Strapped

by Nina G. Jones

  My next step is to call Chad from Rubix. His demeanor, at least on the phone, is entirely different from Taylor’s demeanor when I was interviewing for H.I. I welcome this as I only have room for one eclectic control freak in my life. We book an interview for the next day. I see this as a good sign. They are either eager to fill this position, very interested in me, or both.

  I hop in Ladybug to grab some fresh clothes and I finally have some alone time to contemplate the ominous texts. I don’t want to worry Taylor, and I honestly think I am the random victim of some stupid prank. I have no enemies; I have, until now, lead a very normal life. Until now. Is this an ex-sub of Taylor’s? I decide that only if I cannot resolve the issue on my own will I tell him. Things have been complicated enough already. Once I get home, the quick trip turns into an entire day of cleaning, sorting through mail, and errands. I head back to Taylor’s at around 4pm, just in time to do some laundry, and hang up my interview clothes in Taylor’s guest closet. The doorbell rings around 5:15 pm. Kristin’s eyes are wide with excitement when I open the door.

  “Shyla! This place is fantastic!”

  “Thanks, I guess. It’s not mine, but I am sure Taylor would love that you love it. Come on in.” Her eyes scan the enormous foyer. We take a seat on the couch in the great room. “You have to catch me up on your life. Have you spoken to Rick?”

  “No, I think it’ll be a while.” I bow my head in shame. I know this looks bad, but I need to give him space. The wounds are too raw.

  “I ran into him the other day at the grocery store.”

  “Really? How is he?”

  “He seems to be doing well. Of course, he didn’t share his innermost feelings, but he looks like he is functioning and not moping on his couch eating pizza and ice cream all day.”

  “Well, I am happy for him. I want him to be happy and I hope he and I can be friends again.”

  We order supper and I give her the grand tour of the house. I worry that even Kristin thinks in the back of her mind that I am enamored by Taylor’s wealth. I can live on modest means, I have my entire life. You could even accuse me of pure lust and I wouldn’t take offense, but the money alone would never motivate me to engage in a relationship. As a result, I find myself constantly excusing his wealth or the gifts he has given me as I talk to Kristin.

  “Shyla, I know you are not about the money. He seems like a nice guy from what you describe. In fact, he seems perfect.” Perfect. Something about that word causes me to want to explode into a mess of tears, but I hold it in. I am scared. I am scared of how my life has completely changed and how he is still very much a mystery. There is so much I don’t understand about him or us. At the same time, I am thrilled. Thrilled that his mere presence makes me feel light and heady, that he is kind, that he cares so much for me, that he is beautiful and funny and intelligent and that he wants me. Instead, I hold it all in.

  “What’s wrong?” She knows me too well.

  “Nothing. I can’t tell.”

  “Woah. Woah. Now you must. Is everything okay?”

  “Yes. Yes! He is great. I am just nervous about getting into something else so quickly, but I really like him. I mean, I really like him.”

  “Timing is a bitch sometimes. I don’t know what to tell you. We both know my love life is a mess. No matter what happens though, you have me!”

  We spend the rest of the night eating, drinking, and catching up. Kristin fills me in on her life: All of her studying and the cute law student named Sean that she has been seeing. It feels so good to have this time with her. She is my rock. There is nothing like time alone with your best friend. Our conversation is only interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. I look at the clock, it is already half past ten. Taylor walks into the great room, his tie loosened, and his hair disheveled. I jump up, eager to introduce. Kristin follows suit. Nerves and excitement collide; this is the introduction of two very important people in my life.

  “Hi Taylor.” He looks tired.

  “Hey Shy.” Kristin knows that I allow no one to call me that. I see her eyebrow quickly cock in recognition of the name.

  “You must be Kristin. So nice to finally meet you.” Kristin goes in for a hug. Oh shit. I totally forgot to tell her!

  He doesn’t hug back and I see immediate discomfort in his face. Kristin seems oblivious to his uneasiness and releases. Taylor becomes fidgety, and I see him struggling to stay present. I softly grab his hand, hoping my touch can ground him. I jump in to get the tension out of the air.

