Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 43

It became a bit more understandable when they saw that most of the office staff was Asian.

"I understand his confusion now," Xuan giggled.

Colby introduced Xuan to the girl at the desk, who greeted her in Mandarin. They had a happy, rapid fire conversation.

"I can tell there's a rapport there already," the office manager said to Colby. "What prompted the change?"

"Twila is moving and I got her old job. We were lucky enough to find Xuan the first day."

"This is perfect. My girls already like her."

The other workers were chattering with Xuan, getting to know her. Colby spoke to the office manager and found out what they needed. He didn't mind letting Xuan talk. It developed the relationship she would need in order to do her job.

At the next office, it wasn't quite as warm a welcome, but the manager liked her and the others in the office were friendly. The third office was much the same as the second. They stopped for lunch at a Chinese restaurant which was owned by Xuan's uncle. He came out and spoke to Colby, at first thinking he was the new boyfriend. That took a little explaining, since Colby didn't speak any Mandarin. Xuan translated, but her uncle wasn't too inclined to believe her. It took having his son come out and take over, before he understood. Then he was all smiles. Their food was free and they had a new customer by the time they were done. The son saw the need for a computerized system, and an on-line ordering system—which Trevor would set up.

All smiles, they went to the hair salon. When Colby entered, all the talk stopped. Every eye in the place, customer and worker alike, was focused on him.

"Oh, you're Adele's boy!" an older woman with beautifully coiffed hair, said as she came forward. "We all recognized your face from TV." She leaned over, speaking quietly. "Did you really punch that man in the—private area?"

Colby adopted the same secretive stance. "Yes. He tried to hurt my mother."

"You precious angel!" She took his cheeks, giving him a kiss on each. Bright plum colored lips adorned his cheeks.

She introduced him to the others and all the women, including customers, had to add their own kisses. By the time they finished, he had a wide array of colors on his cheeks. One of the women brought over some tissues and makeup remover. Xuan helped him clean up while they waited for the owner to finish with her client.

"This is a pretty color. That would look good on Avery. And I think this one for Alice. Oh, this is so me!" Xuan laughed and played the entire time. "I never had to clean this much lipstick off a man, even when I worked in that drag club."

"Drag.... Um...."

"I helped the girls backstage. I was a dresser one summer. They needed someone, and I wanted to see what it was all about. Those men looked better in a dress than I did. It was somewhat humiliating, but fun just the same. I learned a lot about makeup, hair and poise from those guys."

"You're full of surprises, Xuan."

It took nearly two hours to finish at the salon, because the women insisted on giving both of them a manicure. And the owner decided Colby needed a trim. He couldn't argue with that. He usually did. With a series of four cowlicks, it didn't take much for his hair to become unruly. They all agreed that Xuan's hair was perfect at it was, but they did tell her anytime she needed anything done, to come to them.

"Do you usually get greeted like that?" Xuan asked as they were leaving.

"I never went there before. My mom has used them forever. The owner is her neighbor down the street. Her son and I are good friends. But I was never allowed in the door before. It's kind of a no man zone."

"A woman needs her space when she's getting beautiful."

"Agreed. I'm glad all I have to do is shave and put on clean underwear."

Xuan tossed her long hair over her shoulder. "Men do have the grooming thing easier than women. Unless you have to wax."

Colby hopped away, hissing as he made a cross with his fingers. "A pox on waxing! I'll shave places, but no way do they wax anything south of the border."

Xuan burst out laughing, turning heads as they walked down the street to where their car was parked.

"Don't ever become a swimsuit model."

"I have no intention of doing that—ever. No one is getting that close to my—private area—who isn't my girlfriend."

"I'll be sure to pass that information on to Avery."

"Go right ahead. She's the only one with access."

Xuan giggled again. "Are you sure you meant to say that, Boss?"

"I have a very relaxed administrative style," he said as he opened her door.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 42

"I watched two and scanned the rest. I also notice that there's nothing said about the others being nasty to whites. I saw that in my first job in California. It's one reason I moved back here. There were quite a few minorities." She made quote marks by her head. "But the few white people in the office were picked on like crazy—as was I, the token Asian. I found out, when I quit, they only hired me because I was Chinese American. It was a shitty job."

