Winner Takes All

by Sandra Kitt

  “That all sounds fair, don’t you think?”

  “Absolutely. Remember I told you about the cop I met at the Queens event with the mayor? Well, I’m going out to meet with them and his daughter’s Little League team to talk with them, maybe play a little ball. The leagues aren’t ready for girl players yet, but I’ll still talk about what it’s going to take to get into the Major League someday. The emphasis is going to be on education and college. I’m going to offer to contribute money so the team can get proper uniforms and equipment.”

  “That’s so great!”

  “Yeah. After everything that’s been going on, something like working with the Queens team feels really good.”

  Jean smiled at the screen. She held up her hands and applauded him. “Congratulations. It’s a wonderful idea.”

  Patrick leaned forward, his face close to the screen. His features had finally settled down, the angles of his face softening into a real smile for her. His brows cleared and his eyes were suddenly really focused on her.

  “Can I also get a kiss?” he asked.

  It was so whimsical, so sweet. Jean was thrilled to hear the yearning in his voice. She laughed, leaning forward to air-kiss the screen. Patrick did the same.

  “There,” she said, as they gazed at one another through the digital display. “Does that help?”

  “You have no idea how much.”

  Chapter 13

  I want to thank everyone for the support and real team effort for the bike event. I’ve gone onto our Facebook page and did the math. The team clocked in at about eighteen thousand dollars given by all of your sponsors.”

  A roar, foot stomping, and applause burst out in the office as Brad used the megaphone made from a rolled-up booklet to make the announcement.

  “I know it sounds great, but you guys are such slackers! You’re welcome to go in and see what each of you managed to total, but let me just say that Jean wins. She personally came in at just over four thousand dollars! That’s, like, almost a fourth of our grand total. Way to go, Jean!”

  Jean grinned as the office again cheered.

  “And to really put the rest of you to shame, Jean suffered a fall from her bike, got up, and continued to the finish line! Another big surprise, Patrick Bennett was there. He probably thought he was incognito, but someone noticed him. So…I’m not going to make a huge deal of his presence at the end of the Bike-A-Thon other than to say, I think he was there for more than the event. Am I right, Jean? I realize you two have become friends. I’ll let it go at that.”

  There were wolf whistles here and there in the room. Jean was stunned that anyone else had paid attention, but also uncomfortable that Brad had publicly concluded that she and Patrick were a couple.

  But really…what else were they to think?

  Wasn’t she already having dreams of the relationship with Patrick being far more than dear friends…now with benefits?

  Everything eventually settled down, and Brad explained how some of the money would be used for homeless services, the biggie being housing.

  Jean had forgotten all about the sponsors who’d signed up in support of her participating in the event, until her friend Annabelle Hampton contacted her to respond to the fact that Ross Franklin’s name was on the list. So were her parents…and Brian Abbott! There was also an anonymous donor with the highest contribution of $2,000. Jean wondered if it was Patrick, but he’d never made any mention of being a sponsor, especially given the terms of his contract. And she wasn’t going to ask. She already knew that Patrick was still trying to find a way of dealing with and appreciating his good fortune. He didn’t feel the need to rub anyone’s nose in it by boasting of his good deeds or giving some outrageous, over-the-top donation. Besides, everyone already believed he was being targeted because of the money.

  Marin Phillips, the account executive she’d met at the dinner for Patrick, had called to congratulate her for the bike event. She had contributed but had done so in her late brother’s name. Jean was very touched by her thoughtfulness, considering they didn’t know each other well. Marin had suggested lunch to remedy that.

  “Okay, enough of congratulating ourselves,” Brad continued. “When we all return from lunch, we’re having a discussion about planning for the July Fourth weekend. Be prepared with your list of ideas, potential problems, and their possible solutions.”

  The morning passed quickly, and just as Jean was about to leave for her lunch date with Marin, she got a call from Patrick on her new smartphone asking her to call him as soon as she could. As soon as he answered the phone, he launched straight into, “What are you doing this evening?”

  “Going home after work. Why?”

  “Can you meet me in the city? There’s a meeting of anchors for some of the ESPN programs, and I’ll be there. It’s at a private suite of a Midtown hotel…not the one where they held that dinner for me. I’ve asked if I could stay there for the night when the meeting is done. I got a yes.”

  “You want me to come and stay with you?”

  “That’s the idea. It’s perfect! The meeting will very likely end early. We could have the whole evening together.”

  “That sounds like fun, Patrick.”

  “I told you I’m very good at taking advantage of opportunities. I’d be crazy to pass this up. The suite is paid for anyway by corporate.”

  “I’ve never stayed in a hotel suite,” she said thoughtfully.

  Patrick burst out laughing. “I hope that isn’t the only reason you’ll come.”

  “How big is the bed?”

  “King,” he responded, restraining his amusement. “With about a dozen pillows.”

  “What about in the morning?”

  Patrick sighed on the line. “I’m good until about noon. Then flying down to Philly for an important meeting. I’ll be back by evening.”

