Happy Birthday Elizabeth.
Thirty
The sun poured into Jade's office, painting the carpeted floor and warming her back. She took the paper she'd been reviewing and marked on it, then tossed it into her outbox and flipped the pen she'd used in her hands. "I may be a quarter of the way through this crap." She commented to her fish, who wiggled their fins at her. "Oh.. that's right.. I have to feed you today, huh? Your best buddy's not here."
Her phone buzzed. "Yes?"
"Jade…I have Richard McRae for you on Número dois."
Jade glanced at the phone in surprise. "Really? Okay.. I'll take it." She hesitated before picking up the line, wondering what her family's lawyer wanted. "Richard ?"
"Hello Jade… long time no talk to." The cheerful voice echoed slightly. "Haven't seen you in quite some time… how are you?"
Ten thousand answers to that question.. "Fine, thanks… and you?" Jade replied, recalling a mental image of the forty something lawyer, a former college football tackle who still retained his bulldog physique and almost military crew cut. "Yeah, it's been a while." Her father's funeral, to be exact.
"Oh… doing all right… listen, it's a small thing, but… seems your aunt May had a lock box over at People's First National that nobody knew about."
"Yeah?" Jade leaned back in her chair and nibbled her pen. "And?"
"There's a trunk, and two boxes of stuff in there, and by the terms of her will, it goes to you." Richard advised her. "The bank's closing down, and the called us to tell us, since we were her executors of record."
"Oh." The dark brows knitted. "All right… have it sent down, I guess.. I'll sort through it.. if it's stuff that can be donated somewhere, I'll do that in her name."
"Great… great.. so, how've you been, Jade? I saw your mother last week.. she's doing okay.. her stuff's being shown at a gallery up here in a little bit."
Jade exhaled, feeling the usual stab of pain thoughts of her mother brought. "I'm doing just fine, Rich… glad she is too." She got out civilly. Then an idea struck her. "Listen.. I'm glad you called… I need to ask a question."
"Shoot." The lawyer responded briskly.
"First off.. I um… I need to modify my will." Jade interlaced her fingers and regarded them. "And second.. I need to know what kind of… I'm not sure what you call it, but something that would legally give someone the right to make certain decisions for me.. if I wasn't able to, for instance."
"Uh." Richard stuttered. "Is everything all right Jade? I mean..with you? You're not sick or.. "
The executive chuckled. "No no… I'm fine..never felt better, in fact." How true that was. "Just send me over the draft of the will, and I'll amend it… I need to leave everything to someone other than the Humane Society."
"Oh." He sounded relieved. "Well, sure.. and the other thing.. there's a couple ways you can go with that, depending on how much power you want the person to have." He paused. "How much you want to trust them, that sort of thing."
"All the way." Jade replied softly. "What do you need from me?"
"Just their name." Jason answered. "Jade, are you sure about this?"
A slow smile appeared. "If I've ever been sure of anything in my life, it's this." She confirmed, giving him Tori's name. "Make sure you spell it right."
"Okay.. but, listen, Jade… it's awful sudden of you.. and you've got quite an estate here, are you really sure about this? You're sure it's not someone looking for treasure, or anything like that?"
Jade regarded the mantel for a long moment, considering his words. "I'm sure." She finally said. "She has no idea of the size, or that I'm doing this."
"Okay." Richard surrendered amiably. "Just keeping your best interests in mind, Jade." He cleared his throat. "I'll draw up the papers and send them down to you… end of the week okay?"
"Perfect." Jade smiled. "Thanks, Rich."
"Anytime, Jade… and watch for those cases." The lawyer added. "Knowing May, it could be anything."
Jade acknowledged that, and hung up, feeling a quiet satisfaction. Yeah. It was time. She turned to her computer and called up a session, then entered into the employee files, and called up her own records.
A few keystrokes, and the contact information was changed for emergencies, and then a few more, and her insurance beneficiary was likewise edited. She paused, watching the blinking cursor for a moment, then she hit send.
Update Complete. It said, Jade nodded, and retrieved a cashew from her trail mix, munching it contentedly. Yeah.
