by E. J. Adams
The marble lobby was spacious and had a large, modern reception desk. Being a Saturday, the lobby was empty. Lauren Caldwell led me to the elevator and we traveled to the executive floor.
Ronald Vargas greeted us as we exited the elevator.
“Ms. Sullivan. Thank you for agreeing to give up your weekend to meet with us,” he said as we shook hands.
“Thank you for accommodating my schedule,” I replied.
“Well, I'll leave you two for now. I will meet up with you in a few hours,” said Lauren Caldwell as she headed down the hall toward her office.
Ron Vargas was slightly taller than me. He was in his early fifties and carried a few extra pounds. He had a friendly, round face. He reminded me of a cherub.
He moved surprisingly fast. I felt like we were power walking our way through the tour. I didn't sense that he was trying to rush me. I got the impression that this was his normal speed.
The office was nice. Similar to Jacqueline's office back in Manhattan. Mr. Vargas pointed out where all the departments were. When we reached his office, we went inside and sat down. He explained what Adele hoped to accomplish with their Digital and Social Media department.
They had a department and it was functioning. This was more than existed when I was hired at Jacqueline. Mr. Vargas further explained that they were committing significant resources to expand and improve the department. In fact, the Digital publication was getting a complete facelift. What they needed was talent to head the department.
He explained that the former head of the department took a position at a new tech company. It was rather sudden and came at an inopportune time. They had, naturally, been monitoring what we had been doing at Jacqueline. They wanted me to come to Adele and replicate that success.
We talked at length about the company, the department, and all that my position would entail. They would give me a lot of latitude to restructure the department as I saw fit. They were willing to spend at least 15% more on the department than I currently had in my department's budget at Jacqueline.
I was impressed with what I heard. Ronald Vargas was easy to speak with. He insisted that I call him Ron. He told me that all his friends called him Ron and he thought we could be good friends. I took him as completely sincere.
Adele had a friendly feel to it. And they were hungry. They were hungry to take the top spot in the fashion media world. They were convinced that I would play a pivotal role in getting them there.
After Ron and I finished meeting, he introduced me to the Digital and Social Media staff. They were knowledgeable, driven, and seemed genuinely excited in the prospect that I might head their future efforts. I figured they would kiss up a bit to a potential new boss, but it didn't seem that way to me. I liked the staff and could easily see myself working with them.
When Ron and I finished meeting the staff, he brought me to Lauren Caldwell's office. They had made lunch reservations at Spago Beverly Hills. I had several of Wolfgang Puck's cooking products, but I had never eaten at one of his restaurants.
When we arrived at Spago's, we had a booth near the wine wall. I was amazed at all the bottles of wine. The restaurant was modern and elegant. The food and wine were excellent. From what I had experienced so far, I could get use to L.A..
Ron, Lauren Caldwell, and I had pleasant conversation over lunch. When it came time for dessert, they decided it was time to reel me in.
“Ashley, it should come as no surprise how much we want you to be part of the Adele family,” said Ron with a warm smile.
“It has been a pleasant day. It does feel like a family,” I said in all honesty.
“We are pleased that you feel that way,” said Lauren. We, too, were now on a fist name basis.
“I know that I mentioned on the phone that we were prepared to beat your current salary and benefits. I think that you will agree we have done that with this offer,” she said as she handed me a folded piece of letterhead.
I opened the piece of paper. My eyes grew as wide as the moon. They offered me 10% more than I was currently making. I already felt like I was making so much money. The offer was unreal.
The benefits were equal to or better than what I currently had. They would pay all my moving costs, including covering the remainder of my lease in Manhattan. I was speechless. Then I was breathless. If I signed a contract within one week I would receive a generous signing bonus equal to two months of the proposed salary.
Ron and Lauren looked expectantly at each other and then back to me. They had done everything they could to impress me. They also knew the offer was superb. The only question was whether or not I wanted to take the job and move to Los Angeles. I took a deep breath and exhaled.
“This is an extraordinary offer. I don't quite know what to say.”
“We hope that you will say 'yes',” said Ron as he smiled at me.
“This has been a lovely day. I am truly impressed with Adele and what you want to accomplish. I am beyond flattered in your interest in me. I need a little time to process everything before I make my final decision.”
Ron and Lauren clearly hoped that I would say 'yes' on the spot, but they must have expected I would need some time to make my decision. They were gracious and warm for the remainder of our time together. They asked my plans for the evening and I told them that I would be visiting with a friend who lived in the city.
I agreed to be in touch with them as soon as I made my decision. I indicated that I would get back to them before the end of the following week.
The car service took me from the restaurant to my hotel. I had the rest of the afternoon before Jeremy would pick me up for dinner. I changed into my bathing suit and headed to the pool for a swim. I figured some laps would clear my mind and help me think.
Chapter Five
After a nice swim I went back to my hotel room and showered. I put on the soft hotel robe and padded to the comfy chair in the corner of the room. I called my parents to fill them in on the job offer and get their opinion.