"Sounds like it. I hope you reported them."

"To everyone who would listen. I'm so glad to be here. I love this place already. But I hate the videos."

"They are terrible. I'll talk to Maureen and see what she has to say. If you don't mind doing it as a side project, it would be great."

"I'll go talk to her. She and I really hit it off. Her husband is Asian."

"No kidding. I didn't know. Her last name is O'Neal."

"She uses her maiden name because his name is so hard for most people to pronounce. Qing." She pronounced it ching.

"Doesn't sound hard."

She spelled it for him.

"Okay, I would have trouble with that."

Xuan smiled. "You can imagine what I've put up with all my life. I can't begin to tell you the mispronunciations."

"Yes, I would. Believe it or not, people can't handle Colby either. They don't destroy it as much as your name, though. That FTPA kicks in, and they don't focus." He had to explain that acronym to her. "So, done with that."

"And the manuals. I'm a speed reader."

"I wish I had that talent. Would have made college a lot easier. Since you're finished, I'll take you around to the first calls of the week and introduce you. We have three doctors offices and a hair salon."

"Hair salon that needs computers?"

"For all their appointments and inventory. It's pretty simple, but they also use it for their cash register and it's been screwing up. Not our fault, it's their old system. The other company closed and left them dangling. My mom gets her hair done there, so when she found out their trouble, she gave them my card."

"Go Mom!"

Colby chuckled. "We'll be out of the office for a few hours, so forward your calls to your cell." He did that with his own while he was thinking of it.

"Bonnie, you're in charge while I'm out. Calls should go to my phone."

A pretty blonde in the front office nodded as he went by.

"Doesn't Trevor do this part of the job? I thought he'd be promoted to it."

"Trevor doesn't like dealing with people. His preference is to put the systems together, or do programming, and let someone else talk to people. Don't worry. He's in his happy place."

They got to Colby's car and he helped her get settled before getting in on the driver's side.

Xuan giggled, nodding. "I understand. I have a brother like that. In fact, that was me a few years ago. I had a class in college where we had to get up and give presentations every couple of weeks. One of them was a group project, but the rest were individual. I decided after the first one flopped, that I wasn't going to fail again. I went to the speech department that day and signed up for debate and extemporaneous speaking. The professor was really good, and coached me through the next speech. By the time I finished out the semester, I felt better and even had won a couple awards—little ones, like third place, but it was an ego boost. The next time, I did better."

"Good for you. I got thrown into this job. I had actually applied for Trevor's, before he got hired. But the other guy quit and Jonas needed someone immediately. He handed me the specs, shoved me out the door and said, Return with your shield or upon it."

"He seriously said that?"

"He did. And off I went. I didn't stutter—too much. Found I had a penchant for explaining the complex in basic terms and went from there."

"That's so cool. I think a person's journey is so interesting—how we come to where we are. Even homeless people. How did they get there? I speculate from time to time, making up back stories for people."

Colby chuckled. That was exactly what he and his friends had always done. Yes, Xuan was going to fit right in.

They got to their first appointment and, by some miracle, found a parking place near the door. He helped Xuan out of the car and walked her into the building. This doctor's office was one they'd dealt with for several years. An orthopedic office, the waiting room was full of unhappy people with walkers, crutches and wheelchairs. Colby skirted the obstacle course with ease, but Xuan got cut off by an angry man on crutches who thought she should be able to help him with something.

"I don't work here," she said politely.

It took a few moments to get her away from him, but Colby finally extricated her.

"Sorry about that. There's one in every office."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 41

"There is probably some trace element in the watermelon your body wants," Avery said. "Have you talked to your doctor? You might need an additional supplement."

"No, but I will. That's a good idea. Do you have any kids?"

"Oh, no. Colby was my first."

"That's so sweet! That's something you don't see every day. You've got a good man, Avery."

"And I've got a great woman," Colby said, wanting to take the focus of the conversation off himself.

