Little White Lies

by R. C. Matthews

  They walked down a wide hallway with gray marble flooring, past several offices in the center of the building, which allowed for cubicles in the open area. The offices were separated from the common area by sliding glass doors, affording the occupants a view of the City of Detroit out of the main windows. The décor was conservative, primarily black, white and gray with a few splashes of color on the walls from the strategically placed artwork.

  They paused in Madalyn’s office so she could set down her briefcase and purse, and then continued the tour of the office. Jerry introduced her to her colleagues as they walked, pointing out the restrooms, kitchen area, mailroom and service room which contained printers, fax machines, and general supplies. Her head was spinning with all of the new information, but Jerry assured her it would all be second nature in a day or two.

  “Well,” Jerry said, “that’s about all you need to know about the building.” They arrived back at her office and she stepped in to put her coffee down on the desk. “There are plenty of restaurants in the area for lunch,” he continued. “There’s a fantastic little bakery that opened up nearby.”

  Madalyn smiled. She was willing to bet her next paycheck that he was referring to her sister’s new location.

  “But you’re also welcome to bring a lunch and keep it in the kitchen refrigerator,” he said. “I’m going to let you get settled in here. The human resources manager, Jessica Wilson, should be over soon with a bunch of paperwork for you to complete. Then she’ll take you over to IT to get your laptop computer. Why don’t you stop by after lunch and we can get you started on your first assignment?”

  “That sounds great,” Madalyn replied. “I’ll see you then.”

  She sat down in her chair across from her desk and breathed a sigh of relief. How was she ever going to remember all of these new names and faces? After six years with her previous employer, she had taken it all for granted, forgetting what it was like to be the new kid on the block. She checked out the telephone directory and smiled when she located her name and extension. Within minutes Jessica appeared with the promised paperwork and talked Madalyn through the various healthcare and other personnel forms.

  It took the better part of the morning to fill out the forms and set up her computer with the various websites and log-ins. Madalyn took her time, browsing the company’s website and becoming familiar with the intranet site and research software. Shortly before noon, Madalyn went to find the IT department to get her personnel badge and then headed out of the building in search of lunch. She located a sandwich shop around the corner and ate a corned beef and Swiss cheese on rye while reading through her morning newspaper. She made it back to the office at exactly one o’clock and promptly entered Jerry’s office.

  “Hi, Jerry,” she said, standing in the doorway to his office.

  “Madalyn.” He gestured for her to take a seat. “I hope you’re all settled in now?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “That’s great,” he said. “I’m sorry I can’t give you more time to adjust but we have a new account and I could use your help. With your background in finance and your previous work experience, you’re a perfect fit for this assignment.” He tapped his pencil on the desk. “I need you to get started right away. I want you to collect as much data as you can from our client’s website. The company is planning an Initial Public Offering and we’re lead counsel.”

  “Excellent,” Madalyn said. She opened a pad of paper and reached for a pen out of her purse. “I’m anxious to get back to work. This is perfect. What’s the name of the company?”

  “Innovare Incorporated,” Jerry replied.

  “Never heard of it,” Madalyn said, looking up at him.

  “It’s headquartered a few blocks over.” He pointed with his pencil in the general direction. “You can read all about it on their website. Collect everything you can. They’ve scheduled a kick-off meeting for tomorrow at one o’clock in the afternoon. Your arrival is timely,” he smiled. “I’d like us to meet around ten tomorrow morning to go over what you find out, so we’re prepared. I’ll send you a copy of the meeting invitation so you can print out the agenda and company materials to use in directing your research.” He turned to his computer to find the agenda. “This is a great opportunity for our office. Let’s make an impression.”

  Madalyn walked back to her office and set down her notepad and purse. How exciting! It was her first day and already she was assigned to an IPO—an excellent opportunity to showcase her skills. She looked down at her shoes and smiled. Perhaps they were her lucky shoes after all. It would mean a lot of overtime in the coming weeks—perfect for taking her mind off of the past few weeks.

