by Sarah Bailey
I flashed Rob a quick, tight smile, grabbed my purse, and got to my feet. “Sorry, Rob,” I said. “I’ve got to go.”
He frowned. “Hey, what the hell? I took time out my day to come see you and now you’re just taking off?”
I shrugged my shoulders and gave him a pointed look. “I’m sorry,” I said. “But I’ve already wasted too much time on you. And I have better things to do.” Then I took off quickly. He yelled my name across the patio, but I didn’t give him a second glance.
Chapter 21
The following week at work started out the same way. If I wasn’t typing up contracts, I was busy working my way through the slush pile. Early Monday morning I was sitting at my desk, trying to slog my way through another pathetically constructed spy thriller when someone slapped a newspaper down on my desk. I looked up in surprise, and locked eyes with Julian. His gaze was scorching and deadly, and I saw a small blood vessel throbbing at his temple. “Can you explain this to me?” he asked pointing to the newspaper, a slight tremor in his voice.
I looked at the paper. It was a tabloid, and screaming across the front page was the headline “The Bare Essentials heartthrob back together with old flame?”
I let out a long sigh, picked up the paper, and handed it back to Julian. He took it back slowly, never taking his eyes off me. “I met Rob for coffee,” I said.
Julian eyed me carefully, his expression suddenly guarded. “Are you back together with him?”
I stared at Julian for a long moment, taking him in. He was impeccably dressed as usual, in a navy blue Armani suit, but he had dark circles under his eyes, and his expression was tortured. I took some comfort in seeing that our breakup was taking a toll on him too. Sitting there, looking up at him, all I wanted to do was fold myself into his chest, and breath in the strong, masculine scent of his skin that I’d become so addicted to.
But I couldn’t. I had to focus on my work, my career. When it came to Julian, it looked like I’d have to make a choice between work or love. With him, I couldn’t have both. And right now I had to build a name for myself in the industry.
“No,” I answered decisively. “It’s over between us. For good.”
He face visibly relaxed, and the tension left his body. He eyed me hopefully. “Join me for lunch today,” he said.
I felt my brow scrunch in consternation and I shook my head. “I can’t, Julian.”
His face became hard and determined. “I want you back, Sarah. I want you back so much it hurts. But I’m willing to wait.” His eyes filled with heat and longing, and he reached down and reverently stroked my face. “This kind of connection only comes along once in a lifetime. Please don’t throw it away.”
I bit down on my lip, and looked away. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Julian nod in resignation. Then he turned around and took off in the direction of his office.
***
At lunch time, I decided to eat at my desk. I’d packed a sandwich, and as I was nibbling away, I started surfing the net, looking for job openings at other talent agencies. I came across an opening for an entry level position at Stone and Allen. I’d heard good things about the agency. Athena Stone was known as much for her flamboyant style as her cut-throat bargaining tactics with studio executives. She’d been in the business for ten years and had managed to sign a number of very high profile clients. As I was taking in the details of the job posting, I heard someone clear his throat behind me. I turned around to see Paul standing there, eyeing my computer screen.
“I see you’re shopping around for alternative employment opportunities.”
My stomach twisted with guilt, and I tried to wrack my brain for something to say. I opened my mouth to speak, but Paul held up his hand. “Come into my office, please.”
I got up and followed him to his office, the guilt I was feeling now mingling with dread. I couldn’t afford to get fired. I needed the money. How was I going to talk myself out of this one?
When I’d taken a seat across from my boss, I immediately launched into an explanation. “I’m so sorry, Paul. But I feel I’ve let you down. And that I’ve jeopardized our work relationship. I wasn’t seriously considering leaving. I was just exploring the chance for getting a new start.”
Paul nodded. Then he picked up a pencil and started tapping it thoughtfully on his desk. “Despite everything, Sarah, I would hate to lose you. Your talents have been a real asset to this agency. But I do understand your need for a fresh start.” He pressed his lips together, and gave his desk one final, decisive tap. “I know Athena Stone,” he said. “I can make a phone call on your behalf.”
A feeling of hope swelled in my chest. “That would be wonderful,” I said quietly.
Paul adjusted his spectacles, peering over them at me. “I can’t promise you anything,” he said. “But I’m sure I can at least get you an interview.”
I nodded. “Thank you so much,” I said.
He nodded back, then waved me away, and I went straight back to my desk. When I sunk back into my chair, I felt a huge release of tension. I hadn’t been fired, and I had the prospect of another job just ahead of me. I had no guarantee, of course. Nevertheless, things were looking up.
***
Stone and Allen was just a few blocks away, and Paul had managed to schedule an interview for me during my lunch hour the following day. The agency was located in another steel and glass office tower, and as I rode the elevator up, I nervously glanced at my reflection in the mirror, checking to make sure my makeup wasn’t smudged, and that I looked presentable. That day I’d worn a pink lace Nina Ricci dress with beige suede pumps, which I considered a conservative look with a slight bit of edge.
