Ruby...Red Slippers & All (The Gems & Gents Series Book 5) Read online

  "No for I am certain your father would want you to make those decisions for yourself." She smiled. "I know he had faith in you and so do I. You will make the right decision."

  "You're no help," he smiled.

  "You so look like your father sitting there," Miranda lowered her head. The mood in the room became solemn. She shook it off. "We are not going there today. Listen, before your next meeting starts, I wanted to speak with you about this morning."

  Devin sat back. "Is this another warning about Tania?"

  "Yes," she chuckled. "Aaron's House was special to your father. I want to ensure the right person is selected to head it up."

  "I know."

  "I don't want you to put that selection in Tania’s hands. I know how busy you are establishing your ownership of the company. But promise me you will make the selection yourself. Speak with both of the candidates then you determine which will bring your father's dream to fruition."

  "Would you like to be a part of that?" He knew what the answer would be before he asked the question but he wanted to put it out there for her anyway.

  "I'm not ready, yet." She stood to leave, "But I am getting stronger every day." She walked to the door." I'm going to sort through some more of your father's things and then I'm going to head home. Will I see you for dinner?"

  Devin looked at the stacks of paper work on his desk shaking his head. "I'm not sure, I'll give you call."

  Miranda opened the door. "I'm calling Dr. Stanton to come in and take a look at that wrist."

  Devin held up his hand. "I don't think it's necessary. It's feeling a lot better."

  "Okay, son. Dr. Stanton will be in sometime today, I'm sure." With that Miranda Upton was out of the door.

  Devin had to smile. He was certain the doctor would be in his office within the hour. He glanced at his desk, turned on his computer and exhaled. "I better get some work done."

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Ruby had just walked into her two-bedroom apartment when her cell phone buzzed. She placed her wet umbrella in the stand next to the door. Then took the time to hang her coat on the hook by the door to let it dry out before putting it in the closet. She looked up the stairs then decided to go into the kitchen first. It was rare that she had time to herself, especially during the day. Hell, at night her life was hers alone, no other person, man, dog or child. She picked up the teakettle, filled it with water and put it on the stove. Her cell phone chimed indicating a message had been left. Ruby didn't bother to check the caller or the message. She pulled off her shoes and placed them neatly in a corner in the kitchen. Her red leather pumps looked good when she walked out of the house this morning as did, her suit, hair and everything else. But then the rain, flat tire and the heifer. Ruby smiled as she reached under her skirt to remove her panty hose. "That's a good name for her, Ms. Heifer."

  Her cell phone buzzed again. This time she thought it might be one of her siblings. Ruby was the oldest daughter to eleven brothers and sisters. Six boys who were all named after men in the Bible, Samuel, Joshua, Mathew, Luke, Timothy and Adam, plus five sisters who her father called his precious gems Pearl, Diamond, Opal, Jade, and Sapphire, all grown with the baby girl they called Phire just entering her freshman year of college.

  Being the oldest placed the responsibility of helping with the care of the younger children square on her shoulders. From cooking meals, to washing clothes until they were old enough to learn for themselves, to helping with homework, being there to listen about boys from the girls and girls from the boys. To be honest, it all came naturally. Her mother, Sally, would be in the kitchen cooking and Ruby would be right beside her mirroring whatever her mother did. As the babies came, she did the same thing. So as Sally took care of one, Ruby would have the other. When she turned eighteen, she got a job with the city and a year later had her own apartment. She would still go by her parents’ when she got off from work. Help with dinner and homework and then would go to her own place. It took a minute to get used to living alone, but as the girls grew older they would spend the night or weekends with her. Her income was okay, but no matter what, when tuition time came around for one of her siblings, she along with her older brothers would pitch in to help their parents. Not one Lassiter under her who wanted to go to college was ever denied the opportunity. Fortunately for her, she was promoted several times at her agency and living from paycheck to paycheck became a thing of the past. She was in no way in the financial shape of her brothers or even some of her younger siblings, but she was okay. She didn't want for much.