  She sat down in front of her computer and got started, typing “Innovare Incorporated” in the search engine. Several articles popped up but she decided to go straight to the company’s website as Jerry had asked. She clicked on “History” and began to read:

  Innovare Incorporated is a world-class researcher and manufacturer of pharmaceutical products and related instruments with locations throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in 1960 by Richard Spencer, the company made its humble beginning with the introduction of a new and innovative drug to treat ADHD.

  Madalyn paused and backtracked to the founder’s name: Spencer. It couldn’t be! Her heart raced laps around her chest like a car at the Indy 500. She clicked furiously through the website. It must be there somewhere. Yes, there … Executive Management … under “Our Company”. She held her breath and clicked, and within seconds she had her answer. Royce Spencer, Chief Executive Officer since 2008. He looked like he had stepped off the pages of GQ magazine with his dark suit, yellow striped tie and radiant smile.

  What the hell? Royce was the CEO of her employer’s exciting new client. She stared at his picture unable to look away. But how did he know about her former employer? And why did he read the society pages of the Chicago Tribune? Madalyn released a small snort. Not only had he grown up in Detroit … Royce still lived here. This was her chance to meet him again, to have a fresh start. They lived in the same town. There were no travel barriers. But he had left her. She sank back into her chair. What the hell was she going to do? Should she tell Jerry that she knew Royce? Or should she act dumb? Maybe Royce didn’t want people knowing about his personal life and where he vacationed. It was too much to think about and she had less than 24 hours to decide what she should do.

  She pushed back away from her desk and looked down at her lucky shoes. Oh, what have you done? She steeled her back and went to work researching Innovare Incorporated, gathering as much data as she could for her meeting in the morning with Jerry. That was her assignment and she was a professional. She would have time later tonight to talk to her trusty adviser about her predicament. Jeanine was going to flip out!

  • • •

  The alarm on Madalyn’s phone went off, indicating it was seven o’clock. It was time to leave and meet her sister at the pub. She organized all of the data she had collected in a binder and put it in one of her drawers for her morning meeting with Jerry. She locked the drawer and then shut down her computer. All set. Grabbing her purse, she made a quick stop in the ladies room to freshen up before heading out of the building. She decided to make the short drive over to the MGM Grand Casino and park in the adjacent lot. It would be dark by the time she and Jeanine left the pub.

  Madalyn entered TAP and a warm smile spread across her face at the charm of the pub. The cobblestone floor, large wrought iron lighting fixtures and wooden tables made from wine barrels created an old rustic pub atmosphere that was warm and inviting. Madalyn searched the bar and found Jeanine waving at her from a table along the perimeter of the room. Good. They would have some privacy and could talk.

  Madalyn weaved her way through the tables and slid into her chair across from Jeanine. Jeanine wore her typical bakery uniform—jeans and a colorful blouse. Today was violet. Madalyn leaned in and gave her sister a peck on the cheek. “Hey, how’s it going?
”

  “How was the first day?” Jeanine asked. She was nearly bouncing in her seat.

  Madalyn bit down on her lower lip. Where should she start? She rocked back and forth in her chair.

  “It was good,” Madalyn said. “I’m glad to finally be settling into a routine with work. Jerry gave me the first day tour of the office and I found a cute little sandwich shop around the corner that I like.”

  Jeanine pouted. “Why didn’t you come visit me at the bakery?”

  “I didn’t have a lot of time. It took forever to get through everything from human resources and to get my computer set up. I had to get back for a meeting with Jerry at one o’clock.”

  Jeanine watched Madalyn rocking in the chair. “What happened?” she asked. “Fess up. You know you’re dying to tell me.”

  She was right, of course. “I have my first assignment.”

  “Good deal,” Jeanine said and motioned with her hands for Madalyn to bring on the details.

