The One of Many

by M. Jane Early

  I paused. “Probably a little bit of both.” I leaned my head on the railing. “I like him.”

  She nodded. “I can see that.”

  I blew out a breath. “It’s just difficult to be around him every day. Now he’s bringing these women to the office, parading them in front of everyone. It’s frustrating.”

  “Maybe he’s doing that because of you.”

  I looked at her. “What? Trying to make me jealous?”

  She raised her eyebrows and shrugged.

  “Well, that just makes him an asshole, and I shouldn’t want anything to do with him anyway.” I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter. I just need to move past it.” That’s what my head said. My heart, however, felt differently.

  “Well,” Yvette laid her arm across the back of my shoulders, “at least you’re not thinking about Crew.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, no, this is much better.”

  She nudged my leg. “Come on, I’m hungry. We can talk about how men are jerks for the entire lunch hour.”

  I smiled and stood. “Deal.”

  Twelve

  At around six on Friday, I packed up my things. I wasn’t overly excited to go on a date with Jeremy, but I had no real excuse not to. I stood as he came from the elevators, David was following behind.

  “Hey, I was going to come to you.” I took my jacket off the back of my chair.

  “It’s a date. I’m picking you up,” Jeremy said and smiled.

  I looked past him. The gorgeous eyes of the CEO shot to me. His pace slowed as he passed by my desk. The look on his face wasn’t amusement or indifference. He looked…hurt. His eyes flickered to Jeremy then back to me as he moved towards his office, his brow furrowed. He glanced at me before he closed the door.

  “What do you think?” Jeremy asked, breaking my focus from Powers’s door.

  I turned back to him. “I’m sorry, what?”

  “I asked if you wanted Thai.”

  “Sure, yeah, Thai sounds great.” I glanced at David’s door again.

  I walked to the other side of the bullpen, where Jeremy met me. He offered me the crook of his arm and walked me to the elevators.

  Throughout the night, I was happy to find Jeremy was a gentleman, and we shared a pleasant conversation. There was nothing that screamed he was a psychopath or super clingy. He was nice, and I wanted to like him more than I did.

  “How’s it feel to be a manager?” he asked as we finished our meal.

  I nodded and smiled. “It feels pretty good. I finally get to boss people around.”

  “What’s the CEO like?”

  I swallowed hard. “He’s decent to work for.” I tried to keep my adjectives to a minimum.

  “I hear he’s quite the ladies’ man. Likes models?” He took a drink of his beer.

  “Yeah, I’ve seen a few.” I played with my chopstick.

  Jeremy paused. “So, what do you want, Farren?”

  I met his green eyes. “What do you mean?”

  “From a relationship?”

  I smiled and exhaled. “I don’t even know anymore. Every time I think I have it figured out, something—or someone—comes along and throws a wrench in my plans.”

  He watched me. “Why do I feel like we’re not talking about Crew?”

  “Because we’re not talking about Crew.” I laughed humorlessly.

  He leaned forward. “Was it recent?”

  “Yeah, but it was nothing. It stopped before it started.” I looked at the table.

  “Doesn’t look like you’re over it, though,” he said with concern.

  “I guess I’m not.” I glanced at Jeremy. “I’m so sorry, this is such an inappropriate conversation to have on a first date.”

  “No, it’s necessary. I’d rather know going in that I don’t have a chance.” He smirked.

  “I didn’t say you didn’t have a chance,” I replied.

  “Farren, it’s okay. If I need to be the friend who gives you something to do instead of thinking about the other guy, I’ll be that. I enjoy spending time with you. But if this is all this is, that’s okay too.”

  I looked at him confused. “That’s completely un-guy-like, Jeremy. You’re supposed to be trying to one-up this other guy and make me fall in love with you.”

  He laughed. “No reason to force anything. I learned a long time ago that you’re either gonna like me or you’re not.”

  I smiled at him. “That’s a very adult thing to say.”

  “Gets me out of the house.”

