Facades

by Alex Marcoux

  Sidney turned to find Tony sitting in her backseat. “Jesus Christ, Tony, you scared me. What the hell are you doing in my car anyway?”

  Tony quickly apologized. “Sorry. My report’s due today. I figured I wouldn’t miss you if I waited in your car. Sorry … I must have fallen asleep.”

  Sidney’s pulse was slowly recovering as she collected herself. “Yesterday. Your report was due yesterday, on Wednesday.”

  “It is Wednesday, isn’t it?” He looked at his watch, and realized that he was a day off, but offered no explanation.

  “Where is it?” Sidney insisted.

  The man pulled out a large envelope from his jacket and gave it to Sidney. He left his hand extended, waiting for payment in return.

  “I want to review this. You’ll get paid in full, assuming the information is accurate.”

  Under the circumstances, Tony was not about to argue with Sidney. Besides, she had always been good to him in the past. “I’ll be in touch,” Tony said. Then he left.

  The next morning, Sidney was not sure what she would tell Anastasia. She paced her office, thinking about the information in both her reports. Her secretary stepped into her office and informed her that Anastasia and her staff were waiting in the conference room.

  Sidney greeted her guest, and asked everyone to take a seat. Stephanie was noticeably absent. To start the meeting, Sidney explained to Anastasia that MPI had conducted an additional market analysis as she had requested. She quickly summarized her staff’s findings and recommendations.

  As Sidney addressed the small group, she noticed that her staff could not look Anastasia in the eye. She was also aware that Anastasia held her head high, maintained good eye contact, and did not become agitated, even though the findings were unfavorable.

  “Anastasia, I’ve spent considerable time evaluating my staff’s recommendations. Their conclusions are sound, and I agree with them.”

  Anastasia stood and offered to shake Sidney’s hand. “Thank you for taking the time to reconsider.” She stood tall, smiled, then turned to leave.

  “I’m not finished, please sit.”

  Anastasia appeared confused, but listened to her.

  “I agree with my staff’s recommendations, but their conclusions were based upon limited information.” Puzzled, Nelson and Natalie stared back at Sidney.

  “I may be able to help you. But it will take a lot of work and sacrifice on everyone’s part, especially your own.”

  “Does this mean you’ll work with me?” Anastasia asked.

  “For a handsome fee I’ll give you six months. If I can’t put your career back on track, I’ll keep this generous fee, and we’ll both move on with our lives.”

  Chapter 4

  The legal contract between MPI and Anastasia awaited signatures. Sidney sat at her desk skimming through the agreement. When she reached the signature page she picked up her pen. Although she knew the agreement favored her company she hesitated as she placed the ink of pen on the signature line. She stopped and put the pen down, resting it on the document.

  Sidney ran her hands through her hair, contemplating the unexecuted agreement that rested in front of her. I hope this is the right thing. What if it’s not? She rose from her desk and walked to the small refrigerator where she removed a diet beverage. As she took a sip of the drink her eyes met her bachelor’s diploma from Yale University which hung on a wall. This business has been very good to me. Her eyes moved to her Master’s diploma from New York University…but certainly not without sacrifice.

  As Sidney contemplated the agreement with Anastasia, she recalled how she had made the transition into the music industry.

  *

  At 21, Sidney Marcum left Yale University with a marketing degree, considerable debt and an employment opportunity with Whitman Industries, a large company with diversified interests. As an Associate Product Manager, Sidney became responsible for product management of a snack line, in the Food Division at the New York City headquarters. She also continued with her graduate work at New York University. Sidney knew she performed best when challenged and under pressure. Accordingly, she placed demands on herself, leaving little time in her life for friendships or social activities.

  During her first year at Whitman Industries, her boss, Ted, instructed her to attend the company Christmas party. “It’s good politics. Although management won’t notice if you’re there, they always seem to notice if you’re not. Plan on being there,” he directed.

