Corporate Affair

by Linda Cunningham

  Jordan smiled bravely and lifted his hand, pressing it to her lips.

  The trip went fast. Grace fell asleep soon after they were on the road. Jordan and Aiden talked about many things, from politics and their personal beliefs to silly trivia. Their laughter came easily and for most of the trip, Aiden drove with his left hand and held onto Jordan’s hand with his right.

  Jordan’s heart beat faster as they neared the city of Portland. As Aiden talked about his childhood, sailing on Casco Bay, catching his own lobster, and spending summers camping with his friends on wild little islands, her mind wandered. She didn’t know exactly what to expect. They were making the trip, theoretically she knew, in order to sign the papers that would finalize the merger between ChatDotCom and Trade Winds. That merger would make her, Jordan Fitzgerald, CEO of the northern branch of the bigger company Trade Winds would become after the acquisition was complete. She looked forward to meeting Gordon Stewart, notable and foresighted businessman and founder and CEO of Trade Winds.

  Yet, deep within her soul, Jordan knew there was another reason for the trip to Portland. A more personal reason. Aiden was bringing her home to meet his mother and father. While Gordon Stewart was indeed founder and CEO of Trade Winds and he’d just bought ChatDotCom from Gene Palmer, her boss and mentor, he was also Aiden Stewart’s father, and this was, to Jordan, the more important of his roles. She stared ahead as they drove, feeling Aiden’s fingers lightly caressing her own. Her mother had always said she would know when the right one came along. You always know, she had said. Well, Jordan thought, the right one has come along. I know it. A sudden, intense memory flashed in her mind’s eye and she saw herself lying in his arms, warm from his warmth, passionate with his passion, her skin against his skin, even their breathing synchronized. She wanted with all her heart to shout it out to all who would hear that she loved this man and he loved her. Yet there was a cloud over her happiness. Jordan knew that honesty was the cornerstone of love. It was the foundation that would support love through all kinds of trials and tribulations. And though she had not been dishonest with Aiden, she had not told him the whole truth about everything. For so long, she had maintained that the identity of Grace’s father was her business and her business only, but now she had met a man with whom she wanted to share everything forever. Now, her conscience told her, it was his business, too.

  They drove over a bridge. As Jordan looked out her window, she could see the huge oil and fuel tanks along the shore of the bay.

  “Have you ever been to Portland before?” asked Aiden as they proceeded along the highway that ran parallel to the water.

  “No,” admitted Jordan. “I haven’t been north of Ogunquit.”

  “Well, this is Commercial Street, where Trade Winds’ headquarters are. This was the wharf area, and from the late seventeen hundreds on, it was a bustling shipping hub for the whole Northeast. There’s still business that goes on here now, especially fishing and lobster wharves, federal and state buildings, a lot of retail, and some private companies like legal firms and Trade Winds. We recently bought one of the old warehouses and renovated it. Renovations were finished last summer, and we moved in just before winter. There it is. See? You can see it straight ahead. The tall brick building with the balcony overlooking the water.”

  Jordan let her gaze follow the direction of his pointing finger. She saw the large, solid brick building rising up over the working wharfs on either side. Large white letters attached high up on the street side of the building read “Trade Winds.” The roofline dropped a story on the bay side of the building. The lower roof was ringed with a wrought iron railing, and Jordan could see chairs and umbrellaed tables.

  “I’ll just drive down to the ferry at the end of the street so you can get a feel for the area. This is called the Old Port, and it’s a real tourist place. Kind of high end with a lot of good restaurants and retail. Portland is famous as a foodie town,” explained Aiden as he drove along the bustling street. “And see there, just next to the lobster wharf? See those long blue buildings? That’s Chandler’s Wharf. That’s where I live.”

  “You do?” Jordan craned her neck to get a good look as they drove by. “I can see why you said you have a cheap commute! And short, too.”

  Aiden swung the car around in the parking lot at the end of the street. “Ready to meet my father and put this thing to bed?” he asked her. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it.

