The Beginning of the End III

“I know, Phillipe, and it was very generous of you to offer the position to me, but I wanted to accomplish something completely on my own. I hope you can understand. You could write a letter of recommendation to help me get into graduate school, if you’d like.”

“Of course, Bella Lisa. Of course.”

She’s so young and happy about her job, her future. And I’m old. I’m an old man, compared to her.

“Where’s the office located?”

“It’s in East LA.”

“That’s a dangerous area, Bella Lisa. How did you get over there for the interview?”

“I took the bus.”

“What? Bella Lisa, why didn’t you ask for a ride over there?”

“I didn’t want to trouble you.”

“It’s a pretty dangerous area of the city to go to on your own. Will you let Cogworthy drive you to work tomorrow morning?”

“OK. It was a pretty long ride. And some of the people on the bus were staring at me. It did make me feel kind of nervous. Maybe Cogworthy can give me a lift until I save up enough money to buy a car.”

“Ms. Mauricio, I could easily afford to buy you a car—”

“No, I can’t possibly accept anything else from you until I’ve repaid my father’s—”

“I told you, you don’t owe me anything for—”

“No. I insist on paying you back. As soon as my father lands a job—”

“Why don’t we discuss it later? For tomorrow morning, Cogworthy will drive you. When I need his assistance to go back to work, you can borrow one of my vehicles and drive there. It will be much safer for you.”

“OK. I appreciate how concerned you are for me. Thank you, Phillipe.”

Suddenly, Williamson felt more like her Father than her lover. He wished he knew of a way to recapture what he felt was slowly slipping through his fingers.

If I could just keep her here for myself, alone, for the rest of my life.

“It’s my pleasure, Bella Lisa. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“I wish there was something I could do for you.”

“Maybe you can help me later this afternoon. I want to make an appearance at my office and at the Adam and Eve Club, just to let the staff know I’m still around. Would you mind accompanying me, Bella Lisa?”

“I thought the doctor said you should have at least a few weeks of bed rest before going back to work.”

“I know, but I’m going crazy stuck here in this condo.”

“Oh really? I guess now you know how I felt, being trapped here as your prisoner. Sure, I’ll come with you. I know everyone will be so happy to see you, Phillipe.”

Late in the afternoon they took the limo to the downtown Los Angeles office of Williamson Investments and Real Estate Services. While Phillipe was in the shower, Bella Lisa called Andre Firmin to arrange a welcome back party. Firmin knew Williamson would not approve of the expenditure, even for a party for himself, so Bella Lisa used the rest of the cash Williamson had loaned her to pay for it. When the elevator doors opened, all 200 employees of both divisions of his company shouted, “Surprise!” Out of the corner of his eye he glanced slyly at Bella Lisa, and she raised her eyebrows innocently. Each employee stood in line to welcome Williamson back with a handshake and a hug. It was clear to Bella Lisa how much the staff liked and admired him. In just a few hours Firmin had been able to find a catering service to arrange the food. He even found a lively four piece jazz band that had set up in time to start playing as soon as they stepped into the offices. It took a few hours for everyone to pay their respects to Williamson and eat. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Before the party ended, Williamson whispered into Firmin’s ear and Firmin started tapping his glass with a metal spoon. Soon several staff members joined in the tapping of their glasses. The band ended their song. As the voices in the crowd calmed to a quiet murmur, Williamson walked over to the microphone by the band and said a few words to the crowd.

“Good evening, everybody. I just want to say a quick thank you to everyone in this room. This party was such a big surprise to me and it’s a great feeling being able to be back with all of you.”

Everyone at the party applauded warmly.

“Also, I want to say how much I appreciated all the flowers you sent me in the hospital after my accident and the kind words you wrote on the many notes and get well cards. I’m really proud of how smoothly the business has run in my absence. You guys are awesome. It’s due to your talent that we’ve become one of the most profitable companies in the LA area. As a matter of fact, you’re making me kind of nervous how well things are going. The Board of Directors might start thinking I’m overpaid.”

The audience laughed and clapped.

“So please, enjoy the party, please drive safely on the way home, and I will see you back at the office in a few days. Thank you again everyone.”

As the party wound down and he said goodbye to the last staff member, Williamson walked over to Bella Lisa and whispered in her ear.

“Did you plan all this out for me, Bella Lisa?

“Yes, with the help of Mr. Firmin. Surprised?”

“You’re a very sneaky girl, Ms. Mauricio.”

“I guess I am. You gave such a nice speech.”

“Thank you.”

“Everyone really seems to like you, Phillipe.”

“I like them too. Thank you for the party, Bella Lisa.”

“Sure, it was fun. Do you have enough energy to stop by the club?”

“OK.”

