I would like to start out by saying that this particular chapter is more of a set up for the upcoming chapters, like the foundation of a house. Second of all, Merry Belated Christmas! I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday and spent it with their loved ones. Enjoy!
"Aren't you tired of packing?" Jade asked, taking a break from the magazine she was reading to look at Tori, who was stuffing a suitcase.
Tori nodded and ran her hand through her hair, "Yes, but I have to pack tonight. André and I leave for New York tomorrow morning. Remind me to never procrastinate ever again."
"All procrastinators say they're going to stop." Jade shook her head. "They never do."
"I know, I know. I have a problem." Tori looked up at Jade and huffed. She was just sitting on her bed, reading a magazine. "Can you help me out?"
Jade shook her head, "I would, but I really don't want to."
"You are no help, Jade West."
"I know."
"Have you packed?"
"Nope." Jade replied. "I'm meeting you guys in a few days, so I'll probably pack tomorrow."
"I still can't believe Beck let you take a couple days off to hang with André and I in New York."
"I haven't told Beck." Jade said, breezily.
Tori stopped packing and looked at her laid-back friend. "What do you mean?"
"I mean exactly that. I haven't told him yet."
"Are you insane? What if he says no?"
Jade rolled her eyes, "Please. Beck will survive with out me for a few days. Someone else can get his coffee and dry-cleaning for a few days."
"Jade, you have to plan ahead. And you're employed now. You can't just up and leave the state whenever you want to."
"Relax. Beck and I have a thing. He'll understand. And Jill can fill in for me."
"Jill is his secretary. She answers phone calls, sends faxes, and makes appointments. You are his personal assistant. There is a difference."
"Look, I've seen Jill's paycheck. For what she's getting paid, I'm sure she can pick up Beck's coffee and order his lunch."
Tori chuckled, "You're so nonchalant about everything."
"I know. Stressing out is stupid, so I don't. I did enough of that in college to last me a life time."
"Well, did you at least book a room in a hotel?"
"You know my dad has the Royal Suite at the Ritz. I'll just use that."
"You're always prepared and in control." Tori stated. "I envy that about you."
"You're a lot nicer than I am, so I think that makes us even."
"I'll take it." Tori chuckled humorlessly. "I still don't know how you're going to convince Beck to let you take a few days off."
Jade smirked, "Tori, have you forgotten who I am?"
"No, but not everyone falls under your charm."
"Too late. Beck has already fallen under my spell."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because I know. He told me." Jade said, licking her finger and flipping the page in the magazine.
"He said that? In those exact words?"
"No."
"Then you might be reading too much into it."
"Beck's attracted to me." Jade said, without even realizing what she just did. As soon as the words left her mouth. Jade's eyes got wide, like she was a deer caught in headlights. Why did she have to be so boastful?
"Jade?"
"Yes."
"Did you just say what I think you said?"
Jade cleared her throat and sat up a bit straighter, "I did."
Tori stayed silent for a moment, at a loss for words. She just sat and tried to find the correct word choices. Jade could practically see the thoughts coming out of Tori's head.
"Dear Lord, dear God, please tell me that you aren't sleeping with Beck."
"I'm not sleeping with Beck." Jade answered, truthfully. She closed the magazine. "Look Tori, it's no big deal."
"No big deal?" Tori screeched. "It's a huge deal! Do you know what you're doing? He's married!"
"I know he's married, Vega!" Jade snapped. Gosh, if this was Tori's reaction to nothing more than a physical attraction, then the kiss would have to remain a secret between Beck and Jade. "Don't have a conniption."
"He's been married to Diana for three years. They're happy."
Jade cackled, "You're either stupid or oblivious if you think for one second he is so blissfully happy with Diana."
"That's none of my concern. We just have to respect the institution of marriage."
Jade groaned. She was so bored with this conversation. "You are making such a big deal out of this. I hate to toot my own horn, but I'm not exactly hard to look at. I'm sure any male who is attracted to females would be attracted to me. And you already know that I think Beck is gorgeous. Doesn't mean it's going any further than that."
