Breaking All My Rules (12 page)

“I can imagine. It must be very intense.”

“Yes, it can be. But I honestly have to say that even with the mess and headaches I'm dealing with right now, I still love what I do.”

“What are you dealing with?”

Erica told Jerome about the dilemma that the flaky, unreliable graphic artist had caused, and that she was short staffed and needed to find a new salesperson quickly.

“I've decided that if I have to go with my old packaging, I will,” she concluded. “Nothing is going to keep me from getting my products into those swag bags for Fashion Week.”

Jerome looked at the flyer again, paying close attention to the colorful products displayed on her boutique's shelves. “These are the jars you'll have to use, right?”

“Yep.”

“They look nice to me. I know you want to have something different to go along with your new product, but I guarantee you, once those people use that new body butter you talked about, they won't be thinking about the design on the jar. All they'll want to know is how they can buy more.”

Erica leaned back in her seat and smiled. “Thank you for saying that, Jerome. You just boosted my spirits more than you know.”

“I'm just speaking the truth.”

There was a slight pause before Erica said, “You're not just throwing me lines to make me feel good, are you?”

Jerome shook his head and became serious. “I wouldn't do that, Erica. I'm telling you what I believe is true based on what you've shown me. I know you got skills.”

“Oh, you do?” she said with a girlish laugh.

Jerome returned her laugh with an intense stare. “I'm good about stuff like that. Plus, the fact that you gave a young brother with no experience an opportunity tells me a lot about you.”

“I'm not so sure about that. Giving him a chance was a big mistake, because look at me now.”

“I don't think it was a mistake.”

“Really?”

“No. What you did was give someone a break, just like someone gave you a break when you were just starting your business. You went out on a limb to pull somebody up. You gave this guy a chance, but you can't shoot his jump shot for him. He messed up a great opportunity, but who knows? He might just come through. And even if he doesn't, you're gonna be just fine. The positive energy you put out there when you tried to help him is gonna come back to you twofold.”

“Wow, that's very insightful.”

“Like I said, I'm just speaking the truth.”

Their conversation continued to flow like water, gently and with ease. Jerome was excited that Erica seemed to be enjoying his company just as much as he was enjoying hers. He could tell she was a genuine person by the way she looked him squarely in his eyes when she spoke. He liked that about her and thought it said volumes about her trustworthiness. He knew shady people had a problem with eye contact.

Things were going great when suddenly they were interrupted by Erica's buzzing phone.

“You need to get that?” Jerome asked.

Erica didn't even glance in her phone's direction. “Nope. I'm talking to you. Whoever it is can wait.”

Jerome sat back in his chair, trying to control the big grin that was about to burst at the edges of his lips. He had been turned on last week by her body-hugging red dress and sexy high heels, and then again today by her black skirt, which outlined her curvy hips, and the soft white blouse that fell gently against her breasts. But nothing she wore either day was more sexy to him than the words she'd just spoken. She was into him, and it turned him on. But he tempered his excitement and fought to keep his voice even as he spoke. “You sure? I know you're a busy woman with a lot goin' on.”

“I'm sure.”

“It could be that designer you've been waiting to hear from.”

Erica let out a small laugh.

“Did I say something funny?” he asked with a smile, not sure if he really had.

“No, it's just that, well, I've been waiting for that message to come through since last week. But at the moment, I'm not really concerned. I recently made a promise to myself, and somehow I know it will all work out.”

“I know exactly where you're coming from. I did the same thing.”

“It's exciting and scary, isn't it?”

Jerome nodded. “I guess you could say that. But in my case, it was necessary. I had no other choice.”

“Sounds deep. Have things worked out for you?”

“Better than I could've ever imagined.”

“Well, then, that gives me hope.”

“What promise did you make?” he asked.

Erica smiled but didn't answer his question. “We've talked about me this whole time. Now it's your turn. I want to know about you.”

Just then the door opened and Ms. Maude came walking in with two other jurors trailing behind her. Jerome felt relieved. He wanted Erica to know who he was, but he also wanted time to think about how he would explain his life to her, since a lot of it was still unfolding.

He was sure that she'd never dated anyone like him. He didn't have a degree, let alone a high school diploma. Given that she owned her own business, he was pretty sure that she owned her own home, too. When he thought about the two-bedroom apartment he rented in a dicey neighborhood, tucked inside a questionable part of town, he wondered what she would think. Would she feel like she was settling if she started dating him?

