by Glazer, J B
I stare at him, debating what to do. “OK then. I’ll do it.”
Jake gives me a big smile. “Thanks, Lexi. I knew I could count on you.”
“When are we leaving?”
“Thursday morning. We have the next day or so to bring you up to speed on what you’ll be presenting. The deck is pretty much locked, although you’re welcome to make edits so it’s more your style. I’ll put some time on your calendar this afternoon so we can review it.”
“OK. Let me clear my schedule. I’ll see you later.”
I can’t believe I get to go to San Francisco for the pitch—and with Jake. It’s a high-profile client, and this is a huge opportunity for me. I stop by Michelle’s office to let her know I’ll be unavailable the rest of the week. We run through the status of her projects and I tell her the key things that need to happen while I’m out. I’m glad I can trust her to handle them.
Jake, Simon, and I meet that afternoon, and they walk me through the pitch deck. I have a few suggestions, but otherwise it’s in really good shape. Jake and I discuss how we’ll divide up the content. He’s going to open up the meeting, handle introductions, set up the assignment, then turn things over to me and Simon. Next we review the final print ads, and they look amazing. The team also boarded up our concept for the website, digital media, and outdoor billboard. The white-paper ideas for social media and promotional extensions are going into the presentation. I look at Simon and tell him what an incredible job the team did. It’s a smart, sexy campaign, and I’d be shocked if we didn’t land the account.
“What do you think?” I ask Jake. “You do these pitches all the time.”
“I think we have outstanding creative. If they judge us on the work, we’ll win hands down. The only issue will be cost. We’re up against some smaller shops, and they’ll be very aggressive with their pricing. I also think chemistry is important, which is another reason I wanted to bring you. You and Simon are a good team and play off each other’s strengths. Plus I think they’ll relate to you. Knowing my luck, they’ll want to put you on the account. Then Morgan will really have my head.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We can worry about that when we win it.”
“I’m glad you’re optimistic,” Jake says. “Why don’t you take the day off tomorrow? Take some time to go through the deck so you’re comfortable with it. We can rehearse one last time Thursday night.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I think you’ll be able to focus better at home. There are too many distractions here.”
I can’t argue with that. We make a plan to meet at the office on Thursday morning then head to the airport together.
“I’ll have Joann book your plane ticket. Simon and I are planning on staying through the weekend. I have to be there for a meeting on Monday, and Simon has friends in the area.”
“I’ll stay through the weekend too. I’ve never been to San Francisco before.”
“You, my dear, are in for a treat,” Simon tells me.
I spend all evening going through the presentation. I wake up the next morning and review it again. I’m really very comfortable with the content. I decide to take a break and make an appointment for a mani/pedi that afternoon and throw in a bikini wax. I tell myself it’s because I might go to the pool. I come home and pack, then go through my notes one final time. I don’t want to overdo it and sound rehearsed. We’re leaving on a 1:00 p.m. flight, so the plan is to have an early dinner then do a final run-through.
The next morning Jake, Simon, and I meet to do a dress rehearsal. Jake plays the role of the client and throws a bunch of questions my way. I do a fairly good job answering them, but he gives me some suggestions. It’s fun to see him in his element. I can tell he’s pumped about this pitch. He radiates a positive energy that’s kind of contagious.
“We probably should get going,” he says. “Let’s meet in the downstairs lobby in five.”
I go to the ladies’ room, grab my suitcase, and head downstairs. I can’t believe I’m going on a business trip with Jake. I know it’s for work, but I’m excited nonetheless. Jake ordered a town car, and it’s waiting for us. The driver takes our bags, and we get in. Simon and I are in the back, and Jake is in the front.
He turns around and hands me my ticket. Then he looks at me apologetically. “I tried to get you in first-class with us, but it was too expensive so last minute.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine in coach. Just don’t forget about me when you’re sipping your champagne and eating ice cream.”
“Not these days,” says Simon. “We’ll be lucky if we get a bag of peanuts.”
“At least you’ll have more leg room.”
“Like you need it,” he says, and I narrow my eyes at him.
Jake gets a call and is on his phone the entire ride to the airport. Simon and I chat in the backseat. After we check in and get through security, we decide to grab lunch.
“Where should we go? Chili’s?” I tease Simon. He wrinkles his nose at me. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with Chili’s,” I tell him.
“I was thinking more along the lines of Wolfgang Puck.”
“Of course you were. It’s a good thing I didn’t suggest the food court.”
We eat lunch then head to the gate. We only have about five minutes before we board. I use the restroom one last time, and when I get back, they call first-class to board. “That’d be us,” says Simon. I wait another ten minutes before my row is called. When I walk past Jake, he grabs my bag.
“Is there anything you need in here?” he asks me.
“No. I have a separate carry-on. Thanks.” I watch as he effortlessly lifts my bag into the overhead bin. “It’s nice to see there are still gentlemen out there,” I say, giving Simon a look.
He shrugs. “I knew Jake would offer.”
