Propositions

by Tania Joyce

  At four o’clock she ticked off the last of the press interviews and packed away the spare media packs into a box behind the table. Her eyes lit up when Nate walked out from the boardroom, buttoning his jacket as he made his way over to her.

  “Well, it looks like you’ve survived the media onslaught.”

  Jessica was grateful to cross this item off the agenda. But as she thought about all the things she had to do, adrenaline still rushed through her veins. Nerves, excitement, stress all pummeled her at once.

  “Time to schmooze,” said Nate as he tugged at his shirt sleeves and smiled at her. “You look nervous. Don’t be. Everything will be great. I have every faith in you.”

  His words didn’t do much to lower her stress levels but his smile was encouraging.

  She was startled by her headset buzzing loudly in her ear. “Hey Lin—what’s up?”

  “First drama. Fran’s sick. She’s come down with bad gastro and vomiting. What should I do? Who should take over her place? Ryan or Gabby?” Her voice was full of panic.

  Jessica rubbed her eyebrows and took a quick moment to think. “Ryan went through everything in dress rehearsal, so use him. Gabby needs to stay on video.”

  “Okay. Great. Thanks.” Lin sounded relieved.

  Jessica looked at Nate with dismay in her eyes. “First drama. Nothing serious though. One of our main sound technician has come down sick, so our back-up, Ryan, has been put into place. I better go make sure that’s he’s okay with everything.”

  “Will I get to spend any time with you this evening?” He tugged playfully at the collar of her shirt.

  “Maybe after the main show. But on a night like tonight, you of all people must know business must come first.”

  She saw disappointment in Nate’s eyes, but his nod assured her that he fully understood. She had worked so hard to pull this event together; she would do whatever it took to avoid any mishaps.

  “I better get going. It’s nearly showtime.” She kissed him on the cheek and headed to the ballroom. She gathered her team together and gave one last pep talk. “Okay everyone. This is what we have been rehearsing for weeks. Let’s have a great show and heaps of fun.” Everyone cheered and clapped before they all disappeared into their positions about the room and readied themselves to turn the night into a magical affair.

  Jessica took her seat next to Lin and the lighting technician at the control panel desk at the rear of the darkened room. Bright blue and green LED lights shimmered across their faces as they placed their headsets on and tested their volume controls. Jessica watched guests dressed in immaculate gowns and suits, enter and fill the tables quickly—all were oblivious to what was going on behind the scenes. Her headphones muffled their conversations and the music that resonated across the room as people settled at their allocated seats. She licked her lips and swallowed, her throat was feeling dry. She was envious of those guests having their glasses filled with champagne or wine by the waiters that circled the tables. She’d love a drink, even if it were only to settle her nerves.

  All the commotion and seconds ticking away to the start of the entertainment had Jessica’s heart racing like a speeding train. She’d done events hundreds of times before, but had never been this nervous. Was it because there was so much at stake—her business reputation, exposure to the world, and being in the spotlight to attract new clientele? Or maybe she was just flustered because it came down to the fact that she’d never been in love with the client before. That was a pretty compelling reason. She looked up and saw people overhead creeping silently along in the rigging getting into final position. She glanced at the clock on the panel before her. Two minutes to go.

  “Final sound check.” Jessica talked to her team quietly through her headset.

  “Check.” Lin replied.

  “Final lighting check.”

  “Check.”

  “Let’s go on … three … two … one.”

  The grand ballroom disappeared into darkness. The crowd slowly but surely settled into silence. With a flick of a switch on the control panel by the lighting technician, several bright spotlights shone up onto the ceiling.

  “Cue music,” Jessica said into her mouthpiece.

  Lin pressed several buttons on the backlit panel.

  The haunting, almost eerie violin music resonated across the room, entrancing all the guests as their gaze turned skywards. Silken ribbons in vibrant colors of red, blue and green fell from the ceiling as the Cirque du Soleil aerial performers emerged from the colorful tassels. In the bright circles of light, three slender dancers in gossamer costumes slid with athletic grace down the sashes; sequins and sparkles shining off their delicate wings. Silence washed over the crowd.