  Sidney received a disapproving look from Ted when she arrived at the party late. The banquet room of the New York City Hilton was crowded. She walked to a bar and ordered an Amstel Light, then she turned to study the party. Although she did not recognize many people, there were two secretaries from her floor at the bar next to her. A stranger controlled the attention of the two women. They were flaunting their bodies at this man.

  Sidney pulled out her cigarettes and was searching for a match in her purse, when the stranger offered her a light.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “Hi, I’m Michael,” he introduced himself.

  “Sidney Marcum. Have I missed anything?”

  “Not really, just the boring Merry Christmas speech the chairman gives every year.”

  The women seemed to be irritated that Sidney was receiving Michael’s attention. She politely excused herself and left the man with the attentive women.

  Although Sidney hated office politics, she knew she needed to play the game well to make it in the business world. She worked the party like a professional. Sidney had an effective presence; she was attractive, but it was her magnetic energy that drew people to her. With her street smarts and intelligence she could easily impress most. But it was her quick wit and sense of humor that enabled her to become the center of attention.

  A couple of hours later, Sidney was preparing to leave the party when Michael approached her. “So what department do you work in?”

  “Food Division.”

  “What do you do?” he asked.

  “I’m a product manager. What do you do, Michael?”

  “I’m … I work in the Securities Division, but I’d love to tell you more over a drink.” He smiled warmly and offered to help Sidney with her coat.

  “Thanks, but I really need to get home. It was nice meeting you.” Sidney smiled at him. “Good night.” She turned to leave and opened the door.

  Michael called after her, “Dinner, Monday night?”

  Sidney stopped and turned to look at him. Although he was not strikingly good looking, there was something about him. He was tastefully dressed in a black suit, complementing his nice build and dark hair. It was hard to guess his age; Sidney placed him in his mid-40s. She was aware that people were watching them talk. She held the door open wider and gestured for Michael to follow her into the hallway.

  “I have classes Monday night.”

  “Tuesday?” His dark eyes flirted.

  “Thanks for the invitation, but…I’m working on my MBA, I have classes every evening.” Sidney smiled. “I’m sure you’ve been there and understand.”

  Michael smiled pleasantly. “Of course.”

  “Well, I’ve got to run. Good night Michael; it was nice meeting you.”

  Michael watched her leave and thought to himself, She will be a challenge, I like that in a woman. Then he smiled.

  The week following the Christmas party, Ted came into Sidney’s office. “Whitman wants to see you in his office, now.”

  “Who?” Sidney asked.

  “Mr. Whitman, you know, of Whitman Industries,” her boss said sarcastically.

  Sidney was confused. “Why?”

  “I don’t have a clue, I thought you might.”

  “I’ve never met the man.”

  Sidney was deep in thought as the elevator traveled to the executive suites. What did I do? The elevator door opened and she was on the executive floor.

  A receptionist greeted Sidney. “How can I help you?”


  “Hi. I’m Sidney Marcum. I’m here to see Mr. Whitman.”

  The receptionist hesitated, then picked up the phone. She spoke to someone and hung up. Before the receptionist had a chance to say anything else, another woman entered the lobby.

  “Hi, I’m Kelly, Mr. Whitman’s personal secretary.” She escorted Sidney to Mr. Whitman’s office. “You can go in, he’s expecting you.”

  As Sidney entered the office, she saw the back of Mr. Whitman’s chair. He was on the phone. The secretary approached him and asked, “Do you want Ms. Marcum to wait outside?”

  “No, I’ll be off in a moment,” the man said. Sidney could barely hear him because he spoke with his back to her. “Have her take a seat at the conference table.” The man’s arm pointed to the opposite end of the large office.

  Sidney sat at the table, but she still could not see Mr. Whitman; the back of his chair obstructed her view.

  “I’ll be with you in a minute, Ms. Marcum,” the distant voice said. Then he continued his telephone conversation.

  The office was impressive. A polished marble floor, a mahogany desk, custom built bookshelves lined with books, vases, awards and art. Three majestic portraits of men lined the office walls. A nametag identified each as a Whitman.