  “Our office won a new contract with a prestigious local company,” Madalyn said in a hushed tone. Jeanine was used to the confidentiality aspect of Madalyn’s job and didn’t push for details on the transaction. “My boss wants me to work on it.”

  “That’s great news!” Jeanine beamed at her.

  A waitress appeared to take their order. Madalyn decided on a burger, fries, and a light ale on tap. She continued to rock back and forth in her chair and smiled at her sister while she ordered.

  “That’s not the real news,” Jeanine said, looking at Madalyn when the waitress walked away. “Okay, stop with the rocking. You’re driving me nuts. Spill it.”

  “Royce is the CEO of our new client. We might be working together closely for the next several months.” Madalyn had dropped the bomb on her sister and watched it go up in flames.

  “Damn!” Jeanine said with her eyes wide. “I thought you said he helped out in a family business?”

  “Those were my thoughts exactly,” Madalyn said with a broad smile. “He played that information down in a big way. Maybe he doesn’t want people judging him based on his work and the fact that he runs a multi-billion dollar enterprise.”

  “Have you told your boss, Jerry?”

  Madalyn rubbed her sweaty palms against her thighs. She couldn’t keep still. “No, not yet. I’m not sure what I should do. We have a kick-off meeting tomorrow at one o’clock. I just found out about this a few hours ago. I desperately need your advice.”

  Jeanine ran her hand through her short hair and blew out a long, deep breath. “I’m so glad I’m not in your shoes right now!”

  “That’s very helpful,” Madalyn said, scowling at her sister.

  Jeanine looked disgruntled. “I know. Give me a minute. You can’t drop a grenade on me like that and expect me to spout the wisdom of Gandhi.” She rested her forearms on the table and leaned in. “Let’s talk through your options.”

  Madalyn nodded. “Option one, I tell my boss that I know Royce and let him decide whether to keep me on the account or not.”

  Jeanine immediately shot holes in option one. “You can’t possibly share all of the intimate details with Jerry that he’d need in order for him to make an informed decision.”

  “Why can’t I tell Jerry we were assigned at the same dinner table on the cruise and our relationship is cordial?” Madalyn asked.

  “Because you have no idea how Royce is going to greet you in the meeting. His actions may contradict what you say, making you appear like a liar to your boss. You can’t risk that in a new position. And you can’t divulge the truth to Jerry without knowing if it’ll piss Royce—your firm’s new client—off. ”

  Madalyn threw her hands up in exasperation. “Fine. Option two, I call Royce and let him know I’ve been assigned to the account then he can decide if he wants me on the account or not.”

  “Will he even be in the meeting tomorrow, Madalyn?”

  “I don’t know for sure,” she replied. “His name wasn’t on the meeting invitation but the invitation may have gone to his secretary.”

  “It’s too bad you don’t know for sure,” Jeanine said. “If he isn’t going to be working closely with your firm, then maybe it’s a non-issue. Or if he isn’t there tomorrow, it would give you more time. You might be passing up an excellent opportunity for no good reason.”

  “There’s always option three. I just show up tomorrow at the meeting and see what happens.”

  Jeanine grabbed Madalyn’s hand and squeezed it softly. “You two had a whirlwind romance that was sexually charged. How do you think he would feel if he sees you for the first time when you’re in a business meeting?”

  Madalyn thought about it for a while. “I’m not sure,” she said. “I’m pretty sure he left on good terms. If he hadn’t, he would never have let me keep the ring and he wouldn’t have said he would cherish the time we spent together. He might be surprised, but he does well on the fly.”

  “I think you owe it to him to call ahead of time and explain the situation,” Jeanine concluded. “It’s just too risky showing up there unannounced, not knowing how he’ll react. You have your career and your new firm to think about.”

  Madalyn cursed. She needed more time to think. Her meeting was at ten in the morning with Jerry. That didn’t give her a lot of time to reach out to Royce. What was she going to say? Would he be happy to hear her voice and talk to her? Or would he wish she would just disappear? Madalyn acknowledged the wisdom of Jeanine’s advice. She had to at least try to call Royce in the morning and talk it through.

