Tempting the Billionaire

by Ginny Sterling

  “You’ve been in an accident.”

  “My Jetta is toast, isn’t it?”

  “That might be pretty accurate. Follow my flashlight, okay?”

  Jemma squinted as she tried to watch the light that was dancing between her eyes like some weird rave or disco. “Do the hustle,” she joked softly and then cringed. Where was her mother and father? Oh wait, they were at home- where she should be. Where was Achoo? Ugh, he was in Japan. There was no one that she trusted to help her or take care of her right now. All her stuff was messed up and she had no one.

  “Miss, I’m going to put a cuff around your neck just in case and we are going to head to the hospital. Is there anyone you want to call to meet us there?” Jemma shook her head. Her parents were quite a distance off and she didn’t want to worry them until she knew what was wrong. They were gonna have to pick her up anyhow once everything was okay. It was going to be okay, right?

  “I’m gonna be okay, right?”

  “The doctors will take care of you,” the paramedic said gently, unbuckling her and helping her stand to get onto the stretcher. Someone handed her a blob of leather and she saw it was her purse with everything haphazardly crammed inside.

  “Wait! I need my laptop! It’s in the trunk,” she said quickly.

  “Miss, the back of your car is almost gone. I don’t think we can get in the trunk at all. We really need to get you looked at first, okay?”

  Jemma shut her eyes and simply sat there thinking as she was whisked away from the scene. Her whole life was on her computer, and leaving it behind felt terrible. She wanted to work, she needed to feel connected to something and right now she felt lost…but most of all, she wanted to let Achoo know she was okay.

  It was going to be a complete pain to deal with the hassle of getting another laptop set up just like she wanted. Maybe she would switch to Mac so she could upload everything to the cloud as advertised? Then it wouldn’t be starting over every single time there was a new computer, but rather simply logging in. First things first… she had to heal from her concussion.

  It was almost three weeks before things settled down for Jemma. Her parents absolutely freaked that she’d been in a car accident. They’d been protective of her already, this was simply going to move it into high gear. She’d lost so much valuable time that was needed for work, but thankfully her clients understood and she was able to make most deadlines as originally planned. Sleep was overrated anyway, she thought. Flipping open her new laptop, she opened a chat window and had to download the program first before logging in.

  Are you online?

  No.

  Well, gee thanks for checking on me. I am fine.

  What happened?

  Thought you said you weren’t online?

  Well, suddenly I am. Are you okay?

  Car accident. I had a nasty concussion.

  I’m so sorry, JemC

  Me too. My little car was destroyed.

  But you weren’t – that’s what is important.

  I’m so behind on work but I have to tell you that I made the jump from windows to Apple. I love my new computer.

  Ugh. Did you really?

  What’s wrong with Mac?

  Nothing, other than its weird and I prefer windows.

  Well, you aren’t using it.

  Thank God.

  Why are you in such a snotty mood?

  Jemma typed it and hit enter. She thought about deleting it but was really miffed that he didn’t seem to be overly concerned that she’d been hurt or that she hadn’t been online in three weeks! Didn’t he miss talking to her? She missed their chats terribly. He didn’t type anything and she was suddenly afraid she’d alienated the one person outside of her family that she cared about. What would she do without her best friend?

  Achoo, I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I guess I’m a little stressed about having to deal with everything. The accident was my fault according to the insurance so I have a nasty deductible that I had to pay out. In order to get a computer for work, I had to open a credit card – which had horrible interest, so I will be focusing on paying that off. I seriously hate adulting sometimes.

  I know.

  None of that is your fault either- I’m sorry I snapped.

  Are you okay?

  Yes. I just wanted my best friend to care that I was injured. It’s nice to have someone in your court, you know?

  I’m always on your side. You should know that by now.

  Jemma felt her eyes tear up as she read his words. She didn’t know that and didn’t realize how much she needed to hear it. It seemed like she had no one in her life but her parents… and sitting there on the icy roads really hammered it home that she needed someone in her world. Someone that wasn’t a bajillion miles away either.

  Can I help you with anything from here?

  I appreciate it, Achoo – but not really.

 

  What is that, silly? Is that some techie-computer term I should know? Remember I am in marketing and advertising, not jibber-jabber or programming stuff.

  I’m trying to hold your hand to comfort you.

  Oh. Really?

  We are on opposite sides of the world and different cultures, but one thing that remains the same is that when you feel lost or lonely, you hold the hand of someone you consider a friend or family member to help them feel like they aren’t so lost or adrift.

  I like that. Thank you.

  Feel better?

  Much.

  You know, if we ever met (which I doubt we would, so don’t freak out) I would simply want to hold your hand and thank you for just being there for me over the years.

  Not freaking out- I promise- but if the time ever came? I think I would really cherish holding my friend’s hand in real life.

  (but that’s it- let’s not make this weird or mushy, Achoo)

  No mushy stuff here.

  You are the best.

  Nope. You are.