  Mr. Whitman finished his phone call and continued sitting in the distant chair across the room. Sidney still could not get a good view of him. He appeared to be writing when he started speaking. “I guess you’re wondering why I’ve called you here.”

  “The thought has crossed my mind,” she admitted.

  “I want to talk with you about your busy schedule….” The voice was vaguely familiar. Just as Sidney figured out who he was, Michael stood. “And how we can make the time to have dinner together.”

  Sidney could not believe this was happening. “It would seem you have me at a disadvantage.”

  Michael offered Sidney his hand. “I guess we were never formally introduced, I’m Michael Whitman.”

  Sidney had heard that Michael Whitman was brilliant. But she always assumed he was older. He represented the fourth generation of Whitmans to run the company and had taken control of the company ten years earlier, when his father passed away.

  “So you’re the chairman that gave the Merry Christmas speech at the party?” Sidney smiled.

  “Guilty,” Michael smiled back.

  “I guess that should teach me never to show up late again.”

  When Sidney returned to her office she found a single yellow rose in a vase, on her desk with a note, “Thank you, Michael.”

  Sidney had mixed feelings about her plans for dinner that Saturday night. On one hand she was excited; she had not had a date since she moved to the city. On the other hand, she felt guilty about taking an evening off from her studies and work, especially since finals were quickly approaching.

  Michael picked her up promptly at 7:30 P.M., and Sidney was pleasantly surprised when he arrived without a chauffeur. At Le Cirque the two were ushered to the best table in the restaurant. Dinner was perfect and Michael was a gentleman throughout the evening. After dinner he brought her back to her apartment. As they stood uncomfortably at the door, he took Sidney’s hand, looked into her eyes and said, “Thank you for one of the most perfect evenings of my life.” Gently, he picked up her hand, met it with a kiss, then left.

  On Monday morning Sidney found her yellow rose had been replaced with a dozen red roses. The card read, “Thank you for your company. Lunch today? Michael.”

  As Sidney sat looking at the roses, she tried to understand what she was feeling. He’s attractive, intelligent, even mysterious. Actually, it was refreshing not having to fight off an advance; he was a perfect gentleman. She briefly thought about the age difference, estimating twenty-five years separated them, then quickly disregarded it as an issue. As long as my work and studies don’t suffer, I shouldn’t be concerned about spending time with him.

  As finals approached and Sidney’s schedule became a challenge, she suggested they limit their activities together. Michael agreed, but proposed that she join him for a ski weekend in Aspen following the holidays. She looked forward to a weekend away with no school to worry about during intersession.

  Sidney had never been to Colorado. As the plane approached Stapleton Airport she could see the snow-covered peaks of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Michael was quick to play tour guide and showed her Pikes Peak, Mt. Evans and the Continental Divide. When they arrived in Denver, they learned the flights to Aspen had been delayed for three hours. Michael was spontaneous and suggested they rent a car and drive to Aspen.

  As Michael and Sidney traveled west on Interstate 70, Sidney became captivated with the greens of the evergreen trees contrasting with the snow-covered mountains of the foothills. The car climbed steadily to a plateau where a breathtaking view of the snow-covered peaks of the Continental Divide was revealed. The sky was crystal clear and bluer than Sidney had ever seen. She quickly fell in love with Colorado.

  They arrived mid-afternoon and checked into the Hotel Jerome, located in the heart of downtown Aspen. Their luggage was sent to the suite. Then they ventured out to the shops and returned to the hotel to get ready for dinner. The penthouse suite was impressive, decorated with Victorian antiques, and offered a private bedroom and bathroom for Sidney. She was not surprised; their relationship had not progressed beyond a good night kiss.

  The evening was delightful. They had dinner at a Mexican restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. During dinner, Sidney found herself staring at Michael. I think I actually like this man. He’s warm, affectionate, and powerful. Sidney found this combination intriguing. As they walked back to the hotel, she found it comforting with Michael’s arm around her shoulder.