"Computers are great things, Chino." Tori mused, as she reviewed her screen. She was curled up in her leather office chair, her robe tucked around her and soft, fluffy pink booties on her feet. "Online banking really does make life a lot easier." She clicked on a screen, then typed in an amount. "Okay. .that's the last of the bills to pay.. I got my car, the credit cards…all set." She made a tick mark on a piece of paper sitting next to her keyboard. "Let's not let mommy Jade see that one, hmm?"
The puppy glanced up at her and licked her chops.
"Yeah.. that's the bill for the ring… and she'd have my head on a platter, I think." Tori laughed gently, picking it up and looking at it. "But it was worth it, and they said you should budget two month's salary for that kinda thing, right?"
"Yawp." Chino yawned.
"Well, it's just our secret." She tucked the bill away. "Okay.. let's see where we are." She reviewed her bank balance, pleased with the result. "Hey.. that's not bad, Chino… " She glanced at her payments. "Okay, I think it's time to reduce one part of this." She picked up the phone and hesitated, then took a deep breath and dialed. She waited through three rings. "Hi, Mr. Mahoney?"
A low, pleasant voice answered her.
"It's Tori Vega… yeah…I know, the lease is up next month. I wont' be renewing it." The words felt so strange, and had taken her so long to decide to say. "No.. no, it's great, I just… well, I'm living with someone.. and I wanted to make sure it worked out… you know."
The landlord was very understanding. "You've been a great tenant, Ms. Vega…anytime you need a referral, you let me know, okay?"
"Thanks." Tori responded. "I'll be by to pick up the few things I've got there… but there's nothing valuable - you can show the apartment if you want to."
"Right you are.. and I know it's in great condition… thanks for letting me know, Ms Vega.. I really appreciate it." He paused. "And best of luck to you.. I hope things go really smooth."
"Me too." Tori responded. "Talk to you later." She hung up, and regarded the phone. "Well, Chino.. that's that." She glanced at the puppy. "I mean.. it's not like I haven't been really living here before, but… " It was a line crossed, and she knew it. "She's stuck with me now."
"Grrrr.. yawp." Chino rolled over, and put her head down, peering up at Tori sleepily.
"Hmm…" Tori turned her attention back to the screen. "Okay.. now let's order some groceries. " She switched over to the internal Island site that allowed her to pick and choose what she wanted from an extensive list, and have it delivered. "Let me check…oooo.. Jade, you little piggy wonk…. I'm gonna hurt you." She shook a finger at the screen, as she clicked into the personal options, and changed the credit card the groceries were billed to back to her own. "Damn it, I can afford this, Jade. .how many times do I have to tell you that?"
Irritated, she clicked over to her email, and whipped off a short, scolding note to her lover, and sent it. "Bad girl."
Chino lifted her head and whined.
"Not you." Tori reassured the puppy. "Now..let 's see… " She selected a variety of fresh produce, and some staples, then drummed her fingers, but went over to the goodies section and clicked on a number of Jade's favorites. "By all rights, I should restrict you to Brussels sprouts for that trick, but… " A mental image of the little puppy dog eyes Jade was capable of when the mood struck her surfaced, and caused a grin to appear on Tori's face. "I can't resist that pout and you know it."
She finished her shopping, which she'd discovered one night while roaming around the Island website, and which Jade had no idea existed. "Not surprising.. " Tori snorted softly "Coming from Ms. I can Live on Frosted Flakes." She reached over and took a sip of her ginger peach tea, breathing in the fragrant steam with a sense of quiet pleasure. The drugs had kicked in again, and she only felt a gentle ache, which was better than the spasms of the morning. Still, she was glad she was curled up here in her robe, with a heating pad nearby if she needed it.
Not that the pad could equal the comfort provided by a living, breathing Jade, but…Tori smiled quietly, recalling her lover's solicitous attentions. She'd cope.
She set about balancing her checkbook, and putting things in order. "Hmm… we've got a little extra here this month, Chino… let's see if we can find a treat or two." She clicked over to an online computer store. "Ooo… digital camera… what do you say, hmm? Does that sound good? Is that a treat?"
