Unmerited Favor: The Compassion and Peril of Mercy ( Un missable Series Book 2)

by Jerry Summers

  Jess nods, and the three of them depart, leaving Jessica and Hector to themselves.

  Hector smiles. “Well, Jessica, your designs are wonderful. I’m sure you’ll find tremendous success here with clothing like this.” He continues the conversation, as they stroll out to the veranda, asking the customary polite questions about why she chose Brazil, and then he offers to help her in any way possible, emphasizing the fact that the opening of the old factory has been a tremendous boost to those who had been laid off.

  Jessica responds to Hector in Portuguese, saying, “The workers are skilled and diligent, with a keen eye for meticulous detail. It’s something not easily found in the fashion apparel industry. Really, I’m the one who is gaining the most here. I’m just glad I could also help the community.”

  Hector, stunned to hear Jessica speak flawless Portuguese, asks, “Where did you grow up? You speak like a native.”

  Jessica blushes. “Well, my father was born and raised in Portugal, but when he traveled to the United States to attend law school, he fell in love with my mother and gained dual citizenship. They settled in Los Altos, California, and I was raised bilingual from birth.”

  “Your upbringing explains a lot. I’m pleasantly surprised. Many Americans I have met speak Spanish, but not Portuguese,” Hector says, smiling. They take their seats with Nate, Philip, Evelyn, and Richard, and their conversation turns into friendly banter as they enjoy their drinks.

  Unfortunately, the same conversational tone doesn’t hold for Charlotte Evans inside. Charlotte begins the meeting, thanking each of them individually for agreeing to meet with her. “To begin with,” she explains, “I want to provide you all with an overview of some of the anticipated organizational changes in direction planned for Global Metal Refining.” She turns to Sean. “Mr. Green, I understand you have been the primary marketing resource for Global Metal Refining for many years now, but I envision your role diminishing substantially over the next year as we begin working more closely with BKR Ltd. of London.”

  Charlotte glances at Bonnie to gauge her reaction at the same time Wendy shoots a startled glance toward Sean, recognizing in his posture a cold, calculated, and controlled demeanor. Sean gives her a sly wink, and Wendy relaxes slightly, realizing there is more to come of this meeting than she knows about.

  Sean smiles and replies, “Ms. Evans, I understand your desires, but please be reminded there are several contractual obligations that must be met prior to completing such a shift.”

  “Oh, yes, of course. We don’t intend to breach any contractual obligations we have with Sean Green Marketing.”

  Sean nods. “So how do you want to handle the crisis with Diablo Mining here in Brazil? Or will BKR Ltd. take that project over?”

  “Well, I believe Global Metal Refining has been far too cautious and overly concerned about environmental stewardship issues related to mining, and it seems like SGM has been the root of those concerns, so I would like to have BKR take over this project immediately, if you agree?”

  Before Sean can respond, Bonnie interrupts with a snort. “Over my dead body.”

  Charlotte’s head snaps around as her eyebrows shoot up. “Excuse me?”

  “Did I stutter?”

  “No. I heard you very clearly. But let me remind you, I am the CEO of Global Metal Refining and the most qualified to make such decisions by virtue of experience. Surely you understand—”

  “There are a few things you need to recognize clearly if you intend to have an extended career at Global Metal Refining,” Bonnie interrupts. Charlotte draws a breath to speak, but Bonnie continues, “First of all, you must recognize you are the interim CEO. You’re temporary, and any permanent position requires board approval. Second, I don’t know who you think you are, coming into my home and telling us how you are going to change things without first engaging in some type of meaningful dialogue. Third, the three of us represent fifty-one percent ownership of Global Metal Refining and, by virtue of that ownership, we control the voting power of the board of directors.”

  Bonnie takes a breath, and Charlotte interjects, “I understand, but—”

  “Ms. Evans. I wasn’t finished, and you would do well not to interrupt me at this moment. It’s rude, it really pisses me off, and I’m not a good person for you to piss off. So I suggest you patiently wait for me to finish what I’m saying before interrupting me again, do you understand?”

