by Scott, Lisa
He glanced at her sitting at her desk, talking on the phone, and smiled. He was going to have some fun with Lizzy.
***
Before the end of the day, he took a manila envelope to her desk with the logbook inside. “Here’s the item we discussed earlier.” He handed it to her.
She paused before taking it. “I’m going to say it again. I think this is a bad idea.”
He ignored her. Ignored her lush lips and pale green eyes. “And start brainstorming ideas for that party. Try to think of all the formal events you’ve been to and jot down the most impressive details. You know, weddings, bar mitzvahs. Proms.”
She froze.
“Or maybe you didn’t go to yours?”
She glared at him and opened her mouth, then snapped it shut and looked away. “That is none of your business. I’ve helped two sisters plan their weddings. I can arrange a nice party, don’t worry.”
Her defiance only accentuated her beauty. And she smelled good, too. Damn it. He could not fall for this woman again. Not now with so much riding on this job. “I’m sure I can count on you.”
She looked down, two bright spots coloring her cheeks. A tiny part of him enjoyed this. The better part of him hated to see her squirm. He lowered his voice. “Do you really think I don’t know who you are…Ellie?”
Her head snapped up and her eyes widened. “How?” she whispered. “I look so different. My name is different.”
“No one has eyes like yours. They’re the palest green I’ve ever seen. I knew it was you the minute I saw them. You know, after you picked up all the thumb tacks.”
She let out a long breath. “So this spying job you’re giving me is just a setup to get back at me?” Her eyes widened. “Oh, I get it. You’re pulling a huge prank the first day on the job.” She laughed. “That’s really clever. Thank God.” She pressed her hand against her chest and blew out a breath. “I thought it was going to suck working here now.”
His smile fell. “Oh, no. All of that was real. The party, too.”
Her face turned white. “Oh.”
“Right, then. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Were you expecting me to quit or something?”
“Maybe. You’ve quit on me before.”
She rolled her eyes. “We were eighteen.”
“And I loved you,” he said through clenched teeth.
“I had a very good reason for breaking up with you.”
He tapped his finger against his chin. “‘I can’t do this anymore.’ That’s what you said, right? That’s all you said.”
“Yes. Does it really matter now?”
“I guess not.” He turned and went back to his office. But it did matter. He wanted to know why. And he wanted another chance with her. But how was he going to do that and be her bullheaded boss, too?
***
Lizzy gathered her things and left the office. It was five-fifteen, and almost everyone had evacuated the building. Certainly they’d all be at The Bar None dishing about the new boss. She didn’t think she could join them and keep her cool façade. Seeing him had shaken her, especially the hurt he still carried over their breakup. If only she could explain how hard it was being the girlfriend of the most popular guy in school when you were quiet and unsure of yourself. It was too much pressure. If only she’d had the guts to tell him back then.
She stopped walking. She could tell him all that now, and if she lost her job so be it. Dunner wasn’t going to be a fun place to work soon enough anyway. And facing him every day just might kill her.
Clutching her purse, she turned and marched back inside the building, not entirely sure what she’d say to Ryan. He was the only one left working. Without knocking, she went into his office. He looked up from his desk and set down the papers he was reading.
“I couldn’t do it anymore because it was too hard being your girlfriend,” she said. “Too much pressure. Too much attention from everyone wondering why someone like you had picked someone like me.” She balled up her fists like she was going to punch something.
“What are you talking about?” he asked. “That’s not true.”
Heart racing, she sat in a chair and stared at her shoes—her department store, non-designer shoes. Never could kick old habits of shopping on the cheap. “You were the star at school. All-state football. Class president, AP honors. Lived in the best neighborhood. You deserved a star girlfriend. But you picked me. The girl who wasn’t involved in any clubs. Who worked after school as a waitress to help her mom pay the rent on their shitty apartment. You were going big places, and there was no chance I could follow.”
“Ellie…” His voice sounded pained.
She raised her head to face him. “And the pressure to show up at prom with you?” She laughed. “I threw up when I went shopping for prom dresses, and not just because of the price tag. I knew that no matter what I wore or how I styled my hair or how I acted everyone would be looking at me thinking, ‘Why her?’” She paused to catch her breath. “That’s why I broke up with you before prom. And if I had said any more than I did, you would’ve talked me out of it. Because if it didn’t happen then, it would’ve happened when you went to college. We just weren’t meant to be together. It was too hard. So, like I told you, I couldn’t do it anymore. I was being honest.”
“I loved you, Ellie. Why did it matter what anyone else thought?”
“Because they were right. You needed someone who could be by your side, who felt comfortable going to fancy parties, dressing up in the right clothes. To help you get where you are now.”
Neither of them said anything.
“Did you ever find someone like that?” she asked.
He walked over to her and took her hand in his, pulling her out of her chair. “No. I’ve been too busy looking for someone like you.” His other hand traced the curve of her cheek as he brought her mouth to his.
Lizzy melted into his kiss, and then pulled away. “What was that?”
