Mastering the Art of Love (The American Soldier Collection 2)

“I have to investigate all my employees. Alvin knows where you live and he reported back to me.”

“I’m some sad charity case for you? Is that why you offered me the job and why you brought me to Sassy’s and brought me those things?” she asked, and Freda could tell she was insulted and hurt.

“That wasn’t my intention at all. You need to look and dress the part. Not you, nor any of the women I hire, have the funds to do so without my assistance. It’s something I need to do but also enjoy doing. Don’t for one moment think of yourself as a charity case. Now, it’s late, you live in a crime-infested neighborhood, and Benny is going to drop you off and walk you up to your apartment.”

“Not in a limo I hope. We’ll never make it to the front door,” Mariana said as she nibbled her bottom lip. Freda smiled then took her hand.

“Not to worry, dear. Oh, and here is your pay for the evening. I more than likely will have another job for you by Saturday. A small event at a private home outside of the city. I will let you know.”

She handed over the envelope, and Mariana blushed. She was so gracious and sweet. For a moment she feared that Jax and Jameson might eat her up alive. They were dominant and masterful. Any woman Jax had ever been with was submissive and he could be rough. She heard different stories, but who knew what was true? Their sex lives didn’t matter to her as much as their hearts. They were good men. Men who made it through battle then struggled to achieve respect and greatness in their professional field. They had come so far and proved that hard work and commitment won out in the end. Mariana was so much like them, but she was doing it alone as opposed to having a brother to lean on for support.

“Thank you, Freda. I have the cell phone, so call me when you know. Thank you again,” Mariana said, and then she leaned down and hugged Freda, shocking her.

Freda watched her go, and for a moment she wondered what it would be like to have a daughter. Derrick was sterile and they couldn’t conceive their own child. They made the decision to be alone, but now in her sixties and with Derrick gone so suddenly, she wished she had a child to spend time with. The tears filled her eyes.

“Freda, are you okay?” Alvin asked as she stood in the doorway to the sitting room. He had been there the entire time without anyone knowing. He was her bodyguard and her friend.

“Just thinking about life, Alvin, and how things turn out differently than planned. You know, seeing Mariana, it makes me wish Derrick and I had adopted children.”

She walked toward the stairs and held the railing.

“Mariana is quite the young woman, Freda. You’ve done so much for her. I’ve never seen you like this before.”

She turned to look at Alvin. “I’m just being silly, Alvin. I know I’m destined to die alone. It’s the way it must be because of those choices Derrick and I made so long ago.” She started to head up the stairs when she felt Alvin take her hand to stop her. She looked at him with tears in her eyes.

“You’re not alone, Freda. I’m not planning on going anywhere.”

She smiled, touched by his commitment and loyalty to her.

“Thank you.”

“If I might be so bold to point out, Freda, perhaps Mariana is in need of fulfilling a similar void in her life and maybe the two of you could lean on one another. After all, we know where she went before she arrived here today in preparation of her first job.”

Freda understood completely and nodded her head, feeling a spark of hope fill her heart. She was a patient woman, and she knew firsthand that sometimes things happen for a reason.

* * * *

Mariana was completely surprised to have Benny pull up in front of her apartment complex in a Range Rover and see all the utility vans. They were working on something.

“Oh God, maybe there’ll be heat tonight,” she said aloud as Benny parked the car behind one of the vans.

She opened the door before he could and he locked it then escorted her inside.

“Are you having problems with the heat or electricity, Mariana?” Benny asked as they entered the building and saw men working.

“I haven’t had heat all week,” she said, and now Benny looked upset. But as they climbed the stairs, she could feel the warmth like never before in the building.

“Oh God, I think the heat is on. It’s never been this warm in here,” she admitted then took out her key to unlock her door.

“Thank you for the ride, Benny. It sure did beat the bus and walking in the cold.” He looked a bit angry, and then his expression quickly changed and he smiled.

“My pleasure, Mariana. Call me if you need a ride anywhere. I’m on automatic dial in your cell phone on number three.” He winked then began to head back downstairs. She was still embarrassed as she unlocked the door and the heat hit her instead of the pinch of icicles.

She locked her door and smiled as she closed her eyes and tightened up her body. She had to remember this mo

ment, this evening, this experience forever. It was the first bit of happiness she felt in such a long time. As she opened her eyes, she threw her backpack onto the floor near the couch and began to pull off her jacket, as she remembered the envelope of money. She opened it, and her mouth dropped as she fell to the couch.

“Oh my God, two thousand dollars?”