Unity

2. Money & Power

CHAPTER 2: MONEY & POWER

Brian's digital advertising company was wildly successful. I wanted to work at the prestigious agency because its client list was impressive. Many ads won awards. More importantly: brands became household needs, creating demand, which earned clients – and therefore the agency – money.

I wanted to add a few more accounts to the agency's list. Consistent results might earn me a spot at the creative table for the really big names that hired Trinity to create ads. And ultimately, that would mean more money for me.

I made a high income for a young woman in my field – well into the six-figures. Despite the high cost of living in Los Angeles, I saved a good part of my income in a special travel fund, and even more in my retirement accounts.

And I was about to make even more money. I had already added two companies to Trinity's client list. My new ads were approved by both clients and that is what Brian would shoot and help me produce in the near future.

The ad buys would position these spots in front of tens of millions of targeted consumers. So it had to be perfect. This was not a good time for a vacation.

"I thought Trinity was owned by a 'Bill Rogart'," I said. Rogart was a mystery man of sorts. I'd never seen him in my five months of employment.

In fact, people never talked about 'Rogart', not even at other agencies. It seemed practically no one had met him. It was as if Bill Rogart was a silent investor. Trinity employees considered him like a 'hands off' boss. Anything connected to Trinity in conversation simply focused on the client list and its successful ad campaigns.

"That's me," Brian said. "I'm Rogart. It's like a pen name. I like to keep a low profile. Also, "I couldn't get the same results as the chief photographer if everyone was tripping over me, nervous that I'm 'the boss'. It's easier to work if no one knows my identity. Photographing messages – that's my true passion at Trinity."

He came over to me, took the mug out of my hands and placed it on the counter. He embraced me. It felt odd, now that I knew he was my boss.

"I'm a visual kinda guy, and I don't like to talk too much. I prefer to listen and absorb ... and help achieve an objective through good old-fashioned work.

The night before he had made that clear.

I pulled away. I felt flustered. It was an unusual feeling for me.

"I don't know what to say at the moment. This whole thing is entirely unexpected – everything about you, and me, and last night, and now. I can barely think straight. I am so surprised. By all of it."

He said nothing, only slightly nodded once.

After a moment, I continued. "If I went with you to Tulum, I'd prefer to stay in a place closer to the action – not in some fenced-off, exclusive, private beach." I picked up my mug and moved to the coffee machine to pour more. "I have two reasons. One: for my safety – I hardly know you. And two: as you know from our dinner conversation, I enjoy experiencing some of the local life when I travel."

"So, is that a yes? Are you saying yes? Oh, please say yes!"

"I'm still at 'maybe'."

"Crystal, I get this is a lot to take in. I do. I totally get it. But I am really a decent man. And I feel like time is short – I feel like we have to travel now before that virus reaches beyond China, if it hasn't already."

I hadn't even factored in the strange new virus.

"Crystal, I want to photograph you – the most beautiful woman in the world – on one of the world's most beautiful beaches. I want to get to know you. I want to hear your message. I want to create a message to the world – with you."

I said nothing, because I didn't know what to say.

I thought I had seen men with pleading eyes in my lifetime. But in that moment, I knew those other men were merely courting me, while Brian was imploring me to join him for something deeper than a casual, fun Friday night.

"OK – I could use a break," I said. "But only for five days. Also, some of the itinerary details - and ground rules - will be on my terms."

"Of course, Crystal! However you want it. Your wish is always my command!" Brian hugged me and I felt him tremble. It made me want to kiss him, so I did.

We spent some time talking about our first trip to Tulum. We planned to leave Monday, and return the following Sunday, with my client productions the week after our return.

"Ground rules include a hotel that's not isolated, as I mentioned. Also, I call the shots in bed – like last night. You might have more money, but I will always have more power." I narrowed my eyes. "And... I'll have to do some research to see what else besides the Tulum ruins I would like to see in that area, since it's new to me."

"Done deal," he said. "Wanna shake on it?"

"I have a better idea."

We spent the rest of that morning exploring each other again. I took the lead. I had the power. It's how I preferred adult dynamics because I wanted to assure I reached my peak first. Otherwise: what was the point?

When Brian left that Saturday morning, I went through my closet to gather various beach and travel outfits, swimsuits, and accessories.

If I wanted to order something 'extra' for my photo shoot, I would be short on delivery time. Monday would come quickly.