I make my way back until I find my row. I have a window seat, and miraculously no one is next to me. There’s an older man in the aisle seat, but he’s already put on his headphones. Good, I can stretch out a bit more and not have to worry about making polite conversation. It’s a long flight, so I brought a book and some magazines. I love reading and haven’t had a lot of time to lately. We’re about midway through the flight when Jake comes by.
“Is this seat open?” he asks me.
I nod, and he sits down. “Slumming?” I ask him.
He laughs. “I feel bad that you’re stuck all the way back here. I figured I’d keep you company for a bit.”
“That’s nice of you,” I say.
“What are you reading? The next book in the Fifty Shades series?”
“No, that’s old news.” He feigns disappointment. “I finished all three a long time ago. I’m now reading The Choice.”
“What’s it about?”
“Did you ever see the movie Sliding Doors?” Jake shakes his head. “Well, it’s kind of like that. Basically it’s about the choices we make and how one decision can change the course of your life entirely. This girl is torn about where to go to college: Does she accompany her boyfriend or go to the school of her choice and be on her own? The first part of the book follows her life where she chooses the same school as her boyfriend. The second shows how things turn out when she charts her own course. She ends up meeting a new guy, but the twist comes toward the end, when her two lives collide, and she has to choose between the two.”
“Which does she choose?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t gotten to that part yet.”
He stares at me intently then asks, “Who do you think she should choose: the old boyfriend or the new guy?” Suddenly I get the feeling we’re no longer talking about the book.
“Well, the old boyfriend is the safe, reliable choice. But I think she should pick the new guy.”
Jake nods. “Let me know how it turns out.”
I ask him about the kinds of books he likes, and he tells me mostly nonfiction. “What are you reading now?” I ask him.
“A biography
about JFK. I also like memoirs because they give me a glimpse into what people’s lives were really like. Have you ever read one?”
I shake my head. “I usually read fiction. I guess I feel like everyday life is hard enough—sometimes it’s nice to read a book and know you’re escaping reality.”
“That’s understandable,” he says. “Speaking of, have you talked to your ex yet?”
“Not yet.” I try to change the subject. “What about you? How are things going with Barbie?”
“I haven’t seen her in a while. She doesn’t interest me that much.”
“Oh, what does a girl have to do to interest you?”
“She has to be smart and accomplished, have a sense of humor, share some of my interests, and have a goal for herself.”
“What about Ashley? Doesn’t she have a goal?”
“Her goal seems to be marrying someone rich to take care of her,” he says with a laugh. “Not the goal I had in mind.”
“You didn’t mention anything about looks,” I point out.
“I figured that was implied. I have to be attracted to someone to get to the other stuff. What about you?”
“Well, as you said, I need to find the person attractive, but it goes beyond that for me. There needs to be a spark.”
“A spark?”
“You know, chemistry. I’ve been on many dates where I thought the guy was nice looking, but something was missing. Right away I need to feel a connection with someone that makes me intrigued, excited, and wanting to learn more. I need to get a feeling about someone. After that he needs to be goal oriented, confident but not cocky, secure in who he is, and not take himself too seriously. He also can’t be afraid of commitment and has to have a good relationship with his family.”
“Is that all?” Jake teases.
“Oh, and one more thing—he needs to have nice manners. Call me old-fashioned, but I like a guy who’s a gentleman.”
“I wouldn’t have pictured that. You seem to be sort of a feminist.”
“I know, and I am in many ways. Like I wouldn’t want a guy to order for me at a restaurant, but there are certain things I still feel a guy should do.” Just then the FASTEN SEAT BELT sign comes on, and the captain announces we’ll be landing in about thirty minutes.
“That’s my cue,” Jake says.
“Thanks for keeping me company.”
“Anytime,” he says, and makes his way back to his seat.
I try to get lost again in my book, but my thoughts keep drifting to Jake.
When I get off the plane, he and Simon are waiting for me. Jake has my bag and won’t let me take it.
“Jake, I can pull my own suitcase.”
He shakes his head. “You can check one thing off your list,” he says with a smirk.
“Well, it’s a start, but it probably shouldn’t count because I gave you an unfair advantage.”
Puzzled, Simon looks at us. “What are you guys talking about?”
“I’m just trying to keep up with Lexi’s high standards,” Jake says.
I try to hide my smile. We head to the car rental desk, and Simon informs us he wants to get a separate car. He plans to visit some friends on Saturday in the Bay Area. I assume he’ll invite me to tag along.
“Lex, you can come with me. Jake likely will be on the phone the whole time.”
“You know me too well, Simon,” he replies.
We arrive at the hotel and check in. Our rooms are all on the seventh floor. I hope this is a sign of good luck. Before we part ways, we agree to meet for dinner in a half hour. I decide to freshen up and change. It’s beautiful out, so I throw on a color-block tunic dress with platform espadrille wedge sandals. I put my hair half up, reapply my makeup, and I’m ready. I happen to be the first one downstairs. I take a seat on the couch in the lobby and wait. A well-dressed businessman comes and sits beside me.
“I thought the men were usually waiting for the women,” he says to me.
I smile. “You’re right. Something is wrong with this picture.”
He extends a hand to me. “I’m Todd.”
