Melody (THE LOGAN FAMILY) (7 page)

She did a double-take when she saw Lucas’s mother. She’d forgotten that the lady had been some Italian model back in the day. She wasn’t famous but Melody remembered Lucas mentioning every aspect of his mother’s exciting modeling career. She glanced at Dave. He waved his hands furiously. He shouted between rapid breaths. She wondered how the Lawsons first got together.

What exactly had Dave done to pull such a fascinating creature like Lucas’s mother? Or had
he
been the fascinating one?

He hung up. Melody wondered if he remembered that she’d been in the room.

“Sorry about that, Miss Cruz.” He smiled. “You know it’s hard to be the boss.” Melody smiled. “You want respect but you don’t want to seem like some tyrant. Sometimes, it’s hard to get people to do things while trying to be so understanding.”

She put the picture down. “I can imagine the hard work you do, Mr. Lawson. You should be very proud for what you’ve accomplished. It must feel great to know that you became such a success all on your own.”

He blushed as he touched his scattered goatee. “Well, aren’t you the charming one? I do remember you well, you know? Lucas never really stopped talking about his old friends. When he spoke about you, though, he always acted as though something was missing.” Melody looked at him. “Like, a part of himself, you know? Since last night he’s been dancing on air.”

Melody grinned. “Dancing on air, huh?”

“Yep. Whatever happened between you two last night made him very happy. Anyone who makes my son happy is all right with me. Especially when she’s so attractive and witty.”

She squinted. “Do you really remember me or are you just being polite?”

“Oh no, I remember you, Melody. I never forget anyone. Please sit down.”

She sat in one of the cushioned chairs in front of his desk.

“Your office is amazing, Mr. Lawson. Well, the entire building is. I hope I can find my way through here each day.” She caught herself. “I mean, uh, if I get the job.”

“Would you like some coffee, Melody?” She declined. “Yeah, this is a big building, isn’t it? But don’t let it intimidate you, Melody. If you do get the job, I’m sure you’ll get used to things quickly. Anyway, you can always ask someone for help and that includes me.” He straightened his red tie.

“I appreciate that, Mr. Lawson.”

“I helped make the plans for this building, you know? I have a degree in architecture.” He smiled.

“So I guess you have a hand in everything that goes on around here. I can see why you probably get overwhelmed with your job.”

He clasped his hands. “No need to be nervous, Melody. Just act like we’re old friends.” She smiled. “I looked at your résumé this morning.” She nodded. “It’s very impressive, and you made sure to detail how well you are with computers and bookkeeping. You have any experience in accounting?”

“Yes, I took a few courses in accounting at community college right after I got my GED.”

“Mind if I ask why you dropped out of school?”

“Uh…” She shifted in the seat. “Well, my aunt started having mental problems. She just snapped. I don’t know why or how but she just went downhill all of a sudden. I think she had some kind of breakdown or something. Her doctor couldn’t explain it either and after she’d been put on medication, she got even worse.” Mr. Lawson nodded. Melody continued.

“She couldn’t take care of things on her own. She’d gotten so bad that she couldn’t afford to take care of the house or the bills. I took a little job long enough to get money for things. It wasn’t a lot but it helped. Anyway, I was so embarrassed about how things had gotten that I began to blame myself.”

“Why would you blame yourself for something you had no control over, Melody?”

She shrugged. “I guess I always blame myself for everything. I’ve always taken things on my shoulders even when I couldn’t handle things on my own. Anyway, I’d been having problems in school. Craig, Aileen and Lucas were the only friends I had.” She chuckled. “I wasn’t popular and I just felt so alone. Most of the other kids couldn’t stand me for some reason. I can’t tell you why. I guess because I am a bit of a loner and didn’t participate in the so-called cool social activities they were all in.” She walled her eyes. “Add the embarrassment of my private life and then my teachers began to find out things so I just left.” She shrugged. “Mr. Lawson, I’m capable of doing a good job, no matter what it is. I’m trained in working with computers, and I have certificates and…”

“Melody, I wasn’t putting you on trial, dear.” He laughed. “I just wanted to know a little more about you. Believe me, it has no bearing on my decision as long as you’re qualified for what I want you to do.” He scanned her résumé. He asked the basic questions. She did her best to give the most impressive answers. “So…” He leaned back in his chair after the grilling.