  “How were the Chinese visitors?”

  “Oh, same old. I wish I could give you an interesting story, but this is a very formal group. When we get a fun group, you and Kristin can join us. There is nothing traveling businessmen love more than the company of attractive young women.” Kristin blushes.

  “I should get going.” I know she doesn’t want to leave, but she feels like the third wheel.

  “Stay for a drink. Harrison can drive you home.”

  “Thank you, but my car is here.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll have someone else follow Harrison with your car.”

  “That seems like a lot of trouble.”

  “I can’t let you drink here and drive. I know that bottle was unopened in my cellar, and now it’s empty. No way are you driving home. I am going to go change quickly if that’s okay.”

  He heads to the bedroom as Kristin whispers to me. “Shy he is even hotter in person, you bitch, and he’s a gentleman.” I shrug innocently at her.

  “I’ll see if he has a friend.” I wink and we sit back down on the couch. Taylor returns in a white T-shirt and sweatpants. He plops next to me and puts his arm over the back of the couch around me. Kristin sits on the other side of the coffee table on another couch. The talk flows naturally. As Kristin starts to get more comfortable, I can sense that she is trying to feel him out. She has no idea who she is up against for he is a master of charm and the owner of multiple personalities. I can tell that Taylor genuinely likes Kristin. He is loose around her and more verbose than with those that he simply entertains out of obligation. I knew he would like her. I love Kristin, she is so special to me, and anyone who doesn’t get her would have some serious issues with me. One more drink becomes another hour. Taylor has learned that Kristin is afraid of horses, that she hates the smell of bacon, and that she secretly had a crush on George Stephanopoulos in middle school. Taylor hasn’t really divulged anything specific about himself other than his love for fast cars, which was a topic I introduced. He has a way of appearing to share so much about himself without sharing much of anything at all.

  Once midnight arrives, Harrison and someone else Taylor just refers to as a “staff member” take Kristin home. She gives me a big hug and whispers in my ear “I like him a lot. I am so happy for you.” I can tell Taylor is completely wiped out and we go right to bed.

  The next morning, Taylor insists I hitch a ride with him and Harrison since we are both headed downtown. For the interview, I chose a charcoal grey fitted pantsuit with a deep red blouse. I opted for simple black pumps to complete the look. My hair is in a bun and I apply simple eye makeup and red lipstick. I often find that people think I look younger than my age and the red lipstick, at least I hope, makes me look more mature.

  I give Taylor a peck on the lips and step out of the SUV towards the tower that holds Rubix Marketing. The position I am applying for is assistant director of the creative department. It is a a step up, but I know I can handle the task. My time at H.I. has given me the confidence to take on new challenges. Rubix is on the 35th floor. It has the typical contemporary look of a marketing agency: glass, light wood, modern art. Awards and campaigns hang proudly on the walls. The receptionist, a young, perky brunette with a short bob, welcomes me to have a seat as she notifies Chad of my arrival. Chad is the director of the creative department and the person to whom I would directly report. Within five minutes, he walks briskly out of the corridor. He is tall and slender and looks so very young f
or his position. He wears thick-brimmed black glasses, and although his facial hair is scruffy his dirty blond head is perfectly coiffed a la 1960s. He wears a yellow and black plaid shirt tucked into a pair of skinny jeans that look pleasantly worn-in, all topped off by a pair of canvas tennis shoes. I stand to greet him.

  “Shyla, so nice to meet you. I am so sorry, but Laura, the director of advertising, was also supposed to be here. Her son got sick at school and she had to leave just a few minutes ago. She wanted me to apologize because it looks like you’re just stuck with me.” His humor helps break the ice. He leads me to a small conference room and closes the door.

  “So Shyla, I know there is a procedure to all this. I can grab a how-to manual on interviewing and grill you with all of the typical questions, but I would rather just chat like two human beings.” I like this guy already. “So tell me about yourself and why you are interested in the position and we can go from there.”

