The Right Choice

By:  Shadylady and Pat Winterburn

Disclaimers:  Since our Christmas Story ‘A Miracle of Love’ was so successful and our readers asked us for a continuation.....well be careful what you wish for, because Shady and Pat just love to write. Valentine's Day is the golden opportunity for couples to express their love for one another.  We hope you enjoy our Valentine to you.

It had been six weeks since Christmas and the employees at Bentley and Associates were still in a daze over the change in Hildy Johnston.  No longer was the woman cold and mean to her employees, in fact there were now people wanting to transfer into her department instead of the long list of employees wanting to transfer out.  On their December thirty-first payroll stub an extra handwritten check was included as a Christmas bonus.  Instead of forcing the employees to make up the two days off, Hildy gave everyone an extra two days off to be taken at his or her leisure.  Morale had changed in such a short period of time that sick days were at an all time low and their work production was much quicker and had fewer errors. 

Today was February 14th, Valentine’s Day, and on top of Hildy's desk sat a beautiful huge hand painted card from all the children at the Women's Shelter were her new lover, Stevie, worked.  Hildy smiled at all the little handprints and names that were on the card.  In less then an hour she was going into a meeting with the company's top brass to present an offer to them about a day care center for these children, while hiring the mothers for in-house training enabling them to work either for the company or finding them jobs elsewhere.  She had her budgets and charts ready, which Stevie and she had worked on for hours since the New Year.  She had listed all the programs and incentives that the government offers to help with tax breaks.  Just as she was ready to leave, her private line rang. 

"Hey honey, how are you?"  Stevie's bright and cheerful voice made Hildy face light up with delight. 

"Fine, how is your day going?"  Hildy managed to get the words out, through the big smile on her face. 

"We're all keeping our fingers crossed down here for you."  Stevie leaned back in her new but inexpensive chair that Hildy had bought for her office. 

"Thanks, I'll do my best.  I'm just about to leave to go upstairs now.  Wish me luck."  Hildy hung up the phone after Stevie said “I love you and good luck.”  She shook her head as she checked out her appearance in her washroom mirror. 

"Who are you?"  She asked her reflection.  "And how did you become so lucky?" 

With that Hildy grabbed up her papers and disks and headed for the top floor. 

Hildy entered the boardroom and set down copies of her proposals where each executive would be sitting.  She turned on the computer, entered her password, and slid in the disk.  The large screen in the room lit up with the company logo and the computer sat patiently waiting for its next command. 

As the executives were slowly entering, a cafeteria employee with a cart filled with snacks, a coffee urn and water for tea, came in as well and set up.  The cart also contained cans of soft drinks and juices. For a moment Hildy thought of how many women in the shelter would love to have something like this for themselves.  How quickly we take for granted what we have, when we don't see what others lack, she thought to herself. 

As everyone settled in, Hildy quickly changed into her business persona and proceeded with the meeting. 

It took nearly two hours but Hildy covered the material as thoroughly as she could.  She emphasized the benefits that both the company and the women would gain from the combined effort of setting up the shelter.  She stressed the humanitarianism aspect for enhancing the positive image of the company.  Finally she displayed the bottom line profits that could rise out of the project.  Dead silence filled the room as she stood expectantly waiting on their decision. 

“Ms. Johnston, can you please step out while we consider your proposal?” Chairman Wallis asked.

Looking perplexed as she was generally included in all the decision making, Hildy gathered up her personal items and stepped out of the boardroom.  As she left the room, her cell phone began to ring.  Walking into her office she flipped open the phone face.

"Hello," she said in a strained voice.

"Hey babe, how are you doing?"  Stevie's effervescent voice asked.

"I'm not sure," she answered hesitantly.

"OH.....?"

"Yeah, they asked me to step out while they considered the proposal." 

"Is that good?"

"I've never been asked to leave before," Hildy replied in a worried voice.

"Oh honey, I'm sure it is going all right.  Hang in there."  Stevie said as she felt her own emotions starting to deflate.

