by Amy L. Gale
He picks up a file from his desktop. “You can leave anything you need on the chair. No one comes inside my office unless I’m with them so it will be safe.”
I smile shyly and place my blazer and purse onto the hard leather chair.
“Ok, Alexis. We have a twelve thirty lunch meeting today with representatives from American Gemstones. Afterward, we will discuss our marketing plan and brainstorm some advertising ideas.” He closes the folder and sits down at his desk.
“Great. I’m excited to get started. What shall I do until lunch?” I fidget with my fingers.
He delves through a stack of papers on his desk. “Get us some coffees and we can look over the files. I’ll bring you up to speed on what was done so far.”
I twirl my fingers around my hair. “How do you like your coffee?”
He lifts his eyes. “No sugar, a little cream.”
I take a few steps backwards, turn and head to the reception area. The coffee sloshes right up to the rim of the cup. I steady my hands to the best of my ability and proceed forward. The secretary chews on her pen and watches me as I make my way back to the office. She’s young, I would guess around twenty, beautiful and blond. Huh, she must be new, I hadn’t seen her the last time I visited Global Inc. At least we have something in common.
“Hi. Sorry I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself earlier. I’m Alexis Waters and today is my first day.”
She drops the pen and smiles. “Hi, I think we spoke on the phone. I’m Simone. I’ve only been here a few months myself. Good luck on your first day.”
“Thanks.” I continue my journey to Owen’s office desperately trying not to spill any coffee on my way. Note to self, don’t fill the cups to the top when you’re walking in heels.
“Alexis, I’ve outlined the main points of this account for you. American Gemstone has hired Global Inc. to create an advertising and marketing plan for their new line of yellow diamonds. Our job will be to filter the ideas of the marketing and advertising teams and come up with a business plan in the hopes of a more permanent contract.” He takes his cup of coffee and sets it on his desk.
Once again, I’m way out of my league. Well, he doesn’t need to know that. I tilt my head back and look him directly in the eye. “It sounds both interesting and challenging. I’m thrilled to be a part of it.” I pat down my skirt with my free hand and sit in the sturdy leather chair.
He sips his coffee. “Brian from advertising and Marla from marketing will be here at ten to brief us on their ideas thus far. They will also be joining our lunch meeting with the American Gemstone reps. Right now, I’d like you to read over the outline so you’re prepared. I’ll be back.” He hands me the paperwork, takes a few files, and leaves the office.
Wow, I’m really part of this team. How did that happen? The other new graduates are working in the mailroom. Please let me keep doing whatever it is that got me here.
I focus on the paperwork so I’ll be well prepared for everything that we may discuss.
Footsteps click on the hardwood floor as Brian and Marla walk into the office.
I lift my head and smile. “Hello, I’m Alexis Waters.”
“I’m Brian, and this is Marla. We’ll take cream and sugar in our coffees.” Brian flips through the papers in his file as if I’m invisible.
Owen walks into the office sipping his coffee. “Ah, I see you’ve met Alexis. She’ll be joining our team.”
Marla and Brian jerk their heads back in unison and look at each other, their eyes wide.
“My apologies, Alexis.” Brian slightly shrugs his shoulders and turns away from me. “Owen, our slogan is: American Gemstone’s Yellow Diamonds: Forever Exceptional, Forever Chic. We plan to market with a commercial, magazine ads, internet ads, and billboard advertising.”
“Great job! I have a short business meeting with our California office so I’ll see the three of you at Antonio’s at twelve-thirty.” Owen glances at his watch, and rushes out of the office.
“Sounds like a great campaign. I’m excited to be working with the two of you. This is a dream job so far.” I play with the corner of the file folder which is resting in my lap.
“Alexis, how long have you been working with Global Inc.?” Brian asked as he flips through the pages of the file.
“This is my first day.”
Marla chokes on her coffee, spilling a little on the floor. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I’ve worked for this company for eight years and this is the first account I’ve worked on at this level. Were you a prodigy in college?”
My face heats and my stomach hardens. “No, I guess I’m just lucky.” I twirl my fingers around my hair.
Marla opens her mouth to say something more but quickly closes it.
Great! My coworkers can’t comprehend how I landed this position either. I sigh. Oh well, I’m here so I’m going to do the best job I can.
Is it possible to learn this proposal before lunchtime? Noon is here way too fast. Thank God Marla offered to drive. The reps from American Gemstone wouldn’t be too impressed with their advertising team stepping out of a beat up Chevy.
∞
The scent of garlic bread and pasta fills the air of the high end Italian restaurant. The reps from American Gemstone are pleased with the advertising and marketing strategies and want a full presentation by Friday. How exciting!
We return to Global Inc. for a quick follow-up meeting.
“Great job everyone! We’ll need a full presentation by Thursday so we have time to make revisions. I hope you’re all ready to burn the midnight oil.” Owen hands a file folder to each of us.
∞
I drop an overabundance of paperwork on the desk in my room. Is it possible to read and organize these files before our deadline? My mouth moves a mile a minute as I relive my exciting day for Brooke. I calm myself before calling Van to fill him in on my news. Damn, straight to voicemail. Hearing his voice makes my body tingle. God I miss him. Good thing I’m so busy with work. I gather all my paperwork and start reading through the documents. My phone chimes.
