by Glazer, J B
“Well, there’s one guy I’m attracted to, but I heard he doesn’t date anyone at the office.”
“What’s his name?”
“Jake Hartman.”
“Hartman? Isn’t that the name of your agency?”
“Yes, he’s the founder’s nephew. Aside from being really cute, he’s smart and very successful and has this charm about him. He runs the New Business group and has been responsible for a lot of recent wins.”
“Well, you never know. Sometimes all it takes is the right person to come along to change someone’s mind.” I wish it were that easy. “Lexi, you deserve to be with someone who will cherish you. Don’t forget that. I don’t want you ever settling for someone. I know you worry, but you have your whole future ahead of you. He’s still out there.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I say, and give her a hug. I hope she’s right. I do worry; I’m twenty-seven years old and starting all over again. I thought I’d be starting a family within the next year, but instead I’ve started a new job and can’t even think about dating anyone yet. Well, maybe one person, but he’s off-limits. Maybe that’s why I’m interested in him. He’s an easy target, someone to lust after that I know won’t ever return my affections. And I prefer to keep it that way.
We hit up Bloomingdale’s, but I’m not really in the mood to buy anything. Soon it’s time to head to our last appointment. We’re meeting with a company to discuss linens. I know it sounds boring, but I love this sort of thing. It’s weird having to do it again—I already planned so much for my wedding. At least this time it’s for someone else. I’m able to get through it knowing it’s for my Aunt Lynne, so I try to channel what she would want. We look at endless colors and textures of fabric before making our selections. Then my mom drives me home.
“Any big plans for tonight?” she asks me.
“No. I figured I’d be exhausted after today, so I’m just going to order in and watch a movie.”
She tries not to look concerned. “OK, have fun. Thanks for everything today.”
“Mom, I’ll be fine. Love you.”
I head upstairs, and I’m actually looking forward to a night of Thai food and Twilight. I’ve read all the books, but I haven’t seen the movies. I get lost in the world of Edward and Bella.
It’s only week two, but already I have a three-day immersion with our agency partners. We’re hosting the meeting at our offices because we’re the only local agency. Natalia, Paul, and Laurence from Lumineux’s research and development group will kick things off, and then each agency will share an overview of recent work, followed by a brainstorm session. The goal is to come up with a handful of ideas each agency feels good about that we can then ideate further with our respective agency teams. I stay late on Monday, working with Matt to come up with the right content to present. I also make sure the conference room has all the materials we’ll need. We’re starting promptly at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow.
I wake up early and arrive at the office a half hour before our start time. I check that breakfast has arrived, and then I wait in the lobby so I can greet everyone and show them to the conference room. We start out with an icebreaker exercise Natalia has thought up: two truths and a lie. Everyone has to share three facts about themselves, and then the group has to guess what the lie is. I find it hard to pay attention during these exercises because I’m always trying to think of my answer while the others are giving theirs. It kind of defeats the purpose in getting to know everyone. When it’s my turn, I say, “I ran the Chicago marathon; my apple cobbler won first place at the North Shore Festival; and I have a horrible case of arachnophobia.” Everyone guesses the apple cobbler, but I’ve never run a marathon. I actually hate running, and the thought of doing it for more than twenty miles is something I can’t fathom. I tell the group I’ll bring them my famous apple cobbler by the end of the week, and they can judge it for themselves.
The morning goes well, and we collectively come up with some interesting ideas. We’ve been brainstorming as a large group, so after lunch I suggest we break up into smaller cross-functional teams. I think people will be more willing to share out-of-the-box ideas they might be embarrassed about voicing in front of a new group of people. It seems to work, because we get much better ideas in the afternoon. Around five, Natalia thanks everyone for a productive day and dismisses us until dinner. I’ve made a reservation for the group at Gibson’s, a renowned Chicago steakhouse. We first have cocktails by the bar then head upstairs to a private dining room at seven thirty. I’m seated next to Trey from the digital agency, and he entertains us with stories about his recent travels to Kenya. It was his wife’s dream to go on an African safari, but he isn’t the outdoors type.
“You’re a good husband,” I tell him.
“That, and now I see a lot more guys’ getaways to Vegas in my future.”
“Very strategic. Well played.”
Eventually everyone shares information about their marital status, and surprisingly I’m one of the few single people at the table. It’s not something I try to fixate on, but lately it’s become a difficult fact to ignore. After dinner Natalia, Paul, and Laurence bid us good night, but the rest of the group is still up for going out. I take them to a nearby bar, and we stay there until past midnight. I’m not used to being out so late on a weeknight, but I feel like I should stay to bond with my new team. When I finally get home at 1:00 a.m., I sigh, knowing my alarm will be going off in five hours.
After several cups of coffee, I make it through the rest of the day then head to Taylor Tavern with the group for drinks. I leave on the earlier side so I can get to the grocery store to pick up ingredients for my apple cobbler. I bring it to our final session on Thursday, and everyone agrees it’s award worthy—that, or they’re just being nice, but it is one of my favorite recipes. We spend the day narrowing down the ideas from the past few days to our top three choices. Once Paul and Natalia are aligned, we’re charged with blowing the ideas out into actual concepts and sharing them with the group in two weeks’ time. It’s been a very productive few days, but come Friday, I’m exhausted. I spend the day getting caught up because it’s been hard to do actual work with our days and evenings full.