"Yes, you do," Cecile agreed. "If you'll all excuse me, I think I'd better go lie down. I'm suddenly very tired. My back has been killing me all day."

"Need a hand?" Jonas asked her.

"Please. I can't even get up by myself these days," she said with a sigh.

Jonas gave her a hand up and her water broke. Colby got towels while Jonas helped her change. Colby and Avery cleaned the floor and couch as best they could, washing their hands extremely well afterward.

"Need help getting to the hospital?" Colby offered. "I can drive you over and Avery can follow us."

"Would you? I'm already shaking," Jonas said. "We lost a couple," he explained to Avery. "This is our first full term baby."

"Absolutely. Let's get a couple towels for the seat," Avery suggested.

They got Cecile settled in the car with Colby at the wheel. Jonas rode with his wife in the back.

Avery followed them as they drove to the birthing clinic where Cecile was expected. Colby let her and Jonas out at the door, then found a place to park.

"You call as soon as that baby is born," Avery said. "And I expect pictures!"

"Oh, Colby, I'm taking the week off. Maybe two," Jonas said. "Twila was going to be in charge, but since she's gone...."

"I'm the boss?" he yelped.

"No worries. You can do it standing on your head. Remember, you have the best team in the city. They all know their stuff. You'll mostly be training Xuan."

"Okay. Yeah. No problem." He muttered as he walked back to the car. "Now he tells me. Bastard!" Laughing sharply, he got in the car. With Avery still at the wheel, they headed home. "I didn't even know she was pregnant," Colby said. "I've never been the boss before."

"You'll do great. You have the best people in the world. Like Jonas said, they all know their jobs, and work hard. It will be all right. But you do need to send them an e-mail to let them know."

"Yeah. That's a boss thing to do. Jonas would."

"Just ask yourself that during the week: WWJD?"

"I know you don't mean Jesus."

"What Would Jonas Do?"

"Say okay, run his hand through his hair and delegate."

"Exactly. You're capable of that, aren't you?"

Colby laughed. "Yeah. Since I'm most often the person delegated to."

"See, you already know his job. Just trust someone else to know what to do. You do that anyway. You know those people so well, you can delegate in your sleep."

They got a call around 11:00 when they were playing Call of Duty.

"It's a boy!" Jonas crowed. "Eight pounds, five ounces and twenty-one inches long."

"That's a good sized kid," Colby said. "Not quite as big as a bag of potatoes—thank God! I'm very happy for you. What did you name him?"

"After our dads—Anthony James Barber."

"That's a great name, Jonas. Congratulations to you and Cecile. She did good."

"Yep, she's a trooper. Welp, gotta go. Need to let the troops know."

"I already e-mailed them about next week. I'll send it around. You enjoy your family. I'm really happy for you both. Congratz, Dad."

"Dad," Jonas murmured. "Shit.... I'm a dad!" He hung up.

"He's gonna go hurl," Colby predicted. He sent another e-mail around to his co-workers.

Colby wasn't sure what to expect when he walked into the office on Monday. He arrived early, started the coffee and got everything set up. He had also bought a box of donuts on the way, getting everyone's favorites. How he remembered, he had no idea. Probably, he'd unconsciously absorbed that detail. With his own coffee and donuts, he went to Jonas' office and settled in, getting himself organized for the day.

Xuan was the first to arrive. He got her squared away at her desk and gave her some manuals to read through. There were also some awful training videos that they were all expected to watch and sign off for, from HR. After watching two on racism and sexual harassment, Xuan walked into his office and sat down, looking disgruntled.

"Problem?"

"Can we redo those videos? They're horrible! I notice that they have Indian people and African Americans, they even have a Latina. Is there an Asian face in the bunch? No."

"You watched them all? There' six of them. You only had to watch two."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 40

"My folks were both alcoholics," Avery confided. "I don't want to end up like them."

"I totally understand," Xuan assured her. "I think that's really admirable. It's important to have strong convictions."

They had a wonderful dinner. Afterward, they played Cards Against Humanity and this time, Gavin was the definitive winner. Around midnight, they all cleaned up and the guests went home. Avery was nearly bursting with pride and excitement.

