by Amanda Boone
“Good morning, baby doll.” He greeted her with a smile.
“Good morning,” she responded, and then took the rose he extended to her.
It was hard to stay angry at this man. This beautiful man. Mindy wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. She felt his hands pull her from his neck, and when she noticed the look on his face she knew he had seen the suitcase.
“You leaving, baby?” he asked.
Mindy was so excited about her trip that she started rambling about the email, the hotel, and the details. Vince stood there without expression as she talked.
“I'll take you,” he announced.
“I already have a flight,” Mindy replied.
“I can ride you. No need to waste money on a plane ticket.”
“It’s already paid for. I have to be there tomorrow afternoon, so no time to drive and then get prepared for the interview,” Mindy explained. The fact that Vince was offering to take her to the interview made her feel that he really was a sweet guy.
“You planning on taking this position if they offer it you, babe?” he asked.
Mindy remembered telling him last night that there was no guarantee that she would take the job. She left it in the air to the point where he was left believing she probably wouldn’t if given the opportunity. Today, Mindy felt more optimistic about her chances, and she genuinely wanted the job. She just had no idea how to tell Vince.
“This is a top gallery. I mean, there are so many candidates I highly doubt I would even be selected,” Mindy offered as an escape from the question.
“Not what I asked, babe,” Vince pushed.
Mindy smiled and tried to hide her anxiety. “One step at a time, babe,” she answered and then leaned in to kiss Vince softly on the lips.
“Well, it was fun while it lasted.” Vince used a sarcastic tone to cut Mindy with his harsh words.
“What does that mean?” she asked.
His immaturity she had found endearing last night was not so cute this morning.
“Ms. College, you’ll get the job and forget all about me,” he told her, pouting.
Mindy pulled him to the couch and pushed him down onto the soft cushions. She curled up in his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. His beautiful dark eyes looked disappointed and sad. She felt horrible that this was hurting him. It was hurting her too. She hadn't expected to get involved with anyone. Her plan was to find a job in New York and live a life of success in the big city, not work in a bar in her hometown and spend her time riding on the back of a Harley and drinking beer night after night.
“Promise you’ll come back,” Vince said.
“Of course, it’s only a few days,” Mindy assured him.
Vince got up and gave Mindy an excuse for leaving so suddenly. He grabbed her phone before he left and entered his name and number into her contacts. He called his own number so that her information was stored in his phone, and then gave her a passionate kiss at the door.
Mindy felt strange about Vince leaving so suddenly, especially after she told him she would be gone for a few days. She did not have time to analyze or worry about Vince; she had to get things in order so she could leave for New York.
Mindy showered and found a comfortable but cute outfit for the airport, and then packed her Ford Explorer. She filled Snowball’s bowl with food and water and made sure the litter box was fresh, the apartment was picked up and all signs of her sexual encounters with Vince were out of sight. She then drove to her parent’s house before she headed to the airport and made sure her mother would check up on Snowball each day while she was gone.
The drive to the airport was short and the security line unusually easy to get through. She used her extra time to acquaint herself with the gallery while she waited to board the plane. She felt that this was the perfect match for her. The gallery dealt with new and exciting artists. The art director would be responsible for sourcing artists as well as screening them, which is what she wanted to do more than anything. She loved finding amazing talent in odd places, and she felt that she would be the perfect person for the job; she just hoped they agreed with her assessment.
After a quick flight to New York, Mindy made her way through the JFK Airport and found a cab to take her to the hotel she booked. She was exhausted from the travel, but also incredibly excited as the cab drove through highly populated streets lined with high-rises. It was everything she expected it to be.
The hotel was nothing fancy, but was still far classier than any she had stayed at before. She went straight to her room and dressed for bed. She wanted to get up early and be refreshed before the interview. She had a couple days after the interview to explore the city, but tonight, she needed rest.
Chapter Four
Mindy had woken up early, ordered a healthy breakfast from room service, and carefully groomed herself to perfection. She spent a few minutes going over her resume and the interview instructions before she left the hotel and headed the few blocks south to the gallery.
She stood outside of the large brick building with a white front, and then took a deep breath before entering. The woman behind the desk was friendly, greeting her with a smile as she entered. She directed her to the stairs and gave directions to the room where she was supposed to meet with the gallery owner.
Mindy tried to calm her nerves as she sat outside the large black door. A woman sat at the desk in front, guarding it as if it held the president of the United States. She offered Mindy refreshments, to which she declined, and then went back to her work, answering phone calls and giving out excuses as to why Mr. Young could not be bothered.
When the woman announced that Mindy could go in, she almost tripped as she fumbled to her feet. The woman glanced at her with cold eyes, and then curled her lips into a forced smile. Mindy opened the door and walked inside a massive office with a large window overlooking the city.
“Good afternoon, Miss Thompson.” The man greeted her with much more hospitality than his secretary.
“Good afternoon,” Mindy responded, and then extended her hand to grip his stretched across his large walnut desk.
