The Beauty of Autumn

By Lance J. Kendrick

The Beauty of Autumn is a wonderful and vivacious story that dares to explore these subjects: can an older woman compete and keep the heart and love of a younger man? Can a younger man maintain his love and commitment to an older woman?

Michael Collins, the sure self, ambitious, young bachelor, has not met a woman he could not mesmerized by his charm and dapper Dan good looks. Women cant help but to greet, meet, and keep when they get to know him.

Just when he thought he had this player thing down to a science, he meets the sure, independent, intelligent, and attractive Zoe Davis.

Zoe Davis, as far as she was concerned, had given up on love. Shes been in love a few times and has come to the conclusion being in love was overrated.

Their chemistry and personality clashes and crashes like two trains.

Can the two work through their issues and differences, such as age, adult children, and giving up being a player? Can the two find what they both need and desire which is true love? The story of The Beauty of Autumn is very provocative, it will make you laugh, cry, and think.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503526853

Lance J. Kendrick

Lance J. Kendrick has worked in the social service field for about twenty plus years. Currently he is working for one of the largest social service agency in New York City. Kendrick has earned a BA in psychology and theology and a master’s in counseling. He continues to be a consultant for youth, teenagers, and young adults. He is also a dynamic motivational speaker. Kendrick enjoys reading, writing, and playing video games. He currently lives in the greatest city in the world New York City.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The office atmosphere was different, it was mellow, quiet, which was strange because it usually gave off a different energy and anyone walking into the place could sense it and feel it, they could feel that energy, work was fun, work was exciting, it was a family atmosphere, but not today.

As a matter of fact Zoë Davis made work easy and relaxing it was therapeutic, some of her colleagues, that’s how she saw them, even though she was the director of the program, she treated everyone with respect from the top to the bottom, whether one was pushing a broom or signing your check Zoë Davis gave them and treated them with mutual respect.

Zoë did not believe that work should be a burden, but everyday should be an experience of something different, one should not dread coming to work, but one should look forward to work. Zoë Davis made sure that her work place was comfortable, and structured, as a matter of fact it was one lever shy of a party atmosphere, and we are not talking about a low grade house party, but a respectful, mellow, have a nice time party. Zoë didn’t mind as long as she got what she needed, you can play as long as you play nicely, you can joke as long as no one is offended, and if you can’t take it don’t dish it. You can flirt your behind off as long as you remember two things, one, this is a work area and not the streets and two, that your flirting doesn’t passed that line drawn in the sand called sexual harassment.

If those two rules were followed Zoë didn’t mind as long as a student as well as a teacher was doing what was expected of them. Zoë had this saying on her office door above her name, it said, ‘what you do after work is your business, what you do during work is mine.’

She sat there at her desk satisfy with what she had accomplished as Director of the Vocational program, the program was now in all five boroughs and was about to cross over the ocean to New Jersey, but that would be up to her best friend and predecessor and apprentice Arizona Jenkins who was currently the Assistant Director of programs, she will move up into Zoë spot of Director, and for Zoë that was a proud moment because she was the one who groomed and molded and shaped and encouraged Arizona to pursue her goals and dreams. Arizona came into the program just like most of these young people a student in need of everything, but Zoë saw the hunger in Arizona, as well as the obstacles she was up against, Zoë pushed and worked with her. At that time Zoë was the employment specialist as well as the computer trainer specialist; the two clicked and became good friends. Arizona completed the program with honors and Zoë pushed her further to go for her Associate degree in business administration and Arizona did and graduated with honors.

Zoë went further, she pushed the Director at the time to bring Arizona on board, Zoë knew it was taking care of two birds with one stone, for one it was a good look and always is to hire someone that you have groomed and shaped and secondly, the two became best of friends despite their ten year age difference, Zoë brought Arizona on board and Arizona moved up the ladder to assistant director of programs, and now she is being elevated to the Director’s chair, Zoë was proud of Arizona but more so what that little move has done to the program overall. No surprise for those who knew Zoë Davis, that was how Zoë moved, she would say yes, hire from the outside, but start with what you have, and with a vocational program that is a good360 all around look.

Chapter 2

Zoë had a strict policy, she would say, meet your friends on your time not mine, yes, Zoë Davis did not play games, she was no joke, she was fair but firm, she was easy going, but did not make it easy for those who crossed her path, they had to earn every accolade, every recognition, every ounce of respect, there were no freebies, or pity promotions. Zoë believed and used as a theme song, ‘Ain’t no stopping us now.’ and right after that she would say the lyrics to that song ‘ain’t no half stepping.’

This was across the board, for students as well as for teachers. she would tell the young men in a heart beat in her polished vernacular, "I’m not your mother, so don’t call me mom, so don’t walk in here acting as if I am, and I am not your home girl so don’t call me dude, ‘yo dude, what’s up dude.’ No one would have ever thought or even suspect that Zoë Davis was this tough, firm no nonsense individual. Looks could be very deceiving as they say and for Zoë Davis there was no exception to this rule, the woman was down out right gorgeous, sexy, and charming down to the bone. She could make a man douse himself with gasoline and jump through hoops of fire. She could make a man do some crazy things.