The puppy heard the word "treat" and immediately got up and trotted over, standing up on her hind legs and putting her small paws up on Tori's thigh. "Rgrro?"
"Oh.. you want a treat?" Tori laughed, and fished a puppy biscuit from her pocket, giving it to the animal. "Here you go." She watched Chino chew for a minute, then she returned her attention to her browser. "Yeah…that would be cool.. gimme." She glanced down as her mail icon flashed. "Hmm?" She clicked it, and smiled as she saw the sender.
West, Jade - Sent 11:22 AM
All right - consider me chastised. I switched it so I could take care of the boat charges, and forgot to switch it back. We could just get a joint card or something.
Jade
PS.. how are you feeling? I didn't want to call in case I woke you up.
Tori studied the note, feeling a little prickle of recklessness. She hit reply, typed in a few words, and hit send. "Let's see what your answer is to that, Jade Giana." She grinned, then resumed her surfing.
Jade paused outside the conference room, running her fingers through her hair before she put a hand on the latch and pushed it down. She entered the long room and let the door close behind her, aware of the several pairs of eyes that fastened themselves on her. "Good afternoon." She remarked, as she moved around to the head of the table and sat down. The rest of the room contained representatives from two companies they'd just signed alliances with, along with representatives from sales and marketing and one of Rob's people.
"All right…we're here to discuss the potential acquiring BrightStar Media," Jade pulled out a folder, and flipped it open. "Suppose you people fill me in on what progress you've made with their Board of Directors so far?" She flicked a cool glance at the company representatives from that company . "You want to start?"
They glanced at each other, then the older man cleared his throat. "Well, all right… "
It was a long meeting, and Jade was slightly frustrated by the time it ended, sensing a communication problem but unable to pinpoint exactly what it was. She kept trying to get information from the newcomers, but she could tell the older man, at least, was being evasive, and they all seemed to want to keep their strategies close to the chest, and keep her company around just to pump cash into things.
That wasn't going to happen. Jade fiddled with a pen as they filed out, and scowled a little. "Elle… hang on." The marketing representative paused, then walked back across the now empty conference room and stood, visibly uneasy. "Relax... sit down a minute."
The woman did, folding her hands on the table and waiting.
"What did you think about them?" Jade inquired.
"Me?" Elle's brows lifted. "Um… I don't know.. they were okay, I guess... a little on the quiet side." She sniffed, and pushed her thin, wire framed glasses up on her nose. "I took them on a tour before the meeting... they were kind of prickly, if you know what I mean."
Jade nodded, pursing her lips. "Yeah… I got that feeling myself… Well, okay. Thanks."
Elle blinked at her. "Um.. you're welcome." She stood, and ducked her head a little awkwardly, then she turned and left.
Jade sighed, then stood and gathered her things, walking back to her office in time to see Mariela returning with a large, white bag. "Hello, Mariela."
"Is your meeting over, Jade?" The secretary held the door for her, and followed her inside. "I brought you back some arroz con pollo…from my trip outside."
Jade smiled at her. "Thanks… yeah, it just ended…I've got another one after lunch… then a conference call after that."
Mariela bustled over to her desk, and put her bag down. "And how is Vitoria doing?" She asked, pulling out a Styrofoam container and handing it to Jade. "I stopped at he farmaceria, and you take this home to her, yes?" She handed Jade a bag. "Is to make tea.. is good for her."
Jade held the bag. "Um… I.. I don't know, I haven't spoken to her since I left the house.. I'm sure she's fine.. and thanks, she likes tea."
Mariela gave her a severe look. "Poor Vitoria is home so sick, and you don't' call her?" She scolded her boss.
"Uh." Jade was caught flat footed by the older woman. "It's just some cramps, Mariela… she's not a baby, you know."
"That is not the point, chefa." Mariela stated. "Is good she knows you are concerned, no?"