  I laughed.

  “Wanna get outta here?” he asked.

  “Yes.” I grabbed my purse and stood.

  “C’mon, let’s get some ice cream.”

  “Oh, that’s how you win points with me, right there.” I took his arm as we walked out of the restaurant.

  Jeremy drove me home around ten. I was grateful he had turned out to be a decent guy and someone to distract me from David for a while. He was a natural-born storyteller and made me laugh until my sides hurt. If nothing else, he could become a good friend.

  He walked me to the front of my building.

  “I really had a good time tonight. Thank you. I needed this,” I said.

  “No problem. And I mean it. If you just want to grab dinner or a drink, I’m obviously available.”

  “I appreciate that.” I leaned in and gave him a hug.

  He pulled back. “You know this guy…if he doesn’t realize what an amazing woman you are, you shouldn’t bother with him.”

  I smiled. “I know. I’m trying. Thanks, Jeremy.”

  “Night, Farren.”

  “Night.”

  Jeremy walked towards his car.

  Exhaling, I went inside. I hated that David’s hold on me was so clear even Jeremy saw it. Even more, I hated that I had just been on a date with a great guy and David was the one I wanted to be with. I wondered if he was with someone or alone at that moment.

  I shook my head at how pathetic I was.

  I took a quick shower and threw on some sweats. Bored, I opened my laptop and turned on the TV. I went through my emails and found nothing of consequence. The news came on and mentioned Imperium. I turned my attention towards the screen.

  Samuel Powers, recently replaced by his son, David Powers, wants to take his son to court, saying his removal wasn’t warranted and thinks David Powers convinced the board to fire the CEO for no other reason than to take control for profit.

  My first instinct when I heard Samuel Powers was “retiring” was right on, but this money grab story didn’t seem likely either. The company had barely been in the black for years, hence making the narrative the lawyers were trying to push fictional. There had to be another reason David wanted his father out. His need to rebuild the image and the company didn’t come from greed but from someplace more personal, like he was trying to prove something.

  A half hour later, a ping sounded from my email. I moved my mouse over to Outlook and found an email from David. I held my breath and opened it.

  To: Farren Hallston

  From: David Powers

  Date: Friday, April 17, 2020 10:32:22 PST

  Subject: Storyboard for Second Launch Commercial

  Ms. Hallston,

  I’m missing the content above and wanted to have it before I meet with the rest of the team on Monday. If you could be so kind as to forward it to me before Sunday evening, I would be appreciative.

  Thank you,

  David Powers

  CEO, Imperium

  I panicked, thinking I forgot to give him the storyboard. I went back to check my SENT folder and found that I had sent it Thursday morning. I furrowed my brow at the screen as I typed my return email.

  To: David Powers

  From: Farren Hallston

  Date: Friday, April 17, 2020 10:36:12 PST

  Subject: Fwd: Storyboard for Second Launch Commercial

  Good evening, Mr. Powers,

  I sent that attachment Thursday, but I’m more than happy to send i
t again—you’ll find it below. Let me know if you need anything else for Monday. I’ll be available.

  Farren Hallston

  Marketing Manager, Imperium

  Office: 310-555-9839

  Cell: 310-555-2394

  I was curious why he would email now, at this hour, on a Friday, but it didn’t matter. There was a bottle of wine in the fridge calling my name. I went into the kitchen, grabbing it and a glass from the cabinet. My text message alert went off. I sighed, walking back into the bedroom as I took a drink then picked my phone up.

  213-555-7484: You’re home early

  I looked at my phone quizzically.

  Farren: Who is this?

  My email pinged again. I leaned over and went to my inbox.

  To: Farren Hallston

  From: David Powers

  Date: Friday, April 17, 2020 10:40:02 PST

  Subject: Fwd: Storyboard for Second Launch Commercial

  You know who it is…

  David Powers

  CEO, Imperium

  “Oh my god.” I put my computer on my bed and sat back, leaning on my headboard with my phone, shocked. It would be easier to ignore whatever it was he wanted, but I couldn’t fool myself. I shouldn’t have wanted to answer him, but I did. I hated my attraction to him, but I also couldn’t deny its prevailing presence.

