Diamonds for the Holidays

by Nicki Night

  He cleared his throat again. “I’m grateful that you would consider me. I do enjoy my work and being with Wakeman Foods.” Nixon nodded at the CEO. “I haven’t studied much of the mergers and acquisitions arena.”

  “If...” Alex paused and sipped from his glass. “...an opportunity should avail itself, I assure you you’ll be trained by the best in the business.”

  “On that note, we have another opportunity for you,” Benjamin said.

  Nixon raised his brows.

  “There’s an executive leadership fellowship that’s about to launch here on Long Island. Wakeman Foods invested in the program. That secured us a spot so that one of our employees could participate. It could prove to be a great opportunity, since you’re a fairly new Long Island professional. And it will raise your profile as an emerging executive and expand your network. An all-around win, regardless of what your future endeavors may be,” Alex said, raising an eyebrow in turn.

  “Now, you don’t have to answer us this evening. We want you to think about it,” Jeff said.

  “Just know that you have our support in whatever you decide. It’s an impressive program. One that many of the best business minds have emerged from, and they finally brought it here to Long Island.” Benjamin’s comments sealed Nixon’s decision.

  There was no way Nixon would turn down that offer. Coming from modest means as he had, whether he moved over to mergers and acquisitions or not, the program could benefit his career in countless ways.

  Before Nixon could respond, which would have been an immediate but anxious “yes,” Jeff chimed in. “For now, enjoy your meal.”

  And just like that, the conversation was over. They ate their pricey steaks and seamlessly switched to non-work-related topics. Jovial tales of trysts on the golf course, in travel, sailing and a bunch of other things became part of the dialogue. Nixon engaged, but couldn’t keep his mind off the possibilities they’d presented during dinner. His professional future had just brightened beyond his expectations. That would certainly make his father proud—hopefully.

  Chapter 3

  “Whew!” Jade plopped into her seat at the diner. “Ann, thanks so much for meeting with me this morning.”

  Ann dismissed Jade’s gratitude with a wave. Her bloodred nails made her slender fingers look longer. Ann sat back in her seat. With one finger, she swiped the long hair hanging over one eye out of the way. Her fluid, tender mannerisms and refined stature gave her the grace of a mature model. Yet as a businesswoman she was steadfast and firm. “It’s no trouble at all,” she said. “In fact, it’s my pleasure. You know how much you and your parents mean to me.”

  Jade sighed. Her shoulders lowered.

  “What’s wrong, dear? Was it something I said?” Ann gently rested her hand over Jade’s. The large diamond on her ring finger caught the light and gleamed with a radiant sparkle. Despite her husband’s passing several years before, Ann still wore her engagement ring and wedding band every day.

  “No. Not exactly.”

  Ann tilted her head inquisitively and Jade groaned. “I love my parents,” she continued. “I know firsthand how amazing they are, but I need to make a name for myself. I feel like I’m always in their shadow.” A few moments of silence fell between them. “I’m sorry. That’s not why we’re here. Let’s just drop it.”

  “Oh.” Ann wagged her finger with vigor. “We’re definitely not dropping this. Waiter!” She turned toward the lanky young man passing their table. “We’ll need two cups of strong black coffee, please.” Ann turned back to Jade. “Come on. Talk to me. I wouldn’t be worth a damn as a mentor if I let something that bothers you this much slide by.”

  Over coffee and croissants, Jade explained how she’d been feeling about her professional life. “I just can’t get out from under them. I want to be respected for what I’m capable of bringing to the table.”

  Ann sat quietly. At one point Jade wasn’t sure she was listening, but when she looked up into her caring eyes she could tell that Ann had taken in every word.

  “I don’t know what to do. And then...sometimes I feel guilty.” Instinctively, Jade averted her gaze to the knife she’d just used to butter her croissant—as if a croissant needed more butter.

  Ann just smiled. Jade waited for her to say something, and when she kept quiet, Jade felt compelled to continue speaking.

