by M T Stone
“I know, Kristen. But I’m more interested in creating a movement, not just another brand. At least that’s my initial take on it.”
“I’m still trying to figure out why you would go into business with a college student, Dad. This doesn’t have anything to do with how weird you were acting the other day does it?”
“I wasn’t acting weird. Besides, it was actually Dr. Schaffer who mentioned Kate’s project one day while we were having lunch. After going through it with him, I agreed it could be a very profitable venture.”
Note to self: Contact Ben to make sure he corroborates my little white lie.
“Okay, Dad, whatever you say.”
My real motivation for bringing the project to Jayne and Kristen was because it would be great to see the two of them working with Kate. Kristen had two and a half decades of valuable experience in the fashion merchandising world that Kate didn’t have. For Jayne, this would be an opportunity for her to own a business, too. If she took off with this, my intention was to let her take over my share. With her business savvy, Kate’s creativity, and Kristen’s attention to detail, I wouldn’t be a bit concerned leaving them in complete control.
“I’ve got to run. Let me know when you guys can have lunch with Kate.”
It was time to pay a little attention to my real business. I had to spend the remainder of my day in the office catching up on correspondence and making sure the transition to new ownership was on track. There were only three days left this week, and since I would be gone next week, there was no lack of work to be done. I honestly couldn’t wait for January 30 to arrive.
~~~
Kate
When I got to the studio at 8:00 in the morning, the design team was already finishing up the second prototype. They apparently were all working overtime to impress Jack and me. The team leader, Becky, informed me that she and two others had worked until almost midnight the night before. Things were moving at such a fast pace that when our noon lunch arrived, no one even wanted to take a break.
“You’re going to have a chance to wear that gorgeous blue Shantung Dress tonight,” was the text message from Jack that greeted me when I checked my phone.
“Why? What’s up?”
“No details, but you get to meet a legend tonight.”
I really hated surprises, so I gave him a quick call to get the scoop.
“Jack, just tell me who it is, so I’m not distracted all afternoon. You know we’ve got a ton of work to get done over here.”
“Okay, Kate, I didn’t realize you don’t like surprises. Well, let me just say there was a reason behind me telling you to wear the blue dress. Do you care to guess?”
“Michael Carr? We’re having dinner with Michael Carr?”
“See, that wasn’t so hard. I’m glad you will be able to concentrate the rest of the afternoon now.”
“Holy crap! I’m having dinner with Michael Carr! Are you sure I should be so obvious as to wear his dress?”
“Yes, he’ll love it on you as much as I do.”
As I hung up the phone, it began to hit me. I really was being flung head first into the top tier of the fashion world. When my line became successful, people would be talking about me in the same way they now talk about these other top designers. Who knows? Maybe I’d even make some revolutionary changes and become the next Chanel. Okay, time to get my head out of the clouds and back to work.
Holy crap, dinner with Michael Carr!
~~~
Jack
Needless to say, when I sent Kate a text that Tim and I were pulling up with the car, she came bursting through the doors. “What time are we eating? I need to get changed!”
“Relax hun, we aren’t meeting him until eight.”
“So how long have you known him?”
“For years. He went to Fashion U a few years ahead of me, but I don’t think he finished. I first met him at a fashion show where Eva and I pitched him on selling through our catalog. God, that must’ve been 1990 or ‘91. You probably weren’t born yet.”
“Uh, actually, I was born on July 7, 1989. So I was probably in my crib during your meeting.”
“Thanks. You have a way of making me feel so young.”
“Speaking of that, are you feeling better?”
“Yes, much better. I had completely forgotten all about that little episode this morning.”
“That’s good, I’ll be more careful with you next time.”
Kate gave me a kiss and leaned into me for the rest of the ride home. Careful with me? Fuck, next she’s going to be treating me like I belong in geriatrics. I’m definitely going to crank up my testosterone another notch and show her who’s boss! I’m too young for this bullshit!
~~~
We met Michael at the Bryant Park Grill for dinner, and it was a blast catching up with him. Kate was fantastic! Michael was blown away by how she looked in his design, and I could see why she gravitated toward his clothes because they had so much in common. Kate’s eyes sparkled and glimmered as they discussed the current trends in men’s and women’s fashion. They both displayed so much passion for what they were doing it was easy to see why Michael was so successful and why I had an almost instant belief in Kate’s abilities. There is no substitute for passion, you either have it or you don’t; and these two have it in spades!
After enjoying my filet mignon with cabernet sauce and listening to them talk fashion for nearly an hour, I encouraged Kate to share the ideas for her new line with him. I had known Michael long enough to be able to trust him completely, and I knew he wouldn’t hold back if he had any insights. Just like Andrew, he loved her idea of making something high quality, simple and elegant for working women. When I mentioned the “Made in America” theme, he too reminded me that it would be a complete 180 from what I had been preaching in my younger days.
That issue kept popping up, and for that reason, I had decided to take on a more passive role in Kate’s company. The media would have a heyday with us if they realized I was the driving force behind the brand. After our chat with Michael, I was completely convinced of two things: Kate’s brand was going to be successful, and someone other than me had to be her business partner. I hoped that she and Jayne would click.