  Jordan let out a big sigh. She squeezed his hand. “Yes, I’m ready. I am. Let’s go.” It was all overwhelming, she thought. Suddenly, she felt more like a pawn than a player in this game, this merger between two powerful New England families. Where did she fit in, anyway? She looked across the console at Aiden. He drove on, his noble, patrician profile intent on the busy main street. It was confusing, she thought as she looked at him. Sometimes she felt so close to this man, as though she could trust him with her life, so sure of their love that she would follow him anywhere. And then, in the blink of an eye, she could feel so alone, so detached, so forgotten. He was an owner, after all; she would be an employee. Well, she would just play this out. Right now, it was okay. Right now she would bury any doubt that threatened to rise up in her mind and quell her happiness. She would bury the doubt and play along, do her job, provide for her daughter and her family. Things would become clear as time went on. She hoped.

  Aiden turned left into the large parking lot, cut diagonally across, and pulled into a parking space marked by a little sign that bore his name.

  “Here we are,” he said. From the back seat Grace let out a high pitched squeal as she felt the car come to a stop.

  Jordan laughed. “And not a moment too soon!” she said, opening her door.

  The salt air washed over her like a soothing balm. She took a deep breath, savoring the scent of the ocean. Seagulls circled the working lobster docks on either side, calling and scolding. She had not been seaside in so long, she had forgotten how charming and calming it was.

  “This is beautiful,” she said sincerely.

  “It is,” agreed Aiden. He opened the back door of the Jeep, and Jordan reached in, freeing Grace from her confinement in the car seat. Cradling the baby against her hip, she rummaged in the diaper bag and located a bottle. Grace took it eagerly.

  “I’m not exactly dressed for a business meeting,” she said.

  “You look, ah, good enough to eat to me.” Aiden winked at her as he wrapped her and her baby in his strong arms and kissed her on the mouth. “I know you’re nervous,” he said. “Don’t be. Everything is fine. My father huffs and puffs, but he’s a good man, and besides, the hard part is done.”

  She smiled at him. “Lead the way!” she said bravely. Aiden smiled and ran his fingers through his hair. Here, in his own element, with the sea breeze playing with his wayward hair, his eyes seemed to sparkle. He was sexier than ever. Jordan felt her stomach leap, and her heart fluttered in her chest as she followed him into the building.

  There was a small desk, behind which sat a heavy-set, uniformed guard who stood as they came through the door.

  “Good morning, Mr. Stewart,” said the guard.

  “Hey, Ray,” Aiden greeted him, smiling, then glanced at his watch. “Is my father back from lunch yet?”

  “I don’t think he went out today. He’s expecting you. He’s called down here about six times!”

  Aiden laughed. “Give him a call and tell him we’re on our way up.”

  “Will do.” The guard grinned as he picked up the phone.

  Aiden guided Jordan, still carrying Grace on her hip, to the elevator. Once inside, he set them on their way to the third floor. “Hm,” he said, “I’ve always fantasized about elevators, but you seem to have an appendage.”

  Jordan laughed. The elevator stopped, and the door slid silently open. They stepped out into an ante-office. A trim, gray-haired woman sat behind a desk in front of a bank of windows that looked out onto the wharves. When she saw them, she stood, walking forward to
greet them.

  “Aiden! You’re back!”

  “Hi, Mrs. Barnes. Yes, I’m back. And may I introduce the CEO of our new partner in northern New England, Jordan Fitzgerald. Oh, and I can’t forget Grace.”

  “How lovely to meet you, Ms. Fitzgerald.” Mrs. Barnes held out a finger to Grace, who wrapped her tiny fingers around it. “And you, too, Miss Grace. What an adorable child!”

  “Oh, thank you,” said Jordan politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you also.”

  “Is my father in?” asked Aiden.

  “He’s in his office,” said Mrs. Barnes. “I’ll get him.”

  They heard a door open behind them. “No, I’m not! I’m not in my office,” boomed the old man, striding forward. “I’m right here.” He made straight for Jordan with his hand extended. She was struck by how his energy reminded her so much of Gene Palmer before he became ill. She gripped Grace extra tight, for moral support, and put out her hand.