When they arrived at the Adam and Eve Club, the entire staff had gathered on the stage to welcome Williamson back. There was a large chocolate cake on a table with a banner overhead that read, “Welcome Back, Mr. Williamson!” There were ten candles in the cake for each year the club had been open. Everyone dug into the cake and stood on the stage, eating and talking. Bella Lisa noticed how flirtatious the female employees were to Williamson as he kissed each one on the cheek. After exchanging greetings with everyone, Williamson took the stage microphone.

“I know the 8:00 show is getting ready to start so we have to open the house, but I just want to say a few quick words. I want to thank all of you for sending the cards and flowers while I was in the hospital, it meant a lot to me. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your talent and dedication to the Adam and Eve Club. I believe we’re providing a service to our audience, giving them a place to come where our sexuality is celebrated, a kind of Garden of Eden, but without shame, restored to its natural beauty. You know, this place is like a home away from home for me, I hope you feel the same way. I should be back in a few days. If you need anything, you know my door is always open to you. I also want to take this moment to thank Andre Firmin, who has done a wonderful job running the theater in my absence. I don’t know what I’d do without you, Andre.”

Williamson applauded and the staff joined in. Firmin blushed at the attention and looked at the floor.

“Have a great show tonight. Thank you again!”

After saying goodbye to everyone, rather than taking his front row seat for the show, Williamson escorted Bella Lisa out through the lobby to the limo waiting outside. He settled back into his seat.

“Are you OK, Phillipe?”

“Oh, I’m fine. Just a little tired. Sorry we couldn’t stay for the show.”

“I don’t mind, Phillipe. I really should get some sleep so I’m alert for orientation tomorrow.”

“We used to stay up all night, now we’re going to sleep by 9:00 like an old married couple.”

“We’ll stay up late again, as soon as you feel better.”

“Come here, Bella Lisa. You’re too far away from me.”

Williamson held his hand out to her and she cuddled up to him.

“You made another nice speech, especially what you said about Andre,” Bella Lisa said.

“He is a good man. Since you’ve given me a second chance at life, I decided to be a nice guy from now on,” Phillipe said, winking at her.

“You are a nice guy, Phillipe.”

Bella Lisa kissed him softly on the lips. They held each other quietly on the ride home. After Williamson took his medication and Bella Lisa changed his bandages, they retired to bed and slept peacefully.

Early the next morning Williamson awoke to the sound of water running. After her shower, Bella Lisa came out of the bathroom with towels wrapped around her body and hair. Williamson pretended to be asleep as he watched her dry herself, take off the towels and slip on a pretty pair of see-through thong panties and a matching sheer bra. Through squinted eyes, he gazed at the curves of her hips as she walked back to the bathroom to get her flat iron and cosmetics to style her hair and apply her makeup. She came back in and sat at her mirror to get ready for work.

There’s no way someone won’t fall in love with her today. It’s inevitable. Some guy will take one look at her and they’ll want to spend the rest of their life with her. Someone younger and better for her than me. I’m old, too old for her.

“Mr. Williamson, are you spying on me?”

“Me? No.”

“There’s no use in denying it. I can see you in the mirror, staring at my body.”

“Then, yes. I was spying. You look so cute in your panties and bra, I couldn’t look away.”

“I have absolutely no privacy in this house! Oh my Gosh, look at the time! I’ve got to go!”

“What about breakfast?”

“There’s no time, I’ll be late on my first day.”

“I’ll have Luman get you a coffee and a scone at Starbucks. Cogworthy will wait for you in front of the condo. I’ll send them a text right now.”

“You’re so sweet. What would I do without you, Phillipe?”

I hope I’ll never have to find out.

Phillipe watched her dress in tight fitting sexy black pants and a light blue V-necked blouse that hugged her curves and made it impossible not to look at the contours of her body and cleavage. She traced her lips with a red lipstick and styled her hair until it was perfectly coiffed.

She likes to look pretty.

“You look really cute, Bella Lisa.”

“Thank you, Phillipe.”

Bella Lisa carefully took off her diamond collar and laid it on the table.

“You’re not wearing the collar I gave you?”

“I can’t wear priceless jewelry around people living on food stamps. It would make me feel funny, Phillipe.”

“Of course. You’re right, Bella Lisa.”

“See you later!”

She gave Williamson a quick peck on the cheek and dashed out of the bedroom in her heels, her breasts jiggling loosely as she ran.

After Bella Lisa left, Williamson got out of bed and looked at himself in the mirror. He saw the silver stubble of his beard coming out. He assumed it wouldn’t be long until a gray color mixed in with the black strands of his thick wavy hair.

I’ll have to start coloring my hair soon.

He took a shower, careful not to get the bandage wet, shampooed his hair and shaved. He put on his gym shorts, t-shirt and Nikes. He went into the exercise room and got up on the treadmill.

Better get back into shape.

He put it on a low speed, grabbed the handrails for support and started walking on it, then increased it little by little to a light jog. His pelvis immediately began to ache and he slowed the treadmill back down to a slower speed.