“A bad idea, probably,” he said. But he kissed her again anyway, then brushed his thumb along her jaw line. “Everyone I’ve dated since you has wanted a piece of that damn spotlight more than they wanted me. Thought I was a good catch. A great way to complete their MRS Degree. But you loved me for me.”
She nodded. “I did.”
He let his hand fall from her face and took a step back. “And now we’re working together.”
“What are the chances?”
“Depends on whether or not you believe in fate.”
“I don’t consider karma to be a good friend,” she said softly.
“Maybe that’s changing.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Not with this assignment you’re saddling me with. This new face you’re trying to give the agency is not going to go over well with anyone. These are not the kind of people who are going to go down without a fight.”
“But I’m the boss.”
“And they’ve come to love this place and will do whatever they can to keep the status quo.”
“Then they won’t keep their jobs.”
“Then you’re going to lose some very talented people. They’ll easily find work elsewhere, and you’ll be left without your greatest asset—the people who made this place what it is. Me included.”
He grabbed her hand. “Maybe it’s time for you to be by my side. You can help me. Get people to understand my vision.”
Her throat tightened. “I don’t believe in your vision. I think we’ve got a good thing here that we shouldn’t change.”
He picked up a picture from his desk. It was Ryan and his father at his college graduation. Mr. Ferguson had always been cordial but cool to Lizzy. “My dad got me this job and promised corporate I’d take it to the next level.”
“I think you can still do that and let the staff work like they’ve been working.”
“But then what have I brought to the table if nothing changes?” he asked. “To be honest, I’m not sure I can pull this off.”
“Of course you can. You can do anything, Ryan. Jillian was never around. She let the place run itself. You can get involved in the creative process and better shape it to what you want it to be. When someone shows up with an inflatable pool and fifty boxes of Jell-O for inspiration, you can make sure it’s not set up in the middle of the office. Or suggest we save it for after work.”
He rubbed his chin, thinking it over. “We’re pitching to Power Tea next week. I’m willing to try it your way. Will you help me?”
She crossed her arms, curling her shoulders forward. “I just answer the phones here. I don’t get involved with clients or anything.”
“I’m asking you to.”
“The phones get pretty busy,” she said quietly.
“I’ll get Gerard to cover.”
A nauseous feeling hit her stomach. “Fine. On one condition.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t have to fill out that stupid logbook.”
“No problem. It was a dumb idea anyway.” He put his hands on hips and they stared at each other. She focused on his lips, wishing they were against hers again. The kiss had felt so familiar, yet so different.
“So about that kiss…should we just forget it happened?” she asked.
He moved closer and slid his arms around her waist. “Hell no. We should do it again.” He walked her back against the wall. As he moved in for another kiss, she held up a finger. “One more thing since I seem to be in a good position to ask for favors.”
“Yes?”
“We need another aquarium in the reception area. Everyone misses the one Jillian had.”
“Done.”
She smiled. “And here I thought you’d become a mean, opinionated, inflexible jerk.”
“That’s what I was aiming for. But you might be able to keep me from turning.” He pressed his lips against hers while his hands slid under her shirt. She probably would’ve fallen to the ground if he hadn’t pinned her against the wall.
This was not the same boy from high school. This was a man she wasn’t sure she could handle.
***
The next day, with Gerard pouting at the reception desk and Lizzy by Ryan’s side in the middle of the office, people gathered round to hear his first official speech. It was much different than the one he’d planned on giving. But he’d promised he’d try Lizzy’s way first. Good thing too, because not one of the people staring at him looked happy. An expert in body language would have a field day with this gang. They were definitely expecting a lecture or bad news and looked ready to argue with whatever he planned to say, even if it was, “I want to give you all a raise.”
But they probably weren’t expecting this. “Tea.” He tossed the big rubber band ball from Lizzy’s desk from hand to hand. “What do you think about tea?” He tossed the rubber band ball to Jenny.
She caught it. “Boston’s subway or the hot beverage?”
Ryan laughed. “The beverage your aunt Tilly drinks. Toss the ball to someone else and say what you think when you catch it.”
Jenny threw it to Charlotte. “Bags?” She threw it to Nolan.
“Doilies,” he said when he caught it. He tossed it to Shelby.
She caught it and held it in the air. “Coffee’s sad, single sister who never gets invited to the cool parties.”
Everyone laughed at that. She threw it to Chuck. “Yeah,” he said. “Like one of those fancy parties where everyone is introduced all snooty-like as they walk down a grand staircase. ‘Earl Grey tea,’” he said in a high-pitched breathy voice.
Ryan held up his hand waiting for Chuck to throw the rubber band ball to him. “Now think about tea and power drinks. Together at last.”
“Are you talking about Power Tea? The client we’re pitching next week?” Jenny asked.
“Yep. It’s a power drink for the person who doesn’t identify as an athlete or party hound who needs to stay up all night.” Ryan said. He tossed the ball to Lizzy.
“Oh, me too?”
“Yes, you too,” Ryan said.
