Healing Inc. Read online

  ***

  Earlier that Evening in Las Vegas, Nevada…

  Nita’s family was large, taking up multiple rooms in the glorious five star hotel. As usual, Tyler and Evy stayed in a smaller suite specifically designated for him. The suite in Vegas was the largest of the owner suites they had stayed in but it was still significantly small compared to the other rooms in the hotel. The layout was much the same as the one in Italy but the color scheme was white walls with red stripes and contemporary black leather furniture. The carpeting was red and all the furniture tiger wood. Tyler became concerned that Evy would want to stay in one of the larger rooms but she was more than content with the quaint accommodations.

  After finally leaving England, they had stopped in Mexico and Hawaii to complete his annual maintenance review of his hotels. He was glad to have Evy with him as she was able to help him go over the invoices and the maintenance schedules, shaving a lot of time and headache off of the ordeal. She had even come up with a few ways to cut cost yet increase productivity.

  Tyler fed off her patience in Mexico. He had warned Angel that he’d better not blow off his visit this time and that he had better be available when needed. He’d come very close to decking the man on a couple of occasions. The man had no couth. Upon arrival Tyler found himself correcting the man’s tone after he tried to berate him in front of the staff. Tyler could tell Angel had made the mistake of thinking him a pushover.

  He felt the need to keep Evy from him on most accounts because of his vulgar language and his male chauvinistic attitude. Again, he found himself correcting him. He warned Angel that he would not tolerate such behavior toward his wife or any other female. He very much considered firing him after catching him with his ear to the door of their suite. Tyler started to suspect that he was trying to catch them having sex so he could listen in on it but he couldn’t prove this.

  Worst of all, the way he eyed Evy sent such fury through him he thought he’d go insane. Yes, Angel was strange and in the past Tyler wouldn’t have hesitated to get rid of him. However, now that Evy was around he was willing to give folks a second chance because that was in her nature.

  Their arrival in Vegas put the stress of Mexico behind them. The wedding was beautiful. Nita looked the part of a princess bride, adorning her mother’s long sleeved sweeping gown that buttoned up over her neck. The intricate beaded embroidery emphasized the glow of her skin and her voluptuous figure. Her green eyes looked softer than usual that day as they locked on her future husband waiting for her at the front of the steeple.

  Her father held onto his only biological daughter possessively as he walked her down the aisle in tune to the traditional wedding march song. He wanted to assure everyone present that she was still his until the “I do’s” were said. Evy was so happy for her friend and proud that she had played a role in their coming together, no matter how gruesome the circumstances had been.

  The reception followed in one of the large halls. Tyler went all out, offering fresh Maine lobster, filet mignon and salmon as dinner options. Hors d’ oeuvres lined the massive tables flanking each end of the hall and an open bar was off to the side of one of them. A stage was set up catty corner to the bar. Large round dining tables occupied most of the space, with the long bride groom table in the front. Plenty of room was left between the wedding party table and the other guest for a dance floor.

  All the hotel managers and their spouses had been flown in to support their new boss on his wedding day. Tyler and Evy along with Tony and Nita were making rounds and now stood at their table.

  “Congratulations,” all at the table offered with the exception of Angel from Mexico. He was still miffed over having been spoken to and not getting his raise when they were in Mexico.

  “Thank you,” Tony and Nita gushed, fulfilling their role as the happy couple.

  “So, I hear you’re the CEO of a major corporation,” Steve from Hawaii acknowledged in reference to Nita. “You must be very lucky to catch a hot ticket like her,” he complemented his new boss.

  “Oh, lucky I am indeed!” Tony agreed, exchanging an affectionate glace with his new bride.

  “The company can’t be too major if a woman is in charge of it.” Angel’s comment drew the attention of all those in the small crowd, including his very embarrassed wife. He had begun drinking well before the ceremony started and was now at the point of allowing stupidity to seep from his lips.

  Tyler was the first to break the silence. “I happen to know of several major companies, including Healing Inc., that have performed very well under a female’s guidance. My wife would be a phenomenal CEO, if she chose to be,” he boasted, trying to remain civil in light of their present surroundings.

  “If you allow your woman to go out into the working world, who would you put in your kitchen and have take care of the other only thing that women are good for?”

  His eyes roamed over Evy causing her skin to prickle and respond in disgust. Her arm went around Tyler’s waist in an inconspicuous gesture to quell her husband’s temper.

  “Well, I’m proud to say that only one man knows just how good I am at that one thing,” she stated while slipping her husband a bodacious grin. “And, as far as my staying in the kitchen, perhaps when I find one hot enough to contain me I just might consider doing that.”

  She slowly turned her gaze away from her grinning husband to meet Angel’s stupefied stare dead on. Every male face within hearing range reddened with embarrassment while the women, with the exception of Nita who laughed outright, tried with difficulty to contain their mirth.