  He crosses his leg and leans back into his office chair. Time for me to lay on the charm. “Sure! Well, I have been freelancing for a while. I really enjoyed the freedom of that. I also gained a lot of experience in working one-on-one with clients and managing a small business. I did that successfully for a couple of years and then I was given the opportunity to intern at Holden Industries. At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go back into the corporate world, but I was shocked at how much I enjoyed working as part of a team and the challenge of hitting deadlines. I really liked that sense of camaraderie.”

  “Holden Industries. Now that’s impressive! You worked directly with Taylor Holden it says here. Were you given an opportunity to continue there after the internship?”

  “Yes, I was.” I know the next question, and I have my answer prepped.

  “So who turns down a job at Holden Industries?”

  “Well, it was tough, but the role I was offered was not something that allowed me to flex my creative muscles. At heart, I am a designer and the job was a lot of number crunching and analyzing of data. My heart just wasn’t in it.”

  “I can appreciate that.”

  We spend the next few minutes discussing my skills, what programs I use, and my portfolio. Chad is relaxed, yet fast-paced. His demeanor immediately makes me feel comfortable. I could see myself being good friends with this guy. After a while, we find ourselves talking about personal things, such as our tastes in music, places we have traveled to, and our dreams. It doesn’t feel like an interview at all. I believe this is a good thing, but I am not entirely sure.

  Chad looks down at his watch and mentions he has lost track of time and that he has to head to a meeting in five minutes. We briefly get back on track and talk about the specific responsibilities of the job, and how he and I would work together if I was offered the position. He then hastily, but warmly, escorts me to the elevator.

  “Shyla, thanks so much for meeting with me today. I will have to talk to Laura about the interview as we always make decisions together, but I think you would make a good fit here. We hope to make a decision this week.” His smile reveals two dimples that make his baby face even more boyish. I feel really good about this interview and working with Chad. He seems so normal and I think I could use that in a boss for once.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  It is already lunch time when I leave the building. I text Taylor:

  Shyla:

  Want to grab lunch?

  Taylor:

  You know I would love to, but unfortunately I have back to back meetings scheduled and Marsha just ordered lunch so I could sneak it in. Call Harrison whenever you want a ride back. OXOX

  Shyla:

  OX? You have it backward!

  Taylor:

  I like kisses before hugs ;) gtg.

  I head to my favorite bistro in the area, which always has a wait for lunch. I take immediate seating at the bar and order my favorite salad. Things are not perfect, but they are settling into place. Taylor is a good guy. I know it. I just do.

  “Thinking happy thoughts?” I nearly fall out of my stool. To my right is a remarkably good-looking man. He is well dressed, his light brown hair broken up with glimmers of gold, his skin smooth and freshly shaven. I can smell the subtle aroma of his aftershave. His crooked smile reveals a perfect set of teeth. He wears a pair of dark jeans with a white button down shirt and light grey sports coat.

  “Oh, I, uh, I guess?”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. You just had the most satisfied look on your face.”

  “I did?” I chuckle at the thought. I didn’t realize my thoughts were all over my face. “I must have looked crazy.”

  “No. Just purely content. Something good must have happened.”

  Is this guy trying to pick me up? I don’t know what the hell kind of pheromones I have been giving off, but this guy is hot. I mean, I thought I was pressing my luck with Taylor and now some other guy who I am sure has no issues with the fairer sex is trying to start up a conversation at the bar. I am in a good mood, and he is very friendly and polite, so I engage him in conversation.

  “Sort of. I just finished a job interview that I believe went pretty well, but you never know with those things.”

  “When do you find out?”

  “The interviewer said in the next few days.”

  “I am sure it’s all yours.”

  “Well, you aren’t going to tell me if you think otherwise.”

  “Why don’t we celebrate with a drink?”

  “It’s not even one o’clock.”

  “I said a drink, not ten shots.” His facial expression reminds me of someone, but I can’t place who.

  Harrison is driving me home, so I agree to just one drink. We order gin and tonics and man are they stiff. Just a few sips has me feeling a little looser with strangers than usual.

  “So what do you do for a living, friendly sir?”