“So…” Melody chuckled.

“Are there any concerns you have about working here, Melody? Anything I should take into account before making my decision?”

“Well, are there any women working here?” She pointed to the door. “I mean besides the secretary?”

He chuckled. “Look, I’m not one of those bigoted or sexist corporate types. I was raised to believe that women can do anything men can. And sometimes even better.” Melody grinned. “Honestly, the women we’ve encountered couldn’t rise to the needed expectations, and that is the truth. Some just didn’t seem to be in it for the long haul. I guess they found something better along the way. Most of the women that do work here do not work on this floor so…” He shrugged.

“Well, I appreciate the honest answer. If I do work here, I wanted to make sure this will be a decent environment for a woman.”

“Melody, we have a very strict code of conduct here. We’re very strict against things like sexual harassment and of course, other things that could erupt between co-workers. We discourage employees from dating, but it’s not a policy etched in stone. We allow it, if the employee’s work is not compromised by their outside relationship. Other than that, there’s no need to worry. Anything else?”

“Mr. Lawson, I want you to know that I didn’t go to Lucas for this job. I’m not using him in any way. He offered the chance to me. I work hard, and I don’t expect handouts. I’ve gotten the shorter end of the stick all my life. Believe me, I know how to prove myself. I really like Lucas. I would never use him.”

He grinned. “Lucas isn’t even the type to let himself be used. Melody, I know my son does nothing unless he wants to. No one thinks you’re taking anyone for granted. I know, he set this up himself. There’s no harm done.” He leaned back again. “From what I’ve seen, I think you will fit in well here. Better than some of those spoiled young bucks out there in the waiting room.”

“What about all those fancy degrees and majors they have?” She grinned.

“What makes you think they have those things?” He leaned up. “Just because someone has money doesn’t mean they have a decent education, Melody. Some of them may have the smarts, but most of them just dress up and play the part. There are a lot of people working here who have no business being here. It’s how they handle themselves and push themselves that makes the difference. And you need that no matter who you are or how much money you have.”

She grinned. “You remind me so much of Lucas.”

He smiled. “I’m very impressed by you, Melody. We do have some young men who stand above the rest. Michael Grant and Keith Taylor are excellent employees here. They’ve built a model of leadership for others here to learn by. Michael has a BA. Keith has an MBA. Highly qualified young men. Of course, you already know Keith.”

“Yes, but I had no idea he was so qualified.”

“Keith is a genius when it comes to this business. It’s all about how he thinks, you know? He has that spark that will surely send him far. You know if Keith plays his cards right, he could be sitting right here in
this
office as CEO one day. I’ve never felt that way about anyone else. He has what it takes to go straight to the top.”

She faked a smile. “So you think very highly of Keith?”

He nodded. “He’s definitely someone I have high hopes for. He’s an amazing young man. But you’ve met him. I’m sure you think so, too. I mean, everyone who’s met him does. Sure you don’t want any coffee?”

“No thank you, sir. So I guess Keith’s a big man around here, huh? Probably nothing he couldn’t do to get on your bad side.”

Dave guffawed. “Well, so far it’s been a pleasure having him on the team. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind showing you the ropes.”

She walled her eyes. “Well, I’m glad you have someone you truly value. I can imagine how hard it is to find good workers fresh out of college. So, what exactly will my position be at Caper?”

“Good question.” He looked at her résumé. “Well, I think you have the qualifications to start off as office assistant. You’ll have your own office. Uh, basically you’ll do the odds and ends that need to be done for the executives and higher employees. You’ll be in charge of files and making sure they get where they need to be on time. You’ll proofread memos, transport documents to computer databases, record keeping and maybe even some minor accounting.”

“Wow.” She grinned. “Uh, I had no idea I’d start off doing such an important job. I figured I’d be answering the phone or making coffee.”