  Little did Evy know, those few words had won her the admiration of the women sitting at that table. They had endured Angel’s sexist comments in the past because the boss was never around when he made them, and no one else had dared to stop him. It was good to see him put in his place for once, especially by a woman. The look that Tyler gave him should have made Angel privy to the fact that he no longer had a job. It didn’t.

  Just then, the wedding planner announced that it was time for the bride and groom’s first dance. Tyler took his seat while Evy made her way to the stage. Tony gently took Nita’s hand and headed for the empty dance floor. Tyler had waited eagerly for this part of the reception. Other than hearing her sing and hum around their dwellings, he had only seen Evy perform the one time back in March. The only information she would share on the song she had chosen was that it was meant for him. The overhead lights dimmed, replaced by two spot lights illuminating the couple and Evy on the platform.

  Tyler didn’t recognize the music at first but it didn’t take long for him decipher that it was Christina Aguilera’s I Turn to You. He sat stonelike in his chair, totally mesmerized by his wife’s vocal abilities, while Tony and Nita swayed to and fro to the music. He couldn’t help the moisture that gathered in his eyes from knowing he felt the same way about her. He noted every movement of her body, appreciating the fact that when she closed her eyes she saw only him. This was the woman who had endured, the woman who had blamed herself for the loss of a life. She had carried a burden for almost fourteen years, yet she was now on stage honoring him. At that very moment his heart felt as if it would burst with all the love it held for her.

  The audience was unable to control the standing ovation they afforded Evy at the completion of her performance. Those that had heard her sing in the past cried tears as if they had finally gotten an overdue taste of a fine wine. Everyone was left with goose bumps from the experience. Bowing graciously, she left the stage.

  Nita greeted her on the dance floor, hugging her tightly as tears spilled from both of their eyes. She couldn’t help but notice the change in her friend. Evy was more confident and more assertive than she had ever been. Many stared peculiarly at the two women, not apprehending the significance of what had just happened. Only the two of them and Tyler understood that the act of her singing in front of so many people was not just a performance for her, but a huge sign that she had forgiven herself for what had tra
nspired on that night so long ago. It was an indication that the guilt and anguish over her lost child would no longer hold her down.

  The dance floor started to fill and their husbands waited. They released each other. Tyler was surprised when Nita, not his Evy, jumped into his arms, holding him tightly against her. She pulled back to make eye contact with him.

  “Thank you,” she stated with tears still staining in her eyes. “You don’t know what you’ve done for me and my sister.” Her statement was heartfelt and sincere. She had spent many years and a lot of energy hoping for this moment. Tyler had been instrumental in making it happen.

  Tyler couldn’t respond, his rising emotions rendering him speechless. Nita turned and walked away with her husband, leaving him standing on the dance floor with a large lump in his throat. It was Evy’s turn to hug him. As she did so, they began to sway to the slow song that was playing. He closed his eyes, continuing to rock his wife and silently thanking God for the miracle he was now holding.

  Chapter 14

  Snow fell in Oklahoma City a month after New Year’s Day. Evy had finally made it over to her apartment to start packing. After Tony and Anita’s wedding they had spent a few days in Las Vegas before heading out to meet Cecile in New York.

  As planned, they all spent Christmas Day with Ralph and Abby. After actually having to put up with Abby and the way she treated Cecile, Evy told Tyler to consider it a Christmas present from her. A big one! Although Abby was on her best behavior with her husband around, she was quick to be anything but in his absence. She only acknowledged Evy in his or Tyler’s presence.

  An undeniable strain existed between Abby and Cecile. There was no way the two could ever fathom a good relationship due to Cecile’s lack of trust for her mother. Evy’s presence didn’t help the situation. Cecile often used her as an ally. Abby sensed the bond between them and it infuriated her to no end. Few words were exchanged between the two women but Cecile made it a point to make sure Evy was with her wherever she went in the house. At one point, her mother tried unsuccessfully to separate the two by asking Cecile if she could discuss something important with her alone. Evy thought Abby was going to strike the girl when she told her “Not without Evy”.

  Evy actually felt bad for Abby and tried to be nice to her. But, the damage was done. Tyler and Ralph did their best to be civil and ignore the tangible tension between the women but it was impossible. They ended the visit early.

  New York wasn’t a total waste. Evy got to meet the couple that had positively influenced Tyler’s life. Fredrick and Margaret Wilson were the ideal parents to Tyler and self-appointed grandparents to Cecile. It melted Evy’s heart to see how well they treated her stepdaughter, which was a sharp contrast to the way her maternal grandparents did. Cecile had only seen them twice since her mother had left her as a toddler.

  Tyler had told her that they were lucky to catch the couple at home. After purchasing his first hotel in Hawaii, he had paid off their home and given them their own penthouse suite in his new establishment. Now that Mr. Wilson was retired they spent winters there, avoiding the frigid New York weather. Tyler and Cecile had made it a point to spend Christmas with them wherever they were, with this being the first time in years that they hadn’t.