Jerome felt that Erica was open-minded and kind, but he wasn't blind to the fact that their differences, and in particular his lifestyle, might be too much for her.

For the first time in his thirty-five years, Jerome's emotions were so up and down that he didn't trust what he might say next, so he decided to shut down their conversation. “Looks like our time is up. We'll have to go back into the courtroom soon.”

Erica wagged her finger playfully. “You're not getting off the hook that easily.”

“Oh, really?”

“That's right. This is to be continued tomorrow. Same time, same place.”

Jerome smiled as he watched Erica gather their empty food containers and clear the table as the room began to fill with people. “So, you wanna have lunch with me tomorrow?” he asked.

“Yes, of course. And this time it'll be my treat.”

Before Jerome could object, Erica shook her head and spoke in a lower tone. “It would be my pleasure.”

Despite the insecurities that had just crept into his mind, Erica's comment made him want to lay her across his bed and show her what real pleasure was. But he controlled the thought and the urge because he could see that the other jurors were beginning to stare. He adjusted the seat of his pants, put on his game face, and prayed for strength.

Moments later, as Jerome stood behind Erica, preparing to walk back into the courtroom to resume the trial, he thought about the time he'd spent with her. It had been the most stimulating conversation he could ever remember having. Then he thought about tomorrow. It would be his turn to tell her all about himself. He would have to expose his life and answer her questions, just as she'd done for him.

He knew that conversations like the one they'd just had were important, because that was what people did at the start of a relationship in order to get to know each other. But as he settled into his seat beside her in the jury box, he wondered if she would be able to handle the life he'd lived, and he hoped she'd want to be a part of the one he was trying to build.

Chapter 13

E
rica could hardly contain the electric buzz she felt from head to toe as she walked out of the courthouse with Jerome by her side. She'd enjoyed their lunch, and now their conversation was cruising on easy as they chatted about the beautiful, crisp afternoon and the cool weather that had descended on them in recent days. She wished they could talk the rest of the evening, but their day together was drawing to a quick close. He was headed to catch the train, and she was headed to catch a cab. She wanted to ask him where he was on his way to and if she could join him, but she knew it would be a completely outrageous question to ask and request to make, especially since she'd only just met the man.

“Are you heading to your boutique to do some work?” Jerome asked.

“Yeah, I need to check in since I've been gone all day. How about you?” She was glad he'd opened that door.

“There's a project I'm working on that I have to finish tonight. Then I'm heading home after that.”

Erica wanted to ask him what kind of project he was working on and, for that matter, where he worked. He knew a lot about her, but she realized that aside from the fact that he was so handsome it was a sin and so sexy he made her panties wet, she didn't know a thing about him.

The expression on her face must have conveyed her question, because before she could ask, Jerome answered.

“I work for the city during the day, and I do odd jobs on the side in the evenings and on weekends. I'm working toward starting my own business, too.”

“That's fantastic, Jerome!” Erica said, smiling with deep interest. She wanted to know what kind of business he was trying to start and in what industry, but she sensed a hesitation in his tone, which told her he didn't want to go into details beyond what he'd just revealed. So she decided to listen to her gut, and instead of launching into a million questions, she tilted her head to the side and told him, “I can't wait to hear more about it over lunch tomorrow.”

“Good. I'm looking forward to it. I'll see you tomorrow, bright and early this time.”

“Okay, see you.” She gave him a smile and turned to walk away.

“Oh, and, Erica?”

“Yes?”

“You smell like heaven.”

He was staring at her as if he could devour her whole, causing a tingling sensation between her legs. “Why thank you,” she said as she began to walk away. “My products must be doing their job.” She was pretty sure he was still standing there, watching her sashay down the sidewalk, and when she turned around, she saw that she was right. She smiled again and then practically skipped to the end of the street to hail a cab.

Erica looked out the backseat window as the car headed toward Opulence. Normally, she would have been clicking away on her phone or trying to estimate how much time the drive would take given the afternoon traffic. But today she wasn't doing either, and it gave her a sense of relief. She sat back and enjoyed the ride as she thought about her day.