~~~
Kate
I loved Michael Carr! What a great, down to earth guy. He and I talked at great length about what I was working on, about Fashion U (where he dropped out after his first year) and how his career had absolutely exploded the past decade. I felt much better about not finishing my last semester of school after our talk. It shouldn’t have been bothering me anyway, as I was still going through graduation and everything. But I guess I was just feeling a little guilty about not going back.
I was amazed by how many values Michael and I shared. It was very cool sitting there having dinner with Jack and Michael, listening to all their old stories. At the same time, though, it was a little strange because Michael was four or five years older than Jack, and here I was a 22-year-old. It made me feel like the lone kid sitting at the grown-ups table. They were both so cordial, though, as well as professional and knowledgeable. I learned more spending ninety minutes with them than I had the entire fall semester at the U. I guess that’s why they say in order to be successful it helps to be in the right place at the right time, huh?
Walking into the St. Regis after spending a night out with two legendary men, it suddenly seemed like maybe I did belong after all. It may have seemed ridiculous that after less than a week I would suddenly feel accepted by New York’s elite, but something was definitely changing. People were no longer giving Jack and me the same look they were last Saturday night. In hindsight, I think the only change was in my confidence level. It had also probably helped that I had ditched the trench coat!
“I’m proud of you, Kate,” Jack said as he opened the door to our room. “You handled things really well tonight.”
“Thanks, Jack, I had a great time.”
“You’re going to be very s
uccessful, Kate. Michael saw it, too. Your enthusiasm is very contagious, and that will translate directly into success.”
I gave him a hug and felt safe for the first time in years. There was now a path for me to follow, and everything was going to be alright. It was a great feeling after having my world turned upside down as a teenager. It reminded me that I had to call my mother tomorrow and touch base. I couldn’t wait to tell her who we had gone to dinner with and that he loved my ideas, too. My mother knew he was gay, so it would be obvious I wasn’t sleeping with him! I’m not even going to mention this to Jackie! She’ll go all psycho on me again!
“I better help you out of this dress. This one definitely doesn’t belong on the floor,” Jack said, bringing me back to the moment.
“Good idea, Mr. Ryker.”
~~~
Jack
As I unzipped her dress, I couldn’t help bending over and kissing her beautiful neck. Watching her conduct herself tonight was an incredible turn-on. She held her own in a way that very few women her age would’ve been able to pull off. The amazing part was that after only a few minutes, she and Michael were laughing and comparing notes as if they were old friends. Eva had had that same gift, and it was she who had landed Michael’s account for us years ago. Maybe it was those similarities and reminders of the past that made me so intrigued with her.
“What are you thinking about?”
“I was just thinking about how to get even with you for this morning.”
“Good luck with that, Jack!”
She was right. I would have to get pretty creative if I was going to leave her a mess like she left me. I knew I didn’t have the imagination to pull it off. But nevertheless, it might be fun just to try.
~~~~~~
Chapter 12 – Are We Even?
Kate
I found it hilarious that Jack wanted to compete with what I did to him in the shower. He had arranged an evening with my favorite designer, and I couldn’t possibly top that! I simply wanted him to see that I’m capable of being a “bad girl” when I want to be. It did make me nervous though when he got so pale. I sometimes forgot that he was quite a bit older. It’s hard to believe someone his age can be so hip. Maybe that’s why he seemed younger… most of the time anyway.
Once he removed my dress (and hung it up like a true gentleman), he took me in his arms and carried me off to the bedroom. He remained quiet, as if he was contemplating his next move. After delivering me to the bed, I simply laid there watching him strip down for me.
“Instead of you getting even with me, how about making love to me like our first night. You can skip all the foreplay though and just go straight to the good stuff.”
“Skip the foreplay, huh? You’re just one surprise after another, Kate.”
As he crawled in next to me, I guided his hand down to my folds, “See, I’m ready.”
“Mmmm,” was his only response, as he kissed me and performed a series of finger strokes below.
As he repositioned himself between my legs, I could feel his swollen manhood pressing against my drenched lips. He took my head in his hands, staring directly into my eyes as he slowly moved inside. By the look in his eyes, I could tell there was something he wanted to say but chose to express himself physically instead. The way he held me, the passion in his kiss and the conviction behind each full stroke was more electric than anything he could’ve said anyway. Well played sir!
It wasn’t even a full minute before I could feel that wonderful energy welling up inside me. He was at just the right angle, hitting the exact right spot and with the consistency of his strokes he was driving me quickly to the edge. Was he still trying to get even? Who cares at this point?
“My god…. That’s so damn good,” I mumbled, as I felt my toes curling beneath the sheets.
I just loved how he filled me up and knew exactly how to fuck me. I tried to kiss his neck but he held firm, determined not to break the momentum he knew was building inside me. I had no choice but to surrender to him once again and enjoy the waves of pleasure as they rippled through my body.
I tilted my hips just slightly to put a little extra pressure on that special spot; I was so close. An uncontrollable series of moans began to emanate from me, as he continued his penal assault. Oh my god, here comes that weird feeling again. I’m going to squirt again! This time I’m just going to relax and try to get the most out of it.
