by Glazer, J B
“Nonsense. I appreciate the offer, but you’re my guest,” she says. Now I know where Jake gets it from.
Kate announces they have to leave to get Hailey home for bed. She gives everyone a hug, and I wish her luck.
“Next time I see you, you’ll be a big sister,” I tell Hailey.
“Will you come visit me and the baby?”
“Yes, I definitely will.”
Once they leave I hang out with Danielle and Nick. I really like them—they’re both nice, down-to-earth people, and they’re very easy to talk to. I don’t know where Jake is; he was deep in conversation with his dad earlier. Suddenly he’s by my side.
“Do you want to get going?” he asks me.
“I’m ready whenever you are.” I thank his parents for dinner, and they both give me a warm hug.
“It was so great having you here,” Nancy says. “Please come see us again soon.”
“I will,” I tell her.
Once we’re in the car, Jake asks me what I thought. “Everyone was really nice,” I tell him. “You have a great family.”
“I do,” he says.
“So are you going to play something for me later?”
“Maybe. Why?”
“I can’t resist a guy who plays in a band. It’s a huge turn-on.”
A smile spreads across his face. “If I’d known that, I definitely would have forced a reunion.” He pulls me toward him and kisses me. “Thank you for coming with me. It was nice having you spend time with my family. You know, I’d love to meet your family too.”
“You already met my family. At the benefit, remember?”
“Yes, but that was different. We weren’t dating then.”
“That’s true,” I say, and change the subject.
I know he hasn’t truly met them, but I’m not ready to take that step yet. My dad and Ben were very close. I think the breakup was hard on my father, and I don’t want to introduce him to someone else until I know for certain he’s the one. Jake definitely could be, but for some reason, I can’t bring myself to think it.
I stop by Simon’s office Monday morning.
“So how was it?” he asks.
“I think it went well. Everyone was really nice.”
“How did Jake like his gift?”
“I think he liked it once he realized I wasn’t going.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.”
“No, it is. He got a weird look until I told him the other ticket was for Nick.”
“You need to give him time,” Simon says. “It obviously took him a while before he was willing to move forward with your relationship. It’s not going to happen overnight.”
“I know. I just wonder how long it’ll be before he comes around. I don’t want to wait another six months before he’s ready to go public.”
“Patience, my dear. Just be happy you got to this point in your relationship.”
“I know,” I tell him. “I should be happy—and I am. I just wish I could share my happiness with others.”
“Well, you can share it with me.”
For now that has to be enough.
At ten thirty I head to Morgan’s office for an account management status meeting. She wants to discuss where we see the greatest growth opportunities for our clients. I spent a good portion of last week mapping out my plan, which focuses on organic growth from Lumineux. However, I have an idea I’ve been toying with that would enable us to expand our beauty portfolio. I decide now is the time to bring it up. I listen as my peers give their updates, most of which also focus on trying to secure more revenue from existing clients. When it’s my turn, I discuss how we can try to expand our scope into other areas of Lumineux’s portfolio. We only have their skin care business, but they also sell a wide range of other personal care products. A different set of clients manages that business, but I think we can get Natalia to arrange an introduction.
“That’s excellent, Lexi,” Morgan says. “Why don’t you put some time on my calendar so we can discuss your thoughts on how to best approach it?”
“I will, but I have one other idea. I think we should aim bigger than skin care. I think we should try to own beauty. A key staple would be landing a cosmetics account.”
“I like your aspirations. That’s been on the radar of our New Business team, but unfortunately there haven’t been any promising leads.”
“I may have one. When I worked at Aura, my client was always talking about the company’s desire to launch a mass-market line. But there was a lot of dissonance among executives because they feared it would erode the equity of the brand. Initially they were going to use the Aura name to establish credibility. When I left, the idea seemed closer to fruition because they decided to keep it as a completely separate brand. I can call my client and see if there are any updates.”
“Yes, you should definitely leverage your contact there. Do you want support from the New Business team?”
“Not yet. I don’t want this to come off as a sales pitch. Let me have an initial conversation, and we can go from there.”
Morgan pulls me aside after the meeting. “I was very impressed with your business plan. Keep up the good work.”
When I get back to my office, I place a call to my former client at Aura. Fortunately he picks up the phone.
“Eric Mathews.”
“Hi, Eric. It’s Lexi Winters.”
“Lexi, good to hear from you! How are things?”
“Very good. I moved back to Chicago. I’m with Hartman and Taylor now.”
“I heard. They’re lucky to have you.”
I thank him and ask about his family. He updates me then asks what I’m working on. I tell him about Lumineux and the fragrance account we recently won.
“Still working on beauty, I see, although I’m not surprised. It suits you.”
“Thanks. That’s actually why I’m calling. I wanted to see what’s happening with your foray into mass cosmetics.”
“We got the green light last month,” Eric says. “It’s a go.”
“Wow, that’s exciting! Are you looking for an agency?”
“As a matter of fact, we are.”
