Ray perched on top of his desk. “So, what’s your story?”
“This stays between us.”
“Goes without saying.”
Ian nodded. Ray was as solid as they came, and Ian trusted his buddy implicitly. “I think I met my future wife.”
“Whoa. Now you’ve got my attention.”
Ian chuckled then explained about his birthday prayer. “I only know a few things about her, and she isn’t dating again until Christmas, but I can wait.”
“Huh?” Ray crossed his arms. “I’m lost.”
“Sorry. She and her boyfriend broke up several months ago, and she’s not dating for six months to give herself time to reconnect with God and who she is.”
“That’s unusual.”
“A little.” But he couldn’t help admiring what she was doing.
Ray shook his head, slid off the desktop and sat in the nearest chair. “You’re blowing my mind today. This is totally out of character for you. Should I be concerned?”
“Nope. You know me better than anyone, and you know I wouldn’t do anything stupid.”
“Exactly. You’re cautious, responsible to a fault and never impulsive. Telling me you think you met your future wife today is more than a little shocking.”
Ian shrugged. “When I saw what’d I done to her, I had to stop and apologize. I’m so thankful I looked in my side mirror.” He chuckled. “She was drenched.”
“Dude, you’re lucky. Things could have turned out a lot different.”
“I know, and that’s another reason I believe the Lord is in this.”
“That’s a lot to take in, but I’m happy for you. I want an invite to the wedding.”
Ian laughed. “You’ll be my best man.” He shook his head. “Let’s table this topic for the future.”
“No problem.” Ray stood and grabbed a manila envelope from his desk. “We need to talk business anyway. The community center is having its annual Christmas party the second Saturday in December. All the details are inside. And we need to talk about the Kids and Youth Foundation fundraiser.”
Ray secretly owned and paid all the operating expenses for the community center through the Kids and Youth Foundation, which received most of its funding from Ray’s gym. Though convoluted and complicated, Ian couldn’t imagine his buddy doing anything else. The charity was his passion. “I don’t know how you manage to pull this off every year without anyone figuring out you’re behind it.”
“Easy. Only you, my attorney, and the manager at the community center know my role. Have you heard of Knott’s Advertising? They’ve donated their time to put together an ad for the Kids and Youth Foundation’s annual fundraiser. They also reserved a space in the paper to run the ad in Sunday’s paper for three weeks or until the tickets sell out, whichever comes first.”
“That’s amazing. How’d this happen?”
“Apparently one of their employees nominated the foundation for their annual charity donation. I’m supposed to meet with one of their people to go over my vision for the ad, but we both know that’s impossible. I was hoping you’d stand in for me.”
He’d stood in for Ray on more than one occasion, but nothing that was this important. “I don’t know. This seems like something you should do.”
“How do you suggest I do that when no one knows I own the foundation or the community center? If I show up at this meeting then word could get out.”
Ian took a deep breath then let it out slowly. “I see your point. How about I take the meeting, but you come along. I’ll explain that the owner of the foundation wishes to remain anonymous and asked us to take the meeting. If I do the talking, no one will imagine you’re the person behind the foundation, nor would they have reason to think otherwise. We should have thought of this a long time ago.”
“Hmm.” Ray rubbed his chin. “That could work.” He grinned. “I like it. But what if the person asks about the owner? What will you tell him?”
“Only that he’s a very private person.”
“Okay. I’ll let you know when the meeting is.”
“Sounds good to me, and congratulations on scoring a professional ad. I know you’ve made up fliers and posted them around town, but a professional ad will grab the attention of the kind of people you need at this event.”
“I agree,” Ray said.
“What’s the theme for the auction this year?”
“A Victorian Christmas. I’ve come up with a new name for the event based on research I did this past year. What do you think of the Clay Ball? It’s an art auction and dinner like we’ve done before. By attaching the ball part of it, I thought it would be more formal and attract people with deeper pockets.”
“Great idea. Tell me more.” Ian wasn’t into fancy events, but if that’s what was needed to help his buddy fund his vision, then he’d support him.
“Like usual, area artisans will donate art for a silent auction, which will be held during the fundraiser dinner that people buy tickets to attend. I already have the venue and caterer. The dance will be held after the meal is served. We’ve sold about a third of the tickets, and we need to sell half to break even.”
“I like it. How’d you come up with the idea?”
“There’s an organization in Oregon that does it. I copied them and put my own spin on it. When the ad agency came to me with their offer, I knew we’d be able to pull it off. If it goes well, it could become an annual event.”
“Let me know what I can do to help.”
“I think everything’s covered except for a small crew to check in and set up the donated art.”
“That shouldn’t be too difficult. What about the Christmas party for the kids at the community center?” He’d been volunteering for that party ever since Ray started having them three years ago.
“We’ll have the giving tree set up here at the club then have a gift-wrapping party at the community center the day of the Christmas party. I’m expanding the food this year to serve hotdogs as well as the standard cake and punch we usually have for the kids.”
“That’s cool.”
Ray pointed toward the envelope. “Your mission. I hope you’ll accept it.”
