Five Minutes to Love

by Jennifer Wilck

  Aviva rose and dumped her coffee cup in the trash, before returning to straddle his lap. He rested his hands around her waist, while she balanced herself with her hands on his shoulders. Their foreheads touched. He reached up to kiss her. Her lips were sweet with a hint of coffee flavor. When they separated, she brushed hair off his forehead.

  “I think it’s admirable to be honorable,” she said. “But I also think in this type of situation, you have to do what’s best for you and your career. I mean, as much as I’d love for you to work at Croft, where it seems like you’ll have more time to spend with me, if you think you’ll be better off working at Smith Kane, you should. But just make sure you choose them for the right reason.”

  She slid off his lap and held her hand out to him. They walked to the corner, where he pulled her in for a last kiss. This one he dragged out. He tantalized her lips with his, applied pressure in small increments. When she opened her mouth to take a breath, he groaned. He wanted to taste her. His tongue entered her mouth and met hers. His muscular arms grabbed her close. He massaged the back of her head, letting his fingers run through her short locks. Their noses bumped. She smiled against him.

  “We have to stop,” she whispered.

  “Why?”

  “Because we’re standing on a street corner.” As if to back up her claim, a car honked. Jacob pulled away, groggy. A cab passed. He wasn’t sure if it was the one with the offending horn or not. With a deep breath, he tried to clear his head and calm his libido.

  “I have to go this way.” Aviva pointed east.

  “Yeah. I have to go home.”

  “Will I see you later?”

  Jacob shook his head. “I’ve got papers to write and exams to study for. I don’t think I can manage it tonight. But we can always talk or text.”

  “Okay.” She leaned in for another quick kiss. With a wave, she walked down the street.

  He watched her retreating back with her swaying hips and perky pace. The last thing he wanted to do was spend time apart. Maybe the Croft firm was the better plan. At least he’d get to see her more.

  ****

  Meryl greeted her when she entered the office the next morning. She swallowed, did a quick mental check to make sure there was nothing she’d forgotten to do and nothing she owed her.

  Coming up blank, she plastered a smile on her face. “Good morning, Meryl. How are you?”

  “I’m well, Aviva, and you?” Before Aviva could answer, she continued. “When you get yourself settled, come into my office so we can go over your choices for linens, menus, and such. When the mail comes, let me know if we’ve gotten any RSVPs.”

  “Okay, give me a couple of minutes. I’ll be right there.”

  She dropped everything on her desk, found her notes for her selections and did a quick search of her email to make sure there were no emergencies. Gathering her things, she headed to Meryl’s office.

  Meryl looked up when Aviva knocked. She motioned her in. “Sit down.” She pointed to a chair across from her desk. Aviva sat on the edge, pile in her lap. Meryl shuffled through papers and tapped on her keyboard. “I want to discuss the menu first.”

  Depositing her pile on the chair next to her, Aviva flipped through until she found the menu. “Okay, I’ve got it.”

  “I loved your suggestions,” Meryl said. Aviva’s stomach eased. “I do think we have to make a few changes, but I really like your direction. Let’s start with appetizers and work our way down.”

  For the next twenty minutes, they finalized their choices for passed hors d’oeuvres, cocktail stations, a three-course dinner and dessert. With a satisfied smile, Meryl entered their suggestions into the computer.

  “I think Russell will love it,” she said. “Moving on, let’s look at music. I’m not sure classical is the way to go. It seems a bit stodgy to me.”

  “Well, the gala is for people of a certain age.” Aviva was interrupted by Meryl’s snort.

  “God, you’re young,” she said with a grin.

  Aviva laughed.

  “While I like the idea of a quartet, I’d like to broaden the musical appeal a little. Let’s intersperse Beethoven with a little Wynton Marsalis and mix it up with some Enya. The idea is to be in the background but not make anyone fall asleep.”

  “Okay.” Aviva made notes in her music file.

  Meryl again typed into the computer before refocusing on Aviva. “For lighting, you suggest reds and golds?”

