I felt so centred like the world was a mile away, the sweet smell of fresh air, dewy scent of pine and deep roasted aroma whiffed through my senses, I smiled as I stretched my legs and toes as the crust cold sheet flushed against my skin then suddenly the pain began to form between my eyes and whimper that was build up in my throat escape along with an abrupt hit of nausea, I leapt over Silla and ran to the bathroom; I painted the toilet in vomit as I called for Benard:
"Benard…." I whimpered as a gentleman stepped into the bathroom, he was taller, stronger, the air of rough and tumble man with blue sincere eyes, bald head and stern look on his brow, his presence could send a person running for the hills "Benard, did I vomit on Silla?" I rested my head on the cold toilet bowl.
He quickly jostled me up into the small couch that stood before the bath as he ran the water "no, my love, just worried the poor girl" he whispered in a thick cockney accent as he brushed the hair from my face and leaned me against the wall "stay" he ordered before leaving towards the room.
I sank to the floor as I cradled my head in my hands "Benard" the emotions started to take over but he rushed over with a glass of water and some painkillers.
He lifted me again "no time for a mental breakdown today, darling, we need to get you to high tea after you make a charcuterie board for your brother then two meetings and then an appointment with the group ladies" he explained as I nodded, he handed me the water and pills "but I did schedule a mental break down at midnight" he explained as I nodded slowly.
"Of course" I mentioned as he stopped the water and headed towards the door.
"Your outfit will be ready and the car will pull in the front, anything else?" He asked as I stared at the clear water.
I realised the only memory I have of last night was the bar, I don't remember coming home "who brought me home?" I asked myself wondering as he answered my question.
"A young lady, her name was Azima, she dropped the car but refused me to take her home" he explained as I nodded softly.
"Of course, I will say thanks in the form of a treat," I said as he stood watching me closely "I am fine" I waved him off as he closed the double doors.
Abruptly the atmosphere changed, I could feel the walls spread further apart and the place became cold, unfamiliar, the room was suddenly filled with space and steam, I watched the water again but this time with sweet bitterness and the distant song humming through my head; I undressed and stepped into the bath, the water was hot, burning my skin just like I needed it, to feel alive for once, to know I am still living.
I found myself again facing the same dilemma, the ingredients were layout before me each made beforehand, wondering what drunk me decided to cook up in her intoxicated and insomnia infused state, I could smell the hints of flavours and scents of thyme, garlic and rosemary, the thinly sliced lamb that was probably sauteed in rosemary, garlic with hints of mint and red wine while the brisket was stewing in more festive spices of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cloves along with rue, bayberry and Sage all under a sweet smoke honey glaze; I turned back to the fridge to find the purple colour Gravadlax as I huffed at the different flavour profiles and decided on a charcuterie board.
I looked down the fridge once more to find truffle sitting pretty in a tray and I huffed, shaking my head:
"Again.." I expressed as I pulled them and Clementine made herself now "please set up some boxes for the truffles and two boards for the food" she nodded before disappearing through the kitchen door.
….
The bar was empty but it was expected for this time of day, Misty, a tattooed blonde was buffing the tables while Stephanie sat with me sorting out the inventory, her bright pink hair, coffee skin and tattoo arms with a mischievous glint in her eyes, I ignored her prying eyes and turned to count the wine bottle even though I wasn't paying attention:
"So" she smiled as I held the clipboard to my chest "what happened with the girl last night?" She asked as I rolled my eyes
I brush it off over my shoulder "nothing" I said as my voice tightened and she chuckled.
She teased "well you took her home" she smiled mischievously.
"We have a responsibility to take care of our patrons and make sure they arrive home safely," I explained softly.
She let out a loud 'ha' "by calling her an uber but no, you took her home" she wiggled her eyebrows and sat forward "how was she? Was she good?" She asked as I turned to give her a death glare, she raised her hands "sorry, that was unprofessional, don't answer that"
"Must have been great because she sent a gift" Joe came walking into the place with a wooden board, it was filled with different meats and what looked like purple fish, along with assorted cheeses and jams.
I felt my cheeks flushed "just put that in my office, I will deal with it" I cleared my throat "I should get back" I walked towards the storage area as the previous night came back:
Curly hair laid across the table, I leaned back in the seat watching her, she giggling while began to rub her face against as she raised her arms and rolled her hips into the seat, she turned to me with hints of ruddy on her cheeks:
"What was in that shooter?" She slurred and wrapped her arms around my neck "it's not coconut milk" she let out a throaty laugh which caused a hump to bobble in my pit.