  Except at night. She did not know it was possible, but she was dealing with empty nest syndrome. With everyone off to college, she found herself with a lot of free time and nothing or no one to fill it with. Oh she still worked forty hours a week and then spent most of her evenings helping at the homeless shelter, but when she came home to her apartment the loneliness would at times consume her. Somewhere along the line, she took a miss step in her life.

  "Hello," she answered the call.

  "Ruby where should I go to get a really sexy gown for a reasonable price?" Opal, the oldest twin to set number one asked.

  "Well, hello. How are you?"

  Opal sighed. "I’m sorry Ruby. Hi. Are you busy at work?"

  "Hi and no. I’m not at work. I'm home. I have a few discounts on my phone. I'll text them to you. Where are you going?"

  "I've been invited to the Mayor's tree lighting ball on Friday. I'm trying to find something to wear."

  "That should be nice," Ruby held the phone to her ear with her shoulder as she dropped the ripped stockings into the trash. "Do you have a date?"

  "Yes, I'm going with Grant."

  "Grant Hutchison, Diamond's friend?" She asked as she climbed the stairs to her bedroom.

  "Yes."

  "Are you two dating?"

  "No, people don't date anymore Ruby. We're just hanging out."

  "Oh, excuse me. I'm so old and antiquated. Forgive me."

  Opal laughed. "Sorry I didn't mean that. I'm just saying you don't have to be in a relationship with a man to go out with him. You know. You should try it once in a while."

  "Between when and when?"

  "You could use that excuse before, but you can't now. All of us are out of the house, now, including Phire. You have no reason not to date," she said in a teasing tone. Or better yet, let some lucky guy knock through those cobwebs you got growing between your legs."

  "Opal it's time for you to get off my phone."

  She laughed. "Okay, I'm just saying. It's time for you to get out and live a little. Bye sis."

  Ruby disconnected the call and dropped the phone on the bed. "Yeah right. Who wants to date a thirty seven year old, old maid?" Walking to her bathroom door she stopped in front of the mirror and took a good look at herself. The body was still decent, one hundred thirty pounds, not flabby, flat stomach, and solid thighs. Her hair permed straight, not natural like Pearl's or most people these days. But she wasn't bad to look at, she shrugged her shoulders. "It's been a few years girl." She said to herself as she stripped and jumped in the shower. Time to wash away the cold from the rain, the craziness from grocery shopping for the holidays and all memories of Ms. Heifer.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Tania was holding the phone waiting patiently, but did not receive an answer. That was fine with her. She left another message. "Ms. Lassiter this is Ms. Reid calling from Upton Investments. Please return this call at your earliest convenience."

  "That should satisfy the old bat."

  "Which old bat would that be?" Miranda asked from the open doorway.

  "Um, well, I was referring to the woman on the phone," Tania lied. "Is there something I can do for you Mrs. Upton?"

  "Yes, since you were Aaron's assistant I thought you would know what this was about."

  Miranda handed her a sheet of paper with hand written notes.

  "Where did you get this?" Tania asked as she read through them.

  "It was mixed in with some
of Aaron's notes."

  Tania nodded as she smiled. "Yes I remember when he came up with this."

  "What?"

  "Oh, it was an employee incentive idea. He thought it would be fun to grant a deserving employee magic red slippers, you know, like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. They would be rewarded the slippers at the Christmas party and granted one wish. The wish could be a trip or anything up to $10,000. They would get to display the slippers in their office until the next year."

  "What a wonderful idea," Miranda’s eyes lit up. "What ever happened with it?"

  Tania shrugged. "It died with him I guess." She saw the moment the light conversation changed.

  "Thank you," Miranda replied curtly then walked off.

  "What in the hell did I do this time," Tania said to herself.

  "It could be the cold way you said it to a woman who is still mourning the loss of her beloved husband," Ella smirked. "There's a Mr. Claiborne here to see you." She stated then walked away.

  "Why is everyone so touchy these days," she huffed to herself as she went to meet Jeremy.

  Jeremy Claiborne was a delicious caramel and he knew it. The women on the executive floor drooled the moment he stepped off the elevator. A number of women casually walked by the receptionist desk just to get a closer look.