  “Yes, for a number of reasons. We’re having this gala at the Liberty Science Center, but I wanted to transport us back to the ancient Greeks and Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. The Greeks gave colors meanings. They portrayed their gods with blond hair. All men wanted to be blond. Therefore, the gold lights symbolize power. Red was also a very popular color, used frequently. The two colors will look well with the linens I picked, plus they’re warm colors. When I saw the photos of pinks and blues, I thought they made the room look cold and young.”

  Meryl pulled out the photos. “I hadn’t thought about it that way, but I think the room looks more inviting with your lighting. Not to mention, I love the hidden meaning you convey. I think Russell will too. Great job.”

  Aviva’s chest swelled. She busied herself looking for her linen suggestions while she absorbed Meryl’s compliment. As she waited for Meryl to catch up, she pulled out the sheet of swatches.

  “Tell me about your choices here.”

  Aviva leaned forward. “Keeping in mind the meanings behind the colors, black symbolized life because the day was born of darkness. Again, a powerful image for Russell’s company. So I think the black tablecloths with white and gold napkins, white for the color of the gods.”

  Meryl nodded. “That’s perfect!” She typed for several minutes. “I love how you incorporated the Asclepius wand and the bowl of Hygeia into your centerpiece choices. Everyone will recognize them as the medical and pharmacy symbols. They add a variety of heights to the centerpieces. Do you have everything to put together in a presentation book for Russell?”

  “Yes. It’s all right here.”

  “Great. I’ll forward you my part of the report; you put it all together. We’ll present it to Russell when we meet later this week. Oh, and add all the Greek symbolism and how it relates to his company. He’ll love it. Aviva? Great work.”

  Aviva left Meryl’s office sure she flew two feet off the ground. There was no way someone feeling this good could be expected to stay on the ground. Not possible.

  At her desk, she hugged herself to keep her feelings in check. She needed to share with someone. Looking around, she crossed off her roommates from her mental list. There was an element of jealousy that wouldn’t make it worth it. She picked up the phone and dialed Hannah.

  “It’s Hannah. Leave a message.”

  With a sigh, she left a quick message and hung up. She wanted to call Jacob. More than anything else, she wanted to share this with him. But she didn’t want to share it over the phone.

  —r u busy—

  She watched her phone send the text and waited for his response.

  —swamped, y—

  Her heart sank. He’d already missed lots of study time by coming over to her apartment the other night and going to Croft yesterday. She couldn’t make him take more time away to tell him her news.

  —just wanted to say hi—

  —hi :)—

  —go back to studying we can talk later—

  —k bye—

  Aviva spent the rest of the day assembling Russell’s presentation binder. On her way home, her phone rang. She raced to answer it, thinking it was Jacob. When the name “Hannah” popped on screen, she swallowed a sliver of disappointment.

  “Hey, Han.”

  “I got your message. Sorry I couldn’t call or stop by your office earlier. I was at client meetings. What’s up?”

  “I had the most amazing day today.” She spent the rest of her commute home telling her about what happened.

  “That’s
great! Did you tell Jacob?”

  “No, he’s too busy. I don’t want to bother him.”

  “You don’t sound good. Everything okay?”

  Aviva sighed. “Yeah, it’s just I really wanted to talk to him. I’m disappointed I can’t.”

  “Avs, it’s the end of his last year of law school. He’s got to study.”

  “I know. I’d better get used to it. It’ll probably be ten times worse when he’s working.”

  “I’m sure you’ll talk to him tonight or tomorrow. You can tell him then.”

  “You’re right. Thanks, Han.”

  Letting herself into her apartment, she began to fix dinner. Her roommates had left notes they were out, so it was just her. With an omelet, salad, and bread, she kicked off her shoes and ate in front of the TV. As she changed channels between a home renovation show, The Bachelor, and baseball, her phone rang.

  “Hi, Jacob.”

  “Hi. Sorry about before. I have about five minutes before I leave to meet a study group. How are you?”