"Good. Because it can't."
"I regret even opening up my big fat mouth.
"Jade, I'm serious. Playing with fire will only get you burned."
"Tori, I'm serious. You aren't telling me any ground breaking news that I didn't know. Now can we please stop talking about Beck, and stop this nonsense?"
"Fine."
"Good." Jade looked down at Tori's open suitcase. "I like those shoes. They're really cute."
"Thank you."
"Beck, can I talk to you a second?" Jade asked, opening Beck's office door and knocking. Beck held up one finger and gestured to the phone he was talking on. "Oh, sorry."
Beck pointed to the seat across from him. Jade just sat down quietly.
She observed Beck silently while he was on the phone. She just sat and notice little subtle things about him. His jaw always tightened when he was stressed, his lips got really thin when he was mad, and his shoulders hunched. Work always made him look ten years older. Maybe being the president of one of the most well-known and well respected production companies was not what it cracked up to be. Jade bit her bottom lip. Maybe she should schedule a massage for Beck before she left for New York. Would that be really appropriate? She didn't know why not. It's not like she was the one who was going to give him the massage.
In the past few weeks, the two of them slipped into a comfortable routine of being just being boss and employee. It was easier that way. Them being friends led them to do a lot of things that they shouldn't have done.
Everything about Beck was easy. They just had natural chemistry. It was hard not to slip up around him.
Jade was snapped out if her thoughts by Beck hanging up the phone. She blinked a few times and cleared her throat, ready to talk.
"So Jade, what can I do for you?" Beck asked, scribbling something down on a Post-It.
"I was wondering what your policy on vacation time is."
"Me personally, I don't care. Why? Are you going on vacation soon?"
"Yeah."
"Alright just give me a heads up as to when you're leaving."
"Okay. I'm leaving in two days."
Beck stopped writing and looked at Jade, "Excuse me?"
"Two days." Jade repeated.
Beck shook his head, "You're crazy, you know. Absolutely crazy."
"So I've been told. So can I go? Or do I have to cancel my plans?"
"You can go."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Besides, I'm going to be out of town for a couple of days too."
"Really? For what?"
"Business, business, and a wedding."
"Who's getting married?"
"My old college roommate."
"Fun."
"I'll tell you all about it when I get back." Beck promised.
"Good. I want to hear every single detail."
The door bursts open and in walks Diana. "Beck, we..." Her voice trailed off when she noticed the younger brunette in the room. "Was I interrupting?"
"No, you weren't." Jade got out of her seat. "Beck, I'll be right out here."
"Alright."
Jade turned around and smiled at Diana, "Hello, Diana."
"Hi, Jade. Nice to see you."
"You too."
"I love your perfume. What is it?"
"Thanks. It's Sexy Amber."
"I like it."
"Thanks." And with that, Jade walked out of the office.
"Diana. What brings you by today? You never visit me while I'm working." Beck said.
"We need to talk."
"Fun."
Diana glared at Beck, "Cute. But not needed."
"What do you want to talk about?"
"I had to find out from the gardener that you are going to New York tomorrow. Thanks for giving me a heads up."
"You're welcome." Beck replied, matching Diana's sarcasm. "And besides, I didn't think you would notice that I was gone. It's not like you and I actually spend time together."
"Oh, so don't start this conversation with me. You're the one leaving!"
"Well Diana, when people have jobs, they sometimes have to go on business trips. What's your excuse?"
"Maybe I just don't want to be around you for extended periods of time."
"Ouch. You really know how to go to the jugular."
"Do you really have to leave tomorrow? My parents are going to be in town."
"I doubt your parents would mind if I had to work." In all honesty, Beck didn't really care who was going to be in town.
"Well, what are you going to be doing in New York?"
"Business meetings. And I am going to a wedding."
"Whose wedding?"
"Noah's."
Diana rolled her eyes, "Ugh. You're still friends with that guy?"
"Yes."
"I thought you got rid of him after college. He's no good."