It wasn’t only her looks, it was the way she carried herself, the way she spoke, she was smart and intelligent and she knew how to use her charm to get what she wanted when she wanted it and how she wanted it. She had both the Mable teachers and students staring at her, trying to get a sneak peak when she walked passed them, as those voluptuous hips and curvaceous body had such a rhythm that would make any Spanish musician smile. As she would walk passed them she knew they were looking, she could feel their eyes trying to see right through her, she would smile and keep walking saying to them, if they kept looking so hard at her their eyes were going to pop out, she had everyone laughing. Zoë was a ten-plus easy, and that was on a bad day, no joke. She had beautiful Carmel skin and light brown eyes and hair that went to the middle of her back, she wore it in different styles, today she just wanted to show the Cherokee Indian style in her, she had features like Vanessa Williams, At five feet nine inches without heels and with legs that were firm and strong—a dancer’s legs, some of the guys called her legs cobra legs because they could imagine what those legs could do if they ever wrapped around someone, they could squeeze every ounce of juice out of a person. No, Zoë Davis exemplified beauty, and when guys see her the first thing they think is that they could get that; they could tap it and love smack it. For some reason they look at her and in their minds it registers as easy so they come at her with this crazy notion that they are the it, the young dudes with their hey sweet thang, the older ones with their prince charming vernacular, but once she turns to speak with them they find out too quickly that they are out of their league, she would tell the older cats in her non lethal and charming way, she didn’t need diamonds which she had, she didn’t need a car she has the latest, she didn’t need fur coats she was a animal lover, she didn’t have a need to beg, borrow or steal because she made her own, and she didn’t have to move in with any man, because she owned her own place, that would disarm those old cats immediately. And as for the younger men and boys that were men but still acted like boys, she would speak to them in a way that would cause them not to pursue further, stop them right in their tracks. She had a way of speaking where it was either soft and smooth as butter, or sharp like a blade that would cut to the bone without raising her voice, you just knew damage was done, even though she still was as charming as ever, you knew you were sliced and diced.

Zoë Davis ran the vocational center with pride and dignity, the place was changing the lives of young people, teaching them a skill, developing character, providing for them the hope of accomplishing their dreams, and preparing them to deal with the doggie dog society. She was tired of seeing kids being taken by the streets—you know the thugs, gangs, drugs, broken homes, irresponsible parents or even grand parents who were willing to help but did not have the strength to do it all over again, especially with this new generation of new breeds. Zoë felt compelled to do something and now as she look back she could say she carried the torch and never allowed it to go out, but passed it on to her protégé and soon successor Arizona Jenkins.

Chapter 3

Wow, she thought to herself, she could not believe this day had finally arrived, and to think it all started for Zoë right here. Slowly she climbed the ladder of opportunity and mobility until she became the second person in power—the Director of the organization throughout the 5 boroughs.

She realized she could have accepted a more powerful position, such as on the Board of Directors as a paid staff person, it had been offered to her on several occasions and it would have no doubt looked pretty sweet on her resume especially when the Academy was doing so well and had such a consistent track record since Zoë took the Director’s position ten years ago, but she turned it down, she knew she would have been more affective in the trenches than behind some desk with an office twice the size of two bedrooms.

In each borough the Academy was situated in the heart of the muck and mire, the center of activity, the so call dirt and grime, for example in the Bronx—the South Bronx, in Brooklyn—Bed-Stuyvesant. Despite their location each Academy were shinning lights in a dark place where most politicians have given up on those places, they could care less about the votes of the people in the area. But the Academy was a successful program, they had the numbers to prove it and the grants to verified it, for the reality was and Zoë learned this a long time ago, that non-profit organizations came a dime a dozen, and as many came, an equal amount died, bit the dust, and Zoë knew this was for many reasons, one being many of these places looked good on paper, but did not have what it took to bring these realities to fruition, so many failed audits and were shut down, while others were dipping and nipping too much at the gold, going to the well to many times, draining the program until their doors were shut for good.

Zoë had determine in her heart and soul that was not going to happen while she was at the helm, she knew that the only ones that were affected were those who were considered poor and uneducated, because many who made to the top of the food chain, did not give a rats behind if others made it, as long as they did. Zoë made a promise to herself, she said when she makes it she will grab as many as she could to make it with her, she would not have the Clarance Thomas attitude of getting help from A-Z and when she makes it, look down at those who are struggling and fighting to make it to the top just to fine some Uncle Tom or Aunt Jane frantically greasing the pole of mobility so others won’t make it, but instead gives them their ass to kiss and a message with their middle finger to get the funk out of their face. Zoë from day one made a promise to herself and to God to never allow the position to get in the way of helping people, but use the position as a means to help those who truly wanted and needed the help.

Chapter 4

Zoë sat there smiling when her assistant and best friend Arizona Jenkins came running into her office as if she lost her mind, Zoë saw the look on Arizona’s face and knew something was amiss, she herself was one heartbeat from freaking out herself, she stop packing her stuff and addressed Arizona, Arizona. Trying to be as calm but knew she wasn’t doing too good, asked with a little more force, Girl, what’s wrong, what’s happening. Zoë did not know what to think, all kinds of thoughts zoomed in and out of her head, she was trying to find logic which was Zoë’s way of handling things, but she was caught off guard and she found herself being pulled into this unknown madness. Arizona rushed passed Zoë like lightning, Where’s the fire extinguisher. Arizona with arms out stretch looking at Zoë in frantic bewilderment, repeated with more panic in her voice, Where is the fire extinguisher. On the outside Zoë was trying to hold it together, that was how she was, had a good poker face, but on the inside her mind was trying to connect the dots, she was on pins and needles, as she thought, Oh my God, oh my God, a fire, stay calm Zee, stay calm. She was about to freak out but caught herself, saying to herself that she needed to find out the details. She knew she had to slow Arizona down for a second or two to get the 411, but in the meantime stay calm, she said to Arizona in a cracked slightly raised voiced, Check the cafeteria, did you check the cafeteria? The second time Zoë sounded more forceful and strong. Arizona snapped her fingers and smiled at Zoë, Yeah, that’s right, ok you go to the kitchen and get the extinguisher. Zoë turned to go but stop and thought to herself, where was the fire, and at that same time Arizona must have read Zoë’s mind said, The fire is in the computer room. Zoë Davis was semi-calm up to this point, but this news of the fire being in the computer room was as if the wind was slapped out of her, she felt herself losing it as she thought about the millions of dollar that was going up in smoke even as she stood there glued to the floor, as she thought why this had to happen on her last day, but in that instant she regretted even thinking the selfish thought, as she turned toward the door and went sprinting out of her office toward the cafeteria to get the fire extinguisher.