Nicole pops her head into my office around five o’clock. “Do you want to head downstairs with me?”
I debate whether I should go. I want to, but I still have work to do, and I’m dead tired. “I don’t know. I have two briefs to finish.”
“OK. I’ll give you a half hour. But you’re coming. Plenty of people still want to meet the new girl.”
I can’t argue with that.
Nicole and I head downstairs at five thirty, and things are already in full swing. She introduces me to more people, and I end up bonding with her friend Courtney, who works on our automotives account.
“You’re so lucky,” she tells me. “I’d kill to get on a beauty account.”
“Believe me, it wasn’t always so glamorous for me. When I was an intern, my first account was for fertilizer, and then I moved up to a wireless provider.”
“Sounds like fun,” she says sarcastically.
“Tell me about it. Try coming up with a unique campaign for a commodity when the client wants to simply focus on plan features. Then I got a job at an agency that was looking to fill an account executive role on the KandE account.”
“I’ve heard of them,” Courtney says. “They make tween nail and cosmetics products. My niece is a big fan.”
“It was a really fun account to work on. Even though the target consumers were younger, the job paved the way for me to get into beauty. What about you? How long have you worked at the agency?”
“Two years, both on automotives.”
“Then you should be up for rotation soon.”
“Yep. I’m keeping my ears open for any new business wins.”
“At least you work on a luxury car account. That must be nice.”
“True,” Courtney says, “but all I can show for it is a free car wash, and I don’t eve
n have a car. What about you? Do you have any product samples I can test out?”
“You’re in luck. A shipment actually came this morning. Stop by my office next week, and I’ll give you some.”
“Thanks, I’m a total beauty-product junkie.”
As we’re talking, Ross walks by and gives Courtney a curt nod. A look of distaste crosses her face. I think back to what Nicole told me; I believe he works in our finance department and is a close friend of Jake’s.
“What? You’re not a fan of Ross?” I ask.
“Not particularly.”
“Why’s that?”
She rolls her eyes. “He hasn’t hit on you yet?”
“No, should I be offended?”
She laughs and shakes her head. “I guess he can’t help it. He’s one of the few straight men in a sea of eligible ladies. He’s hooked up with more people here than I can count, but he always manages to end things in a way that’s to his advantage.”
“What do you mean?”
“I can’t explain it, but somehow he sweet-talks his way out of things and ends up remaining on good terms with each girl afterward.”
“I guess he has to, or he’d have a lot of enemies at this agency.”
“Let me tell you, he’s one smooth talker. Watch your back.”
“Thanks for the tip,” I tell her.
“I take it you’re single?”
I nod. “What about you?”
“I’ve been dating someone for about three months. It’s just reached the point where we’re not seeing other people.”
“That sounds promising.”
“I hope so,” she says, but I can’t help notice how her eyes search out Ross. I have a feeling she was one of his victims and hasn’t gotten over it. I’ll have to ask Nicole for details later.
After a while I decide to mingle and make my way over to Michelle. I haven’t really gotten to talk to her outside of work. She’s always so serious around me, so I try to get her to open up. Now that she’s had a few drinks, my efforts seem to be working. She tells me about her boyfriend and how she’s annoyed that they just bought a place together but he hasn’t proposed.
“Maybe he has something in the works,” I offer.
“I don’t know. I probably shouldn’t have agreed to move in with him.”
“Give it a try, and see how things go. If he’s willing to live with you, he’s obviously willing to make a commitment.”
“That, or he just wants cheaper rent,” she says, laughing. “What about you? Have you ever lived with someone?”
I haven’t told anyone at work about my situation, but I don’t want to lie. “Yes, when I was in New York.”
“Oh, did he move here with you?” I shake my head. “Sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s OK. Why would you?”
Nicole approaches us and asks why we look so somber. “I hope you’re not talking about work,” she says.
“No, we’re talking about our relationships.”
“Oh, good. Anyway, I could use a change of scenery. Let’s take this party elsewhere.”
I look at my watch. It’s already six forty-five, and I realize I haven’t had dinner. “Do you mind if we get something to eat first?”
“The guys just ordered a bunch of appetizers. Go share with them.”
I’d rather not eat greasy bar food, but I don’t want to drink on an empty stomach. I make my way over to their table and see that Jake’s there. “Hey, Lexi. Have some,” he says, motioning to the food. He introduces me to the other guys at the table, and one of them offers me a buffalo wing. My eyes start to water because it’s so spicy.
“I like a girl who can eat wings,” says Ross.
I’m about to make a surly reply, but I hold my tongue. Fortunately the waitress comes by with a plate of sliders and sweet potato fries. I can deal with that. After we eat, I ask if I can help with the bill. I get a resounding no.
Nicole comes over and says, “OK, where are we going next?” Someone throws out the name of a karaoke bar, and everyone gets excited about this idea. I’d rather die than sing karaoke.