"No, Diana I don't dispose of my friends, because I actually have a heart."
"I'm going to ignore that dig. I'm going to forget this entire conversation because it's obvious that you don't care about my feelings."
"Great."
Diana walked over to Beck's coat rack and dug into the pocket of his jacket. She pulled out his wallet and got his black AmEx. "I'm just going to enjoy Rodeo Drive. I'll start with the three hundred dollar Gucci wallet that I've had my eye on for quite some time, and then work my way up to much more expensive things."
"You spend my money whether you're mad at me or not. Have fun, darling."
"I will."
Diana exited but not without slamming the door behind her for emphasis.
Beck opened the top drawer at his desk and pulled out the bottle of Excedrin. In the past few months, he had gotten more headaches than he ever had in his entire life.
He couldn't wait to go to New York. The three thousand miles between him and his life would be a welcome change. He needed to get away from Diana. And Jade.
"Here is your room key, Mr. Oliver." The hotel receptionist, Hannah handed Beck his hotel key. "You are on the twenty-first floor. Enjoy your stay at the Ritz."
"Are you sure I can't get the suite on the twenty-second floor?"
"Sorry. That suite is owned by someone."
"I'm sorry, did you say owned? Someone lives there?"
"Part time."
"Well who owns it?"
Hannah pointed behind Beck, "Her father."
Beck turned around and looked at the brunette who was being pointed at. His eyes got wide. "Jade?"
Jade turned and smiled, "Beck! What are you doing here?"
"I didn't know you were going to be in New York."
"Yeah, I'm out here to keep André and Tori company. So this is where you are conducting all of your business?"
"Yup."
"What a coincidence!" Jade exclaimed. She picked up her luggage and started towards the elevator, with Beck following behind her. "Out of all the places in the world, we both end up in Manhattan, and at the same hotel no less."
"Yeah, I guess the island isn't as big as some people think."
"What floor are you staying on?"
"Twenty-first."
"Really?" Jade pushed the elevator button, and it opened up. "You're right below me."
Beck frowned, "Do you think we could switch?"
"Absolutely not." Jade answered, pushing the button that took her to her floor. "You're sad that you can't have the top floor?"
"If I say yes, will you laugh?"
"No."
"Then, yes. I'm used to the best."
"Well, so am I."
Beck nodded understandingly, "Why does your dad live in this suite part time?"
"He's had that suite for a long time. I think he comes here to cheat on wife number two when he's out of town, but I'm not sure. I don't care, that's not my concern. Richard West is Tiffany's problem now."
"Alright. You sure you don't want my suite?" Beck asked.
"Beck, the rooms are exactly the same. They're just on different floors. Now stop being such a big baby. I get that you're used to being Mr. Big Shot in California, but in New York, you'll have to make do."
"Fine."
The elevator dinged, "This is my floor." Jade said.
"We completely skipped mine."
"Oh well." Jade stepped off. "Well, maybe I'll see you around."
"Maybe. Enjoy your stay."
"You too."
Jade watched as the elevator doors closed. She turned around and walked to her room.
Once she was in the room, the first thing Jade did was grab her cell phone out of her purse. She quickly dialed her brother's phone number.
After three rings, he answered, "Hey, Jade."
"Hey. Are you busy?"
"I just came back from the gym." Tyler said. "How was your flight?"
"Long. Boring. And I sat next to a crying baby. That is the last time I fly economy. But other than that, it was just your regular six hour flight."
"Have you checked into your hotel yet?"
"Yes, I'm actually in my room."
"That's good."
"So, guess who I ran in to checking in?"
"I don't know, tell me."
"I said guess!"
"Madonna?"
Jade rolled her eyes, "Seriously? That was your first guess?"
"Dad?"
"Ugh, that would ruin my entire vacation."
"Tell me."
"Beck?"
"Your boss?"
Jade nodded and fell back onto the bed, "Yes, my boss."
"Uh-oh."
"I don't think we'll be seeing much of each other, though."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because he's here for business. And I'm here for Tori. Except tomorrow. She and André are going to be one of those annoying tourist couples that you and I like to make fun of."