"It's coconut…" She cut me off.
She placed her lip onto my lips "coconut rum, lime vodka and fresh lime juice" she smiled "I need another" She whispered ready to climb over me but I stopped her.
"You've had enough," I said as she forced past me which made me move out of the booth only to catch her from falling flat on her face, I picked her up looking into her hazed eyes "let's get you home" I whispered into her air.
We entered an amazing foyer, to say the least, the helical stairs greeted us like open arms while the chandelier sparkled under the lights, the place was empty yet put together:
"Well, Bry, you didn't tell me you were this rich," I said to the woman who hung loosely next to me with her arm around my shoulder.
"Ms Kane's assets are of no concern to you" a voice laced with a deep cockney accent, I turned as Bry's head fell back, there stood a man in a suit, gentle and chivalry fell from his shoulder yet a sense of tough, it felt like I was confronted by a mafia king.
"Benard" Bry whimpered next to me "I am tired"
The man stepped forward to take Bry "can I help you? Miss" he asked but Bry moved away from him, she stood wrapped her arms around my neck as I gripped tightly onto her waist.
"No, Benard, I want Azima to take me to bed," she whispered, caressing my face and booing my nose before laughing her head off.
"Just where the bedroom is, Benard" I smirked as I picked up Bry's bridal style and carried it up the stairs.
"This way" he growled as we climbed the stairs.
"Benard, don't…" she said exhaled "don't let me throw up on Silla" she gasped as I looked down at her.
"Who is Silla?" My question was answered when an Alaskan malamute placed his paws onto Bry's hips which made me step back, its red and white fur, bright blue eyes that kept me captivated. "Hey Silla," I whispered.
"Benard, don't make me throw up on Silla" Bry mumbled again.
"That has never happened" Benard reassured me as I smiled.
"Excuse him…" Bry threw her arm around my neck while her fingers caressed my cheeks then down to my jawline "Benard hates people like you" she whispered the last part and a chill went down my spine.
"Oh," I whispered, eyeing the gentleman "what type of person might I be?"
"Stranger," she said, which she thought was a whisper before placing a finger to her lips "shh" I chuckled in relief at the thought, she was so cute in my arms.
We enter her bedroom, everything was white, I felt dirty standing in the room, I moved to the bed that Benard had opened as I laid her down she pulled me down with her, she forced me to stare into her eyes as I held my breath watching her eyes, especially the small dot in the middle of brown hazel goodness.
"Hey" I whispered in our proximity, watching her full lips.
"Thank you, Azima" she whispered before laying her head on the pillow and closing her eyes.
….
The men on the golf field looked like ants from where I sat, the deck was airy with doors that open as a balcony surrounded it, with white curtains and dark wood. The table was dressed with white linen, embroidered serviettes and sandwich stacker with treats in perfect condition, I spurred the butterfly pea flowers tea as the girls chatted away, I wasn't paying attention seeing as there wasn't much to pay attention to, they spoke words of housewives and soccer moms, words of unnecessary luxury of privilege, covering up their poor relationship or parental trauma; the three women were wives of the CEOs of my late husband company, women I was forced to interact with:
"Brynne, how is your tea?" Stephenie, a bottle blonde woman with a fake smile, long nails that felt that it was a part of her instead of an accessory and a tick on her brow.
I took a sip. "Just amazing." I smiled as Betty a black haired beauty with bought lips, waist as small as a doughnut but dark circles under her eyes which she tried to cover with makeup.
"Try the new Katsu Sandos, the chef is trying something new" Betty placed the sandwich on my side plate "very zesty" she commented before making a quick dance as I took a bite and smiled as the tangy flavours settled in my mouth.
Nancy, a redhead with bright eyes, the scorn of her brow and wide lips gave me "well, some of us want to watch our figures" she commented as she placed a carrot in her mouth.
Betty giggled "sorry, my fast digestive system" Nancy gave her a death glare.