  “I should be back downtown by ten. But I’ll tell Brad I need to be a little late. Eleven?”

  He didn’t respond at once. “Are you okay with that? I don’t want you to get into a thing with your supervisor. Too spontaneous?”

  “A little.”

  “I’ll have to do something about that. Will you meet me?”

  “Yes, I will.”

  Jean arrived at the restaurant first for her lunch with Marin and spent the time making a list of what she’d need for the quick overnight with Patrick and work the next day. She could never deny her excitement at being with him, but more and more tried to keep at bay the unease of a relationship that didn’t seem quite settled or organized. She wanted to be understanding of Patrick’s unique situation. He was a public figure. Jean was beginning to wonder if there would ever be real time to form a solid, growing relationship. Was she just a warm, comfortable convenience?

  Yes, she loved spending time with Patrick, loved the easy way they were with each other when alone. But they didn’t seem to have a plan. She stayed away from the big C word: commitment. There had been no declaration of any kind, beyond the silent acknowledging of how much they enjoyed each other’s company. How much they both obviously looked forward to it.

  What kind of relationship, then, did they really have?

  More importantly to Jean, where was it going?

  She knew she was waiting for Patrick to make the first move on that front. She wasn’t sure how she’d feel if she gave an indication of how she was feeling for him, only to discover that he might not feel the same. That Patrick admitting to something like that could break her heart was an understatement.

  Jean had already gone through this with Ross Franklin. Her feelings for Patrick were much different because, as it was turning out, they weren’t so new. She was feeling with Patrick somewhat the way she’d thought she’d feel with Ross. They were very different men. Both handsome, educated, and from a good family, both established and highly recognized in their careers, admired, and
respected. They both looked incredible on paper, but in real life it was Patrick whose presence, whose persona moved Jean, stirred her, softened the woman she was in a way that reached out to her heart and her soul.

  Recently that’s what Jean saw when she considered her parents together. They’d loved each other once when they were very young and idealistic. She now knew that nothing had changed with age and time.

  She still wasn’t sure what to expect with Patrick. It was all so lovely at the moment. But was there a future in their like of each other, their clear attraction?

  “Made it! I’m sorry if I kept you waiting.”

  Jean hastily closed the Reminders app on her cell phone and dropped the unit into her purse.

  “I got here early.”

  Marin slid into her chair and put her oversize tote on the vacant chair next to her. She spread the napkin over her lap. “And you took the time to catch up. Why is it we’re never caught up? Or is that just us women?”

  “If I don’t write it down, I might forget. We know what could happen then.”

  “We overschedule, overcommit.”

  They looked at each other and began to laugh. “It’s good to see you again,” Marin said.

  “Thanks for reaching out first.” Jean smiled.

  She admired Marin’s sophisticated but simple attire. She certainly looked the part of an executive who commanded attention and respect. Both professionally and personally, Jean thought. And Marin exuded confidence and authority.

  For no particular reason, it briefly crossed her mind that Marin and Ross would make a great matchup.

  “I was going to call you…”

  “Don’t worry about it. To be honest, if I hadn’t seen Patrick last week when I stopped by the station, you’d still be waiting to hear from me.”

  Jean frowned. “I don’t understand the connection. When you saw Patrick, you remembered me?”

  Marin chuckled, picking up the prix fixe lunch menu. “I know I shouldn’t, but at that dinner I did get the impression that…you know…maybe there was some interest between the two of you. Nothing specific, but you were there as opposed to anyone else he might have invited.”

  Jean’s stomach tensed. “That sounds like he had a long list to choose from.”

  Marin smiled, averting her gaze. “He does. Or did. He’s handsome, successful, and popular. He makes good money, and he’s a nice man. What’s not to like? That means all the pretty blonds, brunettes, and redheads are coming out of the woodwork to get his attention. Of course Patrick enjoyed the attention. He didn’t have to work very hard, and the women were all pleasant, easy to please, and great for his ego. Look, he’s a guy, you know? The thing is, Patrick is different. He has a conscience. He has self-awareness. He doesn’t use people. His parents did a good job raising him,” Marin remarked. “If you want my opinion, when he met you, he quickly realized there is a difference.”

  “That’s nice of you to say,” Jean responded, hoping that was a compliment.

  “Now, that’s all I have to say on the subject of Patrick Bennett and you. The rest you can figure out on your own.” She chuckled. “I just wanted you to know he’s wonderful. Believe me, if I thought he was a possibility when I first started with ESPN, I would have made a play. He was a gentleman, really friendly and helpful…and not interested.”

  “Well…I guess I’m impressed with your insights,” Jean said, overcome with Marin’s thorough assessment.

  “I just wanted to get that out of the way. I like Patrick. But I also think you and I could be friends. I wanted to make sure we started on a clear playing field. Okay?”

  “Okay.” Jean nodded.

  The lunch was fantastic.