  “I guess it’s part of ‘paying my dues.’” She fell silent again.

  Ann put her hand over Jade’s again. “You’re right.”

  Shocked, Jade looked Ann straight in the eyes. “I’m right?”

  “Yep. It’s time people get to know the brilliant, dynamic professional that is Jade Chandler.” Ann gestured as if she were announcing Jade’s presence.

  “I’m right?” Jade repeated. Her brows creased in confusion. She shook her head. “It feels...selfish.”

  “There’s nothing selfish about it. It’s time for you to spread your professional wings.”

  A smile eased across Jade’s face. Ann’s simple words penetrated her soul. That was exactly what she’d been wanting. This was why she loved Ann. Ann understood her.

  “But I don’t want to leave the company.”

  “And you don’t have to. You just need to put your stamp on it...develop your own legacy.”

  Jade nodded slowly as Ann’s words sank in. “I don’t know if Mom would like that.” Jade may have been the executive director of the Chandler Foundation, but El basically ran it from her perch at Chandler’s restaurant.

  Ann reared her head back. “I’d be surprised if she wasn’t expecting it at some point. Chairwoman or not, she wants the foundation to be successful, just like you do.” Ann rested her elbow on the table and pointed at Jade. Jade straightened her back, as the gesture seemed like a reprimand. “The road to success is not just paved with El’s ideas. They—” she waved her hand, referred to the board “—govern the company. You, my dear, run the company. It’s the day-to-day that truly makes it successful.”

  In that moment, Jade felt so empowered. It was like a light switched on in her head. Immediately, she knew what she had to do. Now she just needed to find a way to make it happen.

  “As a matter of fact...” Ann’s words drew attention back to their conversation. “...there’s an opportunity coming up that I think might be good for you.” Ann pulled out her phone. “Give me one second.”

  Ann dialed a number, lifted her refined chin and waited for the person to answer. Jade could hear the ringing from her side of the table and wondered who she’d called. Like her mother and father, Ann was extremely well connected and practically a legend in the nonprofit sector. She’d spent decades running organizations and serving on boards, and now she simply consulted. More than Jade’s own parents, Ann had taught her everything she knew about running the foundation. Her mom and dad were businesspeople, and running a nonprofit organization was a totally different experience than running a corporation.

  “Tony...” Ann stretched his name into a melody. “Yes! I know...It’s been a while...How are Shelly and the kids?” She looked over at Jade and winked as she continued her call. “That’s just wonderful. Tell her I said hello and kiss the kids for me, will you? Listen, are you still working with that leadership program? Oh...Really?” Ann’s brows creased and Jade wished she could hear more than a muffled voice. She wanted to know what this Tony guy was saying. “I see...You do that and get right back to me, okay? I appreciate it...I’ll be waiting...You, too, darling. Take care.”

  “What happened?” Jade blurted the second Ann tapped the end button. She had no clue what the call was about but she was curious just the same.

  “Consider yourself in.”

  “In what?” Jade looked at Ann skeptically.

  Ann chuckled. “The Executive Leadership Program.”

  Jade leaned over the table to get closer. “Wait—that national p
rogram?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “Won’t I have to go into the city?”

  “No. They’re bringing the program to Long Island. Isn’t that wonderful?” Ann clasped her hands together.

  “But isn’t that super hard to get into?”

  Ann tilted her head sideways and pursed her lips. Apparently she had momentarily forgotten who she was dealing with.

  “You don’t worry about that, dear. Tony will handle everything.”

  Jade sat back. Suddenly she felt giddy. “You really think you can get me in?”

  “It’s already done.”

  “Wow!” Jade was impressed. “That’s what Tony said?”

  “No.”

  “No?” Jade was confused again.

  “But don’t you worry. You will get in.”

