Enlightened (Red Flags) (7 page)

"Damn.  Too bad you didn't pull out a sexy bad girl in this new found you, Cara.  Fucking your boss would probably be pretty hot," she joked.

"Chels, you disgust me."

"I know and you love it." 

I shook my head, even though she wasn't able to see it. 

"So, where are you?  And why are you on the phone with me?"

"Um, duh, Cara.  You're my best friend.  I couldn't see you off, or indulge in wine with you this afternoon, so I had to do the next best thing--I called."

"Well thanks, Chels.  So where has Hunter rushed you off to?"

"We're in Coronado.  We'll be back Friday morning, so block off Friday night for us.  We want to take you out to celebrate your new job."

"Thanks, Chels.  Joint celebration of engagements and jobs--sounds good."

"Alright.  I've gotta go.  Heading out to dinner.  See you Friday."

"See ya." 

After hanging up, I lay down in my bed and answered the text messages from Chase, Ryan, Mila, and my parents, all asking about work.  There were two missed calls from Jason that had come earlier in the day, and while I had no intention of calling him back, I was curious as to what he had to say in the message he had left on my voicemail.

Voicemail from Jason

Hello, Gorgeous.  I'm sure you're swamped at work with learnin' the ropes and everything, but I wanted to make sure you got my flowers.  I also wanted to wish you a wonderful first day, and let you know that no matter what, I still love you very very much.  You mean the world to me and I can't wait for the opportunity to tell you this in person.  I know you need your space and I will give it to you, but I won't forget about you, and I know you can't forget about me.  I'm here when you're ready.

I love you, Gorgeous.

I didn't want to hear those words from him, but I had to admit that they felt good.  I wasn't ready to see him.  Actually, I wasn't sure if I would ever be ready to see him, but I went to bed with his words being the last words I heard.  The slow, sensual southern drawl in his voice sent a tingle through my body that I hadn't felt in a while.

Chapter 6

Friday morning came rather quickly.  Good morning and good night text messages from Jason started and ended my days. I went from being annoyed and wanting to tell him to piss off, to almost giving in and calling him just so I could hear his voice.  I missed him.  I didn't want to miss him. In fact, I wanted to hate him, but my heart wouldn't allow it. 

I'd realized through my relationship with Jason that sometimes two people could lust over one another so deeply to the point of the relationship turning toxic.  I loved Jason.  Hell, I was still in love with him, but after everything that I had been through--the lies…the secrets-- I wasn't sure if he truly loved me back.  Stacey had been a sticking point, but the revelations about Heather were the churn to my stomach.   

My thoughts were interrupted when the front door opened and in walked Chelsea and Hunter. 

"Well look at you, Ms. Workin' woman," Chelsea said, throwing her bags down on our overly expensive bamboo floors.

I shook my head and blushed a little, then shoved a spoonful of Special K cereal into my mouth. "Welcome home you two.  How was the trip?"

"It was nice, but it's back to reality now and I've got to go," Hunter said, checking his watch and then kissing Chelsea before strolling out the door. 

I still had about a half hour before I had to leave for work and Chelsea wanted to know everything about my new job and my super sexy boss.

"So, does Mr. Boss Man know that he wets your panties just by looking at you?" 

I laughed and slightly choked on my cereal.  Being engaged and swept away to beautiful Coronado didn't cause Chelsea to skip a beat.

"Um, it's not like that, Chels.  He is drop dead sexy, but he is much too old and he's screwing the receptionist."

I think I'm going to love your new job," she giggled.  "How did you find that out?"

"William's executive assistant…" she held up her hand, and closed her eyes, shaking her head. I stopped briefly before continuing.  "Mr. Rolston's executive assistant, Amanda filled me in.  Sunny…" Chelsea's pleading eyes begged me to tell her who I was referring to, "the receptionist, is a nasty little thing and Amanda just filled me in on why she was so rude to me."

"Well, if you've been going into work every day looking the way you do now, I see why Sunny was so nasty.  You look fuckin' hot, Cara."