  Charlotte clenches her jaw but nods assent.

  “Good, I thought you would. Now, if you and I are going to have a good working relationship, we need to clear the air between us. So please indulge me for a few moments, and I promise I will allow you plenty of time to respond. I know prior to my becoming Mark’s executive assistant you were a very successful up-and-coming executive, and Mark had tremendous confidence in your abilities. I happen to agree with his assessment even to this day. I also know you were having an affair with him, too, which is why I found it so amusing when you began telling other employees I was Mark’s ‘office slut.’ I let it go, but when you continued to spread those rumors after Mark had divorced his wife and proposed to me, I found your overall demeanor to be tacky, bitter, and tasteless. This is the really juicy part.” Bonnie pauses and pats Charlotte’s knee with a little chuckle. “I had Mark promote your skinny little ass to president of International Divisions, since I knew it would be detrimental to Global Metal Refining if I asked him to fire you. It is equally important for you to understand it only took me seducing him once to get you out of my way.”

  Bonnie tosses her hair behind her shoulder as Charlotte sits in dumbfounded silence.

  “So please, Ms. Evans, don’t you ever trifle with me again. I’ve had just about enough. On that note, here is how these changes are going to go. First, SGM will remain the primary marketing resource for Global Metal Refining. All marketing strategy conducted by BKR Ltd. will need to be approved by Sean directly, prior to any implementation. Global Metal Refining will maintain its eco-friendly positions, period. And, finally, Sean will handle the Diablo Mining issue through completion. OK, I’m finished.”

  Charlotte snaps her mouth closed and sits quietly for a few moments, contemplating the implications of the situation. Finally, she turns to Wendy and Sean and clears her throat. “Do you both agree with Mrs. Stevens?”

  Sean glances at Wendy, giving her the same sly smile he had earlier, and then he simply nods.

  Wendy tilts her chin up. “Of course we do!”

  Charlotte purses her lips, her mind working quickly on dealing with this turn of events, and then she returns her attention to Bonnie. “Apparently I have misjudged you. I apologize for being so rude. It won’t happen again.”

  Bonnie smiles. “Apology accepted. I look forward to a productive working relationship between us.”

  “As do I,” Charlotte replies. She looks at Sean and asks, “Can we get together after you return to San Francisco, so you can fully brief me on how you and Mark were handling the Diablo Mining crisis? I hope you weren’t planning on making any changes with Diablo Mining.”

  “Of course. I’ll have Evelyn call and schedule a day to get you up to speed on most of the critical issues, and we can work through the remaining projects as they come up. Do you want me to have Evelyn invite BKR to this meeting as well?”

  “That won’t be necessary for this meeting, but thank you for asking,” she replies, scribbling something on her notepad.

  “Very well,” Sean replies. “We can include them at whatever juncture you deem best.”

  “Excellent. Are we done here?” Bonnie asks. Without waiting for replies, Bonnie makes eye contact with Charlotte and says, “I believe we covered a lot of ground here today, and each of us has a much clearer perspective of the other’s expectations. The thought of a six-course meal and light dinner conversation is so appealing at this point, I suggest adjourning this meeting so we can enjoy the rest o
f the evening and one another’s company.”

  Wendy stands up. “Great. Let’s go grab a drink and relax.”

  The others mutter their consent, and they stash their business supplies and move out to the veranda.

  Outside, Hector stands and gives Charlotte a kiss on the cheek as he pulls out a chair for her.

  Jessica stands and gives Sean a hug. “How did it go in there?” she whispers in his ear.

  He pulls her very close and whispers back, “Extreme fireworks. I’ll fill you in later. Everything is going to be just fine.”

  Jess pulls away and gives him a smile. He pulls a chair out for her and makes eye contact with Wendy. As Sean looks into her eyes, Wendy recognizes that he has the same killer instincts she possesses, only his fall within social norms, and hers fall a bit outside societal standards. In this moment, she decides she was right to confide in him about Mark and knows he will never violate her trust.

