James's eyes narrowed. He held her gaze for a moment more before his face relaxed.
"I'm not angry, Jennifer," he said calmly. "I just really need someone who can take your place with this stuff as soon as possible. I need you free to work on more important matters with me, okay?" He searched her eyes with a creeping smile across his face.
"Good. You can head back to your office when you're finished with that," he nodded towards her drink and stood. "I have some phone calls I have to make. I'll send you an email about the changes to this week. If you can update my calendar and send it back, I'd be so thankful."
Jennifer nodded and watched as James pushed away from the bar. He headed towards his desk casually and picked up the phone immediately. As he sat down, he began to punch in a number. He turned in his seat away from Jennifer, leaving her to look at the tall back of his chair. His shoulders and upper back was still visible over the top, but it was clear that he was asking silently for a bit of privacy.
Turning her attention to the drink, Jennifer tried to finish it quickly. She couldn't gulp it down like James had. She was never a fast drinker with anything. Ever. The liquid was cold and the champagne floated in her stomach and on her mind, helping to ease the little residual unease that had remained throughout her conversation with James.
Something was unfolding here that she hadn't previously seen. All this time she thought she accompanied James as nothing more than his sidekick. He rarely mentioned her hard work, let alone the dedication and loyalty she clearly displayed for his business and image.
All the nights that she stood in for Katie, or even filled at the last minute-they were all things she felt James thought she was just expected to do, no questions asked. She didn't think he would remember much about it. After all, they were nothing more than a day in the life for him. It was all a part of the job.
Jennifer had treasured the little surprises. That's what she called them, the fruits of her labor. When she filled in for James, it was a joy for her, another wishful hope that maybe James would see the work that she did for him and come around. She treasured each and every event, like the Yankee Stadium silent auction they were invited to last year. The duration was only as long as the game and all proceeds went to national charity funding research for terminal childhood diseases.
Katie was supposed to attend that one too, but Jennifer couldn't remember what her story was for missing the flight. Was she stuck in Barbados or Hawaii? It didn't matter. She flew first class business class to New York to catch the game and they returned late at night. Just thinking about it made her cheeks warm with pink.
Jennifer took another large gulp from the cup and sat it down. She hadn't finished it, but that didn't matter. She heard James begin to speak on the phone and quickly made her leave of his room.
If he wanted her to hire someone soon, she'd likely have to conduct a preliminary round of phone interviews that day and meet with someone face-to-face on Tuesday. She had never really known James to rush into things, but he seemed to have a plan for the future which involved her immediate attention. A smile tugged at her lips and a familiar feeling of dedication swelled within her. This is what he paid her for.
Chapter Four
Playing Pawns
James glanced over his shoulder as he heard Jennifer take her leave. One quick glance towards the bar told him she was just in a hurry to leave his room to grant him privacy. He grinned. Jennifer was an incredible woman, but one also very easy to read.
"ETA is one hour and 39 minutes," a voice rang into his ear from the receiver.
Relaxing into the chair, James cradled the phone to his ear and frowned at the information. "You left late?"
"Yes."
James took a deep, steady breath. He should have seen that coming, actually, but he didn't. He had hoped Andrew would have listened and gone ahead with the plan.
"All right, well, like I said, thank you for agreeing to do this," James said in a weathered voice.
There was silence before Andrew responded. "Sure thing. I just don't know if it'll take two weeks. I still don't understand why Jerry couldn't look at the new selection."
"Jerry's busy keeping schedule with Seogen and Carnal. When he found out that we weren't going to win the contract, he contacted me immediately," James paused, "I told you this. Jerry could do it, but he was a little concerned about falling behind. If he does, you'll probably have to step in and help him keep track. That's why I suggested two weeks, but I hope it won't be that."
"Well, like I said. I love Colorado so you're really not twisting my ankle here," on the other line, Andrew paused for a moment, "I would just prefer a little more than a couple hours' notice for trips like this in the future if possible."
"Of course, of course," James cooed. "So remember, I need you to just walk through the new locations they've suggested. Maybe take some videos? I trust your judgement."
"Sure thing."
"Sounds great," James said his goodbyes and then ended the phone call. No sooner than the line had closed, he began a new call. This time, it was to Jerry.
"Jerry, how's it going?"
"Pretty good. We're right on track. I'm actually even a little ahead of schedule. Are you still sending Andrew? I told you I had everything under control down here. I'm actually waiting on word back from the realtor regarding two possible locations for Seogen's second office."
James nodded into the phone, "Andrew's on his way. I just wanted him to focus solely on our office so you could be free with the other two contracts. What can you tell me about potential new hires under the contract with Seogen?"
"Well, they're really interested in keeping as many of their own people on board with this as possible, which is to be expected. But we just listed the position on their website, announcing the expansion and I've already received notification about two very promising applicants."
James nodded and looked at the fingernails on his right hand. He inspected them closely. "At this rate, how long do you think it'd take to finish an office for Seogen?"
"We're right on schedule, James," Jerry said again softly. "Do you want to try and push for at least Seogen's first office to be operational a week ahead of schedule?"
James chewed his lip. No, what he needed was for Jerry to get behind.
"How's the hiring going?" James asked instead as he reached for a pen to move between his fingers.
On the other end of the line, Jerry let out an awkward chuckle. "I'm not doing the hiring, James. That's HR, remember?"
"I've been thinking that it might be better for you to at least pick a project manager and SEO specialist, don't you think?"
Jerry didn't bother holding back a scoff. "James, that's what HR is for."
"And I understand where you're coming from, Jerry. Believe me, I do. It's just that Seogen is a big client for us. HR can find someone that can do the job. That's great. But we want someone who can work with you," he eased back as he said his bit, trying to gauge whether or not Jerry was going to take the bait. In the growing silence that followed, a smile tiptoed across James's face.
No man wanted to be stuck with a self-proclaimed expert in any field. In their line of work, the men they would likely be interested in would have incredible resumes almost as impressive as the ego that came along with it. It happened. Confidence was always a good thing, but somewhere down the line it was usually corrupted and gave way to full-on egotism. That, James could handle. His smile continued to grow. He needed to clear his schedule to make way for his number one girl.
"I know some men who could probably give me a good lead," Jerry finally answered. Atta boy, James smirked. "But what about moving costs and potential bonuses to reel them in?"
"Authorized," James said smugly. He heard Jerry smirk on the other line, as if he were in on it too.
"You know this might set me back some."
James was grinning now. "Really? Are you sure?"
"If you're talking the way I think you are, yes. I'll need some serious one-on-one time with the talent to make a good decision."
Frowning, James tried to keep the smile down and from telegraphing through his voice. "Well, do you think we'd end up pushing the deadline at all?" He paused for a moment. "I think a couple of days to get this settled, no more than a week will be all right when it comes to the timeline."
Jerry took a deep breath. "Finding a great hire can take three months, James."
"Can you do it in one? HR is going to take care of the salary workers. I just think I might like someone I know to personally take care of our senior analysts and project manager." James felt like he could sense Jerry nodding in agreement on the phone.