I’m so proud of my brilliant girlfriend.
Aw, he’s the sweetest man in the world. This business opportunity is exciting, but it’s nothing compared to the thought of getting my hands on Van. My heart races as I picture his perfect body. My fingers ache. Why can’t he be here with me right now? There’s no cure for Van Sinclair withdrawal.
I shake my head and regain focus. I need to read through the paperwork and familiarize myself with this whole process. It’s a shame; I learned more about business in the last twenty-four hours than I did during my four years of college. Time sure flies when you’re working seventy hours a week.
We nail our presentation. Now we have to elaborate on the financials and time frame for executing the plan.
Our next presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, so it’s another long work week for me. At least the long hours keep my mind occupied. I sigh and lay back onto my bed. Van and I haven’t talked much lately. Ah, he’ll be in my arms Friday. It’s like an eternity. I reach for my phone and dial his number. Did I calculate the time change right?
“Hello stranger.”
“Hi.” Ah, two simple words and my heart is about to beat out of my chest.
“So, how’s the corporate world?”
“Great! We have another presentation. I think it’ll be the last one for this account.” I sink my head into the pillow.
“We can celebrate Friday. We’re halfway through?”
“I know, thank God.” Emptiness fills the pit of my stomach. I need to figure out my plans for the future soon.
“Gotta go, we’re about to hit the stage. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
My face erupts in a cheek to cheek smile. What can I do to make this visit special? Hmm, I’m coming up empty. Maybe I used all of my creative energy on the diamond account. I rub my eyes and yawn. Who knows, an idea may come to me in my sleep.
“Hey, Alexis,” Sim
one stops me before I make it into the office.
“Simone, please call me Lexie.” I hold my files to my chest and turn toward her.
“A bunch of us are going to Martini’s, the new cocktail bar, after work on Friday. It’s kind of a tradition to celebrate after we finish an account. You in?”
I nod. “My boyfriend’s coming in to see me so I’ll have him meet me there.”
“You’ll have to fill me in about this boyfriend.” She raises her eyebrows.
I chuckle. “Hey, should I invite Brian, Marla, and Owen?”
She shrugs. “You can but Owen never comes so don’t take it personally.”
My fingers race over the buttons of my cell phone on my way into the office. I give Van a quick text about Martini’s before I step all the way inside. Brian and Marla are already reading through some paperwork.
“Alexis, good morning. I’m assigning each of us a piece of this presentation to ensure it’s ready. You will handle the PR planning, Brian will take slogan marketing, and Marla will manage the plan of action. I’ll take care of the financials.”
My phone chimes before I have a chance to silence it.
“Do you need to get that?” Owen tilts his head to the side and purses his lips.
“Sorry. I’ll shut it off.” My face flushes and I look down.
“Brian and Marla, you two can get organized and then work together. Alexis and I will do the same.”
Apparently, all those business worksheets and practice accounts I’ve worked on in college have come in handy. My presentation is professional and detailed, outlining the PR needed for this account, how to achieve it, and a time frame to our goal. I step out of the office to refill our coffees and quickly check my phone, scrolling for the text Van sent earlier.
I’ll take a cab to the bar. We’ll have a celebration of our own later ;)
My muscles quiver and my stomach flutters; I quickly text back.
Can’t wait to see you. Gotta get back to work. Love you
Thank God I’m used to eating on the road. My dinner consists of takeout in Owen’s office. Jeeze, we’ve been working for hours on end. I clench my stomach, trying to suppress the loud growls. I grab my carton from the desk and rip it open. Mmm. I take a deep breath and inhale the sweet scent of chicken and broccoli.
Owen scoots his chair closer to mine. “We may be dining with clients of different cultures. It’s always a compliment to embrace their ways.” He hands me a set of chop sticks.
Great, now I even have to work hard to eat. I tear open the paper and separate the chop sticks. I place them between my fingers and thumb, desperately trying to create a uniform rhythm. No such luck. Three tries and I can’t even pick up a grain of rice. I huff.
Owen sweeps my hair behind my shoulder and moves even closer. His soft breath blows a few stray strands around my neck. He slides his hand over mine and adjusts the wooden pieces. “Use your finger and thumb. Like this.”
I lean away from him as far as I can. “Thanks, I think I got it now.”
“Alexis, you did exceptional work. I see a bright future here for you at Global Inc.” Owen rubs his hand down my thigh as he speaks.
I grimace and shift in my chair as nausea fills my stomach. I brush it off; maybe that’s just how he is.
∞
I’m an hour early for work on Wednesday. No harm in running through my portion of the presentation one more time. It’s flawless, definitely up to par. Rattling keys chime through the office. I turn to find Owen behind me.
“Alexis, you’re early this morning.” He cocks his head to the side and gazes at me from head to toe.
I swallow hard and try not to grimace. “I wanted to double check my part of the presentation. I’m all set.” I twirl my fingers around my hair.
Footsteps tap through the hallway as Brian and Marla enter the reception area.
