Part 1

"Hell no! I’m not going to be her driver.  I don’t give a flying flip how much she pays this company.  I refuse to drive her anywhere,” the spunky young woman replied before picking up her clipboard and stomping toward the office door. 

“You walk out that door and you might just as well keep walking.  I need drivers that will do what we ask.  If you can’t take care of a simple job, I don’t need your ass drawing a paycheck,” the older man replied in anger. 

Whirling back around, she grimaced and squeezed her eyes shut in a hard snarl.  “Paycheck!  Paycheck!  Hell, when’s the last time you paid me?  If I didn’t get tips, I’d be damn broke out on the streets.” 

“Oh baby, come on now.  Don’t talk to your papa that way.  You know I count on you to help me.  Please baby, just this time,” he pleaded, watching her color start to reside. 

“Oh shit, Pop, don’t beg.  You know you can always get to me when you do,” she answered while flopping down on the sofa in the corner.   

“Baby, baby.  The money she’ll pay us for a driver this month will cover all the bills for the next three months.  If we don’t take her job, we’re going to go broke,” he finally said while sitting down behind his desk. 

“Well fuck.  Heap the guilt on me, why don’t you?  God damn it, Pop I’ll do the damn job,” she finally replied.  She slammed her clipboard down beside her. 

“Baby! Why are you raising such as fuss over Ms. Sadler?  She’s one of our best customers,” her Pop finally asked. 

“Pop.  She treats us like shit beneath her feet, in fact, worse than shit.  She doesn’t even see us until she’s ready to return home.  Then, she wants all our attention on her to hold the other rich bitches at bay that are chasing her tail.”  Harriet Graham answered. 

“Harry!  You don’t have to get up close and personal with the customers.  Well, maybe in this case, you do.”  Pop fumbled around through the papers on his desk, hoping Harry would drop the subject.   

“Yeah, you’re right, Pop. Maybe it’s time that I’m the one taking her for a ride for a change,” she replied with a smirk. 

“Now, Harry.  Don’t you go doing anything wrong or hurtful,” he admonished. 

“Pop, have you ever known me to be anything but sweet?” she asked as she got up and left the office.  Her laughter followed her down the hallway back to the drivers lounge. 

Beeeeeeep!  Beeeeeeep!  Harry laid on the horn for the third time as she sat in front of the townhouse where she was picking up Veronica Sadler.  She couldn’t help but wonder where she would be taking her this evening.  Ms. Sadler ran a high-powered corporation acquisition and sales company, Sadler Enterprises.  Her finesse in finding toppling companies and turning them around into profitable ones was well known throughout the business world.  Harry had been following her career almost from the moment she started using Graham Limousine service for her transportation.  She was astounded by the speed with which Ms. Sadler was moving into international circles now.  There was only one drawback.  She treated hired help like shit.  At least that’s what the other drivers told Harry while sitting around the break room.  Harry decided to find out just how this woman acted around their drivers. 

Harry caught the townhouse door opening as she reflected on Sadler’s career.  She turned in her seat to watch as Sadler walked toward the limousine.  Harry’s mouth dried up and she drew in a deep breath.  Veronica Sadler was beautiful.  She was the epitome of sophistication and class.  She wore a black tuxedo.  The jacket tapered from the front waist button to a long, back tail.  Her white silk shirt gleamed brightly under the streetlights. Pearl studs were visible through the buttonholes.  Her black bowtie was perfectly symmetrical in the center of the shirt collar.  Her iridescent red cummerbund was the only color to her outfit.  Even her shoes were shiny leather, polished to a T.  Finally, Harry looked at her face.   She was simply regal.  No makeup adorned her face but she didn’t need any.  Jet-black lashes and dark eyebrows overshadowed her dark blue eyes.  Her nose was perfect.  Her mouth looked slightly tense but her lips were full and kissable looking.  Now where did that come from? Harry mumbled to herself. 

Harry opened her car door and fell out on her knees.  She quickly jumped up and stepped to the back of the car to open the door.  She hoped she didn’t have to say a word because she believed her mouth would be too dry to get a word out of it. 

Veronica Sadler walked up to the car.  She looked at the driver and realized her night may not go as planned.  She was obligated to attend these formal functions due to her position in the Sadler Corporation.  Each one was the same.  Both men and women sucked up to her and simply wanted all they could get.  Sexual favors were often offered in exchange for business favors.  So far, she had managed to avoid having to walk out with any of the other guests.  Her standard comment for not leaving with any of the guests was that she only left the party with the person with whom she had the last dance of the night.  She paid a high price to be sure that person was her limousine driver each time. 

She looked at her driver as she watched the person struggling to get up from his/her knees.  She could not see much of the person from the angle she was walking.  As she got closer, she stared at the driver.  She saw a street urchin in front of her.  The woman couldn’t have been more than five feet five inches. She, herself was five feet eleven.  That meant that standing face to face; her driver would be looking directly at her chest.  Damn, why did they always have to send me short drivers?  The driver had what looked like ash blonde hair sticking out from beneath a backward worn baseball cap.  She wore overalls with one strap unfastened and apparently dangling down her back.  She had on a shirt on which she had torn away the sleeves.  She wore a pair of old, scuffed steel-toed boots that looked like they should have been thrown away a long time ago.  Her gamin face drew attention directly to her short, slightly upturned nose.  Her eyes were deep brown in color and seem to reflect all the passion within her body right back out of them.  Her lips were lush and pink, very kissable.  Shit, kissable… where did that come from? Roni thought as the driver reached for the door handle. 

Once seated inside, the driver returned behind the steering wheel.  She tilted up the bill of her hat and peeked into the rearview mirror catching Roni’s eyes.   

“Where to tonight, Princess?“  

“Please don’t call me that.  My name is Roni.  I need to go to the Manhattan Club but before we go, I want to ask you something.” 

Harry was curious.  She wondered what Ms. Sadler could possibly have to say to her.  “Sure, go ahead and ask.  If I don’t like the question, I just won’t answer you.” 

“I’m surprised that Mr. Graham didn’t tell you that I require all my drivers to dress in evening wear when they drive me to these parties.  My agreement with his company is that the driver will escort me through the last dance of the evening and then return me home.”   

“Ummm….I heard about that but Pop didn’t say anything about me having to rig out in a monkey suit to drive you anywhere.” Harry was beginning to feel a little guilty that she hadn’t waited around to get the details from her father.   