“I’d love to talk to you about the opportunity. Can I come out for a visit?”
“Your timing is impeccable. I’ll be in Chicago after Labor Day for a vacation. I think I can manage to carve out some time to meet with you.”
We put a date on the calendar, which works perfectly for me because I’ll just be coming back from my trip with Jake. “Thanks, Eric. I’m looking forward to seeing you.”
“You too, Lexi. See you soon.”
After we hang up, I call Morgan to let her know about my meeting.
“Wow, you work fast. It sounds like a very viable lead. How do you plan to prepare for the meeting?”
“I’d like to keep it pretty informal,” I tell her. “I know him well and don’t want it to come off as though we’re giving him a hard sell. I’ll let him lead the discussion, and I’ll have copies of our latest beauty work that we can reference, based on the direction it goes.”
“I’m fine with that approach. Do you want anyone else in the meeting?”
“I don’t think I want anyone from New Business, but Simon would be an asset.”
“I trust your judgment,” Morgan says. “Just let me know if you need any support.”
“I definitely will.”
Later that afternoon I stop by Simon’s office.
“Lexi, twice in one day. To what do I owe this lovely visit?” I give him an update on my discussion with Eric. “That’s wonderful news! I’d love to land a cosmetics account. It would really round out our portfolio and position us as beauty experts. With your experience we definitely have a strong shot if we’re invited to pitch.” I give him some background on Eric along with my thoughts on what we should share at the meeting. He says he’ll board up samples of our best work and have the team develop a video montage with some of our spots.
Excited to share
the news, I call Jake later that evening.
“How was your day?” he asks me.
“It was great. I shared my growth plan with Morgan.”
“And?”
“And she is aligned with my approach and basically gave me cart blanche to pursue my cosmetics lead.”
“Lexi, that’s great! I’m so proud of you. Let me know if you need my help.”
“Thanks,” I tell him. “I want to meet with Eric first to feel him out. So how was your day?”
“It was good. I golfed with an old colleague today, and he may have a lead for an electronics account.”
“That could be promising.”
“We’ll see if it pans out.”
“Will the timing be OK with our trip?” I ask him.
“Yes, I’ll make it work.”
“Good, because I’m not letting you out of this vacation.”
“I wouldn’t dare try.”
The next morning is filled with meetings. After lunch I decide I could use a mental break. I stop by Nicole’s office to see if she wants to grab some coffee, but she’s on a call. She gestures that I can come in.
“I’m looking forward to it too. See you later.”
“Who was that?”
“Anthony. We’re going out again tonight.”
“Isn’t that twice this week?”
“Yes, I really like him.” I take this with a grain of salt. “We should go on a double date,” she says excitedly.
“That would be fun.”
“How about next weekend?” I tell her I’ll have to check my schedule. “Don’t you have it in your phone?” she asks.
I pretend to look at my calendar. “Next weekend isn’t good.”
“Just name the date.”
Crap, I wasn’t expecting her to pin me down. “Let me talk to Nick, and I’ll get back to you.”
“OK,” Nicole says. “I’m dying to meet him. Do you have a picture at least?”
“I actually don’t.”
“Not even on Facebook?”
“We’re not Facebook friends.” She eyes me skeptically. I hate lying to her and feel very uncomfortable with where this conversation is going. “I have a thing about not friending guys I’m dating,” I say lamely.
“Can’t you just do a search so I can see what he looks like?”
“I will, just not right now. I’ve got to head to a meeting,” I lie.
“You’re the one who stopped by my office,” she points out. I can’t think of anything to say. “That’s fine,” she says coldly. “It’s obvious you don’t want me to meet him. I’m a little offended; I thought we were better friends than that.”
“We are friends, but—”
She continues, “It’s just that he’s a big part of your life, and he seems to have ignited something in you. I want to meet the guy who has transformed you from the withdrawn girl I met a few months ago to the happy, carefree girl I see now.”
Shit, what to do? Nicole is one of my closest friends at work and I’ve obviously offended her. Jake would kill me if I told her, but I don’t want to risk our friendship. Can I trust Nicole not to tell anyone?
I close the door and pace around her office.
“OK, there is no Nick.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m actually dating someone at work. He doesn’t want anyone to know. I’m sorry I lied to you.”
Nicole looks at me with wide eyes. “Who is it? It’s Ross, isn’t it? I knew he had a thing for you!”
“It’s not Ross. It’s Jake.”
“Jake, as in Jake Hartman?” I nod. She’s momentarily speechless. “Wow, now that I never would have guessed. How’d it happen?”
“When we traveled to San Francisco for the pitch. I’ve had a thing for him for a long time. I just never thought he was interested in taking our relationship to that level.” I really don’t want to give her the details. “Look—now you know why I’ve been evasive. You know how private Jake is about his personal life. He would kill me if he knew I told you. You can’t breathe a word of it to anyone.”
“I won’t, I swear. I just can’t get over it!”
