The Business Affair: Forever Mine

by Noel, Jaspira

  “Don, thanks for breakfast. I wish you the best.” Said Victoria cordially.

  “So this is how we roll for the next few weeks.” Don said.

  “Yes, in a sense we have to look at this event as a business arrangement and take nothing personally. There are a lot of fish in the sea and we have to hook them. I don’t intend to be here long. Neither do I intend to leave here unattached. Every minute is of value to me.”

  “That’s a pretty impressive attitude to have.”

  “That is why we are here Don, and as you can see from the attendance last night, no one is shy about it. I made an investment and I intend to see a marriage return.”

  “I wish you luck.”

  Victoria kissed Don on the cheek and strolled away from the table. Don finished the last swallow of juice and headed for the lobby. As he entered he over heard Paula talking to the concierge inquiring where she could find a quiet place to eat breakfast. Her beauty arrested Don. He thought about what Victoria had said and quickly engaged in the conversation. He had been to this area many times and knew all of the local places.

  “You got to be kidding. There will be no quiet places here for a few weeks. Your best bet is to go out into the countryside. There are several cantina’s with excellent food.”

  Paula turned sharply. “You’re the guy at the meeting last night.”

  “Yes.”

  “Don, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “He really put you on the spot.”

  “Indeed he did.”

  “So how was breakfast?”

  “Great, but no connection.”

  “Thank you for the tip. I will get Pablo to take me there.”

  “Would you like some company?”

  “I am here on vacation and I really don’t want to waste your time. I went to the event last night because someone told me about a huge event that was turning the city upside down and I was curious. I don’t want you to get the wrong impression. Ok.”

  “I asked would you like some company?”

  Paula was stunned. She did not know what to say. She did not want to waste his time, but she did want some company. Imelda had sparked her desire to have some companionship. She just did not realize how serious The Business Affair was.

  He looked over at the concierge and said, “Call Pablo and ask him to arrange for a party of two at Esmeralda’s Tavern.”

  She was speechless.

  “What is your name?”

  It took her a moment, “Paula. Paula Anderson.”

  The next thing she knew, she was sitting in the back seat of Pedro’s limousine with Don heading 45 miles outside the city to Esmeralda’s Tavern.

  ***

  Roman was a complete frazzle. He never realized how much work and how much pressure he had placed on Paula until she was gone and he had to do all of the work. Baxter was some help, but he was not executive material – not assertive enough. Paula, on the other hand was aggressive, knew how to stay organized and how to keep things moving. She was never afraid to put him in check. He longed to hear Baxter refuse to do something or to make a gesture of disgruntle. But he was a complete yes man. He did exactly what he was told, and agreed to do anything that was asked. Roman found that quite boring. He concluded the first week of Paula’s departure as dismal, very dismal.

  Baxter brought in Roman’s schedule for the next week. He gave it a quick over view.

  “Listen the meetings will have to be rearranged. Everything you have on the schedule for my research and development is fine.”

  “When do you want them scheduled sir?”

  “Do me a favor Baxter, don’t call me sir. Just call me Roman, ok. Now ask yourself would Paula ask me when to reschedule the meetings or would she just pick a time.”

  “I think she would pick a time, sir…I mean Roman.”

  “Then do that. Baxter it is okay to think outside the box. Since we are going to be working together for the next two weeks, I would really prefer it that way. If we are working on an account make some suggestions. If I am trying to purchase a company that you think is a complete dud, tell me about it because that is what Paula would do. Has she called you back concerning arranging the auction for Peterson and Sons?”

  “No. I have called her numerous times.”

  “Do you know which auction house she uses?”

  “Yes. Webster’s Bank Auctions”

  “Then what do you think my next request will be?

  “Set up the auction and get everything sold, because a Canadian business wants to buy the building.”

  “That will be all.”

  As soon as Baxter left, Roman mumbled, “The audacity of her not to return one single phone call.” He picked up the phone, dialed the first few numbers and then discontinued the call.

  Just then his office phone rang. “Roman, this is Constance, I just want you to know that the Fed has approved all the filings for Wilson National. The acquisition is now complete.”

  “Thank you Constance. You just don’t know how perfect timing this is. I have not gotten any rest on this account since we began the process. It has been grueling and doubly hard with Paula gone.”

  “You can get some rest now.”

  “Yes, until the next acquisition.”

  “Roman do you ever stop?”

  “Don’t know how to.”

  “You need a woman.”

  Roman laughed, “Aren’t we quite direct today.”

  “I’ve known you a long time Roman. Your social life is pathetic. If you had another interest you would learn how to stop. Think about it Roman, you’ve made more money than 10 people would make in a lifetime. What are you doing all of this for? Who are you going to leave this massive company to?”

  “I am content. Never you mind about my social life.”

  “I’m just saying Roman, Father Time never ticks backward.”

  Chapter 8

  Paula looked absolutely stunning in the purple evening gown she had selected for tonight’s event. Her silky blond hair was cascading over her shoulders. She loved the look on Don’s face when she saw him.

