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When Bateman finally showed up, Gabrielle saw her instinct was correct. He was just like she’d envisaged after doing a quick Google search of him a half hour prior. He was built, had gray eyes, and a little bit of a goatee that matched his ginger hair. Though close to forty, he had a youthful bearing that came from not just his very active lifestyle but his easeful fashion sense.
Now this was a guy who knew how to lighten up at work. Gabrielle took in his choice of dark colored t-shirt and pants underneath a gray casual coat. It really offset his exceptional height and build, and that arresting face that she’d rather call “interesting” than plain handsome.
Adam looked just as stylish in his navy blue suit. She let the men head to the meeting then went dashing for some craft beers. She found Adam and Bateman already busy in conversation and though it hadn’t yet turned to business, Gabrielle casually set the latest financial documents next to Adam’s elbow on the desk.
The beers seemed to be going down pretty well, so while they were talking, she took the remote and set one of Adam’s many TV screens to ESPN. She hid a smile when the guys’ conversation soon shifted to the game on air. Then she ducked out again to her next door office. Tapping fast on her iPad, she found a high-end sports bar. Once she’d made reservations, she snapped her fingers in triumph.
Then she casually walked back into Adam’s office. “Sorry to interrupt, sir, but I wanted to remind you about your reservation? The client called and cancelled the dinner appointment and I wondered if you’d still want to hold the booking? It would be a shame to waste it.”
“Ahhh…” Adam looked confused at first, and as she smiled brightly his way, she began to wish they had a secret eye language so he could pick up her signals.
But thankfully, Bateman was the one who snapped up the bait, saying of course Adam couldn’t possibly waste the reservation and he’d love to go along.
The confusion cleared from Adam’s face and he seemed relieved at the idea of a more leisurely setting.
Gabrielle would learn later that the dinner went successfully, and that Bateman had even complimented her. “That place your P.A. picked out sure knows how to do a guys’ dinner right,” Bateman had said in appreciation.
Adam thanked her for reading the situation perfectly. Gabrielle felt ten feet tall from all that, but hid it behind her professional smile and stance. She knew she still had two months left to show her mettle, but she was glad for the small victory.
She was determined to build upon it.
*
Little did Gabrielle know, but Adam too saw the sense in cashing in on the new development. For one thing, he began to notice a pick-up in his invites to certain major social events.
Which gave rise to a whole kind of new problem: he needed dates for these things.
Since the functions were mostly to do with his corporate ties, he didn’t have to look very far to think of Gabrielle as a suitable choice. For one, she knew how to handle herself in the public eye, and secondly, she’d be in her professional capacity, not a personal one. That would save Adam worrying about getting a date who’d start to fixate on something deeper. He didn’t need the extra strings of a relationship. He required someone on his arm who’d look the part, play her role and then it was back to work.
For Gabrielle, this was intriguing to say the least. The first time it happened, she arrived at work and Adam informed her she had no tasks for the day. Only, she needed to accompany him to a banquet at three that afternoon.
Gabrielle’s eyebrows had climbed as Adam briefed her further. “It’s a black tie business event, very formal and exclusive. You’ll be required to blend in and that involves the proper outfit and appearance. This is a company expense card.”
Gabrielle stared at the black card he handed her, which seemed to gleam within her fingers.
Adam continued, “I’ve scheduled an appointment for you with a top stylist. She’ll pick out the appropriate look for the event. Make sure you purchase whatever you need. The stylist, Hilda, will see to the rest. Any questions?”
“I don’t think so.” She was still trying to wrap her head around things.
“Then you should get started. Please be ready on time,” he said as he dismissed her with a nod.
Gabrielle was outside his door before she realized she didn’t even know where to find the stylist. But there was no need, because a pretty ebony-skinned woman was waiting right in reception when Gabrielle emerged from Adam’s office.
“Hi. You must be Gabrielle. I’m Hilda Gold, your stylist for today.” Her dazzling smile took Gabrielle by surprise as she shook the woman’s hand mechanically. “We have the whole morning to get you ready for the event, and then you’ll get to put your feet up for a bit before proceeding with Mr. Bronson at the given time. I think this will go perfectly, don’t you?”
