Feeling the anxiety pass, Jennifer found the strength to her voice. She thought back to the day she first met Melone. He carried strength and confidence in a way that no other man with his assets had, at least of what she’d seen. “Melone wasn’t like other young entrepreneurs with a lot of money. He had plans—dreams.”
Jennifer turned to pace in the opposite direction. She glanced towards the audience and saw them following her movements with their eyes. “I’m going to tell you something not many people know about Mr. Melone. He didn’t hop on the create-a-foundation bandwagon for tax write-offs,” she shook her head and paused, facing the audience directly. She no longer saw faces in the mix of dust and overhead lights. “He created Hope’s Foundation because he saw it was what Chicago needed.”
Silence began to drop at the audience hung on Jennifer’s words. The white screen had finished lowering over a minute ago. At the podium was the remote. She went towards the control and lifted it into her hands. Within seconds, a large picture of a young black child with round cheeks was displayed. The audience seemed to gasp as they saw that Melone’s rough face and thick body cradled the child in his arms.
Jennifer let the image sink in. It was a little girl, and she was bleeding from the right side of her stomach. “How many of you remember the tragic events of May 14th, 2009?” There was silence. Jennifer nodded and pressed the remote, the image changed to rubble, smoke, EMTs and police officers sifting through debris.
“That’s because it was mentioned once in the news, and then glossed over to talk more about job loss, the falling rates that didn’t seem to be slowing down,” she motioned with her hands, “and the terrible status of the economy.” Jennifer straightened her back and took a deep breath. “No one seemed to care about the tragedy that happened in the outlying poorer sections of Chicago that day.”
“On this particular day, however,” Jennifer switched to another picture, “Melone was a just outside of downtown.” She paused and smirked, “He was doing some scouting for property on his own and got lost.” She heard a few suppressed chuckles from the ground. “He pulled over to check his GPS for and heard some shouting. Screaming,” she switched to another picture of the scene.
“A medium-sized company had just announced days before that it was closing five of its most essential stores in the inner city Chicago area. Thousands of the working poor were going to lose their jobs.” Jennifer faced the audience again, stopping the streaming images on a picture of Melone speaking with an officer. He was in jeans and a collared shirt but wore the look of a weathered new age hero.
“A peaceful protest outside these stores turned violent after a couple of days of getting nowhere. People became hostile. Crowds began to run,” Jennifer approached the podium again. “People, older women, men, children, mothers, and fathers were trampled.” She could tell she had their full attention. “Fires were started and fire hydrants released. Emergency services took more than thirty minutes to arrive and Melone, just blocks from one store, was able to help kids get to safety.”
Jennifer half turned towards the image still on display. Melone’s face was partially covered, but she could still envision his soft, baby blue eyes full of compassion and determination. “The media painted these people as animals, trampling their young,” she mocked, “but Melone was there. He saw the desperation. He saw their need.” She paused for effect.
“If he could have given a billion dollars to the blocks with the most damage that day, he would have done it in an instant and not batted an eye. But he wanted to do more than help repair and rebuild,” she nodded at the strength behind her words. “He wanted to help instill hope and peace to these hurting, forgotten families of our beloved Chicago.”
The audience began to clap. She saw some wiping their faces. “You see, these people don’t have hard skills to get better jobs. They rely on minimum wages to feed families of five or more.” Jennifer ran a hand through her hair, pushing it off her shoulders. “Melone saw they needed direction to be better, and so Hope’s Foundation was born.” She clicked to the next image, a photo of the grand opening of a physical location of Hope’s Foundation. Melone stood with a crowd of supporters, commissioners, and the Mayor’s office with a pair of large scissors and huge red ribbon.
“Over the past two years since the creation of Hope’s Foundation, five different programs have been created and formed to help late adult education and skill specific training. We’ve given over a million back into the community that has increased the city’s low-wage earners’ potential to earn better jobs—and many have.” Jennifer pressed the remote.