“I don't guess there is anything else to do but wait at this point,” Hildy said as she sat down at her desk and pick up a pencil.  She began twirling it around her fingers as she talked to Stevie.

“No.  That's true.”  Stevie agreed.  “Honey, I'll be home earlier than I expected tonight.  Want me to let myself into your apartment to start dinner?”

“Sure baby, go ahead.  I'll be there as soon as I can get away from here,” Hildy answered. 

The line on her desk phone buzzed. 

“Baby, hang on a minute, my phone is ringing.”

“Can't be, I'm on the line.”

“No, my office phone.”

“OH....ok.” Stevie laughingly said.

“Hello, Johnston here.  ...  Yes, sir.  Right away.”

“I have to go babe.  That was Wallis from the boardroom.  They want me to come back now.”

“Ok, I'll talk to you later, Hildy.  Oh Hildy, keep your chin up, baby.”  Stevie said as she hung up the line.

********************* 

Hildy stood, straightened her suit jacket, and briskly made her way back to the boardroom.  Just prior to opening the door, she remembered Stevie’s last words and lifted her chin just a little.

Wallis was standing at the head of the table.

“Come on in Johnston.  Have a seat,” he waved his hand at the empty seats at the desk.  No one was left in the boardroom but him.

“Where is everyone?” Hildy asked looking around the table.

“Dismissed.”  Was the tart remark.

“Johnston….?”

“Yes sir?”  Hildy turned her attention back to Wallis. 

“The board decided unanimously to deny the construction of the training and day care center. Wallis stated in a monotone voice.

“WHAT! How could they with all the evidence that I presented where it would be a profitable adventure?”  Hildy asked in shock. 

“Johnston, you, of all associates, know how low the profit has been which has caused a dip in the dividends being paid this past year.  We have finally reached a point where the stockholders can reap the benefits of our good management.  The board of directors felt it was in the best interest of the company to pay the dividends to the stockholders and to not reinvest into the company at this time.  At least not on this project.”  Wallis stopped talking and shoved both hands into his pant pockets. 

“I can’t believe that we’d not do the humanitarian deed that will help so many needy women and children in favor of stockholder greed.”

“Those ‘greedy stockholders’ pay your salary and don’t you forget it!”  Wallis said with rising ire. 

“You know, Mr. Wallis, you are absolutely right.  In fact, you are so right that I find that I can’t continue to work for a company that places money value above human value.” 

Wallis looked startled and started to speak.  Hildy Johnston was the company’s star performer and had been for years.  He didn’t want to lose her. 

“I want you and the entire board to consider this my verbal notice of resignation.  I’ll send in a formal one, when I get settled.”  Hildy said quietly. 

“Missy, you better think twice what you are planning to do,” Wallis said condescendingly. 

“My mind is made up.  Good night sir.”  With that Hildy stood up and left the boardroom. 

Within a short period of time, she had removed all personal items from her office, laid her Executive Lounge key on the secretary’s desk and quickly left the building, her anger still carrying her on an adrenalin high.  

Outside the building she managed to flag down a cab as she stood laden with the items she had accumulated while working at her current company.  She gave the cabby the directions and within minutes was racing through traffic toward home.

Hildy’s mind went over and over the presentation she had given, wondering where she could have made a difference in favor of it being accepted.  There was no answer because what she presented had been flawless after the days spent in perfecting it.

********** 

The cabby pulled up in front of Hildy’s brownstone apartment and waited patiently for some movement from her.  She continued to sit quietly deep in though.

He slid the partition open between them and said, “Lady, here’s your stop.  You getting out?”

Hildy looked up startled they were at her house already.

“Thanks.  Here, keep the change.” Hildy said to the cabby as she got out of the car. 

Hildy struggled up the two flights to the apartment without running into anyone else.  Upon reaching her apartment, she leaned over and pressed her elbow on the doorbell.  As she stood waiting, she could hear Stevie’s bouncy step getting nearer.