  The dinner conversation is casual and upbeat, with laughter getting louder as the fine wine flows. The chef prepares and has the staff serve the first course of arugula strawberry salad.

  “So, Jessica,” Hector says, “how is the grand opening coming, anyway?”

  “Well…everything is running smoothly, but there is a certain amount of nervousness to it,” she admits.

  Everyone chimes in to assure her it will be a smash, and Hector mentions the initial buzz about her designs here in Brazil has been tremendously positive.

  “I can’t imagine,” Sean comments, stroking the back of her arm, “the strain of putting something you have labored over so intensely to create out to the public for their scrutiny and ultimate acceptance or rejection.”

  Jessica swallows. “It’s always with some fear, but the rewards are tremendous when your work is applauded and appreciated.”

  The second course arrives, and they all taste the clam chowder made with a champagne base.

  “Holy crap, that’s good!” Wendy exclaims, spooning more from the bowl. Everyone laughs at her enthusiasm and agrees, raving about the flavors.

  The chef smiles at Jessica. “So you see,” he says, “I was eavesdropping, and I understand your struggles intimately.”

  She chuckles and tips her glass of wine to him. “Your skills are amazing, and you have nothing to worry about.”

  “Neither do you. I find your designs to be second to none, certainly here in Latin America, if not around the world.”

  Jessica simply smiles.

  The next course is a palate cleanser of prickly pear sorbet. It is light and refreshing but also strangely intense in flavor. This is followed by jumbo shrimp sautéed in coconut milk, served over risotto, and topped with cheese and an asparagus stock.

  Upon completion of this course, the conversation takes a more relaxed tone, and the chef exchanges all wine goblets and pours the exquisite, award-winning cabernet Bonnie selected specifically for the occasion. As the selector of the wine, she is the first to taste it. Everyone pauses as she takes a delicate sip.

  “It’s perfect. Hints of blueberry and blackberry…I love it.” She nods, and the chef pours glasses for the rest of them. Then he brings out the next course of baby goat Wellington.

  “What a delightful combination, Bonnie,” Charlotte comments. “I’m stunned by your knowledge of wines.”

  Bonnie simply smiles.

  The extravagant dinner is concluded with a mascarpone chocolate torte that is rich, yet very light.

  After everyone has scraped the dessert dishes clean, the butler suggests, “Would you care to retire to the cabana in the gardens? We’ve put out a display of fine Cuban cigars for anyone wishing to indulge. There is also a variety of after-dinner drinks, including, Mr. Green, your scotch.”

  “Thank you so much, Eduardo,” Jess says, “but I’m afraid we’re all too full to move!”

  The group chuckles but makes the effort to amble off to the cabana anyway.

  Richard, Phillip, Hector, and Sean all decide to smoke a fine cigar, and Nate touches Sean’s arm. “I simply have to try this infamous scotch. May I?” Phillip and Richard agree, and Sean warns them that once they have tasted such perfection, no other scotch will measure up.

  “Of course, I’d love to have you try it,” Sean says, pouring them each a taste, “but understand, you may be developing an extremely expensive taste.”

  With that toast, everyone wishes Beauty Boutique Clothing tremendous success going international.

  Bonnie then makes a second toast to Charlotte and Global Metal Refining.

  “May our working relationship be one of mutual respect, prosperity, and unparalleled growth as you take this organization to heights unimaginable, except maybe by my very dear Mark. May he and Ricardo rest in peace.”

  “I’ll drink to that,” comes the reply from Charlotte, and everyone raises a glass.

  CHAPTER 11

  BREAKING NAILS

  The factory is buzzing with the final preparations for the grand opening. Displays are arranged and rearranged in order to get everything just right. The runway has been established in the unused portion of the factory, a new rubber floor has been laid down, and plush chairs have been installed with a gentle rise to allow better viewing for all levels. Select retailers, designers, and buyers from Latin America, the United States, and Europe have been invited. Jessica is a bundle of nerves as it sinks in that her fashion career is being showcased to an international audience for the first time.

