The Business Affair: Forever Mine

by Noel, Jaspira

  “He did not recognize me!” she squealed. “I was that close to him and he did not even recognize me!”

  “Told you. Did he get a good look?”

  “Oh yes, he signed the book, to Ann Benet the woman with the pretty blue eyes. Then he said do you spell Benet with one N or two?”

  “That’s good, now we have name and face recognition. That is really good. Ok, well you know what you have to do for the rest of the day. I will more than likely be laying around on a beach somewhere until tonight.”

  “I will always love you Don.”

  “I know that.”

  Chapter 11

  Just as anticipated the women’s meeting was a packed house. Paula found a seat as close to the podium as possible. It was not an ideal position but it was just close enough that if he looked a certain direction she could be spotted. Don made sure she looked as elegant as a southern belle. She was wearing a long white linen skirt and purple laced top that faded from dark purple to lavender. “Something unique,” he had said, “something to accent the eyes.” It had been difficult to get used to the blue contacts but they were needed for the mission so she endured it. She was wearing long dangling hoop earrings. She had spent the morning being spray tanned and her skin was glowing perfectly bronzed. Don hired a make up artist so her face was flawless and her hair was a mass of long black wavy tresses. She was absolutely radiant, total eye candy. Her foot ware were flats covered with tiny white beads that glistened as she walked. She wore the scent of Juicy Couture, which Don had advised never to let wear off throughout the day.

  When Marcus Grant walked up to the podium the women applauded. “Thank you! He said, waving his hand to quiet the crowd “I really appreciate you all coming out today. And for those that were at the book signing, I want you to know that I truly enjoyed all of the books that I signed. If you would have told me ten years ago that I would be doing what I am doing today I would never have believed it. Many of you that have been here before have heard my testimony, but please bear with me for those who are new.

  I have been an extremely successful entrepreneur since my early twenties. I recently turned forty and now have one of the largest fortune 500 companies in America. In my early years I believed that money and power were to be used to control people, especially relationships and I became an expert at running women and breaking hearts. I never realized that relationships were designed to enhance life, that two hearts are better than one, and that there is a need in life for someone that you can be completely vulnerable with. I never realized that the right person could truly make you better until one day a breath of fresh air walked into my life named Stephanie. She changed my world…”

  Paula was so emotionally moved by what Roman had said that she felt like running from the room. She had never seen this side of him. He was warm, charming and sincere, not driving and controlling, as she had known. Her heart was fracturing into a million little pieces because she was trying to figure out which part of him was real, or was it all real and that he had simply mastered both of his characters. It took all the strength she had to keep her composure.

  “In my relationship with Stephanie that was the first time I knew the difference between sex and making love. Before it was all about sex and I had more women than a California pimp. When Stephanie came along I became monogamous. That is where I learned to value women. She was in my life for five beautiful years and then was snatched away in a horrible car accident. I am who I am today because of Stephanie. There are some things in life that you never fully get over and she is one of them. It is because of Stephanie that for all these years I have taken marriage very seriously. When I finally do tie that knot, and I will tie it, that person will also be someone that I can be vulnerable with and make me a more valuable person.

  Now that you know about me let’s get into the subject for today…”

  Paula hung on every word that Roman was speaking. She was in shock. By the time he finished with his speech she knew that the business game face was a skillfully crafted façade and that he used that game face to keep him dominant and successful. She learned for the first time that a man she thought was completely one-dimensional was a multi faceted jewel.

  “For the next few minutes we will open up for questions and answers.” He said. Hands began to fly up all over the audience. “What a lively crowd we have today.” He laughed. Then he began to point to women across the room.

  “Mr. Grant in your book you advise women not to engage in a power play with a man. You know all of us are of the corporate mindset and are used to running things, how do you suggest we strike that balance?” One lady asked.

  “That is just it, you have to learn to lose the corporate mindset and just become a lady. The problem with society today is that femininity is looked upon as something degrading or a mindset of some woman of the 50’s image. To me femininity just means that you place yourself in a position to be catered too. At least that is what I learned from Stephanie. She was a strong and powerful woman, completely corporate and yet when we were alone she wanted the doors opened and the rose petals in the bathtub. What I am saying is allow the man to treat you soft. He can’t do that if you are wearing the corporate war mask.” He pointed to another lady.

  “I was hurt by one of those men that used to be like you were. Over the years it has been difficult for me to trust a man because of it. Do you think it is possible for me to get over the damage and truly trust another?”

  “The thing is, do you think it is possible. If you think it is possible then it can happen. I had to learn to forgive myself. When Stephanie died I thought I was being punished for my actions, and that the pain that I was feeling was the same pain I had inflected on women. It took me a very long time to get over that. I finally had to realize that I truly was not the same person and believe in myself to know that I had changed. What happened is in the past. Don’t allow what has happened in the past to rob you of the present or a glorious future. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. This event is filled with men looking for solid relationships. Take a chance.”