“Melody, don’t sell yourself short. You have the qualifications, and with more experience, you could have the makings of an executive.”

“Me, an executive?” She guffawed. “I can’t believe this! All this time I’ve been searching for any old job, setting my standards high and low and now a great job falls into my lap like this.”

“I am glad you’re excited. Be warned, though, the pay starts at a little over minimum wage.”

She smiled. “Mr. Lawson anything would be better than not having a job at
all
.”

He nodded, chuckling.

M
elody arrived home an hour later. She got the groceries from the backseat of her jeep. She wondered if this day had been too good to be true. Keith’s fancy car sat on the street. She took a deep breath. He wasn’t in the car, which meant he’d taken it upon himself to go inside. She did her best not to cause a scene by shouting in the front yard. She’d never been so enraged.

She didn’t know how much more of these little surprises she could take. She literally shook at the front door. Her hands trembled until it became impossible to get her key. She tried to shake this morning’s episode out of her mind. Keith assaulted her. At least she’d taken it that way. He’d acted so maliciously. She hadn’t confronted him because Sarah had still been around.

Now they were alone again. Melody had every right to throw him out of the house. She unlocked the door as she cradled the groceries under one arm. Why did Keith frighten her? What if he touched her again? What if she confronted him and he turned out to be a bigger jerk than she realized?

She stepped inside. Keith wasn’t anywhere to be seen. The radio lightly played from the kitchen. Melody recognized the song immediately. She and Lucas had danced to it at Jayson’s last night. She set the groceries on the table in the den. What the hell was going on here?

“Keith?” She touched her lips. She hadn’t expected her voice to tremble. Keith scared her to death. Unlike Sarah, Melody found it smart to listen to women’s intuition. Besides, it hadn’t steered her wrong before. She wouldn’t entertain Sarah’s “benefit of the doubt” attitude any longer. Keith had a serious problem. And it went way beyond the subject of control.

She went toward the kitchen. Keith walked out with a dishrag. She’d had nightmares about that famous smirk.

“Hello, Melody.” His eyes scanned her entire body.

“Keith,” she exhaled. “What…what the hell are you doing here?”

He shrugged. “Just look, relax and don’t run off screaming.” He grinned. “Sarah hadn’t realized I had the day off. She said I could come by when I wanted so I wanted to make dinner for her. You know, as a surprise.”

Melody figured something had to be wrong with her hearing. Could someone be so bold as to come into someone’s house when they weren’t home? She looked at Keith as he stood there as if he owned the place.

“I thought I heard a car door,” he continued. “A moment later, I knew it was
you
.”

“Oh yeah, why?” She shook from anger.

“I smelled you.” He crossed his arms.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“That perfume. It’s not easy to ignore, you know.” He tilted his head. “You seem flustered, Mel. Is something wrong?”

She chuckled. “Is some…of course, something’s wrong, Keith! What in the hell do you think you’re doing coming in here like you own the place? This is our home, it’s not yours! Who do you think you are? I want you out of here!”

He sighed. “I thought we were finally starting to accept each other, Melody.”

“Look, I want you to get the fuck out of here right now! You have no right to come in here and I never want you here again.”

“I have every right because Sarah gave me a key. She told me I could come by whenever I want and I plan to do just that. I don’t know why the hell you’re so angry.” He scoffed. “Jealous because I said I was cooking for Sarah? You can have some of the damn steak, too, if you want, Melody.” He headed for the kitchen.

“Don’t walk away from me, Keith!” He stopped. “I want you out and there are gonna be no negotiations!”

“Sarah does so much for you. Can’t you at least be civil and let me surprise her? I only came here because I care about her. I didn’t even know you’d be here.”

“Oh!” She laughed. “Well, I live here, Keith! I have a reason to be here.”

He sighed. “Can we please just start over, Melody? This is becoming exhausting, to say the least.” She shook her head. “I didn’t mean to cause any problems, I swear. I was only gonna make dinner, then leave. I didn’t think you’d be here. Sarah told me you had errands to run.”

