Read Online Tappin' On Thirty by Candice Dow - Free Book Online Page B

I’m sure you don’t like to mix business with pleasure, but . . .”
    â€œNah, definitely not.”
    She blinked bashfully. “Okay, let me explain.”
    As she waved her hand to help with her explanation, I noticed a ring. Good! I’ll just tell her I don’t date married women. She chuckled. “Another young attorney, Taylor Jabowski, she works in our legal department.” She continued to wave her hand wildly. “She’s tall and gorgeous. She’s about your age.”
    Taylor walked up. She was tall, white, and bleach blond. She was a size zero and my stomach turned. As I shook my head to erase the vision of Taylor that just tiptoed into my mind, I chuckled. “Nah, I’m really not interested. In fact, I’m in a serious relationship.”
    She shrugged her shoulders. “Oh, I’m sorry. I love to play matchmaker.” She bobbed her head from side to side like she felt silly for asking. “Please excuse me.”
    Relieved that she wasn’t the one interested, I blushed. “Nah, you’re cool. Don’t worry about it.”

10
    TAYLOR
    M y administrative assistant ran into my office. I peeped behind her to see if she was being chased. My forehead wrinkled. She blushed and fanned herself. “Taylor, girl.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œThe man of your dreams is downstairs in the conference room.”
    â€œKatherine, just because there’s a single man in the building does not mean he’s the man of my dreams.” I chuckled. “Where have you been all day?”
    She clenched her teeth together. “Downstairs, girl. You need to get your butt down there.”
    â€œWhat have you been doing down there?”
    â€œI had to fill in for the damn legislative admin.”
    â€œYou’re a trip.”
    â€œGirl, this man is fine. Trust me.”
    â€œI’ve trusted you before.”
    She lifted her glasses and looked at me. “Don’t even try it. I told you that young boy was cute. And I saw you . . .”
    She laughed. I shooed her. “Whatever.”
    â€œTaylor, I know you better than you think I know you.”
    â€œAnyway. Are you done downstairs?” I huffed.
    â€œNo, we’re meeting until three. Come down there around one-thirty so you can meet Mr. Patterson.”
    â€œKatherine, I’m not thinking about Mr. Patterson.”
    She turned to leave my office. When she reached the door, she leaned back in. “He’s finer than the last guy I told you about.”
    â€œGood bye, Katherine.”
    At quarter of three, I got the urge to go downstairs and just check out what Katherine was raving about. I went into the conference room corridor. I peeped in all the closed doors. Finally, I saw her. Through the slim windowpane, I surveyed the room. There weren’t even any black men in the room. Who the hell was she talking about? I saw two white guys that I didn’t recognize. Now, she must think I’m desperate. Just as I was about to walk away, it looked like they were adjourning. I stood in the hall waiting for Katherine.
    I jokingly said, “We need to cut out right now and go to happy hour, because you are crazy.” I pointed into the conference room. “Who in there is supposed to be my dream guy?”
    â€œTaylor, you really think I’m crazy, don’t you?”
    I stretched my eyes. “Yah!”
    â€œHe left early. He had to go back to New York with his daughter.”
    â€œHis what?”
    She grabbed my arm. “C’mon let’s walk to the break room.” She continued, “His daughter.”
    I frowned and she added, “What am I going to do with you?”
    â€œLeave me alone and stop trying to find me a man.”
    â€œTrust me. This one is fine.”
    As I perused the vending selection, I said. “And he has a daughter. I don’t even deal with my own niece and nephew. Hell if I’m trying to play stepmom.”