for her regular bike wearing gear: complete with jeans and a button down dress shirt... casual. She had come straight from the office.
Blair smiled warmly. "I'm glad you're back in town Jo."
Jo glanced at Blair, abandoning her meal for a second. "What made you say that?" She was genuinely surprised by the comment.
"What? I can't say something nice back to you?" Blair grinned as she bit into a piece of asparagus, munching on it.
Jo thought about that for a moment. "No," she amended herself. "I mean..." she paused again, trying to not let disappointment enter her voice. "It's just... I hadn't really heard from you in a while."
Jo was anxious to see how Blair would defend herself. She felt the months of silence, of ignoring her, was coming from her side, and she wanted, or more needed, to hear the 'why's' of it all.
Blair flicked hair out of her eyes, feeling she had somehow prompted Jo's reserved tone. She's serious. "Does that bother you?"
"No. I just assumed you were busy with work," Jo put on a forced grin. "I wasn't wrong. I mean, here you sit: President of Warner" she made a gesture toward Blair.
"Yes, well, a lot had happened," Blair sat back in her chair and picked at the tablecloth. She noticed Jo watching her, waiting for her to continue.
No time like the present. "Cliff and I are divorced. It was finalized yesterday. I'm telling you now because I didn't want you to read about it elsewhere. I was going to text Tootie and Natalie."
Jo realized her mouth was slightly open and closed it. She didn't expect that. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Blair pursed her lips. She was glad to actually tell someone... a friend.
Jo cleared her voice. "Well, it's his loss."
"He didn't do anything. I wanted out." Blair took a quick sip of tea, then set it back down on its saucer.
Brown brows lifted. Oh. Jo remained silent, mulling over the new information.
"What about you?" Blair's question startled her.
"What... me?" Jo thought for a second. A lot had indeed happened in the month's they were, for lack of a better explanation, otherwise occupied. "Other than my coming out and moving back to New York? Nothing really profound."
She noticed Blair nod then look down at her tea. She fingered the small handle of the cup, starring at it.
"Are you... okay with that?" Jo's voice carried a bit of concern.
Blair took another sip of tea. "With what?" she said stoically; keeping her eyes from meeting Jo's.
An internal sigh. "My sexuality. It doesn't make you feel uncomfortable does it?" Jo watched the blonde in earnest. She remembered Natalie's words and was still feeling inadequate. Still quite effected. She's mad at me for that.
Blair pushed around the remains of her shrimp scampi. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" She looked up, her expression one of frustration... and a little hurt.
Jo went still. She acknowledged Blair's question, and took a few moments to think of the right words to say. She shook her head helplessly. "Look, Blair, I..."
"You could've told me Jo. Trusted me." Blair's voice held a note of passion, and Jo felt powerless to fight the unfamiliar feeling of defenselessness.
"I..." she stopped herself... wanted to.
"I thought we were friends," Blair stated. Her throat felt tight, and she cleared it.
Jo found no solace in that. Guilt maybe? She couldn't decide, her mouth opening and closing; she had no words to offer. She just sat there, staring at the candle on the table between them.
"We... are," she finally got out. She inwardly groaned at the circumstance she was in. "You're right," Jo conceded. She looked up. "I should've trusted you."
Green eyes tried to read the myriad of expressions that seemed to be suddenly running through the blonde executive, whose face twitched with barely concealed emotion.
Blair seemed to accept that. Accept Jo's apology, for what it was at least. She regained her composure. "I don't know why you needed to keep it a secret for so long."
She punctuated her words with a firm tone resonating to the point that Jo could hear the inadequateness. Yet, it came off as somewhat condescending and Jo suddenly found herself feeling defensive.
She pursed her lips. "You know, you accuse me of keeping secrets but I didn't know you'd married Cliff until Tootie told me."
Blair jerked back slightly, not expecting the sharp change of subject. She closed her eyes, briefly, then sighed. "It was just a small family ceremony. We wanted something quick," she stated.
Jo wasn't letting her off the hook that easy. "You told everyone but me!" she gave her a dour look.
Blair sat unmoving, thinking as she drew in a breath. She allowed herself to finally look at her incensed friend. "You were busy in California with your new job and brand new girlfriend."
Jo squinted at Blair. "Really... a quick text: Oh hi, Jo, how's everything? Oh, by the way - I'm marrying Cliff, the man I fell out of love with years ago - out of the blue!"
There was quiet for a bit, and Blair could feel her heart beating rapidly. "Is that what you think?"
Jo was breathing heavily. "What else am I supposed to think, Blair?"
"I didn't want to bother you. You had a new life and I figured you and Mary would be happy together and, and I didn't want you to feel obligated," Blair sat back. She could hear the change in her own tone.
Jesus. "It's Terry, Blair!" Jo corrected loudly.