  “You look beautiful.” He said kissing her on the cheek.

  “There has been a slight change of plan in tonight’s event. Marcus’ plane was late arriving so they will be serving us a prime rib dinner and then when he arrives we will listen to his lecture.

  “That sounds like a good plan. Let’s go.”

  They arrived at the coliseum at 8:00. The room was already packed and they had to find a table at the back.

  “This many people come to hear him?”

  “Yes, and he does about 4 lectures while he is here. This is good stuff.”

  The MC entertained the attendee’s during dinner. They had more testimonials, suggested activities for the remaining days and gave away spectacular door prizes. It was so much going on that no one left. They waited patiently for the guest speaker. Around 9:30 the MC announced that Marcus was on his way to the ballroom. Don now had Paula in great anticipation of the guest.

  The MC went to the podium to announce him, “Many of you already know Marcus Grant. He has been one of our most committed supporters and because of what he has gone through in life, he wants people to find and cherish their partners. Even though he has not found one of his own. He gives each one of us hope to stay in the game until we find whatever our heart is truly seeking. So without further adieu, I would like to invite to the podium Mr. Marcus Grant. The audience exploded with cheers and gave him a standing ovation.

  “I can’t see anything.” Paula shouted to Don.

  “Give it a minute, people love this guy.”

  They must have applauded for 3 minutes. Slowly things began to settle down. Paula and Don were one of the first groups to sit back down.

  “Can you see now? Don said. He looked at Paula; all the color was drained from her face. She was white as a sheet of paper and shaking.”

  Don quickly grabbed her, “Are you okay? You look like you saw a
ghost.”

  “What…what… did you say his name was?”

  “It’s Marcus Grant.”

  “I’ve got to go.” She raced out of the room. Don was in close pursuit.

  He caught up to her by the exit and grabbed her before she went out the door.

  “Hey, hey what is it? What is the matter?” She was still shaking. He wrapped his arms around her as tight as he could until the shaking stopped. “What happened in there Paula?”

  “I can’t explain everything now, but I need you to do exactly what I ask you to do and I promise I won’t leave this building without you. I will be standing right here.”

  “Ok, anything you say.”

  “I want you to go back to the ballroom and tell me exactly what happens in 5 minutes. I will be standing right here.”

  “What will I be looking for?”

  “You will know. Once you see it, come back to me.”

  “That is a little odd Paula.”

  “No, you will definitely know.”

  Paula gave Don time to walk back to the ballroom. He sat down in the nearest seat to the door as he possibly could. He listened intently to Marcus, trying to find some clue as to what Paula was doing. He just waited. Within a few minutes Marcus cell phone rang right in the middle of his presentation.

  “Sorry you all,” he smiled, “When you are in the type of business that I am in you have to keep this thing on you.” The audience chuckled.

  Don understood. He followed it through.

  Marcus pulled out his cell phone and laughed, “I have been waiting to hear from this woman all week. Excuse me but I have to take this call.” The MC came back up and kept the meeting in order.

  Marcus was on the line, “You have impeccable timing Paula. Baxter has been calling you everyday on my behalf and you call me now. Sometimes I don’t know what I am going to do with you.”

  She mustered her quivering voice, “Did Wilson National go through?”

  “Yes, it certainly did. You are calling me for that? Listen, I’ve got to go I was right in the middle of something very important. Can I call you later?”

  “I’m still not taking calls, go back to whatever you were doing.”

  “I haven’t seen you in two weeks, don’t you think you owe it to me and the company to let us know you’re okay. It’s not like you’ve ever taken a three week vacation before.”

  “I am ok Roman and I am not taking calls.” She clicked off the line.

  Roman returned to the podium. Don left the room and headed back to Paula. She collapsed in his arms in tears. “So his name is not really Marcus Grant.”

  “No.” She wept.

  Chapter 9

  Don took Paula back to the resort and decided to stay the night. She was a wreck and he had to find out what was going on. As soon as she got in the room she started packing her bags. Don stopped her.

  “Paula, it’s not going to be like this. You have to talk to me and I am not going anywhere.” He put the bags back in the closet. “Are you one of those women that he hurt in the past?”

  “No.”

  “Then what is going on?”

  “Marcus Grant is Roman Neilson.”

  “So his name is Roman Neilson.”

  “Yes, and Roman Neilson is a very aggressive and powerful man. He doesn’t have a social life. He is too busy and obsessed with work. He has so much money he could probably get the U.S. out of the deficit. This Marcus Grant you describe doesn’t exist.”

  “Then why are you crying?”

  “Because the thought that Marcus Grant could possibly exist within him is overwhelming. It would also mean the exterior that I have seen over the last seven years is just a front to cover someone truly hurting. He has called me everyday since I left and I have been cross. I am so confused.”

  “You’ve known him seven years? How do you know him?”

  “I am the vice president of his company. I have been trying to desperately get away from him and the company because I was exhausted. There you were, my night in shining armor making this a trip of a lifetime.”