The man was much younger than she expected. He could not have been more than 35, even though his designer suit made him look a little older at first glance. His wavy brown hair pushed back from his face, revealing bright blue eyes and a beautiful white smile.
He went through the whole interview process just as she'd read about in the email with no surprises. She handed him all of her documentation, and he smiled as he pointed out her accomplishments during her college career. Mindy started to finally calm down as the process come to an end. Her nerves had settled at last, and the man leaned back into his large leather chair with his hands behind his head.
“Have you even been to New York, Miss Thompson?”
“No,” she responded.
“Well then, you probably have no lunch plans?” he asked.
“No, I was hoping to find a place nearby,” Mindy admitted.
“Eating alone? That's never any fun. Let me treat you to lunch,” he offered.
“That is very kind, thank you,” Mindy agreed.
The man stood up and held out his hand to Mindy. He guided her out of the chair and towards the door where he opened it for her like a real gentleman. Mindy was impressed by this man. He was classy, handsome, successful, and slightly intriguing. He was the kind of man she not only hoped to work for, but the kind she had hoped to meet while in New York.
He told the woman at the desk he was leaving for lunch, and Mindy noticed her glare as they walked down the stairs together. Outside a driver was already waiting next to a black Bentley. He opened the door for the pair while they climbed into the plush backseat.
“Where to, Mr. Young?” the driver asked.
“Per Se,” he responded.
The ride to Columbus Circle was short, but gave enough time for Mr. Young to ask Mindy a few questions about why she obtained her art degree. She rambled on about her love for ar
t and how the expression and emotion that was captured by certain artists just amazed her. He seemed delighted with her answers and smiled as she spoke. She felt as though she talked too much, but he never interrupted, nor did he ever look of listening.
They walked together towards the restaurant, and when they reached the large blue door, he opened it for her to go inside. They were greeted and sat immediately, and within seconds were given drinks. Mr. Young ordered the Chef’s menu, and then explained that they would receive a 9-course tasting menu created by the chef. Mindy was intrigued; she had never experienced this type of fine cuisine, and was looking forward to the small samples of various flavors.
As each course was delivered, the flavors became more intense. The portions included a variety of flavors, including roasted vegetables, quail, lobster, and even oysters and pearls. The small portions seemed to be a tease for the taste buds at first, but once the meal was complete, Mindy was left with a satisfaction she had never experienced from dining before. Mr. Young has spent more time watching Mindy taste each bite than he did enjoying his own plates. He stared at her with the same intensity as Vince, while it made her feel a little uncomfortable, she was also excited.
“I believe you will be very happy here in New York, Ms. Thompson,” Mr. Young said.
Mindy gasped for a second as she took in what he just said. He said “will be”, so that meant she had the job, right? She was bursting with excitement, but was afraid she may be presumptuous to take his words to heart.
“If I get the position, I believe I could be very happy here, Mr. Young,” she said with a coolness that hid her previous assumption about his statement.
“I’m afraid you misunderstood me, Ms. Thompson. I'm offering you the position,” he clarified.
Mindy let out a tiny squeal, without meaning to of course, and then quickly covered her mouth with her hand. “I’m sorry, I am just so excited,” she explained.
He had a wide smile on his face, and his eyes were fixated on her as she bounced in her seat and fought back her bursts of excitement.
“You are so refreshing, Ms. Thompson,” he said softly.
Mindy finally gathered her composure and thanked him for the opportunity. She found out she would start in less than two weeks, which gave her little time to pack up her apartment and find a new place in the city.
“We have a studio apartment above the gallery that comes with the position,” Mr. Young announced, as if reading her mind about the details of her move. “Fully furnished.”
“That is amazing!” Mindy exclaimed.
“I can show it to you in the morning if you like. It’s being painted now,” he said.
“I would love that!” Her voice showing too much enthusiasm once again.
Mr. Young seemed to find enjoyment in her overly animated enthusiasm. He watched her, smiling playfully as she hung on his words and squealed with delight at the details most people found mundane and expected.
“Any chance I could take you for drinks this evening?” he asked.
“Yes, I would love that!” Mindy exclaimed.
He paid the bill when the waiter returned to the table, and then stood behind Mindy’s chair. He guided it away from her body as she stood, and then took her hand as they walked towards the door. His actions were sweet, suave, and somewhat sexy. The car dropped her off at her hotel, and he told her that he would be in the lobby at 7 o’clock to pick her up for drinks.
“Thank you again, Mr. Young,” she said as she climbed out of the Bentley.
“Kevin,” he corrected her with a smile.
“Kevin,” she agreed, and then turned to walk away.
Inside the hotel, she tossed everything around in her suitcase until she found the little black cocktail dress she'd packed. She showered, then spent extra time primping as she made sure her eyebrows were plucked, her teeth were whitened, and her nail polish perfectly painted on each nail, toes included. She laughed to herself as she slipped into the little black dress. It was as if she were getting ready for a hot date.