  “My father, Gordon Stewart,” said Aiden. “Dad, this is Jordan Fitzgerald, our new partner.”

  Gordon took her small hand in his big one in a firm clasp. “Pleased to have you on board,” he said, smiling widely. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Gene Palmer is an old friend and adversary of mine. You have to be pretty special to have his trust.”

  “I’m very pleased to meet you,” said Jordan sincerely. “I’m eager to work with Trade Winds, Mr. Stewart. I know our companies will be stronger together than they ever were separately.”

  “I think you’re right,” said the old man, putting his hand on her elbow. “Come along with me, Ms. Fitzgerald. We’ll go into the office and sign this thing.”

  Jordan let him guide her into his office. She glanced back once, quickly, just to make sure Aiden was coming too. He winked at her, and it bolstered her courage.

  “Here, here, have a seat on the sofa,” said Gordon.

  “Thank you,” said Jordan, gratefully sitting down. Gordon Stewart acted as though all of his business cronies brought babies to their meetings. She was thankful for that. She settled Grace on her lap and waited. Gordon went to the door and spoke to Mrs. Barnes.

  “I’d like to you bring in the documentation, if you would, Betsy,” he said. He turned to Jordan. “The lawyers have been over it with a fine-toothed comb,” he said. “They started nit-picking, but I put my foot down finally. We’re ready to sign it. You know, the lawyers have to keep the dialogue and the conflict going or they don’t make any money.” He chuckled as he took the papers from Mrs. Barnes and sat next to Jordan on the sofa. He laid open the folder on the coffee table and took a gold pen from his pocket, handing it to Jordan. “Ladies first,” he said. She smiled at him and, feeling strangely at ease, signed the document. She set the pen down. Gordon Stewart picked it up and signed his name under hers. The deed was done.

  “Welcome aboard,” he said, holding out his hand. “This is something to celebrate.”

  Jordan shook his hand. “I feel good about this,” she said. “I do.” She caught Aiden’s eye across the room and smiled at him. Grace wiggled.

  “Go ahead,” said Gordon. “Set her down. When my grandchildren were that age, I had toys in here, but they’re teenagers now!”

  Jordan set Grace down on the carpeted floor. She teetered a bit, and then seeing Aiden smiling from across the room at her, she began her baby Frankenstein-ish walk toward him. Gordon turned to Jordan. “Tell me about Gene,” he said seriously. “How’s he doing?”

  Jordan drew a deep breath. “You know, he’s doing okay,” she answered. “Emotionally, anyway. Physically, he’s frail. He gets tired easily. I usually have a daily meeting with him, but sometimes he can’t sit through it. I hate seeing him that way. When I think of the way he was when…when we first started to work together…” Her voice trailed off.

  “I’m sorry,” said Gordon sincerely. “I’m sorry about it, but you’ve done him proud. I’m sure it makes this whole situation easier for him. Congratulations on our merger.”

  It could have been his honest manner, or it could have been his perceptive assessment of how she felt, but two tears, beyond her control, slid down her cheeks. Flustered, she quickly brushed them away.

  “I’m sorry,” said Gordon. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “Oh no, no,” Jordan tried to reassured him. “It’s me. I guess I’m just being emotional. I’m usually a lot more hard-boiled than this, but this is an emotional time for everybody at Chat, and while we welcome this merger, it’s the end of an era too.” Aiden, Grace in his arms, crossed the room.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  “Please, please,” said Jordan, embarrassed. “I’m fine. Just an overflow of emotion, I guess. Really, I apologize. I’m being such a girl right now.”

  Gordon laughed outright, lightening the mood. “There’s nothing wrong with that.” He chuckled. “Now, let’s drive back to the house and have some lunch. Aiden can show you where he grew up. My wife, Nell, is expecting us.”

  Jordan reached out and took Grace from Aiden. Gordon motioned to the door, and the three of them walked into the elevator.