  She muted the TV. “Busy with work, but I’m fine.” Remembering what her mother said about prioritizing, she kept things simple. There’d be time to talk to him after finals.

  There was silence for a moment. “That’s it?” he asked. “Just fine?”

  “Yeah. How are you?”

  “Tired. But finals will be over next week. I just have to make it through until then. You’re sure you’re okay?”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” She tried to keep her voice light.

  “I don’t know. You wanted to talk before.”

  “It’s not a big deal. Go to your study group.”

  “Okay, I’ll talk to you later.”

  She hung up the phone but didn’t unmute the TV. She hadn’t told him about her day. It wasn’t a big deal. Well, maybe it was to her, but in comparison to his finals, it wasn’t. She couldn’t take up all his time with mundane things. Like him, she had to prioritize.

  The next day, Aviva’s phone rang as she was on her way to work. The number wasn’t familiar, and she let it go to voicemail. When she walked into her office, there were a million things to do to get ready for the meeting with Russell at the end of the week. By the time she was able to check her voicemail, it was lunchtime.

  “Hey, Aviva, it’s Scott Korbel from college. I’m in New York City for work and thought it would be fun to catch up. Give me a call if you want.”

  Aviva’s heart raced as she hit redial. The phone rang several times, and she prepared to leave a message.

  “Scott! I’m glad to hear from you. I’d love to get together. Call me so we can set something up.”

  Her phone rang again a moment later. She assumed it was him. “Hi!”

  “Wow, you sound happy,” Jacob said.

  “Oh, it’s you. I thought it was someone else.”

  “Um, is that a bad thing? That it’s me, I mean.”

  Aviva laughed. “No, not at all. Sorry. Hi, how’s studying?”

  “Ugh, I’m sick of it already. I’d much rather spend time with you.”

  “We’ll have time together once you’re done. Don’t worry, it’s not much longer.”

  “Thanks, I just needed to hear your voice. Dammit, I have to run.”

  “Bye.”

  Biting into her sandwich, she swallowed when her phone rang again. This time, she looked at it first. It wasn’t Jacob. “Hello?”

  “Aviva? It’s Scott.”

  “How are you? It’s been a long time.”

  “I know. I’m terrible at keeping in touch.”

  “Yeah, you are. But I’ll forgive you if I get to see you.”

  “Well, I’m in town for three days. What’s your schedule like?”

  “Crazy, but for you, I’m wide open. What works?”

  “Any chance you’re free for drinks tonight?”

  Aviva checked her schedule. She’d probably have to work late tonight, but maybe she could get away for a drink. “Okay, could we say seven thirty? Hopefully I’ll be done by then. If not, I’ll need a break anyway.”

  “Sure. How’s Lucky 7 Tavern? Do you know where it is?”

  “Yeah. I’ll see you there. Can’t wait!”

  The rest of the day flew by. Aviva managed to finish her work by 7:10. She texted Scott to let him know she might be a few minutes late and headed to the bar. It was a dive bar, but she and Scott frequented plenty of them during their college years. She felt right at home. They’d made it something of a personal quest, to find the best dive bars around. She smiled as she entered. Scott waved to her from a booth. He rose and gave her a huge hug.

  He was as tall as she remembered, broad and beefy. He’d always reminded her of a lumberjack. No business suit or silk tie could eliminate her first impression. He smelled woodsy too.

  “Gosh, it’s good to see you again.”

  He released her and sat. She slid into the booth across from him. “What are you doing here?”

  “I flew in from Chicago last night. I’m meeting with a mediator and a client today and tomorrow. I fly out again the following day. But I couldn’t stop without seeing you. It’s been too long.”

  After ordering beers from the bar, they caught each other up on their lives and laughed and joked like old times.

  “So you’re dating a lawyer?”

  Aviva shook her head at the gleam in his eyes. “Yeah, can you believe it? I swore, after my dad, I’d never do something like this. But here I am wondering when he’ll be done with finals in order for us to see each other.”

  He raised an eyebrow at her. “You okay?”