“Pop?  Who’s Pop?” 

“Pop?  He owns Graham’s Limousine Service.  I drive for him when no one else is available. Like tonight.” 

“Why tonight?” 

“Couldn’t get anyone willing to drive you tonight. What in the hell have you been doing to the drivers that keeps them from wanting to take your call?  None of the boys would touch this ticket with a ten-foot pole.” 

“Oh, damn.  I knew something would come out of it.”   

“What do you mean?” 

“It’s not important.”   

“Sure it is if none of the drivers will take you anymore.  This is hurting Pop’s business” 

“I had a couple of the drivers come on a little strong because of the agreement with your father over the last call of the night.  They honestly believed I was looking for more ‘manly attention’ than just the last dance of the evening.”   

Still looking in the mirror, Harry watched her shudder as she said the last sentence.  So that’s the way the wind blows.  Our financial genus doesn’t like men. 

“Ok, so where does that lead to asking me a question?” 

“I wanted to know if you could change into something a little dresser and dance the last dance of the evening with me.” 

“Why is that so important to you?” 

“I have found that most people I meet want only two things from me: power or money.  Both men and women are not below using their bodies to try to seduce me into giving them what they want.  I simply find it a hell of a lot easier to leave them all behind if I make it known up front that I always leave the party with the person I dance with last.  Arranging up front that my partner will be my driver has held everyone else at bay.” 

“Let me see if I get this.  You want me to change clothes and be your partner for the last dance.  Then you will leave the event with me.” 

“Right.” 

“Kind of makes me a female gigolo, doesn’t it?” 

“Well.  Not if you remember, it is just a dance and then you drive me home.  Come on.  What do you say?  I promise there will be a nice tip included.”  Roni leaned over the seat and placed her hand on Harry’s shoulder as she pleaded one more time. 

Harry turned toward her, startled by the intense feeling of heat emanating from Roni’s hand.  She could smell Roni’s perfume as it wafted in the air.  Her senses filled with the rich, sexy odor.  Her mouth once again became dry as she remembered her first look at Sadler as she walked toward the car. 

“Uhhhh…uhhhhh..welll…..OK.”  Harry stuttered through her reply.  “We’ll have to swing by my joint for me to change.  Do you have that much time?” 

“I have all the time in the world.  The party may already be happening but I guarantee that no one will say a word regardless what time I make my appearance.  Lead on.” 

 

Part 2

The limousine pulled in front of one the newly restored brownstone houses in an older section of town.  The street was quiet with minimal traffic rolling by.  Down the street, jazz filtered out of the open door of a darkened lounge.  Roni was surprised as she read the name on the lounge, realizing it was one of the most popular gay bars in town.  She slowly looked over the seat at the back of her drivers head, wondering what her sexual orientation could be.  After seeing the bar, Roni realized that they were traveling into the section of town where most gay citizens lived.  She knew the camaraderie was high in this area of town where the neighbors supported one another routinely. 

Harry pulled over to the curb and turned off the engine.  She leaned over the seat to let Roni know she would be back in a short time.   

Roni looked into her brown eyes saying, “I can’t call you, hey you, all night long.  What would you like me to call you?” 

“Call me Harry,” she replied as she jumped out of the car and sprinted toward the brownstone.   

Roni tilted her head onto the back of the seat as she waited for Harry to return.  She had never had a female driver before.  She wondered what her colleagues would say when she danced with her and eventually left with her.  She mentally kicked herself for allowing that to worry her since she made no bones of her sexual persuasion.  Her colleagues were constantly trying to mold her into a traditional male-female relationship.  They could not understand why a woman would want to live alone and seek such a dominant role in a usually all male position.  Let them continue to wonder she thought to herself.   

Her eyes closed as the soft music played in the background and the warm air lulled her senses.  She drifted between sleep and wakefulness.  She learned years ago to grab a catnap whenever she could.  Her breathing evened out and she was oblivious to the rest of the noise around her. 

Harry closed the outer door of the complex as she returned to the limousine.  She shook her head in disbelief that she agreed to Sadler…Roni’s, request.  Where the hell has my mind gone? She groaned quietly as she reached the driver’s side of the car. 

She looked into the back seat and noted that Roni was sleeping.  She tried to quietly enter the car but Roni sat straight up as she heard the sounds of Harry returning.  She glanced over the seat and drew in a deep breath.  Harry was stunning.  She was wearing a solid black pantsuit with a two-button jacket with flap pockets.  It was snuggly buttoned which was a good because she did not have a shirt underneath the jacket.  The neckline was open to the cleft between her breasts.  The trousers were straight legs with a front fly.  The gleaming black belt looping through the belt loops matched her solid black shoes.  The shoes were dress boots with two-inch heels.  Her hair was hanging down and incredibly curly, lining the sides of her face and making her look striking.  She had dabbed a light dusting of red lip glow on her lips to embellish their shape. 

Roni took a deep breath and realized they were wearing the same perfume.  It was her favorite, 273 Rodeo Drive. 

“Ms. Sadler…..Ms Sadler?   You ready to go?” 

“Uhh…yes… sorry,” Roni said breathlessly as she leaned back once more.  Not only was she short of breath but her palms were sweaty.  It was all she could do not to reach out and touch the halo of blonde hair before her eyes. 

Within minutes, Harry pulled the limousine up in front of the dinner club.  The door attendant rushed forward and opened the passenger door.  Roni leaned toward the door then paused.   

“Harry, will you come to the ballroom and get me for the last dance?” 

“I’ll tell you what, Ms. Sadler.  I am familiar with this club.  There is an anteroom right outside the ballroom.  I’ll be sitting in it behind one of the pillars.  When the time comes, you come and get me.”   

“I guess that’ll work.”  Roni said as she began to get out of the car.  “Yes, I’ll come get you right before the last dance.”  She followed the door attendant into the building.  Harry’s last view was of her walking into the elevator and the doors closing. 

Harry restarted the car and headed toward the parking area.  For the next two hours, she shot craps with the other waiting drivers.  She avoided discussing her formal attire and instead, proceeded in winning most of the money bet during the evening. 

Shortly before midnight, Harry washed her hands and headed toward the ballroom. She entered the antechamber and found a secluded seat where she would wait for Sadler to come get her.  Music streamed through the room making her tap her feet and snap her fingers to the fast rhythm. 