"Our first three couple party! That was so much fun. I love Xuan! I hope Gavin doesn't mess it up."

"He's going to make mistakes, we all do. But I really like Xuan, and I think she's good for him."

"He didn't seem quite so flaky. I was really proud of him. And you, Mr. Thatcher!" She kissed him. "Oooh, Mr. Thather, is that for me?" she rubbed against him.

"Why yes, Miss Justice, if you like."

"I like...."

Colby woke the next morning feeling better than he could remember. Today, they were looking at the new apartments. Jonas had already spoken to the manager and was going to meet them at 11:00 to look at them. He and Avery got ready, dressing like they were going to church. She actually wore a dress and put up her hair. Colby didn't own a suit, but he had nice slacks and a sports coat, which he paired with a V neck sweater. Avery proclaimed him hot and sexy.

"And you're beautiful. Miss Conservative. Wow." He spun her under his arm.

They arrived at the apartment complex and went to Jonas's first. It was a lavish three bedroom. The one they were seeing was a spacious one bedroom, or there were a couple moderately sized two bedroom ones. These were a little out of their price range, but with them both getting pay bumps, they could just about afford it. They were more interested in the one bedroom, simply because they wanted to save the extra money to put aside.

Jonas's wife, Cecile, opened the door and gave them both a big hug. She was very pregnant and didn't feel like doing a lot of walking, so they drove over to the new apartments. She and Avery walked around, admiring the kitchen and discussing closet space.

"This has closets bigger than my bathroom," Avery said. "I love this place already."

"This is really nice," Cecile said. "I don't much like the furniture. At least it's not staying."

"My furniture isn't this nice, but I agree. It's a little flashy."

The couch was a garish flower pattern that was an eye watering combination of turquoise, chartreuse and coral. It was quite ugly, but comfortable. Cecile and Avery sat down, talking, waiting for the men. Feeling she needed to speed them along, because they seemed as if they were going to talk all day, Avery walked over, taking Colby's arm.

"I like the place a lot, Colby. What do you think?"

"I think it's great. Do you know they have two pools and two gyms?"

"That's great! Not the time of year for a pool, though."

"One is indoors, so we could swim any time."

"No kidding?" She perked up. "That's so cool. Colby went to college with a swimming scholarship," she told the manager.

"Really? My son's a swimmer. He's seven. Hoping he can compete some when he gets older. Do you ever give lessons?"

"I hadn't thought about it, to be honest."

"He was captain of the men's team in high school and college," Avery bragged. "And he was assistant coach for his old high school for two years after college."

"No kidding?" The manager leaned over, speaking quietly. "I can get you into a two bedroom for the price of this one, if you'll give my kid private lessons."

Colby's eyes widened. "You can do that?"

"I'm part owner, as well as manager. Yes, I can do that. I'd be paying someone anyway, around the same price."

"That's a hundred dollars a month more."

"And my kid's future is worth a hundred a month. What do you say?"

"I say, yes!"

"Excellent! Let's have a look at the bigger place and talk turkey."

They made the trek to the larger apartment, which was closer to the pool and the gym. Avery went nuts over the kitchen. It had been done with new granite counter tops and sleek cabinets. It had a butcher's block with a dry sink and a built in trash bin. The appliances were all new and, though not high end, certainly better than what she currently had. She and Colby sat down with the manager and worked out details. Jonas took Cecile home, but they were told to go over as soon as they were done, for a late lunch.

Happy and excited to move, they met with Jonas and Cecile for a delicious meal with lots of fruit and fresh salads.

"I've been craving watermelon," Cecile griped. "Do you know how hard it is to find a watermelon this far north at this time of year?"

"I had to get her watermelon ices instead," Jonas added. "It wasn't ideal, but it was made with real juice."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 39

Avery met Colby at the door wearing a butcher's apron and high heels. He wanted to make love in the kitchen, but she dragged him to the bedroom instead. He was almost running late by the time they had a quick shower. He took his lunch to go, eating in the car on the way back to work. He arrived as Jonas was coming back.

"I either have to move closer, or you need to give me a ninety minute lunch," Colby said, chuckling as he walked in the office.