I look at my watch and realize I actually do have to be at a meeting. “I’ve got to go. We can talk more later.”
Shit, what did I just do? I leave Nicole’s office feeling very unsettled and fret about whether I should tell Jake. Even though Nicole was giving me the third degree, I don’t think he’d understand. The secretive nature of our relationship is already an issue; I see no reason to bring unneeded stress. I convince myself that ignorance is bliss. Our trip can’t come soon enough.
The week before we’re slated to leave, I ask Jake where we’re going.
“I want it to be a surprise,” he says.
“Give me a hint so I know what to pack.”
“Pack for warm weather.”
“That’s very vague.”
“OK, we’re going somewhere out of the country that has a beach.”
“I was hoping that was the plan.”
“I figured. I have a good memory, remember?”
“That’s right. My ideal vacation.” I smile at him. He really is so thoughtful.
Suddenly he looks concerned. “You have a passport, right?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Good. I’m not letting you out of this trip either.”
Like it’s even an issue. I spend the next few days packing and getting things in order at work. Michelle is covering for me, and I know I’ll be in good hands, but I’m a little stressed about being out of the country, especially when everyone at work thinks I’ll be in New York. I call my cell phone company to add international coverage while we’re away and to make sure there won’t be issues with my e-mail account. They assure me everything will work just fine. We’re leaving Friday morning. Jake has to be in San Francisco through Thursday, which works out because then I won’t have to take Thursday as a half day. I don’t know why I’m saving days; I haven’t taken any vacation days at all this year. I guess it’s a habit; at my old job, I was saving up for the wedding and honeymoon.
I work late on Thursday, tying up any loose ends. I e-mail Michelle the task list we discussed and tell her I’ll be reachable if she needs me. I go home and make myself a quick dinner then pack my toiletries and carry-on. I’m ready to go. Jake is supposed to call me when he lands. The plan is that I’ll sleep at his place, and we’ll head to the airport together in the morning. I pace around my apartment, waiting for his call. Finally my phone rings, and he says he’s on his way home in a taxi. I wait about twenty minutes then hop into a cab, already dreaming of palm trees and sandy beaches.
Jake’s cab pulls up to the driveway of his building just as I arrive. My driver unloads my bags, and before I know what’s happened, Jake pays for my fare.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I tell him.
He waves his hand in a dismissive gesture. “Get used to it. This trip is on me.”
“You’re too good to me,” I say, wrapping my arms around him. “Now tell me where we’re going.”
“I wasn’t planning on telling you until we got to the airport.” I frown at him. “Just kidding. Come on in, and I’ll show you.” I can tell he’s really excited. I follow him inside and take a seat on the couch. He brings his laptop over and says, “We’re going to Aruba.”
I gape at him. “Can you repeat that?”
“We’re going to Aruba.”
I throw my arms around him. “Oh, my God! I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard it’s absolutely beautiful. I can’t believe you booked us a trip to Aruba! I thought it was going to be Mexico.”
“I wanted to give you your white sandy beaches.”
I barely can contain my excitement. He pulls up the website for the Westin Resort & Casino, which is right on the beach. The grounds look spectacular, like a little piece of paradise, with a huge pool and endless palm trees. I have a thing for palm trees; as I’m from the Midwest, they signify a vacation.
“Thank you for planning all this,” I say sincerely. “I’m looking forward to spending a full week with you.”
“Me too.”
“Now let me show you my appreciation,” I tell him.
And I do.
I’m so excited that I barely can sleep that night. We have to be up super early for our flight, but I figure I can sleep on the plane. The alarm goes off, and I pop out of bed. Jake tries to snooze, but I throw the covers off and tell him to get ready. He looks at me sleepily and says, “At least we’ll get to sleep in this week.” By the time he gets out of the shower, I’m ready to go, suitcases in hand. The cab pulls up, and we’re on our way to O’Hare. When Jake pulls out his phone to check his e-mail, I scold him.
“No work this week. You can check in twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.”
“Deal. Same goes for you.”
“OK.”
We make it to the airport and check in for our flight. Of course Jake booked us in first-class. I give him a look, but he assures me he used miles and has plenty, given all his travel. We make it through security and grab breakfast before our flight. I stop by the newsstand to get extra snacks and reading material for the plane. Jake makes a face at my choice of Us Weekly, but I know he’ll be reading it over my shoulder. We have about twenty-five minutes before we’re supposed to board, so we go to the United Club. I’ve never been in there before; it’s definitely a step up from waiting at the terminal.
“I feel like I have a glimpse into your lifestyle,” I tell Jake. “I could get used to this.”
He smiles at me. “Good.”
Eventually we head to the gate and board our flight. I give a little knock on the outside of the plane before I get on. Once we’re seated, Jake asks me why I did that.
“It’s a superstition; I have to do it every time I travel. Do you have any travel quirks?”
“None that I can think of. Well, actually I like to be one of the first people to board the plane to make sure I can stow my bag, but now that I have status with United, it’s not really an issue.”