The door open, Stevie smiled and looked into Hildy’s face.  Hildy immediately burst into tears.  Reacting quickly, Stevie pulled her into the apartment and led her over to the couch.  Taking the box out of her arms, she gently pushed Hildy onto the couch.   

Hildy sank ungraciously as the tears continue to fall.  She had never felt so devastated in her life.  How can I be the one to take the radiant hope away from so many women and children? She sobbed louder. 

Stevie knew in her heart that the proposal failed just by looking at the hopelessness washing across Hildy’s face.  She sat down beside Hildy and took her into her arms as she cried.  Finally, the tears subsided and Hildy told her what had happened. 

Stevie reached out and lifted Hildy’s chin gently with her fingertips.  Looking directly into her eyes, she said, “Baby.  If you have learned nothing else from working with the Center and me, remember the motto that all the women and children live with; "Nothing is ever as helpless as it seems."

***********************

"I quit my job." Hildy managed to get the words out and then shook her head. "I can't believe what I did, but I'm so damned tired of penny pinching for Bentley, when all they cared about today was lining the pockets of the shareholders."

Stevie sat there stunned and couldn't believe what Hildy was saying. "But honey, you've worked for them so long, and you could have presented your arguments again. I don't understand why you did this today?"

Hildy really didn't understand it either at the moment, but what ever had possessed her to make this life altering decision, made sense at the time she did it.

"Change Stevie, it's time for a change." Hildy stopped crying and wiped her face. "You and I are going to form our own company. We've got the business knowledge, contacts, and with your fund raising skills and my head for figures, we're going to raise enough money, rent a building, get in the equipment needed, and we're going back to school."

"School?" Stevie looked at Hildy and wondered if there was something she was missing here. "Are you all right honey? Is there something I'm missing here?"

Hildy just smiled and said "Nope.  This time, we are the teachers."

Stevie shook her head and hoped what ever that sparkle was in Hildy's eyes, it would produce the best plan ever. She knew Hildy had a brilliant business mind and hoped the plan could work. She thought about having their own company; teaching and helping battered women to get back into the working world and being able to support themselves and their children. It had been a life long dream of hers but she had never been able to accomplish her goals. There was never enough money or people like Hildy who were willing to donate their time and money.

"Does this mean we're partners?" Stevie changed her position and straddled herself across Hildy's lap. Hildy's arms wrapped around Stevie's waist and pulled her closer as their lips met.

"Happy Valentine’s Day." The two women said to each other as dinner and the flowers on the table were forgotten about. Instead they kissed and explored each other’s mouths and necks. They nibbled on ears and ran their fingers through each others hair. Stevie undid the buttons on Hildy's blouse and admired the lacy bra that lay before her eyes. She ran her tongue down Hildy's neck and made her way to a straining breast. Her teeth pulled at the material, as Hildy's nipples grew stiff and wanting.

They had made love many times since being together but somehow Hildy knew this night would be special. She couldn't stop her hands from removing Stevie's t-shirt. The bra found its way onto the floor. Two eyes met and the last barrier of Hildy's heart fell away. “Oh god, Stevie, I love you so much."

It was the first time Hildy had said the words and Stevie smiled at her. "I love you too."

Stevie got off Hildy's lap and took her hand. Into the bedroom they went to continue on with what they had started. Tonight there would be no hesitation or uncertainty. With clothes removed, they climbed into bed, arms and legs wrapped around each. They kissed passionately.  Hildy felt her heart would explode as she gave this woman her unconditional love. Stevie gave her heart and body in return as she let Hildy enter her and take her places she had never been. When they had both consumed each other and the cries of release could be heard in the heavens, they fell into a deep sleep and thanked Cupid for this day.