"You cocky bastard," Jonas said with a chuckle. "Oh, to be young and in love."

"You're only ten years older, and you have a beautiful wife. I have, on more than one occasion, envied the hell out of you."

"No kidding? She is pretty awesome. Maybe I'll go home for lunch tomorrow, instead of going to a crowded restaurant."

"Totally worth it," Colby said, smirking as he walked back to his office.

The rest of the week went well. Colby got settled in and set up training for Xuan. Things were going well between her and Gavin, which pleased his friends. In fact, they planned a cookout at Colby and Avery's apartment. He got home as early as he could, in order to help her finish cleaning up. She had made the burgers for them to cook and Alice was bringing her potato salad. Gavin was making his world famous baked beans, which was the only dish he could make without intervention. Stan had the IBC covered and Xuan had promised dessert.

At five minutes until seven, Stan knocked on the door. Colby answered and Avery called from the kitchen. Alice joined her. Stan followed with the root beer.

"So, what do we think of Xuan?" Stan asked.

"I haven't met her yet," Avery admitted. "Only Colby—and Gavin, obviously. She sounds really nice, though."

"Smarter than me," Colby said with a grin. "I'd say that she is easily as smart as Gavin."

"No way. Can she tie her own shoes?"

"I don't know, she wears heels to work," Colby replied with a smart assed smile.

"I spoke to her on the phone once," Alice said. "I had to call Gavin about his order at the shop, and she answered. She has a gorgeous voice."

There was much speculation for a couple minutes, which stopped when Gavin and Xuan arrived. She was introduced all around and Gavin looked on happily as his friends met, and approved of, his girlfriend—an announcement he made nearly as soon as they walked in the door.

"That's so great!" Avery said, hugging him. "Our little Gavin, all grown up."

The men glared at her.

"I'm so sorry. I'm not supposed to say things like that around other women. It makes them appear less masculine and mature," she explained in a smarmy tone as she hung up Xuan's coat. "I apologize, gentlemen. Actually, I don't," she said to Alice and Xuan as the men walked off.

"Heard that," Colby called over his shoulder.

"Heard what, sweetheart?" she called in a singsong voice after him.

Xuan listened to the exchange and started laughing. "I love you guys already." She had brought a huge platter of homemade cookies for dessert. "I've been making these for two days. I didn't know exactly what you'd all like. And Gavin, bless him, had no clue. But everyone likes cookies."

"This crowd will devour them," Avery assured her. "I always make them cookies for Christmas. Limited budget, so I cook. Each of them has a favorite and he gets two dozen in a collectible tin. Which I collect afterward, and reuse the next year."

"How fun!" Xuan said.

"What is Stans' favorite?" Alice asked, as if it were the most important thing in the world.

"Cream cheese cookies, only I roll them in chopped nuts before I bake them. Then I add the jelly after. Gavin's favorite—peanut butter chocolate chip. And Colby loves these spicy cookies my grandmother used to make. She called them pecan crisps."

"Those sound good," Xuan said as they walked into the living room. "Anything with nuts."

Three male heads popped up, eyes wide and alert.

"Wouldn't you know," Avery said. "You say nuts, and they suddenly pay attention."

"At least we know how to get their attention when it's time for dinner," Alice said, giggling.

"I wonder what they'd do if we said boobs," Xuan said, casually tossing it out there.

"Watch it. They have a Pavlovian response to that," Avery replied. "If you say it too much, they start to salivate. Gets really messy."

Colby embraced her, nuzzling her neck. "You love my Pavlovian response to that," he murmured.

Avery blushed, giving him a knuckle to the belly. "Company manners, Mr. Thatcher."

"Yes, ma'am. Can I get anyone anything? Guys, beer? Xuan?"

"I don't drink," she said quietly.

"Neither do we," Alice assured her. "Beer, in this house, is IBC."

"Oh, love one! I never developed a taste for alcohol."

"I like wine once in awhile," Alice said. "But I can keep a bottle in the fridge for months before I drink it all."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 38

"Oh, God, Jonas! I'm going out on a limb here, but I think I speak for us both when I say she'll fit right in."