I looked down at my ensemble, but didn't find anything overly spectacular about it.  I was wearing a fitted black dress with a red lace cardigan and a pair of black heels.  Maybe it was the hair?  Even I had to admit that my hair added a more sophisticated look, so I guess that was what the fuss was all about.

"Well thanks, but I don't care what it is.  I love my new job, I don't want William, and I just want to make a name for myself there."

"And you damn sure will."  Chelsea loaded up her bags and lugged them towards the stairs. "Let's do dinner tonight."

"Sounds good to me.  Text me."  I shouted back.  I drank the last of the milk from my bowl and, after dabbing my mouth with a napkin, reapplied my lip gloss and walked out the door.

<>

Sunny was on the phone when I walked through the door.  She had the same shit stain scowl on her face even while listening to someone speak.  I was beginning to think that she was just a miserable person.  I bypassed her quickly and made my way to the elevators, where I had to scurry in order to make the car that was quickly filling up.  I was the last person to enter the packed car, and as I tried to squeeze my way into a rather tight spot, I caught a glimpse of a pair of the most striking greenish- grey eyes that I had ever seen.  I caught myself staring so I hurriedly turned and faced the closing doors. 

My mind kept telling me to turn around, but thanks to my embarrassment, and the fact that we were packed into the elevator like sardines, I wasn't able to.  As the elevator ascended, the passengers began filing out.  I had to check in with William every morning before making my way up to HR for orientation.  When we reached the fifth floor, I casually stepped out, but not before sneaking a glance at the pair of eyes that had damn near stopped me in my tracks.  The man smiled seductively, causing me full on embarrassment.  He knew I was looking at him and slightly pursed his lips to acknowledge the fact.

"Good morning, Cara."  Amanda said cheerfully, but her smile quickly faded the closer I walked.  "Are you okay?  You look… flustered."

I ran my fingers through my hair and tried to compose myself.  I really shouldn't lose my cool over a sly grin.  "Yeah, I'm fine.  What's the plan for today?"  I wanted to focus on work.  It was the only thing keeping my sanity in check.

"You are done with orientation.  Mr. Rolston needs you today so I'm going to help you get your office set up and then he will do with you whatever he sees fit."

I knew she meant nothing by the statement, but with the impressive good looks that William was blessed with, one could easily infer all sorts of innuendo with words like those. 

Amanda showed me to my office.  It was nothing in comparison to that of my boss's, but it was my first official work space and the sight of it excited me like no other.  On the heavy wooden door, a golden name placard was fixed to the outside reading:
Cara Pinkston SMM. 

I looked at the sign and ran my fingers over it, grinning like a loon.  Amanda led me further into the office space and while she began to unload files into my espresso wood colored file cabinets, I sat down in my plush office chair and swiveled around in it. 

The San Diego harbor sat off in the distance, and even though I was only five floors up, I had a spectacular view of it.  I walked over to the window and stared out, amazed that a little over a week ago, I was a college student, and now, I was a Marketing Manager for a very prestigious sports marketing firm.  It felt surreal. 

I must have gotten lost in my thoughts because when I finally came to, Amanda was standing in front of the desk calling my name.

"Cara… Cara."

I shook my head and turned in her direction.

"Mr. Rolston would like to see you in his office."

"Oh, yes.  Sure thing." 

I turned and walked out of my space, making a right and walking down to my boss's office.  The door was slightly ajar, so I lightly knocked.  William welcomed me in and, I tossed aside the enamored expression that had overtaken my face, fixing myself into the serious businesswoman that I was expected to be. 

"Take a seat, Cara."  The seriousness of his voice had me wondering if I had already done something wrong.  "How is your office?  Has Amanda helped you get settled?"

I discreetly released the breath held hostage in my throat. 

"Yes, she has, and I love it."  I tried to look him directly in the eyes when answering his questions, but his impassive face made it difficult.

"Have you had an opportunity to look over the files for The Tide?"

"Yes I have, sir.  I think this is going to be an excellent project to get my feet wet." 

"Well, let me remind you that, I may be your boss, but we are a team, so please call me William."  I nodded.  I would have to remember and make myself comfortable about using his first name in his presence.  "What are your plans this weekend?"