When I entered the office, I was struck by how different the décor here was from McGregor Cooper. The art on the wall was all modern and abstract, and made it looked like the cream walls had been splashed with greens and reds and blues. A modern red couch with silver legs stretched across the waiting area, and a brass coffee table full of magazines sat right in front of it.
The most striking thing about the office, however, was Athena Stone. When she came to greet me, I was immediately overwhelmed by her appearance and manner. She was at least six feet tall, and her ample curves were showcased by a Bottega Veneta dress that looked like it had been designed by Jackson Pollock. Her feet were sheathed in strappy black stilettos, making her appear even more statuesque. With her high cheekbones, wide green eyes, and full lips, she was a beautiful woman. I would have been completely intimidated by her if it weren’t for her warm smile, and the friendly sparkle in her eyes.
When we were settled in her office, her expression became no nonsense. “Your resume is impressive,” she said. “As was the letter of recommendation I received from Paul. He’s usually not one to praise, so your work for him must have been exceptional.”
I felt warmth and gratitude spread through me. Clearly, Paul wasn’t holding the loss of the Phillips account against me. Athena Stone’s eyes suddenly became hard and assessing. “What worries me,” she said, “Is that you’re leaving Cooper McGregor after only being there for a month. Care to explain?” As her eyes scrutinized me, I realized that I had two choices. I could make up some sort of story about the agency not being the right fit, or I could come clean. I decided to come clean.
I looked her squarely in the eye and said, “I was dating Julian McGregor, and things got a little uncomfortable around the office.” Athena Stone nodded and flashed me a wide smile. The look on her face told me she’d been testing me, and that I’d passed.
“I appreciate your honesty,” she said. “It must have been tough dating someone so well established while you were trying to make a name for yourself.”
I nodded, and a silent understanding passed between us. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you,” she said, getting to her feet, then coming over to shake my hand. “I’ll be in touch with you soon,” she added, and the smile in her eye had me feeling confident, even though I didn’t want to get my hopes up.
***
Three hours later, I was sitting at my desk, reading another abysmal spy thriller, when the phone call came. “Ms. Stevens,” said Athena Stone, her smooth, no nonsense voice immediately recognizable. “I wanted to let you know that you’re hired. You start at the beginning of next week.”
I thanked her profusely, then got off the phone. Intending to thank Paul for all of his help, I got to my feet and started heading over to his office. But Julian came out of nowhere and instantly shot in front of me, blocking my path. His eyes were intense and scrutinizing. “I hear you’ve been interviewing,” he said.
I felt my guard go up, and my lips quirked up in a tight smile. “Yes,” I said. “In fact, I just got hired. By Athena Stone. I’ll be working as her assistant.”
Julian’s face brightened up. “That’s wonderful news,” he said. Then he reached for my hand and gave it a tight squeeze. “That means we can get back together.”
I pulled away my hand and took a step back, which caused Julian’s face to cloud over. It pained me to pull away. Everything in me wanted to draw him close and never let go. But dating him had done too much damage to my career. And if I wanted to save face, and then build a name for myself, I had to stay away from him or be forever reduced to the role of trophy girlfriend. “I can’t, Julian,” I said, a slight tremble in my voice. I know he heard it, because a glimmer of hope passed across his face.
“I’ll no longer be the boss’s partner. We’ll just be colleagues in the industry who happen to be dating each other.”
I felt a wave of sadness pass through me, and my pain must have registered on my face, because his expression softened. He looked at me expectantly, waiting for my response.
“Julian, let’s not kid ourselves. I’m nowhere even close to being your colleague. Sure, I’m a quick study. And I know how to recognize talent. But I don’t have your experience. I don’t have the expertise you’ve spent at least a decade developing. Maybe when I’ve spent a few more years in the industry, I’ll begin to make a name for myself, but right now I’m a newbie. An assistant, learning the ropes. And you’re a big shot. You’re so way out of my league it’s not even funny.”
Julian’s eyes filled with anger, and his whole body went stiff. “How many times do I need to tell you that you are my equal, Sarah.” I arched a skeptical eyebrow at him. He ignored my expression, but his gaze became more intense. “You’re my intellectual match. And we fulfill each other’s emotional needs. Yes, I have years of experience on you both as an agent, and as a man. But we don’t have to be on equal footing in everything to make this thing work.” He cupped my chin and tilted my head up so our eyes met again. “Do you understand that?”
I bit my lip, and felt my chest constrict painfully. “It would be different if we weren’t in the same industry, Julian. Then it wouldn’t matter. But right now, to everyone in Hollywood, it will look like I latched on to you, hoping for an easy ride to the top.”
Julian let out an exasperated sigh, and his eyes glimmered angrily. “Who gives a shit what other people think.”