Jonas held his ribs, eyes watering. He couldn't speak, only nod. "You're hired," he giggled. "Oh, my God!"

Miss Kwan joined them in a laugh.

"That's exactly what I did," Colby explained once he could speak again. "I think we're all surfing on the same wave here."

After they finally calmed down, Jonas and Colby explained more about her duties and Colby took her to the Human Resources office to fill out the paperwork and sign her contract. Luckily, there were no other applicants waiting. Colby was on the phone, talking to Avery, when Gavin walked in. It was unusual for any of his friends to show up at work, so Colby concluded his call and went to his friend.

"Hey, Gav. Sup?"

"Just...you know...." He flung his arms around Colby. "You can't call a guy? I have to find out you nearly died from the TV?"

"I didn't nearly die. But I'm gonna die of crushed ribs if you don't let go," he gasped. "I'm sorry. It's been a crazy couple days," he exhaled loudly once Gavin let go.

"And Mom?"

"Is doing great. Glued the guy's balls! Can you believe?"

"Your mom? Yeah! Mine would have knit him a freaking sweater."

"She'd have stuck him with the needles first."

"Well, that too." He chuckled. "You got time for lunch?"

"I'm heading home. Avery made me promise. Hey, you want to come by for dinner? We're not doing anything fancy, but we'd love to have you."

"Weird having you say we and mean you and Avery. I'm really happy for you, by the way. I just hope I can find someone as great as she is. Who doesn't want to kill me because I'm retarded." He laughed, shrugging.

The door to the HR office opened and Miss Kwan came out with Maureen, the HR lady.

"We'll see you Monday," Maureen said with a smile. "So delightful to meet you."

"Thank you. You too," Miss Kwan said.

Drawn by her sultry voice, Gavin turned around and was captivated by the rest of her. Miss Kwan hesitated a few feet from the office, unsure whether she should proceed or not. Like a magnet, Gavin was pulled toward her. Extending his hand, he introduced himself.

"I'm Gavin Carter."

"Do you work here?"

"No, but suddenly, I wish I did."

"Why?"

"Because then I'd get to see you every day."

"I don't date co-workers."

"Then I'm glad I don't work here. Want to go to lunch?"

Blinking slowly, Miss Kwan raised a puzzled eyebrow. "Um.... Mr. Thatcher, do you know this man?"

"He's one of my best friends," Colby said. "He's a good guy."

"Not a pervert?"

Colby grinned. "No more than any other man. I'm told, by my girlfriend, that we're all perverts to a greater or lesser degree."

Miss Kwan giggled. "I tell my brothers that, too. Xuan Kwan." She pronounced it Swan. "Pleased to meet you." She shook Gavin's hand.

Gavin took her hand, putting it on his arm. "So, Xuan Kwan, where would you like to eat lunch?"

"I've had a hankering for Uncle Jay's subs all day."

"May I kindly escort you there?"

"You very kindly may."

Gavin walked past, giving Colby a low fist bump.

"What was that?" Jonas asked as he came out of his office.

"That was magic being made. Miss Kwan just met Gavin."

"Perfect. I couldn't have picked a better woman out of an entire room."

"Me either. And I think Alice and Avery will really like her."

They walked out of the office.

"Alice?"

"She's dating Stan. Pretty blonde at Game Junkies." He showed Jonas her picture that Stan had sent him.

"Beautiful girl. I'm still doing a happy dance that you and Avery got together. She's a keeper. You treat her right, you hear?"

"I promise. See you this afternoon."

"Barring kidnappings, and all that."

"Yes, please, God! I bet you anything, Mom starts carrying Super Glue in her purse from now on."

Jonas laughed all the way to his car.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 37

The next morning, they had another fun session in the shower before Colby went to work. Avery had a long day of typing up doctor's notes. Armed with plenty of root beer and salty snacks, she was happy. Colby promised to come home for lunch.