  “All systems are go.” Jessica confirmed softly to her team. Slowly she let out a deep breath as the dancers began their routine. She looked at her watch. How many times had she done that today? Two more minutes of aerials, then the music would hit disco mode, the stage would be flooded with more performers, and the party would be well under way.

  Three days to get through and it would all be over.

  * * *

  A wave of relief washed over Jessica as the star-studded night of entertainment went off without a hitch. All the guests continued to party on until the wee hours. It was three o’clock in the morning when security ushered the last guests out of the ballroom. Jessica’s night couldn’t end until she knew that the room was cleared and ready for the stage crew to commence relay. They had to start setting up for the bands playing on Saturday night.

  After a long hot shower, Jessica collapsed into bed at four o’clock. Her feet ached. So did her shoulders. And her mind was racing with her To Do list for the next day’s events. She reached out and felt the smooth sheet of the empty bed next to her. Nate was still out partying somewhere. But his smell lingered on the pillows and the bedding. She turned off the light. Thoughts of being wrapped around his naked body filled her mind. But the weight of exhaustion took over and she drifted off into a deep sleep.

  The buzz of her phone alarm going off on the bedside table woke Jessica at six-thirty. She struggled to open her eyes and found Nate sprawled out next to her. She hadn’t even heard him come in. He reeked of champagne and was still dressed in his suit pants and shirt.

  Someone had a good night!

  Jessica snuck out of bed, dressed, and headed down to the retail shops area to prepare for the day’s events. With cup of tea in hand, she walked outside to the pool area. Clear plastic runways had been set up, zigzagging across the lap pools for the models to catwalk down. She weaved her way around the chairs placed along the poolside and found Lin at the sound booth.

  “Did you manage to get some sleep, Lin?”

  “A few hours. Thank God for Red Bull.” She took a long swig from her can of energy drink.

  “Still no sign of Fran?” Jessica straightened her sunglasses on her face.

  “No. Ryan’s here though.”

  “Excellent. You’re both doing a fantastic job, so let’s get this day underway, shall we?”

  The afternoon was full of dilemmas. Two models didn’t turn up. A tripod broke, resulting in expensive camera equipment falling in the pool. The helicopters were delayed, which put them behind schedule. Jessica was glad to see the end of the daylight hours as she headed for the ballroom.

  It looked like a totally different venue compared with the previous evening. The nets, trampolines and harness riggings were now replaced with video screens, massive speakers and band equipment. Sound checks were underway as Jessica and Lin greeted the pop star artists and their entourages arriving to perform for the party.

  “You better go and get ready for the big meet and greet tonight.” Lin waved Jessica off. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ve got it all under control.” The nervous look in Lin’s eyes made Jessica hesitate, but she had to let go and hand the reins over. Even if it was only for just a little while.

  “I won’t have the two-way on, so buzz my phone
if you need me and you know where I’m sitting. You’ll be fine. Good luck.”

  “Thanks,” Lin called after her.

  Jessica hurried through the crowd that was gathering in the foyer for cocktails. Through the sea of colorful dresses and black dinner suits, she caught a glimpse of Nate dressed in his tuxedo. He looked enraptured with all that was going on around him. His eyes found hers. Everyone else seemed to disappear from her view as she felt that all too familiar pull toward him. She smiled and enjoyed the fine view for a few seconds before darting for the elevators.

  After a quick, rejuvenating shower and a blow-dry of her hair, Jessica dressed in fresh lingerie and rushed out of the gown bathroom to put on the dress that she’d left hanging on the cupboard door. She hadn’t noticed the red paper shopping bag hung over a coat hanger when she dashed past before.

  On the bag was a post-it note written in Nate’s handwriting.

  Thought this might go with your dress. XO Nate.

  Jessica smiled as she reached into the bag; her hand enclosed around a velvety box and pulled it out. Her heart pounded in her chest as her fingers ran over the embossed Cartier logo.

