Chapter Three (by Misha)
Erica was halfway across the room when she spotted the headwaiter, Enrique, coming toward her. Without breaking stride, she gave him her brightest smile and liberated the pitcher of water he was carrying. Erica was two steps from striking distance when Jack spotted her.
"Erica, no!" Jack shouted but he was too late. Though never much of an athlete, Erica's aim could not have been more perfect. As he leapt from his chair, the napkin that had been resting on his lap fell to the floor. In its place came a torrent of ice water. Stunned, Jack lunged for her arm but Erica deftly moved out of reach, calmly turning her attention to his dining companion.
"I'm sorry, we haven't met" Erica said extending her arm for a perfunctory handshake. "Erica Kane, President of Marketing and Development. And you are—" she inquired, ever so sweetly.
Furiously dabbing his lap with the towel Enrique discreetly dropped at the table, Jack brusquely replied. "This is Mariele Girtz, senior partner of the architectural group we hired to upgrade the building. She and I were just about to discuss our lack of office space in the executive suites."
"I just bet you were" Erica responded sarcastically.
"Ms. Kane, your reputation doesn't do you justice. Why, you're even more charming than I was originally led to believe" Mariele offered coolly, her Swedish accent barely masking the contempt coursing through her veins.
"Ladies, please. We're in a public place and I think we've already drawn more than our share of attention. How about both of you go back to your corners and we finish this meeting up in my office. Sound good?"
"Jack, I'm afraid that's not possible. I have a conference call with Lars at 2:30, followed by a 3 o'clock with another client. And unless I just misunderstood, Ms. Kane requires your undivided attention at this moment. Until later, yes?" Mariele rose from her seat and conspicuously kissed Jackson on each cheek, flashing Erica a departing smile.
As Mariele glided toward the door, Jack relaxed back in his seat and shot Erica an admonishing look. "Yes, well if you'll excuse me" Erica said dismissively. "Opal just arrived."
Jack stood up and blocked her way. "Oh, no you don't. You don't create a scene like you just did and walk away as if nothing happened. That's not how it's going to work. Not today, not ever again."
"Jack, please, lower your voice. People are beginning to stare."
"And since when did you give a damn about people staring at you? It certainly didn't seem to bother you a moment ago when you all but accused me of planning to do God knows what with Mariele. And it sure as hell didn't bother you when you dumped a pitcher of water on me."
"Don't you get holier than thou with me, Jackson Montgomery. None of that would have happened if you had just been honest with me when I asked you to join me for lunch. But, instead you led me to believe that you had a meeting, on-site and certainly not with some six-foot tall Viking."
"Excuse me, you two," Opal interrupted "but if you don't want half of Pine Valley's snootiest citizens to know your business, I suggest you turn down the volume on this never-ending road show of yours and hightail it out of here like pronto, if you know what I mean."
Jack and Erica continued to glower at each other, neither one willing to back down.
"I said skedaddle" Opal implored "before I give you both a piece of my mind."
Despite their arguing, Jack and Erica were in complete agreement on one thing. Sitting through an Opal lecture was a price neither one of them was willing to pay, no matter what the cost. Immediately, the two warring parties made their excuses, locked arms and sauntered out of the dining room. Just as they made it to the front door, Jackson turned to Erica and, between gritted teeth said "we're not done with this."
"You better believe we're not." With a toss of her hair Erica removed her arm from his and walked swiftly to her car.
———
Ten minutes later Jack entered the loft and found Reggie and Lily finishing up a game of chess. "Who won? Let me guess . . . Lily beat you again?"
Reggie winced. "Yeah? What's your point?"
Jack laughed. "Don't take it personal. She's a chess genius."
"Daddy, your pants are wet."
Now it was Reggie's turn to laugh. "J, man, you have an accident or something?"
Jack nodded, returning the question with a weak smile. "Something like that."
"Are you hurt, daddy?" Lily inquired. "I can call a doctor. They taught me how to do that at school. But only if it's serious."
"Thanks, sweetheart, but I'm fine. I just need to change my clothes."
"You're heading back to the office?" Reggie asked.
"I'm afraid so. I still have a pile of work on my desk."
"Guess that means you'll be getting home late–again."
"Reggie, man, I'm sorry. I know I haven't been around much these last few weeks, but I promise, that's going to change . . . soon."
"Whatever. . ."
Jack walked over to Reggie and put his arm around his shoulder. "No, not whatever. Soon. As a matter of fact, how about I take both of you out for dinner this evening. Burgers and fries. Just the three of us–"
"I'd like that Daddy. I like hamburgers. But no ketchup, okay?"
"No ketchup, I promise."
"What about Erica, Jack?"
"What about her?"
"I just figured that if you could get out in enough time to have dinner with us . . . that maybe Erica–"
"Not this time, Reggie. This time it's just going to be me and my two kids."
"If you say so . . ."
"I do. Now if you two will excuse me, I have to quick change and get back to the office if we're to stand any chance of having burgers in our future."