Tyler chuckled, "Gross."
"Any advice on how to deal with this?"
"Why do you need my advice?"
"Because for the past few weeks, I've been nothing but Beck's assistant. Now Beck and I are outside of our work environment, and when we are not in our work environment, bad things happen." Jade explained.
"Ignore him."
"I'll try."
"Behave yourself." Tyler ordered, teasingly.
Jade smirked, "When have I ever behaved myself?"
"You got me there."
"I should let you go. You have a life to live."
"I'm just gonna study for the rest of the day."
"And I don't want to keep you from that, Dr. West."
"I'm not there yet."
"You only have one more semester, then you have your residency, and by the time you turn thirty, you are going to be the best orthopedic surgeon Los Angeles has ever seen."
"You give great pep talks, Jade."
"I know."
"I'll call you later. I love you."
"Love you more. Bye."
"Bye."
Jade hung up and tossed her phone behind her. She would successfully survive these next few days without doing anything stupid, no matter how challenging it would be.
"What do you mean you guys are canceling on me?" Jade hissed, squeezing her cell phone tighter to ear.
"André and I just want to spend time together."
"Why couldn't you tell me this a couple hours ago? I'm already dressed and I was out the hotel."
"I'm sorry."
Jade walked into the hotel's lounge. "I'm sorry, too. I just wasted two hours of my life."
"I'll make it up to you. I promise."
"Yeah, you better."
"We can do whatever you want."
Jade spotted Beck sitting at a table, staring intensely at a mystery man. "Yeah, Tori I'll call you back later. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." She hung up her phone and put it back in her purse. Despite her better judgement, she walked over to Beck's table and smiled. "Hey stranger."
Beck looked up and saw Jade, who was wearing what looked like the tightest black dress on earth and flashing a toothy grin. "Hi."
"Mind if I sit?"
Beck pointed to the empty seat, "Go ahead." Jade sat. "Want anything?"
"I probably shouldn't. If I eat or drink anything, I'll probably bust out of this dress."
"Why are you all dolled up?"
"I was supposed to be going out with Tori and André."
"They're here too?"
"They're staying at the Four Seasons, but they bailed on me to have sex." Jade chuckled, "I guess that's what I get for going out of town with a married couple. I need more single friends to get into trouble with."
"You get into trouble all by yourself just fine."
"I know. But it's more fun doing things with other people."
"So are you gonna go upstairs and just go to bed?" Beck questioned, holding his now empty tumbler up. A waiter came over and quickly whisked it away.
"No. I'm still going out tonight."
"A young pretty girl going out all by herself in New York City, dressed like that." Beck clucked his tongue. "That sounds like a recipe for something bad to happen."
"Relax. I have a taser, pepper spray, and a pocket knife in my purse. I can take care of myself."
"You should just turn in for the...night."
Jade watched as she slowly lost Beck's attention, and it was back on the mystery man. "You know, you were having a conversation with a woman who is showing more leg and cleavage than should be allowed, and you are focused on the guy at the bar. And he has a bald spot. I think I deserve more attention than I am receiving." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I feel a bit insulted."
"Yeah, his name is Thomas Wright and he owns a small production company."
"I've heard a bit about him and his company."
"Oliver Pictures wants to buy it." Beck continued.
"Ooh, you're trying to monopolize all production in Hollywood. Interesting."
"Yeah, pretty much."
"So are you stalking this guy?"
"No. I'm just observing him so I can find out his likes and dislikes and butter him up when we meet tomorrow."
"Stalking." Jade corrected.
"Whatever you say."
"Want me to go figure out some things for you?" Jade asked, her eyes lighting up, mischievously.
Beck shook his head, "Absolutely not. I do not need you ruining this for me."
"What? It's not like you have anything to lose."
"Yeah, except the opportunity to make money. If you want to keep your job, you will listen to me."
Jade dismissed Beck's threat, "Yeah, yeah, yeah."
"I'm serious."
