by Ellie Danes
Not only was I sure that Becca would be perfect for the job, but honestly, I just missed her. Even during the extra time I had spent in Vegas after she left, I had thought about her. I desperately tried to reach out to her, never knowing she changed her number to avoid me. I felt a bit lost. I couldn’t tell if she were playing hard to get or really hated me. I could blame Sara all I wanted, but I created this drama in Becca’s life and I just wanted a chance to show her how great things could be between us.
Even if she turned down the job, I wanted the chance to really know her. I couldn’t help but feel like there was something real between us and I didn’t want to let that go over a few, albeit crazy, misunderstandings. Somehow, I had to get her to believe me. If she accepted the job, I was certain that I could gain back her trust.
I stood outside of the club and let the warm sun hit my face. The only time I actually got to be outside was the walk from my home to the car, to the office, back to the car, to one of my venues, maybe a restaurant for a lunch business meeting, and once again, back to the car. My social life had dissipated and it was my own doing. Sara always forced me to go out, but usually with her snobbish friends. I took out my phone and looked at the calendar. There were only a few more weeks until the club’s debut and hotel opening.
I pulled open the heavy wooden and glass door and went inside. Everything looked perfect. It amazed me how only a few months ago, the space had been nothing more than a large gutted building. At one point, the space had been used as a gallery, but after it went under, the place was essentially abandoned. Only some artwork and tools had been left behind. Now the place looked sleek and modern. The dingy concrete floor had been replaced with large black marble tile. The walls were now a dark gray and black pattern with thick columns of light separating each section. Private tables were spread around the room for bottle service surrounded by lavish white sofas. There was one main bar that was lit up from within. The large dance floor in the center could easily accommodate hundreds of people dancing in front of the cutting edge DJ stage.
I was excited to see this project come to life and finally be packed full of customers, celebrities and the rich. At the far end of the floor there were twenty or so people gathering in a circle around the bar. The servers and bartenders that were being trained. I waved as I spotted Charley, the onsite project manager. He and Jeremy had worked closely together with the launch of the restaurant and had become my go to person for this project.
“Charley.” I greeted him with a firm handshake. “The place looks amazing. It gets better and better every day.”
“Indeed.” He smiled broadly, patting my back with his large hand. “There are only a few things left to do. There are really only a few odds and ends that will easily be wrapped up in a day or two.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” I nodded. “I hope having the staff training here isn’t hindering your work.”
“Nahh.” He waved his hand and smirked. “I’ve done work on the busy streets of midday Manhattan! This is nothing.”
“I’m sure.” I chuckled. Across the room, I saw Paula, head of HR going over something with some of the new hires. Her face was scrunched up and her nostrils flared. I could tell Paula was frustrated, as she often tended to be. But like Charley, she really was one of best at her job, I wouldn’t even imagine using anyone else. She was tough and didn’t take anything from any of the employees that gave her a problem. She was tough on the people she hired, but tough in a way that really just brought out the best in people.
“Hey Paula, is everything ok?”
“Yes.” She squeaked. “Everything’s good, just making sure everyone knows what they need to do.” Paula rubbed the back of her neck. “I heard we’re having some big blowout for the launch instead of the soft open like we discussed. So…are we doing any marketing for this? Are we getting a DJ or anyone to make appearances?” Paula craned her neck as she stood in front of me.
“Don’t worry about that.” I looked away from her, not wanting to meet the scrutiny of her eyes directly. “I’m working on PR and marketing. For now, I just want you to focus on making sure everything and everyone is ready. Howard will be flying in for the opening, so it is important that everything goes perfectly.”
“Oh.” Paula’s face turned pale. “I wasn’t aware he was coming. I’ve heard…” Paula hesitated.
