"Thank you all for coming today, we have a lot to talk about so we should probably just get to it. We have several stories that we need to cover, and we've had some personnel changes as well. Jennifer Edwards, our star reporter, has been promoted to feature reporter. Miles Perkins will be the new star reporter, and Tracey Grillo will be our new fashion editor. That's it for assignments. Now on to housekeeping. I'm not usually tough about things like this, you guys know that. I trust you, and I believe in you, and I understand that you need space and time and freedom to get the story and get it written and printed. However, we have become a little sloppy as of late, so in order to address that, we are all going to have to live by some boundaries. Everyone is expected to generally be here by 9 a.m. each day. People in general are sensitive to smells and odors, so please, no strong perfumes or colognes. Also, plug-in air fresheners are fine, but again, nothing strong. Soothing scents like florals, lavender, fresh cotton, those should all be ok. Also, ladies, if you wear high heels, try not to clickety-clack them as you walk. And if you can't do that, wear flats. Wear tennis shoes. Wear sandals. Hell, go barefoot, just don't clickety-clack all over the place. Lunch breaks are one hour, and stories are due by Fridays at 2 p.m. Anything else, just ask me. Here are your story assignments. Now, let's get back to work".
Jennifer took her story assignment and headed to her desk. After taking a moment to process the fact that she got her first promotion, she dove deep into the research process and got 75% of her story completed and then headed home, right on time.
***Jennifer's apartment***
She unlocked the door and came inside, and immediately kicked her shoes off. After pouring herself a glass of wine, she decided to go change into more comfortable clothing. She was flipping through the mail, and listening to her phone messages, when there was a knock at her door.
It was her friend, Heather Wilmont.
"Hey, what are you doing here?"
"I came by to see if you wanted to go to a thing with me tomorrow night".
"What thing?"
"Well, it's a benefit my work is sponsoring, to support the Patient Assistance Fund of Los Angeles General Hospital. I have to make an appearance and quote-Stay at least two hours and pretend to enjoy myself-end quote".
"Wow, and I thought my boss was strict. Want a glass of wine?"
"Yes, please. What do you mean your boss is strict?"
"Well, he called this meeting today and was all "be here by 9, no strong perfumes, no loud heels", things like that".
"Bosses are jerks".
"I agree".
"So, is this thing formal?"
"Yes, it is. Starts at 7, and it's downtown, at the Yacht club. Open bar, free food, dancing, silent auction, the works".
"Sounds fun".
They chatted and finished their wine, and then Heather got up to leave.
"I will see you tomorrow night".
"Thanks for coming by and thanks for the invite".
"No problem".
Jennifer locked the door behind her and then headed to take a bubble bath.
She had just gotten out of the tub when the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hi sweetheart, how are you?"
"Hi Pa. I'm well, how are you?"
"Fine, fine. Listen, I'm headed to London next week, and I was wondering if you wanted to come join me".
"I would love to, but I just got a promotion at the paper, and I don't think I can take the time off right now, unfortunately".
"Oh, that's alright sweetheart. I'm sure we'll go again. What promotion did you get?"
"I was the star reporter, and now I'm the Featured reporter".
"Well, that's wonderful. My daughter, a Featured reporter at only 23 years old".
"Yep, I wasn't expecting it, but it's nice to have my work and contributions recognized".
"I can attest to that. Ok sweetheart, I'll let you go. I love you, and I'll call you when I get back in town. If you need me, call Walter".
"I love you too, Pa. I promise, I'll come for a visit soon".
"Wonderful, sweetheart. I'll talk to you soon".
"Bye Pa".
"Bye Jennifer".
She hung up and went and made herself a salad and then worked on her article the rest of the night.
***The Next Day***
Jennifer came home from work, and immediately started changing clothes.
She decided to wear a simple bright blue v-neck cocktail dress, and some black strappy heels.
She threw on some sparkly black teardrop earrings, and a sparkly black bracelet, and then sprayed on some of her favorite vanilla jasmine perfume and headed out the door.
***Yacht Club***
Jennifer had chosen to take a taxi to the yacht club, and it dropped her off right out front.
She went inside and found Heather, and they headed to the bar.
"You look sensational! Next time you go shopping, take me with you, tell me your secrets".
"Ha ha. I agonized over whether to wear this dress tonight, I'll have you know".
"Jennifer, you look good in anything. You would make a paper sack look like it was couture".
"You're sweet. And also, you need your eyes checked, but thank you".
They got their drinks and headed to the table.