  “Alright,” she said as their food arrived. “I’ll call him in the morning.”

  Jeanine nodded her head, satisfied that Madalyn was on the right course.

  “Tell me about your day,” Madalyn said, biting into her burger. “I need to think about something else for a while.”

  “Katie emailed me earlier today,” Jeanine said. “Her culinary classes are going well and she is enamored with London. I don’t know why she had to go halfway across the world to learn what she already knows.”

  Madalyn smiled at her sister’s annoyance. “It’ll be good for her to break out of her shell. You can’t teach an old dog a new trick, but puppies are open minded to new experiences.”

  Jeanine’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped open. “Did you just compare me to an old dog?”

  “If the shoe fits,” Madalyn chuckled. “Oh, lighten up Jeanine. All I’m trying to say is it can’t hurt for Katie to be exposed to new ideas and experiences. She’ll grow both professionally and personally from this trip. I think it’s great! Who knows, maybe she’ll bring home a recipe for crumpets or bread and butter pudding!”

  “Humph … ” Jeanine said. “I’m anxious to open another location in Rochester Hills, but we can’t do that until she returns.”

  “Wow,” Madalyn said. “Things are going that well in your new Detroit location?”

  Jeanine blushed and looked down at her plate. Madalyn sat back in her chair watching her closely. Jeanine was not a blusher. Something was going on here. Madalyn washed down her food with a gulp of beer, trying to decide on the best course of action. She decided to be direct.

  “What aren’t you telling me?”

  Jeanine cleared her throat and tried to sound nonchalant. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Yes. You. Do.” Madalyn was not buying her sister’s act.

  “If you must know,” Jeanine said. “I decided to move forward with the lunch menu concept we discussed a few weeks ago.”

  “Oh,” Madalyn said. Was that it? “That’s great news. When does the new menu go live?”

  “It went live today.”

  Madalyn’s eyes lit up in understanding. “Well no wonder you’re upset I didn’t stop by for lunch! You should’ve told me. If I had known then I would’ve made a point of coming by.”

  “Maybe you can drop by on Wednesday or Thursday?” Jeanine said and stared down at her plate. “I’d like you to meet my new chef.”


  Her new what?

  Madalyn arched her brow. “Since when does ‘Some Like It Hot Bakery’ have a chef?”

  “Since we started offering a lunch menu,” Jeanine replied and shifted in her seat. “I’m good, but not that good! I can’t run the bakery and cook and serve the items on our lunch menu.”

  Madalyn was enjoying herself. The new chef must be a real hottie. She hadn’t seen Jeanine squirm like this in a very long time. Madalyn made a mental note to stop by the bakery this week. Too bad she wouldn’t have time tomorrow to quench her curiosity.

  “So tell me all about your new man,” Madalyn said.

  Jeanine’s eyes shot up and she blanched.

  “Chef,” Madalyn corrected herself with a smile, taking pity on her sister. “I meant to say chef!”

  Chapter Fifteen – The Meeting

  At nine o’clock sharp Madalyn picked up her office phone and dialed the number to Innovare Incorporated. She asked to speak with Royce Spencer and was promptly forwarded to his secretary.

  “Ms. Burke speaking. You’ve reached Mr. Spencer’s office,” the young woman on the phone said. “How may I help you?”

  “Hello,” Madalyn said. “I’d like to speak with Mr. Spencer please.”

  “May I ask who is calling?” Ms. Burke said.

  “This is Ms. Russell. I’m an associate with Bristol & Bristol.”

  “I’m sorry but Mr. Spencer is busy this morning in meetings. I’ll be happy to let him know you called,” his secretary said.

  “It’s important that I speak with him now,” Madalyn pushed in her best attorney voice—strong and authoritative. She wasn’t going to give up so easy. She knew secretaries of CEOs secretly relished their power to control their boss’s schedule and “protect” them from unwanted solicitors.