  Before she realized it, Paula had her hand raised and then was internally chiding herself for raising it. Roman looked across the room at her, “Yes, blue eyes.” He said pointing. The audience laughed. She wanted to crawl under the seat, face recognition certainly confirmed.

  “Have you ever had the opportunity to love another woman like Stephanie?”

  “Would you like to find out? That is what this event is all about.” Paula found herself becoming faint as Roman walked off the platform towards her. The room exploded with laugher and applause. Paula froze. He walked over to her and handed her a business card, leaned over and whispered, “Wait for me after the meeting.” As he walked back to the podium the women stood up and cheered.

  “See ladies, this is what I am talking about. You have to take a chance. You are here to make things happen. The Business Affair is all about reaching out and taking a calculated risk. What we have in this conference is not happenstance. Everybody here is on the same mission. We are looking for love matches that will empower the rest of our lives emotionally, physically and for most of us spiritually. Thanks for coming out and what should you be doing now…”

  In unison they said – “Mix, mingle and marry!”

  Roman stood at the podium as many of the women came up to shake his hand and get pictures. When the room cleared, he walked over to Paula’s table. She was trying her best to control herself from shaking. “Miss Ann Benet,” he said with a megawatt smile, “Let’s have lunch.”

  Chapter 12

  The next thing Paula knew was that Roman had made two phone calls. One for the valet to bring his sporty black Veyron to the front, and another to a woman named Ms. Gonzales. From the little Spanish that she understood, he was ordering lunch. They drove about 5 miles to an airstrip. Roman parked the car. They walked over to a waiting helicopter. Paula’s mind was in tilt.

  “Just a short trip over to the Cayman Islands.” H
e said under the roar of the propellers. She nodded ok. In minutes they were sky bound. The view of the shimmering pristine ocean, brilliant white shores and scattered array of Southwestern architecture was breath taking. Shortly they were approaching a 10,000 square foot white limestone estate, with a terra cotta roof that would have rivaled a palace. The estate sat on a cliff, and literally one wing of the estate was jutted into the ocean. It sat on a massive amount of manicured land. “What resort is that?” Paula asked. “That is my summer home.” Paula gave him a startled look and before she knew it they were landing on a heliport pad somewhere on the roof. They took an elevator down to the first floor of the estate.

  “This is absolutely beautiful.” Paula said, almost losing her southern accent. She quickly got back into character. “Thank you. This is where I get away from all the clutter in life.” The elevator door opened and a little woman greeted them speaking completely in Spanish. She was so cute, looked like someone’s beloved grandmother. Her hair was salt and pepper and combed into one very long ponytail. Her short stature was covered by a bright yellow dress that was tied in a bow at the back. “Benevidos.” She said and then motioned for them to enter the room. “El amuerzo estara listo en breve.”

  “Gracious,” he nodded, “She said lunch will be ready soon.”

  Paula glanced around the room with childlike wonder. The room was a magnificently huge open space that was completely glassed in except the wall they were standing near, with ceiling elevations of 14 feet. The glass walls were sliding glass and were all opened. The panoramic view of the ocean was overwhelming. The inside walls were white plaster and the floors were a sand colored travertine. The particular wall that they were standing near had a huge white fireplace that covered a quarter of the wall. On top of the mantle was a picture at least eight feet by five feet of Roman and Stephanie, embracing on a beach. All of the furnishings were modern with clean lines. White leather sofas, chairs, and turquoise blue microfiber chaises were all neatly arranged for conversation throughout the space. Each being defined by large area rugs in different patterns, all in different shades of ocean blue. A huge grand piano surrounded by lots of foliage sat near one of the windows. Across the room to the right she could see that part of the estate that jutted out into the ocean. It was an expansive balcony, decorated with sand colored patio furniture, accented with turquoise colored throw pillows. To the side was a table draped in white linen. Ms. Gonzales was busy preparing the table.

  Roman laid his keys on top of the mantle.

  “So that is Stephanie.”

  “Yes.”

  “She was quite beautiful.”

  “Yes, inside and out.” He began to walk towards the balcony. “As much as I loved her, I want to replace that painting. I hope you don’t mind but you are close to her size and I asked Ms. Gonzales to pull a few of her outfits in case you wanted to change. I am hoping that does not seem morbid.”

  “No, not at all. You are very open about her and that lets me know that the clothes would just be clothes, not to remind you of her. There is no way that you could talk about her as you do if your mind was not in a state of being healed.”

  “That is true.”

  Ms. Gonzales had prepared an amazing brunch. It was a mix of both Mexican and American foods, and a pitcher of Mimosa. “This looks wonderful Ms. Gonzales.” Paula said, as Roman pulled back the chair for her. Ms. Gonzales nodded and smiled. Roman reached in his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, “Would you take a picture of us please.” She took the phone. Roman kneeled down and placed one arm around the back of the chair and the other on Paula’s hands. After she snapped the picture, he lifted Paula’s hands and kissed them saying very softly, “I am so glad that you are here.” A current pulsed through Paula from her head to her toes. “Thank you Ms. Gonzales.” She quietly left the room.

