Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 11:28:54 +0800 From: Lira Feliciano Subject: Now That I Have You This is my second story to post hope you like it. Email me at havenantoine@hotmail.com, I like to ready anything you want to say, ok? Ok so chow! Now That I Have You The night is young; I kept walking at the shore near our house. The moon shines so brightly and I kept staring at it, I sat down on the sand and feel it's grains escape my hand. I knew it's a very nice evening to walk with someone you love but I decided not to and spend this quality time with myself. I've been thinking about Ira, the girl I met 5 years ago in a bar. It gave shivers to my spine since we don't have any contact after that intimate dance on the dance floor. We danced with the tune of `Sweet sexy thing' with her arms at my waist and suddenly she kissed me, and I shouted. I don't want to last there and headed home, and now this girl is hunting my memories. What did I like about her? Well her blue eyes, very blue eyes like the sea, her slender perfect fit body that wave against the music, and her face like an angel, so innocent that it makes you feel you're in heaven. But I let it all slip in my hands like these sands. I got up and went back in the house; I'm living alone in this beautiful house with 4 bedrooms, large living room with a fireplace, large kitchen even there you can have a party and a garden with swimming pool in it. It's a very large place for a single woman like me, well that's what work is entitled to do, to give someone nice home, car and a single life. I'm a President of a company, well of dresses, and fashion business is my game. I hate to say this but in a world I'm in its very hard to have commitments with fashion week under my nose, and the worst thing of all is that my secretary is SICK. She need to go back to her family in Dallas to spend also her leave for one month and I promised her to keep her job and she is welcome when she comes back. The problem is, I need an assistant and I can't do this on my own before the show starts next, next week. I went to bed and fell into my sleep. The morning sun strikes me with its rays and I can't sleep anymore, I had to get up and prepare for the morning. I rush to the bathroom and take off my clothes, the cold water woke me up to my consciousness, and I soaped my small body. I'm beginning to pity myself, all this work, I don't know if I'm going to last any longer. I went to my dresser and found a stylish conservative dress, I wore a long brown dress with a collar covering my neck and a hanging belt by my waist and I wear some sandals. I look at my self in front of the mirror, and saw a young woman of 28 with long black hair in a ponytail and that figure ooohhh! It can catch everybody's attention. Well I'm the boss everybody will notice me, and I have to impress my becoming secretary, it's a big day I have to choose who I'm going to be with everyday this whole month. So I went down, go to the kitchen and prepare something to eat, of course for one. After I ate, I close the door and headed for my car, my car is a 2-door silver Mercedes Benz Kompressor, it look hot and everybody will rush toward my baby immediately after I parked it in front of the building. " Good Morning Ma'am" " Good Morning Bill, how's your family?" " We're good, thanks to you, and I'll say you look beautiful this morning" " Thanks Bill, take care of my baby" " My pleasure" I walk in the building and everybody is staring at me of course and saying good morning. They respect me in a way I helped every time they have problems emotionally and financially. I walked into my office and I saw Christian waiting for me, he's gay and he is very much in love with his newfound boyfriend. They live together in his house with that model he met last year in the summer collection of Nautica. He's the only one who knew I was gay because he is my bestfriend, and at the same time the senior vice president of our company. " Good Morning Lea, how's my beautiful friend?" " Fine. And we should keep going because I need to have a new secretary" " I know that honey, that's why I check them out for you, here are the list" " You're so kind Muffin and what can I do to repay you?" " Nothing." " Nothing?" " Yeah, because I'm in love that's why I'm doing this for you, and for God sakes Lea, get a life" I laughed and shake my head " What? You'll just laugh there and leave everything to the gods." " What do you want me to do?" " Search." I look at him and gave him a smile " Darling, if I were you I'll just focused myself and put my mind to the up and coming fashion week ok? And now I've explained it, go away, I have so many things to do." I pushed him to the door and just before I closed it " See you later at lunch, honey" " Ok muffin, now go!" I laughed and go to my seat, I called Nancy, and told her to send me the applicants. She has to leave after I found someone who will replace her for a month. I scan the list and tell them to come in. I talked to all of them but nothing fits my requirements, I'm beginning to give up and told myself `no one can replace Nancy' but as the interview goes on, nothing happened. I called Nancy. " Nancy can you come in here for a moment" " Yes Lea I'll come right over" she hangs