  Farren: Mr. Powers.

  David: Ms. Hallston.

  Farren: I must say I’m a little surprised.

  David: Why’s that?

  Farren: We haven’t really spoken in a while.

  David: That wasn’t my decision.

  Farren: It’s my fault?

  David: It’s no one’s fault. You said no.

  Farren: For a reason…

  David: I know.

  Farren: Can I ask about your dad?

  David: No.

  My shoulders slumped.

  David: How was your date?

  Farren: It was good.

  David: Can I ask you a personal question?

  Farren: How come you can ask me personal questions, but I can’t ask you?

  David: Are you going to see him again?

  Farren: Just at work.

  David: Where did he take you?

  Farren: Not the taco stand.

  David: I should hope not, that’s our place.

  “Our place,” I said to myself. Little butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

  Farren: A Thai restaurant.

  David: Amateur.

  Farren: Why are you being so judgmental? I had a good time.

  David: He obviously doesn’t know you.

  Farren: Of course he doesn’t. Neither do you.

  David: I know you better than you think, Farren. I damn sure wouldn’t have taken you to a Thai restaurant. The hell was he thinking?

  Farren: He did fine. I don’t need to be wined and dined.

  David: I don’t have to wine and dine you. But we wouldn’t have gone to a Thai restaurant and you definitely wouldn’t be home at 10:30, alone.

  Farren: Where would I be?

  David: With me.

  A small gasp escaped me. I hated he was doing this.

  Farren: Nothing’s changed, David.

  David: You don’t know that.

  Farren: What’s changed? Are you still dating random, long-legged, perfect women?

  David: Not lately.

  Farren: You realize I was there on Monday when Ms. Plunge Line Down to Her Knees showed up, right?

  David: Plunge line down to her knees? Wow.

  I waited for his explanation or denial.

  David: You mean Mrs. Marcus Barnes?

  Farren: Who?

  David: She’s married to an NFL owner. She met me at the office and escorted me to her husband’s SUV, where we then drove to meet him for lunch.

  “Oh shit,” I whispered.

  David: Look her up if you don’t believe me. Emma and Marcus Barnes.

  Farren: I believe you.

  David: Your assumptions are an issue between us, Farren. If you want to know about my dating habits, just ask.

  My first inclination was to get defensive. This didn’t change his habit of attracting and dating models for sport. But in this instance, I was wrong.

  Farren: I’m sorry about my assumption with Mrs. Barnes.

  David: Accepted.

  I stared at the screen until I realized we had finished talking for the evening. I put my phone down, feeling vacant. His remark about me not knowing if things had changed between us was the most disturbing. The feelings I had for David Powers weren’t going away, and his cryptic messages wouldn’t do anything but torment me more. I was in a no-win situation.

  Thirteen

  “Ms. Hallston, can I see you in my office?” David said as he walked by my desk Monday morning.

  “Sure,” I said, but I doubted he heard me.

  I walked into his office. He was standing at the front of his desk—his back to me. I stood for a few moments, then cleared my throat.

  “I know you’re here.” He spoke without turning around.

  I looked around. “Sorry,” I whispered.

  He turned over his shoulder to look at me, then gave me a half smile. I bit my lip as he turned back to whatever he was doing. He finally angled towards me and leaned against his desk.

  “How was the rest of your weekend?” he asked.

  “Boring.” I sighed. “How was yours?”

  “Boring.”

  Boring as in there were no visitors or dates? I thought. He’d piqued my interest. “You didn’t go anywhere…or see anyone?” I asked, not taking my eyes off him.

  He smirked. “I saw someone.”

  I nodded and looked down.

  He walked towards me. “My sister.”

  I looked at him and laughed.