  With hands shaking like a leaf, Jessica opened the case. She gasped. Inside, brilliant against the black satin, lay a necklace. White gold and diamonds! The entire length was encrusted with stones. Her fingers trembled as she slowly and carefully took the necklace out and clasped it around her neck. She glanced at herself in the mirror and ran her fingers over the jewels sitting at the base of her throat.

  Holy shit! They’re magnificent.

  With no more time to ogle her present, Jessica slipped on her dress, did a quick reapplication of makeup, strapped on her sparkling stilettos and headed down to join the party.

  Nate’s eyes lit up as Jessica approached him through the crowd. She felt as if others were looking at her as well, but ignored their gazes. Was it the diamonds? Was it her dress? The combination of both? She felt glamorous and radiant, like a Hollywood star ready to walk the red carpet at a movie premiere. The elderly gentleman Nate was talking to looked startled when Nate put up his hand to stop him talking and made his way over to her. His hand slid around her waist and he kissed her on the cheek.

  “I thought we were being discreet.” Jessica blushed.

  “I don’t care anymore. You’re breathtaking. And you’re mine,” Nate whispered in her ear.

  “The necklace is beautiful. Thank you.” She touched her hand to her neckline and felt the diamonds beneath her fingertips.

  “You outshine it by far,” said Nate.

  “I’ve never worn so many diamonds in my life.”

  His lips pressed to her ear. “I can’t wait to see you in nothing other than that necklace.”

  “That’s a promise.” She felt her cheeks color.

  “Here—I have some people I’d like you to meet.”

  Nate introduced Jessica to financiers, senior executives of Somers Hotels, celebrities who were renowned patrons of their hotels, and then, his father.

  “Mr Somers. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Jessica shook his hand firmly. Henry Somers pulled himself up straight and looked at her with sharp, blue eyes. His gray hair was cut short and showed signs of thinning on top. He looked refined and handsome in his stiff tuxedo as he glanced up and down her figure.

  “Ah, Ms Mason.” He took in a long breath. “So you’re the reason my son defied me and went ahead with this outlandish party.”

  An uncomfortable sensation coursed through Jessica’s body. From the look of his flushed cheeks and the sway in his stance, he’d already had a few too many drinks.

  “Well, I, for one, am glad he did.” Jessica smiled as she glanced at Nate. “I hope by the end of the weekend you’ll see what an amazing event we’ve managed to create to showcase your hotel to the world. Nate’s a great businessman, and it’s been a pleasure working with him.”

  Henry Somers smirked at her. “Yes, I can tell it has been pleasure if nothing else. Maybe I should’ve been the one to come and oversee the opening instead of Nate, hey? I wouldn’t mind working with a pretty woman like you either.”

  Jessica mouth dropped open in shock.

  Nate’s eyes widened and his face reddened with anger. “I beg your pardon. I will not have you talk like that in front of Jessica. It’s rude and uncalled for. How dare you?”

  There was no way on this earth that Jessica was going to be humiliated any further by this arrogant bastard.

  “Excuse me, gentlemen. I have things to attend to.” She made a quick exit for the ballroom. As she walked away her blood boiled. The nerve of Henry Somers to talk to her like that. Men! Who needs ’em.

  * * *

  The dinner proceeded with spectacular food and wine. Scallops, salmon, wagyu beef and delectable desserts filled everyone to the brim. Jessica thought last night had been a big night in regards to alcohol consumption—this one was even bigger. Endless champagne was consumed—corks popped, glasses clinked, toasts were made. When the first band took to the stage, everyone hit the dance floor to gyrate away to the pulsating beat. Another weight lifted from Jessica’s shoulders. One more day to get through, she thought as she glanced over the agenda for tomorrow.

  “Ms Mason.”

  She turned to see Henry Somers approaching. She straightened her shoulders, ready for another onslaught. He stopped in front of her. She noticed he looked even more intoxicated than before.