I huffed as a hand was placed on my shoulders "ladies" the voice said as I turned to look into the eyes of James Cameron, an overly tan man with white teeth, black dyed hair and also Stephanie intended, he squeezed my shoulders as I sat uncomfortably "such a surprise, I didn't mean to interrupt but I wanted to come over say hi and I wanted you to meet, Azima, my new partner in crime" when the name fell from his mouth, I turn to Azima who went around shaking hands of the woman as Stephanie gave her James a death glare to which he let go of my shoulders and joined her.
She wore a plaid three-piece suit, which seemed like it was made to fit her body, it hyped up her masculinity which made an overwhelming feeling twist in my stomach and caused tingles to form on my fingertips as began to stuff my face with a sandwich; Azima turned towards me with a smirk as Stephanie fake smiled and gestured towards me.
"This is Brynne Kane…" she was interrupted by Azima.
"We know each other" Azima smiled at me "it's nice to see you again, Bry '' I smiled as she kept her eyes on and Stephenie's nosy hair started to show itself.
"Oh, where did you two meet?" Stephanie asked as Azima looked to me for permission.
"Therapy" I took a sip of my tea as Stephanie chuckled.
"Oh, honey, you don't have to go to that anymore, it's not trending anymore" she waved it off before turning to Azima "so Azima what has my fiancé got you tangled up in" she continued like therapy was a simple factor you can leave and return whenever.
Suddenly this feeling of nausea pulled from my stomach, leaving an acid feeling in my throat but I tried to keep face as Azima and Stephanie had a light conversion, my heart was throbbing in my head as I tried to stay in the conversation but my hands started shaking; as I stood rapidly causing the table to have a fright:
They all stared at me as I squeaked "excuse me" I smiled hesitantly before leaving the table.
I rushed through the busy entrance towards the bathroom, I didn't stop to admire the decor just ran to the stall and threw my head into it as the contents of my stomach spewed into the bowl, once everything from my stomach was empty, my headache stop and anxiety disappeared; I let out a soft sigh as I leaned my head against the bathroom door, after a minute of restful serenity.
But soon enough I stepped out of the bathroom and headed to the bar while chewing some gum, "a pina, please," I asked as I rested against the bar.
"If it's day drinking, a scotch" Azima appeared next to me with a smirk "I didn't think this was your type of crowd," she said gesturing to the table of people.
I nodded as the bartender served me my drink "Business associates, I am forced to be here" I turned to look her up and down "you?"
"I guess we have that in common" she smirked as she sipped on her scotch.
"What are you selling? Azima" I asked, turning my body towards.
"Alcohol, I am a mixologist which I mix drinks until I decide to create wines and whiskeys" she explained with a hefty amount of self-doubt "trying to sell to rich folks, no offence" she raised her hand as I shook my head watching the group, unable to add my story to the pot "you know throwing up in the bathroom and covering it up isn't healthy, what triggered you?" I whipped my head towards her as she casually drank the remainder of the scotch.
"Excuse me," I said as a lump formed in my throat.
She stood upright and loosened her tie "I know that look on a person's face anywhere, bulimia is a serious problem" she said once more as I just stared at her for a moment until she realised "oh, sorry, I forget social cues, I…" she started analyzing my face "when was the last time you have eaten? a proper meal" she asked so persistently.
"I don't think that is any of your business" I expressed as I took a sip of my drink.
"Sorry, I forget myself, I will change the subject to something less meddlesome," she thought for a moment "the charcuterie board you sent was…."
"Sorry about the roast, Drunk Bry had some Christmas spirit," I said trying to explain why it wasn't good "and the fact that meat didn't compliment each other is still itching in my soul" I went on rambling as Azima shook her head and hand to stop me
"No, no" she smiled "that was salaciously good, I wanted to lay it on a table and lick it into submission" she expressed which made me blush at her words.
"Oh, thank you" I curled my fingers into each trying to stop the tingling as a frown fell on my face and she noticed.
"Sorry, I made you uncomfortable again" she scratched the back of her neck.
"No, just not used to this," I assured her.
"What? compliment?" she looked dumbfounded by this discovery.
I nodded "I am just a sit back and watch type" I cleared my throat at her curious eyes.
She chuckled "I don't think you are that at all" she smiled at me before patting the bar "well, I should get back, see you later" she gave me a short nod before leaving.
….
