Read Online The Cocktail Club by Pat Tucker - Free Book Online Page A

whatever the hell he wanted to discuss earlier, and I was in heaven.

12
IVEE
    â€œI am such a filthy slut!” I declared, and cracked up with laughter into the phone. My head still hurt a little from cocktails the night before, but it was nothing major. When we went hard on Thursday nights, I usually worked from home the following day. Last night was minor compared to the way we usually got down, but I needed to play it safe anyway.
    â€œWhat did you do? And when did you do it? We wrapped up early last night,” Peta reminded me.
    â€œWell, let’s just say it ain’t always how much time you’ve got, but how wisely you use it. Last night was a perfect example of maximizing limited time to the fullest.”
    â€œUmph, well, I don’t want a damn summary. I want details, so get to dishing,” Peta said.
    Before I could start the story, my other line rang. I rolled my eyes, and sighed heavily. It was the office. I had already told Jessica that I would be working from home, so I didn’t understand why anyone would call me.
    After about the third ring, I told Peta we’d have to catch up later.
    â€œGirl, it’s work, but I’m gonna get with you. Maybe we can do lunch or something like that. I gotta take this call.”
    â€œIvee Henderson,” I greeted. I did nothing to hide my irritation until the voice rang out in my ear.
    â€œIvee, this is Geneva JoHarris.”
    My motor skills and reflexes weren’t as sharp as they normally were. That quickly changed. At the sound of her voice, my spine instantly stiffened. Without even trying, my body snapped to full attention.
    â€œUh, Geneva? Hi, how can I help you?” I hoped my voice sounded professional enough. Instantly, my eyes scanned the room for any files that were near.
    â€œI understand you are working from home today, but I need a face-to-face. If you’d like, we can meet at a restaurant,” she offered.
    Geneva was fearless. In the male dominated field of media consulting, she had built both a solid and ruthless reputation. She was known for doing anything necessary to get the job done. Rumor around the office was that she had breastfed a client’s infant once, in order to close a deal. When the client brought his screaming kid to a board meeting, nothing would shut the kid up. Each time the father started to say something, he’d stop midsentence to try and stuff the pacifier in the baby’s mouth.
    According to legend, right after they’d negotiated the terms and length of the contract, the kid’s cries filled the room. Geneva snatched the baby, walked outside, and moments later, he was quiet. She and her team left with a signed contract in hand, and the father’s complete support. Later, when asked how she had quieted the child, Geneva turned and said he was a breastfed baby, and that a bottle or pacifier wouldn’t do.
    No one had the heart to ever ask her about that, but that urban legend floated around the industry, and spoke volumes about her dogged determination when it came to closing deals.
    Before I could answer the question, Geneva had spoken.
    â€œI’ll see you in my office in thirty,” she said.
    My mind began to race with all sorts of wild thoughts. Was itCarson Liam’s account? Had I missed anything pending? I rushed to get ready, but all sorts of worst-case scenarios ran through my mind.
    Despite feeling severely hung over, I hauled ass, got dressed, and rushed to the office. The moment I got there, I was ushered into Geneva’s sprawling office.
    Sitting with my back to the door, I didn’t even need to turn around to tell she had entered. Her scent always announced her arrival.
    Geneva was a tall, statuesque powerhouse. Her mere presence commanded attention everywhere she went. She was one of those women who always looked her very best. Her copper-hued skin looked like she had just received a facial. Her shoulder-length, brunette hair was