Chapter 5

Arizona picked up the phone on Zoë’s desk and when Zoë was out of sight Arizona smiled and hung up the phone. She reached under her blouse and took out the security radio pressed the button and spoke, Ok, we have movement, repeat the target is enroute, the bait was taken, she is heading your way, copy. The response came back 10-4, which meant message received and understood. Arizona clipped the radio back on her pants pocket and draped the blouse over it, smiling; grateful that the radio did not go off while she was talking with Zoë, which would have made things a little bit complicated and difficult to explain. Arizona took off toward the cafeteria, she was once a sprinter back in college and she ran some private meets she became apart of when she was really into the sport.

As Zoë turned the corner she heard Arizona yelling for her to wait, Zoë could not understand why Arizona was calling her to wait at a serious time like this as she thought to herself, Here my school may be burning down to the ground or at least the part that can cost us millions to replace and she wants to take a coffee break. Zoë slowed down after Arizona kept calling her like a lunatic, bringing attention to herself, which wasn’t to cool, because the last thing Zoë needed was for the students to rush over to the computer room just to see what was happening. Zoë in frustration pivot and turned so fast unexpectedly almost caused Arizona to crash into her, as Zoë said through a clenched smiled, What, what, there better be a good reason why you are here when you’re suppose to be… She looked around at the students that were going about their business saying hello to her, she gave them a fake smile and brought her attention back to Arizona, When you are suppose to be elsewhere.

Arizona knowing Zoë very well knew any minute that her calm exterior was about to blow, Arizona could not allow things to get out of hand like that, so she address the matter in a matter fact of a way, Yeah, I was going to go but if things was that bad don’t you think the alarm would have went off by now.

Arizona held her arms out as if to show how simple this situation was, Zoë looked at Arizona and Arizona could tell that Zoë was deliberating her logic and it was as if a light went off in her head as she said to Arizona, What the heck was all the drama for? Arizona put her hand to her chest with her mouth open as if she was falsely being accuse, Me, you the one who ran out of your office like a wild woman. Zoë cut her eyes at Arizona and at the same time try not to draw the attention of the other students going back and forth, as she said through gritted teeth, You told me to run like a bat out of hell.

Arizona looked at Zoë dumbfounded and said, That’s right blame me. Zoë looked at Arizona and thought to herself that the girl was unbelievable as she responded, Arizona, I’m not blaming you, I’m just saying what happen, which at this point apparently nothing… I guess. Zoë felt she was in a house of mirrors in an amusement park; everything seemed so distorted. She stopped for a brief second and turned her attention to the cafeteria, Why are the lights out, where is Hector, he’s usually in there serving breakfast and getting lunch prepare. Arizona looked astonished as well, you know what, you are right. Zoë did not know what to think; she thought to herself that perhaps everyone did go over to the computer room to deal with this so call fire. Zoë mind was already made up she was going to get the extinguisher and be ready, she said to Arizona, This is crazy, but I’m getting the fire extinguisher and go over to the computer room anyway. Arizona just shook her head and was ready to protest when Zoë cut her off, Look, I can’t take a chance and assume that everything is fine, and you shouldn’t either seeing that you are going to take my seat, better safe than sorry. A lesson to the wise, this position calls for risks, but never doubt that female gift God placed in you called women intuition.

Zoë stood there waiting for Arizona to protest and when she didn’t she went to cut on the light in the cafeteria to locate the extinguisher.

Chapter 6

When Zoë cut on the light there was a thunderous noise saying, surprise. Zoë yelped and jumped nervously practically knocking Arizona down, Zoë didn’t know what to think, as a matter of fact she thought she was shock when she touched the light switch, then she saw her team of instructors and students popping up and out from everywhere, she turned toward Arizona who had this huge kool-aid smile on her face.

Zoë was speechless which is a very rare occasion and very much taken by surprise had tears of joy glistering in her eyes, she looked at Arizona and pointed playfully at her and mouthed the words that she was going to pay her back, Arizona smiled with tears in her eyes, walked up to her best friend and gave her a big hug and said, Happy Retirement, we all wish you the best for giving us years of your best. Arizona kissed Zoë who was more like a mother than a friend and gave her another sincere hug of love, when the two broke the embrace both women were wiping the tears from their eyes. Everyone gave a thunderous applause. Arizona signaled for one of the teachers and one of the students to bring the items each one of them was carrying. The student presented Zoë with a bouquet of flowers and the instructor handed Arizona the crown, which she placed on Zoë’s head.

Zoë stood there stupefied and tongue-tied as her eyes looked up toward the crown on her head and slowly brought them back down and slowly shook her head, as she addressed her question to Arizona, Ms. Arizona Jenkins what is all of this and what the heck is going on here. Zoë reached to take the crown from her head, but Arizona stopped her by gently holding her hand and said, Mrs. Davis, you and I know it is no secret, you are like family to me, my best friend, you believed in me as well as many of these instructors who at one time were students, we all agree, you deserve this, you deserve the best therefore we announce you Queen Zoë.