up and walked into my office " Nancy, I can't find anyone fits in this list" " But that's not all, there's one left outside" " Why is she not in the list" " I don't know" " Anyway, let her in" Nancy goes out and not a minute longer a woman of 20's enter my office she looks familiar, but I did not look on her instead I act as a high person ready to eat you, what am I supposed to do, this is an interview. I made her assumed that I was working very busy and did not saw her come in. " Um. excuse me Ma'am, I'm here for the interview" " Sit down" I ordered but still didn't look up at her She gave me her resume and I look at it, I was surprised at her work as an experienced secretary of a law firm, and it's a firm so I expect she is used to pressure, I look at her name, it read: Alejandra Nicole Smith. Hmmm! Quite a name I thought, but why is she applying for secretary if she can do more than what she studied for. She is major in economics and took up some law but didn't have time to finish it. " I'm quite impressed with your records here Miss Smith but." I looked at her and to my surprise I saw that blue eyes again and that beautiful innocent face, I felt a jump in my stomach. " Ouch!" I hold my stomach and called Nancy " Nancy come in here and give me something to lessen the pain of this stupid stomach" " Yes Lea, I'm coming" " Are you ok?" just before I answer, Nancy rushed to me and gave me the medicine while she ask me if I need a doctor" " No, I'm fine, can you please go out for a moment" the two went outside and close the door. `Oh my God' I thought, is this a joke? Or I'm just having a memory disaster here and everything I see is just hallucination. This could not be happening, I just remember her last night and she showed up like a ghost. And the worst thing or let's say the good thing is she's going to be my secretary, well I haven't hired her yet but she is the one who fit for the job. I called Nancy again and order to let Miss Smith enter the office. She entered and I looked at her very deeply and want her to recognize me. But I guess it did not work. She sat down and look at me with so much worry. " Why are you looking at me like that?" " I'm just worried because of what happened to you earlier" " Oh that, you don't have to worry about it, it's natural and it just come back when I'm nervous that's all." I looked at her and I can tell she is convinced. " I called you back because I wanted to tell you that you're hired" Her face lightened up and hugs me, maybe she recognized me or she is just being grateful. When she pulled back she has tears in her eyes flowing to that beautiful cheeks. I wondered why. " Why are you crying, I just hired you" " That's why I'm crying because you hired me. My parents just died and I'm all alone and I don't know how to support myself, I'm just relying on this job." " Oh my God, I'm sorry" Nice, I had a secretary with a problem; I mean another one to problem. But I have to help her anyway I can, she is my employee now I can't let her live in some cheap apartment or go walking on the street. I ask her. " Do you have any place to live in?" " If I didn't get this job, maybe I'll be sleeping on the sidewalk. My tenant wants me to get out of my apartment, but I pleaded her to wait until I have this interview. And thank God, you saved me from all of this" My heart is touched and comfort her with my arms on the couch, she almost fell asleep, so I let her sleep on the couch and told her I'll just wake her up at lunch. She hesitated but I insisted that she needs some rest after all that happened. I continue to work and every once in a while I look at her, she is like an angel sleeping on my couch. Christian came in and saw that there is someone on the couch sleeping, he walked toward me and. " Who is she?" pointing at the couch " She's my new secretary" Chris looked at me with question on his face " Why is she sleeping there?" " It's a long story, and she's going with us" " For lunch!" " Yeah, my treat" " Ok!" Chris with a look of approval in his smile I walk toward the couch. " Ira, Ira, wake up!" " Huh? How did you know my nickname, I don't remember telling you that?" " I'll tell you later, now get up we're going to lunch" She get up and scratch her eyes which is so cute, I held out my hand and help her get up. We walked in a restaurant, which I reserved for three earlier this morning and gave us a seat immediately. I ordered for us and Chris looks at me with amazement. " Are you sure we're going to eat those, it's almost like you ordered the whole menu" I laughed " With this woman with us I'm sure it's just right" " Oh my, you don't have to do that, I'm just starting to work for you and." I stopped her " Honey, you didn't have to tell me all that, you're my employee now and I'll take care of you whatever possible." She just smiled at me. Me and Chris talked about what are we going to do this fashion week and ask him if all of the dresses were ready, especially the models, we have to be ready before the weeks preparation. Ira just sat there quiet and just looking at me and then her eyes look at me wide-opened. I looked at her and her jaw dropped once she get a closer look at me, and I know that she recognized me. " Oh my God! Oh my God! I can't believe this" she kept saying