The elevator dinged as Benard and I stepped out of it, we watched people scattered as we track down the hallway, my heels clicked in crisp silence while the office grew silent, Benard stayed close giving the room deep glares when we made our way towards the conference room, I was late, I knew this but lunching ladies don't have any consign of time; we moved through the black, grey and glass building when a petite man with a balding spot and anxious hands appeared out of nowhere, he was nervous under my eyes but attempt to make light conversation:
"Good Morning Mrs Kane" he strutted as he rubbed his hands for the first time since we met.
"Good morning, sorry I am late, the ladies luncheon sort went out of hand" I gave him a patient smile, not one I usually hand out.
"Well, you know women no concept of time," he said which Benard took personally and stared him down "anyway, this way, they are waiting for you" he escorted us towards the main conference which was held behind massive double doors.
The door reminded me of church cathedral doors but bathed in white and gold, my late husband had a thing for tasteless fashions, he would make everything beautiful on the outside when rot thrive in the foundations, the door was abruptly opened by men in suits and as we enter my brother, David, stood in surprise at my appearance, he stood in a plain brown suit, with features that resembled but lanky and strong instead of short and feminine; another man stood to the side of the table looking through the wind to the town below.
The room had big from end to end and far too massive for a meeting between three people, there was an oval table in the middle and any technologies alined the walls alone with a flat-screen TV:
"Bry" David gasped as I moved to shake his hand while the man at the window "you are he…." He said but quickly corrected himself, we were in the presence of company after all "Brynne Kane, you remember Mr Scott Shaw of SS Technologies" the familiar man approached slowly, not eager, there was a lot of familiarity in his walk and how he approached me.
"Mrs Kane, such a long time" he grabbed my hand between his, it was threatening or damning but a sense of support, the wrinkles on his forehead moved as his doe eyes and sweet smile, he was a man of maturity and strength "sorry to hear about your late husband, I attended the funeral but didn't want to intrude" he explained as his salt and pepper hair was sparkled as it shone under the lights.
"Your presence alone was duly noted and well appreciated" I placed my hand over his and smiled "but we have a proposal to listen to, please have a seat" I gestured to the chair as I took mine.
The car was flittering with casual conversation when we drove into Bry place, the girl decided to drive with me this afternoon so I had to take the bronco, not the type of transport I wanted to use but here we are, we came to the intercom of the magnificent estate, the house had more columns then a Roman relic while green wedge garden circled the yard; this place belongs at the bottom of a snowglobe.
I turned to the intercom "Hey, we are here to see Mrs Kane" I said as the guard stared at me through a dark window.
"Name" was the only thing heard through the intercom.
I turned to the girls to see them wide-eyed and scared while except for Marilyn "whose name should I give?" I shout whispered at them.
"I don't know, use some prestige or something?" Kai whispered back as I rolled my eyes.
"Are you Azima?" The guard said as I whipped towards a sunglassed man, stepping out of the booth.
"Yes, sir" I cleared my voice as I grabbed the stirring wheel firmly.
"Ok, go around the back, the will be a butler waiting to take you to the closet, I will adverse you STAY with authorised persons at all times, enjoy your time" he gave me a stiff smile before letting us through.
"Through the back, see you don't even hide your racism," Kai said sitting back in her seat.
"I don't think they meant it that way," Marilyn said looking at her nails "not everything is a power struggle"
Lucie moved her head between the seats "Well, statistically speak, everything is a struggle regarding POC" she strutted as I pulled into the back of the property which was just as magnificent as the front.
"We walk through a kitchen, I am out," Kai said as I smile at her.
We got out of the car as a butler open the door dramatically and another man run out to grab my car keys, driving the car off, we stood dumbfounded as Marilyn walked on as the butler offered a towel, a glass of champion and words of welcoming as we enter the foyer which was an area with couches lining the wall, an elevator standing in the middle of the room which was a bath with marble and pastel pinks.
"Good afternoon, Mrs Kane is running late but" he paused for a moment "you may proceed to her closet where you will get refreshments and wait for her arrival, Mrs Lane will meet you there, enjoy" the elevator doors opened as we stepped in.
We quiet for a moment until doors closed and we just stared at each other, Kai laughed to herself as the others stared at her "this bitch is wealthy, this ain't no Kim K, this that bad bitch money" we all laughed.
The elevator dinged and opened up to a walking closet that was a mini-mall, we stood shocked at how big it was, two ladies stood ready to take our jackets and purses, taking our drinks before leading us to a couch that sat before mirrors and just hurled as a group sat while holding each other.