"Whatever!" Blair crossed her arms before grabbing the last of her tea, downing it.
Jo observed her as a brow went up. "What do you have against her?" she asked pointedly.
Blair hesitated, then shrugged. "Nothing. I think she's a perfectly delightful person," she sat her cup down, picking up another paper napkin. "She's perfect for you. I'm sure the two of you will be very happy together," she wiped her mouth stuffing the napkin in her empty teacup.
"We're not together anymore."
There was an eerie silence for a bit; then brown eyes locked onto weary green. Jo could feel the gaze, immense and with question. She blinked, turning away; feeling a surge of vulnerability. She shooed it away. Dropping her head a bit. "It just... wasn't working."
A slight intake of breath. "I'm sorry..." came the quiet reply.
"I broke it off," Jo barely got the words out. She shook the ice in her glass, not meeting Blair's eyes.
Oh, Jo...
"I understand." It was stated tenderly, almost soothingly.
The candle on their table flickered as the air stirred. It whipped the licking flame to beat rhythmically: casting a moving shadow on their solemn features. They sat in silence. A mutually agreeable silence, as they finished their meals, occasionally stealing a quiet glance at each other.
The flickering shadows were both consoling and telling. The visage of the two companions was one of quiet compatibility.
"Um, do you want dessert or anything else?" Jo asked.
"No, I'm fine, thank you," Blair answered politely. She took her phone out of her purse, checking it. She had put it on silent for the evening. That did nothing to stop the numerous emails and text messages that had ganged up on her. It was expected, now that she was president. Her time wasn't really her own anymore. They'll have to keep until morning.
"It's getting late," Blair announced.
A nod. "I'll get the check," Jo reached for the bill that had been left on the table by their waitress.
"We can go half if you want," Blair immediately realized her blunder. She bit the inside of her lip, wincing a bit. Proud Jo.
"Relax, Blair. I invited you. I'll take care of it." Jo placed her credit card in the check holder.
Of course. "Thank you," Blair said.
Jo lifted a brow. "No problem."
They made their way through the dining room; Blair had texted Hamilton to bring the car around and it was waiting for her once they'd stepped out of the restaurant.
Some things never change; Jo shook her head slightly at the spectacle as Blair's driver dutifully held the door open for her. She turned to the blonde. "I'm parked over there." She pointed to her bike taking up a spot in the small restaurant parking lot.
Blair let an appreciative eye rake over Jo's bike. It was quite a step up from her old one. She turned and faced the brunette, giving her a genuine smile. "Thank you for dinner. I mean that." She placed a soft hand on Jo's shirtsleeve, her fingertips moving lightly on the material before dropping to her side.
"You're welcome," Jo nodded, having noticed the warmth of the fingertips even through the fabric of her shirt. Letting a grin creep up on one side of her mouth, she sighed. What a day...
What a night. They had gotten over some hurdles. Cleared some air. Yeah. The tension between them was... Jo looked down at her biker booted feet; then back up at Blair, who had been watching her: still there, a little, perhaps. Maybe replaced with something... different.
Jo swallowed, then shook her head. It was late; they were both tired. She stuffed her hands in her pockets as she regarded her friend. "I'll see you in the morning."
Blair nodded. Okay.
"Bye Jo." Smiling, she turned and moved towards her car.
Jo went across the parking lot towards her bike, retrieving her helmet from one of the cargo compartments.
Blair nodded to Hamilton once inside the car. She leaned her head back on the seat as the car was slowly turned around. She spotted Jo. She was perched atop her red Harley waiting for the limousine to go past. Blair sighed, watching as Jo revved the motor. That made her smile. She blinked, then watched as the bike went out of view as Hamilton steered the large vehicle forward.
Jo gazed at the long black car as it turned and made its way back down the main street. She paused at the corner, then turned, going the opposite direction. The wind picked up and whipped at her as she gained speed: the lights of the streets flickering by.
Dinner had gone pretty well, she mused. She felt she made a few strides toward gaining some insight into the case. She went in knowing Blair wouldn't offer up too much regarding that.
Blair. She had made her long time friend and dinner companion laugh which, she admitted, she liked the sound of. And that little crinkle of her nose whenever she was genuinely tickled by something? It's cute... makes her look even more attractive, if that's possible. Jo felt a warm tingle in her gut at the thought. She sighed, smiling under her helmet; her foot slipped on the gear, causing her to accelerate and swerve a bit. She righted the motorcycle just in time. Sh- keep your head in the game Polniaczek!
Throwing on her right turn signal, she made a turn; switching gears as she leveled the throttle and settled into a steady pace.
Jo reduced her speed as she approached a stoplight; then put a foot on the ground for balance. She drew in a breath and thought about what they'd accomplished tonight. What she'd learned. She would file half of it away for quiet contemplation, in private.
The other half?
Making nice sure felt a lot better than business as usual.