that to me and Chris started to ask me a question " Why is she in hysterics? I can't believe you hired a wacko" " She is not a wacko, she just remembered something" " What is that?" " Remember what I told you 5 years ago about the woman who changed my life, and now she's in front of you" " Oh my God! Oh my God! I don't know what to say, is this all your plan?" " No it's not" " So you're Ira" Still in her shock mood Ira just nod and the two were quiet until the food arrives, they can't eat in disbelief. I started to eat because of the day's event; I'm starving to death that's why I let them stare at me. " Why don't you two eat, there's a lots of food in here and I can't finish all that" they look at me " You can eat that much with the situation going on here" Chris told me in disbelief " I'm starving; what we'll just look at each other knowing that our stomach rumbles for food and you are not eating those food begging in front of you? Well if you want to starve go ahead, I'll eat" They started to eat realizing that they are also hungry, the food almost disappeared in an instant, and the three of us just sat there massaging our stomachs. Ira looked satisfied on what she just ate, she knows it's been three days since she last ate that's why she is all pale, and now she can work with all her strength. Chris still can't believe what happened and made me promised that I'll tell him everything after the fashion week. I said yes, and the three of us go to my car and headed back to the office. We separated ways, Ira and me go to my office and Chris went to his. After I closed the door, Ira sat on the couch still looking at me. Those eyes, those very beautiful that haunt me this past 5 years and now she's here right in front of me quiet, I wonder what she's thinking. I sat on my table and looked at her then smiled, she smiled still speechless. Then after a few minutes, she approaches me on the table. " Why didn't you tell me earlier?" " I want you to figure it out yourself." " Is this why you hired me?" " What are you talking about, I hired you because you have an experienced with the firm and I need someone who can work under pressure that's why I chose you" " Thank you very much, but still." " There is no problem with that, I want you to live with me in my house since your tenant wants you out in your apartment." She wants to open her mouth to subject but I stopped her " I don't want to hear you say no, since I have four rooms and I'm the only one living in there I could use some company, and we can go in here together and can work up to the wee hours of night since the fashion week is coming. So any objection?" " Well I can't say no, can I?" She smiled and kissed me on the cheek " Thank you for being so kind to me, after what happened to us" " You don't have to think about it, past is past and we have a future ahead of us and most of all you, you need to graduate." Once she heard this she started crying. " Don't cry, I just want to help you, that's all" " You're so kind to me" " Get some rest and after I'm done we will go to your apartment and pick up your things and head home. No more thank you's, just get some rest" she nodded and sleeps right away. I worked and worked till my head hurts, but when I look at her all those pain go away. I felt so light, so happy, its like I found the treasure that I've been looking for this past few years. I know it's not the time to think about all of this, I have to work. All the papers brought by Nancy were all reviewed and signed. I talked to the clients and business colleagues on what will happen on fashion week. The designers are ready to show me the designs tomorrow, so I have a very hectic schedule tomorrow morning. The day ended with all this backaches and headaches, it's 4 in the afternoon and we have to leave because Ira need to move out and live with me. I woke her up and she started to stare at me, it's like a drug that can cure my pain in every way but literally it can't. So we went outside and leaving everybody at work and I told Nancy that I need to do something important and tell her that she can leave anytime she wants. Christian said goodbye and told me to have fun. Bill came with my car and thanked him, so we went inside and drove to Ira's apartment. " You didn't have to do this," she said shyly " I know, but I wanted to, just sit back and relax we'll get there" She kept quiet and listened to the song of the Corrs' One Night; we arrived at her apartment. She told me to stay because there's nothing in there that can make me worry, and besides she is packed and just returning the key to her tenant. She returned with only one box on her arms. " Is that all?" " I told you, there is nothing in there" " What about clothes?" " I don't have any, I sold it because I can't eat anymore and I left this clothes for my interview today." I pity her; I didn't think that this could all happen to her in the span of five years, bankrupt! I'm glad I found her, if not I might lost her and never see her again and I live mostly on dreams, dreams of seeing her again. We headed home and to her surprised, she almost fainted. I carry her all the way inside before she fainted with disbelief. I gave her a glass of water and let her rest for a while, I get the box from the car and