“Here’s Jerome. He had a fifth-grade reading level and lacked serious stability for years. With the funded programs started by Hope’s Foundation, we have seen this man get his GED in less than a year with extensive tutoring. He got his first steady job as a dispatcher within a local moving company, and,” Jennifer faced the crowd directly, “he has begun the first college level classes as a first generation college student from his family and was just awarded an intern position with another private company that will mark his first salary position at $25 thousand a year.”
The crowd began to clap. Several individuals stood. Jennifer flipped to another picture showing Jerome, a medium height, broad-shouldered brown-skinned man wearing a blue gown and matching mortarboard. More individuals stood to clap. She heard a few whistles and allowed herself a small smile.
“When you choose to fund this foundation,” Jennifer regained control of the floor. She didn’t look away or down this time. “You’re doing more than supporting a mere charity, but an organization that establishes life and helps secure futures.” Her last words were swallowed by a surge of a standing ovation. Jennifer sucked in a gasp of air at the reception of the crowd.
The announcer was at her side in a moment and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Ladies and gentle, another round of applause for that incredible speech and presentation.” He grabbed her hand and lifted it, “Ms. Rhodes everyone.”
The applause pushed to deafening. Jennifer faced the announcer, taking his face in this time. She had seen him before several times but had never spoken to him. That was James position. He was the president of two different companies, a young software development firm and another SEO consulting practice.
“That’s one hell of a speech, young lady,” He pulled her into another hug, grabbing one of her free hands firmly.
“Thank you, Dave” Jennifer managed. He looked her over before he let her go. As she began to walk towards the short staircase to the floor, she heard the crowd begin another round of applause. It wasn’t until Jennifer began to descend the steps that she began to feel he own heartbeat still rattling around in her chest. She placed a hand over it as she approached the last step.
“What a message,” a smooth voice called to Jennifer.
She blinked, and searched for the sound, eyes settling on a familiar cut of well-carved man. Dark, shining eyes gleamed back at her.
“Andrew,” she breathed.
“In the flesh,” he held his hand towards Jennifer. After a pause, she took it hesitantly.
Chapter Five
Up the Ladder
NO SOONER THAN she had begun to leave the side of the stage, a small gathering had begun to form around her.
“Incredible speech,” a man commented.
“I never knew Melone was such a philanthropist,” another tried to snake in.
“Thank you, esteemed guests,” Andrew spoke, tugging Jennifer’s arm lightly, “We’re going to take our seats in the Atrium now. You’ll have a chance to speak with Ms. Rhodes after the auction begins.”
Jennifer sucked in air, happy to have Andrew keep the hungry wolves away. There were prestigious men and women here, and then there were others looking to make that hotspot connection in the hopes of securing a budding relationship to boost their business. Even though, Melone wasn’t there, speaking on his behalf made Jennifer the go-to “man” now.
Andre
w had led her around the side of the tables and just several feet from the back side door which led to the stairs before Jennifer remembered her clutch. She pulled back against Andrew. He stopped and turned to face her.
“My purse,” she said softly, glancing towards the overbearing throng of individuals looking for an opportunity to speak with her. Andrew held up his other hand that she had assumed had been free and saw her clutch. He held it out towards her, and smiled as she took it. She checked the contents.
“Is there a thief among us?” He joked.
Jennifer smiled and tossed her hair. She ignored his comment and moved to his side. He guided her by touching the low of her back gently. His warm touch took her by surprise. She could still feel her body shaking from the adrenaline rush of giving the presentation. Andrew’s presence near her seemed to calm the flutters out and soothe them into silence. She stared up at him from his side until he glanced down at her with questioning eyes.
“Where are you taking me?” She sputtered after a moment.
“Upstairs to our table,” he responded smoothly. He moved through the posted door and towards the small flight of stairs.
“I’ve never been upstairs before,” Jennifer remarked, following behind him. She shrugged, “I usually sit on the first floor with everyone else.”