As she swayed to the music, Roni walked in behind her and once again admired the stunning appearance she made, compared to the gamin look of earlier that evening. 

“Are you ready?” Roni said as she walked into the narrow sitting area. 

“Oh yes.  I had forgotten how much I love to dance.”  

“Then why don’t you come now and we can dance a couple of dances before leaving?” 

“Sure, I’d love to.”  Harry stepped around Roni and led her out of the room. 

““Ms. Sadler….” 

“Please.  Call me Roni,” she interrupted Harry as they walked into the ballroom.

Stopping at the edge of the dance floor, Harry turned back toward Roni, “Roni, will you give me the honor of this dance?”  She held out her hand, waiting for Roni to step forward. 

Roni was shocked by Harry’s forwardness but reached out and drew Harry into her arms.  She fit perfectly against her body.  Harry’s check lay against the top line of her breasts just as she suspected from earlier this evening.  Roni didn’t mind as it gave her a chance to sink her own face against the cloud of ashen blonde hair curling around Harry’s head.   

Roni inhaled and smelled Harry’s fresh odor.  She could feel her warmth against the front of her body.  They moved smoothly together to the rhythm of the music.  Without a word, they danced around the dance floor enjoying the feel of their arms wrapped around each other. 

As they neared the far side, a woman stepped from the edge of the floor and stopped the dance. 

“Well Victoria.  Who’s this bitch?” 

“Ramona, please don’t make a scene.  Just leave.” 

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid of little ole me,” Ramona taunted as her voice began to climb in volume. 

Harry noted how embarrassed Roni was and decided to help her out.  She wasn’t sure why she liked Roni, but she did.  

“Babe, is there a problem here?”  Harry asked stepping between the two of them. 

“Oh sure, call her sweet names.  I know she is only using you to hold me at bay.” 

“Darling, what is she talking about?  Come on, let’s finish our dance,” Harry continued as she reached out to lead Roni back onto the dance floor. 

“She isn’t going any where with you, bitch,” Ramona said as she swung her fist in an arching blow toward Harry.   

Harry ducked but in doing so, left Roni wide open.  Ramona’s fist connected with Roni’s chin.  They both heard a loud pop as Roni’s head flung backward.  In slow motion, Roni’s eyes rolled back into her sockets.  Her knees buckled and she collapsed toward the floor.  Harry’s quick actions prevented her from taking a hard tumble.  She reached out and wrapped her arms around the taller woman as she guided her down to a supine position on the floor.  Once she was flat out, Harry jumped back to her feet and turned toward Ramona.   

“If you know what is good for you, you’ll turn your lily-white ass around and march out of this room right now.  If you don’t, I am going to kick it from here all the way to the street.”  Harry rose up on tiptoe pushing her face into Ramona’s face, making sure she understood she would follow through on her threat. 

Ramona glanced at Roni lying on the floor and turned, leaving the area as fast as she could move.  The crowd had surged closer to see what was happening.   Harry dropped to her knees beside Roni and gently ran her hands over her face.  She did not feel the jaw out of place or see any bleeding from the mouth.   

“Someone please wet me a napkin with cold water,” Harry asked aloud. 

One of the men grabbed a glass of ice water and wet the napkin.  He quickly handed it to Harry.  She folded it over and leaned back toward Roni.  With extreme gentleness, she wiped the cold cloth across Roni’s face. 

With a groan, Roni slowly moved her head.  She reached up with one arm to touch her face as her eyes began to open. 

“What….what …happened?”  She asked in a slurred voice. 

“You had a fist planted in your face,” Harry answered. 

Roni looked around her and saw the huge crowd leaning toward her.   

“Can you get us out of here?” she asked as she realized how embarrassed she was becoming. 

“Sure.  Here, see if you can sit up first.”  Harry slid her arm beneath Roni’s shoulders and helped her into a sitting position. 

Roni felt a wave of nausea overwhelm her but managed to keep everything down.  The room spun as she tried to get her balance.  She closed her eyes to keep the nausea under control. 

Harry turned to one of the men and asked if he would have her limousine pulled around in front.  Reaching into her pant pocket, she removed a set of keys and flipped them to the man who nodded affirmatively. 

“Thanks, pal,” Harry said as she turned back to Roni.   

Roni reached up and tentatively felt her chin.  It was already beginning to swell.  It hurt like hell when she ran her fingers over it.  She slowly opened her mouth, making sure her jaw was not broken. It was very tender but intact. 

Harry stood and walked next to Roni.  She extended her arm down and assisted Roni to a standing position.  Roni swayed but stayed on her feet with Harry’s arm wrapped around her.  Together they walked out of the club until they reached the car.  Harry helped Roni into the back of the car where she slumped against the seat. 

“Do you want me to take you to the hospital?” Harry asked anxiously. 

“No, please just take me home,” Roni pleaded. 

“Sure, babe.  As long as you let me stay with you for a while.  I wouldn’t feel right if I left you alone tonight. 

“Whatever. Just take me home, please.” 

 

Part 3

The drive back to Roni’s place was quiet but fast.  Harry tried to handle the turns and curves smoothly so as not to add to Roni’s distress.  Once they reached Roni’s house, Harry rushed around to help her out of the car and up the short steps.  Roni lead them into her bedroom where she was suddenly overcome with nausea.  Harry held her head while she vomited in the bathroom.  Guiding her over to the bed, Harry quickly undressed her leaving on only her boxers and bra.  She flipped back the covers and assisted Roni into bed.  She drew the covers back over her, trying to ease the shaking that Roni was having from the shock of the evening. 

Roni couldn’t stop her teeth from clattering together.  Her whole body shook violently beneath the covers.  She watched as Harry kicked off her shoes and walked over to her dresser.  She saw her rummage through the drawers until she found a tee shirt.  Quickly Harry slipped out of her dress jacket and pulled the tee shirt over her head.  Roni watched but was unable to enjoy the nude image she saw of Harry’s breasts.   

Harry walked back over to the bed and unfastened the button of her pants.  She crawled over the foot of the bed until she was lying on top of the covers with her body pressing against the backside of Roni’s body.  She wrapped her arms around her, sharing her warmth with Roni.  As Roni’s body began to warm up, she drifted into sleep.   