“Oh my god, Jack… a little harder… please… oh right there… oh my god!!”
I felt my body clench as I burst into the most incredible orgasm yet. Everything gushed out of me with so much force I actually felt something hit my leg.
“Holy shit, Jack… that was unbelievable.”
He then buried himself deep inside me, coming so hard that I felt it each time his cock pulsed.
“That was incredible,” he gasped, breaking his coital silence.
“Yeah, I think you just got even.”
“That’s good. I just hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.”
“I think it’s pretty obvious just how much I enjoyed it. Good thing we were on your side of the bed!”
He squeezed me tight, kissing my neck, “That’s alright, I don’t mind sleeping in the wet spot.”
Again, what a guy!
Jack
As we relaxed in bed, feeling content and fulfilled, I began thinking about the ménage a trois. I had reserved the East Room at Per Se for dinner, where I had some of the best meals of my life. After a great meal, I would take them to Le Gronge where André would hook us up with a great table and bottle service. However, since ménage à trois is French, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to take the girls to Paris? I sent Captain Chuck (my private pilot since 2008) a text to make sure the G550 was current on maintenance.
“How would you and Jackie like to have our little reconnoiter in Paris this weekend?”
“That would be awesome, if I hadn’t just been there two weekends ago.”
“You’re such a smartass, Kate. I’m serious.”
“You seriously want to take us to Paris this weekend? That’s like two days away.”
“It’s almost three. We wouldn’t leave until late Friday evening. That way we could sleep on the plane Friday night and check into Hotel Le Meurice in Paris around noon on Saturday. I can book a nice suite online, and we can upgrade to a Royal Suite once we arrive. If not, the three of us would have to share a king size.”
“Skip the upgrade,” Kate replied with a sly grin.
“I’ll leave that completely up to you two! If Jackie wants to go, Tim will pick her up Friday evening at 6, and she will be back at her door Monday morning between 6:30 and 7.”
“If Jackie wants to go, are you kidding? She’s gonna freak!”
Within seconds, Kate had Jackie on the phone and it was obvious they were “dual freaking”. I grabbed my robe, gave her a kiss on the forehead and dismissed myself to the living room. After I booked our room and confirmed that the Gulfstream was ready to go, I did a little research on an apparel manufacturer that an associate of mine had mentioned earlier. It appeared that one of the last family-owned factories had fallen on hard times as capital dried up following the Great Recession. They were located in Allentown, PA which had just over 100,000 residents and had been through years of layoffs that began with the steel industry. After 112 years in business, the CEO had recently announced it was all coming to an end. I watched a video of him talking about having to lay-off long time employees while tears welled up in his eyes. Screw Los Angeles, we’re visiting with this guy in Allentown next week!
Saving this struggling business from ruin and all the jobs that went along with it would add a nice finishing touch to our corporate story. As I crawled back in bed, Kate was still giddy about the trip to Paris. Jackie, of course, had dropped all her plans and was fully onboard.
“I’m going to be too excited to sleep now,” she said, giving me a nudge.
“Me, too.”
My excitement, howe
ver, was for a completely different reason. I definitely looked forward to the weekend with the girls, but saving a family-owned business and turning Kate’s little idea into a real “movement” was what really had me excited. During all the years of outsourcing and direct-to-consumer retailing, I knew we were partly responsible for the closure of many small businesses. In my mind, it was always justified because we were bringing convenience along with lower prices to our customers. Recently, however, I had begun to notice the trend had gone too far, and it was time for resurgence in this country before the entire industry was wiped out for good. As I put my arm around Kate, I focused on her company leading the charge as I drifted off to sleep.
~~~
Chapter 13 – Three Short Days
Kate
I awoke at 6:00 sharp with two thoughts: I’m going to Paris on Friday! Oh my god, I only have 3 more days to get my prototypes done! For the second day in a row I sprung out of bed and began sketching out ideas that had apparently incubated while I slept. After getting all my ideas down on paper, I called Gerard with our latte order and jumped in the shower. The whole time, I kept anticipating two hands grabbing me from behind, especially when I was washing my hair. As I got out of the shower however, all that greeted me was the two lattes. What the hell? I grabbed our coffees and went back to the bedroom, but stopped short as I heard a heated discussion going on.
“You guys have 48 hours to make the numbers work!” was followed by a long pause as Jack listened to whoever was on the other end of the line.
“If that’s the case, each of you can kiss your $10 million package goodbye. If we don’t close at full value, the difference is coming out of your bonuses. It’s that simple.”
Jack hung up and tossed the phone at his open briefcase. He began grumbling to himself as he hammered away at the keys of his laptop. I decided to go get dressed and give him a few minutes to cool off. Part of me wanted to retain the image of Jack as the charismatic, caring billionaire I had been witnessing the past week. In reality, I understand that no one becomes a billionaire without stepping on a few toes, but I preferred to keep my toes safely out of the way. Setting his latte back on the counter, I proceeded to do my hair and makeup before returning to get dressed for the day. Everything was quiet as I approached the bedroom, but Jack was still upset and remained focused on his laptop.