“Don’t worry Paula. Everything will be fine. He can be an ass at times, and he’s a perfectionist, but we’ll have everything ready to go…”
I let Paula get back to her business as I found a quiet couch in the corner and took everything in. Only a few weeks. A few weeks and not only would the hotel and club be open for business, but my harshest critic would be here to point out any flaws and the first sign of failure. I had wanted him to come see everything for so long, and now that he was, I could feel the tension rise and the nausea set in. I had never been able to live up to his expectations and this was the perfect time for him to show me just how much.
Even during his call, as nice as it was, he found time to tell me how to do my job and who to contact for the marketing. I looked at my watch and smiled. It was late enough for a drink…somewhere. I walked over to the bar, grabbed a glass and poured a shot of bourbon with a splash of ginger ale. I took a long, smooth sip as the brown liquid slid down my throat. I quickly refilled the glass and headed back to the couch to contemplate how I was going to impress my father.
Chapter Five
Becca
“I’m really sorry Chris.” I said softly into the phone as I paced around the living room. “I just had so many interviews the last couple of days, I’m exhausted, and a tad bit dejected. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be the best person to hang out with right now.”
“I understand that you’re stressed.” He said politely. “I do miss you though.”
“I . . . miss you too.” I said as I bit down on my thumbnail. I had turned him down for dinner two days in a row. He was definitely persistent. After looking at the offer Chance had given me I was even more confused than I had been before. I wasn’t sure what I wanted anymore. If I took the job, I don’t think that Chris would be happy about that, let alone Melissa and the rest of my girlfriends.
Chris let out a long sigh. “Maybe I could stop by for a bit tomorrow? We could just hang out, drink a little wine.”
“No. Tomorrow really won’t work. I just have a lot on my mind. Maybe this weekend we could grab dinner? How about Saturday?”
“Ok.” The sound of disappointment echoed through the phone. “Saturday works for me. I’ll give you a call and we can work out the details later in the week…and Becca…if you change you’re mind, I’d love to see you…anytime.”
“I’ll keep that in mind Chris. If things change I’ll let you know. Bye.” I hung up the phone and tossed it on the couch, collapsing next to it as I let out a cry of frustration. What was I doing? I had actually started to kind of like Chris, and yet I was keeping things from him. At first I had thought it was fine. I hadn’t even considered Chance’s proposal. The more I thought about it and Chance, the more confused I got. One thing was clear to me. I wasn’t going to see Chris until I figured things out.
It was ironic. After my first date with Chris I thought he was attractive, but dull and definitely not my type. I had left that date, never wanting to see him again. Now, he seemed like a bit of an escape, but an escape from what? My real feelings? I hated myself for the way I was feeling, torn between safe and secure and risky and happy. I closed my eyes and rubbed them, frustrated and stressed. This wasn’t how I imagined my life going. I felt everything spinning out of control.
I picked up the envelope from the coffee table and stared at my name typed on the front. I pulled out the paper for the fifth time and read over it, word by word. I looked for any hidden meaning in the sentences. Nothing. Only a very amazing job offer. I ran my hand over my face and groaned. I had never seen so many zeros in my life. At my age and for this position it was unheard of to bl
indly land a six-figure job. It didn’t seem real to me. Chance didn’t seem real. He was from a world I didn’t understand. No one at my old company would ever have been paid such an excessive amount of money for a job. It was clear that Chance and I didn’t live in the same world. His world was full of money, connections, beautiful people, and the ability to make anything possible. And then there was me, who couldn’t even find a job.
I rocked back and forth on the couch, my hands folded in front of my mouth, as I inhaled and exhaled deeply. Could I do this? Should I do this? Was I ready to take on this job and work closely with Chance? My mind continued to race as I doubted myself. I felt defeated. I had prepared myself for this exact job over the last few years. “I can do this.” I coached myself. “I’m smart, I deserve this chance! I know people, and I definitively have connections. I know the city, I know what people in the city respond to!”
