We Meet Again Part I
Jo crumpled up a piece of paper before tossing it across the room with a frustrated grunt. Lacey placed a hot cup of coffee on the desk top in front of Jo.
"Are you okay, Jo?" Lacey picked up the pile of papers to be filed.
Jo looked up concerned then sighed. "Sorry. I got a sudden order from people in charge that this company needs to come up for a reason to keep our Love Laced product line. I have to be in New York by the day after tomorrow. TWO DAYS!" Jo twirled her finger in her short blonde locks. "I know that the company is losing money. I do. But I have no idea how to fix it. I even suggested getting rid of the product line and sticking with the café only."
Lacey sat down in front of Jo. "That would make a lot of employees out of work."
"Yeah." Jo scratched the back of her neck. "It doesn't matter. According to this guy, Bruce Flannery, getting rid of the Love Laced products isn't an option for the owner."
"Who is the owner? Maybe you can speak to him or her directly to see what this person wants." Lacey picked up a scented candle from Jo's desk.
Jo shrugged. "I don't know. Whoever it is, this company is just a pet project of his or hers. I've tried to follow the paper trail but it leads from one company to the next. It seems the owner is in charge of corporate take overs to make himself or herself profits. Any way, this company is nothing compared to the long list of big money makers."
Lacey ran her finger along the label on the candle. "You know, Jo. I love these products. But I never liked how they are advertised. To me, the candles, coffee, teas, well, they always seemed liked very family, small town things. The packaging on these remind me of Victoria Secret rip offs. Love Laced to me was always about the love of family being laced in things that reminded of home. I never thought Love Laced as sexy." Lacey placed the candle back on the desk. "This pink with black lace always made me cringe."
Jo looked up with a huge smile. "You are a genius! Pack your bags, Lacey Porter. You're going to New York with me. Also get ready to put in an all night here tonight."
"Jo..." Lacey shook her head. "I can't. You know that. Thomas..."
"Get Phoebe to bring him here. Tell her to bring the video camera and Tyler too." Jo threw her feet up on the desk. "Shoot me some ideas of how to make this a quick family product."
Lacey felt a quick jolt of her old self when thinking about the prospects of being involved with saving the product line. At one time, she had wanted a future in art or some type form of art. Perhaps, this would be her one moment to concentrate on her love for something rather than her son. He was still the most important priority but it was nice to feel like the Lacey before Thomas consumed all her time.
Soon, Lacey had her sketch pad out drawing up a new packaging campaign for the product. Thomas was beside her drawing on his own paper with washable markers. He seemed proud to be doing just like his mommy.
Tyler nudged Phoebe whispering. "That is family. Right there. If Jo wants to package family, lets do it right."
He began to film Lacey and Thomas working side by side. Phoebe smiled then turned to Jo. A Loved Lace candle was placed in front of Lacey and Thomas. Then a cup of hot tea was as well.
"What else?" Jo glanced at Tyler hoping his years in wanting to be a film maker would pay off for them.
"We can pull some photo editing on the candle and tea bag when Lacey gets the new packaging drawn up." Tyler crossed his arms after placing his camera down. You need to make Rico, Marie and you on that large front porch of yours. Maybe allow Marie to be playing with a jump rope..."
"Hula hoop." Phoebe added quickly causing a small chuckle to come from both Lacey and Jo.
"Yeah. Anyway, Rico can walk out from the house and hand you a cup of coffee. He can sit down and drink a cup too as you both watch your little girl play. I'm sure the owner of Love Laced will change up for real actors but this is to get them an idea of where we're going." Tyler rubbed his hands together. "Lacey is brilliant. This family angle is golden."
Phoebe, Tyler, and Jo continued mauling over ideas as Lacey continued to work on her packaging campaign. Lacey only stopped when she felt her phone buzz against her hip. She smiled when she saw it was Trevor on the caller I.D. She tussled Thomas's hair before standing up and walking away to speak to him.
"I was thinking that I could pick up my new favorite person and her son." Trevor said in a smooth voice. "I'd like to get to know Thomas. I hope I'm not moving too fast but I would love to see you again."
Lacey smiled feeling a newness to moving on. "I'd love that, Trevor." Lacey glanced over at Thomas, who was now pacing around the room touching various objects as he went. "But I have to work late tonight. I do have good news though. Thomas and I are going to be in New York City tomorrow night. Jo and I have a meeting with the owner of her company the following morning." Lacey drew in air. "I'm not ready for Thomas to meet you. He needs established and constant things in his life. I'm not ready for that step. But I would love to go out for lunch tomorrow. I have a friend who will keep an eye on Thomas."
The next day was spent with trying to get their ideas together for a presentation. Jo begged and pleaded for Lacey to go with her for the presentation.
"Please, Lacey." Jo pressed her lips together. "This was your idea. You need to be involved. Being a secretary is fine. But let's be honest, if this works, you sold the product.