  Ann’s phone rang. She tapped the phone icon. “Hello...Wonderful. I knew I could count on you...I’ll text you her email address so you can send the documentation over right away...Monday? Okay. Enjoy your day, dear.” Ann set her phone down and cast a proud smile in Jade’s direction. “This is going to be wonderful. You’re going to gain quite a bit of recognition after this. Not to mention the great network that you’re about to be open to. You’ll be matched with professionals who have already graduated from the program. They make great mentors.”

  “Thank you so much, Ann. I understand that some pretty prominent professionals went through this program. I’m excited.”

  “People will come to know you for the dynamic professional that you are.”

  “It’s about time!” Jade cackled. The sound of her laugh nearly hit the rafters. A few customers inside the diner looked their way. Ann shook her head and laughed, too.

  Jade’s day had been turned around just that fast. She no longer felt down. And although she knew little about what happened in the program, she did know what happened to professionals once they had come through it. Many of them hit the fast track to professional stardom, being recognized as “ones to watch” and topping lists of rising professionals in the media. This would be great for the foundation, but most important, it would truly set her apart as an executive and carve out her own space as a professional,

  Jade felt giddy. She couldn’t stop herself from smiling and didn’t want to leave Ann just yet. “How about another cup?” Jade lifted her coffee mug and gazed at her appealingly.

  “Oh, why not?” Ann shrugged. “Waiter!”

  Their conversation was lighter now. Jade sat back easily. The tension she’d carried in her shoulders when she arrived had dissipated. She and Ann talked about anything and everything. When Ann slipped into her more colorful vernacular, it made Jade laugh hard. Her authenticity intrigued Jade. She could see herself maturing into a mixed version of Ann, her mother and her aunt Ava Rae. They were all so different, yet so smart, strong and unapologetically womanly.

  Around them the diner seemed to have gotten busier. Almost every seat and booth was filled. Waiters and the hostess moved about swiftly. A deep voice rumbled through the diner and Jade froze. The smile fell from her lips. She knew that voice, but refused to turn around.

  “Right over here is fine.” It was that voice again.

  “Jade. Darling. Are you okay?”

  Ann had noticed. She didn’t want her to. Jade fumbled for a second. “Oh...me.” She let out a nervous laugh. “I’m fine. I just remembered something that I had to do.”

  Ann looked at her watch. “Well, the morning is almost over. You probably need to get back to the office.” She placed her hand over Jade’s again. “This was great. I always enjoy our meet-ups. You go ahead. I’ll take care of the bill.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Ann dismissed her inquiry with a wave. “Oh please. I know I’m retired, but I did pretty well for myself while I worked. I should be able to cover coffee and croissants,” she teased.

  “Okay.” Jade got up from her seat, leaned over and gave Ann a tight hug and a kiss. “Thanks so much.”

  Jade could still hear that voice. It didn’t blend with the other voices in the diner. His, she heard above the rest. She hadn’t seen Mitch, but knew he was there—most likely seated somewhere near her and Ann. Trying to pinpoint his proximity, Jade attempted to walk away from the sound of him, but instead ended up going right past his booth.

  “Jade? Is that you?”

  Jade halted midstep.

  “Jade!”

  She contemplated acting as if she hadn’t heard him, but knew that wouldn’t fly. Jade turned slowly, threw a cheery smile on her face and feigned surprise. “Mitch?” She furrowed her brows.

  “Yeah!” He stood and stepped toward her with open arms.

  She felt her body tighten. His embrace surrounded her before she could protest.

  “It’s so good to see you. How long has it been?”

  Not long enough! “It’s been a while.”

  If she thought about it, she could probably calculate the time down to the number of months, weeks, days and hours since she’d told him that she didn’t want to be with him anymore. They wanted different things out of life, she’d told him. He wanted commitment, a marriage and a family. Jade couldn’t see any of that happening anytime soon. Months had passed and he’d moved on by the time she realized that what she really wanted was him. Jade had let a good thing slip from her grasp.

