Ask Me

by M. Malone

  Ariana claps her hands. “Casey, you are a hot little number. Own it. Work it. Don’t let anybody make you feel ashamed. You were both consenting adults. Do you think he’s going to rat you out to your boss?”

  Instinctively, I shake my head. “No, I don’t think he would do that. Plus, he’ll be in Europe anyway. Mya said that’s where he usually is.”

  “Well, there you go. It’s over. It’s done. It’s nobody else’s business. You’re going to go back to work on Monday, hold your head high and be the best damn receptionist ever.”

  Her pep talk is actually working. It’ll be embarrassing if anyone saw us, sure. But she’s totally right. We’re adults. It’s not like anyone was forced into doing something they didn’t want to do. If James brings it up, I won’t lie. But really, as long as Andre doesn’t complain, why would James even care? I can’t be the first person who has had too much to drink at a company party and done something they shouldn’t have.

  “You’re right. It’s nobody’s damn business.”

  Ariana fist pumps the air. “That’s the spirit. Now I’m going to pick out some power outfits for you to borrow. Trust me, it’ll make you feel more confident if you look like a boss bitch.”

  I walk back to my room and carefully wiggle out of my dress. It was nice to feel like a princess for a little while but being glamorous is hard work. It’s so much easier to just curl up in my favorite pajamas and read a good book. A few minutes later Ari comes in with an armful of clothes.

  “These should fit and don’t worry, they’re all office appropriate. Tomorrow is a new day. A new beginning!” She grins. “Maybe I should consider a career as a motivational speaker. I’m pretty good at this crap.”

  She turns to go but then stops. “You said you won’t be seeing him anytime soon, right?”

  I shake my head. “I doubt it. From what I’ve heard he rarely comes in to the office and he lives in Italy anyway.”

  “Oh, well that’s lucky.”

  “Yeah it is. It would have been really awkward if I had to see him everyday.”

  “For sure. Also you don’t have to worry about any revenge ego.”

  I’m not sure if this is Ariana-speak or if that’s an actual thing that I should be aware of. I’ve heard of revenge porn which is bad enough. The thought that anyone could do that to someone they were once intimate with makes me sick to my stomach.

  “Am I supposed to know what that means?”

  She shakes her head. “It’s the kind of thing you only know about if you’ve ever gotten between a powerful man and his ego. Men like this are different. They’re used to getting what they want, when they want it. If he was someone you had to see all the time, I would warn you to be on your toes. Because men like this always seek revenge for their wounded egos.”

  Now she’s making me nervous. I don’t think Andre would seek any kind of revenge on me just because I don’t want to sleep with him again. Just the thought makes me feel uncomfortable. Because if he ever did, it would mean I am officially a terrible judge of character.

  “I guess it’s a good thing he’s not around much then.”

  “Yeah. Like I said, lucky. Good night!”

  She closes the door leaving me alone with a pile of her clothes and a vague sense of unease.

  The rest of the weekend I spend doing homework and laundry. Monday morning, I repeat Ariana’s words while I get ready. The outfits she left for me aren’t exactly my definition of office appropriate but they’re still better quality than anything I own. Since the sweaters all expose quite a bit of cleavage, I decide to tie a scarf around my neck to tone it down.

  On the metro ride in to work, I catch several guys checking me out. Maybe this outfit was a mistake.

  “Morning!” I beam brightly at Anya as I walk through the lobby and then take my seat behind the reception desk.

  “Someone is in a good mood this morning.”

  Okay, maybe I shouldn’t be quite so peppy. I want people to see me as professional not ditzy.

  “Just trying to keep a positive mindset.”

  Anya waves at one of the guys from the legal department who gives me a leer as he walks by. What was that look for? Am I showing too much cleavage or was he at the party Saturday night and saw me nearly sucking the lips off our biggest client?

  The uncertainty is going to bug me all day. Every time someone looks at me sideways I’m going to wonder if they saw me. Meanwhile Andre is probably in Milan by now eating caviar for breakfast, or whatever it is that billionaires enjoy with their coffee.

  Resolved not to think about it, I focus on answering the phone while doing some research on the computer for Mya. One of her clients is a mid-level lingerie brand so she has me compiling images of their competitor’s products. I never thought I’d be looking at pictures of thongs for work, but here we are.

  When I come back from lunch, I’m getting ready to go to Mya’s office when Milo approaches the reception desk. Anya should be here soon to relieve me.

  “Afternoon, Casey. Did you already set up conference room three?”

  “There’s a conference this afternoon? I don’t remember seeing any appointments.” I pull up the calendar for the day. There’s nothing but internal meetings which are usually held in private offices. All of the conference rooms are available. “There must be a mistake…”

  “Actually it’s my fault.” James walks up, hands held out in surrender. “The Lavin Group asked for a meeting this afternoon.”

  My heartbeat comes to a screeching halt in my chest. “The Lavin Group? Andre Lavin is coming back today?”

  Both men peer at me strangely. James nods slowly. “At three o’clock. I sent Anya a message last night reminding her to put it on the calendar. She’s usually really great at keeping up with these sorts of details.”