“Hmmm,” Andrew was silent for a moment before he rounded the flat landing and proceeded to the next half flight. “I always thought you just preferred to be down with the others.”
Jennifer wrinkled her nose. She had never seen Andrew at the benefit before.
“Have we met before?” Jennifer searched his face as she waited for answer.
He kept his eyes focused in front of him while he replied, “Not officially.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
Andrew glanced towards her. He wore a kind smile, but said nothing more. At the top of the second half flight, she gasped at the atrium. Just to her left was an opened door to deck lounge beneath the sky. The atrium had a wooden terrace wrapped in lights that illuminated the entire stretch. A free bar was at the end. There was hardly anybody in the atrium but three people, a huddle of two and another lone man at the bar opposite them.
Andrew pointed to the left. “This is where we eat.”
Jennifer followed his finger and then gasped. She took a quick step back. She tried shaking her head. Andrew frowned.
“What’s the problem?”
“You eat with the mayor?” Her eyes were wide.
Andrew shrugged. “He’s a great supporter of the benefit.” He ushered Jennifer to follow him, but she stood still, shaking her head. She was used to big business cats: men with at least two side chicks, and a wife and kids who talked revenue increases, budget overhauls, and could afford their basic service contract of $100,000. Men like that were still small fry in the big scheme of things, but politics was something she didn’t want to dabble in.
“It’s just the mayor,” Andrew urged.
Jennifer felt her cheeks flush. She shook her head. Andrew turned to face her fully. “You gave an incredible speech just a moment ago.” He searched her eyes, “You belong in here with us.”
“I’m fine downstairs,” Jennifer stressed. She took another step back, but Andrew followed her.
“You can’t eat down there.”
Jennifer stopped and frowned. He wasn’t partner yet, and she didn’t answer to him. “Yes, I can.”
He shook his head. “Melone always eats up here.”
“What?” Jennifer frowned. That couldn’t be. She knew everything about her boss—even down to the fact that he preferred Hanes white tee shirts because Michael Jordon endorsed them. She began to turn around and only grew annoyed when Andrew reached for her arm again. She glared at his soft grip. He released it at length.
“You don’t have to say anything. No one will talk to you,” he tried to persuade.
Jennifer felt a ball of fire in her gut. She turned towards Andrew and snatched her hand away. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing more.
Grit formed on Jennifer’s tongue. She needed to convince Andrew that a partnership with them was great, but at that moment, it was the last thing she cared about. Everything about this was off. She and James were supposed to be in Denver for five days. He was supposed to give his own speech for the benefit he created, and he was supposed to lead the deal with Seogen. Not her.
“What’s wrong?” Andrew asked.
Jennifer met his eyes after a brief resistance. Pressing her lips together, she shook her head.
“Everything. I didn’t even find out about your interview until yesterday. I wasn’t supposed to give a speech—I don’t get paid to do that. This isn’t my benefit and that,” she pointed towards the deck, “That is not my dinner table.” she paused, “Since when do I get paid to entertain mayors?”
Her voice was harder than it should have been. She knew James wanted Andrew as a partner. The man was on the road to becoming a billionaire if he wasn’t already. Money like that came with clout—clout the firm needed.
He was a wise investor and knew how to grow businesses. He couldn’t know about the rift between the boss and his assistant, but when did that become Jennifer’s place to manage? When she spoke, she flipped her hair and squinted her eyes. Her stare was cold. Andrew only chuckled, amused.
Jennifer’s lip curled. “Excuse me?”
Suppressing the laugh, Andrew cleared his throat with a polite nod. “I get it,” he said softly. “You’re pissed.” Jennifer nodded and tapped her foot. “Okay, well,” Andrew let his voice linger, “if you’re done throwing your pity party, I’ve got a proposition for you.” Jennifer’s brow knotted at his playful condescension. She didn’t find anything funny about her situation at all, but she remained silent with difficulty. “If you want, we can act like adults and have a little fun while Melone’s gone.” He gave a tempting smile.