I reread the proposal and the ideas began to flow immediately. I felt myself slipping into work mode and it was definitely something I missed. I needed that feeling again. I needed the excitement of a new project. I stared at the pile of bills on the table and knew this opportunity would more than pay for my bills, plus give me a cushion when Melissa moved out in a few weeks. The kind of money Chance had offered me was life changing.
“God, what am I thinking?” I laughed out loud at my own stupidity. In any other circumstance, I would have jumped at the opportunity for this job, but because it was attached to the handsome and possible single rich-guy that had seduced me just weeks earlier, I knew it would be a foolish move. I couldn’t take this job. I wasn’t qualified. The thought struck me as ironic, considering I was over qualified for every other job I interviewed for.
I felt myself slowly going crazy over the internal struggle I was faced with. I pulled out my laptop and quickly checked my email. Nothing important or worthwhile. I pulled up the job board I usually searched and enter a few keywords, hoping a new opportunity would present itself. I scanned down the list of jobs. The same jobs from the previous week were still posted. Nothing new. I slammed the cover of the laptop closed as I felt the tears filling my eyes. I was broken.
I didn’t have the luxury of waiting any longer. The idea of going back to waiting tables at the restaurant down the street made me cringe. I knew I could always get a job there, but what would be worse, waiting tables for below minimum wage and tips or putting myself in a somewhat vulnerable position.
I looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. “Please, give me a sign. What should I do?”
My phone vibrated next to me and scared the hell out of me. I looked at the screen. It was my mother. “Really?” I looked up at ceiling again talking to the higher power I had hoped would rescue me. “Your sign is my mom calling me?”
An involuntary groan slipped between my lips as I grabbed the phone. I hadn’t spoken to either of my parents in over a month. Our relationship had been rocky for a few years, ever since I left home. We barely made small talk when we did talk, but I did have to give my mom credit, she at least made an effort, more than what I did. I tapped the answer button and took a deep breath. “Hey Mom!”
“Well, long time no talk!” She laughed. “I was beginning to think your phone was broken, but I see you can at least receive calls.” I made an attempt to chuckle, though it came out jumbled and pained. “How are you sweetie? I haven’t heard from you, in like what, a month?”
“I’m alright mom.” I curled my legs up to my chest. “I’m sorry I haven’t called.” I bit my lip as I felt the lie coming. “I’ve been pretty busy, but nothing too exciting.”
“What are you talking about? You were just in Vegas with the girls. I heard all about it from Melissa’s mother. I even saw a few pictures online.”
My heart sank as I wondered what exactly Melissa’s mother knew and what she had possibly told my mother. Was that the reason she was calling me? To rub my failures in my face? “Oh yeah, we had a blast. I hadn’t looked at the pictures online.”
“Looks like you girls had fun. I hear Melissa’s wedding is coming along. Your father and I are so excited. Maybe someday…”
“Mom! Please, enough with wishing and hoping for my wedding.”
“Well, I’m your mother, I’m allowed to hope for good things for my girl. Anyway, we are excited about her wedding, even if we have to drive into the city.”
Melissa didn’t want to have her wedding in our old town, at the local church, like everyone else in our small community always did. It was one of her rebellious things she wanted to do to make her wedding her own. I could totally relate.
“Vegas was fun, a little crazy for my taste, but fun.” I immediately thought about my flight out there, the clubs, the hotel…Chance. I clenched my jaw tighter as Mom continued her barrage of questions.
“And how’s the job going?”
“My job…? It’s going…well.” I waited for her response. I wondered whether Melissa had said something to her mother, who would have quickly passed the news on to Mom.
“Just well?” Mom pushed, I could tell from her tone she didn’t like the sound of that. She was convinced I could get a better job in New Jersey. “If it’s not great your father has plenty of connections with his company, we can always help you find something better. I mean, aren’t you tired of the grime and crime of the city? You could even move back into the house till you’re settled. We would love to have you! I haven’t changed your old room even a little bit.”