  “If I can ever get over the view, I might be able to eat.” Paula smiled.

  “If I can ever get over the view, I might be able to eat.” Roman laughed pointing at Paula.

  She tossed her head back and laughed thinking, “He has a sense of humor, I would have never imagined.”

  “One of us is going to have to take the first bite.” He said.

  “No, let’s both do it, on the count of three – one, two, three…Oh this is fabulous!” She said after a fork full of Fajitas Rancheros.

  “She is the best cook in the world.” Roman smiled.

  “Is she for sale?”

  “Absolutely not. She has been with me forever and lives here in her own wing. I have a few staff here that care for the home while I am away. They are marvelous people. Not only that she is like a mom to me.”

  “That sounds very special.”

  “It is. I am very fortunate. Now, Ann, tell me something about you. What makes you tick?”

  “Work. I am a complete workaholic. I finally realized that I was in desperate need of change.”

  “What kind of work do you do?”

  “I’d rather not talk about it, because I need to get it off my mind. I just want to focus on this moment. You will never know how precious this time is to me.”

  Roman felt those words. They came across so sincere. “How so?”

  “I have time to be myself and that is not normally something I have time to do.”

  “That I can understand, because neither do I. We all wear masks don’t we?” He said.

  “Yes.”

  “Alright, then let’s just spend the day doing whatever the hell we want to do if we were being ourselves. What would that be for you?”

  “See that waterfall over there?” She said pointing.

  “That’s my grotto.”

  “I would be right out there in it.”

  “Ok, let’s just make a day of it on the water. We will drive around the gulf for a while, let our food settle and then go to the grotto.” He called Ms. Gonzales to take Paula to a guest room. Then he made a call on his cell. She heard him say, “Tell them I will need to cancel the speech for tonight. Let them know how much I have appreciated being on the schedule this year.” Paula began feeling faint. “Tell Ms. Gonzales if you need anything, she understands some English.” Paula grabbed her bag and followed Ms. Gonzales to the guest room. After Ms. Gonzales left, she immediately picked up the phone and called Don.

  “He cancelled tonight’s meeting.”

  “Then things must be going better than we expected.”

  “Oh Don.” She sighed.

  “Don’t worry about this baby, look, you’ve got to know. I am going to be okay. I am going speed dating tonight and promise not to turn on all the charm until we see what happens here.” He smiled.

  “You are such a selfless person. I can’t imagine anyone in the world allowing himself to be put through this.”

  “That is because you do not fully understand The Business Affair. This event is not about making a connection. It’s about making the right connection. People here are truly sold out to “till death do us part, and we are all looking for one way tickets.”

  “Thank you.” She said wiping a tear away. “I’ve got to go.”

  “I will be here, just call me if you need me.”

  The guestroom was as beautiful as the rest of the house. This room was decorated in all Southwestern colors, and also had a glass wall. This one did not open, but it was directly on the cliff. Standing at the window you could see the drop off to the ocean. A huge king size bed was decorated in a beautiful sunset mosaic comforter set. A plush dusty rose-colored rug covered the floor. Huge Thomas Kincaid oil paintings of water properties hanged on the remaining walls. It had a huge connecting bathroom that was Zen and spa-like. Again, there was an ocean view to everything besides the toilet. It was enclosed behind a wall made with seashells.

  Ms. Gonzales had laid out numerous outfits. There were dresses, jeans, shorts, shoes, sandals, three swimsuits to choose from and an assortment of toiletries. She quickly suited up in a pair of jeans and tank top, and then tossed the most conse
rvative swimsuit in her bag. Then she reached in pulled out her cell phone, powered it down and left it in the nightstand draw. Ms. Gonzales had been waiting at the door. She walked Paula to the elevator and pushed the button for the boat dock on the 4th level. Roman was waiting for her in the boat. He was shirtless, in jean shorts and all tanned and gorgeous revealing more of himself than she had ever seen in seven years. Between a body amply worked out to perfection and soft black hairs covering torso and strong legs she had to catch her breath.

  “You are going to be too hot in those jeans.” He called Ms. Gonzales to bring down a pair of shorts. “You can change in the deck below.”

  Chapter 13

  He sped off into the gulf. When Paula got back on the deck, she sat in the seat next to him. They were far enough out in the gulf that his limestone estate looked like a small house in the distance. The boat bounced over the waves sending spurts of wind tossed sea into the boat.

  “I am glad I don’t have jeans on now, I would be soaked.”

  “Don’t worry the sun is going to dry all of that up pretty quickly. I want to show you where the dolphins play.”

  After driving about another 3 miles out she began to see dolphins doing their acrobatics. He slowed the boat down and then turned the engine off and anchored the boat.