They were both over the moon about the job offer. They also liked the idea of the shorter flight between Austin and Los Angeles vs. the longer flight to New York. But they also wanted me to consider where my heart was in all of it. They shared a story with me that they never had before.
When they were dating, my dad had cheated on my mom with an old girlfriend. I was floored. That didn't sound like my dad at all. He loved my mom so unconditionally. He would never do anything to hurt her.
The situation wasn't exactly the same as with Brandon, but they offered it to me for whatever it was worth. My parents had been dating for several months and had a terrible argument. They hadn't broken up over it, but they were both steaming. They didn't speak for a week.
It was during that week that it happened. My dad fell into the arms, and bed, of a former girlfriend that he ran into at a local bar. It was just the one time, but my mom then broke up with my dad when he confessed to the one-night stand.
After a few months, and a lot of tears and talking it out, my parents got back together. The rest, as they say, was history. They built an incredibly strong relationship. They were married two years later. Nine months after that I came along. My sister three years later.
My parents have been happily married for over 22 years. They always seemed the perfect couple. They provided an amazing family life for my sister and me. Their point, which wasn't lost on me, was that they would have missed out on all of it if they hadn't worked through my dad's one very bad decision. It took a lot for my mom to forgive him, but she did.
They weren't condoning what my father, or Brandon, had done. And they weren't saying that everyone could, or even should, get back together. What they wanted me to know was that it worked for them. But they had to make it work. And they both wanted to make it work.
After I got over the initial shock of what they told me, it certainly gave me even more to think about. The difference, I stated, was that my dad was, at his core, a one woman kind of guy. Yes,
he made a terrible decision during a time of emotional upheaval in their relationship. It didn't excuse his actions, but it was out of character.
Brandon, on the other hand, had made a practice of being with many women. His was a relapse to what he knew best. It was very much in character for him. Then my mother said something that gave me pause.
“Perhaps, then, he needs more time to learn how to be with one woman. Assuming that he wants to do that. And, that it is with the right woman,” she said.
It gave me pause and pissed me off a little.
“So, are you suggesting that I should let him have a piece of Ass on the side until he gets it all out of his system?”
“No. What I am saying is that maybe one relapse does not predict a trend. Ashley, dear, you are a smart and together young woman. You need to look at the entire situation. Think with your head and follow your heart,” replied my mom.
“And what do you think of Jeremy Wagner?” I asked my parents.
They both told me how much they liked Jeremy. The Wagners were a wonderful family. They were happy when I dated him in high school. I didn't share that I had sex with Jeremy recently. But I did tell them that I was seeing him, as friends, while I was in L.A.
“Well, my advice remains the same, dear,” said my mom. “Professionally, I don't think you can make a wrong decision. You have a fabulous career already. Adele would be more money, but, my goodness, you are already doing so well. I think you need to decide where your heart is. Ultimately, that is where you will find happiness.”
The conversation was much deeper than I had expected, but it helped. My parents gave me a lot to think about. They confirmed that I needed to look at my situation from all angles. Ultimately, however, what did I want for myself?
They ended our phone call with some very good news. My dad would be starting as a Math teacher of record on Monday. That meant he would be earning a salary and benefits while he completed his teacher certification program. After he was laid off he had a hard time finding anyone who would hire a middle manager in his 50s.
He had a degree in Mathematics and there was a shortage of math teachers in Texas. He started a teacher certification program and had been interviewing with local school districts. I was thrilled.
My dad was great at explaining math. My sister and I never would have made it through our math classes without his help. He'd be a great teacher.
“I won't be making what I did before, but the salary and benefits are certainly enough for us. We are going to be just fine,” said my dad.
Then he choked up as he thanked me for my financial help. They were able to keep the house, their insurance, and send my younger sister off to college.
I told them that I could continue to help, if need be. My parents told me that wouldn't be necessary. I decided that I would send them on a nice vacation. They couldn't turn that down. Not if it was already paid for.
When I got off the phone with my parents I called Chelsea. She was excited to learn about my job offer. Even if it meant that I might move to Los Angeles.
She could see the point my parents were making, but I think that Chelsea liked the idea of my exploring something with Jeremy. But, in the end, she wanted me to be happy. She'd support me no matter what my decision was.
I finished my call with Chelsea and got dressed for dinner with Jeremy. I put on a nice pair of jeans and a casual blouse. We agreed that it would be casual and light. I had been refreshed by my swim. Maybe a fun evening with Jeremy was just what I needed.
Chapter Six
Jeremy picked me up and we went for dinner at a small Italian restaurant near my hotel. He was wearing dark jeans and a polo shirt. He smelled of a pleasant cologne. I was determined that we were just going out as friends. But he was rather fetching.
“So, what's good here?” I asked Jeremy as we looked over our menus.
“The Chicken Parmesan is outstanding. But everything is good,” he replied.
“Actually, the Chicken Parm sounds perfect,” I said as I closed my menu and placed it to the side.