“Looks like we’re all early. Wonderful, he who hesitates is lost.” Owen smirks.
We gather our materials from the office and head up to the meeting room. It’s way too quiet in this elevator; time to break the ice.
“Simone told me there’s a party on Friday at Martini’s to celebrate our successful account. She wanted to make sure you’re all invited. I guess it’s a tradition?”
“Yes, it is. Thank you.” Owen lifts his eyes and flashes a quick smile.
He leads me out of the elevator with his hand in the small of my back. My scalp prickles causing a slight shiver to lift the hair on my neck. My stomach quivers and a sour taste invades my mouth. Why is he so touchy- feely?
The sun gleams through the wall to wall windows overlooking the cityscape. I stare at the fluffy clouds and light blue sky, taking in the breathtaking view. The fresh scent of the leather chairs fills the room. Who would’ve thought I’d be here right out of college? I organize and set up the materials for the meeting.
The reps from American Gemstone enter the room and take their seats at the table. I take a deep breath as the lights start to dim. It’s show time. Owen pitches the presentation flawlessly, showing off his skills. He stands in front of the reps with his shoulders back and chest out, looking them directly in the eye. It’s no wonder he’s so successful. He could sell an Eskimo ice. Any onlooker would be mesmerized and impressed. He’s in his element, a true business pioneer.
The lights brighten and the reps from American Gemstone shake everyone’s hand, thanking us for our hard work. The campaign’s a home run and I’m part of it! My face flushes and my eyes widen.
I skip through the door of my apartment, smiling from ear to ear, kick off my heels and pour myself a glass of wine. Here’s to me! I sip it slowly, savoring the sweet flavor as a special present to myself.
∞
Finally, it’s Friday! I fidget in my chair as I read the business plan for the millionth time. Van’s probably in the air on his way to me. Lightness fills my chest and I take a deep breath. Goose bumps erupt throughout my whole body while I picture his perfectly flawless face and piercing emerald eyes. My heart races as I stare at the clock. Isn’t the day over yet? It can’t strike four-thirty fast enough.
“You coming to Martini’s? I was hoping to meet your rocker boyfriend.” Simone taps her ink pen against her desk.
“Yep, and Van’s meeting me there so you’re in luck.”
Why is everyone so shocked that my boyfriend’s a musician? I guess Simone pictured me with a man from the corporate world, as does my mom.
A neon martini glass flashes above a brick building. I push open the heavy wooden door and glance at several black leather stools surrounding a dark granite bar. The walls are illuminated with pale blue lights shaped like ice cubes, reflecting against the tan walls.
Hey, there’s Brian and Marla. We push our way through the crowd of people, hoping to get a seat. No such luck; only one stool left which I offer to Simone. I don’t mind standing, I sat all day and she’s had a busy day at work.
“This place is great guys! Should we grab a couple of drinks and make a toast?” I glance over the martini list.
“The drinks are on me tonight, and I’m also making the toast.” Owen Jenkins stands behind me, gesturing for the bartender to come over.
I hold my breath as he steps forward, less than an inch away from me.
“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Jenkins. Congratulations on another success. It’s wonderful that you’re able to join us.” Simone stares at Owen like a lost puppy.
“Yes, thank you.” Owen finally catches the attention of a bartender. “I’ll have a dirty martini, top shelf, two olives, and I’ll be buying for all of these fine individuals tonight.” He waves his finger around, motioning toward the Global Inc. employees.
Once everyone has a drink in their hand Owen raises his glass. “To another success. Thank you all for the hard work and dedication you put into this account. Here’s to many more successes.”
We all raise our glasses and sip our drinks. Owen brushes my leg as he orders another drink. It’s
like the third time in an hour. No way it’s unintentional. I place my glass on the bar and swivel my stool. Lips slam against mine. I’m breathless as the smooth skin and familiar hand caressing my face sends sparks throughout my entire body. My heart’s about to pound out of my chest. I reach up and tangle my hands in Van’s hair. He pulls away slowly.
“God, I’ve missed you babe.” He presses his lips against mine again.
I take a breath and focus on the flawless face in front of me. “It’s been forever.” I pull him into another kiss.
My rock god has returned! That was quite the entrance. I start to introduce Van to everyone when I glance over at Owen. He storms out of the bar, slamming the door hard behind him.
CHAPTER 23—IMPROPER
“That was my boss, Owen, who just left. Something must’ve pissed him off.” I shrug.
“Yeah, I guess.” Van narrows his eyes and pulls his lips into a hard line.
“Anyway, these are my friends from work,” I finish the introductions while Van treats us to a second round of drinks. My self-control is drastically decreasing. I inhale deeply, taking in his sexy scent as we huddle together in the crowded bar. My heart races and my fingers ache; everything I want is standing three inches away from me. Small beads of sweat form on the back of my neck and heat floods my body.
Well, I’ve kept myself from ravishing him for an hour. I’m only human. “It was great hanging out with you guys, but we’ve got to split. See you all on Monday.”
“Great to meet you all.” Van follows me out the door, wrapping his arms around my waist as we walk outside. “Finally.” He holds me against the side of the brick building, pressing himself against me.