  “Oh, it’s boring really. I run an international high level security firm. I never asked what the job was that you were applying for.”

  “I am a graphic designer. I was applying to be an assistant director at an agency called Rubix.”

  “So you are the artsy type then?”

  “One could say that. Although, I never have thought of myself as ‘artsy’ before.”

  The banter back and forth is light and friendly. I want to drop the hint that I have a boyfriend, but there is no natural way so far for me to bring it up without sounding presumptuous about his intentions. I get to the bottom of the drink and while I am enjoying myself, this is the perfect time to phone Harrison. I excuse myself as I call Harrison on my cell. Once I am done, I return to the conversation and apologize.

  “I’m sorry, I was calling my ride.”

  “You don’t have a car? I know you probably wouldn’t accept a ride from someone you just met, but I would be happy to give you a one.” If only he knew.

  “Thank you, but it is totally fine. I do have a car actually, my boyfriend insisted that I drive in with him this morning since we were headed in the same direction. So I am calling his driver to come get me. Honestly, I prefer to drive, but parking is a nightmare around here anyway.” There. I was able to smoothly mention a boyfriend, and a very successful one at that. That should squelch any attempt at getting my contact info.

  “Wow. A boyfriend with a driver. He must be a big shot.” I hope he doesn’t think I was trying to belittle him, which was not my intention.

  “Oh, well, he is a successful businessman, but he is just a regular guy beneath all of that stuff.” That was a fucking lie. “From the sound of it, Mr. Security Firm, you sound like a big deal yourself.”

  He smiles. The flattery worked. “What’s his name? Maybe he has used my firm for security services before.”

  Should I say the name? Oh, what the hell. “His name is Taylor Holden.” Mr. Security Firm’s eyes go big, bigger than I expected and he sinks a bit into his seat.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “No. No. He is just a bigger deal
than I thought. He also has a reputation as commitment phobic so I didn’t know he had a girlfriend. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I mean that you must be very special.”

  “Do you know him?”

  “Not really, a long time ago we had some dealings. He probably wouldn’t even remember me.” His familiar demeanor is now gone. I get the sense there is more to that story, but I don’t know him well enough to pry. “He is definitely a lucky fella.”

  Just then I receive a text from Harrison that he is outside. “Well, that’s my driver...Taylor’s driver. I should go. Thank you for the drink and it was really nice speaking with you. Maybe we will run into each other around these parts if I get the job.”

  “Maybe.” He smirks. Something is so familiar about him, but I can’t quite get a hold on what it is. “I am so sorry, but I never asked you your name!” I laugh. I can’t believe I spent the last hour with him and we didn’t even exchange names.

  “My name is Shyla.” I extend my hand for a shake. As he stands up to extend his hand, I see his tall, athletic stature for the first time.

  “Eric.”

  ***

  With nothing to do for the remainder of the afternoon, I figure I might as well cook something for us. Taylor is a big fan of ordering in. He told me he used to have a live-in chef, but hated the lack of privacy. He is his most comfortable with a small amount of people in his inner circle. I find the cookbook he used for the paella and flip through it, settling on a recipe for a pork roast with rosemary potatoes. Harrison insists that he pick up the groceries for me once I tell him what my intentions are. He also informs me that there is an herb garden with every herb I could ever want and so I head outside to get the rosemary.

  The land behind the property is vast and I have never really explored it fully. I follow the narrow path that Harrison directed me to and find a vegetable and herb garden hidden behind tall shrubs. There are so many good options and so I grab other veggies that I figure I can somehow incorporate into dinner. As I pick, I can’t help thinking about Eric. The entire encounter was so familiar, something like deja vu, but not quite. His reaction to Taylor’s name only added to the strangeness of it all. It wasn’t the typical response of a guy being let down. Something else usurped that, he became distracted. Maybe he knows about Taylor’s secrets? I think I’ll ask Taylor; but what will he think about me spending an hour talking to a handsome stranger at a bar? I need to bring it up casually. If this Eric guy is important, he will take the lead with the conversation I am sure.