I shake his hand. “Lexi.”
“Are you here on business?” he asks.
“Yes. I just arrived. You?”
“I actually leave tomorrow.”
I look up and spy Jake getting off the elevator. He sees us and makes his way over. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” he tells me.
“No problem. I was just chatting with Todd here.”
Todd looks from me to Jake. “Well, Lexi, it was nice meeting you. I’ll be at the bar later if you care to meet for a drink.”
“OK. Nice meeting you too.” After he walks away, Jake raises his eyebrows at me. “What? He just started talking to me. He pointed out that usually the men are waiting on the women.”
He laughs. “Leave it to Simon to be ready last.”
On cue, Simon gets off the elevator. “I just talked to my friend, and he told me there’s a great seafood place within walking distance. Is that OK with you, Lexi?”
“I’ll be fine.”
We head to the restaurant and decide to sit outdoors. We split a bottle of wine, and I feel very relaxed considering we have a huge presentation tomorrow. I ask Simon about his friends, and he reveals they were the ones who set him up with his partner, Lance.
“I still have to meet him,” I scold Simon.
“I know, and I tried. I invited you to our dinner party, but you turned me down.”
“Fair point, but it was last minute, and I already had plans.” I don’t mention I was baby-sitting for my nephew that night. “I’d really like to meet him.”
“Lance is a great guy,” says Jake.
“You’ve met him?” I ask incredulously.
“Yes, at last year’s holiday party.”
“Oh, we’re allowed to bring dates?”
“Not to the company-sponsored party, but inevitably there’s always an after party, and a lot of people bring their significant others.”
“Probably not the best idea,” says Simon.
“Why? Are there scandals that go on?”
“Usually. Free alcohol and work events don’t mix well.”
“Give me some names,” I tell him.
He thinks for a minute and says, “Sharon and Mike from accounting.”
“I don’t know them. Tell me about someone I would know.”
“OK. Nicole and Derrick.”
“No way. She never told me!”
“Maybe she doesn’t remember,” Jake says, smirking.
“Don’t tell him that,” I say. “I don’t think he’d take it as a compliment.”
The waiter arrives with our meals. Simon takes a bite and says, “This is divine. Try some, Lexi.”
Even though this restaurant is known for its seafood, I refused to order fish, which Jake and Simon gave me a hard time about. I take a bite and make a face. They both laugh. I knew I’d be safe with pasta.
“So what other scandals should I know about?”
Jake gets a funny look, and I realize it’s probably best to change the subject.
“That’s about it,” says Simon.
“Is the holiday party a big deal then?” I ask him.
“Oh, yeah. Everyone gets decked out to the nines. The company rents out an entire auditorium, and people from the agency put on a performance. They’ll be sending out an e-mail soon about auditions.”
“You have to audition?”
“Yep, it’s a major production. They usually spoof a Broadway musical. Last year it was Phantom of the Opera. People spend all their free time rehearsing. Crazy if you ask me.”
Jake breaks in. “It’s a company tradition, and it’s considered a big honor to be in the show.”
“Do you know what musical they’ll be doing this year?” I ask him.
“I do,” Jake says, “but I was sworn to secrecy.”
I bat my eyelashes at him and say seductively, “Come on. I promise not to tell anyone.”
&nbs
p; “Nope. You’ll have to beat it out of me.”
“There are other ways,” I say, and innocently sip my wine. I can see Jake smile from the corner of my eye. “So is it all entertainment?”
“Mainly, although Bill and Stephen give an update on the state of the business first.”
The waiter comes and asks if we want dessert.
“Come on, Lex,” says Simon. “Share something with me.”
“Twist my arm. Of course you know I’m always in for dessert. But it has to be something chocolate.”
He rolls his eyes. “Would I have it any other way?”
The waiter brings a sinfully delicious slice of flourless dark-chocolate cake. The three of us share it, and I’m stuffed. We walk back to the hotel and decide to meet in Jake’s room in ten minutes for a final run-through.
I knock on his door ten minutes later, and for once I’m the last to arrive. Jake is sitting at the desk with his laptop. He wants to go through the presentation one last time because he’s made some changes. He reads them aloud, but it’s hard for me to follow without seeing the deck. I move behind him and lean over his shoulder so I can see the screen. He smells just like he did the night of the benefit. My head is practically level with his, and I see a hint of stubble on his cheek. If he were to turn toward me, our lips would meet. This is very distracting, so I return to my chair. We spend the next hour and a half going through the presentation and possible questions. We’re ready. I’m glad we’re done because my neck is killing me. I absent-mindedly massage it while we’re talking.
“What’s up with your neck?” Simon asks me.
“You try sitting in coach for more than four hours.”
“Here. Let me help.” He comes up behind me and kneads his fingers into my neck. It hurts at first, but it’s a good kind of pain.
“Mmm,” I moan. “You’ve been holding out on me.” I stretch my legs out on the ottoman and let my head fall forward. I close my eyes and give in to the moment. When I open them, Jake is staring at me; I feel self-conscious under his gaze. “Thanks, Simon. I feel much more relaxed.”