A moment after Jack retreated to his room, Lily followed, deciding to finish the book she was reading. She had thirty pages to go and had fallen behind schedule when her father arrived home unexpectedly. Reggie, on the other hand, planted himself on the couch and waited for Jack to return. When he reappeared, Reggie cornered him.
"So, Jack, why don't you tell me what's really going on between you and Erica."
"Who says anything's going on, Reggie?"
"I do. Your 'accident' had Erica's name written all over it."
"Oh, it did, did it?"
"Tell me I'm wrong. Go ahead, deny it if it's not true."
"Reggie–"
"I knew it. You two had a fight. Again."
"It was a simple misunderstanding."
"Jack, man, haven't you learned yet that there's no such thing as a simple misunderstanding when it comes to Erica."
"And you're the expert on her because . . . ?"
"Come on, Jack. You know I'm right. If you can't admit it to me, at least admit it to yourself."
Jack shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Fine, you're right. But it's no big deal. Believe me, there's nothing for you to worry about."
"I'm not worried or at least I won't worry–not if you apologize to her, that is."
"And just what makes you think I have anything to apologize for. Did it ever occur to you that I might be the wronged party here?"
"Like that matters. Come on, J. Unless Erica set fire to Greenpea or something, you know she's not going to apologize. Come to think of it, if she did set fire to Greenlee, I'm not so sure that would qualify for an apology either."
"You're a funny guy, you know that? Look, whatever's going on is between Erica and me and I want you to stay out of it. Got it?"
"Yeah, I got it."
"Promise me you're not going to interfere. . . promise me."
"Okay, I promise. But you better not let this thing get out of control."
Jack put his arm around Reggie's neck, pulling him close and gave him a quick kiss on his forehead. "I'll keep that in mind. Look, I gotta go. I love you, man." Jack grabbed his keys off the kitchen counter and headed toward the door.
"I love you too." As the door closed behind him, Jack heard Reggie's words trail off. ". . . just remember what I said." Jack hated to admit it but the kid was right. Better to nip this thing in the bud.
———
When he returned to the office, Jack found Erica locked in a heated argument with Greenlee. Thinking back to his conversation with his son, he quickly scanned the room for a pack of matches. With none in sight, he leaned in the doorway, silently taking in the scenery.
"For the fifth time, Greenlee, you've made your point. As soon as I get a moment, I'll take a look at the proposal and make a recommendation. Now, can we move on to the 'Ocean Spirit' campaign. That is why I called this meeting."
"Just for the record, Erica, I can't be expected to drop everything at a moment's notice just because you decide you want to have a meeting. My father may have appointed you President but that doesn't mean you would have gotten my vote. Frankly, I'm not sure you're up to the job."
"Yes, well, your opinion of me means so much. I'm not sure how I'll get through the day knowing you don't have confidence in my abilities, particularly with your 'oh-so-impressive' resume."
"Okay, you two, that's enough. This is a place of business, not a sparring ground."
"Stay out of this Jack. This is between Greenlee and me."
"Yes, well, in case you didn't notice, this is also my office, at least it was until you moved in here" Jack grumbled, muttering the last part so that only Erica was able to hear.
"Greenlee, would you excuse us for a moment? Your father and I have a few matters to discuss."
"What am I, some kind of yo-yo? One minute you summon me here, the next you dismiss me?" Greenlee gave a quick glance to see if anything she said was registering on her father's face but was met with an impassive look. "Fine, I'll go, but don't expect me to come running to you the next time you need a punching bag." Greenlee snatched her planner off of Erica's desk and stormed out of the room.
Jack sat down on the corner of his desk and crossed his arms across his chest. "Just spreading the joy everywhere you go, are you?"
"No, I believe that's your game, Jackson. First Mariele, and then, who knows? Why, I'm exhausted just thinking about it" Erica replied flippantly.
"Come on, Erica. You know perfectly well that there is absolutely nothing going on between Mariele and me!"
"Do I?"
"Yes, you do. From the moment you returned to Pine Valley you know that I've been behind you, mind, body and soul. Hell, I've been that way since the first day I met you."
"Aren't you forgetting about Laurel . . . and Brooke . . . and Angelique . . . and–"
"You know damn well they never stood a chance against you. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the only one for me. Don't you think it's about time you admitted the same thing."
"Aren't you being just a little overdramatic?"
"I'm being overdramatic?" Jackson replied incredulously. "If you'll remember, it was you that pitched a fit at the Valley Inn today–not me."
"I did NOT pitch a fit!" Erica countered huffily but was met with a look of utter disbelief. "Okay, maybe I overreacted, just a little. But you're not exactly innocent in all of this."
"And, just what did I do?"
"I saw you, charming her with that smile of yours. That twinkle in your eyes positively radiated sex."
"Oh, it did, did it?" Jack said, suddenly amused.
"Yes it did. And frankly, I was embarrassed for you. I mean, honestly, Jack, if you can't succeed in business on merit alone–"
"Uh, huh" Jack responded seductively.