*************

As Stevie slept her dreams were filled with visions of an active Women’s Training and Day Care Center.  She pictured the building exactly as it should look; including the playground with the equipment the kids could use to fill their long, lonely hours.  She could see the classrooms teaming with women, learning skills that would carry them independently into the future.  Its location was familiar yet not the same.  She knew where it was.  The knowledge of the familiar jolted Stevie awake.  It was six in the morning. 

Hildy was curled around Stevie’s body with her arm wrapped over the top of Stevie.  She couldn’t move without disturbing Hildy.  Stevie quietly watched Hildy sleeping, memorizing the features of her face as it was relaxed in sleep.  She remembered the firmness of Hildy’s mouth pressing against her own, the sounds that emanated from her lips as she cried her release at the same time as her own.  She remembered the weight of her larger body pressing lovingly down upon her own as they lay together in the aftermath of their love. 

Stevie reached up and lightly trailed her fingers over the curves and valleys of Hildy’s face until she paused with her fingertips feeling the warm breath puffing softly from her lips.  Finally, she ran one tip around the contours of Hildy’s lips, feeling their softness.

Hildy had awakened when she first felt Stevie touch her face.  She kept her eyes closed, waiting to see what Stevie would do.  It was all she could do not to pull her closer and ravage her mouth with a good morning kiss.  She did well until Stevie touched her lips, making them tingle.  She quickly opened her mouth and sucked the marauding finger into her moist, hot mouth.  She heard Stevie gasp.

Opening her eyes, Hildy looked lovingly into Stevie’s face.  She released her finger as she bent closer to consume Stevie’s lips with her own. 

After a series of deep kisses, Stevie pulled back, “Morning sweetheart.  Did you sleep well?”

“Never better with you here by my side.  I could get used to this in a heartbeat.”

“Used to what……?” Stevie wheedled wanting more of a declaration.

“Making love to you, having you wrapped in my arms all night long, waking up and finding you hovering over me…. Just a few little minor things.”  Hildy returned as she once more drew Stevie down for a quick kiss.

“God, I love you….love you….love you…” she said as she punctuated each ‘I love you’ with a kiss.

“I love you too, darling,” Stevie said as she snuggled against Hildy’s chest.  “Honey…..?”

“Yes?”

“I had a dream last night…”she began then paused.

“Yes, baby, go on….” Hildy encouraged her.

“I dreamed of exactly how the building and grounds should look for the Center.  But more than that, I know exactly where the location should be.”  Stevie said hesitantly.

“Good then you can help the architect draw it out.  Tell me more about the location, please.”  Hildy asked.

“Do you remember that piece of property out by the old brickyard that you showed me right after Christmas?”  Stevie stopped.

“You mean the old brick garment factory?  The one that my uncle left me?”  Hildy prompted.

“Yeah, that’s the one.  It has the three stories, windows on all four sides and that huge open lot where the other building was torn down.”  Stevie said with excitement.  “I saw that location in my dream and with some work, it was beautiful.”

“Hot damn, I never thought of that location.  You are right, it would be perfect.  Let me see, we need to check with the zoning agency, the taxation department, licensing, get an architect lined up, construction crew, and supplies.  Baby, this can be done.”  Hildy said with excitement.

“Whoa Hildy.  The first thing we need to do is get out of bed, shower, have breakfast and then start drawing up our plans.”  Stevie said with a laugh.

“You are so right, baby.  I can’t wait to get started.  Let’s get dressed, do what we need to do and I’ll take you down to the Women’s Shelter to let the ladies know what is going on.”  Hildy said as she got out of bed.

Stevie lay back and looked up at Hildy.  “Did you know, sweetheart, this has been the best Valentine’s Gift in my entire life.”

“For a day to have been so bad at the beginning, I can’t believe how well it has turned out,” Hildy said in agreement.  “Come on, get your lazy ass out of bed, we have a ton of work to do.”

And so begins the adventure of building a Center from scratch, but that is another story and will be told at a future date.

To be continued…..

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Copyright © February 2005 by Shadylady & tap the wizard.  All Rights Reserved