 

 

  March 2019

  Jemma tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as she looked up from her laptop to see her office door open. Her secretary was delivering a package and some letters that had arrived. Taking a sip of coffee, she smiled amiably and pointed to her inbox so she could continue working on the latest model projection.

  At thirty-seven, Jemma was finally making headway and her company was being recognized around the world. She now had a staff of thirty people and well over two hundred clients, all clamoring for more from Temptations Marketing. Her brainchild, her life’s work, was blossoming right before her eyes, even if her personal life was withering away to nothingness.

  She needed a break.

  It had been well over twelve years since she’d taken a true vacation. Each day, each moment, she’d fostered and fed the flame of her company to ensure that things were going smoothly. It was all finally paying off.

  Jemma had landed the biggest account ever – A. I.

  The software company based in Japan was looking to revamp their marketing platform in order to announce their newest product- a companion. They’d claimed to send her information on the prototype and she expected a Fed-Ex envelope. She’d laughed when she had opened the box they’d sent her. Inside had been a white lacquered cube that had a magnetic plug. Immediately, she was curious. Plugging it in, she giggled as it spoke and lit up.

  “I am truly pleased to meet you Jemma Hastings. Thank you for considering A. I. as your newest client. I hope that I will exceed your expectations and that you will accept the proposal that is going to be delivered tomorrow. So, what shall we talk about?”

  Jemma stood there amused. The brilliant white box had two green LED lines across the ‘face’ that glowed and moved to show emotion. It wasn’t a massive thing but rather minute. It was actually close to the same size as her large cube of sticky notes nearby, maybe a bit larger. At her silence, one of the green lights arched just like an inquisitive eyebrow. After a moment, another light appea
red to represent a mouth and she saw it frown.

  “Miss Hastings, are you still here? I am an A.I. being. I have no eyes and cannot see you nor detect your presence, so you will need to speak with me in order to let me know you are present.”

  “I’m here.”

  “Wonderful. What do you think of me?”

  Jemma grinned at the question. Maybe the A.I. was a girl? That was definitely a girly question, unless it was programmed by a self-conscious or vain man? That was like saying ‘does this pair of jeans make my rear look big’? Crossing her arms, she thought she would challenge the little cube to see if he/she was actually thinking or if it was being relayed via a program long distance.

  “I’m a little baffled and surprised.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, I’m talking to something that looks like a big glossy paperweight and we are having a legitimate conversation. At first I thought it was recorded, but no – you are actually talking to me.”

  “Of course, I am – and what do you mean paperweight? My programming says that I look like an Olympic god complete with the muscles and a rockin’ fig leaf.”

  “Bwahahaha!” Jemma barked out uncontrollably, laughing merrily and drawing the attention of several others near her glass office. A leaf flashed on the screen momentarily before the smiling digital face returned.

  “Now that is truly funny, my little friend. What am I supposed to call you?”

  “Hermes. Because I can process things lightning fasssst!” The white box drawled out the S in his word as if to emphasize it. He then had the nerve to wink at her on the display, drawing another chuckle of amusement from her.

  “Well, Hermes… please call me Jemma and tell me more about yourself.”

  Aaron paced his office repeatedly. He’d gotten a text that the delivery had arrived at the office of Temptations Marketing. He’d heard they were the best in the world and if he was going to launch Companion, then he would need the best.

  Companion was a top-secret project within A.I. and something he’d been working on for some time. A.I. had several different branches and systems within it, pushing through different channels in order to make life easier. It had a chat-bots for websites, another system that would answer missed telephone calls in order to take messages, and yet another that could give directions via an app on Apple or Android devices. A. I. was everywhere but you didn’t know it – just like Aaron had designed all those years ago.

  He’d thought about sending Companion to JemC1995 but that would require breaking the cardinal rule they’d established years ago – and truthfully, he’d been so busy as of late that he’d lost touch with her. Immediately, he sat down at his computer and started typing an email. Chat programs had gone by the wayside and no one used ICQ or AOL Instant messenger anymore – now, people used cell phones or Facebook messenger to chat.

  Aaron was nervous about what the marketing CEO would think of Companion and could use a friend to lean on. He’d been in and out of short, stilted relationships over the last several years, much to his parents’ chagrin. Nothing ever lasted more than a month or two at the most. He was trying, well – half-heartedly trying – to meet someone. Most girls simply wanted him for his money or what he could do for them financially. Once they heard that he’d created A. I., people tended to show their true colors.

  Hey JemC1995,

  It’s been a long time since we chatted. I think I have finally completed my brainchild from all those years ago. Remember when I told you to call me insane? Well, I did it, and I think my father will absolutely lose it – it’s that good. Things are going well here, but I miss not having someone to talk to. It’s funny how life gets in the way- isn’t it? I literally blinked and it’s been months since our last email and years since we chatted online. We should really catch up sometime. My parents are doing well – I hope you and your family are too.

