SOLID STONE
Revolving Door
E.G. Patrick
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Book Two
About the Author
Copyright
For you, Winifred.
Acknowledgements
I feel fortunate and blessed to have all of you in my life. I will always remember the important part each of you has played on this amazing journey. You are all truly outstanding individuals. I will forever be grateful to each of you.
Raphael, you are my “solid stone” and I appreciate all of your love, support, and inspiration while I was writing. I would be lost without you.
CR, you have been my shining star through this whole journey and made it more enjoyable for me. You are my family and best friend. I love you both!
Cassandra T., the mind and body guru! I am so glad we met and appreciate your behind the scenes magic. It means a lot to me. I really enjoy our stimulating conversations.
Sarah Stewart, my awesome editor. Thanks for encouraging me to complete the series because you thought it was “well written and totally engrossing.” You’re helping me grow as a writer.
Dana Mills, thank you so much for all your guidance. You have the patience of a saint!
Chapter 1
The tick-tock of the mini grandfather clock hanging over the electric fireplace reminds me to watch my time. It’s a cold Monday morning in March. I put on a little foundation, mascara, blush and lip gloss as I get ready for work. I want to look professional and confident. I use a hair clip to hold back the sides of my medium length brunette hair so it’s not hanging in my face. This is not my usual ponytail, and the half up half down look isn’t bad. Staring into the mirror I actually think I look pretty for a moment, which is not a regular thing either.
Today is the third meeting of the due diligence process for the merger of two banks. My firm is representing the smaller bank in this merger, Berkley’s. The plan is to meet my boss, Paul Anders, at the Paramount Hotel in Toronto’s midtown at 8:30 for a meeting with the lawyers from Laurier and Stone who are representing the larger bank, E&B Dominion. This is a big deal for me, having just been hired as Paul’s paralegal.
Pulling on an A-line, knee length, navy skirt, white blouse and a blazer I am getting closer to readiness. One quick look in the full-length mirror on the back of the door suggests the reflection staring back is that of a professional. This reminds me of what my mother used to say: “First impressions can be lasting impressions.”
Ready to go, I make my way down the stairs to exit my apartment. I step out onto the street to walk the two blocks to the train. I’ve forgotten my hat, but I am not going to turn back as the transit steps are in view. It’s rush hour, so there are lots of other commuters around me. The sound of the coming train causes the crowd and me to move a little faster. There are rows of people on the platform. Looking up at the clock it’s only 7:30. Even though I have to stop off at the office first to pick up some paperwork I have plenty of time, so I let the crowded train leave while I wait for the next one. The train begins to pull out and I move closer to the front of the platform, not wanting to get stuck in the flurry of the crowd. As expected I’ll be standing, which I don’t mind since it’s only five stops. I run different scenarios of how the meeting may go through my mind. In no time my stop is announced. As I get closer to the office I see banners overhead advertising The French Royals, an exhibit that is coming in May to the museum. That might be interesting, I think to myself as I walk up two sets of wide steps. As I had been a history major, I know the show would be right up my alley. Standing at the top of the steps, I look up at the gray sky wondering if the sun will come out today. I run inside and grab the files from Paul’s desk where we left them after our final review on Friday evening. I wave to Molly, the receptionist, as I leave.
Back on the street I pull my scarf tighter around my neck, wishing I had gone back for my hat. I see the Paramount ahead and walk towards one of the revolving doors of the hotel. Checking once more to make sure the files are all in my bag before I go in, I blindly take a step forward and hear a bang. My laptop bag has hit the corner of the revolving door, causing it to come to a sudden halt. I look up, startled, and realize there is a man stuck between the glass panels. I see him staring right at me. His piercing dark blue eyes are not happy. I immediately step back and apologize profusely, as he is now free to exit and hear me, “I’m so sorry, I hope you are okay! I should have been watching where I was going.”
The man, with the air of a prince, looks down at me and I realize how tall he is. His almost black hair is short and layered. He is impeccably dressed and has his coat draped over his arm. I want to tell him, “Its cold outside, put on your coat,” but I don’t. He has a majestic way of reprimanding me without any words, no smile or laugh at the incident, as most others might offer after my genuine apology. Instead, I get a cool glare. I step aside so that the regal man can leave, and as he does I smile up at him. He stares down at me without any change in his expression. My gaze follows him as he walks down the hotel steps toward a sedan where a driver holds open his door. As he is about to step into the car, I catch him glancing back up at me. Our eyes meet for just a brief moment. I quickly avert mine and turn around to enter the building. I’d better move it or I’ll be late to meet Paul.
I am to meet Paul in the Bayview Room on the third floor. Luckily, just as the elevator door is about to open I hear my boss’s friendly voice coming from behind me, “Good morning, Violet.” I turn to hold the door open and Paul gets in with me.
“Hi Paul, how was your weekend? Are you all psyched up for the meeting today?”