I shot him a frustrated look. “I do. Because it’s my reputation at stake. Your reputation is solid. You can afford to flaunt the rules, and flip the bird at anyone who dares to call you out. But I can’t.”
Julian bridged the short distance between us, and pulled me into his arms. The moment I felt his chest against my cheek, my whole body started quivering. I wanted to melt into him. I wanted his mouth on mine. His lips caressing my neck, his hands all over my body. I whimpered, and he started stroking my hair. “I miss you so much, baby,” he whispered in my ear. “And I know you miss me too. All these nights without you have been brutal. I can’t sleep. It’s killing me not to have you beside me. Please come home.”
I looked up at him, and his expression was so pleading, so earnest. I wanted to have him back. God, I wanted so badly to have him back. But I couldn’t cave. Even if it made me miserable right now, I couldn’t give in. If I let him take over my world, I’d regret it later. And by then the damage would be done, and it would be so much harder to heal. I’d seen it first hand with my mother. And I couldn’t let that happen to me. I tore myself away from him. “I can’t, Julian,” I whispered. “I just can’t.”
I started walking away from him, now heading toward the washroom. I needed a few minutes to get myself together before I talked to Paul. “Sarah,” he called out. I paused, and turned around. His expression was dark and deadly serious. “I told you I’ll wait. For as long as it takes.”
My lip started trembling violently, and my throat constricted painfully. We stared at each other for a long time, the intensity and the sexual charge between us palpable. I finally nodded curtly, broke our gaze, and turned away.
Chapter 22
Monday morning at Stone and Allen, despite the flamboyance of both my boss and the office décor, wasn’t all that different from a typical day at Cooper McGregor. Although Athena was more approachable, she was just as hard-working and disciplined as Paul. By mid-morning I was typing up a new contract, and taking a few moments here and there to get acquainted with the contents of the slush pile.
But then Athena called me into her office just before lunch, saying she had something urgent to discuss with me. When I was settled into the teak armchair across from her desk, I took one look at her and could tell she meant business.
“There’s a potential client coming in this afternoon,” she said, adjusting her flowing, blue silk blouse. “And I want you to come in on the meeting.” I looked at her in surprise, and she smiled at my reaction. “Don’t look so shocked, my dear. Paul is a hard man to please, and he raved about your professionalism in the boardroom. So I want you in on this.”
She started flipping through a stack of papers. “Aha,” she said, apparently locating what she was looking for, and pulling out a chunk of white sheets from the pile. “The potential client’s name is Sylvia Laurence. You heard of her?”
I nodded, and Athena smiled at me slyly. “Good girl. You’ve done your homework. Anyway, she’s kind of a brassy broad. She likes to be in the limelight, considers herself one of a kind. She’s interested in working with me because of my reputation, but the one time I met her, she was obviously put off by my flamboyance. You know, the kind of babe who doesn’t like any competition because she wants all eyes on her.” Her eyes twinkled slyly, and I smiled appreciatively in response. “Anyway, Paul tells me that you know how to be both retiring and charming at the same time. And that’s what I want from you this afternoon. Show her we’re here to serve her. That we’re not a threat.”
My eyes must have lit up with recognition, because Athena looked satisfied that she’d been understood. “Anyway,” she said, picking up the stack of paper she’d fished out, “this is her latest Rom Com. It’s hot. And I want it. I know I can sell this thing for enough to buy myself that third vacation home I don’t need.” She winked at me, and I laughed. “Have a look through it,” she said, her tone getting serious. “So you’ll be up to speed for the meeting.” She leaned back in her chair, and let out a long sigh. “And that is all my dear. Get to work.”
***
For the rest of the early afternoon, I carefully studied Sylvia Laurence’s screenplay. Athena was right. It was damn good. The leading couple was fresh and quirky, and there was an interesting twist at the end. Sylvia hit all of the commercial notes, following the romantic comedy formula, without her work coming across as clichéd or overdone.
At ten to three, the receptionist buzzed me to let me know Sylvia had arrived. I quickly informed Athena, and she told me to bring Sylvia to the boardroom. When I went out to the reception area and saw Sylvia, I was completely blown away. The woman was a stunner, but in an overdramatic way. She had on full evening makeup, which called attention to her huge chocolate eyes and high cheekbones, and she was wearing an almost blinding orange off-the-shoulder dress. Hanging from her ears were massive teardrop gold earrings, and they were paired with a long, chun
ky, gold necklace. Her stilettos were three inches high, adding to her already considerable height, and were done in a leopard print design.
She turned toward me and looked me up and down, her eyes narrowing slightly. She was clearly sizing me up. Luckily, I’d worn a simple beige sheath dress and almost-natural makeup that day, so I didn’t look like someone who would be vying with her to be the center of attention. I subtly took a deep breath, then put on my most winning and appreciative smile. “Good afternoon, Ms. Laurence,” I said, holding out my hand. Her features instantly relaxed, and she shook my hand in response.