She rubbed her forehead. “This isn’t right. I have a big feeling that this isn’t right, Keith.”

He shrugged. “I don’t know what to say. All I can tell you is why I’m here. I know we got off on the wrong foot. Why can’t you just give me a chance, Melody? We both love Sarah. You have no idea how much I care about her.”

“Do I look like I want to hear this?” She pointed to the door.

“At least let me finish the steak before I go. You can finish everything else. I’ve got wine chilling in the refrigerator.” He stared at her. “You look tired.”

She rubbed her forehead. “I went to see Lucas’s father about the job.” She didn’t know why the hell she felt like explaining that to him.

“Did you get it?” He grinned.

She watched him. “Yes.”

“That’s wonderful, Melody! You should be proud of yourself.”

“You seem more excited about it than I do.”

He shrugged. “I can’t help thinking how wonderful it would be having you there, Melody.” His eyes went to her breasts, then back to her face. She crossed her arms to divert his attention. “You know, I could show you the ropes.” He walked toward her. She moved to the couch.

“Yeah. Mr. Lawson told me how impressed he is with you. I had no idea you were so qualified.” She walled her eyes. “I guess people think you’re God on earth, huh?”

“Usually, most people do.” He grinned. “Does that threaten you, Mel?”

She sighed. “Does what threaten me?” She moved her hair from her face.

“Well, how people react to me? That people appreciate me. Does that threaten you?”

“Why in hell would it threaten me? I could not care less.” She looked at the fresh tan carpet they’d put in last month. Sarah said it would accent the room perfectly. She’d been right.

“Would you uh, like to try my steak?”

“No. Keith, I just want you to leave.”

“Come on, Melody. Try, damn it!” He laughed. “I’m not that bad of a guy once you get to know me. Sarah likes me. Doesn’t that say something?” She walked to the television. “We shouldn’t have to go through this song and dance every time we meet.”

“You mean that, Keith? You really want us to become friends?”

“Yes.”

“Then why did you threaten me this morning and nearly scare the shit out of me?”

“I don’t remember this. When did I uh, threaten you?”

She couldn’t even raise her voice for being so appalled. “I’m sick and tired of this game, Keith. You know damn well what I’m talking about. You grabbed me in the kitchen this morning and told me how much you liked being in control.” She panted. “That was when I knew I didn’t want you anywhere near my sister or me.”

“I see.” He sucked his bottom lip. “I got angry, Melody. You were questioning me and you practically insulted my relationship with Sarah.”

“Oh, you didn’t seem insulted, you seemed…you seemed…”

“What?” He walked toward her. “Seemed what?”

She exhaled. “Aroused.” She nearly fainted from her own admittance. Yet it had been true. Keith seemed to enjoy that strange moment in the kitchen. She wondered if he could adequately deny that, too.

“Maybe I
was
aroused.” He ran his hands through his hair. “It’s natural to be, you know? You are a very attractive woman, Melody. And I had my hands on you.”

She moved away. “And you had no right! I won’t put up with this anymore, Keith! I don’t care what your motives are; we’re not doing this!”

“Doing what?”

She shook her head. “Stop fucking with me! You know what I mean. I want you to stop all of this now! I don’t think it’s cute and I don’t think it’s funny!”

“Jesus.” He backed away. “Am I…scaring you, Melody?” He pointed toward the kitchen. “That’s the song from Jayson’s. The one you danced to with Lucas. You remember? I love this song. Does me playing it bother you?” She sniffled. He rubbed her shoulder.

“For some reason, I think you like scaring me, Keith. Why can’t you just leave Sarah alone? Believe me, you’re not the one for her.” She moved away.

“I can’t do that, Melody. I’m with Sarah now and you have to accept that.” He swayed to a different slow song. “Come on and let’s start things over right now.” He took her hand. “Let’s dance. We can have a polite and friendly dance.”

“No, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

He smiled. “I’m trying to be nice, Melody. You could at least see me halfway.”