Jonas was just opening up when Colby arrived. They got the coffee pot going and Jonas set out a special box of donuts. These were the holiday ones from Dunkin' Donuts, his favorite spot. The staff arrived and enjoyed the coffee and donuts before starting their day. Colby went to his former office, which he'd shared with one of the other guys, and packed up his things. When he walked into the main lobby to go to Twila's office, he saw a lot of people sitting around in interview clothing. All of them looked up at him hopefully as he walked through.

"Who're the noobs?" he asked Trevor, the guy he used to share an office with.

"They're here hoping for your old job. Didn't Jonas tell you he was interviewing today?"

"No. Then again, he might have meant to tell me after lunch yesterday."

"How is your mom?"

"She's good. My brother is visiting, so he was with her last night."

"Did she really glue some guy's nuts to his leg?" Trevor asked quietly.

Colby laughed loudly. "Did they actually say that on the news?"

"Yeah! They showed him, little pixels over his dick. Funny as hell. Of course, not if it was me!" He and Colby both shielded their balls.

"Oh, hell no! But he deserved it. He's lucky she didn't have a knife."

"Not even funny."

"My mom works with victims of rape and spouse abuse. She takes that shit seriously."

"Dude, she should!" His office phone rang and he trotted off.

Jonas came to get Colby a few minutes later. "I need your help with interviews."

"I've never done that before."

"No time like the present. When we expand, you'll be in charge of hiring."

"Expand?"

"Yeah. Oh, forgot to tell you." He winked, leading Colby to the conference room. "This is Mr. Thatcher," he introduced Colby to the first applicant. "He's our new head of IT, and will be interviewing with me today. You'd be taking his former position, if hired."

Colby smiled, shaking hands with the young man. He could tell right away it wouldn't be a good fit. The guy was a few years older and too cocky. He didn't appreciate Colby asking him questions. Though he said nothing out of line, Colby made a mental note that this guy wasn't going to make the grade. After he left, looking all proud of himself, Jonas paused before asking for the next person.

"I have a system that's pretty simple. Yes, Maybe and Hell No. Where did that guy rate?"

Colby took a post-it note from the stack that lay between them. He wrote Hell No on it and stuck it to the application. Jonas laughed, nodding.

"Exactly what I thought. Cocky bastard."

They interviewed several more, but none of them had the spark that Colby was looking for. He hoped he would know the right person when he or she walked in the door. Right before lunch, an attractive Asian girl with long black hair and green eyes, walked in. She smiled as she took her seat.

"Hello, Miss Kwan. I'm Mr. Barber. This is Mr. Thatcher. You'll be training with him, if you are chosen today."

"Pleased to meet you." She had a strong voice, not shy or self-conscious.

She reminded Colby of a young Maggie Q, but he kept that comment to himself.

"Educated at Cal Berkley?" Jonas was stunned. "What brings you here to this neck of the woods?"

"My family is from here. I moved back when I graduated. Believe it or not, the job market here is more competitive than it is in California. I didn't enjoy the California lifestyle. My tastes are more subdued. I'd rather read a good book, than go to a club."

Colby grinned, leaning forward. "What kind of books?"

She didn't find it an odd question. Instead, she smiled. "I have to admit a penchant for steamy romances, though I tell most people that I like the Brontë sisters. They seem to find that less sordid."

"I don't think it's sordid. I think people should read what they enjoy. I'm a fan of westerns, myself. Zane Gray is a favorite."

"Western romance?" she winked.

"Didn't know they existed." He grinned, clasping his hands on the table top. "Much of the job is contacting clients about new products, upgrades and such. You would be the face of the company, going in to see what they need, and getting them trained on their new equipment. How are your people skills?"

"I used to be absolutely terrified, so I joined the speech and debate team while in college. I became quite good at extemporaneous speaking. For fun, I got into an improve group here in the city, so I believe that my people skills are strong. I don't mind speaking to groups anymore."

Colby nodded, listening carefully. He liked this girl a lot. Giving the floor to Jonas, he watched and listened while the boss asked questions. From time to time, Miss Kwan glanced at Colby with a curious expression. He opened his mouth to ask her a question, but she spoke first.

"I apologize, Mr. Thatcher. You look terribly familiar. Like I've seen you on TV."