I looked at him and scrunched my eyebrows for a second.  His facial expression didn't change as he looked at me impatiently, waiting for an answer.

"I don't have any plans," I replied, wondering where he was going with this.

"You do now.  Tomorrow evening is a meet and greet with the team and their executives.  You and Amanda will accompany me so make sure you are well versed on all aspects of the team."  William leaned over and rested his intertwined hands on his desk.  "Red Lion hotel, 6 p.m. sharp."

I nodded again, but this time managed a smile.  I was excited to go on my first official work related social gathering.  I exited his office and quickly made my way back down to mine.  Amanda was hanging photos of the team logo on the wall directly behind my desk, and she showed me that my computer, phone, and voicemail system were all set up.  She was efficient in her work.

"What would you like for lunch today?"  I asked, feeling like I owed her for the hard work that she had done.

"I brought my lunch, but thanks, Cara."

"Well save it.  I want to treat you to lunch today.  You deserve it."

She smiled warmly and answered, "Well it is my job, but I could go for some excellent Chinese.  I'll order in." 

After hanging a few more pictures, she returned to her desk.

I spent the next few hours sifting through the mounds of San Diego Tide paperwork on my desk.  I learned that the team had only been in existence for the past three years, but a new owner had taken it over after the last one had to file bankruptcy.  San Diego Sports Marketing was hired to take over the teams marketing campaign since the new owner wanted a more aggressive campaign to really bring in publicity for the team.  They'd chosen the right firm. Mr. Rolston--William--was definitely the one to get it done.

My office phone rang and startled me out of my San Diego Tide coma. 

"Hello, Cara Pinkston speaking."

"Listen to you, marketing manager."  Chelsea's playful tone on the other end brought a smile to my face.  "Are you busy?"

"Not anymore.  I needed a break.  What's up?"

"Dinner tonight.  Ciao Bella's at seven."

"Okay, sounds good."

"I won't be home when you get here, so I wanted to let you know--" she paused.  "Oh, and Chase will be joining us.  I invited him too."

"Chelsea, what are you trying to do?"  I asked, allowing her to hear my frustration.

"I'm not trying to do anything.  He's a friend, and we are going out to celebrate my engagement and your new job."

"Chase has a new job, too.  He didn't tell you?"

"No… that asshole.  Where is he working now?"

"Oh, I'll let him tell you.  It's to die for." 

I got off the phone.  I had sparked Chelsea's interests but hadn't filled her in on the big news.  If she was going to run interference, then I was going to make her suffer from my lack information, which I knew she was dying to hear.

<>

The rest of the work day went by much as the morning had.  I spent countless hours skimming over papers, staring at my computer screen, and jotting down notes until my brain was on the brink of exhaustion.

Tearing out of the office building and making my way home, I quickly changed into a pair of comfortable jeans, a glittery tank top, and my black flats.  Ciao Bella's was a casual Italian restaurant and after having to parade around in four inch heels all day, the dressed down, casual look was exactly what I needed.

The hostess located my party and walked me to their table.  I was the last to arrive, and they looked to be a few drinks in already.

"Hi, stranger," Chelsea greeted me, "I have a Lemon Drop coming out for you."

"Thanks.  I need it."

"Rough day at the office?"  Chase asked with a condescending grin on his face.

"Not so much rough, just draining."  I replied taking a seat next to him.

The waitress came out with my drink and Hunter put in an order for fried calamari.  I dug into the bread that was placed in the center of the table while nudging Chase in the arm.

"So we're here to celebrate the engagement of Chels and Hunter, my new job, and yours too, Chase," I said, raising my drink to toast the table.

"Yeah, Chase.  What's this new job of yours?" Chelsea asked, taking a long sip of her martini.

Chase's face twisted and he took a swig of his beer before quickly blurting out, "Interning at Bradley."

I watched as Chelsea's face scrunched in utter disgust.  She took a long sip of her martini and looked at Chase and then back to me. 

"Is this some kind of sick joke?" she asked