bring it up to one of the rooms upstairs. " This is where I'm going to live?" " Yes honey and you need to get up and I'll show you the whole house" She stands up and walk beside me. I showed her to the kitchen and was impressed when she saw that it's very large for someone like me, I laughed and continue to show her everything. We went upstairs and showed her, her room where she is going to sleep for as long as she wants to stay. She looked at me and wanted to cry again, but stopped her, saying we have so much to look at. We went to my room and her jaw dropped because it's so large even my room is so much to be living at, I told her that it's just a bit larger than her room. She shook her head and tells me that I'm very lucky, before she said another word I drag her downstairs. I bring her to the garden and showed her the swimming pool and all other stuff. But the best of all I brought her to the beach at the back of the house and she began to look at me and told me she was so glad I found her and she wants to stay. After I showed her the whole house I told her to take a shower and dress up because we are going to shop. Every room has its own shower that's why we have privacy, I look myself at the mirror and saw many lip stick all over my face. "That's why" I remember that everybody was staring at me like there is something on me, I thought that it would be the dress but when I look at the mirror, I bet that is not the reason why they are looking at me. I took a shower and headed to the dresser, and pick some casual dress something like for the teenagers, probably I don't want to get noticed by the people at the boutiques we will visit. Except for being a president of a successful company, I became a role model for youth because I achieved my dreams in just a short span of time, and everybody considered me as a celebrity. I'm at the front covers of some business and fashion magazines that's why every boutique in this country knows me. I finished up and called on Ira, she said she's coming down, so I went downstairs and wait for her on the couch. She got out and went over to me; we both get out of the house and headed to the car. " So where are we going?" " Gucci, Versace, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria's Secret, name it we will go in it." She looks at me and looks at herself " With these clothes" pointing at our attires " Honey it's not the clothes it's the way you bring it. And we have lots of money, with this car in our hands they'll go rushing toward us" She just laughs at me and we went to the city. I bought her the most expensive clothes, with that body I'm sure it will fit to her. I got her casual clothes from Tommy Hilfiger, under wears form Victoria's secret, Office dresses at Gucci and Versace, we went to Lancome to buy her perfumes and some make ups, we also headed to Ralph Lauren and Macy's. We went to some designers like Badgely Mischka, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, and many others for her evening dresses. She can't believe that I bought her all that. " Honey that is not all, we are going to the parlor and have a complete makeover. I don't like your hair, it covers most of your face." " But." " What are you objecting about honey?" " Nothing, it's too much I don't have money to pay you all this" " Pay, me? Honey these are gifts and you won't believe what I have for you for tomorrow" " Thank you, you are so kind" she's beginning to get red again and she is sobbing already. " It's only 6:30 we have so much time ahead of us, so stop it and wipe those tears away, why don't you smile, you're so beautiful you know that" She looked at me with a question on her face, `oh my God, did I say she's beautiful, I looked away from her and start the car, she grab my hand and I looked at her and we began to kiss, again. I felt her soft lips on mine and not a second longer our tongues touched, I felt the sensation all over my body and I'm becoming hot. She pulled her lips and hugged me and she whispered to my ear, " I love you, I love you since the day I saw you in that bar, and I never forget you, you became so beautiful and I didn't recognize you, now that I found you, I will never let you go" she cried " Me too honey, I'm sorry I walked out on you that night, I was so scared and I didn't know what to do, I'm sorry I did that." She looked at me and smiled. We went to the parlor and get her all done, I gave her the clothes we bought at Tommy and we headed to some restaurant and talk about a lot of things. Those things that happened 5 years ago, its almost 11 and we headed back home, we are so tired so we went upstairs go to our rooms and say good night to each other. I closed the door, take a shower and went to bed in my night gown, I can't sleep, I thought about the days event and I still can't believe that this is all happening for just one day. And now the love I've been waiting for is just behind that wall, sleeping. So I rest my head on the pillow, turn off the light beside my bed and sleep at my most peace. The next morning, I woke up early, I have to meet the designers for the show and check out the dresses and the designs. I went to the shower and rush to the dresser, I didn't realize what dress I picked, but I didn't worry because it's in my formal