  The next thing she’d known, friends reported spotting him with another woman. Soon after that she’d heard rumors of him being engaged. Fortunately, she hadn’t personally witnessed any of this, for months, until the other week when she was at the restaurant with that potential grantee. Everything she felt had come crashing back, but it was too late. Jade wasn’t one to fawn over any man too eagerly, but she knew she’d made a grave mistake letting this one go.

  “How’s the family?” Mitch’s question pulled her from her thoughts.

  “Oh. They’re fine.” She shrugged. On the outside, she hoped a cucumber couldn’t rival her coolness. Inside, air swirled in her chest.

  “That’s good to hear.” The two of them stood for a few silent, awkward moments. Mitch’s eyes locked on hers. She turned away slightly and raised her brows. She wanted to ask him about his fiancée, but refused to let that curiosity pass her lips. Confirmation of those rumors would have been nice.

  “Oh!” Mitch tapped his forehead. “How rude of me. Sorry. Paul, this is...an old...friend of mine, Jade.” Mitch paused again; the silence between his words spoke volumes. At least to Jade. “Chandler. Jade Chandler.” He repeated her name in the correct formation and then turned to Jade. “Paul is a friend and client.”

  Jade didn’t miss the pauses in Mitch’s introduction. He’d never been one to stutter.

  Paul stood and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, too.” She turned to Mitch. “It was really nice seeing you, but I’d better get going.” Turning slightly back toward Paul, she said, “Have a good day.”

  Jade turned on her heels and left. She didn’t want to read too much into the pauses when Mitch spoke. She noticed them, but wasn’t sure if it was her being nostalgic or hopeful.

  When she reached the office, the scent of Mitch still lingered on her. She remembered how it had gotten there. His embrace. Mitch had always given the best hugs.

  Chapter 4

  Nixon hadn’t seen his mother in several weeks. They spoke every single day, but that was nothing like seeing Gloria’s beautiful brown skin, the color of cardboard, or smelling the sweet scent of her signature floral perfume that lingered long after her hugs. The anticipation of being squeezed in her loving embrace even made the Bronx traffic bearable. Summer was near its end and there was a hint of fall crispness in the air. Nixon opened the windows and let the fresh autumn-like air rush against his smiling face. Matching the drumbeats flowing from the car radio, Nixon
tapped the same tempo on his steering wheel with his fingers and thumbs.

  Work had kept Nixon more than busy. Those long hours spilled over into his weekends. Between new strategies for business development and the steady pull from the execs in Mergers and Acquisitions, Nixon felt like he’d been running on a hamster wheel. He looked forward to starting the Executive Leadership Program, knowing that in a few months they would have to travel to sunny Southern California to meet up with execs enrolled in the program from other cities. The sooner he started the program, the closer he would get to his stay at one of the country’s most coveted golf resorts and spas. Of course, in addition to the sun, he was excited about what the program could potentially do for his career. Nixon had seen firsthand how the benefit of strong networks could impact careers.

  Nixon pulled in front of his mother’s home, still tapping bass lines on his steering wheel. Gloria’s begonias flanked the sides of the steps leading to her front door, vibrant balls of burgundy and rose. Twisted bushes stood proudly behind them, while a rosebush clung along the side of the railings. Nixon knew if he wasn’t careful, it was easy to get pricked by one of those angry thorns if he reached for the rail without looking. The lush grass and neatly placed flowers gave life to the dull gray siding of the house beyond. It looked like someone full of time and love lived there.

  Without actually smelling food, Nixon could smell his mother’s cooking. Nostalgia had taken on a tangible essence. There was no way Gloria was cooking when her son was coming to take her to her favorite restaurant for lunch.

  “Hi, Ms. Nelson!” Nixon waved at the elderly neighbor sitting on her porch, watering a small patch of bushes. For as long as Nixon had known Ms. Nelson, she’d been watering that same bunch of bushes and they still wouldn’t grow.

  “That you, Nixon?”

  “Yes, Ms. Nelson.” He remembered that she no longer could see or hear well.

  “Oh. Good. Your mom has been waiting to see you.”