Twice the charm

1. Once paths cross

LUCY

 June stood in the doorway scowling at my impeccable decision. She was a feisty human being that reminded me so much of my younger self.

“I am going to grandma’s place again?”

“We have talked about this June. Stop making this hard for me.” I maintained, refusing to give in to her demands while I searched for a work skirt. “You know I cannot leave you home if surprises like this pop up.”

“But I can sleepover at Dixie’s place. Plus, I am fifteen for Christ's sake. I can spend one night alone in the house.”

“Not today, June,” I begged as I shimmied into a blouse, forcing my legs into my petite work flats while keeping an eye on the time. I was not late but I just did not want to have the ‘I can take of myself quite fine’ conversation with June. I had once been in her shoes and it ruined my life. Her staying at my mother’s place put my mind at rest. June was adventurous, A trait I wished she did not take from me. Nonetheless, I would do anything to prevent June from sharing my cruel fate even if that meant keeping her away from basic sleepover or shopping with her best friends which were the case right now.

“Oh, I will talk mom.” She said, a daunting six feet of teenage drama. “It will just be thirty minutes. I will shop with Dixie and I will return home asap.”

“That is not the point June. I have a skirmish relationship with Dixie’s mom and if you stay at home. I cannot guarantee your safety.”

June’s black eyes rested accusingly on me. “My safety or to pacify your irrational fears.”

June could be such a nightmare. I ignored her protests and moved to the bedside where my mirror sat. Combing a finger through my hair, I made it presentable but June refused to let her voice be brushed off. She was becoming quite a resilient teenager. 

“I know you are worried some dude is going to try to get into my pants if you are not watching but trust me, It will not happen.” June then paused before adding. “If it does happen, I will be sure to use a condom. That way, I will not be stuck with unpleasant surprises.”

 I knew what she was getting at and June was good at getting a reaction from me. I had made an oath to myself on numerous occasions to ignore her each time she pushed those hurtful words but I could not help it. It made my heart bleed every time she brought it up. I was young when I had her. A stupid little girl who loved too much. A love that left me out in the rain with practically no one to run to and a quite unexpected surprise. It was unexpected but never had it been unpleasant.

“You were not an unexpected surprise June Andrea Knight.” I protested. “You are the angel that descended from heaven at my darkest moment and I cherish you.”

 June’s cheeks rose in color. She had always thought that line of mine was very cheesy but in a way, It comforted both of us.

“Well mom, Will you let this angel fly her wings to the mall?” June pleaded with puppy-like eyes. It was tempting but it was ineffective. 

“My mom will be here by two.”

*** 

 I hurried through the gilded glass doors of Star Estates an hour later, breathless and thirsty yet trying my best not to give that much away. The man had informed me at an unfortunate time that I would be dealing with Victor’s latest client as the fellow had been thrown off with the flu and therefore was unfit to work his usual magic on the sales team. It would have been a pleasurable day off the team but I was more than willing to keep my name plastered on the hall of fame. It had been twelve years for me in Star estate and it took that much for me to scale through ranks with much difficulty. To sum it all, Star Estate was not the kind of place to let the guard down. There were many ready to take one down just to be in that rank. I had done it. It took that much and painstaking high sales figure for the big man of star estates, Chuck to take me seriously. 

 “Chuck is mad Lucy.” The kind receptionist whose name I did not know informed me. The unwelcome bit of news sent chills down my back. I knew I had a cruel treat in store for me. I had ignored Chuck’s calls all through my way to the office. I sighed heavily. I had a difficult boss. That could only mean I was being handed a monster client. I made it my first mission to find out who it might be.

“Is it Miss grumpy again?’

The receptionist burst into a laugh, instantly getting the inside joke. ‘No. Did you not notice the Aston Martini outside?” 

 No, I had not. I was in too much of a hurry to even examine the outside world. Now that I looked. There was a stunning black vehicle parked outside. 

“A big one,” I muttered, much to myself.

“Oh, you should have seen him. He is the definition of eye candy.” The receptionist sighed, having daydreams on the supposed Adonis. “Too bad he already has a woman.”

A couple… Thank heavens. I had had my fair share of perverted clients. Hopefully, this couple was one that still shared love and respected one another. I walked up to Chuck’s door, knocked then walked straight in. My gaze caught the lady first. She was bored, playing with her golden hair while Chuck and the man talked. The man had a pleasurable behind even if I could not see his face. I was sure the receptionist had her eye in the game.

Chuck immediately noticed me, craning his head up, and gave an exasperated look. “You should have been here long ago.”, He complained.

“Sorry.” I apologized, more to the client than to the big man. “I hope you did not have to wait too long.”

“Well let’s get right to business. Miss Knight, This is Mr. Grant and Miss Katherine.” Chuck introduced them professionally.

 My brain blanked out. Grant. That name still sent chills deep inside her. At the same time, The male figure turned behind to face her. She made a cautious glance. Crimson red tie, snowy white shirt, and an exquisite charcoal black jacket. Numb, I dared to look at his face. A gasp escaped my mouth and I stared at him in disbelief.  

It was Grant! Grant Clayton.