Everyone started clapping and making all kinds of sounds to express their agreement. Arizona raised her hand to calm them down so she could finish speaking, For all of your hard work, sacrifice and love you have shown and expressed from day one, we declare you as Queen Zoë, and furthermore, this day from this moment forth as acting and soon will be director will be deemed Queen Zoë day, to keep what you believe and what you have accomplished here at the Academy. Arizona motioned to one of the students and teachers to bring the portrait of Zoë, as she continue, This portrait will be hung up on the wall as our teachers, students and visitors enter into the building so that all will know the house that Queen Zoë built. Everyone started the loud applause again, as Arizona raised her hand to calm them down as they calmed down Zoë stood there shaking her head still stunned over what was happening, as Arizona continue, We do love you Queen Zoë Davis. Arizona had to pause to compose herself before she continued, And we are going to miss you. Everyone shouted and applauded with confirmation.

Arizona signaled for one of the students to roll out the red carpet and it rolled several feet before stopping inches from the chair that looked like a queen’s chair. There were ten students that were lined up on each side of the red carpet, they appeared as soldiers—serious and focused, looking straight ahead, Zoë knew every single one of them, these were considered the cream of the crop at the Vocational Academy—the future of the academy as Zoë referred to them as, but here they appeared as if they did not even know her, as she looked at Arizona for an explanation, What in the name of God is going on here Arizona, I want to know this instant, and what have you done to these young men. The men looked straight ahead as if no conversation was going on about them. As Zoë continue, They look as if they have been drugged. One of the men chuckled and Arizona looked in that direction and cleared her throat, the young man’s face turned back into a stone look, as the men said in unison when Arizona gave some kind of signal, This is in honor of you Queen Zoë. Zoë looked exasperated and tired said to all of them, Queen… stop this and get back to class. The ten men said in unison, Not until you take your rightful place on the throne Queen Zoë. Zoë said under her breath but loud enough for the others near her to hear, Oh my God she got them brain washed.

Chapter 7

Zoë was talking with Arizona trying to convince her to stop all of this when the ten men in a thunderous of voices spoke again, It is your destiny Queen Zoë. Zoë almost found herself in Arizona’s lap, their loud voices surprised her again, as she looked at Arizona and said, You put them up to this didn’t you. Arizona put her hand to her chest in mocked surprise of the accusation, Zoë stopped her before she could get a word out, Don’t even deny it, I see it, it has your finger prints all over it. Arizona turned to face Zoë winked and smiled said in a calm voice, Please take your position on the throne Queen Zoë. Zoë looked at Arizona with a stern look and said, What I would like to do is take my foot and position it up your… Zoë stopped herself, she wasn’t going to allow Arizona to take her beyond herself, as she composed herself and with every ounce of dignity she cleared her throat and said, ok, ok, you want me in that red chair over there. Zoë pointing to the red chair, as she cleared her throat and continue, Am I correct Ms. Jenkins.

Arizona was getting a kick out of this, said in a whisper in Zoë’s ear for effect, but it was loud enough to be heard by the others that were close by, That is not a chair, that is your throne ok. Zoë just looked at Arizona and said with a slight attitude, Yeah, whatever. shrugged and started to take a step toward the so called throne when Arizona stopped her and asked her to remove her shoes, Zoë looked up and rolled her eyes as she was removing her shoes off her feet, she had beautiful feet that had a nice pedicure and on top of that Zoë had on a skirt that showed off her beautiful shapely legs, Zoë looked at Arizona and said under her breath yet loud enough for Arizona to hear, There, are you happy. Arizona smiled as Zoë went to take a step on the carpet, Arizona stopped her again, Zoë blew her breath out of her mouth as if she was irritated said, What now, anything else you want me to remove. That got a couple of smiles from the men; they probably wished that could come true because Zoë had the complete package. Arizona cleared her throat and the men became serious again, Zoë shook her head and even though she had a ton of stuff to do she had to admit she was loving every bit of this, she always felt from the first time she met Arizona that she should pursue acting, she was such a natural.

Zoë looked at Arizona and said in a goofy voice that made Arizona and some of the others laugh, How do I get to the chair, duh, what do you want me to do glide. Arizona chuckled but stopped as quick as she started, as Zoë was smiling looking around taking in the chuckling from the others, Arizona clapped her hands very hard one time, the gesture startled Zoë as she looked around in shockand surprised and at Arizona as if she had lost her mind, all of a sudden the conga players behind Zoë began to play an African beat, Zoë whipped herself around as she was startled by the sound, but she had to admit the players had a nice beat going, the beat reminded Zoë of the time when she went over to the Mother Land with her church. The players, which consisted of two of her instructors and two students, were jamming; she did not realize they had such talent. Zoë was now getting into the beat, moving her voluptuous and well curved body to the beat, Arizona clapped her hands twice this time and the ten men five on each side of the carpet fell to the floor prostrating on their hands and knees as they fell into a vertical line that went all the way to the edge of the carpet just inches from the chair, as the conga players played on in dramatic fashion.