"Uh…" Jade gave up. "Yep. You're right.. I'll go call her. " She fled the outer office, and escaped into her own, putting her lunch down and circling her desk. "Jesus.. you'd think she was an infant or something.. I bet she's napping.. or she doesn't want me calling every five minutes… " With a sigh, she sat down and dialed Tori's number. It rang several times, and she was about to hang up when it was answered. "Hey."
"Hey!" Tori's voice perked up audibly as she recognized the caller. "Wow.. I was just thinking about you."
Jade settled her chin on her fist. "I was just thinking about you too.. I just got out of a meeting I wish you'd been at… maybe you could have given me some insight into a few new associates." She sighed. "How're you feeling?"
"I answered that in the email." Tori told her dryly. "Which I guess you haven't seen yet."
"Um.. " Jade sat down and rolled her trackball to check her mail. "Ah.. no.. I just got back.. let's see… oh." She started laughing. "Oh." She felt a blush coming on. "Well, I'm glad you liked the service last night."
Tori chuckled as well. "It's on and off.. I take drugs, it gets better, then they wear off, and I feel like a manure pile…I don't know what's with me this time." She sighed. "Chino's keeping me company, though… and I've been surfing."
"Uh oh." The taller woman uttered. "That could be dangerous."
"Mm.. yes, it certainly could.. did you know Victoria Secrets has a great website?" Tori asked, innocently.
Jade's blue eyes widened. "Any particular reason you're letting me in on this little tidbit of news?" She inquired, hesitantly.
"You like blue, right?" Tori asked, ignoring the question.
"Um.. yes… why?" Jade felt her curiosity crawl up her spine and perch on her shoulders, almost making her lean forward towards the phone. "Tori?"
"Yes?" The brunette woman purred. "Something wrong?"
Jade chewed her lip. "Um.. no." She felt a little thrill of excitement, almost of danger. "Nothing."
Her intercom buzzed. "Hang on.. " She pressed a button. "Yes, Mariela?"
"Jade, I have a Mr. Evans, from BrightStar, he is wanting to talk to you?"
Ah. Her reluctant associate. "All right.. give me a minute, Mariela, then show him in." Jade pressed her other line. "If you're done teasing me, I've got a man that wants in here."
"Teasing? I'm not teasing you, Jade." Tori objected, with a chuckle. "Can I interest you in a couple of burgers with the works for dinner? The Beach club just updated their menu, and they've got some new ones."
Jade smiled at the phone affectionately. "Sounds great to me… see you in a bit."
"Right.. have fun." Tori hung up, and Jade exhaled, glad she'd taken Mariela's advice. She glanced up as the door opened, and the tall, gray haired man entered. "Come in, Mr. Evans… Mariela, thank you for reminding me of that pending issue."
The secretary looked blank for a moment, then she smiled, and shook a finger at her boss, but said nothing as she closed the door behind her.
Jade motioned to her visitor chair. "Sit down, Mr. Evans.. I hope you won't mind if I catch up on my lunch while we talk." She didn't give him a chance to answer, as she pulled her Styrofoam container over, and popped it open, releasing the scent of saffron and garlic into the air. "What can I do for you?" She asked, pulling a fork out of the wrapped set of silverware that came with the lunch.
He seated himself, and crossed his legs, resting his hands on his knee and studying her. Jade maintained the eye contact, while she speared a piece of chicken and munched it. One brow lifted in question at him.
"Ms. West, I'm not quite sure how to broach this." He spoke the words carefully. "I've spoken with my colleagues, and they feel as I do…and I'm afraid we have a difficulty with you.. ah.. your corporate culture."
Jade took a mouthful of rice and chewed it, while she considered the words. "Our corporate culture?" She repeated, then waved her fork at the walls. " You don't like oak paneling and maroon carpet?" She queried, honestly puzzled. "What corporate culture are you referring to?"
He hesitated. "It seems to us that your company has a very.. open.. policy on personal behavior." He stated. "As well as a great deal of diversity in your employee base."
One of Jade's brows rose. "Most people consider that a corporate asset." She informed him. "But what exactly are you getting at?" She paused, and chewed another piece of chicken. She then pulled out her phone and did a simple search as to who owned BrghtStar and their affiliations. "Whose personal behavior are you getting offended by?"