“I think I’m going to head home,” I say.
“Come on, Lexi. You can’t eat and run,” says Ross.
“I don’t do karaoke.”
“Well, you can watch us make fools of ourselves. Let’s go.”
Reluctantly I follow them. I figure I’ll hang out for a song or two then make my escape.
We head into the bar, and it’s packed. Then we find a table near the back and place our drink orders. Someone also ordered a round of shots, so I decide it’s a good thing I don’t have to be up early tomorrow. Two kamikazes later, all the girls decide to go up and sing “I Will Survive.”
“Come on, Lexi,” says Nicole, taking me by the hand.
What the hell? At least I’ll be in a big group. We sing the song, and it’s actually quite fun. A couple of the guys go up to put their names on the list, and I notice Jake has stayed behind.
“Not into karaoke?” I ask him.
“Definitely not my thing,” he says, shaking his head.
“Me either, but I still did it.”
“Well, then you won’t mind doing it again.”
“Nope, once is enough.”
He inclines his head toward the stage. “I think they just said your name.”
“What?” Sure enough, a voice is calling me to come up on stage. “Someone must have put my name on the list.”
“That they did. It’s a Hartman and Taylor inauguration ritual. Here,” he says, handing me another shot.
I down it and, mortified, make my way to the stage. Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me” starts up. I’m grateful my college roommate’s boyfriend was into eighties music. At least it’s a song I know and like. If I’m going to do this, I figure I’ll put on a show. Even if I can’t sing, I can dance. Everyone is cheering for me, and I get really into it. Then some guy gets up onstage with me, so I serenade him. Who knew I could karaoke? When the song ends, I walk back to the group, and everyone applauds. I catch Jake’s eye and he’s watching me with an unreadable expression, which I find unnerving.
“Why didn’t anyone warn me?” I ask.
Courtney throws her arms around me. “Every newbie has to sing that song. Hands down, that was the best rendition I’ve heard yet.”
“That’s great. I just hope it doesn’t show up on YouTube.” Then I look at Jake and say, “Your turn.”
I’m parched, so I walk over to the bar to get some water. While I’m waiting, the guy I serenaded approaches me. He’s wearing a very tight shirt and conveniently has left the top buttons undone.
“Hi. I’m Tony. What’s your name?”
“Lexi.”
“Lexi, that was some dance you did there. You can show me those moves any time.”
“Thanks,” I say, attempting to walk away.
“Hey, what’s the rush? You sure seemed interested when you were dancing with me onstage,” he says, grabbing my arm.
At that moment, Jake walks over. “Is there a problem?” he asks, looking at me.
I don’t want him to think I can’t take care of myself, so I say, “No. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
Tony looks at Jake, sizing him up. “What’s it to you?”
“She’s with me,” Jake says, placing a protective hand on my shoulder. I’m acutely aware of his touch and the feel of his warm hand against my bare skin.
“Dude, you’re a lucky man. She’s smokin’ hot.” He looks back at me and says, “Nice meeting you, Lexi. I hope you’ll sing for us again.”
As we make our way back to the group, I say to Jake, “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that. You’re lucky he was so agreeable.”
“Lexi, that guy was totally shady. And don’t worry—I could have easily taken him on if I had to, but I figured he couldn’t put up much of an argument if he thought you were with me.”
“That’s true, but I owe you one.”
He lo
oks thoughtful and leans into me. “Maybe someday I’ll find a way for you to repay me.”
My face grows hot. It seems like there’s innuendo in his comment, but perhaps my judgment is clouded from a few too many cocktails. Feeling bold, I ask him to dance.
“This kind of place isn’t really my scene,” he says. “Perhaps some other time.”
I try to downplay my embarrassment. “So you won’t dance, and you won’t do karaoke. I made a fool of myself up there. The least you can do is return the favor.”
Before Jake has a chance to reply, a girl bumps into him, spilling her drink on his shirt. She apologizes and offers to pay for his dry cleaning, which he refuses.
“You should put some club soda on it,” I tell him. “I’ll go get some.” I walk over to the bar before giving him a chance to reply. When I return, he starts to protest, but I tell him it’ll help prevent the stain from setting. I lightly place my hand on his shirt and dab at the spot with a napkin, taking in his well-sculpted chest beneath my fingers. I do my best to ignore how nice his body feels as I work. “There. It looks like I got most of it.”
I meet his gaze, and he’s staring at me with an intense expression. “Thanks,” he says in a husky voice. “Here. Let me have the rest of that.” He takes the club soda from my hand, brushing his fingers against mine, and I shiver as a spark of energy passes between us. I fumble to come up with something to say, but I’m saved by Nicole, who walks over and informs us she’s leaving.
“Are you coming, Lexi?”
“Yes, I’ll be with you in a few.” I turn my attention back to Jake. “Looks like you’re off the hook.”
“I guess we’re even then,” he says.
“I guess so.”
I find myself wanting to stay. I look at Jake, imploring him to ask me to, but he doesn’t.
Instead he smirks and says, “Thanks for the show.”
“Glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.”
“You too, Lexi.”
I walk out into the night, feeling more hopeful than I have in a long time.