Chapter 8

Zoë stopped moving and looked at Arizona, How do you expect me to walk to the chair now, they are in my way. Zoë pointing to the young men that had prostrate themselves on the floor. Arizona smiling as the players played on in dramatic fashion said, No Queen, they are the way, they are your steps. Zoë smiled and shook her head and said in all seriousness, No way, Arizona, I know you don’t expect me to step on these young men backs, have you lost your mind? Arizona just looked at Zoë, Zoë with a little more firmness, No Arizona, this is a bit much, no, no, no, I’m not stepping on the backs of these men… I may hurt them. Arizona clapped her hands and two of the instructors came on either side of Zoë while she had her eyes close shaking her head, and without preamble picked her up, Zoë yelped and opened her eyes in surprise not expecting this to happen as she was placed on the back of one of the young men, Zoë was making all kinds of nervous sounds afraid she was going to fall, but her two instructors had a good grip on her, Zoë relaxed a bit and thought to herself that the young man backs felt like steel, she smiled at that assurance.

Arizona clapped her hands and Zoë thought to herself, what now, her answer came quickly as the two men began to walk with Zoë as she gingerly and carefully walk with the two men by her side babbling every step of the way, I know everyone of you, wait until this is over, somebody is not graduating, those free movie tickets… forget it, and that scholarship you wanted kiss that good bye. The men pay no attention to Zoë’s protest continued to escort her to her throne. Zoë continue to babble on, and you two touching me, ooh, watch… this is sexual harassment, and… One of the instructors who was helping Zoë walk on the men backs asked, Should I let you go… Queen Zoë. as he smiled. Zoë with her eyes wide open, which made her look even more beautiful and vulnerable, said, No! no, please no, I was just thinking out loud, nothing to it, empty jargon. The men bracing her as she walked smiled. Finally, what seemed like forever finally arrived, Zoë was relieved to reach the end of the line, however, she was still a few inches from the chair as she looked at Arizona, It seems like you did not fully calculated this, you ran out of men, I can’t reach the chair, but I have an idea, won’t you get down so I could you use you like a spring board and jump and bounce off you into the chair, it would be such a pleasure to step on you about now. Arizona smiled and said, I bet you would love that, but not today my dear. Zoë pouted playfully like a little girl, when Arizona clapped her hands and the men hoisted Zoë up and brought her to the chair, Zoë caught off guard yelped and said oh my God was placed in the chair. Zoë had to admit as she looked out at all the students and instructors that she had carried under her wings, those she literally brought back from a destructive life style and those who had given up on life, were now prominent teachers and students and that made her feel like a Queen, as she lifted her head slightly in dramatic fashion with a touch of royalty and grace said with a smile and in her own sexy way, All hail Queen Zoë. Their came a thunderous clapped from those in the room, and Arizona smiled and Zoë did feel like a Queen.

Chapter 9

As Zoë sat in her royal chair the drama continued as dancers came and danced while others brought the appreciation in song and urban poetry, Zoë took it all in like a sponge. Arizona stood in front of Zoë and bid her friend the best, I am so happy for you. Zoë dappled the tears from her eyes, as Arizona voice crack every now and then, as she continued, But I will miss you very much. The others chimed in with agreement. Zoë got up out of the royal chair and walked toward Arizona and hugged her real tight and held her for a few seconds and then slowly pushed her back and held her at arms length and looked her straight in the eyes and said, You are going to filled these shoes, do you know how I know. Arizona shook her head and responded with a no to the question. Zoë provided the answer, Because I trained you, and everything I know Arizona I gave to you, this is your time to shine baby… Plus, I’ll still be here. Arizona head shot up and looked at Zoë as if she misunderstood something, even the others who heard froze looking confused as if they didn’t quite hear right.

The place became still, the chatter stopped, people were mumbling to one another what was just said, did they hear right, others were shushing one another hoping what was said would be said again, others watched her lips hoping that if they missed the verbal at least they hope they could read it from her lips or her body language.

Arizona had a look of bewilderment and astonishment on her face as she stared at Zoë as if to say, did she hear right, Zoë smiled and nodded her head and said, Well, I was asked to… Mr. Terrence Johnson III the CEO stood at the entrance of the cafeteria interrupted Zoë, as the others quickly turned in that direction, he said, To stay on as a consultant. The place broke out in applause. Mr. Johnson may have had the title, but Zoë was the force and power, the one who kept the vocational program going. Mr. Johnson once was this big shot on wall street who had some major connections, prior to that he was a big shot lawyer who rubbed shoulders with the best in the business, and now he has been convinced by the Board of Directors and his six figure salary and bonuses with all the perks added to take the roll of CEO to give the foundation C/P-that’s clout and prestige, but if the truth be told, Zoë Davis has been the strength and the backbone and the very reason the academy has and is doing so well. Look at her track record, she has gotten grants that is good for the next seven years, something unheard of in this business, she has appeared on a variety of programs both television and radio including the Mayor’s weekly show on a regular basis, she is in constant demand as a motivational speaker all over the country, why? Because Zoë Davis is not only attractive and down out right gorgeous, she is charming, smart, and intelligent. With that beautiful caramel skin of hers and those light brown eyes and shoulder length style curly hair made her an easy ten plus. As a matter of fact many say that she looks like Vanessa Williams and at 5 feet and 9 inches with legs of a dancer she is a total knockout, no wonder people could not help to feel when they were in her presence they felt they were seeing the essence of beauty.