  “So you did not know he had a soft spot.”

  She shook her head no.

  “And now you think that the soft spot had something to do with him calling you everyday? He might now even realize where his feelings lie.”

  “Yes.”

  “Wow. I know you never saw that coming.”

  “I didn’t. I truly did not. Now do you understand why I have to leave?”

  “You’re not leaving.”

  “What?”

  “I have a plan, you are going to find out what type of man Marcus Grant really is because I need to know. If he truly is not the person that we all have come to love and respect, then I want you for myself. But if he is, I want him to have the person he has been waiting for the last seven years.” He wrapped Paula in his arms and wiped her tears away. “We will work on this in the morning.”

  “Don why is this happening when after all this time I am finally falling in love?”

  “It’s okay to fall baby, but we’ve just got to make sure it’s with the right person.” She reached up and kissed him.

  Chapter 10

  By mid afternoon Don’s plan was in full bloom. They had spent the entire morning weaving a failsafe web and had arranged for back up plan A and B. It was like planning a take over. Paula had memorized all of Roman’s schedule for the next 4 days, but was hoping that she would only need day 1.

  “Ok Paula, where is he now?”

  “At the book signing. I cannot believe he even wrote a book. Who is this man?”

  “Stay focused Paula, you’ve got plenty of time to read his best seller. Where will he be at 2:45?”

  “He will be attending the women’s meeting in concourse C.”

  “What happens at 8:15 this evening?”

  “I am to be 45 minutes late for the meeting and come in looking for a seat. You will be there to give up the seat.”

  “What will you be wearing?”

  “The red sequenced dress. Don I am so nervous. He is a very observant man. I just know he is going to see through this.”

  “There is no way he is going to see through this. You’re not even yourself. Who are you anyway?

  “I am Ann Benet from Atlanta, Georgia. I have my own multi million-dollar event planning company. Which really is your company in case he calls and asks for credentials. If he asks for the type of events I plan I am to tell him that I, but really you, planned the last party for Robin Thick. You will give me any information I need to validate that.”

  “Got it. Now let me hear a little bit of that southern drawl. You did it quite well earlier this morning.”

  “Feel’s like I am learning a foreign language sir. They would absolutely never speak this way where I am from.”

  “That is perfect!!! Absolutely perfect!!! Just stay in character baby. Now, last question, what are two things he financially supports that I mentioned from his book.”

  “He highly supports The Business Affair and he supports abused women’s shelters. I write the checks for all of his donations and have never seen any of this.”

  “That is because he stays in character too. Roman Neilson would probably never fund anything like that but Marcus Grant would. Obviously the man is pretty shrewd. Stand up and let me take a look at you.”

  Paula stood up still feeling quite awkward and nervous. But after Don’s recent drill she was feeling a little more confident that they would pull this off.

  “You are drop dead gorgeous!”

  “Don, stop, stop.” She said blushing.

  “Oh Paula,” he said pulling her close, “Part of me really wants this to work and part of me is dying on the inside. I have never been that honest with any woman before.”

  She leaned her head on his chest, “I know and I feel the same way. I am so torn.”

  “I know, but if we don’t do it both of us will always wonder if we made the right move, and we can’t have a strong
relationship built on a foundation that has a question mark. If it is meant to be, you will come back to me.”

  She sighed, “You’re right.”

  “Now you need to be going. This is going to work. I promise.”

  ***

  By the time Paula arrived at the book signing the line was curving to the other side of concourse A. She could not believe that these many business executives were seeking relationship information from one man. It took twenty minutes for her to be able to almost reach the table were he was sitting. At first glance her heart started racing and she could feel herself breaking into a cold sweat. Then she heard Don’s words, stay in character. Three more people and then it would be her turn. It felt like eternity until she finally reached the table.

  “Hi,” he smiled, “Whom am I making this out to?”

  “Oh my God, he really doesn’t even recognize me.” She thought, wanting to break out in a laugh. She did exactly what Don said, stay there a minute for him to take a good look.

  “I’ve never seen a woman with black hair and blue eyes before. Can I make this out to the woman with the pretty blue eyes?”

  Paula felt quite triumphant at that moment. This was surely Roman Neilson. He would say whatever he wanted to say, to who ever it was.

  Remembering to kick in that southern drawl she said, “Yes, make it out to Ann Benet the woman with the pretty blue eyes.”

  “Is that one N or two?”

  “One N, B-e-n-e-t.”

  “Thank you Ann, and I hope that you will enjoy the book.”

  “I am quite certain that I will Mr. Grant.”

  She took the book from his hand. No sooner had she done that, the woman behind her accidently hit her arm. The book slipped to the floor. She leaned forward quickly, reached her hand out the same time Roman was leaning forward, nearly hitting him in the face with her hand. “He grabbed her hand, “I’ve got it.” He said retrieving the book. “Thank you.” She said. Then walked away like a model on a catwalk, just as Don had instructed. As soon as she was far enough away for him to see, she ran down the hall to the quietest spot she could find and called Don.