"Don't you 'uh, huh' me. I'm serious."
"I just bet you are" Jack continued, moving toward her.
"And just when did you hire this Mariele person anyway?"
Jack inched closer to Erica and took her hand in his, kissing her palm. "Mmmm . . . Mariele . . . Mariele" he whispered. Slowly, he moved up her arm, leaving a trail of light kisses along the way. "That tall . . . beautiful . . . blonde . . . Viking."
Erica pulled her arm away. "You're making fun of me."
"No, I'm not" Jack replied, taking her arm again. "Mmmm, I'm not." Erica was clearly unmoved by his show of affection. Jack dropped her arm. "Okay, I am. I'm just trying to show you how ridiculous your sudden obsession with Mariele is. She's a colleague, that's all."
"That's all?"
"I promise. Now, can we get back to business here?"
"Fine, if that's what you want." Erica turned back to her desk and picked up the folder that was marked 'Ocean Spirit.' "We really need to get moving on this campaign if we're going to have it ready in time for our summer line."
Jack took the folder from Erica's hand and placed it back on the desk. "That's not exactly the business I was referring to."
"It isn't?"
"You know it's not."
"Do I?" Erica replied coyly.
"Yeah, I think you do" Jack said, leaning in to kiss her. With a single touch, her soft lips parted. And then, the office door swung open.
"Jack, I . . ." Kendall froze. "I'm sorry, I should have knocked."
"Yes, you should have" Jack replied, frustrated over another wasted opportunity.
"I'll leave." Kendall turned and started toward the door.
"Kendall, stop. You're here already. What is it?"
"Are you sure?" Kendall asked, looking from Jack to Erica and back again.
Jack nodded. "I'm sure." Erica returned to her desk and began typing on her computer, barely masking her own frustration. Jack glanced briefly in her direction before giving Kendall his full attention.
"It's these spreadsheets. The numbers don't make sense. I did a complete analysis of cost projections before I recommended we make the network upgrades company-wide. These figures are nothing like the ones I looked at. Changes to our offices in Pine Valley alone puts us in the hole."
"Let me look at those" Jack said, taking the printouts from Kendall. As he scanned the first few pages, Kendall drifted in Erica's direction.
"So, mother, how's it feel to be back in the Executive Suite? I bet you're loving every minute of it."
In a rare show of restraint, Erica opted not to rise to the bait. "It does feel good to be doing something useful again. It's been a long time."
Kendall surprised everyone and followed her mother's lead. "Well, it's good to have you here. Just so you know, I read the proposal you made about acquiring those textile mills in Georgia and I agree. We definitely come out ahead if we take a pass on the Japanese silk farms and concentrate on refurbishing those factories. The tax breaks alone are worth the investment."
"Thank you, Kendall" Erica replied sincerely. "It's good to know I have your support."
"Yes, well, don't get carried away. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before we butt heads over something."
"I'll keep that in mind" Erica said smiling. "In the meantime, how about you and I get together for lunch tomorrow. I have some questions about next month's launch of the Herbal skincare products."
"Sounds good." Turning her attention back to Jack, Kendall saw a satisfied look on his face. "What?" she asked plaintively.
"Nothing. I was just thinking how good it is to see the two of you working together for a change." Before either woman had a chance to slip into their now-familiar defensive mode, Jack switched gears and focused Kendall's attention on the columns on the left-hand side of the page. "Kendall, do me a favor. Take a look at last month's projections and compare them to these figures. Unless I missed my guess, something in these two areas changed."
"That's not possible. I handled this myself. No one else had access to them . . . unless you're saying–"
"I'm not saying anything just yet. And I'm certainly not accusing you of anything. Your loyalty to this company AND to this family has been proven time and time again. Just take a look at it and let me know what you think."
"Okay" Kendall replied hesitantly as she turned to leave the office.
"Mother, I'll see you tomorrow. Jack . . ."
"Oh, and Kendall. Not a word about this to anyone. Let's just keep this between the three of us. I don't want anyone, not Ryan, not Greenlee, not anyone to know we're looking into this."
"You got it" Kendall nodded and closed the door behind her. Jack was right on her heels, securing the lock in place.
"That's it. No more interruptions. You and I have some unfinished business to take care of . . ."
"Jack, I thought we settled things about this afternoon?"
"Not exactly to my satisfaction . . . you still have some apologizing to do about that unexpected bath you gave me and I know EXACTLY how you can make things up to me. . ." With one sweep of his arm, Jack cleared the surface of his desk. "Come here . . ."
Erica looked at him for a moment but didn't move.
"Come here . . ." he repeated. Still Erica didn't move. A long moment ticked by and in that time a strange look came over Erica's face, a look Jack hadn't seen before. And then she turned her back to him. Jack's heart began to race. Had he misjudged the situation? How angry was Erica? And how insecure? And then it happened.
Erica marshaled all of her energy and, in one quick movement, brushed the top of her desk clean. Turning back toward Jack, she murmured, "Come here."