And yet with all of the accolades and recognition and certificates she has received it never fails that Terrence Johnson III was given all of the credit for the success of the program. The 50—something fit, trim and distinguished looking Johnson who had a reputation of being a ladies man and who was as smooth as butter and soft as silk was considered the player of players, it would not have surprise many that Johnson knew every woman on the Board of Directors, know meaning not only cognitively but intimately, as a matter of fact he made a play on Zoë, but Zoë did not play that game, she did not need the instrument between a man’s legs to get her to where she wanted to be. She stopped Johnson before he could get started and she made it perfectly clear to him that his flirting better be the first and last time. However, Johnson is homo sapien male, testosterone running deep in his veins, a hunter by nature and very persistent and determined to nail Zoë. He try to find other subtle ways to get around Zoë’s restrictive roadblocks. Zoë knew that Mr. Johnson wanted her and she would play along, the prey out smarted the hunter and the hunter would have to wait another day, because the prey knew the hunter all too well. That is so funny about men, they get with a girl and think that they are on the top of the game, when they fail to realize, a smart woman is never trapped or caught, but who are the real hunters? There have been times when Zoë would walk down the halls moving those voluptuous hips and curvaceous body at such a rhythm she could make many musicians proud. She would catch the men including Mr. Johnson trying to get a look on the sneak tip and she would walk pass them saying, Gentlemen, don’t blame me if your eyes pop right out of your head. She would then turn around to face them and smile and turn with an extra flare to those beautiful hips, 36-34-36, sounds like a candidate for Essence Magazine. But in reality, Zoë was not interested, she didn’t mind going out every now and then, but not to commit, not to get herself that deeply involved, she’s been divorce for a few years and she wasn’t ready to jump back into that scene, she was enjoying her freedom, coming and going as she please, without providing explanation. Neither was she ready to be someone’s booty call prospect, or a one night wham, bam thank you ma’am, scandalous chick, she was fifty and fly and knew it.

But Mr. Johnson wasn’t a dumb man; he knew and knew very well that Zoë Davis was the heart and soul of this program and he was only a token, a figure head so to speak. As Mr. Johnson made his way up front toward Zoë the instructors and students whom he did not know and frankly did not care to know, he thought of them as low life hoodlums. The students and the instructors began to make room for him to walk. They liked him as much as he liked them. When he reached Zoë he knelt down on one knee as if he was proposing but in reality he decided to play along with the script and knelt before Zoë as if she was Queen. The people in the room loved it and expressed themselves by hooting and shouting as Mr. Johnson got up and turned to face the people and said, I decided to keep Mrs. Davis on as a consultant. Everyone starting clapping and saying things like, ‘You’re the man Mr. Johnson.’ With more whooping and hooting, Mr. Johnson smiled and was taking it all in as he continued, As I was saying, many of you know she is extremely gifted and valuable to all of us and to this wonderful organization, I mean, what the heck, I can’t see anyone reaping and benefiting from this knowledge other than us, don’t you.

The cheers went up all around Zoë, she smiled and looked at Mr. Johnson, thinking to herself, correction sir, you did not ask me, you begged, me to stay on, but that will be our secret for now. Zoë gave Mr. Johnson another smile and a wink, she knew he was probably dealing with a hard on just by the way she was sitting, her legs were slightly apart as her skirt had slid up to her firm looking thighs, and also from the look on his face, he had one of those I got a hard on look, and the way he placed his hands in front of his pants to hide the evidence as she spoke, Yes. As Terrence hesitated and responded. Zoë knew that Terrence Johnson III did not like to be called by his first name by those who were not on his level, as he made an arsenic smile laced with something deadly behind it, as he cleared his throat, but she knew she struck a cord and in addition she also knew that was as important if not more important as he was and she would not play his little political game of dialect rhetoric or stroke anything especially his ego, she wasn’t never good at brown nosing or kissing up or kissing ass, not even to Terrence Johnson the III.

As she continued, I will be here three days a week as a consultant and only as a consultant, right Mr. Johnson. Terrence Johnson liked hearing Zoë Davis call him Mr. Johnson as he cleared his throat and agree with Zoë, as she continue, But, let it be known from jump street. The students and instructors chuckled at Zoë’s attempt to add some street to her vernacular.

As she continued, if I am unable to be here, keep in mind and I am serious when I say this, the academy is in the hands of a competent, intelligent and responsible individual. Mr. Johnson was smiling from ear to ear knowing that Zoë was talking about him, as she continued, "And I want you to support and stand behind Ms. Arizona Jenkins. Mr. Johnson who had taken a step toward Zoë for that wonderful speech that fit him like a glove just that it wasn’t his hand in the glove had to play it off and take a good bite and swallow his pride and of course cleared his throat once again. The place exploded in a ruckus cheer with whoops and shouts and the chanting of ‘Ari, Ari, Ari, Arizona looked at her colleagues and students and smiled, if she was a light bulb, she would have lit up the entire room, Arizona was well liked among the staff and students, her extroverted attitude have earned her the recognition of being blunt and keeping it real, there have been plenty of times when Zoë sat Arizona down and talk with her as if she was speaking to her own daughter. Zoë one day suggested to Arizona that she should learn the art of being discreet and judicious and not be so candid and frank, but learn how to be firm but modest and humble. Of course Arizona came back and told Zoë if anyone can’t handle this, then keep stepping because she is who she is, and that was her, she would say, no artificial stuff, all natural. Arizona would shake her head and say to her self that she hopes that Arizona backside was as hard as her head because if not, when she falls it’s going to hurt.

Chapter 10

Arizona was smiling taken every bit of it in, that was Arizona, Zoë noticed Mr. Johnson looking at Arizona as if she was fresh meat, something to sink his teeth into, but Mr. Playboy will find out quickly if he doesn’t know already that Arizona Jenkins may look tender but she is as tough as raw hide.