"Hi everyone. This is my friend, Jennifer Edwards. Jennifer, this is Molly, Ashley, and Kendall, from my office, and that's Steven, Ryan and Jonathan, from the home office".
"Hi, it's nice to meet all of you".
They took their seats and sat down. Jennifer found it hard to not stare at the men at the table. They were all each very, very good looking, but one of them stood out to her more than the others. Broad shoulders, dark wavy hair, piercing blue eyes and very striking features.
"Such a lovely venue and it's decorated so nicely".
"I agree".
The silent auction was about to begin, so they went and placed their bids. Heather bid on a few things, but Jennifer didn't see anything that was worth spending money on, really.
She went and got a plate and another drink and then came back to the table.
Jonathan and Kendall were the only ones at the table.
Jonathan moved over and sat closer to Jennifer.
"So, how do you know Heather?"
"Well, we used to live across from each other when I first moved out here. But now we both live in a different place and we just stayed friends after we both moved out".
"That's nice".
"How do you know her?"
"I'm her boss".
"Oh yeah, she said that when she introduced you".
She took another sip of her champagne, and then finished her plate.
"Are you an accountant too?"
"No, I'm a journalist. I'm a reporter for the LA Chronicle".
"I see. Have you written for the Chronicle long?"
"Not really. Writing for them is my first professional job. I graduated with my masters in Journalism 8 months ago".
"You have a Master's degree? That's great. Where did you go?"
"Well, I went to a boarding school in Massachusetts for high school, and I took a dual credit program through Boston University while I was a junior and senior. So, in a sense, by the time I graduated high school, I was already more than halfway through my college career. I transferred my undergrad to NYU, and then obtained my graduate degree from Stanford. I know that makes me sound like a Brainiac, but it was more about not losing my credits".
"I don't think you are a Brainiac. Which college did you enjoy more?"
"I enjoyed both for different reasons, but if I had to pick one, I would say Stanford. My time there I actually felt like a true college student".
"I never would have pegged you for a Cardinal. I myself, am a Trojan".
"Ahhh. USC-good choice".
"Thank you".
They chatted about various topics for a bit, while they had the table mostly to themselves.
"Would you care to dance?"
"I'd love to".
They headed to the dance floor, and danced very comfortably for a few songs.
"That sure is a lovely perfume you're wearing".
"Thank you. It's called Beholden. It's sort of a Vanilla and jasmine smell".
He was staring into her beautiful brown eyes, and thinking about how her red hair really complemented the flecks of gold in her eyes.
The music ended, and they headed back to the table.
"Can I get you another drink?"
"Yes, please. White wine, and a water".
"Coming right up".
Heather came and sat down at the table again.
"So, are you having a good time?"
"Yes, actually. Are you?"
"Yeah, but I'm ready to go home."
"Your boss is very charming".
"I saw you dancing with him. He seemed to be very taken with you".
"He's quite a dancer. And so easy to talk to".
"That he is".
"Did you win anything from the silent auction?"
"No, I didn't. But the live auction is coming up".
"There's a live auction? Oh, I've always wanted to go to one of those".
Jonathan came back with their drinks, and moved over to sit right next to Jennifer.
"Here we are. One white wine and one designer water".
Jennifer chuckled.
"What's so designer about it?"
"The bartender handed me the bottle and told me to pour it in your glass myself. And I did. What you're drinking right there, is the result of some top of the line, Grade A, genuine, bona-fide, as good as it gets pouring skills".
She tried to hide the smile on her face.
"Well thank you, I appreciate it".
"Well, aren't you going to taste it?"
She took a sip.
"Oh yes, I can definitely tell by the taste that it was expertly poured".
"Thank you. I am always here for your pouring needs".
Jennifer was laughing and trying to take a sip of her wine.
Heather and Ryan were engrossed in conversation and hadn't heard any of Jennifer and Jonathan's conversation.
The lights dimmed and the emcee took the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the live auction will start in about 5 minutes. The waiters are coming around and giving everyone their paddles. All the paddles are numbered. At the end of the auction, when you turn in your paddle, you will be given a bill for your purchases, if any. As soon as all the paddles are distributed, we will begin, so the waiters are also going to come around and take drink orders. Get comfortable, and start bidding. And while we are waiting, we are going to have one of our sponsors come give a speech as to why we are doing this. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Jonathan Hart".
Jonathan walked up to the podium and began his speech.