Harry lay still holding her until she could feel the even movement of her chest and the deep, regular breaths she was taking.  As she too drifted off to sleep, she realized this would be one last dance that she would remember for a long time.  Feeling the warmth against her body she realized she wanted more from Roni but wasn’t sure what it was she wanted or where it would even lead to.  As Harry drifted to sleep, her thoughts were on Roni and the incredible feeling that she and Roni would have a lot more to learn about one another as their relationship grew closer together. 

Harry knew she would always save the last dance for Roni.  Where that would lead would be anyone’s guess but they had all the time in the world to see what transpired.  She realized her original perceptions were wrong of Roni and she could barely wait to discover all facets of her personality.  Tomorrow would be a good day to start over was the last thought on Harry’s mind as sleep claimed her at last. 

Morning dawned slowly as Roni began to awaken.  Her entire body ached but her chin felt like a brick had struck it.  That jolted her into wakefulness as she recalled the events of last night.  As she became more aware of her surroundings, she felt a band wrapped around her torso.  Reaching out with her hand, she felt the arm and leg draped over her body.  She quickly turned her head and glanced over her shoulder.  Harry was plastered against her body.  

As easily as she could, Roni slid from beneath the covers, out from under Harry’s leg and arm and tiptoed into the bathroom.  Looking down, she realized she was dressed only in her pants and bra.  Stepping into the bathroom, she pulled the door closed and turned toward the mirror.  She saw a large dark purple bruise under her chin.  She reached up and touched, winching at the tenderness of the wound.  Turning toward the shower, Roni adjusted the temperature to a moderately warm flow.  Quickly divesting herself of her underclothes, she stepped beneath the shower and let the warm water cascade over her aching body. 

In the meantime, Harry sat up on the bed after watching the bathroom door close.  What the hell am I doing? I’m not ready for this. She spoke to herself.  Quickly, Harry bounced off the side of the bed, redressed in her clothes and left the apartment.  She walked briskly to the parked limousine, climbed inside and headed back to the garage where the limousine was kept. 

“I don’t know what in the hell came over me.  I am so not ready for any involvements at this time.  I have a new job, a new place to live and the opportunities I have worked for the last ten years. I am outta here.”  Harry said aloud as she pulled away from the curb. 

“Pop.  Here’s the car.”  Harry flipped the keys onto the middle of the desk, startling her father as he read the bills in his hand. 

“Where the hell you been, girl?  I’ve been worried sick when the car didn’t come back last night.” 

“It’s a long story Pop.  Just trust me.”   

“I do baby.  But that is my best car that didn’t come in last night.” 

Harry laughed aloud as she realized the concern was for the car and not her overnight disappearance.   

“It’s all Ok, Pop.  No harm at all.  By the way, that Sadler dame is an OK lady.  Tell the guys they should be fighting over who is going to drive her instead of avoiding her.”   

“Why don’t you tell them, kiddo,” he said as he looked from beneath his bushy eyebrows into her face. 

“I won’t be around.  I have to get moving.  My new job starts Monday and I still have to settle into my new apartment.  I am running over to the brownstone this morning to close it up.  I’ll be turning in my key and the new tenants will be moving in on Monday.” 

“Busy little bee, aren’t you darling?”   

“Yep I am.  Just hope I can get it all done and still be ready for work next week.”   

Harry shifted nervously from one foot to the other before speaking again.  “Pop?  If Ms. Sadler comes looking for me, don’t tell her who I am or where I have gone.  I don’t want her to know who I am yet.” 

“Sure baby.  You did me a favor, least I can do is keep quiet.” 

“Thanks, Pop.  Gotta  run.  See ya latter.”  Harry leaned over and planted a wet, sloppy kiss on top of his bald head before turning and leaving his office.   

He shook his head as he watched his only child making her way to her truck parked outside in the lot.  He wondered what happened last night but knew better than to push Harriet into a corner.  Even as a young child, she refused to talk about issues when confronted until she was good and ready.  

“Oh, well.  At least I’ll make payroll this month,” he stated aloud as he turned back to the pile of work on his desk. 

 

Roni stepped out of the shower, dried off and slipped into the midnight blue robe hanging on the back of the door.  She brushed her teeth, her hair and finally turned to go back into the bedroom.  She was feeling embarrassed that a nearly perfect stranger had slept in bed with her although in reality, she did not know they were sleeping together.  She wasn’t sure what she should say to Harry. 

Moving slowly she opened the door and walked back into the bedroom.  She immediately noted the bed was empty.  As she walked out of the room, she called softly, “Harry.   Harry?  Where are you?” 

No sound greeted her as she checked each room of her apartment.  Harry had gone.  She had not left any note or indication that she had even been in the apartment. 

I need to call and let her know how much I appreciate her help last night.  Roni moved toward her desk and the phone.  She quickly called Graham Limousine Service and asked to speak to Harry.   

“Please hold.”  The person answering the phone told her.  She waited impatiently for someone else to pick up the line. 

At last, a gruff voice said, “Graham Limousine Service, how may I help you?” 

“Mr. Graham.  This is Veronica Sadler.  I was wondering if I could speak with the driver I had last night.  Her name is Harry.  I’m sorry but I don’t know her last name.” 

Graham hesitated as he recalled what his daughter had asked.  “I’m sorry Ms. Sadler but Harry no longer works for the company.  She left abruptly this morning.” 

“Well damn!”  He heard on the other end of the line.  “What did you say?” he asked with a smile. 

“Oh, nothing.  Uhh… Is there any way I can get in contact with her?”  She asked again. 

“No, sorry.  She left no information to pass along.”  He crossed his fingers as he told her that knowing he was telling a bold-faced lie.  “Can I help you in any way?” 

“No.  Thank you anyway.  I appreciate it.  I’ll be calling you back when I need your services again.” 

“No problem. Sorry I couldn’t help you out.”   

Roni hung up the phone.  She wanted to thank Harry for helping her out last night.  She also was curious to see if the attraction she felt toward Harry was valid or not.  After puttering around all day, doing laundry and house keeping duties, she decided to take a taxi back to the brownstone to see if she could catch Harry at home.   

The taxi pulled up in front of Harry’s home.  Roni turned to the driver and asked if he would wait until she could see if her friend was home.  She slipped him an extra fifty-dollar bill promising more if he would stay. 

“Go lady. I’ll be here whenever you are ready,” he said as he turned off his light. 