  She watches from a corner, where she can see everything. Sean steps in next to her. “Are you OK?”

  She takes a breath. “I’m just nervous. The significance of great reviews, as opposed to mediocre reviews, could mean millions of dollars over the next several years, and that’s crazy to me.”

  Bonnie joins them, putting an arm around Jess’ shoulders. Bonnie and Sean are the calming influences for Jess.

  Sean takes her hand and calmly assures her, “All the proper groundwork is in place, and all the right players are in attendance. This is good, Jess. It virtually guarantees your work international press releases, with the end results being huge media coverage and, ultimately, success.”

  Jessica bites her lip and counters, “But if my work isn’t received well, all the hard work thus far could be undone.”

  Bonnie shakes her head. “You’re crazy to think that way. You’re a fabulous designer, and people already love your designs, so why wouldn’t these people love them, too? I just hope you’re both ready for the landslide business rush you’re about to get.”

  Bonnie’s chef, who is in charge of the food for the occasion, comes to Jessica with some last-minute changes in the hors d’oeuvres and small menu items.

  Flustered, Jessica waves him off and says, “Do what you think is best.”

  Bonnie recognizes an opportunity to help. “You worry about your fashion show; I’ll take care of the menu.” Jess nods gratefully, and Bonnie hurries after her chef, weaving between the media and fashion big shots.

  Sean pulls Jess to him and gives her a reassuring kiss. “OK, you are so ready for this, and you’ve got it. Your designs are marvelous, everyone loves them, and you even got me to come around in an industry I knew nothing about. The fashion world is at your feet. Stop fretting and enjoy your moment in the spotlight. You only get this opportunity once, Nate and your staff are top-notch, you have all the financial backing you need, and Carmen Zamora is your biggest fan. Relax. Everything is going to be terrific.”

  Jessica gives Sean a watery smile and hugs him as if she never wants to let go. “This is why I adore you, but how can you be so sure?”

  “Because I make my living finding unrecognized, talented businesses, and I have never represented anyone as talented as you in my entire career. You got this,” he replies matter-of-factly.

  She takes a deep breath. “I guess we’ll see shortly, because it’s sho
w time in ten minutes, and I’ll be damned if we don’t start on time.”

  Nate announces that the fashion show is about to commence. Photographers and media reporters are already in place, and retailers, designers, and buyers take their positions. Jessica is backstage, making sure every model is ready to hit the runway. Nate comes backstage to do scheduling and make sure spacing is correct to keep the show moving in proper sequence. Bonnie and Wendy are with Carmen, Juan, and other dignitaries. Sean has positioned himself with the press in order to get initial reactions, Phillip is sitting among potential buyers, and Evelyn and Richard are listening to the feedback of other designers.

  Jessica takes a deep breath as the lights come on and the music starts, knowing today will reveal if she is ready for such a bold move. Either Beauty Boutique Clothing: Brazil is fantastic, or it will require Sean Green Marketing’s expertise to spin the events in her favor. Her knees are shaking as Nate gives her a quick hug. “Get ready to rock the international fashion world; this is your time, dear.”

  “Thanks. Shit, I am so scared,” she says with a mild chuckle.

  “We’re ready, sweet cheeks, and I can’t wait to hear the rave reviews.” He motions to the first model, and she throws back her shoulders and starts down the runway.

  For the next hour, Jessica is unaware of time and reactions. Her focus is only on getting the models onto the runway to showcase her designs. Before she realizes it, Nate announces, “Now, I would like to present Jessica Silva, lead designer and owner of Beauty Boutique Clothing.”

  Jessica swallows, then walks out and down the runway, and she’s amazed to receive a standing ovation from the crowd. Overwhelmed, her eyes fill with tears, and she is truly humbled. She smiles and calls Nate, Lidia, and the other staff out to join her in receiving the accolades.

  The reception follows immediately, and as everyone mingles, enjoying the appetizers and champagne, Sean checks and finds sales orders are coming in rapidly in amounts not anticipated.