The celebration continued as the music started to play and the food was put out like an all you can eat buffet, some students were dancing while others just mingled and talked with each other, Zoë loved every bit of it, as students as well as teachers came up to her and gave her their blessings, this is what she was going to miss—the free atmosphere. As the music faded out Arizona had a microphone in her hand, and Zoë thought to herself, that this could not be good as Arizona raised her hand to quiet down everyone and once she got their attention she spoke, Now, Mrs. Davis. Zoë thought, Mrs. Davis, Now, I know this isn’t good.

Zoë looked at Arizona with a look that said, heifer you are dead meat, but instead she said, Yes Ms. Jenkins. The two women knew each other so well they knew that this was going to be a battle of the wills-who would cave in first. Arizona smiled, and said, There are some folks among us that are wondering what are your plans since you are retiring, one of the instructors walked up to the microphone that was held by Arizona and ask, So, now that you are about to enjoy what it feels like to sleep passed eight o’ clock, are you going to spend your time watching all of those judge shows and Jerry and Maury." That got a few chuckles from the others including Zoë, Zoë thought that this was going to be a piece of cake, as she smiled at Arizona and Arizona smiled back, as the instructor continued as if he was a reporter at a press conference,

So seriously, what are your retirement plans? Zoë opened her mouth to speak when Arizona jumped in and responded, Well according to what she told me, Zoë was laughing and shaking her head frantically, as Arizona continue, she said and I quote, ‘I am going to be a naughty girl.’ So in other words Arizona responded as if she was Zoë’s press secretary, The cage is going to bust wide open and the beast from the east is going to be released.

Chapter 11

Zoë looked at Arizona in astonishment, Arizona stopped and looked at Zoë in amazement and said, Hold up a minute. Arizona paused for affect and continued, Mrs. Davis did we not speak to each other this morning? Zoë knew where this was going and had to laugh at how Arizona was standing with her hand cupped to her ear as if to say to Zoë speak up, I can’t hear you, Zoë still laughing said, Yes we spoke, but… Arizona cut her off before she could finish and said, Thank you. Zoë now smiling said, But we didn’t… Arizona jumped in before Zoë could finish, Of course you did, anyway moving on. The people were laughing and clapping, as Zoë jaw dropped at Arizona’s playful accusation, as she continued, So folks, get a final look at Mrs. Proper, Mrs. Boorzhwa, because tomorrow the freak comes out. Everyone was laughing making sounds a naughty girl would receive when she is caught doing something naughty, Zoë laughed loving every bit of it, even though she was still blushing fromArizona’s risqué comment, Zoë could feel the vibe coming from the music, the atmosphere was jumping. Zoë winked and put on an innocent smile, which on Zoë looked sexy and provocative as if she wanted to be dirty, as she responded, Well, I am going to do things I always wanted but never had the opportunity or the time… As Zoë went to explain Arizona cut her off, What, have a threesome. Everyone chuckled and blushed at that one, Arizona looked at Zoë and winked. Zoë was caught off guard and decided not to chase, she knew when it came to sex talk Arizona could talk her to the ground, so she let that one go as she calmly smiled and continued, As I was going to say, Arizona and I are going to a single’s workshop to the Bahamas for a couple of weeks. Arizona hugged Zoë like little girls do with their friends, Zoë who was still sitting was squashed against Arizona’s breast and waving her hands in a playful yet frantic way as if she was being smothered by Arizona’s well rounded breast.

The place burst out with laughter, Arizona was so happy about the news, she remember Zoë talking about the workshop but never thought she was going to buy the tickets, so she gave up the idea, but once again, her friend comes through again. Once Arizona let Zoë go everyone was still laughing at the expression Zoë was making, she turned to the crowd of teachers and students and playfully said, ok, children, behave, control yourselves, we know that Ms. Jenkins has some major mental issues. Zoë adding more fuel to the laughter, Arizona came back with one of her own saying, Well I couldn’t be that bad, you hired me. Everyone cracked up, Zoë thought that this was becoming a comedy club, which was Arizona’s element, Zoë was no slouch, she may be high maintenance and high class but she could dish it as well as take it, but with Arizona and this topic, she knew she was out of her league. The sex dialogue may not have been her element, but this was, as she responded, Yes, true, but we were instructed to hire at least ten percent of those mentally impaired, so we did and here you are. The place roared with laughter. Zoë smiled and playfully and winked at Arizona as if to say, that she was on her turf, this was her element.

Zoë who won the championship trophy for her debating team the last two years in high school and 3 out of the 4 years while she was in college, the one year the team did not win was mainly because Zoë had not joined, she was good at setting up her opponent then and she was still good at it now. The only thing Arizona could do was laugh with the others, as she took a white paper towel and waved it as a sign of total surrender.

Everyone was having a good time as the DJ was playing a mix when the traditional Soul Train line started, as Zoë watch her crazy friend Arizona doing some kind of dance that had the others laughing, Zoë looked at the faces of those having a good time and could not help but to laugh. She knew and could feel that things was going to be ok, as she looked once again at her successor and smiled and said to herself that if anyone could fill her shoes she was without a question or a doubt it was Arizona Jenkins, as some of the students ran over and pulled Zoë on the dance line where she was shaking her groove thing, and doing that old dance called the bump with two of the students one on each side of her, as the others clapped to the music smiling.

Chapter 12

After Zoë big retirement celebration, Arizona made her first executive decision allowing the school to get out early, about 12 noon. She was thinking after all what took place here today it would be difficult to expect anyone to sit in a classroom or even have an instructor give a lecture. In addition, this was her way of thanking them for their support in getting this event off the ground and running, so this was her way of giving them a good start to their two—week recess time off. Time well deserved she said to herself.