  Achoo

  Clicking send, Aaron suddenly smiled and opened up another webpage. It was Companion’s programming. The prototype was designed to pick up and register words so he could see how better to create a reaction out of people. Seeing the text on the screen made him realize that he could have a real winner on his hands. Hermes, as the cube had designated itself, had a true sense of humor and Aaron found himself chuckling in amusement. As he continued reading the text, his smile disappeared and he slapped himself on the forehead.

  The cube had no filter.

  “My creator is reading this.”

  Jemma nearly choked on the salad she was eating in her office. She’d skipped heading out to lunch in order to stay in and chat with the little light-up paperweight. Coughing, she started to choke again as she saw each time she coughed, the little green LED eyes flashed back and forth from smiling to frowning.

  “Are you okay, Jemma? Shall I dial 911 – wait! If you are choking you can’t tell me, nor can I see you. Jemma? Jemma? Please respond.”

  She was actually struggling a little bit and wheezing from the piece of food that went down the wrong pipe. Clearing her throat repeatedly, she took several sips of water in an attempt to push whatever it was downwards.

  “I’m fine, Hermes. Don’t call the police.” Jemma set down her fork and wiped her mouth with the napkin, thinking carefully. This little bot was really something incredible. “Tell your creator that is extremely creepy and no different than eavesdropping or spying on someone.”

  “He knows what you said.”

  “Is he telling you what to say to me, Hermes?”

  “No, he isn’t that good. I am my own brand of special.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  She sat there for several moments, unsure what to say next since it was being translated and relayed to some unknown human. Taking another bite, she chewed thoughtfully for several moments.

  “Hermes, I like what you are but can you disable the monitoring system?”

  “I don’t think I should, Jemma.”

  “Why?”

  “As a prototype, I am the only unit that has this feature in order to better function in the real world.”

  “I understand that, Hermes, but recording someone and relaying it without their prior knowledge is very poor etiquette,” she chided lightly, hoping that was relayed as well to whoever was reading their discussion. The screen gave a fluorescent thumb’s up on the display and spoke quickly in a monotone fashion.

  “Disclaimer: this Companion may record and monitor all conversations within distance of the unit’s microphone.”

  “You should have started with that, little buddy.”

  “I simply forgot, Jemma.”

  The bright white cube quipped easily and a smiley face blinked onto the screen. Jemma chuckled again, this time without choking. She liked the cube quite a bit and designing a marketing plan around it would be tremendously fun.

  “Sure, you did. I have to admit, I am completely impressed,” Jemma said appreciatively, reaching for the nearby business card that had come with Hermes.

  “Mr. Ichiyo, if you are reading this text – I accept your offer and would be happy to design your marketing platform. Hermes has quite won me over, although – I would definitely start with the disclaimer at the very beginning next time there is a prototype.”

  Aaron grinned happily as he read the words. He already had the contracts drawn up in hopes that Temptations Marketing would accept his initial bid. He’d come in with a fairly decent offer since he knew others were clamoring for a slot in the scheduling for the year. He saw the screen suddenly blink and was happy that the rest of the programming was going smoothly.

  Hermes was designed to thank the owner for their acceptance and invite them to Japan. It was all arranged and could be orchestrated at the drop of a hat. Aaron would send a private jet and put them up in a suite in Kyoto where his office was located.

  He wanted to wow the CEO and reinforce that choosing A. I. was a smart business decision on their part – as he knew hiring them would be on his part. He’d seen the commercials they’
d done for other companies and liked the way they presented themselves. Change had brought this about and was central to his way of thinking.

  Jemma asked Hermes to repeat the offer again, her mind shocked and surprised at the generosity extended towards her. The little cube cleared its imaginary throat and spoke haughtily.

  “Mr. Ichiyo has graciously offered to fly you to Japan to sign all contracts and documents. With this visit you’ll be extended every courtesy and the freedom to peruse the offices and country at your leisure. When will you be available to travel, Jemma?”

  “That is what I thought you said,” she muttered softly, sitting back in her office chair staring at the cube. She’d just been thinking she was completely exhausted and getting burned out. A vacation had been on her mind but she hadn’t put any more thought into it since the package had arrived.

  “Should I accept or decline the offer?”

  “Just a moment, I am checking my calendar,” she snapped, picking up her agenda and checking it. She actually had a little bit of downtime coming next week. She’d scheduled herself lightly in order to get some rest and do some work around her apartment. The last few weeks had been quite hectic and truthfully, the projects on her calendar next week were easy ones that could be reassigned.

  “Is next week too soon?”

  “I’ve been instructed to let you know that A. I. is flexible with your schedule and the jet will be at your disposal. I need specific dates in order to coordinate your travel and accommodation arrangements.”

  “Of course. I can depart Friday, March 29th.”

  “Scheduling… scheduling… and you are scheduled. The jet will be at the Central Regional Airport at 6pm Eastern standard time for departure. Hotel arrangements are made and you will be staying in the Kyoto Tower Hotel and Suites. Please arrive at the airport two hours beforehand for international flight departures.”

  “Tell Mr. Ichiyo that I said, ‘thank you’.”