  * * *

  The meeting had ended, and Patrick had been surprised by how much of the agenda had been devoted to the high public profile he’d suddenly attained through a series of unfortunate public incidents. The managing team kept repeating and assuring him that they couldn’t be happier with the ratings and attention REPLAY was receiving. But there was most definitely a feeling that Patrick’s money issues—as it was politely worded—needed to be handled.

  Patrick understood exactly what that meant. How to separate his growing personal issues from his professional standing. Suggestions were offered, and in the end, he agreed to do what everyone believed was the best course for now. There was always the hope that focus on him would eventually die down and he could move on. Actually, the temporary solution couldn’t have been more perfect, giving Patrick, unbeknownst to the studio, an opening for executing a few of his own plans.

  Patrick didn’t know whether to be annoyed with the studio for thinking he was the problem, or fall to his knees and thank them for offering a way out that answered more than one prayer.

  He checked the time on his smartphone. Jean must be running late. Rush hour. Crowded subways…or lack of an Uber. There was no text or email from her, but hopefully nothing serious had happened. He tried to call her. It went straight to voicemail. But finally there was a text.

  Unavoidable delay. Work. Hope to leave soon.

  He sat on the long, modern Italianate sofa. It was hard and uncomfortable. He got up again, meandering to the panoramic windows, frowning out into the night. As luxurious and spacious as the suite was, with a drop-dead view of the Midtown Manhattan skyline, Patrick was beginning to feel slightly claustrophobic. He also felt an odd loneliness settle over him that was not only surprising but disturbing.

  He wanted to be with Jean.

  Suddenly it was imperative that they be together. He wasn’t quite sure why he felt so strongly about this. But Patrick was coming to realize that he was decidedly restless when they were apart too long. He’d been feeling edgy, anxious, and a little impatient. He was counting on tonight with her to quell those sensations. His head was beginning to fill up with petty concerns, endless mental and emotional assaults.

  Patrick began to pace again, hands thrust in his pockets. He checked his smartphone. Only five minutes had passed. In an abrupt move, he went in search of the suite key and left. Walking the long, silent corridor, as he neared the alcove bank of elevators, he heard the distinct ping that signaled a cab’s arrival. He jogged, hopeful that it was Jean finally arriving. But an older couple got off. They acknowledged him with smiles and nods, and headed toward their room. Patrick stood in front of the empty elevator, disappointed and very concerned. Just as the doors were about to close, he stepped in and pressed the button for the exclusive bar and lounge several floors down.

  It was moderately busy in the darkened space. Couples and foursomes were drinking and talking quietly, little clusters of beautifully turned out thirtysomething women, very likely looking for a hookup. Groups of men ignoring the women and discussing business…or pretending to. Patrick scouted the layout and chose a two-seat corner that allowed him a reasonable distance from other patrons, but facing the elevator bank.

  He was well aware that a few of the women cast covert glances in his direction. Even the men gave him brief glances. But he was distracted because Jean had not arrived.

  A waitress appeared, dressed in black and white, the straightforward and professional attire of high-end waitstaff. She wiped down the tiny bistro table.

  “Can I take your order, sir?”

  Patrick sighed. “Yeah. A beer, please.”

  She placed a cocktail napkin in front of him and walked away. Patrick didn’t really notice when she returned fifteen seconds later with a dish of mixed nuts. Absently he began to pick at them. His beer was brought and he took a gulp. It was an anxious action, as if it might calm him down a bit.

  He sent another message to Jean.

  I’m in the bar and lounge on the 23rd floor. I’ll wait for you here.

  Patrick finished the beer, and the waitress returned.

  “Another one, sir?”

  “I don�
��t think so. Gin and tonic, please.”

  She efficiently straightened the space of his table, refilling the nut dish and leaving to get his drink.

  Patrick went back to looking at his cell.

  “Excuse me. Sorry to bother you.”

  Patrick looked up. There was a man about his own age, standing with another male companion. The one who’d spoken held out his hand.

  “You’re Patrick Bennett, right?”

  Patrick took the hand and smiled politely at the man. “Correct.”

  “I just wanted to say hi and your show is awesome. I think you’re right on about the baseball season so far.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

  “Who do you think is going to make it to the playoffs?”

  “Sorry, I don’t want to speculate. It’s still early, and a lot can happen before we get to September.”

  “Right, right. Well, thanks. Sorry if we bothered you.”

  “No problem. Thanks for stopping by.”

  The two men walked away. Patrick immediately pulled out his phone. There was another text from Jean.

  So sorry! This is endless. Not looking good. I WILL call in a few minutes.

  He began a response. Do you want me to…

  “Hi.”

  Patrick contained himself and glanced up, looking askance at a very attractive woman standing right in front of him. She gave him no way of looking anywhere but at her.

  “Hi back,” he said with practiced ease.

  “I see you’re all alone.”

  “For now.”

  “Oh? Should I take that as an opening?” She flipped her long, black tresses behind her, only to have an alluring lock snake back over her shoulder. She tilted her head, smiling at him.

  Patrick gave her his full attention. “I’m waiting for my lady.” He felt a stunning relief at saying so. It was out there. Done. The acknowledgment actually lifted his spirits.