“Sara, I'm not going to mince words with you. You and Rick are a marketing team. He is your partner on this and you'll either work together or you won't be working here.”
“But Rick is clueless, Mr. Hendricks! He doesn't know the first thing about jewelry.”
Hendricks placed his hands upon her arms and forced a smile. “But you forget that people buy jewelry, Sara. And Rick knows people.
She parted her lips wanting to argue.
“You should be making magic together but instead you fight like children. Now, hear me on this because I'm not kidding. Work together or look elsewhere for work.”
Sara suppressed her anger and nodded.
******
Her nemesis waited at the base of the granite steps in his classic navy sport coat. She sighed on the last steps and relaxed her shoulders with resignation.
“I'm sorry for biting your head off.”
“Try it without rolling your eyes next time,” Rick said wry smile.
They walked down the money-green carpeted hallway toward the company entrance. “You don't give me a chance to finish, Sara. I know I don't think as fast as you do or explain details as efficiently as you can, but give me some credit. I've got some great ideas for this account if you'd just hear me out.”
“I'll hear you out. I promise.”
Rick considered his partner, searching over her as though memorizing details of her chestnut hair, light blue eyes and olive skin.
He leaned toward her and said, “I'll bet you dinner at DeLuca's you can't be silent until I'm completely done presenting my ideas.”
Sara beamed at the mention of the famed restaurant. “You're on.”
“No questions, no counter ideas, nothing until I say, it's your turn.”
She brought her fingers to her lips to zip them shut.
Rick took out his Blackberry and said, “Stay here.”
He walked outside and placed three phone calls before returning to her.
“Okay, go home and put on something casual but nice. No accessories. And I'll pick you up in an hour.”
She started to ask a question but froze seeing wild anticipation in Rick's face.
He laughed. “You're so gonna lose”
*******
The Pacific coast winds lifted Sara's hair off her her shoulders as she and Rick strolled near the breaking waves. The working girl almost felt guilty strolling on the beach in a summer dress on a weekday.
Rick spoke of colors and backdrops and sensations and wove them into a catchy narrative for their new client as they walked barefoot on the warm sand.
Seagulls floated in the air like kites without string over a cotton candy shop on the board walk. Rick turned to her and said, “These would look better on you than in this box.”
Sara looked down to see a pair of colorful gemstone earrings. She watched herself put them on in front of the large storefront window. The smiling reflection reminded her of a carefree teen.
“Where had that girl gone?” she wondered.
Rick mixed pieces of personal history into his presentation as they drove to a small family run vineyard. Sara found herself laughing at his dry wit and impressed her with how he addressed her concerns mere moments after they arose in her mind. He was right. She hadn't given him a chance to finish.
They sampled wines and snacked on crackers and brie with the winery owners. Later, while Rick negotiated a better price on a case of exquisite Merlot, Sara admired the well maintained rows of grape vines under an early evening sun.
He stepped up behind her and whispered, “You would make this look wonderful.”
Rick lowered a diamond heart pendant in front of her. She moved her thick hair away allowing him to lock the clasp. She loved the smooth, heavier feel of 18 carat gold against her skin. Placing his hand on her lower back, he escorted her to his SUV.
After a simple candle light dinner, Rick followed Sara in to her house with a small picnic basket in tow.
“Please get comfortable,” he said.
Sara kicked off her sandles and watched him place lit candles about the living room. She reclined on the sofa facing the second story bay window.
After selecting music on the satellite radio, Rick positioned himself on the floor at her feet. Then he took out a small bottle from his basket.
She was awestruck. A walk on the beach and earrings, a vineyard tour and a pendant, dinner, and now her feet were being rubbed with warm scented oil by a gentle man she completely misunderstood. Sara had plenty to say earlier. She wanted to say something now, but the words evaporated along with the remaining tension in her toes.
Sara opened her eyes when she felt her hand lift. Rick slid a three quarter carat diamond engagement ring onto her finger. He said something but she couldn't hear him over the tingle of her feet or the sparkles in her eyes.
“Almost done,” he whispered.
Rick reached into his basket and pulled out a little book. He kissed the top of her soft bare knee and placed the book on her lap.
“A keepsake for you.” Then he took up the basket and stood at the door watching her.
Her eyes fell to his gift. She opened the cover and saw a sepia tone photograph of the two of them on beach. The next was of them on the board walk. Another at the vineyard. Captured memories of an all day seduction.
She was speechless.
She looked up to her partner but he'd disappeared.
On the last photo, Sara's cell phone came to life with a call from Rick. She held the phone to her ear.
“Okay...your turn.”
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