  I swallow against the sudden hard knot in the middle of my throat. “It must have slipped her mind.”

  My insides go hot. If James sent the message yesterday, that means Andre called him to schedule the meeting after the Preview Gala was over. After I told him to go back to Europe and leave me alone.

  Now he’s coming here and it’s probably not going to mean anything good for me.

  And there’s no way Anya forgot abut this. The little traitor is playing matchmaker without knowing she’s two months too late. Now her innocent little trick to surprise me is about to blow up in ways she couldn’t have imagined.

  “It’s no problem at all.” I take a few deep breaths before continuing. “Just let me know what you need and I’ll get everything set up.”

  James looks stricken. “Sorry it’s so last minute. Anya must have forgotten. I usually check on these things, but then I… Well, I forgot, too.”

  Milo’s lips twitch. “It shouldn’t take long to set up the room. We just need some refreshments and an extra set of hands to distribute the marketing materials.”

  I carefully remove my headset. “I’m on it. I’ll go see if Anya is available to help as well.” It’s work to keep my steps light and even as I walk away. As soon as I round the corner out of their sight, I break into a sprint.

  “Whoa! Where’s the fire?” Anya pokes her head out of the copy room. “Who are you running from?”

  “I’m not running from anyone. I was trying to find you.” I push her back into the room and close the door. Anya avoids my gaze, suddenly interested in the stacks of paper on the worktable in front of her.

  “Is he here already?” At least she has the grace to look guilty.

  “Who exactly are you referring to, Anya? I don’t have anything on the schedule for this afternoon. I’m sure you wouldn’t purposely omit telling me about an appointment that was rescheduled.”

  “Don’t be so dramatic. I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d just worry about it all day. You’re so shy and I figured you just needed a little push. I already set up the refreshments so all that’s needed are the handouts for the presentation.”

  “I hate being caught off guard
. I’m already out of my league as it is.”

  Anya picks up a large stack of paper and hands it to me. “Just follow my lead. It’s fine. Everything is under control.”

  I follow her out of the copy room internally debating whether there’s enough time to pretend to be sick or suddenly remember I have a doctor’s appointment. But it’s already almost three o’clock so the best I can do is grit my teeth and try to get through this without any mishaps.

  Anya walks down to the largest conference room and immediately crosses to the sideboard where the food has been set up. James walks up and says something that causes Anya to turn her back to him. He stands there staring at the stiff set of her shoulders for a moment before walking away.

  At least Andre isn’t here yet. I hug the stack of papers against my chest and let out a soft breath of relief. I still have some time to get myself together. I turn around and slam into something that feels like concrete.

  “Ouch!”

  I clutch frantically at the sheets of paper but it’s no use. Dozens of white sheets flutter to the floor and scatter across the room. Everything goes completely still including the body I just crashed into.

  The very firm, black-suited body.

  “Hello again, Cassandra.”

  I murmur hello before I kneel and start gathering the handouts. So much for gritting my teeth and getting through this. I was hoping I could hide out in the back of the room and then just hurry out as soon as the meeting was over.

  It’s still unnaturally quiet in the room. I look up to see that everyone is still watching. To be precise, they’re watching the man now kneeling on my right.

  Andre Lavin is actually down on the floor collecting the papers at his feet into a neat pile. Great. I close my eyes. Not only is everyone staring, but I’ve got the agency’s biggest client scrabbling around on the floor.

  “You don’t have to do that. You’ll get all dirty.” I take the pile of paper he’s collected and tug at his arm.

  “I don’t mind. It was my fault after all.” He stands in one swift motion. “Besides, I don’t mind getting a little dirty.”

  A slow, suggestive grin spreads over his face and my heart trips so hard I’m afraid I’ll drop everything all over again. Just to be safe, I set it all down on the conference table. Damn that man and his smile. That thing is like a loaded weapon!

  Anya walks over and picks up half the handouts. Everyone else has finally turned their attention to other things but I still feel conspicuous.

  Probably because Andre is still staring and not doing anything to disguise it.

  “Well, well, well. I guess you don’t need my help at all. It looks like he wouldn’t mind if you tripped and fell against him anytime.” Anya raises her eyebrows before walking to the other side of the conference table.

  Andre strokes the square piece of fabric tucked into the front pocket of his suit. I’ve seen men wear those before but usually they’re the same color as their tie. It’s odd because this one seems to be some kind of weird pattern. I squint. Are those unicorns?

  “Oh sweet baby Jesus!” I holler, horrified as I realize what that little pocket square is about.

  James is just entering the room at the time of my outburst. “Are we ready to get started?”

  Panicked, I look around frantically wishing I could sink through the floor. Is he really wearing a pocket square made from my panties? As much as I wish that was impossible, the last time I saw that particular pattern was on the panties I forgot in the hotel room we shared.

  Andre blinks innocently. “Feeling all right, Miss Michaels?”

  I narrow my eyes. I know what he’s doing wearing that stupid thing and it’s not going to work. He is not going to get the best of me.

  “Of course, Mr. Lavin. I was just… praying. I’m very religious. Have you been told the good news about Jesus lately?”