On their way home Zoë and Arizona laughed about the whole thing, Zoë just shook her head and said, girl, you are crazy. Arizona shrugged her shoulders and replied with a smile, ok, now tell me something I don’t know, we just wanted to surprise you. Zoë still chuckling and wiping her eyes as she drove to their condominium where they lived in the same building said, Surprise me! That is an under statement, when you told me about the fire, I almost pee on myself… no, you surprise me, don’t ever do that again. Arizona smiled and said, well, we aim to please. Zoë and Arizona lived in a beautiful high riser in Riverdale, the area was beautiful, one would not have thought or expected that the Bronx had such prestigious buildings or landscapes, here was three buildings that stood and passed the test, a lot of buildings may start off with tight security, good police presence, a screening process that did an extended back ground check, but, after a few years the deterioration starts. It starts within, the buildings are poorly kept and poorly managed, then it branches out to other areas, such as poor screening practices where now they let everyone and anyone in, the grounds are poorly maintenance, people are allowed to do what they want when they want—no structure, no boundaries, nothing is out of bounds, but you better believe your bottom dollar and last penny that the landlord is going to get his high rent on time. Zoë and Arizona lived in this complex for years, Zoë was there before Arizona, and the place after all these years was still being kept, the security was still tight, and the screening process was as strong as ever, and perhaps the reason for that is that the board of directors was made up by the tenants and not some person who lived out of state and didn’t give a damn about what was going on, Zoë was on that board and she made her voice heard no matter what was the topic on the table.

The three condos was set off the road and ascended up a hill, the landscape was beautiful, it looked like something out of a home and garden magazine. The other good thing about this place was that it was a city within a city, in other words it had everything you needed, a variety of stores, whether clothes, food, etc was right at your finger tips, the place had its own movie theater, parks with basketball courts as well as skate board stunt equipment, a few baseball diamonds, and an arcade room, it was a city within a city. They also had their own police department. As you approached the entrance there was a security guard to check your I.D. and to inquire what was the purpose of the visit, if it was to see someone the guard would call the person and let them know who the visitor was and their purpose, and if everything was ok the person was allow to enter and was given a visitor’s sticker that they had to wear at all times. They were even instructed where to park their vehicle. This was a nice set up.

All three condos were equipped with a laundry room, which was in the basement, and a gym with state of the art equipment was located on the Solarium floor/green house, if you just wanted to get away to no where, this was the place to go. Each condo also had a door person, each lobby of the condo was different, the one Zoë and Arizona lived in had on one side of the lobby mirrors and on the other side was furniture such as a couch and two love seats and plants and some beautiful paintings along the wall. The lighting was reasonable, not too bright and not to dim, there was a fireplace and adjacent to that was a well-designed miniature waterfall with rocks. The nice instrumental music that played in the state of the art speakers, there have been plenty of evenings when Zoë would come down just to sit and take in the beautiful scenery, and listen to the music while reading a novel, or just to relax. Now that she was semi-retired, she was looking forward to spending more time upstairs in the solarium as well as down here in the lobby.

Zoë loved the complex, it had everything she needed right at her finger tips, there was no doubt Zoë, when she was married to Charles was paying a good amount of money, but to her it was an investment and very much worth it. When the divorce was finalized Zoë requested the condo and nothing else, Charles being a wonderful person agree to let her have his half, he had agreed to keep up with the payments, but Zoë insisted that she would take care of that, deep down Zoë loved Charles, he was such a good man, a good father, a good provider, but he did not know how to please her, she needed more than diamonds, rubies, exotic vacations, all good, all served a purpose, but it did not meet the hunger and need she had within her. No she thought to herself, she would buy him out, she didn’t want to have any unnecessary baggage from the relationship she had with Charles. Despite the fact that Charles was such a good guy, yet it was over and that was final.

At one time Zoë wanted a house, but that idea sought of vanished quickly when she started thinking about the time and energy it took to maintain a house, and knew from her schedule she did not have the time or energy, so her and Charles brought a cottage in the Pocono’s, and her and Charles with the kids went up there several times throughout the year just to get away from the hustle and hassle and the craziness of city life. Charles also gave that to her as well after the divorce. She knew that the man still loved her very deeply, but he loved his work deeper, he was stuck and she was growing and moving on, she could not understand how could a man with Charles’ intelligence be so dumb and blind, but there are plenty of men and women that can’t recognize a good thing until they lose it. But in reality, Charles could not keep up with her, she surpassed him in every category and she wanted more, while Charles had settled having what he had and he did not motivate himself to acquire more, in the end he became dead weight so to speak, slowing her down, she dealt with it for years, but enough was enough, so she with regret had to cut that weight off her, someone was going to go down, and she made up in her mind it wasn’t going to be her.

As they pulled up to the security gate the lifter went up, Zoë slowly drove through, her and Arizona waved to Paul the security guard and he likewise with a smile waved back at them giving Arizona that extra dimple smile. Zoë stopped just beyond the gate lifter as it was coming down.

Arizona looked at Zoë and asked her not to stop, What are you doing Zee, keep going. Zoë looked at Arizona with a smile and said, Relax, what, I think Paul Mr. Security wants to speak to you, did you see that hundred watt smile he gave you, I mean dimples, white teeth, the whole nine. Zoë still smiling as Paul was only a few feet away from the car, Arizona practically begged Zoë to keep going, Zoë just look in the rear view minute and said, "Uh oh, to late, here he comes. Oh, payback, I