Roni got out of the car and walked to the door.  She rang the bell and waited.  Twice more she repeated the ringing but no one came to the door.  She turned to walk back to the taxi.  As she headed back down the stairs, a woman standing on the porch next door called out.  “She finished moving out early this morning.  I saw her taking the last of her suitcases to her trunk.  Far as I know, she won’t be back.” 

“Oh.  She’s no longer here?” Roni turned toward the woman. 

“Nope.  She’s moved on to better things or so I been told.” 

“Do you know where she may have gone?” 

“Hell no.  She never had time to talk to any of us. She just bustled in and rushed back out.  Don’t know why she even had a house.” 

“Well, thank you for the information.  I hope you have a good day.”  Roni turned and walked pensively back to the taxi.  Oh well, C'est la Vie! 

She climbed back into the cab and sat quietly as she gathered her thoughts. 

“Where to lady?” the cabbie asked her. 

“Back home, I guess,” she answered quietly as the cab pulled away, heading back in the direction from which it had just come. 

 

Part 4

The weeks and then months passed as Victoria continued to excel in mergers and acquisitions. When a company began to crumble, she and her organization were there to catch the falling parts.  She became more powerful and well known.  She no longer had to attend evening meetings to make new acquaintances in the business.  They now came to her begging for assistance.  Her life was as good as it gets except on the personal level.   

Roni still avoided involvement in relationships as much as she could.  She didn’t have time to date much less the energy to find herself a partner.  It simply took up too much of her time.  Her life consisted of work and home except for the rare occasion that she would go to the jazz bar down the street from the brownstone where Harry used to live.  She found that the bar and the music soothed her as nothing else did when she was tired of the fast pace of work.  She never passed the brownstone without thinking of Harry and wondering how she was doing. 

Lately, Roni found herself in a situation where her company began to have strong competition.  A new upstart acquisitions and takeover guru had sprung up in town.  Someone named HG Graham was challenging Roni’s position and corporation.  This person had managed to undercut her bids on the last three companies she tried to takeover.  She conceded that her opponent was astute and well informed in the business world.  Roni found herself having to work harder and smarter to grab a share of the struggling companies that she wanted.  She had yet to meet her competition but knew it was just a matter of time.  They ran in the same circles and she knew that one of these days they would come face to face. 

Roni and her team had been working on the figures for a merger between two of the biggest ship building factories in town.  She was frustrated with the time it was taking to get the parties to come to agreement on the terms.  Finally, she called a meeting of the board of directors of both factories.  They needed resolution and quickly or else, she was moving on to a new project.  The board convened with both parties represented.  Roni stood up from her position at the head of the table.  As she began to speak, the Chairman of the Board from Drydock Incorporated asked that she wait for his representative.  She looked up with a questioning look on her face.   

“Your representative?” she asked with a puzzled look on her face. 

“Yes, we hired someone to negotiate for us and represent our interests in this merger.”  He replied as he walked toward the boardroom door. 

“Do you mind if I ask who it is?”  Roni asked in a tightly controlled voice. 

“No.  Not at all, he replied.  It’s HG Graham.  Never seen anyone, except maybe you, who could twist and bend numbers so fast.  Literally, makes my head spin,” the chairman said as he opened the door. 

“HG, can you come in now?” He spoke to the figure still out of Roni’s sight. 

“HG?  As in HG Graham?” Roni asked with an indrawn breath. 

“Yes.  HG Graham. You are about to meet your nemeses.”   

“More like nightmare,” she muttered beneath her breath.  She tilted her head down and closed her eyes momentarily as the door closed behind the new participant at the meeting.  

The chairman walked back to the table and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, I like to introduce HG Graham.  She will be representing our side of the negotiations.” 

Roni lifted her head when she heard the suffix “she.”  Strong control from years of training is all that prevented a shocked expression from crossing her face.  Standing at the other end of the table was none other than the limo driver, Harry.  How in the world did Harry get from driver to cutthroat?  Roni thought as she rose from her chair. 

As she walked toward Harry, she took in as many details as she could.  Harry was still slender but well proportioned.  She wore a double-breasted deep gray suit with a rich cream silk jersey under the jacket.  She reeked of sophistication and elegance.  Her once long blonde free-flowing curly hair was cropped shorter and reigned in a riotous style with a fluttering of bangs over her forehead.  Her brown eyes looked larger with the new hairstyle.  Her lips curved in a genuine smile as she watched Roni moving closer to her.

As Roni moved closer, Harry walked around the table to meet her.  She held out her hand to Roni who stopped in front of her.   

“Ms. Sadler, how nice to meet you again.  I’m Harriet Graham.  Most of my acquaintances call me HG.”  She said as she took Roni’s hand firmly in hers.  She felt the strength in Roni’s hand as well as the incredible warmth that she remembered from the dance so long ago. 

“HG, welcome to Sadler Towers.  It has been quite a time since we last saw each other, hasn’t it?”  Roni answered as she held Harry’s hand just a little longer than necessary. 

“Yes, it has.” Harry began but stopped as others walked up to make her acquaintance. 

Roni stepped back and watched the charismatic personality of Harry as each person in the room gushed over her presence.  Harry simply smiled at each one of them as she acknowledged the introductions.  Before long, every one sat down and the conversation returned to meeting.  However, that did not stop Roni from wondering how all of this came about.  She wanted to know how long Harry had been in the business.  Roni had many questions to ask but realized this was not the time or place. 

The morning session pounded on as point after point was discussed, changed or challenged.  Tensions were high and voices became short with one anther as the parties became tired.  Roni stood up after one spirited discussion and suggested the committee break for lunch.  Heads nodded as they leaned back in their chairs letting the tautness slid off their shoulders.  Several took very deep breaths as they broke for lunch.  Roni buzzed the intercom.   

“Sally, Can you please escort the committee to my private dining room?  I believe that lunch may be set up by now.” 

“Yes, Ms. Sadler. I’ll be glad to.  The chef called and said all is ready.  He is waiting for their arrival.”   

“OK. Fine. They’re more than ready I’m sure.”   

The twelve participants, six from each company, mingled together in camaraderie as they followed Sally out of the room and down the hall.  Roni stood by the conference table as she watched them walk away.  Harry walked up beside her.  Roni reached out and shut the conference room door.   

“Follow me,” Roni said to Harry as she crossed the room to a concealed doorway leading directly to her office.  