"I know."
Beck leaned in closer to Jade, "Do not go over there."
"I won't." Jade insisted.
Beck grabbed Jade's face, so she was forced to look at him. "Are you listening to me?"
"Yes, I am listening to you." Jade swatted Beck's hands away. "Now stop touching me, your hands are clammy and you'll ruin my makeup."
"Sorry." Beck took his hand's off of Jade. He checked his watch. "Look, it's late. I'm going to bed, I have a busy day tomorrow."
"The beds here are to die for. You'll sleep like a baby."
"So I've heard." Beck stood up and squeezed Jade's shoulder. "Go upstairs to bed. I'd hate to wake up tomorrow morning and find out something bad happened to you."
"You sound like my mother. Goodbye."
"Enjoy the rest of your night." Beck said, walking away.
"I will." Jade whispered, turning her head to make sure Beck was truly gone. He was.
After waiting a few more moments, Jade stood and headed over to the bar, earning a few stares from men sitting close by.
Jade adjusted her dress a bit before sitting down. An ensemble like hers deserved to be noticed by someone of the opposite sex, no matter how fleeting the moments were. She slid on to a bar stool next to Thomas and put her purse on the countertop. "I'll have a dirty martini, please."
Thomas turned at the voice. After looking at Jade, he looked at the bartender. "Make that two. I'll pay."
Jade smiled to herself. This was almost too easy. "Such a gentleman."
"My mother raised me to be."
Jade extended her hand, "Jade West."
Thomas grabbed Jade's hand and gave it a firm shake. Jade didn't notice a ring. Perfect. "Thomas Wright."
"I've heard your name before." Jade said.
"Really?"
"Yeah. I think I heard my boss talking about you before."
"Who's your boss?"
"Beck Oliver." Jade confessed.
"Interesting."
Jade batted her eyelashes a few time, feigning innocence. "What's so interesting?"
"I am supposed to meet Beck for brunch in the morning and discuss some business."
Jade picked up her drink which the bartender just placed in front of her. She took out the olives and popped one into her mouth. "How coincidental."
"Did your boss put you up to this?"
"No. He told me not to talk to you. If he knew I was here, talking to you, he'd have a heart attack and then fire me."
"So you're just going to defy your boss?" Thomas asked, amused. This girl had guts.
"Yeah, I only listen to him about fifty percent of the time."
"Rebellious?"
"Oh, you have no idea."
"So why are you over here, talking to me?"
Jade shrugged, "Because I feel like being nice tonight."
"You don't strike me as the "nice" type."
"Oh, I'm not. Quite the opposite actually?"
"Naughty?" Jade just smirked in reply.
Jade skipped over the question and took a sip of her drink. "So Thomas, I know a bit about your company."
"Not many people do."
"I'm not like most people. Your production company is small, it's new, and you're basically getting offered a big brother of sorts. And a lot of cash."
"I like to be in control of my stuff. I don't want a boss."
"I get it. You have pride in your company, you don't want it to just be a subsidiary of a bigger, more successful company. A company, might I add, that's worth about three billion dollars."
Thomas clutched his chest, "Ouch. You really know how to hurt a guy's feelings."
"The best opportunity you are ever is right in front of you, and you, being a guy, are too prideful and stubborn to be smart and ambitious."
"Are calling me dumb and lazy?"
"I'm calling you foolish." Jade turned around and tapped on the shoulder of the man next to her. "Excuse me?"
The man turned around, "What can I help you with, miss?"
"Do you like money?"
"I love it."
Jade pointed to Thomas, "My friend here is getting offered a lot of money, but he won't accept it."
"That's a shame. What's he getting the money for?"
"He has a company, and someone wants to buy that company. Would you sell?"
The older man shrugs, "Depends on how much I love my company. But I do really love money."
"Getting strangers' opinions isn't going to help your cause." Thomas said.
Jade leaned in closer to Thomas and put her hand on his knee. She noticed goosebumps appear on his arms. "Now Thomas, you seem like a smart, bright, reasonable man. What do I have to do to help you see reason?"