Colby blushed. "You might have." He explained about the ordeal the day before.

"Is your mother all right? If someone had done that to my mom, I'd have punched the guy in the nuts!" Blushing, she hid her face. "I'm so sorry. That was completely inappropriate."

Jonas and Colby burst out laughing.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 36

They piled in their cars and headed to the nearest family restaurant. The children had a great time playing in the game room with Colby and Avery until their food arrived.

"Your son is really good with kids," Tamika said, smiling at Colby as he sat on the floor and played with her youngest child.

"He'll make a good father one day. His own had his moments when he was really special. Other times.... Not so much. But my boys all rose above that, and became men I'm very proud of."

"You did a good job," Buck said. "I hope that I'm able to do as well with ours."

"They have a fine example to follow," Adele said, patting his hand. "Thank you again. There aren't words or actions emphatic enough to express how I feel."

"The fact we all walked away from it unharmed is the best," Tamika said. "Too often, we'd end a mission with friends who weren't ever coming back. Everybody lived," she said with a happy sigh.

After dinner, Buck's family went home and Adele joined Colby and Avery at her apartment for coffee. He made sure to call Jonas and let him know all was well, because he knew his boss would worry.

"I'm just glad you're okay, kid. Can't have my new head of IT in trouble!"

"Thanks, Jonas. See you in the morning."

"Good night!"

"So, engaged?" Adele said with a smile.

"Who told you that?" Avery asked.

"You and Detective Tan mentioned it. Something about what you said to the SWAT guy?"

"Oh, I exaggerated somewhat, but I wanted to be emphatic. We've talked about it, sometime in the near future."

"Super! I want at least three grandchildren. His brothers have failed to properly procreate. You have to take up the slack."

Avery giggled as Colby's face went white, then red, and his jaw dropped open. "You'll catch flies with that," she teased, tapping his mouth shut.

"Mom, we just started dating."

"But you're already living together, and I know you aren't sleeping on the couch."

Colby blushed an even deeper red.

"I'm happy for you, darling. It's taken you both a long time to get here, but now you're together and I'm delighted. I couldn't have chosen a better girl for you than Avery."

"Am I the only one who was completely oblivious?" Colby asked sadly. "I feel like such an idiot."

"Not an idiot," Avery said, patting his hand. "But oblivious—yes. But then again, I didn't come right out and say how I felt, either. And I have to remember that you, Stan and Gavin all suffer from FTPA."

Colby chuckled, twining his fingers with hers. "Yeah, we do."

"But I don't," Adele said, standing abruptly. "Time to go. It's getting dark and I'm tired. Goodnight, children." She gave hugs and kisses before allowing Colby to walk her to her car.

"Will she be okay?" Avery asked him when he got back. "That had to be scary for her."

"I asked her if she wanted to stay, or have me come over for the night. But my older brother, Clancy, is coming in tonight. She won't be alone."

"You know for a fact?"

"I made her call him before I let her go home. He's due in about nine." It was just after eight thirty.

"Good. Does he know about all this?"

"Mom told him."

"Whew. Long day!"

He pulled her close, kissing her. "Not too long, I hope."

"Nope. I could use some cramp relief. That really did help. I've hardly had a twinge all day. But now that the excitement is over, I'm starting to hurt."

"Go start the shower. I'll make sure the place is locked up tight."

"I love having you here," Avery said. "And I love you, Colby. So much."

"I love you and I love being here. Go start the water. I'll be right there."

She went to the bathroom and Colby checked doors and windows he knew were already locked. Stopping at the front door, he sighed. Avery had a cross on the wall, a gift from her religious foster parents. He put his hand on it, closing his eyes.

"Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you for protecting us. Thank you for Buck and Tamika and Detective Tan...." Swallowing hard, he went to the bathroom and shucked his clothing, dropping it in the hamper, before joining Avery in the shower. "I hear someone needs some lovin'," he growled as he got in.

They enjoyed their shower, glad that Avery's complex had a boiler system so that the water stayed hot the entire time. Happy and relaxed, they crawled into bed and cuddled up against the chill.

©2021 Dellani Oakes