"Several years ago, I had an employee working for me, who needed to have some tests done. The tests revealed that she needed a very expensive operation, because as it turned out, she had a very invasive and fast-growing form of breast cancer. At the same time, her daughter who was in Kindergarten, became very ill, and the doctors couldn't figure it out. Test after test, poke after poke, and nothing. Meanwhile, bills were piling up in all directions. It took a few weeks, but they finally determined that her daughter had an intestinal infection, and were able to clean it out with surgery and strong antibiotics. And once that was squared away, she had her own surgery, which was also successful. However, because of all the bills that had gone unpaid in order to pay ones she didn't expect to have, she lost her home, her car, and all of her savings. Now, I'm a charitable boss. I'm probably the most charitable person you'll ever meet. And once I found out that she and her child were homeless, I made the necessary arrangements to secure them a home, and a vehicle. Not everyone has a boss as charitable as I am. Had this fund been available when she needed it, all of the unnecessary heartache could have been avoided. This fund helps those who need it the most, and who might not like asking for help. It helps those in our community who don't have anyone else to help them. It helps those who might just need a little nudge, as well as those who might need a big push. If anyone has ever helped you in your life before, then consider this as a way to pay it forward. You are about to see some nice items-you don't have to bid on those if you don't want to. At the end of the auction, there will be what is known as "Fill the Bank". At that time, you can donate any amount of money you wish, as a simple donation. So, please, if you have ever been in dire straits, or you know someone who had a medical emergency, consider this time to pay it forward and give back a little bit. Thank you all for coming".
Everyone applauded him while he made his way back to the table.
As soon as he sat down next to Jennifer again, she leaned over and whispered "Great job".
"Thank you".
The live auction started and Jennifer wasn't too enthused by anything at first. They had a nice diamond bracelet, a lovely fur coat, and several spa packages. The last couple of things really perked up her interest-2 vacation packages that she got outbid on, and a private dinner in your own home cooked by one of Los Angeles' most sought-after chefs.
"Ok, final item coming up. This is a vacation package for two to Vegas-all inclusive. You will spend the Thursday through Sunday night of your choice in Vegas at the fabulous and elegant Emerald Plains Villas and Suites. Package includes tickets to 3 shows anywhere in Vegas of your choice, complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, as well as 24-hour concierge and room service, plus a spa package worth $4000 and a souvenir package filled with goodies. Bidding will start at $2000".
Jennifer held up her paddle.
"2000 dollars to the redhead at table 8".
The bidding increased and Jennifer was quickly outbid. In a matter of minutes, it went up to $8000.
"Well, that's too rich for me".
"Same here".
"Darn. I was hoping we could take a girl's trip".
"Yeah, that would have been fun. I've never been to Vegas".
"The bid is at $9800. 9800 going once, 9800 going twice, sold to the man at table 2 for 9800 dollars! Now it's time for Fill the Bank".
Jennifer pledged $250 to fill the bank. She wrote out a check and then started to get her things together.
"Thank you everyone for coming, and please, drive safely".
Everyone stood up to leave.
She turned to Jonathan.
"It was so very nice to have met you, Mr. Hart".
"Jonathan, please. And it was wonderful to meet you too".
She and Heather walked over to the pay tables and she paid her donation and then they headed out together.
"I'm going to catch a cab. Thanks for coming with me".
"No problem, I had a blast. I'll talk to you soon".
Jennifer walked to her car, and headed home.
***Yacht Club***
Jonathan had stayed behind to talk to some people and when he looked up, Jennifer was gone.
He walked over to the donation table.
"Hi ladies. Fabulous event tonight. Listen, there was a lady I was sitting with, at table 7. Her name was Jennifer. I think she donated in the fill the bank segment. If you find her name or anything about her, please call me at the office".
"Certainly, Mr. Hart".
"Thank you, Goodnight".
He walked away towards the parking garage, hoping that they would call him the next day.
***Jonathan's house***
Jonathan came inside and put his keys on the counter.
"Hey, Mr. H. How was the shindig?"
"It was fun, Max. How was poker?"
"Poker was a bust."
"You win some, you lose some, Max".
"Yep, that's true".
Jonathan walked over to the bar and started to pour himself a drink.
"Whatcha drinking?"
"Bourbon and branch. You want one?"
"No thanks. What's her name?"
He took a sip.
"Jennifer. And it's different this time. She's different".
"It always is. Tell me about her".
"Well that's the thing-I don't know a whole lot. All I can tell you is, we danced a couple of times tonight and had a great conversation, but that's all. I want to see her again, but I just have no idea if I'm going to get the chance".
"If it's meant to be, you will, Mr. H."
"I hope so, Max."