After Hours by Dara Girard Read Free Book Online Page B

“No, Curtis gave it to me. As a joke,” she quickly added when Florence’s eyes widened. “It’s nothing serious.”
    Florence came around the desk and lifted Amera’s hand. “It looks pretty serious to me.”
    “His marriage proposal, or rather non-proposal, went south and he wanted to spend money. It’s nothing.”
    “No, don't take it off,” Florence said covering Amera’s hand before she could remove the ring. “It looks so good on you. You chose the right one.”
    “I didn’t choose it, he did.”
    Florence clicked her tongue. “He’s a bastard, but he’s got great taste.”
    “If it weren’t for the nosebleeds, I wouldn’t even think he was human.”
    “The what?” Florence asked returning to her chair.
    “Never mind,” Amera quickly said, ashamed that she'd even mentioned them.
    “How long is he going to be the only man in your life?”
    “What?”
    “Aren’t you even interested in having a normal life and relationship? You’ve been working for him for five years!”
    “I have a normal life and relationships are not on the agenda.” She didn’t want to tell her friend about being let go.
    Florence pointed at her. “That’s your problem, you should stop living by agendas.”
    Amera looked at the ring, thoughtful. “I wonder how much I could get for this?”
    “Don’t sell it.”
    “Why not? You could use the money.”
    “True, but I don’t want it that way. Keep it at least until the New Year. It’s a gift, you should accept it. It’s the holiday season, remember?”
    It’s something I try to forget . “Hmmm.” She stood. “Well, I just came by to tell you the status of things.”
    “I wish you wouldn’t worry about us. We’re managing.”
    “You should be thriving,” Amera said putting on her coat. She felt her friend settled for too little. She left the office and headed down the hall when a flash of pink caught her eye. She stopped and looked inside the dining room and saw the same little girl from her video wearing a tutu, sitting in the corner.
    “Shouldn’t she be in bed?”
    “Yes, she should. Maya!” Florence said and the little girl’s head snapped up and her eyes widened with fear.
    “Wait,” Amera said before Florence could scold her. “I want to talk to her.”
    “She’s being--”
    “Just give me a second.” Amera walked over to the little girl, Curtis’ words echoing in her mind. Why isn’t she dancing? Get her to dance next time and maybe I’ll be interested. She didn’t believe him, but it was worth a shot. “Would you dance for me?”
    The little girl’s eyes lit up with joy then her expression grew wary.
    “You don’t believe me?”
    She shook her head.
    Amera knelt down to her level. “My name is Ms. Thurston and I work with a nasty old grouch who likes to see little girls dance. That’s the only way to get him to smile. Would you help me get him to smile?”
    “Is he sad?” Maya asked.
    Amera paused, surprised by the question. She never thought of Curtis being sad or really being anything. “Yes,” she lied, deciding to be simplistic.
    “Okay.”
    Amera grabbed a chair and pulled out her cell phone so she could videotape her.
    “I’m ready.”
    “Don’t you need music?”
    “Nope.” Maya stood still a moment then closed her eyes. She slowly opened them then started to dance. She moved to a sound only she could hear, her motions were at times childish and awkward, but her intent was pure and beautiful. She danced with joy and it echoed in every step.
    “Thank you,” Amera said when Maya stopped and bowed.
    “Now it’s time for bed,” Florence said.
    Maya pulled off a bracelet made of pink plastic beads. “Give this to him. I made it.”
    “It’s lovely. Thank you.”
    “And I--”
    “Didn’t you hear me? It’s time for bed,” Florence said.
    “It’s okay,” Amera said taking Maya’s hand. “I’ll take her. Goodnight.” She smiled at her friend then walked Maya upstairs to her