  When they arrived in Oklahoma City Evy had gone directly to Tyler’s house. She was taken aback at how large it was. Although the layout was open with contemporary furnishings, the walls were all painted in earth tone hues that represented old world charm. She walked into the grand white marble foyer decorated with huge contemporary vases, highlighted by the abundant sun coming in through the glass in the huge oak doors. The marble staircase took her breath away with its massive double size. It appeared to go on forever.

  Tyler had called ahead and made arrangements to have a room set up as a home office for her as well as installed her favorite work out equipment in his existing home gym. He even had a room designated for sparring to which she had invited her husband and wife trainers, Rie and Drago, to work out with her in. Tyler had sat in on a couple of sessions and wasn’t able to get over how good Evy was, especially with the staff. The instructors pushed her to her limit, all of them practicing extreme control so as not to injure one another. He would have loved to join them but figured his inexperience would result in injury. It didn’t help that his hot wife and Rie’s glowing green eyes would be a major distraction for him. He also couldn’t get over the strange feeling he got whenever he was around Drago.

  New Year’s Eve was spent at home alone as Cecile wanted to head back to England the day after Christmas. Although Evy missed her, she started to think that it was probably a good thing that she had. It appeared that something had gone haywire with her one o’clock suggestion to Tyler.

  At first, he would sit and meditate on the aftermath of that time they made love on his desk in England. As Evy had expected, it aided tremendously in relaxing him in the middle of the day. Within a week his testosterone drove him to start focusing on the act of love making itself. It started off innocent enough, with him simply having fantasies of holding Evy as they both came down from their peak. Then the fantasies shifted toward the look on her face during the act where he had seen her completely uninhibited.

  Lately he had been battling the urge to commit the act which, like Pavlov’s dogs, his penis responded to each day at such said time when his watch would sound off. He thought it wouldn’t be a big deal because he was usually within the safety of his office at that time, permitting him to do whatever he needed to satiate the urge.

  That was until a lunch meeting ran late and he was forced to deal with his first boner during the ever important gathering. It didn’t help matters that the client was female and a very attractive one at that. Tony had come in handy by diverting the woman’s attention from him while he excused himself to the men’s room. His poor assistant sat in utter confusion as a red faced Tyler stood over her desk demanding that she keep his schedule completely open from noon to two while Tony could be heard laughing his ass off in the conference room.

  Tyler’s problem didn’t end there. Turning off the alarm of his watch proved futile as the intensity of the urge became so strong that soon he had to have Evy at that specific time each day. No matter what she was doing, Evy knew she would receive a text or a call from him at about that time asking her to meet him at home or somewhere private.

  The first time it happened she had rushed home thinking something was wrong only to have him rip off her underwear and take her right there in the foyer. She couldn’t believe how strong he was as he held her back up against the wall, thrusting in and out of her with staggering power before she could even get her coat off. Underwear were becoming short in supply because he had torn so many in his hot pursuit of her sex.

  His libido seemed to have increased tenfold since they left England. Sometimes the sex was intense and heated. Other times it was slow and sweet with him taking hours before he’d cum. Although she enjoyed it, not knowing which to expect each time, she couldn’t help but wonder how much work he was getting done at his office.

  She now sat in the office of her old apartment musing over their activities while Nita was trying to bring her up to date on a few things. Nita had been nice enough to meet her there for their Friday meeting. This allowed her to get more packing done before heading home.

  “So, when do you want to tour the new condo?” Nita inquired. “I’d really like to start selling units as soon as possible.” She was happy with today’s arrangement as they didn’t get genuine time alone very often now that they both had spouses.

  “Let’s shoot for Monday. We had better make it early, about nine maybe?” Evy was sitting back in her chair with her hands behind her head, while Nita was positioned more in the corner on the other side of the desk. A slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

  “Okay Evy, share it!”

  “Share what?” Evy knew what she wanted but she wasn’t going to make it easy for her nosey friend.
/>   “How does it feel to finally have all those damn cobwebs pushed out of your you-know-what?” She cocked an eyebrow for emphasis.

  “Uggh god, Nita!” Evy squealed, covering her face from embarrassment.

  “Don’t try to play miss innocent with me. I see the change in you now that you’ve apparently been properly seen to. Fourteen years is a long time to go without a man’s touch. Hell, you never really got it the way you should have from the first one! Maybe we should just consider you a virgin before Tyler. I’m surprised he didn’t get stuck from you being so tight after all these damn years.” They both had to laugh at that one. “Come on Evy tell me! Is he good? Is he big?”

  “Nita!” she responded with a sharp gasp, proving that her friend could still shock her after all these years.

  “Well, he’s got huge hands and feet… and he looked like he had a pretty big package that day I saw him in his underwear.” Evy could see the wheels turning in her friend’s head before the next words made it out her mouth. “Does he like to watch it disappear into the darkness?”

  “What?” Evy laughed. “What in the world are you talking about?”