Harry walked behind Roni and couldn’t help but wiggle her eyebrows as she stared at the perfectly shaped hips in front of her eyes.  She remembered how it felt with her hands pressing against Roni’s hips as they danced so long ago.  She was amazed those feelings returned so rapidly after such a long time.  Her hands itched to reach out to see if Roni’s hips felt the same. 

Roni stopped abruptly.  Harry plowed into her back.  She reached out and wrapped her arms around her to keep from falling to the floor.  Roni stumbled against the door but did not fall.  She reached down and wrapped her hands around the arms circling her body.  Her breath caught with new feelings that she couldn’t explain.  Within seconds, Harry withdrew her arms and stepped back. 

“Sorry, I didn’t realize you had stopped.  Guess I wasn’t paying too much attention to where we were going,” Harry stated.   

Roni turned and noted the light blush on her fair complexion and just smiled.  “No problem.”  She opened the door and entered her office.  Her secretary had arranged a private lunch for Roni.   

“Will you join me for lunch?” Roni asked  

“I would love too,” Harry replied as she looked around the richly decorated office.  

“You have a great office,” she stated as she walked over to the window and looked out at the view of the river. 

“Yes I do.  Come sit down, have lunch and we can talk some more,” Roni said nervously as she walked over to the table. 

Harry turned and smiled at Roni as she walked over and sat down.  She helped herself to some of the chef’s salad that was in the center of the table.  She took one of the fresh crescent rolls and set it in her saucer.  Picking up her spoon, she stirred her tea before taking a sip.  Harry grimaced as she realized the tea was sugarless.  She opened six packs of sugar and added them to her tea. 

Roni looked on and smiled. “Would you like tea with your sugar?”   

“Damn, Roni.  I never have gotten used to the bitter taste of unsweetened tea.  How do you drink it that way?” 

“You get used to it.” she said with a shrug.  “Harry…uhh… how do I say this?”   

“Just spit it out.  Be frank,” Harry said between bites of her salad. 

“I came looking for you after my shower.  You were gone.  I checked with Mr. Graham, who said he didn’t know where you were,” Roni said quietly.  “Now I understand why he was so evasive.  Are you related to him? You have the same last name.” 

“Yes, he’s my father.”  Harry replied as she sipped her tea.  “I asked him to not give you any information as to where to find me.” 

“But, why?” Roni replied in a hurtful tone.  “I even went back to your brownstone but the neighbor told me you had moved out and no one knew where.  I simply ran into a dead end whenever I tried to find you. 

“Roni, look at your job.  Now look at mine.  I knew what I wanted at the time.  I couldn’t afford to compete with you while I was just getting started in our line of business.  One of us would have had to change.  I knew I couldn’t ask that of you nor could I stop after spending years preparing for this job.”  Harry sat back in her chair and looked directly into Roni’s eyes.  “I am sorry but at the time, I could see no other alternative.” 

“You’re probably right.  There’s no way I would have given up my career at that time.  I was on a high roll and was not ready to stop or slow down,” Roni admitted. 

“You know, Harry.  You’ve done an excellent job.  I had no idea who my competitor was other than I’ve been watching you beat the pants off me over several buyouts and mergers lately. God you’re sharp and astute.  I’ve had to work my ass off to keep up with you lately.” Roni admitted as she too, pushed her plate out of the way. 

“So where does this leave us?” Harry asked as she waited for Roni to speak again. 

“First things, first. I believe that you and I can make a good team together.  I’ve watched your style without knowing it was you and I’ve admired the way you’ve handled past contracts.  I need a colleague with your caliber working with me.  What do you say?” 

“That’s an interesting offer.  Can I take some time to think about it?”  Harry replied hoping that she didn’t cause Roni to retract the offer. 

“I think that’s a good idea.  Why don’t we finish this job together?  That’ll help both of us decide if we can really work well together.”   

Harry reached across the table with an extended hand. “You have a deal.” 

“Great,” Roni smiled as she shook hands with Harry.  “Now, let’s go back in and show these companies how to work together for the best profit.”  

“Lead on, Chief.” 

Laughing together, Roni and Harry reentered the conference room. While they were pouring over the remaining points of the contract, the committee members filed back into the room. 

“Sadler.  Great lunch.  How do I get a chef like yours?” one of the men asked as he patted his stomach. 

Roni just smiled and asked the participants in the room to be seated.  “Ok folks; let’s see if we can get this completed by four pm.  I have theater reservations for you and your spouses and I know that you don’t want to disappoint them.  I have box seat tickets set aside for you to see The Phantom of the Opera.” 

 

Part 5

Several months later  Harry decided to join forces with Roni and together they were taking the business world by storm.  Their ethical practices made them a commodity that many businesses wanted on their team.  The company was doing so well with their combined efforts that Roni offered Harry a partnership in the company.  Harry was delighted. 

Currently Roni and Harry were working on a very complicated merger for the Department of the Treasury.  Harry spent days number crunching while Roni did the contract and loan investigations to see how indebted the companies were before making recommendations.  It was late in the evening and they still had to get the report finalized for the ten am presentation tomorrow. 

“Harry?  I can’t stand it here any longer.  Why don’t we carry this back to my townhouse, order in some pizza and see if we can’t get it finalized before midnight?”  Roni asked as she rubbed the back of her neck.  Her eyes were red rimmed with fatigue from all the long hours she had been putting in.  She had kicked off her shoes and had been walking in tight circles in just her stockings.   

“Now that’s the best set of plans I have heard all night long.”  Harry rose from the desk and walked toward Roni.  She paused to tuck her blouse back into her pants as she walked toward the planning table to help gather up the papers they would need. 

“Let’s take a taxi to your townhouse.  That way, when we’re done I can leave directly from your place.”  Harry answered as she walked out the door. 

“Sounds good. I’m going to call in the pizza so it will arrive about the same time that we do.” Roni stated as she punched in the numbers from her cell phone. 

Hours later the two exhausted women looked at one another and sighed.  The organization of the presentation was taking much longer than either of them expected.  They knew it was a dynamite presentation and should provide every detail and be easily interpreted by their staff. 

“God, I haven’t been this tired since college and sitting up to cram all night long,” Harry remarked as she kicked off her shoes and flopped back against the couch.   