Ian laughed. “As if I have a choice.” He opened the envelope and read. “You want me to play Santa?” He shook his head and handed the envelope back. “No way. I love Christmas, but you know I don’t buy into that.”
“I’m aware, but most of these kids do, and I want to make their Christmas special.”
“How about I come as me and help pass out the gifts.”
“Aw, come on. That beard and ’stash are begging for some powder to turn it gray. The kids will love you.”
Ian rubbed his beard. “As much as I want to help and make the kids happy—no. Not happening.”
“Fine. Will you at least wear a Santa hat?”
“Okay. And if things work out with Brandi like I hope, I’ll bring her along to help.”
“I thought she wasn’t dating until Christmas.”
“She’s not, but that doesn’t mean I can’t call her and invite her to help out with wrapping the presents.”
“I take it back. You should be dressed like a sneaky elf instead of the big guy.”
Ian chuckled. “I’m not being sneaky. Besides, something tells me she’d enjoy volunteering, and I’d enjoy having a legit excuse to get to know her better.”
Chapter Two
Monday evening, Brandi tossed her keys onto the kitchen counter in the apartment she shared with her best friend. “You home, Katie?”
“In my room.”
Brandi’s phone rang. She pulled it from her purse and read the caller ID. Butterflies filled her stomach. “Hi, Ian. I didn’t expect to hear from you until next month.” Breathless, she cleared her throat.
“I know, but something came up that I think you’ll be interested in. And it’s not a date, so don’t get angry.”
“Okay. What’s up?”
“My buddy and I help out every year
at a community center downtown. He’s coordinating the giving tree and present-wrapping party. You seemed like the kind of person who might enjoy getting involved in something like that, so I wanted to invite you to join us. Your roommate is welcome, too. We’ll take all the volunteers we can get.”
Brandi’s mind stalled.
“Hello. Are you there?”
“I’m here. I just don’t know what to say. Umm. How about you text me the details? I’ll run it by my roommate and get back to you.”
“Will do. Catch you later.”
Brandi pocketed her phone. Hmm.
“Who was that?” Katie asked.
She jumped and whirled around.
Katie leaned against the kitchen counter with her arms crossed and a grin on her face. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Since when did you get so stealthy? You about gave me a heart attack.” She went to the fridge. “You thirsty?” She pulled out the pitcher of filtered water they always kept filled.
“No, thanks. Who were you talking to?”
She was hoping to deflect the question, but Katie was tenacious. “Remember that guy I told you about? The one who hit the standing water on the street at thirty miles an hour and drenched me?”
Katie nodded. Her short pixie cut stayed perfectly in place.
“He asked me if I wanted to volunteer at some community center Christmas thing. Apparently, they need lots of help wrapping presents.”
“Interesting. When is it? Don’t forget we’re going to the Pathway of Lights at the lake.”
“I know. He’s supposed to text me the details. If it conflicts, I won’t do it.” The annual Christmas event at Green Lake was something they’d been attending for the past couple of years. The not-to-be-missed event was held at night and lit with luminaires along the path. The festivities included food and Christmas music—a fun way to kick off December.
Brandi reached for a glass on the open shelf and filled it with cold water. “Do you think I’m making a mistake by not dating?”
“No. I admire what you’re doing. Are you thinking about this guy and regretting your pledge?”
“I don’t know that I have regrets, but he seems like a great guy, and I would like to know him better. I thought when I told him I wasn’t dating, I’d hear from him at the end of December or maybe January, or even not at all.”
Katie pressed her lips together. “I suppose his request was kind of random since you barely know one another, but what better way to get to know someone than volunteering alongside him. That certainly doesn’t qualify as a date. If they need more hands, and it doesn’t conflict with Pathway of Lights, count me in, too.”
“I will. And thanks.” Katie was one of the most cautious people Brandi had ever known, so if she thought it was okay, then it probably was. “I almost forgot. My mom asked about your Thanksgiving plans.”
“I don’t have any yet.”
“Well, per usual, you have a standing invite to my parents’ house.”
“Thanks. Please let her know I’ll be there.”
“I will.” Brandi sipped from the glass then filled and returned the pitcher to the fridge. “I have a good feeling about Ian.”
“We’re back to him again.” Katie smirked. “You have a good feeling about most people.”
“Not true. I don’t have a good feeling about my boss. I think she has it out for me.” After today, Brandi would be actively job hunting.
Katie parked herself on the sofa and tucked her legs. “What happened with Miranda this time?”
Brandi kicked off her heels then padded over to the recliner. “Remember that campaign for the used car lot I told you about?”
Katie nodded.
“Well, I did a couple of drawings that included the slogan we created. I had planned to show them to Miranda this morning before the staff meeting, but Mr. Knott saw them first and thought they were Miranda’s. I corrected him and explained they were mine and that I had only been tinkering around. He loved them and chewed out Miranda for not using me to my full potential. Then he told her to bring me in on the project. She was furious.”
“Ouch. I can see why she would be.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I meant I understand why she’d be upset for getting chewed out and then being forced to work on equal footing with her assistant.”
