Embracing Ember

by Astrid Cielo

  “Miss Johnson. I’d like you to accompany me to my office.” he replied. She nodded and followed him. “It would seem a new client has specifically requested you for their project. I have to agree with this because it is what the client wants, but if this gets to be too big of a task for you, then you need to let me know and we will get you help. The client is waiting in my office with the details.”

  Celine was surprised. Who would know who she was, well, in the artistic sense anyway. She had her fill of the spotlight in High School, but she pushed those thoughts aside, they only led to memories best forgotten. She walked with her head down, her eyes continually scanning the room. Her palms were sweating and she wiped them on her jeans as she entered Mr. Gardner’s office. A light golden blonde man who appeared a little older than herself with beautiful green eyes stood to greet them as Mr. Gardner closed the door behind him. She looked up into his face. Her average 5’5’’ frame dwarfed by his approximate 6’ 4’’ one. His shoulders were broad and even in his casual suit, she could tell he was well muscled, not bulky, but the muscles of a man who had participated in his share of hard labor. His skin held a tan that spoke of time in the sun, his eyes and mouth held the subtle beginnings of laugh lines. This man laughed and he laughed often. There were also notable stress lines. Her artist eyes took him all in and she felt her heart speed up a bit. She moistened her dry lips and looked away from his gaze to the female at his side. She was his spitting image, in female form although she was the same height as Celine. Celine’s inner artist mused that it was spectacular how her features seemed so feminine where her doppelganger seemed so masculine. She also took in that the female version seemed to exert her individuality with a slightly darker hair color, its dark honey blonde locks were cut to her shoulders with soft, barely noticeable layers. She was dressed in the latest fashions, her nails perfectly manicured with black nail polish. These two looked so much alike, yet they were definitely different people.

  “Mr. and Miss Holcomb, I’d like to present Miss Celine Johnson. Miss Johnson, these are the clients that have requested you specifically to personally handle their advertising needs from conception to finalization. I have cleared your work schedule and reassigned all of your projects until you have fulfilled Mr. and Miss Holcomb’s wishes.” Mr. Gardner stated.

  Celine nodded her head at the introduction. She really didn’t know what to say, thankfully, Miss Holcomb seemed to pick up the conversation without problem.

  “Miss Johnson, please call me Riley and this is Reed, my brother. We know of you through your mother who has heralded your praises. I have a new clothing line coming out, it’s target group blue collar males with a slight dark edge added. Reed here has so graciously agreed to be my model for most of the advertising. I need an ad campaign that will appeal to other men like my brother here. So, my question is, Miss Johnson, do you think you can do it?” Riley stated matter-of-factly.

  Celine pondered a moment. Could she handle this? The pressure that came along with a project this big, could she do this and not crack? She spent a few moments in quiet contemplation, and then a voice in her mind told her that she needed this type of distraction. If she worked then she didn’t have time to remember. “Riley, I prefer Celine, and I believe that I would like to give your offer a try. I want to warn you up front that I am an artist. I have no real experience with other aspects of advertising. I will, however, strive to ensure all of your goals are met. If you still want me to do this, then I believe if you have time, I need to hear a little bit about your line, or better yet I need to see examples of the clothing. So, whenever you are ready to get started, I’m ready.” She responded quietly.

  Riley looked at her and nodded her acceptance, then replied, “I believe that you will do just fine. If it is okay with you, then I will leave Reed with you, I want you to get to know him and base the line around him. He embodies everything I want my line to represent. Tomorrow I will meet you at my offices where you can get a look at the clothing line up close and personal. Reed should be there also. Thank you, Celine.”

  Celine nodded and looked up at Mr. Gardner. He nodded his approval then stated, “Why don’t you take Mr. Holcomb out to lunch and get to know him like Miss Holcomb suggested that way you can get started right away.”

  Celine nodded then looked up at Reed Holcomb. Her heart rate kicked up a few notches as she met his gaze. She gave a smile, but knew it was weak. He smiled back, the small lines crinkling at his eyes. He extended his hand to her and she stared at it blankly for a second before she placed her hand in his and allowed him to shake her hand. “It’s nice to meet you Celine, I’m Reed.” He said as his large hand enfolded her smaller one.

  His callouses were a striking contrast to his gentle clasp. She marveled at the hidden strength in those hands that enveloped her own hand so gently, but firmly. The smell of the forest assaulted her senses, his hands so strong. She had trusted him at one time, too. That was her mistake. She took a deep breath and shook her head to rid herself of the memories she yearned to forget. Reed frowned at her and slowly released her hand. She was thankful that he didn’t ask. She knew he had felt the involuntary tensing of body when she remembered. She could never explain. If she explained she would have to remember. She couldn’t remember.