He cleared his throat, obviously discomfited. "Yours, actually."
Jade stopped chewing, and just stared at him. Then she swallowed and took a sip of water from the glass on her desk. "Excuse me?" She almost laughed. "What is it you find offensive.. my tendency to doodle in meetings, or my eating lunch in front of you without offering you any?"
She looked back down at her phone and found a lot of Political affiliations for the individual that founded the company. Affiliations that the company takes pains to disassociate with and she understood everything.
He looked at her. "We spent some time in your cafeteria this morning, and heard of a situation between you and your assistant."
It stopped being funny. Jade felt a cold wave sweep over her, and she knew it must have showed in her face, because she saw his reaction. She put her fork down slowly and precisely, then folded her hands on her desk. "And your problem with that is what?" She heard the drop in her voice, and felt the dark anger stir in her guts.
Dead silence for a dozen heartbeats. "We come from a God fearing part of the country, Ms. West… and I, personally, find that kind of behavior disgusting." He looked right at her, lifting his chin a little. "And my colleges feel the same."
A dozen nasty retorts crossed Jade's mind, and she discarded them. "Well, Mr. Evans… our company's official policy is one of non discrimination…and I'm pretty damn proud of that.. I'm sorry you don't feel the same." She paused. "Let me make sure I understand, though.. you've got a problem with me because I'm gay, right?"
His face twitched at the word. "I accept Gods word on his views about that.. so yes."
"Barring the fact that Jesus never said A1 about sexuality, Let's not get into a debate on religion." Jade replied. "You won't like my views on that, either, I'm sure." She took several deep breaths, to bleed off the angry tension. "All right… well, Mr. Evans.. in the first place, my personal life is no business of yours."
"I don't think we'll be comfortable dealing with you. " He interrupted. "And even if that were not so, your bowing to foreign culture here is something we find very upsetting…Mr. West, do you realize a good portion of your employees do not speak English in the workplace?"
Jade felt her nostrils flare. "Mr. Evans, fifty percent of our employees have something other than English as their native language, based on the fact that they are citizens of another country." She reminded him. "We are an international organization.. in case that slipped your mind."
"We find that..." He never got to finish. Jade stood up, and came around the desk, cold sparks flashing in her pale eyes.
"Do you know what I find offensive?" She growled, leaning on her desk. "I find your small mindedness offensive, Mr. Evans. So I'll tell you what… I'll call down to our marketing group, and we'll just call this little arrangement off, all right?"
"That was my objective, yes." He stood stiffly. "I'm sorry you cannot understand our feelings in the matter."
"I'm not." Jade let out a short laugh. "But let me tell you.. I'm going to have the publicity group release a statement saying we cut you loose because you were too prejudiced for us to deal with."
He drew himself up. "It's not prejudice, Ms. West. It has nothing to do with that… it's just how we see ourselves, and who we prefer to deal with."
Jade just shook her head. "Then you'll find yourself on the inside of a circle growing smaller day by day, sir…and you know what?" She leaned closer, watching him edge back. "We'll go in there and take all the business away from you anyway."
"Not after we talk to those clients, and let them know what kind of people you are." He told her, smugly. "The rest of the country isn't like this place, Ms.. West."
Jade smiled at him. One of her nastiest ones. "Mr. Evans.. when I'm done cutting a deal for them, they won't care if I'm a cross dressing transgendered muskrat." She dropped her voice to a low growl. "Now , get out of here, before I have you thrown out."
He walked to the door, and looked back at her, his hand on the latch. "You are an abomination in the eyes of God, Ms. West."
"Any God I believe in doesn't know what the word hate is, Mr. Evans." Jade replied mildly. "I pity you." She watched the door close after him, and let her held breath out. "Shit."
Damn it all to hell… stupid piece of shit Christian Nationalist stuffed up his butt son of a… Jade walked around her desk and dropped into her chair, shaking her head in disgust, as she considered what to tell Jose.
What a way to start out her new job.