Mr. Young, well, Kevin, was a very handsome man, and he possessed every quality that Mindy had been looking for in a man, but he was her new boss. He was being kind to the poor little small town girl who had never been to the big city before, right? Mindy’s thoughts were tugging at her in both directions. On one hand, he did seem very flirty, and she doubted having a 9-course lunch followed by drinks that same evening was part of the welcoming process to the gallery. But, on the other hand, he had neither done nor said anything that led her to believe it was more than a casual professional meeting, during which they were to become better acquainted.
Mindy stepped back and looked in the mirror. The black dress fit her like a glove. It showed off all of her curves and accentuated her long, slender legs. When she stepped into her black heels, she instantly went from an attractive girl to a sexy woman in just three short inches. She left her hair down, flowing past her shoulders in large wavy curls. Her makeup was applied like a professional since she'd been practicing with all the Cosmo magazine tips. She was ready. For what, she wasn’t positive, but she was pretty sure it was everything.
Downstairs a distinguished and extremely attractive Kevin Young stood in the hotel lobby. He was fumbling through a magazine when she snuck up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around and was unable to hide his approval of her attire. His smile widened, and he took his time gazing at her from head to toe.
“You look amazing,” he finally said.
“Thank you. As do you,” she replied.
“Shall we?” He motioned towards the door.
Mindy walked through the doors that were opened by the doormen and out to the awaiting Bentley, where Kevin’s driver again held the door for her. Inside he had a bottle of wine opened and breathing and two glasses chilled and ready. In just a short time, she'd gone from mounting the back of a bike outside a dirty hole in the wall bar and drinking beer out of a cooler to this. She was in awe. She was in heaven. She was in her element.
The car stopped in front of a large building. The driver walked around and opened the door for Mindy, and Kevin took her hand. He explained they were going to have drinks in one of New York’s finest rooftop gardens. Mindy had heard of 230, and she had planned to visit the famous rooftop bar during her stay. She was delighted that he chose this location.
Once the elevator door opened and they stepped out into the outdoor terrace, it was as if they had been transported to another world. Mindy noticed Kevin watching her as she took in the view. He looked at her with a strange appreciation she had not expected…
“How about a table with a view of the Empire State Building, Ms. Thompson?” Kevin asked as he guided her towards the North side of the terrace.
“Mindy, please” she corrected him, then quickly added, “That would be amazing.”
They sat at a picnic style table in the corner of the rooftop with a perfect view of the Empire State Building and the city surrounding it. The greenery that surrounded their table was lush and vibrant for added privacy. The location was romantic, not really a professional place to have drinks and become acquainted.
Mindy ordered the Peach Bellini and Kevin ordered a glass of red wine from their private stock. His eyes wandered to her cleavage, and then quickly back to her eyes. Vince had opened up a new fetish in her world; she loved being looked at with that desire. Kevin reached his hand across the table to grip hers.
“I hope I'm not being too forward, Ms. Thompson,” he said. “Mindy.” He quickly corrected himself. “I think you are a beautiful and extremely intelligent woman, and that does interest me,” he said without breaking eye contact. “My interest in you has nothing to do with your position at the gallery. You can tell me to buzz off right now and I will rein in my attraction so we can continue a strictly business relationship.”
He then sat back into his seat as he released her hand.
Mindy’s head was spinning. He was making advances towards her, and sh
e smiled inside.
“All work and no play, what fun is that?” she responded and smiled at the nervous man across from her.
After a couple more drinks, they both decided it was time to call it a night. The driver took her to her hotel where Kevin walked her to her door. As she fumbled for her key card, he placed his thumb on her chin to raise her mouth to his. He pressed his lips against hers. They were soft, gentle, not like Vince’s forceful and passionate kisses. He pulled away as she parted her lips and smiled.
“I am looking forward to spending more time with you, Mindy,” he said, and then took the key card from her hand and unlocked her door.
He held the door open until she made it inside, and then shut her inside as he left himself standing in the hallway.
Mindy was elated. She jumped onto her bed and pulled out her phone to call her mother with the news. Her light was flashing to let her know she had missed calls. She knew she had her phone turned off most of the day while with Kevin. She looked at her notifications and saw she had missed two calls from her mother, one from her dad, and had a text message from Vince.
Vince: How did the interview go babe?
Mindy struggled with that she should say to this man. She was so wrapped up in him for the few days they spent together, but now that she was away, she felt like this was where she belonged. This was where she wanted to be. Needed to be.
Mindy: They offered me the position :)
Vince: How did they take it when you told them no? Haha
Mindy was surprised at how quickly he answered. She pictured him sitting at the bar with his phone in front of him, waiting for her to respond.
Mindy: I told them yes
Vince: Oh
Mindy: It is an amazing opportunity. It is what I have worked towards my whole life.
Vince: Ok
Mindy could tell that she was upsetting him. She knew she had insinuated she would tell them no, but she never promised him that. She barely knew this man and owed him nothing. He lied to her and left her alone all night with her door unlocked, so why should she stop her life for him? She decided that she was not going to worry about Vince or Vince’s feelings. She was making the move that she felt was in the right direction. She was happy.