Nicole
*****
I tried to take the stairs to the sixteenth floor instead of the elevator. I needed time to think. Of all days, I wore my hair in a low ponytail. But at least I had on a lovely cream colored dress and matching high heeled pumps. My silver dangling earrings complimented my dress, and I took the time to wear makeup today.
I hadn't really thought out walking up sixteen flights of stairs. I was exhausted and my leg muscles were starting to cramp by the fourth floor.
I stopped this insanity and opened the nearby door. I headed to the elevator with my feet starting to hurt. My shoes look jaw-dropping, but are not practical for stair climbing.
"Hold that door please," I yelled out of breath to a man entering the elevator.
It stopped at the sixteenth floor, and now I was a nervous wreck. My palms were sweating and I felt faint. As soon as the doors opened, I got out.
I haven't seen or spoken to Skyler since the wedding last year. What will he think when he finds out I work for him? Well, I guess he knows since he requested my presence by name.
I knocked lightly on his office door once I got there, and was able to compose myself. I stood straight. I used to practice walking while balancing books on my head when I was younger.
"Enter." His voice sounded commanding.
I entered his office on wobbly legs. My heart was racing out of control, I was so nervous to see him. I was curious what he wanted. But I maintained my poise.
His office was imposing, like him! It was very contemporary. The man himself, sat behind a beautiful walnut desk with a glass top. The walls were painted a light gray. He had a charcoal gray leather sofa across the room, with several paisley pillows.
Two chairs with a paisley print fabric that matched the pillows sat across from the sofa. A glass coffee table sat in between the sofa and chairs. There were vases of varying heights and magazines nicely arranged on top.
Two leather contemporary chairs, sat in front of his immense desk. He looked every bit the CEO. He had on a dark gray designer suit, crisp white shirt, and a nice silver tie. He smelled amazing. The scent of his cologne lingered in the air around him.
He looked fresh from the runway, with a suit fitting him to perfection.
"Ah, Miss Dunbar. So nice to make your acquaintance, again. That is, when you're not sneaking into weddings. Please have a seat." He had a grin filled with mischief, that was actually very becoming on him. I forgot just how handsome he was.
I was shaking like a leaf inside. His presence caught me off guard this time. I was happy to take a seat before losing my balance.
"I guess you figured out that I work here?" That was a silly question to ask him. It was already pretty obvious. But I couldn't think of another conversation starter to break the ice.
"Imagine my surprise, when Diane recommended her replacement for Sales Account Executive. When she said Nicole Dunbar, I was beyond shocked. Not the sweet damsel in distress that I had rescued, Nicole Dunbar?" He sounded a bit piqued and sarcastic, as he leaned forward on his desk toward me.
I lowered my head, and drew in a shaky breath. I stared at the carpet on the floor. I was reluctant to look up and meet his piercing blue gaze. I didn't answer him for a couple of minutes.
An awkward silence filled the air, as he drummed his fingers on his desk. He was waiting patiently, or impatiently. He rested his hand on one side of his face. I could feel his eyes thoroughly examining me.
"Do you have anything at all to say to me?" He stood up, and moved towards me from behind his desk.
He crouched down next to me, with his hand resting on the arm of the chair.
He spoke in a low tone. "Miss Dunbar, you don't have to be afraid of me. I am not judging you. I was not aware that you worked here these past four years. But I need you to reconsider your resignation. I read your file, and I'm offering you the position of Sales Accounting Executive. You more than qualify for the job."
I turned to face him for the first time, and my heart began to quiver. "You aren't upset with me?" I asked in disbelief.
"No." He simply answered. "I need to fill this position immediately, and this is business. This has nothing to do with our past meeting."
I was left speechless. I had originally applied for that job, four years ago. I was passed over and the position went to Diane. I did her job and mine, most of the time. She received all of the accolades. Why is Skyler offering me the job?
"Of course this is business, Mr. Pennington." I sat up straight. I cleared my throat, and tried to sound assertive and self assured. I was actually shuddering inside with him right next to me.
"I'll give you a couple of days to think it over. Let me know by the end of the week." He stood abruptly. Then poured a glass of water from the pitcher on his desk, and handed it to me.
How did he know my throat was so dry?