Her gaze wavered for a moment. She wasn’t sure what he was getting at. “You don’t understand,” she began, but Andrew quickly interrupted.
“I understand that your boss completely ditched you and left you to fill in his shoes,” Andrew spoke quickly. His eyes twinkled as he stared at Jennifer’s widening eyes. “You can keep being upset about it, or we can make the most of his absence,” he spoke slowly with a chuckle just a breath from his throat.
Jennifer felt her body relaxing, but she still wanted to be angry. After a moment, curiosity won her over and she eyed Andrew cautiously. “What do you propose?”
“First, we make our appearance at our table with the mayor,” he held his hand up to keep Jennifer from objecting before he continued. “We still leave for Denver early in the morning and tomorrow. After we arrive, I can show you some things.” He shook his hands in her face like a small salsa routine.
“What do you know about Denver?”
Andrew chuckled. “I just so happen to be a Colorado native.”
With a raised eyebrow, Jennifer shook her head. “Impossible. You’ve lived in Illinois your entire life.”
It was Andrew’s turn to shake his head this time. His playful smile only grew. “No, ma’am. Born in Colorado, where my father had a second office to his business. We have a ranch and throw family reunions there now too,” excitement jumped in his words as he saw Jennifer’s face morph and change as she considered his deal. “Let me show you some things so you can stop wrinkling that lovely face.”
The scowl was back. “What can you show me?”
Andrew’s chuckled only deepened. “Stop pouting about Melone and I can show you what I know.” He motioned towards the private deck attached to the atrium. “They probably won’t even talk to you. If you don’t want to entertain, don’t say anything and afterward, when we get to Denver, you can let me take you out.”
Jennifer eyed Andrew with caution. She hadn’t spent much time looking at the man, too preoccupied with Melone’s absence and the burden he dropped on her. He was an exceptionally handsome man. He had a strong jaw
and Jennifer was positive he used a high paying tailor to get his suits sculpted to what Jennifer knew had to be an incredible body kept in immaculate precision and tone. She estimated his height at roughly 6’2”; but, he probably dated a different woman every month and had no shortage of women to entertain his bed at night.
As he stood before her, she had to tilt her head to meet his eyes. She wasn’t sure if he was asking to date her or was just looking for a “good time”. Either way, she felt too much anger towards Melone to be able to enjoy anything. She rolled her eyes and looked away.
“You’re not even a partner,” she grumbled with disdain.
Andrew laughed outright at her. “I beg your pardon?”
Turning to him, Jennifer pursed her lips. Melone shouldn’t have ditched her. “I said you’re not even a partner.”
He looked her over carefully. “Oh, your boss didn’t tell you, did he? Just like he didn’t tell you that he always eats up here, right?”
Jennifer’s face rushed to boiling within seconds. She narrowed her eyes. “Alright then, how much was your buy in?”
His eyes seemed to toy with her as he smirked back at her. He wasn’t in the least bit offended. “I thought Mr. Incredible told you everything?”
“Can you cut that out?” Jennifer snapped, not bothering to mask her annoyance. “How much was your buy in?” She demanded. Somewhere, she knew her anger was probably unjustified, but she couldn’t get it to back down. It wasn’t about the price of a buy-in, it was the principal. First, James made a dinner interview without her. She hadn’t even known a partner was something he had even considered. The thought that he might have officially made him a partner already only infuriated her. She was sure Andrew was just making sweeping assumptions, although, at this point, James would be stupid not to let him buy into the company.
Andrew shrugged her off. “I don’t have to tell you that,” he glanced towards the adjacent deck before meeting Jennifer’s eyes again. “You’ve got a bad attitude.” Jennifer scoffed thickly but said nothing. He was right. She had no right to be angry at him. Andrew spoke again, “Will you let me take you out in Denver or not?”
Millionaire Romance: In Love With My Boss - A Contemporary Romance (Millionaire Romance, Contemporary Romance, Comedy Romance Book 1) Page 3