“I think we'll make that two Chicken parms. It's my favorite dish here,” he said with a smile. He had a nice smile. I caught myself staring at his mouth. Other than Brandon, he was the best kisser I ever dated.
“So, tell me how your meeting went at Adele,” he said as he placed his napkin in his lap.
I recounted my day. I didn't share the details of the salary, but told him that it was a very attractive offer.
The waiter brought us our wine and a basket of freshly baked bread. He took our dinner order and retreated to the kitchen. Jeremy raised his wine glass. I followed for a toast.
“Here's to an attractive job offer. And to dinner with an old friend,” said Jeremy. We touched glasses and took a sip of our wine.
“Ooh, this is tasty,” I said.
“It's their house special. It goes great with the Chicken Parmesan,” he said. “When do you need to give Adele your decision?”
“They gave me a week if I wanted to receive a signing bonus. I could probably have more time than that, without a bonus, but it was certainly intended that I let them know within a week,” I answered.
“Do you know which way you are leaning?”
“I really don't. I liked the people I met at Adele. I think they are a great company and I could be happy there.”
“It certainly sounds like they want you.”
“It's flattering. Most people would probably say that I'd be crazy not to take the job. But, I already have a great job that I love.”
“I, for one, would love to see you move out here. It would be nice to have a friend from home in L.A..”
“You're sweet,” I said. “How do you like living here?”
“I like it. The traffic can be a bear, but you learn to adjust your schedule to account for it. The weather is great.”
We chatted casually about how Jeremy found living in L.A.. He shared some of his favorite places to go and things to do. The entire time, however, I felt that he was a little nervous. I sensed he was hoping our evening would turn into more than friends.
I had already told myself that nothing was going to happen. I wondered if I could allow myself to question that decision. Even overturn it? Is that what I even wanted?
Too many questions. Not enough answers. If only my heart knew what it wanted. Confusion could very well lead to another night that I wasn't at all convinced I wanted to happen. Why did Jeremy have to be so nice and so damn cute?
Thankfully, our dinner arrived. It allowed us to talk casually while we concentrated on our meals. When we finished eating and the waiter had cleared our table, Jeremy let out a deep breath.
“Ashley, I know what we said the last time we were together . . .” he began.
“Jeremy, wait,” I said. “I think I know what you are going to say. I don't want to lead you on in any way. You are a wonderful guy. But right now, I don't know what decision I am going to make. If I take the job at Adele . . ., well, maybe we can revisit what our relationship can be beyond friends. I just don't know what I want right now and that wouldn't be fair to you.”
“I figured that's where you were with all of this. What I wanted to say is that I didn't see anything wrong with our having another night together. No strings attached. I know how much I've wanted that again. I thought maybe you might as well,” he said.
“Jeremy, I honestly don't know what I want.”
“Do you regret our having sex?”
“No. Regret isn't the right word.”
“Was it a mistake, then?”
“I wouldn't say that, either.”
Jeremy was getting a bit agitated. He was probably more flustered than anything else. But he clearly wanted to have sex with me again. I don't think he was thinking beyond that.
“Then what was it for you?” he asked.
“It was a nice evening of sex,” I replied.
“What would be wrong with another nice evening of sex?”
; “It would confuse things for me. Jeremy, I have a major decision to make and it isn't just professional. Having sex with you would only cloud my thinking.”
“It's Brandon, isn't it?” Jeremy asked.
“Yes. I'm trying to work out if I can trust my heart to him again. I'm trying to figure out if he is the man I truly want to be with. Sex with you, or anyone else, doesn't help me make that decision.”
“You're right. I'm sorry that I even brought it up. I hope I didn't ruin the evening.”
“No. Not at all. Dinner was lovely. It's nice seeing you,” I said. “Jeremy, if I wasn't trying to sort all of this out. . .”
“You don't need to say any more. I get it.”
“How about dessert?” I asked.
Jeremy agreed and we enjoyed our dessert and a cup of coffee.
We walked back to my hotel. I gave Jeremy a hug in the lobby and thanked him for dinner. I told him I would let him know what I decided about the job. Regardless of my decision, we agreed to keep in touch.
I watched Jeremy exit the hotel lobby. There was a part of me that could see myself with him. I just wasn't convinced that it was a big enough part of me.
Chapter Seven
I went back to my room and slipped out of my clothes. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I pulled out my pajamas and put them on. My cellphone rang.
I picked it up. It was Brandon. My pulse quickened. I was trying to decide if I should answer.
“Hello,” I said.
“Ashley, I heard that you are out of town until late Monday. Is everything okay?”
“Yes. Everything is fine. I just needed a long weekend away.”
“To think?” he asked.
I didn't want to lie. I also couldn't tell him that I had visited Adele and was considering a job offer. I was away. And I was thinking about things. So, I guess I could answer 'yes'.”
“For the most part. Some distance does help.”
“How much distance?” he asked.