  "Mr. Claiborne," Tania greeted him with a handshake. "It is good to see you."

  "Ms. Reid," he nodded.

  "Would you follow me," she turned as he watched her from behind.

  "You are looking well today."

  Looking over her shoulder she asked. "How are the wife and children?"

  "Oh, it's like that? No small talk for a brother?"

  She walked into the office and closed the door. "We are not supposed to know each other." She rolled her eyes upward. "Did you get a chance to review the questions I sent?"

  "I know how to conduct an interview Tania."

  "Do you?" she raised an eyebrow. "We have another very strong candidate for the position. I can get you in the door, but you're going to have to do your part."

  "I always end up on top," He grinned.

  "Jeremy, this is important. Devin is just like his father. He is going make his own decision regarding this position. I might not have a say."

  "Listen I can handle the bull with the best. No Ivy League kid will ever get the best of me."

  "Your attitude is what concerns me. Devin is not your normal Ivy League grad. He's been around and will detect the bull."

  "What? You don't have any faith in me?"

  "It's not about faith. It's a $150,000 director's position."

  "Are you looking out for me or you?"

  Tania sat back in her seat. "Both," she smirked. "You get a position that will afford you the opportunity to continue to get kickbacks on supplies. I get your mouth shut about my past."

  He looked around. "I don't see you hurting nowhere. Cut a few corners here and there, we could rack up."

  "I'll leave that part up to you. All I want is to move on with my life. Be very clear Jeremy, this is it for me." Tania stood. "Are you ready?"

  "I'm always ready."

  She frowned over her shoulder. Frustrated she opened the door. "Mr. Upton is anxious to speak with you." She stopped at Ella's desk.

  "Mrs. Talley, this is Jeremy Claiborne he has a one o'clock with Mr. Upton."

  Ella stood. "If you will have a seat Mr. Claiborne, I will let Mr. Upton know you are here."

  "Thank you," Jeremy flashed the megawatt smile her way.

  Tania nodded. "Good luck, sir," she turned and walked away.

  He was looking around when Ella walked up.

  She cleared her throat to get his attention. "Mr. Upton will see you now."

  Surprised to see the woman standing so close, he grinned sheepishly as he stood. Ella stepped back and held her hand out for him to go first.

  Tania returned to her desk as the telephone rang. "Upton Investments, Human Resources, Ms. Reid speaking."

  "Hello, this is Ruby Lassiter. I received several messages from you."

  "Yes, Ms. Lassiter. Mr. Upton is requesting a meeting with you this evening at your earliest convenience."

  "Why?"

  "Excuse me?"

  "Why does Mr. Upton want to meet with me?"

  "You did apply for a position, did you not?"

  "I did and some heifer treated me like garbage. I tend not to associate myself with people who don't know how to treat others."

  "You were treated the way you presented yourself. But that is neither here nor there. Mr. Upton would like to see you. How soon can you be here?"

  "How about half past never."

  "What?"

  "You heard me. Look, I have a job. I don't need scraps from you or Upton. To tell you the truth, if you are his representative for Human Resources the man has a warped sense of attracting employees."

  "I'm not in the mood for your insults." Tania was appalled by the woman's words, but then remembered, that was exactly what she wanted. "Since you refuse to return to be interviewed. I will share your denial of the position with Mr. Upton. Good day." She hung up the phone and smiled. "Maybe this day can be salvaged after all."

  CHAPTER NINE

  Jeremy called an hour later. "It's in the bag. I had the man eating out of my hands by the time I walked out." He said.

  "I'm happy to hear that, Jeremy. Did he make an offer?"

  "Not exactly. He stated he would be in touch by Wednesday. He asked how soon I would be available. I'm telling you. I got this."

  They talked a little longer then disconnected the call. Tania waited for a call from Devin or Ella telling her to prepare an employment package for Jeremy. An hour and then two hours had passed and still nothing. She knew she was anxious, but it was now close to four o'clock in the afternoon. She would need time to do the paperwork. She picked up the phone and dialed. "Ella, is Devin in his office?"