He pulled her close before she could object. She didn’t understand a thing, anymore. Keith flipped her entire world upside down. She hated how he could talk his way out of everything. She hated that he’d been so good-looking and charming. He made her feel stupid, childish. He had gained control of Sarah’s heart. Melody would do her best to keep him from gaining control over her own mind.

“What are you thinking?” He lightly twirled her around.

“I’ve never met anyone like you before, Keith.”

“Oh? Should I take that as a compliment?”

“No, I didn’t mean it as one.”

He laughed. “God, you’re a hard piece of stone to crack, Mel. What do I have to do, huh?” They swayed angelically. “Is there anything I can do to win you over?”

“No.” She remained rigid.

“God, it amazes me how different you and Sarah are. Yet, you’re also very alike in so many ways.”

“How?” She looked him in the eyes. He had beautiful eyes. Yet that didn’t change her opinion of him.

“I bet people nearly fall out when they see that you’re sisters.” He grinned. “I know I nearly fainted when Sarah told me she was half-Latino. I mean, I had no idea. There weren’t any signs. You’re also different when it comes to your tastes.” Melody walled her eyes. “You’re both gorgeous, but Sarah’s beauty is more apparent.”

“Oh, thanks a lot.” She sighed.

He smiled. “Wait and let me finish here.” He twirled her around. “Yours is apparent, too, but it goes deeper than that. I mean, with Sarah, you see her and you go crazy. What man wouldn’t? She’s beautiful and we all know this. But you’re like a fine painting. You know how some paintings may not strike you as much at first, but when you keep looking at them…” He stopped. “You realize more and more how fantastic and lovely they really are.”

She tried to move. “Keith…”

“You understand, Melody?” He placed his hands on her face. She tried to pull away. He firmly held her like he had this morning. She’d only known Keith a short while, but long enough to know he manipulated everyone around him. She refused to be taken in. Something told her that his bite wasn’t only misleading but potentially dangerous.

“Keith, I want you to leave now, okay?”

“Really?”

“Yes really.” She struggled in his arms. “Now, let me go.”

“I will if you say it like you mean it.” He squinted. “Convince me, Melody.”

She pushed him away. “Get out right now, Keith!”

He got on his knees. He pretended to hold a camera. “That’s good, Melody. Now, look into the camera, darling. Oh yeah, that’s it. Now take it from the top! Come on, say the line, Melody.”

“I won’t take this shit from you anymore.” She opened the front door. “Get the hell out, right now! If you don’t leave right now, I swear I’ll call the police, Keith. I don’t want to ever see you here again. Do you understand me?”

He stood. He got his car keys from the table. He stopped beside her once he reached the door. “I can’t read you for the life of me. But something tells me it’s going to be fun to try.”

She held the door. “Get out, Keith.” He pulled her close. He held the back of her neck until she settled in his arms. Melody desperately tried to move. Keith plunged his lips over hers. “Mmm!” She felt she’d die from the strangling kiss. She managed to snatch her head away. “Stop!” She pushed him away. “Get out! I will call the police, I swear to God, Keith!”

He wasn’t laughing. He wasn’t speaking. He wasn’t
moving
. His stare never left her face.

“Get out!” she shouted out the door in case she needed immediate help. He left without a word.

Melody watched until he drove away. She
had
to make Sarah believe her now. Each moment Melody spent with Keith pushed her closer to lunacy. She didn’t know the hold he had on her. She just knew she had to get him out of their lives before it became too late. She exhaled against the door and wondered if it was already too late.

“We need you! We can’t do this on our own!” Detective Steven Kemp paced around the dusty interrogation room. He’d made detective at a younger age than many for his skill at cracking cases. His temper had been his downfall. He never realized that patience could get you farther than frightening someone to death.

He sighed at the shaken young black woman sitting in the middle of the room. Steven ran his hands through his flaxen hair. His gorgeous face was torn with frustration. He penetrated everyone with those killer blue eyes. Detective Brianna Morris leaned over the table doing her best to talk some sense into her partner and ex-lover. Being a black woman, she had her own natural fears about the rapist. She could easily have been on his list. Being a cop didn’t matter.