  Back in their room, Michael built a fire and poured after-dinner drinks. Sidney accepted one and sat on the floor, next to the fireplace. She was pleasantly surprised when Michael joined her on the floor. He raised his glass to toast. “To our weekend getaway, and the most beautiful woman in Aspen.” His eyes flirted.

  She smiled and raised her glass. “To our weekend.”

  As Sidney enjoyed the warmth from the fire, she found herself attracted to Michael, but she wondered if she was feeling the effects of the alcohol.

  Michael carefully pushed Sidney’s long dark hair away from her face. Sidney stared into his dark eyes as his lips approached her. She kissed him lightly and he returned the kiss gently, then passionately. He pressed her to the floor and the two lay together, embracing in front of the fire. Their kisses enticed them to explore each other’s body. While Michael’s leg pressed between Sidney’s thighs, teasing her, his hand ventured under her clothes. Sidney’s hands started exploring Michael’s body. “Sidney, I’m not going to stop, unless we stop right now.”

  Without hesitating, Sidney pulled Michael’s body back onto her own. Michael’s hand massaged her jeans with increasing pressure, and Sidney’s breathing deepened. With Sidney’s help, Michael removed his shirt and pants, and then he turned his attention to unzipping and removing Sidney’s jeans. His hand teasingly moved from her hips to her breast. He massaged her breasts, then unbuttoned and removed the blouse. The bra followed, and Michael kissed her breast, then her abdomen and continued down, teasing Sidney’s body. Then he returned to Sidney’s lips and pressed on top of her. Their bodies pulsated. Once again, Michael teasingly moved his hand to Sidney’s hips, then penetrated her moist cavity with a finger. Sidney moaned in response, increasing Michael s excitement. He quickly removed his finger and penetrated her.

  Initially, Michael moved slowly and rhythmically, then he could no longer control himself. He pressed harder and faster until he climaxed and collapsed onto her.

  Michael knew he had not satisfied his partner. After catching his breath, he continued to tease Sidney’s body with kisses. Moments later Michael’s tongue brought her to a climax.

  For some time the two lay together, enjoying the aftermath of their encounter. The fire was dimming. Micha
el stood to tend to it and Sidney excused herself, dressed and stepped out on the private balcony. There was a chill in the air. Sidney could see her reflection in the adjacent window. Her clothes and hair were in disarray and she pushed her hair away from her face. She found her cigarettes in her coat pocket, took one out and lit up. She laughed at the thought of having a cigarette after sex, but as she inhaled the smoke into her lungs, she thought, Damn that feels good. Then she admitted to herself, The sex wasn’t bad, either.

  In the spring, Sidney fell in love with a property on the Jersey shore. It was a summerhouse on the Manasquan River, in Brielle, about an hour and a half drive from the city. The waterfront property was beautiful, but the house required work. Sidney bought the property and the two lovers used the house on weekends as their private getaway. Michael never really cared for the house; it did not meet his standards. She routinely scolded him, telling him to stop being a snob.

  Sidney continued with her studies and full workload, which limited their time together. A little over a year into their courtship, Michael and Sidney were having a romantic dinner at Michael’s penthouse apartment.

  “How’s your salmon?” Michael asked.

  “It’s wonderful. How’s yours?”

  “Delightful. I have a special dessert for you tonight. Save room,” Michael instructed.

  “You know I’m not a big dessert eater,” Sidney said.

  “I think you’ll like this.”

  After the main course was cleared, Michael excused himself from the table, then returned with a plate covered with a silver dome. He placed the small plate in front of Sidney.

  “What’s this? Dessert?” Sidney asked.

  “Check it out.”

  Sidney smiled as she lifted the dome off the plate, anticipating a high calorie seven-layer chocolate cake. But what she found was a small box.

  “What’s this?” Sidney asked.

  “Open it.”

  Sidney hesitated, then picked up the box and opened it. It was a diamond ring.

  Before she had a chance to respond, Michael dropped to a knee. “I know you probably find this terribly old-fashioned, but Sidney…would you be my wife?”