I stood up and paced around the apartment as Mom continued to give me her reasons why I needed to be closer to home. The thought of moving closer, or worse yet, home, made me cringe. “I appreciate the offer but…” I glanced over at the pile of bills on the coffee table and then at the folded letter from Chance. If my mother knew what was really going on she and dad would drive here and immediately drag me back to Jersey, kicking and screaming. I reached over and picked up the proposal, I bit my lip as I looked at that ridiculous number. “Actually, the job is just Ok. I decided to take a new position with another company. It’s a huge promotion, more money and bigger projects. In fact, I’m supposed to be on a call with my new boss to work out the details now. I really should get going.”
“Well that sounds great.” Mom sounded both proud and disappointed in the way that only my mother seemed to be able to do. “Good luck dear. Don’t wait another month to call me.”
“I won’t, goodbye mom.” I paused. “I love you.”
“I love you too sweetheart, bye”
What had I just done? I stood in silence and stared down at the letter. I immediately panicked as I opened the letter and started to dial the number at the bottom. I needed to call him before I changed my mind, yet again. Speaking with my mother had shown me exactly what I didn’t want. It made me remember what I did. I entered the last digit and allowed my thumb to hover over the dial button. I closed my eyes, tapped the button and held the phone to my ear. “Don’t answer, don’t answer, don’t answer…” I whispered to myself.
“Chance Vaughn.” His voice sent shivers down my spine. I remembered that voice whispering my name into my ear.
I took in a deep breath, my eyes still closed, and said the words I promised myself I wouldn’t. “I’ll take the job.”
“Becca?”
“Yes. I’ll take the job, but I want to talk to you about it first.”
“Have dinner with me...tonight.”
“A business dinner.” I said curtly.
“Yes business, I promise. I’ll pick you up.”
“No. I’ll meet you there.” I stated firmly.
“Daniel’s, at seven?”
“Perfect. See you then.” I hung up, sighed heavily, and plummeted face first into the soft couch cushions.
Chapter Six
Chance
I paced nervously back and forth on the sidewalk. I wasn’t sure why I was so nervous, but it had overtaken me. This was my opportunity to finally clear the air on the things that happened in Vegas and hopef
ully have a nice conversation with Becca. Our time together in Vegas was exciting and while we got to know each other, I didn’t feel we really got to know each other the way we should have. Dinner was going to be the beginning of a clean start for us.
I had made a reservation at Daniel’s, an upscale and exclusive restaurant. I had had many business meetings here and they all ended well. I wanted to continue the streak. Becca had stated that this was a business dinner and I wanted to honor her request as much as I could, even though there was still many non-business topics I wanted to discuss. If we were going to work together it was important to make sure there was no more animosity between us and the Sara issue was no longer a problem.
Cars navigated down the small side street and couples walked the sidewalk as I stood nervously. I was tempted to grab a quick drink to calm my nerves, but I knew I needed a clear head to start the evening. The beat up yellow cab pulled up to the sidewalk and the door opened. I could see Becca inside and I quickly grabbed the door and extended my hand, helping her out. Her long, tanned legs eased out of the cab and my eyes followed them up, taking every inch of her. She was stunning. She was dressed neatly and professionally. It was a very different look from the dresses she wore in Vegas. As we stood on the sidewalk I awkwardly went in for a hug as she extended her hand, almost hitting me in the gut. I chuckled as I stopped myself and smiled, taking her small hand in mine. Touching her, even like that, was a turn on.
“I’m sorry…” I quipped as she blushed.
“It’s fine, I know, this seems…”
“Awkward…” We both laughed.
“Well, for now. Let’s get inside and relax.” I extended my arm and escorted her into the restaurant. She seemed hesitant to take my arm, but did anyway.
The host immediately guided us to our small white table in the corner by one of the large arches. It was a bit more private and would give us the solitude we needed for our dinner. No sooner had we sat down than the waiter approached with a bottle of chilled champagne I had ordered while making reservations.