My hands were shaking as I took the glass from him. The water was moving to and fro inside the glass. It gave away my uneasiness. I looked up into his unusual azure colored eyes, "Thank you, I will let you know by Friday."
I averted my gaze, and took a sip of water. My brow puckered in confusion, as to why I was recommended for this job. I went unnoticed for several years. He didn't even know who I was at the wedding!
He sat in a chair near me in front of his desk. "I hope you take the position. I know it's a lot to be uprooted and moved to Georgia. Do you have a family here in Texas?" He seemed curious, waiting for my answer. And he also seemed nervous for some reason.
He quickly bounced up out of his chair and started pacing near his desk. He looked at me, as if I reminded him of someone. He held his pointer finger over his top lip, while he was engrossed in thought.
"It's just me, I'm not married. I don't have any children, and my parents don't live in Texas." I bit my lip, and apprehensively answered him. I didn't feel comfortable giving him too much information about myself.
"So, your parents don't live in Texas? Then that answers my question. I thought I might have met you before the wedding, last year. Never mind, its not important." He took a strange glance at me.
"It sounds like you have nothing holding you back. . . . Think it over and let me know." He took a step closer, studying my face without speaking. Unnerving me with his steady silent gaze. His cellphone rang, he looked at the screen as he picked it up off of his desk.
"I have to take this call. Please get back to me about the position, ASAP." He put his hand over the phone, while commenting to me. Then he proceeded talking to the unknown caller.
I nodded my head and quietly left his office.
Hmm. . . That was strange. What will my answer be?
I drummed my fingers lightly on my chin, as thoughts were swirling around my head. I thought it odd that he didn't dwell on our first surprise meeting. I certainly didn't expect to be his plus one. I know he has to be extremely curious about me crashing the Carrington wedding.
I was hoping to find an answer that day. And perhaps meet up with someone who could help solve a burning question. It looms in my mind every day, since I was a little girl. Who, and where are The Dunbars?
*****
I grew up as, Nicole Dunbar. But I was raised by my auntie and uncle, Maxine and James Smith. Uncle James was my mama's brother. I was told that my mama died during childbirth. I really never had much information besides that. I always knew that I was bi-racial, and I have no other siblings. I never knew my daddy, or his family.
My mother and father eloped, when they were young. My grandparents and my father's parents did not agree with their relationship. They made a home here in Dallas, and my mom got pregnant with me.
When she died, my father couldn't bear to raise me alone. He gave me to my aunt and uncle, who weren't able to have any children of their own.
They welcomed me with open arms. They are the only family I've ever known.
My father passed my aunt my mama's wedding ring. "Please give this to Nicole, when she gets older. I wish I could do more." He left the porch steps after kissing my forehead.
It was so painful to hear that he never looked back. Nor did he leave a forwarding address. My aunt shared that experience with me one day.
Why didn't he ever try to contact me, as I grew up? That bothered me for most of my life.
I wear the gold wedding band on my right hand everyday. It's my only tie to my mom and dad. Growing up in the South was not easy being bi-racial. But I survived with a very loving aunt and uncle.
They softened my blows and cared for my emotional wounds. They were there for me when I got into scrapes at school, or with the neighborhood kids.
I came in the door from work, after meeting with Skyler Pennington. "Princess!" My favorite Yorkie puppy greeted me, with her body shaking excitedly.
I bent over and scooped her up into my arms. "You're such a good girl. What have you been up to today?" I held her up in the air, looking into her animated eyes. Then, I ran my fingers through her close cropped fur. It alleviates stress, cuddling her close to my chest.
She yipped and yelped. "That's exactly what I thought you'd say." I responded, while sinking down into the sofa with her at the same time. She was so comforting to see and hold. She is always happy to see me.
"I was offered a job promotion today, that I applied for a few years ago. The catch is, we would have to move to Savannah, Georgia," I sighed, as my thoughts turned to the man offering me the promotion. He was somehow changed since our last meeting one year ago.
Princess interrupted my thoughts, as she jumped off of my lap and scratched at the front door. A good walk could clear my mind. "Hold on girl, let me grab your leash." I clipped her leash to her collar, grabbed my keys, and we headed out of the door into the warm Dallas evening.
Votes and Comments Appreciated 😊