She was proud of the small changes she'd already begun to make, all because of the tiny promise she'd committed to last night and then reminded herself of this afternoon. She grinned from ear to ear as she thought about Jerome and the sweet gesture he'd made. It had only been a turkey sandwich and a small container of soup, but to her, it had tasted better than any meal she'd ever eaten at Vidalia.

As her cab approached the swank exterior of her boutique, she smiled to herself, knowing that once she walked through the door, her day would get even better. After talking with Jerome and hearing the encouraging things he'd said about her business, she knew that no matter what worries or headaches arose, everything would work out just fine.

“Hey, Ms. E,” LaWan said with a smile as Erica walked through the door.

Erica was glad to see LaWan, who was one of her best employees. She had hired the exuberant young woman a year ago and had promoted her to assistant manager just recently. Last Friday was the first day she'd called in sick since she'd been working there.

“How're you feeling?” Erica asked. “I was worried about you when Cindy told me you called in sick last week. Is everything okay?”

LaWan waved her hand in the air as if shooing a fly. “I'm doing great. Actually, I was just a little exhausted. I woke up and could barely get out of bed.”

Erica stared at LaWan with concern. The pretty young woman's eyes looked heavy, as though she hadn't slept in days, and her light brown skin appeared ashen, void of its usual luminous glow. When she turned her head, Erica noticed that LaWan's thick, Afro-like natural hair looked dry, lacking its normal high glossy shine.

“LaWan, are you sure you're okay?”

“I'm not one hundred percent, but I feel a lot better than I did last week.”

“Maybe you need to go see your doctor.”

LaWan shook her head as she walked from behind the glass and granite counter. “I'm good, really. I'm off tomorrow, and I plan to spend all day in bed.” She smiled, shaking her head as a small giggle escaped her full lips.

Erica took careful inventory of LaWan's appearance, from the smile wrapped around her mouth, down to her size seven feet, which shifted back and forth and couldn't stay still. Erica knew exactly what her blushing employee was suffering from.

“Um, I think I know what your problem is.”

LaWan gave her a goofy grin. “You do?”

“How old are you again?”

“Twenty-four, but I've got a birthday coming next month.”

“All right, birthday girl. Make sure your new man lets you get some rest tomorrow.” Erica winked, knowing the deal.

“Damn, I'm busted.”

“I've been there, LaWan. But let me give you a little advice.”

The young girl widened her eyes eagerly. “Okay?”

“Don't allow any man to let you lose your focus. And, for heaven's sake, don't allow him to have you dragging in here looking like you just rolled out of bed sideways,” Erica said, walking over to LaWan, adjusting the collar of her white shirt, which didn't look as if it had been ironed. “Come with me.”

Erica took LaWan by the hand and led her back around to the counter. She reached into one of the cabinets and removed a small bottle of coconut-scented jojoba oil. She rubbed a quarter-size dollop in the palms of her hands and then into LaWan's unruly hair, finger combing it as she went along.

“I think the world of you,” Erica continued, “but you know my policy and my standards. Part of Opulence's image lies not only in the products we sell, but in the people who sell them. You know my business motto, right?”

“Yes, Ms. E. Perception is reality.”

“That's right, honey. So please don't come in here lookin' all jacked up again.”

And as if on cue, Erica lit up with a radiant smile and walked over to a group of customers to greet them.

After selling four sets of shower gels, body scrubs, and creamy lotions to the enthusiastic group of customers she'd just greeted, Erica walked down the small, narrow hall toward the back of her boutique. She peeked into the break room and saw Christopher's head buried in a thick novel. He'd been avoiding her for the past few weeks because he'd heard about the product design fiasco.

Her first thought was to say something to him about his trifling friend Pierre, who hadn't followed through on his business commitment, but she quickly aborted the idea. She knew it wasn't Christopher's fault. It was hers. Plus, she was afraid Christopher might burst into tears if she spoke the words that were sitting on the edge of her tongue. She didn't want to deal with sobbing, since her afternoon had been going so well.

So instead of getting both of them worked up into a small frenzy, she walked a few more steps down the hall to her office and flipped on the light. Unlike most small retail stores, which housed one common area, serving as both an office and a break room space for all the employees, Erica had made sure, as with most other things, that Opulence was different from the rest.