  Once outside, Jordan turned and looked back at the building. “It’s a beautiful old building,” she said. “You know, Chat’s offices are in a restored factory building as well.”

  “Too much good space to waste,” said Gordon. “We got a good deal on it two years ago. Restoring and re-doing it to our specifications took a little time, but we moved in earlier this year. And it’s a great commute for Aiden!”

  Jordan laughed, “So he told me.”

  Gordon waved to them. “I’ll see you at home.” He crossed the parking lot and got behind the wheel of a big Mercedes. Jordan buckled Grace into her baby seat and then belted herself into the front passenger seat.

  As Aiden followed his father out onto the road, Jordan’s cell phone rang. It was her mother.

  “Hello?”

  “Jordan, are you there? You didn’t call.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Mom. Yes. We’ve had our meeting, everything is signed, and we’re going out to Mr. Stewart’s house for a late lunch.”

  “How is Grace doing? Is she fussy?”

  “Oh, no, Mom, she’s doing great.”

  “Well, I have really good news.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes. Your father’s been hired by the Mountain to oversee the construction of a whole group of new condominiums!”

  “Mom, that’s wonderful! That’s so wonderful!”

  “He’s thrilled, Jordan. He’s thrilled because it means we won’t have to tie you down anymore. The money is really good, and the work will be steady. He’ll work as an independent contractor directly with Mountain. I guess they saw his work around town, and, you know, the Mountain was sold last year, and the guy who bought it is young and progressive. He liked your father.”

  “Mom, that’s just the best, but you never tied me down. You’re my mother and my father. I was pleased to help. You helped me, too. How else would I have managed with Grace?”

  “Well, you enjoy your time there, honey. You deserve it. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Bye, Mom. I love you.” Jordan clicked off.

  “What’s so great?” asked Aiden.

  “Oh, Aiden, my father got a job. A wonderful job. He’s supervising the construction of new condos at the ski mountain. Some guy just bought it and is expanding it. It’s amazing!”

  “I’m happy for all of you,” said Aiden. “Your family reminds me of mine. They stick together.”

  “We do,” confirmed Jordan. Her mind began to wander as a surreal feeling settled around her. Such circumstances had occurred to bring her to this point! It all seemed a whirlwind now. Her mind drifted back in time to when she was a student at the University of Vermont. Her father had lost his job. She’d been desperate for tuition money. She remembered it as clearly as though it had happened yesterday how she went to her adviser, explaining the situation to her and asking for help.
As it was, Jordan held a number of student loans, to be paid back after graduation. The adviser had taken the bureaucratically correct steps, applying for more financial aid, but troubles had run deeper in the family. The cost of just keeping the house up was astronomical enough when the only money coming in was a weekly paycheck her mother received from working part time at the town offices and an unemployment check to her father. Her father also managed to do some odd jobs around town, but these were not steady, and the price of gasoline he had to pay just to get to the job sometimes was more than the job paid. Fuel oil and electricity expenses continued, to say nothing of health insurance for the family.

  Jordan’s parents remained optimistic, at least to the outside world. “It’ll turn around,” said her mother confidently. “Don’t worry. You just stay in school. We’ll find a way. Derek has one more year of high school, and by the time he’s at the University, we’ll be back on our feet. Don’t you worry.”

  Jordan did worry, though. At the end of the spring semester, she went to the dean of students and asked about a leave of absence from the fall term. Wisely, the dean tried to persuade her to return in the fall. If it turned out she couldn’t stay, well, then they would cross that bridge when they came to it. Jordan didn’t tell anyone about her talk with the dean. She spent the last warm days of school trying to behave as though nothing was wrong. She went to parties with her friends, crammed for finals, and tried to find comfort casually dating. At the end of the semester, she packed her things and returned home. The next day, she went looking for a job. For a week, she filled out applications in every available place of employment within commuting distance. Time was of the essence. Jordan needed to make the most of her time off from school. She needed to make money as quickly as possible in order to help her parents, in order to save for the fall semester which was a mere three months away.