SLOW HANDS

Her presentation went off without a hitch. Each part of her team executed their part flawlessly, and through it all, Evan Reese sat back with a very satisfied expression on his face. By the time she was done, she was as convinced as everyone else that Timothy would sign with Golden Gates promotions. He’d be a fool not to. The lights went back up after her last video clip.

“This concludes our presentation,” she said to Timothy. “I hope we’ve convinced you of our commitment to you and your company.”

He took his time responding. For a moment he studied her, his hands stretched out in front of him. Then he simply nodded.

“I’m very impressed. My question is, how soon can we move on this?” he asked.

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The after party that evening was packed with the after-work crowd, but the entire back room was filled with Golden Gates Promotions employees, all celebrating their biggest coup to date-Packard Enterprises.

Chloe was high on her achievement, but she couldn’t shake the anxiety over her relationship with Timothy. She’d avoided him last night when she’d all but dumped him on Bryce. She’d avoided him after her presentation when he’d wanted to take her to lunch to celebrate. She had avoided him since that night at the bar… Since the night he had given her that mind blowing orgasm that she couldn’t stop thinking about no matter how much she tried to. The night he had walked away from her… Again.

Champagne was passed out to everyone then Evan called for a toast. He saluted Chloe with his glass and the room erupted into cheers. She smiled with pleasure, but all she could think was that she’d rather be with Timothy. And that was a very big problem. Because now that this whole thing was over, she knew that she had to go back to her life and he would return to his… They were going to be far away from each other, and he didn’t want her. So why was she torturing herself wishing for something that could never be?

“For a girl who’s the toast of Golden Gates, you don’t look very happy.” someone said.

Chloe turned to see Ann standing beside her, drink in hand.

She tried to smile but then gave up with a sigh. “Am I that obvious?” Chloe asked.

Ann shrugged. “Probably not. I doubt others are paying too much attention to you. You looked….. distracted.”

“I’m in a mess, Ann,” Chloe admitted. “I don’t know what to do.”

Ann wrapped a comforting arm around her. “Oh, come on. Don’t say things like that. Whatever the problem is, Surely it can’t be that bad?”

Chloe took a deep breath as she decided to open up to Ann because this whole thing was eating her up inside and she really needed to talk to someone about it. “I… Ermm… I got kinda involved with Timothy Packard….. Intimately.”

Ann stiffened. “Oh. Maybe you’re right… But on second thoughts, it’s not so bad.”

“It’s not? I really didn’t intend for it to happen,” Chloe said. “I know better. I of all people should know better. I’ve kept it to myself, and it’s driving me insane…. The thing is that we used to be a couple… although that was years ago. He was my first love, but some stuff came up and we had to end things. When Evan chose me to do this, I never thought that… I didn’t think that it would be a big deal. I thought since it was years ago that I was going to be over him. But I guess I was wrong.”

Ann made a sound of sympathy and pulled Chloe away from the others until they stood in a dark corner.

“You need to be honest and open about this, Chloe… You have to tell him. If you don’t, it’ll tear you apart,” Ann said earnestly. “You will keep on wondering what could have happened if you had told him”

Ann was so sincere and her words were so heartfelt that Chloe wondered if she was speaking from personal experience. But she was grateful to have someone to talk to about it. She squeezed Ann’s hand. “Thank you, Ann. I know you’re right. It’s just that I already tried and I don’t think he feels the same way. He told me he wasn’t even sure he wanted us to be friends. I just have to figure out how to handle this. It’s giving me a headache.”

“First thing you should do right now is enjoy your moment in the sun,” Ann returned. “This is your night to shine. You worked hard for this, Chloe. Go have some fun.”

“Okay, okay, Mom,” Chloe teased. “I’m up for another drink if you are.”

Ann smiled and the two women headed for the bar for another round. Chloe endured another series of toasts, back slaps and loudly yelled congratulations. Ann was right. This was her night. It was the culmination of weeks of hard work and long hours. Damn if she wouldn’t enjoy every minute of it.

Soon Evan came to join them at the bar and Ann went to talk to other people. He had a wide smile plastered on his face and just seeing that made Chloe extremely happy. It had been a while since she had seen him smile that way, and she was happy for it. Evan did deserve it.

“You did it” Evan said with pride, admiration and respect in his voice.

Chloe smiled back at him. “No. We did it” she corrected.

“Oh don’t be modest,” said Evan. “This is your moment. I’m so grateful and I just wanted to thank you for your effort. I appreciate the energy you bring to this agency and you definitely deserve a raise”

Chloe’s smile grew wider, and her eyes became misty. She was so happy… So happy and sad at the same time, but seeing the happiness on Evan’s face was worth it.

“Thank you so much” she replied as she threw her arms around him. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am”

Evan nodded. “Well, I will be leaving now. I can’t wait to get home so I can tell Tina all about this. It’s gonna be a relief for us both, you know… After all we have been through, we need to hear more news like this.”

“That’s alright, Evan. I’m sure Christina will be thrilled. Please say hello to her for me… ”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“I will,” said Evan.

As Chloe watched him leave, she reminded herself that she had gotten what she wanted. She was successful… They had Packard Enterprises. She was happy…

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