wear, but I didn't notice what kind of formal wear. I put on some make up, leave my tresses in its natural flow at my back and slip the dress over me, I don't have much time to look at the mirror, so I went to the kitchen and saw Ira eating breakfast. She stands up and gave me my coffee and stop when she gets a closer look at me. " You look very, very beautiful in that dress" she looked at me from head to foot " Thank You, you look very beautiful yourself" she wore this white long sleeved shirt and a white twill pants, her hair is blonde shoulder length in a layered cut. " Here is your coffee, take a sit and have some breakfast. Here's a napkin you might stain your dress." Speaking of my dress, I was surprised to see that it's a long white dress, above the knee, turtle neck with a hole beginning at the middle of my abs up to the back of my sides, sleeveless, and a white sandals. That's why I felt some air on my upper body, well anyway it's comfortable. We finished our food and headed to the car. Again I walk up in the building, greet everybody with those faces of amusement, maybe I get them excited once I entered the building every morning because of my dresses. I don't do it on purpose and I just picked it up from the dresser. But I suppose its not only me they are looking at I know that I'm with a beautiful person and what they don't know is that I love her. " Good Morning Honey! You look very beautiful today. And who is this, also a beauty?" he looked at the one I'm with, guess he haven't recognize her " Oh! This is Alejandra Nicole Smith" I winked at Ira to make Christian believe " Nice to meet you, Miss Smith. What brings you here in our humble company" Ira and I looked at each other, and we began to laugh, Christian confused just stare at us " This Muffin is my new secretary" his jaw dropped and looks like he is getting confused with all my surprises " Oh my God, Lea, you turned her into a goddess" his hands on his mouth " I know, but we don't have time for this, I have designers to meet. Ira go with Nancy and she will tell everything you need to know. And you, you'll come with me and we will check out the clothes." " Yes, Lea" Ira went to Nancy then Christian followed me to my office. " I can't believe you did that to her, you're a genius" " That's why I'm the president remember?" " Yeah, you're right. So what happened yesterday after you two left." " We went to her place and remove all her things and she moved in with me" " What! She's living with you! Is that a little bit faster for the two of you?" " It's not fast, she has nowhere else to live. The fact that I love her means I need to take care of her, because she's going through a lot. And after she worked for one month I'll give her a present." " And what is that?" " First, I'll enroll her to the finest law school in the country and I'll give her a car." " A CAR! God you're too much" " And wait a minute, after she graduated I'll hire her as my lawyer" " What is in that girl that you made her so special, Lea?" " It's simple, I Love Her!" " Ok, that explains it all, but the question is, does she love you?" " She's the one who said it first, but I didn't tell her that I love her" " She said it first! I can't believe this. Is it really true?" " That's why we're living together but I'll keep a distance to make sure that she really love me" " That's right, well I'm happy for you honey, may this be real." " I hope so, so come on, let's see the designs." We went outside and go to the conference room where they left the clothes and the designers waiting. As I entered the room, everybody stands up. " Everybody, this is Gabriela Missoni, president of Alfredo Missoni" Christian introduced me " Sit down, everyone. Since the fashion week is coming I would like all the dresses finished and fit to selected models, as Chris is doing right know." " Everything is in order now Lea, you don't have to worry anymore." One of the designers said. " Good, so when can I see the dresses?" " As we told you, you can see it right now" " Very well, let's see it" We went to the dress and I was astonished on how beautiful and stylish the clothes are. It can even be worn in any occasions, not like others that can only be worn in the morning and in the evening. " You impressed me a lot guys, you have such a good taste. Keep up the good work and you can go a long way." " We owe it to you, if you didn't give us a try we wouldn't be able to express our talents to the people. And you are our inspiration." " Well I'm flattered, thank you." " No Lea, Thank YOU, we wish you success in this fashion week." " Anton without you this will not be possible, maybe I'm picking pieces of clothes out there just for the show." " But I won't let it, I will be here with you, always." " Thanks!" I walk out of the room and headed to my office `Very good woman, I wish you all the success and I wish there would be people like you out there. And may you find someone that will love you honestly and with all heart as you love everyone else.' these are the thoughts of Anton while Lea is getting out of the room. I check out what's Ira doing, and see that she is very eager to learn everything Nancy teaches her. I started smiling when Nancy taught Ira what kind of coffee I drink. She was very disappointed