She squeezed the ball and considered her words. “‘Tea’ makes me think of what Chuck just said, fancy couples coming down the stairs at an elegant party, and you’ve got a snooty teacup partnered up with a mohawk-wearing energy drink bottle. Like they don’t belong together.” She gave Ryan a pointed look before throwing the ball to Jason, one of the copywriters.
“Yeah, yeah, I totally see that. And dude, behind them is their hipster kid, a sleek mug with glasses and dark jeans. He’s the power tea.” He tossed the ball to Jenny.
“I like that image. I always thought it was just so, I don’t know, primitive to chug those little bottles when you needed a boost.” She tossed the ball back and forth in her hands. “Now you don’t need to chug it down like a shot. Savor your energy buzz?” she shook her head. “That’s not quite it.” She tossed the ball to Nolan.
“Energy meets civility?” He threw it to Chuck.
“A better way to buzz,” Chuck said, then tossed the rubber band ball to Lizzy.
“A more mature buzz,” she said. She threw the ball to Ryan.
He caught it and nodded slowly. “I like that. I like that a lot. Copywriters, work some lines off that idea, and art, I’d like to see some things drawn up by the end of the week.”
Jenny raised her hand. “We had a hot tub lined up to be delivered later today. We’re going to fill it with tea and soak in it to help us think of ideas. Do you want to join us?”
He was ready to lecture them on the foolishness and wastefulness of that plan when Lizzy subtly stepped on his foot. He took a deep breath. “Do you think you still need that? We’ve come up with some great stuff right here.”
“I guess we have,” Jenny said.
“But if you want to do it, do it after work. Meantime, I’m starting something new here at Dunner—end of the year bonuses drawn from the leftover balance in our expense accounts.”
A few jaws dropped and then the chatter began. He turned and walked back to the office so no one could see the enormous smile on his face.
He saw Lizzy headed for the reception desk, and he dialed her number. “Gerard, please tell Miss Miller to come to my office.”
Gerard sighed. “I have things to do.”
“Like what?”
Gerard paused. “I’ll send her in.”
When Lizzy stuck her head in the office, he told her to close the door behind her. She did and sat down across from him.
“Oh, my God, I want to kiss you so badly right now. You were brilliant. That was brilliant!” he said.
Her smile was dazzling. “The bonus idea was brilliant. I didn’t know you’d been thinking of that.”
“I didn’t either. It just came to me.”
They beamed at each other.
“That was fun,” Lizzy said.
“Want to go to dinner tonight?”
Two worry lines etched her forehead. “Are you sure you want to do that? Get involved with a coworker?”
“I was under the impression we have quite a few couples in the office.”
“True, Jenny and Nolan have been dating for months. We’re all waiting for Charlotte and Tristan to tie the knot one of these days. But you’re the boss. Jillian fooled around with a lot of people. She lost a lot of respect because of it. If you’re trying to distinguish yourself from her, you don’t want to do that.”
“Or maybe it’s just that you don’t want to do that.”
She hung her head. “Ryan, nothing has changed. Not really. You’re still smack in the middle of the spotlight, and people will have huge expectations of your wife or girlfriend. And I’m not that girl.”
“You seemed a bit like that girl a few minutes ago.”
She looked out the window. “When do you want to throw that party?”
He sighed, knowing she was finished with the topic of their relationship. “I realize its incredibly short notice, but I’d like to do it in a month. I know most places will be booked, but do what you c
an. Elegant, classy.”
“Is that really taking it to the next level?”
“Yes, we aren’t those things right now.”
“I meant the next level of creativity. That’s our brand—creative, out of the box. We want to take that a notch higher, not abandon it altogether.”
“I hate to pull the boss card, but I’m the boss, Lizzy, and that’s what I want to do. You were right about not coming on too strong and clamping down on the staff. I get that. But I was right about those bonuses. There is a way to keep the creativity flowing without involving Silly String.”
“The stories that come out of here are legendary. It gets us a lot of buzz in the industry. You don’t want to totally lose that.”
“Elegant and classy. We can’t go wrong.”
“But also taking the creativity to another level, right?”
“Right.”
She stood. “I’ll get to work on it.
“What about dinner?”
“To discuss plans? Sure. But there’s not a future for us, Ryan. You must know that. And I don’t want to hook up with you. It would be too hard. You need someone with connections and an education beyond sophomore year at the community college. I can’t handle the pressure of being with you. That hasn’t changed.” She left the office before he could argue.
He watched her work at her desk a few moments, hating how sad those beautiful eyes of hers looked. But she had a point. Everything she said was exactly what his father believed. He wanted a trophy wife for Ryan. Someone who could help push his career with her connections and name. And beauty of course. Lizzy had that part covered.
***
Later that day, Lizzy looked up as someone entered the reception area with a giant aquarium. “Where do you want this?”
She jumped up, clasping her hands. “How fabulous. Right over there against the wall.”
The two guys set the tank in place and got to work setting up the gear and filling it with water. One of the workers came over and handed her a gift certificate. “Give the water a week to filter through, then come and pick out some fish.”