  Andre looks like he’s on the verge of laughing but manages to hold it together. “Maybe later. I must say James, your employees have been so welcoming. I’ve never had such good service. ”

  James looks back and forth between us in confusion. “Well, we’re very tolerant here at Mirage of all religions and customs.”

  Andre takes his seat at the end of the table. But every few seconds his eyes find mine again. Did he fall and bump his head or something? It’s almost like he doesn’t remember what happened on Saturday night.

  Until his eyes drop to my breasts and his lips curl into a small smile. My nipples turn traitor and peak under his gaze, pushing against the fabric of my sweater.

  I cough and turn away, trying to get my breathing under control. The lights dim slightly, which prods me into action. I have work to do and the agency isn’t paying me to stand around and ogle handsome men. Even irresistible Italian ones.

  Everyone takes their seats as the presentation begins. Not for the first time, I marvel at how fluidly Milo and Mya work together. They each present a separate section of the presentation and at times finish each other’s sentences when one or the other gets stuck explaining a point.

  It must be wonderful to have someone who understands you that way.

  I circle the table, distributing the handouts relevant to the next part of the presentation. Anya has already given them out on her side of the conference table, leaving me to hand them to Andre and the other members of his company.

  There’s Jason Gautier, a tall, blond man who I remember from my notes is the Chief Operating Officer and a pinch-faced woman I’ve never seen. She regards me icily before turning her attention back to the front.

  As I approach Andre, I look for an excuse not to get too close to him. Finally, I place the handout on the table but he reaches out and takes it so our fingers brush. I snatch my hand back at the contact, determined to ignore the thrill of his touch. It’s an impossible task, especially since I know what those strong, slender fingers are capable of.

  Andre regards me thoughtfully before speaking to the rest of the group.

  “Let’s test it out.”

  Everyone at the table turns to face him. I back up and stand off to the side. I’m not sure what the next section of the program is about but it won’t hurt for me to stay out of the way.

  Milo and Mya exchange confused looks. James shifts in his seat. He opens his mouth but after a glance at Andre’s determined face, he stays silent.

  “I want to finalize the marketing campaign before the holidays. Our art department also needs time to make changes to our print advertising planned for Fashion Week early next year.” Andre runs his hands over his hair and sighs. “We’re wasting time we don’t have.”

  “What do you mean test it out?” Mya asks. “Do you want us to set up a focus group and survey different demographics–”

  Andre stands. “No time for that. This is the third slogan we’ve tried, so I think it’s time we get a little creative. Besides, we have a member of our prime demographic group right here.”

  Then he turns toward me and smiles.

  “I don’t feel so lucky anymore,” I mutter under my breath.

  13

  * * *

  I walk over to Casey and take her by the hand. Eyes wide, she follows me to the front of the room.

  “Oh my god, I should have known you were pissed about Saturday night. This is how you get your revenge, huh? Men and their egos,” she hisses before smiling nervously at everyone watching.

  “Stop fidgeting,” I whisper.

  Finally she stops moving and folds her hands in front of her nervously. I walk over to the computer running the presentation and use the mouse to navigate back to one of the campaign images previously displayed. It depicts a young man wearing a sleek, black suit. The slogan “Livin’ the Lavin Life” is splashed across the top of the photo in red.

  “When you see this advertisement, what is the first thing that pops into your mind?”

  Casey looks terrified before glancing over her shoulder at me. When she sees I’m legitimately waiting for her answer, she tu
rns back to the photo.

  “Um…I don’t know. This is my first advertising job. I don’t know much about this stuff.”

  When I notice her glancing over her shoulder again, I follow her gaze. Everyone is watching us. Mya looks nervous whereas Milo seems amused. James, on the other hand, seems furious. I’m sure he doesn’t appreciate how I’ve taken over his meeting.

  I lean a little closer to Casey. “Uh-uh, piccolina. Don’t look at them, look at the picture. Just tell me how it makes you feel.”

  Casey heaves a great sigh. I wonder what she sees when she looks at this. I see a man who is thin, handsome and dark-haired, the typical look of a male fashion model. The colors are vibrant and there is a diverse group of people in the background. Still, there is something off about the whole thing.

  And I can’t articulate what it is.

  When Casey sees me staring at her, waiting, she shrugs. “The ad is perfect. It’s fun and energetic. There’s nothing wrong with the ad.”

  After a few moments of silence, she follows that with, “It’s just not what I would associate with you.”

  Behind us James lets out a soft groan. There are a few soft titters of laughter. Casey looks over her shoulder and cringes.

  As for me, I throw back my head and laugh until there are tears in my eyes.

  I put my arm around her shoulders, anchoring her to my side. “This is exactly what I’ve been feeling. The question is why? I am a fun guy, no?”

  All motion behind us stops. I’m sure all of the Mirage employees are glaring at her but Casey squares her shoulder and looks me right in the eyes.

  “Barbecues and basketball games are fun. You are not fun. You’re too sophisticated for such a simplistic word and that’s why this advertisement doesn’t work. I just don’t see you as a wild, crazy guy going out on the party scene.”

  I eye the picture again. “You’re right. For example, I couldn’t see myself in that room with those people.”