when she's doing this because she gave me a coffee earlier and it didn't go the way it should be, well it tastes good. I went to my office and did my work and designing some dresses that can be displayed at the boutique. The time went by and I didn't recognize that it's already two in the afternoon that's why I hear rumbles in my stomach. I pick up the phone and ordered a pizza and not a half-hour later it's already on my desk. I ate and left four slices because I'm full and drink some root beer, so much for a diet. I called on Nancy but there was no answer, I went outside and ask Christian's secretary and she told me they just have a tour around the building. I thought that's right because Ira need to know everyone here because I am connected to every single individual of this company. My Dad, Alfredo Missoni is the owner of this company and owns 3/4 of the stocks in here. When I was a kid he use to bring me here and play with the employees I even know the janitors, that's why when I was a teenager I became connected to everyone of them and be friend them. I used to work and help them around and I knew every strategy that can be done to work everything out and make this business grow, I've been posted at Newsweek. My father had this interview and when they saw me they ask if I'm a model and I told them that I work here for fun and know everything about the company. When they ask me why, I told them that I am the daughter of Alfredo Missoni they were stunned, they interviewed me and take some pictures. The next issue of Newsweek I was in it and the front covers of it, my dad was very proud he said that I make it to the front covers first than him, but he was very happy and I knew it. Well I went back to the world of work when I finished my studies at the age of 22, I decided to work at our company and receive prestigious credits and everybody is telling me that I would be the next president. I told them it is not true, my father will always be number 1. But a year later my dad died, It hurts very much that everybody was worried about me and the company. Rafael Renaldi was the vice president of the company, he is Christian's dad, I left everything to him but living all my stocks to my name and I let him be the president of the company. I went to France, Italy, and Asia just to forget everything and while I was doing this I made a profit and stocks to every country I'm in. I just told them that I am the daughter of Alfredo Missoni and they knew me at once and entertained me and do business with me. Without the knowledge of anyone except me, I'm making millions for myself, for my hard works and I keep it secret. I went back to the states and let loose in a club where Ira and I met that changed my personal life. I went back to the company and everything is in its downfall, I told to myself that I need to save this company. It is a like the greatest thing I've ever done, I saved my company and paid all its debts and elected as the president of the company. Well I paid the debts from my other collaterals around the world. Rafael Renaldi died not a year later and I hired Christian Renaldi as vice president, I need someone I can trust and knew everything that is happening in the fashion business scene and that leaves me no choice other than my best friend. I helped him through the adjustment period when his father died and I love him like a brother now that there's only the two of us. `I wonder where are day' I check out the secretary's desk and they haven't returned yet. I don't have any work to do `til tomorrow so I plan to have a nice cozy dinner in my house and watch some videos. Ira and Nancy are now coming. " Where have you been?" I smiled at them, Ira very exhausted but still look beautiful. " Around the building" " So did you manage to know everybody?" " I say you're quite a boss, everyone here is connected to you directly" " So did you find your job difficult?" " Not much, I think I'll enjoy this" " Good, I don't have anything to do `til tomorrow and we will have dinner in my house" " But you don't have any cook" " Well I cook honey, I have taken some culinary arts when I'm in high school" " Gosh, you're some kind of a woman and I didn't expect this. I thought you're some kind of an average woman when I met you in that club" " There's so much you need to know honey, so come on let's go home." " Sure" I drive home and Ira sleep in the car, well I can't blame her for sleeping and leaving me without company, she scan the whole building. It's an one hour trip to get home that's why I listen to some music, not to say I can sing well for myself only, I don't sing to others I'm shy when it comes to this. We got home and I woke up Ira, we went to the house and sat on the couch. " Why don't you shower while I cook, ok? I have something to tell you, remember the surprise?" She looks at me asking " What is that?" " I can't tell you, well for now. So go on take a bath you smell already" I smiled " Ah, what's that suppose to mean?" " Nothing, just insulting. Ha! Ha! Ha!" we laugh and laugh then she went upstairs. I cook our dinner, some lasagna and a roasted chicken, some mushroom soup and I have this ice cream in my freezer so I made some banana split. I'll just surprise her with this. To be continued...