Thomas waived the bartender over. He turned to Jade, "Tequila or vodka?"
"Vodka."
"Great. Can I get ten shots?"
The bartender looked at Thomas skeptically, but nodded. "Coming right up."
"What's all of this?" Jade asked, confused but slightly amused.
The bartender came back with a tray of ten shot glasses lined up. "Here you go."
"Thanks." Thomas split the shots evenly between Jade and himself. "You and I are going to have a little contest. Whoever can drink their five first wins. If you win, I will take the deal with your boss. If I win, we go our separate ways and I will call your boss and tell him that you were harassing me."
Jade nodded and picked up her first shot glass. She smiled, "You have yourself a deal."
Jade was woken up by her shrill ringtone. She shot up in bed with a start and pulled her black eye mask off of her face. She reached for cell phone and answered it without looking at who called. "Do you know what time it is?"
"Yeah, it's about ten-thirty in the morning."
"Beck? Is that you?"
"Good morning, sunshine." Beck deadpanned.
"I have my curtains closed, so it's really dark in my room."
"Oh. I take it I woke you up?"
"You would be correct."
"Sorry. Did you have a wild night on the town?"
Jade yawned, "No. I went back to my room, got a bottle of champagne sent up, and watched Netflix on my laptop until I fell asleep."
"Sounds like a fun night."
"It wasn't horrible."
"So I just found out some interesting news a few minutes ago."
"What?"
"I got a call from Thomas and he said that we would meet up with our lawyers in Los Angeles to discuss the terms of our new contract because Just Wright Entertainment is going to be a subsidiary of Oliver Pictures."
"Congratulations. Thomas had a change of heart."
"He told me that you talked to him."
"Look Beck-"
"You directly went against what I told you to do." Beck said.
"I know."
"I don't know if I should be pissed or happy."
"I'd choose happy. And then I'd raise my salary."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Thomas is the most stubborn man in the world, but he says you won him over with your charm, wit, sharp tongue, and ability to down alcohol like it's water."
"Well, I have a degree in public relations with a minor in communications. Plus I really like vodka."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I have a way with words. I can talk myself out of a anything, and talk anyone into almost everything."
"I never knew that."
"You never asked. Besides, it not like you looked at my résumé when you hired me."
"That's true. So how'd you do it?"
"Same way I get any guy to do what I want. I flash them a smile, flirt a bit, and stroke their huge egos. Plus I had to drink five shots of vodka in less than thirty seconds."
"I'm really glad this worked out in our favor this time. But please don't ever do that again. Ever in life."
"No promises."
"Hey are you busy tomorrow?"
"I am supposed to go shopping with Tori, but I'm still pissed that she and André blew me off last night, so I'll probably cancel on her. Why?"
"Remember when I told you about the wedding I have to go to?"
"Yeah."
"You wanna go with me?"
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, the invitation said I could bring a plus one."
"I don't know." Jade didn't really think it would be a good idea to go to a wedding with Beck. She was doing a pretty decent job at keeping her distance from Beck, and a wedding was the most romantic thing on the planet. "A wedding?"
"It's free food and alcohol. And I don't want to go to a wedding by myself. It's a bit depressing and I'll probably just spend my entire time at the bar and drink my weight in scotch."
Jade sighed, "Okay. I'll go." She said, grabbing the remote for the television and turning it on. "I just have to get a dress that's better suited for a wedding."
"I'll give you my credit card and you can buy a dress."
"Wow, a rich man buying me stuff. I feel like Vivian in Pretty Woman. I have my own money, but I'll take you up on that offer."
"Alright. The wedding is at five. And it's at the Saint Regis Hotel."
"Great. I'll see you there."
Jade hung the phone up. She mulled over the conversation she just had. It was mind blowing that Beck didn't blow up on her. And now she had just accepted this invitation to go to a wedding with him. Was that a good idea? Maybe it wasn't.
Jade shook the feeling off of her. Everything was going to be fine as long as she stayed out of her own head.