“It’s all I’ve been thinking about since we left the office on Friday. Thanks for meeting me here. Do you have our files?” I nod and point to my bag. We step out of the elevator and follow the signs to the meeting room. Given the nature of the meeting, I had ensured with the hotel there were no competing companies meeting here and that the room beside us would be vacant for the duration of our meetings, which are expected to last the whole week.
Paul is meeting this morning with Adam Stone, the senior partner at Laurier and Stone. From what I have heard from Paul, Mr. Stone is renowned for heading up the successful merger of two major international fast food companies. This was a not an easy feat given both parties were key players in the market. He managed to find common ground however, resulting in a successful merger for them and a very lucrative deal for himself. The merger was in the news and made international headlines. Stone was only twenty-five at the time and shortly after was asked to partner with Laurier to help build an international law firm.
I pull the window blinds halfway up to bring some light and energy into the room. Our team is meeting early to prep. I am attending the meeting to take notes. I hand Paul the files as two of our other lawyers, David Hershey and Mark Burns, who have been assisting Paul with the merger come into the room. We are also expecting one accountant from each bank to join us lat
er. I take a seat in the back of the room at a small table set up for my laptop so I can take notes.
Just before 10, the door opens and a man and woman walk into the room. They re-introduce themselves as the two associate lawyers from Laurier & Stone, Linda Brand and Michael Stein. They inform the room that Mr. Stone is only minutes behind them, wrapping up a conference call. Introductions complete, they sit and engage in small talk until the door opens again.
I sit up straight in my chair. This can’t be happening. The tall and well-dressed man coming into the room was the same one I met this very morning when I trapped him in the revolving door. I put my head down. Maybe he won’t notice me. Paul stands up and walks over to meet Adam Stone.
“Hi Adam, it’s nice to see you,” Paul says to him.
“Good morning Paul, nice to see you again. Thanks for making the arrangements to meet here.” He has a deep masculine voice and could easily be on radio or television. He nods at his two lawyers followed by brief re-introductions to David and Mark. I begin to relax thinking he hasn’t noticed me, when all of sudden Paul makes the last introduction.
“Adam, this is my paralegal, Violet Cole. She will be taking notes for our side. I hope that’s okay. She has signed a non-disclosure agreement; I have a copy if you want to see it.” Mr. Stone walks over to me and extends his hand; officially, this is our first introduction.
“Hello, Violet, it is nice to meet you. You look familiar, but I can’t quite place from where.” I stand and manage to stay composed even though I want to crawl under the table. Instead, I reach for his hand, forced to look back to be polite in the greeting.
Meeting his eyes makes me feel timid all of a sudden. I say, “Good morning Mr. Stone, it’s nice to meet you too.” He stares at me with a slight smile on his lips. Our hands are locked a few seconds more than needed. A warm sensation runs through me just before we release hands. I come back to reality, realizing I am standing in the middle of a meeting room with six lawyers. I take my seat and watch Mr. Stone walk to his side of the table.
As the meeting begins I diligently pay attention, watching all the players except Mr. Stone. I can’t bring myself to look at him. At one point during the meeting, he looks over at me and asks, “Are you okay over there?”
I sheepishly look up and reply, “Yes, fine thanks.”
I welcome the lunch hour so I can get out of the room. Lunch is being brought in, but I am not planning to stay. “Paul, I have to go back to the office, do you want me take anything back?” I ask him.
Paul appreciatively looks back at me. “No Violet, I think we are good here. Please be back by 1.”
“Yes sir,” I say with a smile.
Breathing a sigh of relief, I walk out of the meeting room into the hotel corridor towards the elevator. I can’t stop thinking of Mr. Stone. I wish I had dressed better. A tingling sensation runs through me as I think of him. I scold myself for thinking this way. The cool air is welcoming as I walk out of the hotel. I am not really going back to the office - I just need a break. I stroll a few blocks to a coffee shop down the street and order a latte and a scone. Seated at one of the bar height seats that look out the window, my mind wanders back to him, the renowned corporate lawyer. I settle and feel comfortable just looking out the window. I can hear my friend Ann’s voice in my head, “You need to get out more and try to meet people.” I keep replaying the penetrating stare of Mr. Stone and feel excitement at the fact that I have a few more hours with him this afternoon. Move on Violet, I chide myself.
Checking my watch, I realize I’d better head back. I walk in the room with five minutes to spare and take my seat at the back, away from the table full of lawyers and now two accountants. Mr. Stone, engrossed in the conversation, doesn’t even look in my direction this time. The group takes a 20-minute break at 3 and I go to the restroom to freshen up and enjoy the quiet. As I’m about to head back, of course, coming down the corridor towards me I see the man himself. It’s now just the two of us. I can’t turn around as the only place to go back to is the restroom. I continue walking, looking down at the diamond shaped patterns in the carpet. Mr. Stone stops right in front of me in a matter of seconds. I am forced to make eye contact again when he says, “Are you managing to stay awake, Violet? It must be difficult with all that legal jargon flying around.”
I give a fake laugh to ease my tension. “I’m used to it, Mr. Stone. It’s interesting and I’m learning a lot about negotiation by just being present.”