Roni looked up from the papers she was shuffling and smiled as she watched Harry lift and curl her feet beneath her on the couch.  She looked relaxed despite the long hours they had worked on the project.  As she watched her, Harry opened her mouth and yawned.  She covered her mouth mumbling, “sorry” as Roni grinned at the blush on Harry’s face. 

“I should get up and help you before I fall to sleep.” Harry said as she watched Roni turn back to the papers in her hand. 

“Why don’t you just relax while I organize this grouping?  If I need help I’ll give you a call.”  Looking up she realized her words were unnecessary.  Harry’s head was lying back against the couch.  Her eyes were closed and she had already fallen into a light sleep.   

As Roni continued to work, she peeped over at Harry periodically.  Finally, she watched as Harry leaned over onto her side and stretched out on the couch, sleeping deeply.  Roni set her papers down and walked to the couch.  She lifted the throw from the back of the sofa and spread it lightly over Harry’s sleeping form.  Harry snuggled deeper into the seat as the warm cover shielded her body.  Roni reached out and brushed Harry wayward blonde bangs back from her face as she stood watching her sleep.  Finally, giving herself a mental shake, Roni returned to the table where she preceded to finalize the report. 

Two hours later and nearly dawn, Roni patted the finished product lying in front of her.  She knew that Harry and she had done a terrific job on this task.  The deal they had managed to set forth would benefit all parties and still give Sadler & Graham Enterprises enough profit to allow both of them to back off working so hard and from putting in so many long hours.   

She stood and stretched as she looked at her watch, realizing it was close to four in the morning.  She turned again and looked at Harry sleeping peacefully on the couch.  Her neck was crumpled over and the coverlet did little to shield her from the dawning cold that early morning carried with it.  She reached out and gently shook Harry awake.   

“Harry….Harry.  Come on, let’s go lie down.” 

Harry slowly opened her eyes to see Roni staring down at her.   

“Oh god!  What time is it?” she stated as she tried to sit up.   

Roni sat down on the edge of the couch next to her.  She reached out, placing her hand on Harry’s shoulder to stop her from getting up.  

“It’s late or early depending on how you look at it.  It’s around four am.  I am going to lie down for a couple of hours before we have to be back at the office.  The taxis quit running around two.  Would you like to stay here on the couch?”   Roni paused as she looked into Harry’s face.  

“I have room on the bed if you would like to stretch out a little more.”  She blushed as she offered the use of her bed. 

Harry stretched as she considered her choices.  Her back ached from the hard couch and her neck was sore from having been bent to the side for the last few hours.   

“I think I’ll take you up on the offer of your bed if you promise to get us up in time for me to run home, shower and change.” 

“Sounds good to me,” a tired Roni answered as she once more stood and waited for Harry to get on her feet.  Harry followed Roni through the rooms as she clicked off the lights and headed down the hall toward the bedroom.  Once in the room, Roni pulled out a pair of pajamas and handed them to Harry.   

“Here at least get out of your suit and try to relax for a few hours.  The bathroom is right through that door,” Roni stated as she pointed to the slightly open door behind Harry.  Harry turned and walked into the bathroom.  Roni took the time to quickly change into her pajamas while Harry was changing.  She walked over to the bed, turned down the covers and reached out to set the alarm.  No sooner had she finished than Harry walked back into the room, minus her pajama bottoms. 

As she watched Harry walking toward the bed, Roni noted that the tops of the pajamas hit her mid thigh.  She didn’t realize how much taller she was until that moment.   Harry saw her looking and sheepishly stated, “I couldn’t roll the bottom up enough to even walk.  This should be enough.” 

Roni nodded as she said, “Go ahead and lie down.  The right hand side is mine.  I’ll be out in a few minutes.”  She turned and walked into the bathroom leaving Harry alone in the room. 

Harry walked over to the bed.  She was dog tired and knew if she didn’t lie down soon, she would fall down.  She climbed into the bed and settled with her back facing the side that Roni would lay on. 

Roni came back out of the bathroom wondering what she would say to Harry.  Her worries were for naught.  Harry was softly snoring as Roni walked to her side of the bed and climbed in.  Reaching up she turned out the lights and within a few minutes she too was sound asleep. 

Roni could hear the alarm as it filled the silence with its blaring pitch.  She attempted to turn toward the clock but found herself held hostage on the bed.  Opening her eyes, she saw a billowing cloud of blonde hair tucked against her chest.  Harry was snuggled tight against her with one arm flung over her, effectively pinning her in place.  She could smell the freshness of shampoo and feel the warmth of Harry’s body plastered against her own.  As her body became more awake, she was aware that Harry had one leg drawn up and resting between her own.  The longer she lay there with Harry plastered against her, the more she realized she was physically attracted to her.  It had been a long time since she had any physical contact with another person.  Those thoughts made her stop and think.  Maybe it wasn’t Harry but just a warm female body pressed against hers making her want to make love.  At this point she didn’t know but was aware if she didn’t move Harry and pretty fast she was liable to do something that would embarrass them both.  Taking her free hand, she pushed against Harry, rousing her awake. 

“Harry, come on Harry.  Time to wake up.”   

She felt Harry stirring and wondered if she had made a mistake as Harry arched even tighter against her.  Suddenly Harry pulled up and back as she realized she had been sprawled all over Roni.  Before she could speak, Roni had turned toward the clock, cut off the alarm and swung her legs out of bed.  Walking quickly to the closet, Roni rummaged around until she pulled out a dark two piece suit with a white blouse.  Moving toward the dresser she removed fresh underclothes and then headed toward the bathroom. 

After Roni closed the bathroom door, Harry rose and walked down the hall to the spare bathroom.  After finishing her morning business, she made her way into Roni’s kitchen and started a fresh pot of coffee.  As it brewed she returned to the bedroom in time to see Roni come out of the bathroom.  They smiled at one another as Harry passed by her side while she moved into the bathroom to redress in the clothes she had taken off last night. 

Slipping into a pair of low cut shoes, Roni headed toward the dining room to gather up the reports they had completed last night.  She could smell the fresh odor of coffee as she walked into the room.  Quickly she placed the reports into her briefcase before turning back toward the kitchen and a cup of strong black coffee. 

As she sipped her coffee she thought again of waking up with Harry in her arms and realized how good it felt.  It was a habit that would not take long to become used to.  She smiled softly to herself just as Harry walked into the room. 

“Ready?”  Roni said looking at her watch. 