  He shook his head slightly, smiling. “Come with me. I have something to show you.”

  We passed by Nick’s office, then Mark’s, the head of sales. We got to the end, and he stopped at a door that belonged to our former marketing director. The name on the window had been removed, and the blinds were down.

  David took out a key and unlocked the door. He opened it and encouraged me in with a nod of his head. I looked at him and entered. He’d had it repainted, and the coverings on the floor-to-ceiling windows were lighter and open. I could see the ocean. The desk was a mahogany wood and polished. It was beautiful.

  I stared at it. “What is this?” I questioned in a small voice.

  David walked to my side and held the key at my eye level. “Your office.”

  I glanced at him, then back to the keys. “I don’t need an office.”

  “You’re a manager, Farren. You’re supposed to have an office. It was either this or the new phone…which I still can’t seem to remember to get you.” He chuckled and laid the keys in my open hand. He held my fingers. Our eyes met as a rush of him blew through me. He looked away and removed his fingers from mine. I ached for his touch after he let go.

  He went to the wall and leaned against it, watching me. I crept to the desk and ran my fingers over the smooth wood.

  “I’ll have them move your things in here this afternoon,” he said from across the room.

  “Did you do all of this?” I walked around the desk. Our eyes met again.

  He nodded.

  “You picked out the furniture?” I smiled.

  He put his hands in his pockets. “If you don’t like it—”

  “No, no, I love it,” I interrupted.

  I smiled and pulled the leather chair back, then sat. It was plush and comfortable. I placed my hands on the smooth, cool wood and smiled at Powers.

  He smiled back. His handsome face was only happy for a moment, then he wrinkled his forehead, watching me. The tension between us was dense and suffocating.

  He waited, then pushed himself off the wall. “I’ll let you get comfortable.” He turned and walked out the door.

  “David,” I said. He stopped and hesitated to look a
t me.

  I wanted to say so much to him. I wanted to know if he was still interested in me, if he would even consider being with just me and not those other goddesses. Why I wasn’t enough for him. I wanted to kiss him again, hold him close, spend the night with him. Everything crossed my mind at once, but I couldn’t do anything but stare at this beautiful man standing in my office.

  “Thank you,” was all I could manage.

  He looked in my direction. A slight smile crossed his face, then he walked out.

  “HEY, SUPERSTAR!” YVETTE AND Trevor knocked on my office door. The afternoon had flown by, and I barely noticed it was almost five o’clock.

  “Hey!” I stood from my desk and met them in the middle of the room.

  Trevor gave me a plant. “For your window.”

  “Awe, you’re so sweet. Thank you.” I took it and gave him a hug.

  “He’s just buttering you up so you’ll get him something for his birthday,” Yvette said. Trevor smacked her arm with the back of his hand.

  He turned back to me. “So, you’re officially official.”

  I laughed. “I guess so.”

  “Good! We have more to celebrate Friday,” Trevor said.

  “Celebrate?” I looked between them.

  “I know you didn’t forget about my birthday party.” He snatched the plant back from my hands.

  “I didn’t forget about the party, I just forgot which day. I’ll be there.” I reached for the plant again carefully, pleading with my eyes—he let go.

  Trevor backed out of my office. “CEO meeting in twenty, ladies.”

  Yvette turned to me when Trevor was out of the room. “How’s it going with Powers?”

  I went to my desk, set the plant down, then turned back to her. “We’re not avoiding each other anymore.” I nodded at the desk. “He picked out the furniture.”

  “Wow.” Her eyes went wide.

  I nodded. “I know.”

  “Why won’t you date him again?” she asked, placing her hands on her hips.

  I made a throaty, irritated noise. “God, I don’t know anymore. Just when I think I’m completely legit in my reasoning, he does something like this and turns me around.” I leaned against the front of my desk.

  “I think you want to date him, you just don’t want to get hurt. Which is perfectly reasonable. But maybe it’ll be different from what you think it’d be.” She came and sat next to me.