  "Mr. Upton is in, yes."

  What was it with old people and the formalities? "May I have a moment with him?"

  The woman did not answer right away. "Ella?"

  "I'm checking his schedule. Yes, but only a minute."

  Tania huffed. "Control freak."

  She knocked on the door and opened it to find Devin hard at work. "You look knee deep," she joked from the doorway.

  "I am," Devin waved her in. "Come on in, it's not slowing down anytime soon."

  Tania smiled. If she did not have this issue with Jeremy, she could have really had fun with the fine Devin Upton. He was well built, had that chiseled chin thing going on and his father’s all-knowing eyes. For thirty-eight, he wasn't a bad looking man. Not at all.

  "Devin I was wondering how the interview with Mr. Claiborne went earlier?"

  Devin looked up. "It went well. He was very knowledgeable on the business side of running a shelter. He knows budgets, grants and proposals. Working with the maintenance would be required," He nodded. "I was impressed."

  Tania smiled.

  "I still would like to speak with the other candidate for the position. Do you have a time for me to meet with her?"

  The smile faded. "I know your mother requested I reach out to the woman, but I still feel we have a strong candidate in Mr. Claiborne and I, for one, would not take the chance on losing him." She shrugged. "Frankly I was thinking you offered him the position before he left."

  "I like looking at all my options. Did you reach the woman?"

  Tania took a step closer to his desk. "I did and she refused to come back to meet with you."

  Devin frowned. "Why would she do that? She did apply for the job, right?"

  "Yes, she did."

  "What reason did she give for not wanting to come back in?"

  "Nothing tangible," Tania feigned indifference.

  "Hmm," Devin thought. "Leave her information with me. I'll reach out to her."

  Tania panicked, "Devin I don't think a person in your position should beg anyone to interview with us." She shook her head. "
Not when we have a viable candidate available."

  Devin laughed. "I'm not lowering myself in any way." He picked up his pen and began working again. "This project is important to my family and I want to ensure every step was taken to get the best person for the job." He looked up and smiled. "Leave me the information I'll make the call."

  "Yes, Sir."

  Devin watched as a dejected Tania walked out of the room. He put the pen down and sighed. Jeremy Claiborne said all the right things, was able to express the right sentiments when it came to business. There was no doubt in his mind that the man would be capable of doing the job. His concern came with whether he would do the job. Devin had worked with men like Jeremy before. They had the knowledge, the skill set and the ability, but they liked to just slide by. They would do enough to say they got the job done, then wait around for someone else to pick up the slack. Devin stood and looked out his window over the city. His dad had picked a good place for his offices. The vast diversity in the community could be seen from his window. Everything from the rundown homes on the east end of the city to the million dollar homes not a block away in a gated community. What Devin was looking for was a person who would care about people whether they lived on the east side or 25th street or the west side. He didn't feel that in Jeremy Claiborne. To top that off the man asked for a $200,000 annual salary. Devin did not mind paying that if the person was worth it. He just wasn't sure that person was Jeremy Claiborne.

  He sat back down at his desk and turned to his computer. Tania had not returned with the information and this was something he wanted off of his plate tonight. He picked up the telephone.

  "Ella do you remember the young woman's name who applied for the Aaron's House Director position?"

  "Hold on."

  He heard her keying into her computer.

  "Ruby Lassiter. Would you like her number?"

  "Yes, thank you," he wrote the number down on paper.

  He hung up then dialed the number.

  The call was picked up on the second ring. "What part of I am not coming back to be humiliated again did you not understand? I don't get why you keep calling. You clearly did not want to speak with me earlier today. Was I too shabby looking for your taste? Or was it the dollar bill and you full of crap bit that turned you off? Oh wait, it couldn't have been that because when you asked me to leave I had not said a word to you. Now look, as I told you before. I have a job. It may not be in a fancy office like what you probably have. But I get to touch people’s lives in a positive way. Not the way you treated me, but in a way that would uplift and encourage. But I am certain you would have no idea how to do that."