  He inhaled deeply. “In spite of the fact that Nate disregarded my decision, I’d like to thank you for such a wonderful opening. You’ve exceeded all expectations, in more ways than one.”

  His suggestive tone made her skin crawl as his gaze sailed up and down her body and rested upon her cleavage.

  Jessica grew self-conscious and hugged her clipboard to her chest. “I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the event so far, Mr Somers. From what people are saying, and the positive reservation numbers that Nate has told me about, things are looking extremely positive. I wish your hotel every success.”

  “Maybe we should get together for a drink while I’m here and discuss … business.” He stepped towards her and ran his finger down her arm.

  Jessica stepped back in shock, repulsed by his actions. From out of nowhere, Nate appeared, grabbed his father by the scruff of his jacket and pulled him away.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Nate glared at his father in disgust. “Leave her alone. Stop embarrassing yourself and tarnishing our company’s name in front of all these people. I don’t need another PR nightmare. I’m sick and tired of having to clean up the mess that you create with your inappropriate behavior. Now, get yourself together and do everyone a favor and go to bed. Please.”

  Jessica stood there shaking as she regained her equilibrium. Everything happened so fast.

  Henry slurred. “Just wanting to thank this lovely lady. I meant no harm.” He held his hands up in surrender, then he turned to face her. “Please accept my apologies. It was inappropriate. Forgive me.”

  But the smirk on his face left Jessica feeling assured that the apology was far from genuine.

  “Let’s get you to your room.” Nate turned his father around by the shoulders and headed him for the door. As he helped Henry along to avoid stumbling over, Nate looked back over his shoulder towards her. “I’ll be back in ten minutes.”

  She nodded. “Okay. See you soon.”

  Relief washed over her as Henry exited the room without any commotion. Her heart ached for Nate, because now she understood even more about his struggles and strained relationship with his father.

  She wished she could take all of Nate’s worries away, he seemed so happy when he was with her. But their time together was almost up. They’d have to burst their bubble and get back to reality. No more affair. No more Nate.

  The sound of the band drew her attention back towards the stage. The crowd jumped around on the dance floor in time to the beat.

  Time to get back to work!

  * * *

&n
bsp; The last band had taken the stage and was belting out tunes that boomed loudly from the speakers. If the talk Jessica had heard throughout the night was true, everyone was raving about the hotel, its exceptional service and the entertainment.

  After giving Lin a quick break at one o’clock, Jessica found Nate leaning wearily against a table talking to William. Nate looked at her from underneath his dark eyelashes as she approached. Her heart still fluttered when he looked at her that way. That look of possession. Of love. Of desire and need. He smiled as he took her hand and kissed it.

  “You had enough for the night?” he asked.

  “It’s only two in the morning. I’m doing okay considering the lack of sleep.”

  “Would you do me the honor and have a dance with me?”

  “I’d love to. One dance. Maybe two if you’re lucky. Then I’ll have to get back to work.”

  “Deal.”

  Nate led Jessica out onto the dance floor, wrapped his arms around her waist and twirled her underneath the disco lights. She couldn’t help but be swept off her feet.

  “Your dad okay?”

  “I threw him into bed where I hope he’ll stay. I’m sorry about his behavior.” Nate shook his head, looking ashamed. “He can be such an ass sometimes.”

  Jessica touched his face with her hand, feeling the shaven hairs beneath her fingertips. “It’s fine. But before he tried to hit on me he did say he liked the launch.”

  “He said that?” Nate’s face looked doubtful. “He liked the launch?”

  “Yes he did. And I just want you to know that I’m beyond impressed with all your work and what we’ve managed to pull together.” Jessica slipped her arms around his neck.

  Nate chuckled. “Thank you.” He spun her around on the dance floor, drew her in close and brushed his lips against hers. “I couldn’t have done this without you. Even the impossible seems possible when you’re around.”

  She could feel his heart beating next to hers beneath the fine fabric of his shirt. She wanted to be even closer to him—if only that was possible. She rested her head upon his shoulder enjoying the feel of him next to her. She closed her eyes and breathed him in.