The moderate-size break room was outfitted with a microwave, refrigerator, and sink, along with an art deco style dining table and high-back chairs. The potted plants, soft lighting, sage-green-colored walls, and large zebra-print rug gave it an elegant feel. And Erica's small, but very chic office continued the lavish look with its ruby-red-colored walls, golden bronze accents, and framed pictures of vintage perfume and lotion bottles.

Erica sat behind her desk to dig through the mountain load of work that awaited her. She hadn't looked at her e-mail since lunchtime today, so she braced herself as she turned on her computer.

She quickly scanned her in-box and saw an e-mail from Pierre. She leaned forward in her chair and opened it.

Erica wanted to be understanding, because she knew how important family was. If anything ever happened to her mother, father, brother, or Ashley, she knew she wouldn't hesitate to drop everything at Opulence in order to take care of them. But at the same time, she was still annoyed that two full weeks had gone by without Pierre taking so much as a quick minute to respond to her dozens of e-mail and phone messages.

She clicked on the paper clip to open the attached file and had to blink twice when she saw the design. After carefully perusing Pierre's portfolio of work, she'd known that he was talented, but she had had no idea he was a genius! The new graphic he had designed was absolutely brilliant. He'd taken the concept she had given him, listened to her vision, sampled the product, and created an elegant, sophisticated art design that captured not only the richness of Paradise, but also the very essence of Opulence's brand.

Erica was so ecstatic she let out a loud, whopping scream that bounced off the walls and down the hall. She rose from behind her desk and went down to the break room.

“Christopher!” she called out.

Christopher jumped backward and dropped his book, looking startled and afraid at the sound of Erica's voice. “I apologize for the way things have turned out with Pierre. I just don't know what to say.”

Erica let out a sigh and shook her head.
A twenty-two-year-old man shouldn't be acting like a frightened child,
she thought as she looked at Christopher fumbling to pick his book up off the floor. She wanted to tell him to get a grip and grow some balls, but at the moment she was too happy to be irritated.

“Pierre just sent me the design, and it's so completely fantastic, I'm speechless!”

Relief washed over Christopher's angular face as a smile slowly came to his lips. He closed his eyes and raised his head toward the ceiling and said, “Thank God he came through!”

“Not only did Pierre come through, but he also set a gold standard. I'm going to send the file over to our supplier right now. They can do a rush order that will get the new jars here by the end of the week.”

“That's fabulous, Erica.” Christopher stood, leaving his book on the table as he walked over to her. “We should celebrate.”

“We will once Fashion Week is over.”

“And speaking of Fashion Week!” Christopher smiled wide with excitement, adjusting his sterling silver cuff links as he spoke.

“You're not on my list for Fashion Week, Christopher.”

“But . . .”

“Sorry, but that's final.”

Erica knew he'd been angling to go, but there was no way she was going to let him tag along. The fashion world was beautiful, but it was also full of hard-core ugly attitudes. All it would take was for one bitchy designer to yell at him and Christopher would be shaking in his black loafers. Erica was nice, but she was also firm, and right now she didn't have time to deal with whining, because she had to e-mail the design file to her supplier. She reached over for a Kleenex, told Christopher to grab ahold of himself, and then marched back to her office.

As she sat behind her desk and pressed the send button, Erica thought about Jerome. He was right. Pierre had come through. She wished she could pick up the phone and share her good news or enjoy the moment with him over a delicious meal. Instead, she quietly celebrated all alone in the confines of her beautifully decorated office.

Now she knew exactly what Ashley had meant about having someone to share her success with, and it made her think about the classic line that Billy Dee Williams had delivered to Diana Ross in the 1970s movie
Mahogany.
“Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with.”

Two hours later, Erica called it a day and headed home. She walked one block to the parking garage down the street and slid into her car, letting out a relaxing yawn as she settled into the plush leather seat. After taking cabs to and from downtown to avoid the headache of trying to find a place to park her vehicle on the crowded streets, she was glad to be behind the wheel, headed home.

As she rode down the street, listening to Audra McDonald's Tony Award–winning voice piped through her car's sound system, her mind fell on Jerome again. She wondered what he would think about her taste in music, movies, books, food, and life in general. It was obvious to her that they came from different backgrounds, but that was also one of the things about him that she found appealing, and she was looking forward to stepping into his world.