“Sure, let me grab a cup of that wonderful coffee I smell.” Harry replied while walking into the kitchen.  Harry was a familiar with Roni’s kitchen as she was with her own.  It was a real sign of how much time they had been spending together.  There was way too much familiarity. 

Roni closed up the apartment while Harry stood in the hallway.  Together they rode to the basement, found the car and left, headed toward Harry’s place. 

“It shouldn’t take me more than twenty minutes if you don’t mind waiting.”  Harry noted as she sipped her coffee. 

“No, that’s fine.  It will give me time to look over the summary one more time for our presentation this morning.” 

 

Part 6

Within minutes, Roni pulled up in front of an ultramodern apartment complex.  Glass reflected the early morning sun, dazzling their eyesight.   Roni stopped the car and watched a Harry glibly made her way to the entry.   She thought back on the similar incident when she had first met Harry.  All those old memories flashed back through her mind along with the long forgotten desire she had felt for Harry so many months ago. 

Roni drew in a shaky breath as she began to realize how attracted she had been growing to Harry.  Harry was in her life nearly every waking minute. They were a dynamite couple.  They complemented one another perfectly…at least in the business world.  Roni palms began to sweat as she thought of how it felt to wake with Harry in her arms.  She had fought hard the desire to simply swoop down upon Harry’s body when all she had wanted to do was make mad, passionate love to her. 

Her briefcase remained unopened as her heart raced over thoughts of Harry.  Her once moist mouth was dry as she breathed through her slightly parted lips.  Shaking her head, Roni realized now was not the time to be distracted.  She swung the case upon the empty seat and quickly began perusing the presentation one final time.   

Roni was so lost in thought she didn’t hear Harry approaching until the car door clicked open.  She looked up and lost her breath.  Through watery eyes caused by trying to breath, she saw Harry climbing into the car.  Harry was dressed in a camel colored suit that complemented her blonde coloring to a tee.  Her sky blue button down shirt added to the chocolate eyes that stared back at her.  She wore matching heeled sandals on her feet.  She was the epitome of professionalism as slid onto the seat. 

Roni drew in a ragged breath as her hands clinched the steering wheel.  She smiled wanly over at Harry as Harry buckled her seat belt. 

“Are you ready to make history?”  Harry asked in a perky voice.  She had noted the trembling in Roni’s hands and the hitch in her breathing as she got into the car.  Inside she was bubbling with excitement that Roni was finally seeing her as a woman.  It had been hard as hell to move away from Roni earlier when all she wanted to do was make love with her.  Harry had wanted that from the first moment she had met her.  The longing only grew stronger the more they were together.  Last night had been heavenly and waking up, pressed to Roni, transported her nearly beyond control.  Yet, Harry held back, not knowing if Roni felt the same.  

Harry smiled with relief as she realized Roni was finally just as attracted to her.  She saw her hands trembling on the shifter as she reached between them and slipped the car into gear.  She reached out and covered Roni’s hand still resting on the shifter knob.  Roni spread her fingers open allowing Harry to link their fingers together.  The ride remained silent as each one was lost within her own thoughts.  

Roni nodded slightly to herself as a small grin spread across her beautiful lips.  Her heart blossomed under the knowledge that Harry did care for her, even if it was just a little.  That was enough to give her hope to pursue more. 

The presentation was excellent, the ideas flowed smoothly and all participants were able to follow the plan without difficulty.  With very little discussion the merger and acquisitions was confirmed.  Mr. Bullock, the gentleman making the purchase, rose as the meeting was adjourning.  He turned toward Harry and Roni as the groups broke into informal clusters while drinks were passed around. 

“Very good job, Sadler, Graham.”  He said as he nodded in their direction.  Both women looked visibly relaxed as the deal was solidified.  “My wife and I are throwing a party this Friday night to celebrate the acquisitions.  Would you two like to come as my guest?  There will be music and dancing.”  He looked between the women as he waited for an answer. 

Roni looked over Harry and smiled. 

“I’ll come if Harry agrees to have the last dance with me.” 

Harry looked up with a startled expression on her face.  Then she grinned, the smile changing her already beautiful face into one radiating unbound joy.  Harry knew that Roni only went home with the person with whom she danced the last dance.  Tonight that would be her.  It was a step to taking their relationship to an even more intimate degree. 

“Always.  My card is filled except for your name.”  Harry replied as she walked over and hooked her arm with Roni’s. 

 

Epilogue: 

It was one in the morning as the last slow dance of the night filtered to a stop.  Harry stepped away from Roni’s circling arms and looked deep into her eyes.   

“Are you ready to go home?” She asked as Roni continued to stroke her hands across her back and hips. 

“Yes…oh yes.”  Roni said breathlessly.  She dropped her arms and walked next to Harry as together they left the dance.  More than one head turned as the striking, powerful couple left the room.  Some shook their heads in disgust, others nodded knowingly.  Not one person dared say a word as two of the most powerful personages in town left the room. 

Out on the street, Roni stood with her arms wrapped around Harry’s body as they waited for the limo to be brought around front.  She leaned forward and nuzzled her face in Harry’s soft blonde hair. 

“Hummmm.. did I tell you how good you smell?”

“Only a million times, but by all means, tell me again,” Harry said laughingly.   

The limousine pulled to the curb before Roni could say much more.  She helped Harry into the car and quickly followed her. 

“Instead of telling you, why don’t I show you,” Roni whispered seductively as her lips bent lower and pressed softly against Harry’s mouth.  For long minutes their tongues, slipped and slid against one another as they explored.  Finally, short of breath, Roni pulled back and leaned her forehead against Harry’s. 

“I love you Harry,” Roni said so low that Harry had to strain to here what she said. 

“What did you say?”  Harry asked in surprise. 

Roni leaned back, reached up and cupped Harry’s face in her hands. 

“I love you Harriet G. Graham.  With all my heart.” 

Harry wrapped her arms around Roni and leaned her face against Roni’s chest as she said firmly, “I love you too, baby.” 

“Come home with me and let me show you how much.”  Roni said quietly, not knowing if Harry was ready to take the relationship further. 

“Yes, I am yours.  After all, didn’t you once tell me you always leave the party with the one you danced with last?  Let’s go home and make our own part.” 

Soft laughter filled the limo as it rolled toward Roni’s apartment and a brand new merger between lovers

 

The End