  She sighed, tipped her head from side to side. “Yes, no, I don’t know. He’s just busy right now. I don’t want to bother him with little things, but I end up not talking to him about anything because what’s not little in comparison to finals?”

  Scott reached across the table and took her hand. “Don’t shut him out. Don’t doubt your importance to him. He likes you, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Have you told him your concerns?”

  “Not lately, but I did when we first started dating.”

  “What did he say?”

  “He said I was one of his priorities.”

  Scott grinned. “Then respect him. Give it time.”

  “You’re right.” She took a sip of beer. “How’s your love life?”

  “I’m seeing a guy named Andrew. He works for my firm. Things are going well.”

  “Wow, that’s almost marriageable for you.” She winked at him.

  “Yep, just about. But we’re not rushing into anything yet.”

  “Probably wise. Keep him as a sex toy until you’re really sure of him.”

  Scott roared. The other people in the bar turned to look at them.

  Aviva waved. “In all seriousness, you sound happy. I’m glad.”

  “You have to visit me in Chicago, Avs. Maybe I’ll even let you meet him.”

  “Oh, I’m honored. Just think of all the stories I could tell him…”

  “On second thought, scratch that. I’ll just visit you.”

  “Mm hmm. I’m really glad you called, though. We have to keep in touch better.”

  They finished their beers. Scott walked her outside. A cab pulled up, someone got out, so Scott told the cabbie to wait.

  “Good luck with your lawyer boyfriend. Let me know how it works out.”

  “I will.” Aviva waved as the cab pulled away from the curb. Everyone told her to be patient. But patience wasn’t her strong suit.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Aviva heard the buzz of her phone while drying off from her shower. She dripped across the floor and stared at a text from Jacob.

  —what are u doing today?—

  Wiping her fingers on her towel, she responded.

  —meeting w/Russell re the party—

  —free for lunch?—

  She stamped her foot before she rolled her eyes at her childish reaction.

  —no. r u free for
dinner?—

  —no, study group for exam—

  She threw her phone onto the bed. She didn’t have any right to be angry. No matter how busy he was, he always texted her to let her know he was thinking of her. And she was busy too, especially as this gala approached. But every time their schedules didn’t mesh, she got a pit in her stomach. What would happen when he studied for the Bar exam? Or worse, worked for that crazy, workhorse law firm? Maybe she should end it now. The sour taste in her mouth gave way to chills and dizziness. For a moment, she thought she was coming down with the flu. Except, it was May. She was smart enough to recognize the signs.

  Aviva didn’t want to end it with Jacob. She didn’t want to give up yet. To be fair, he did exactly what he said he’d do. He made her a priority. He had time at lunch, so he suggested seeing each other. He could have used the time to take a nap or run errands or do laundry or any number of other things. Instead, he chose her.

  Instead of being angry, she should be grateful. She frowned at herself in the mirror, not liking who she was becoming more than her actual reflection. With a sigh, she dressed and went to work. At the office, she and Meryl did their last-minute prep for their meeting with Russell. When the receptionist buzzed his arrival, they walked into the conference room.

  “Russell, good to see you,” said Meryl. “Wait until you see what we have to show you. Would you like coffee or something to eat?” She pointed to the black lacquer sideboard, where there was a platter of fruit and pastries, along with a coffee and tea setup. Everyone helped themselves. They sat around the black lacquer conference table.

  “Aviva and I will walk you through everything.” With the press of a button on the remote control, a screen descended from the ceiling. An image of the Governors Hall appeared, lit up during the day.

  “This is what the gallery looks like currently,” Aviva said. “For your gala, it will look like this.”

  Meryl clicked a button. The room was transformed with tables and the cocktail area. Another click of the button and the colored lights Aviva suggested appeared.

  “Your tables will look like this,” Aviva added.

  Meryl clicked the remote. The tables were set with linens, china, and centerpieces.

  “A quartet will play background music,” she added; music filled the room. With a final click of the remote, the lights in the gallery dimmed so you could see exactly what the room would look like.