“Yeah. I suppose I’d be upset, too, when you put it like that. But I didn’t mean for any of that to happen.”
“I know. What are you going to do about Miranda?”
“I have no idea.” She closed her eyes and rested her head against the chair back. One thing was certain, her boss needed to lighten up. It looked as if the past five months had been a complete waste. Sure, she’d learned a lot, but Miranda would never give her a good reference now. The woman had a reputation for holding a grudge, which she’d witnessed firsthand more than once.
Maybe the holidays would help Miranda’s mood. Lord, please help my situation with Miranda. And even though I didn’t appreciate having dirty water sprayed all over me, thanks for that chance encounter with Ian. Please guide me through all of these things.
Chapter Three
Tuesday morning, before going to her desk, Brandi knocked on Miranda’s door while holding her boss’s favorite coffee drink from the coffee shop downstairs. She squared her shoulders and took a bracing breath, determined to make up for yesterday. She liked working at Knott’s Advertising and didn’t want to start job hunting, especially with the holidays so close.
“Come in.”
Brandi opened the door and breezed over to Miranda’s desk. “Good morning. Here’s your coffee.”
“Thank you. Please close the door and take a seat.”
Brandi’s stomach knotted. Miranda only asked for the door to be closed when she had something she didn’t want anyone to hear. Brandi did as her boss requested then pulled a spiral notepad and a pen from her oversized purse.
“I need to apologize for my behavior yesterday.” Miranda laced her fingers together and rested them on her desk. “I had a particularly difficult morning, and I took it out on you. I’m sorry.”
Brandi’s lowered her gaze. She’d never heard Miranda apologize about anything to anyone. “Thank you. All is forgiven. I’m sorry I contributed to your bad morning.”
“That’s kind of you, considering some of the things I said yesterday. We’re good?”
Brandi nodded. Relief flowed through her. It appeared she wouldn’t be job hunting after all. Thank You, Lord. When she’d prayed for His help last night, she hadn’t expected such a prompt resolution.
“Thank you. I’ll admit, I didn’t realize your talent, and I agree with Adam. It’s being wasted as my assistant. Every year we donate an ad campaign to a non-profit. I would like you to take lead on that campaign. I’ll forward all the details, and you can set up a time to meet with their contact person.”
“Does this mean I’m no longer your assistant?” Her insides bubbled with excitement.
“No. It means I’ll be getting my own coffee and dry cleaning from now on, and you’ll be taking a more active roll in the creative process.” Miranda raised a brow. “I trust this works for you?”
“Yes. Thank you. Is there anything else?” Her excitement tempered. Though technically not a promotion, it was a step in the right direction.
“There’s a meeting at two this afternoon with the auto dealer. Adam wants me to pitch your idea. I want you there to watch how it’s done—also, in case the client has questions or wants to go in a different direction.”
Brandi wrote the time on her notepad then looked at Miranda. “I’ll be there. Thanks for giving me a chance.”
“You’re welcome. Now don’t make me look bad.” She grinned. “Get to work.”
Brandi hopped up and floated from the room. Had that conversation actually happened, or had she dreamed it? She pinched herself. She was wide awake. Miranda had been a fa
ir boss until yesterday, so maybe she shouldn’t be so surprised.
Brandi sat at her computer and clicked her inbox. Ian Parker was the contact person. Her thoughts shifted to the Ian she’d met over the weekend. He hadn’t given her his last name, but that Ian was a software developer, not a philanthropist.
She called the contact number.
“Ray speaking.”
“Hi. This is Brandi Prescott with Knott’s Advertising. I’m calling for Ian Parker regarding the ad campaign for the Clay Ball Art Auction.”
“Good morning. Ian and I are working together on this. What can I do for you?”
“I’d like to set up a time for you and Mr. Parker to come to our office. I need to get a feel for your vision so I can get to work on your campaign. I see we have a time crunch. When would it be good for you?”
“I can get away at lunch.”
“That works.” She gave him the address for her office. “What time should I expect you?”
“I’m not that far from your office. I could be there by twelve fifteen.”
“Perfect. See you then.” She hung up the phone then got busy reading through the information Miranda had provided—a fundraiser for needy children. Who wouldn’t want to support that? She spent the remainder of the morning tending to her normal duties and sketching out ideas for the ad, praying that they’d like one of them. They really had no time to waste. The ad was set to go out in this Sunday’s paper.
At twelve fifteen, Brandi stood and walked to the reception desk, where two men stood with their backs to her. One looked like he’d come from the gym and wore athletic pants and a blue hoodie, and the other had on slacks and a dress shirt. The frame of the man dressed in slacks looked familiar. Her breath caught. Ian? What were the chances? She took a calming breath. “Good afternoon, gentlemen.” They turned, and her insides jolted. “Hi, Ian.”
He grinned wide. “This is a surprise.”
“I’ll say.” Her pulse beat wildly. What were the chances they’d meet again so soon? No matter. He was a client, and as such, she must be professional. Good thing she was off men, or she’d be daydreaming about Ian rather than focusing on her job.
Until I Met You Page 2