"Fine." Lacey took a deep breath. "I've lived for Thomas so long, I forgot what kind of person I was and who I wanted to be. This is exciting. By the way, Trevor is really nice." Lacey grinned. "We're going on our second date when I get to New York. Can I ask you a favor? Will you watch Thomas while we go to lunch?"
"Of course. I'm bringing Marie along so he will feel more at ease. Besides, she wanted to see the Big Apple as she put it." Jo stated as she noticed a large town car pulling up. "This is our ride."
The luggage for a three night stay was loaded into the car by the driver. Thomas moaned as he felt weary about stepping into the unfamiliar car. Samuel embraced Lacey then kissed Thomas on the cheek.
"Good luck with the presentation and with Thomas being in New York." Samuel stated as he shut the door after Thomas and Lacey climbed in.
Rico came running up with his four year old daughter on his hip. He had a pink duffle bag swinging on his arm as he scurried to the car. "I packed snacks, her dolls, some extra wipes for cleaning..."
"It is New York City, Sweetheart." Jo laughed as she leaned to kiss Rico quickly. "I'm sure we will be fine. We're not going across the world. We only decided to spend a few nights in case they want us to do more work on this new campaign." Jo again stole a kiss from Rico. "You're the best. Now wish us luck."
"Good luck." Rico said as he reluctantly told his two girls goodbye. "Bye, my sweet Marie."
"Let us go, Daddy." Marie rolled her eyes at her dad. "Get a grip."
Rico laughed as he closed the door to the car. The ride was fine until they reached New York City. Then the traffic sounds ,such as honking cars and sirens, caused Thomas to get slightly agitated. Green Grove was quiet compared to New York City. He began to hum and cry as he placed his hand against his forehead. Lacey calmly pulled out an Ipod.
She stuck earphones in Thomas's ears after whispering. "Mommy is here, Baby. Listen to the music."
Thomas stared out the window as he calmed down to the music playing on his Ipod. It wasn't long until they settled into the nice hotel room provided by the owner of Love Laced. Thomas was enjoying touching and smelling things as he walked around. Marie got out her dolls and played with them on one of the two large hotel beds.
Lacey slipped into a nice cotton print dress as she pulled her hair back into a neat pony tail. She smiled as Thomas came up and touched her dress. He ran his hand over the dress as he hummed.
"I'll be back, Thomas." Lacey bent to kiss his cheek. "Mommy loves you."
"Mama." Thomas's small arms went around Lacey's waist. "My mama."
Lacey took a deep breath after Thomas scurried away to pull out his Legos. He began to build something as he stared out of the large window in the room at the big city. Trevor soon knocked on the hotel door. Jo opened the door and invited him in. Marie knew Trevor due to his friendship with her parents. She ran and jumped into his arm wrapping him in a hug. After Trevor put Marie down, he glanced over at Thomas. He was a gorgeous child. However, the only part of his looks that reminded him of Lacey was the child's skin tone. Trevor smiled at Thomas but Thomas was too busy in his world of building with Legos. He didn't even notice Trevor enter the room.
Trevor escorted Lacey out to start their day. He hoped that she enjoyed the simple café he picked for their lunch date. It was a small café that had an outside eating area.
"This is nice." Lacey stated as the waitress brought over her lemon iced tea. She touched a flower that Trevor had placed before her. "I could get used to this pampering."
"You're worth pampering." Trevor flirted. "I really am enjoying getting to know you."
Lacey chuckled as she took a sip of tea. She placed the drink back down. "I am enjoying myself too, Trevor."
They continued to talk about the presentation as well as other small talk. Lacey had to admit to herself that it was a nice change of pace from her usual day. Things were going good until the unimaginable happened.
"I have it under control." Bruce laughed as he slapped Danny on the shoulder. "Trust me."
Danny shook his head. "I don't like surprises, Bruce."
"Let him work on this, Danny." Charlie had no clue what Bruce planned for tomorrow mornings presentation. But Bruce seemed excited about it.
"Can we not talk business and just eat?" Cole interrupted. "I'm starved."
"Fine. Let's eat here." Bruce walked to the small café eating area.
Danny stopped mid stride when his eyes met with Lacey's eyes.
Note: Sorry if this is a slow build. I can see that some are not liking my story . All I can say is not all stories will be liked. For that I apologize. As far as Lacey and Danny being away from each other for years and not trying to make contact and still hung up on each other. Well, when they were children, they were separated for years and still hung up on each other. My reasons for this will be explained and it may seem rather silly but it is what it is. LOL. To me, Lacey is far from weak. So what if she is still in love with Danny. That does not make Lacey weak. She is very strong to me as she is a single mother with a special needs child, who she put above her own wants and desires. That is far from weak. That is VERY STRONG TO ME. I happen to like writing this.