“Good to hear, I was starting to feel sorry for you.” He’s smiling now. “I’ll see you back in there then,” he says and continues to strut down the corridor. I am flushed and the deep sensations return. My knees feel weak and I have to lean against the wall before walking back to the room. What is happening to me?
The meeting wraps up at 6:30, and I text Ann to see if she can meet up for dinner. She responds: Meet at our deli. See you then, xo. ‘Our deli’ has delicious, inexpensive wine, which is why we like it so much; they also make a mean corned beef on rye sandwich.
I head for my train, but just as I reach the platform I hear an announcement over the speakers, there’s a thirty-minute delay. I’m tired, but decide to walk and text Ann to let her know I’ll be late.
As Murphy’s Law would have it, it begins to snow as I walk out of the station. I am wearing boots, but not ones well equipped for snow. I can feel the sidewalk getting slippery. Head down, I begin walking back in the direction I had come from. The wind gusts and the weight of my laptop bag forces me off balance causing me to slip. Just as I’m about to hit the ground I feel an arm around my waist, preventing my knees from connecting to the slick pavement. I look up and oh my, it’s him. He has saved me from an embarrassing and likely painful fall. I realize I am standing outside the hotel I had just left. He must’ve been coming out as I was rushing by.
“Are you okay, Violet?” he asks, releasing me when he sees that I am stable on my feet.
“Thank you, Mr. Stone.” I really am grateful for the save.
“Where are you heading in such a rush?” he asks.
“I’m meeting my friend for dinner and there’s a train delay, so I thought I would just walk.”
His car pulls up and his driver steps out of the car to take his laptop bag. Mr. Stone nods at him in greeting and turns back to me. “I can drop you off if you like. It’s probably safer if I do, as I don’t see the snow stopping anytime soon.” I am so embarrassed, and I don’t want Paul to see me getting into Mr. Stone’s car.
I begin to decline. “It’s okay, I can walk.”
“Nonsense, please get in the car.” He is not taking no for an answer. He opens the car door and takes my arm to help me into it. I have no choice now but to get in or else look rude. When he gets into the car beside me, he looks over at me and just stares for a moment. He’s hard to read so I have no idea what he’s thinking, which makes me nervous. Sitting next to him makes him appear so much taller and even more intimidating. He definitely has a presence about him that goes way beyond his good looks and intelligence. To be polite, I manage to make eye contact.
He gives me a reserved smile this time and says, “We meet again, Violet.” He enunciates my name and a shiver runs through me. My heart begins to pound in my chest.
“Uh…yes.” I’m blushing now for sure.
He asks, “Where to?” and I have no choice but to share my destination. I look forward as the driver asks if I should be dropped off first. Mr. Stone nods yes. The warmth of the car is welcoming making me realize I was cold. We drive in silence as Mr. Stone types on his Blackberry. It’s not long before we arrive at the deli, and when we do the driver exits the car and opens my door. I look over at him and he nods farewell.
As I am halfway out of the car, Mr. Stone grabs my hand firmly and says, “Violet, please remember to watch where you are going.” He has a small grin on his lips. He has nice lips. Another one of those fe
elings rips through me. This is crazy.
I give my second fake laugh of the day and reply, “I will, and thanks so much for the drive.” He clearly remembers our first blundering encounter this morning. My cheeks feel hot; I must be blushing again. I smile and thank the driver as he walks with me and opens the deli door.
I see Ann at our regular table, and then I turn back and see the black sedan still in front. That’s strange. I hug Ann as she stands up to greet me. I look back again and this time I see the car pulling away from the curb. I can finally relax and enjoy quality time with my friend.
I miss living with her some days and other days to be honest I enjoy the privacy and quietness of the apartment. This I will enjoy until my new roommate moves in the end of August. Brian is in his final year of a degree in mathematics. When he came to see the place he had his parents and girlfriend with him. His girlfriend studies out of town and he plans to spend his weekends at his parents place or with his girlfriend at her university. Part of the reason I selected him from among the other applicants was the fact I would have weekends to myself. Also being in his last year means a heavy curriculum and little time for parties. The additional income will help me with expenses and allow me to save some money.
The waiter comes over and we both order corned beef on rye sandwiches and red wine. I tell Ann about the long day without mentioning any company names. “I expect the week to be a repeat of the same today. Start early and finish late. Thankfully, I like all my teammates including my boss Paul.”
“That’s going to make for a long week, my friend. How do you stay awake?” she asks.
I grin as I say, “Well, the other senior lawyer is quite attractive.” I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud. I now have piqued her interest.
“What, you actually find someone attractive? Like, attractive in the sense you would go out with him?”
I pause for a minute, how did we go from attractive to dating? I then say, “I don’t think so. He’s well known in the legal world. Probably taken anyways, and if he isn’t I’m sure he doesn’t date paralegals. A girl can dream though!” I laugh.
Solid Stone: Revolving Door Page 1