Cherry’s Jubilee (Lunchtime Chronicles: Season 7)

Chapter 14

Daniel

Some color drains from her face, and she stands stock still, her mouth hanging open.

“Well,” my dad says smiling down at her. She finally shuts her mouth and puts a fake smile on but remains still. “Who do we have here?” He extends his hand to her, and she takes it, giving him a firm shake. I think she gets her wits about her because she clears her throat and stands straighter.

“I’m Cherry Cross,” she says.

“I’m Dan,” is all my dad says. “Cross?” he asks as he looks from Cherry to me. “Are you Michelle Cross’s daughter?”

“I am,” Cherry says with a smile.

“I’ve known your mom since she was a child. In fact, she came to the house with you and your sister one time. She came with your grandfather.” Cherry stiffens at the story. “DJ was there, and he tried to feed you to our cat. You cried.” She snickers at that.

“What?” she asks. “How old was he?”

“He was ten,” my dad say. “I think you were about three.”

“And you tried to feed me to a cat? I’m rethinking this whole relationship.”

“You’re stuck with me.”

“And what do you do for a living, Cherry?” Dad asks .

“I’m an accountant,” she says. He eyes her up and down and nods in approval.

“About the cat thing,” My dad says, shaking his head. “He was a weird kid. But excellent career choice. I’m an accountant by training,” he says. “And what brings you to DJ’s office on a Monday instead of being at work?” Cherry loses her color again until Dad bursts into laughter. “Relax. He told me all about you this morning.” He taps her shoulder.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, sir,” Cherry says.

“Dan’s fine. And why don’t you work here? We have an accounting department.”

“Oh, God, Dad, don’t start. And why are you so nosy? I told you not to come in here,” I say, but I know my dad never listens to anyone except my mother.

“I don’t take orders from my children,” Dad says.

“Well,” Cherry begins, and I know what’s coming, “I had three rounds of interviews for a position here, but I wasn’t hired.” She turns and narrows her eyes at me as if I’m responsible.

“Who did you interview with?” he asks.

“Clayton Udunka,” she says.

“And you told this to DJ?” he asks, pointing at me. Cherry nods. “And he hasn’t shut down the entire department yet?”

“He’s done nothing,” Cherry says. “He didn’t even ask me the name of the person I interviewed with.”

“I would have shut them down within minutes of knowing,” Dad says. “That’s what a real man would do.” He winks at her, and she looks at me and scowls further. “DJ doesn’t have that kind of power.” He grins, and so does she. “Anyway, I need you in my office before the meeting later. There are a few things legal wants to explain to us.” Dad turns back to Cherry. “You don’t mind if I borrow him for a few?”

“He’s all yours. I have to head out anyway,” she says while she grabs her purse. “I can take the train home. ”

“No, absolutely not. Let me call Ari,” I say, picking up the phone while my dad pretends to busy himself.

“It’s one train ride,” she whispers.

“And one car ride.” I tap a message to Ari on my phone. “Or you can stay here, but I’ll be tied up all afternoon. I’ll come by your place after work,” I say.

After Ari texts that he’s outside, we go to the private elevator, and my dad follows us. “Come to my office when you’re done,” he says. “Cherry, next time you visit, you two come to my office, and I’ll invite Clayton up. Make him shit his pants,” my dad says.

Cherry turns to me and eyes me up and down. “Look at your dad,” she says to me. “That’s what real power looks like.”

When we step outside, traffic is still heavy, but the Escalade is parked out front. As we approach it, a group of people are walking toward the building while laughing and talking at once.

“Cherry?” a female voice balks, clearly outraged.

I turn my head and notice Ashley Turner walking our way. She walks like a woman on a mission; like a woman who was wronged and is seeking answers. Cherry ignores her, and Ari holds the door open for her.

“Cherry!” Ashley says again, louder this time.

Cherry’s back stiffens when she stops at the door. I can see her take a deep breath before she slowly turns to address her cousin.

“What?” is all she says.

“What are you doing here?” the words come out almost accusatory.

“I’m here visiting my boyfriend, Ashley,” Cherry hisses. “Why do you care?”

“Your boyfriend ?” She points at me.

“Yeah.” Cherry finally smiles. “Thanks so much for throwing that little party. I never would have met Daniel otherwise.” Cherry wraps her arm around mine and rests her head on my bicep.

“You can’t possibly be serious,” she says. “You and him?” She points at me again .

“What’s with all the questions? And aren’t you late for work?” Cherry looks at her watch.

“Yes. Is there a problem, Ashley?” I finally ask, suddenly irritated by her attitude toward Cherry. My words must surprise her. Her head snaps back, and she visibly swallows.

“No. This is just a shock, that’s all.”

“Really? Why?” I push back.

“That you would—” Whatever she was going to say gets swallowed. “Never mind.” She looks from me to Cherry.

“Since you’re only here half a day today, please go up and check your email,” I order.

“Of course,” Ashley says. “You have a good day.” She doesn’t go inside. She takes a few steps away, stands there, and watches us. I decide to ignore her.

“I’ll be there by six,” I tell Cherry and tilt her chin up to give her a chaste kiss.

“That better mean six p.m. and not six days from now,” is all she says.