Sweet Surrender (Book 2)

The Meeting

  "Don't be dismayed by good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends." -- Richard Bach

Stacey

"We have a new client. A big one. They need us to advertise their company." Jason calls me to his office this afternoon to talk about the new client he was dealing with just an hour ago. We've never had a big client this month so this is gonna be important, not only for us but especially for me. I need this to prove him that I'm worthy of this position he gave me. I was promoted as PR Assistant Manager just a couple of days ago. And this client might be the biggest break that I would need.

"Okay. No problem. What type of company is this?" I scan the information that he gave me.

"Shipping. It's their new baby, Evergreen Shipping." He stands behind me and pointed at the name. No freaking way!

"Evergreen?" I almost choke on my words.

"Yeah. You familiar with that I suppose?" He smiles at me and returns behind his desk.

"Yeah. I am." I whisper more to myself and read the information in front of me. Of course I'm familiar with Evergreen Shipping. Very much familiar to be exact.

"Good. Cause you will need to set an an appointment to provide them with your ideas, lay-outs, designs, anything that they will need. Bring your portfolio. Call this number, and set an appointment." Jason hands me a stick-it with a phone number. My hand shakes as I reach for it.

"Will I be asking for the assistant? I'm not really sure..." I'm stammering. Damn! I'm sweating!

"Don't be ridiculous Stacey. Of course you know what to do. Now, this will be your break to show off your skills girl. Be good at it. Now, consider this as your initiation. You know that you're still under probation. So make sure to impress this client. Dress to impress."

"Okay. Thanks for the opportunity Jason. I really appreciate it."

"No problem. How's that little bump?" He smiles and points at my now a little obvious bump. I'm wearing a body hugging hot pink dress that shows a little bump in my belly.

"He's doing pretty well. I'm going into four months now. My doctor says, the baby is healthy."

"I'm really happy for you my friend. Although I would also love to meet that dad you know." Jason jokes. He knows what's up with me and the baby's dad. He's a hopeless romantic, so I wouldn't blame him if he still hopes for a happy-ever-after.

"Don't bank on that. I don't think its happening. Too good to be true." I shake my head and smile. My chest hurts every time I think about it.

"Who knows Stace. Never say never. Any way, enough of this pep talk. Work on that lay-out and call Evergreen Shipping to set an appointment with their manager or whoever that would be able to approve your lay-outs. I still think its the manager though. And guess what, he's super hot."

"Ha! I'm sort of not interested in men as of the moment. I'm sorry to disappoint you." Of course I know Brandon Whitfield is hot. He is Tyler's friend. I don't know why hot men have hot friends. Why can't they hang out with average looking people? I mean, that's a bit unfair don't you think?

"Well, we'll see about that. Now shoo. Go and work on your thing. Make sure to impress that hot guy tomorrow." He stands and lead me to the door.

 "You my friend have a death wish. I'm pregnant and not available. So, let go of that thought." I tap his shoulder and head out of his office.

I went home early so I can work on my lay-outs.  Since I have worked with the designs department for some time, I know pretty sure what I'm doing. I turned my personal cellphone off and just my work phone up. I don't nee any distractions right now.  I know Jasmine is gonna flip by tomorrow, she always makes sure that she contacts me everyday to check on me. Well, I'm sorry besty, not is not the right time. I need to focus with work. I cant let Jason down, he has done so much for me to land this position. Now its my time to prove to everybody that I deserve to be here.

I ordered pizza for dinner. I know I cant stay up late, but I break my rules. Just for tonight baby. This is for you. Just hang on. Mommy's gonna impress this client and we can rest. Okay? I tap my tummy. I know I'm gonna feel him the little bump move in a matter of time. I'm pretty excited to be honest. I know my life will do a 360 turn when I learned about the pregnancy. I know it's not gonna be easy, but I'm desperate to take the challenge.

I finally saved my lay-out and print out copies for tomorrow. I look at my wall clock, past midnight. I hurry to the bathroom to brush my teeth and have a quick shower. Sorry little bud, come one, lets get some rest now. Big day tomorrow. Help mommy okay? I talk to my baby in my mind as I hug my pillow. I move to turn the lampshade off and close my eyes. It didn't take awhile to drift off to sleep.

I woke up earlier than my alarm. I called Evergreen Shipping yesterday and have set an appointment with the manager at nine in the morning. I'm a morning person, so early meetings like this doesn't bother me. I had tea and crackers since I cant have coffee anymore. I'm glad my morning sickness subsided already. I feel extra giddy today. Excited? Maybe. But I'm also a bit nervous. I don't personally know Brandon, but I'm sure he will be surprised to see me. I chose to wear a printed wrap dress that hangs above my knees. This dress is perfect, not too showy and it covers my little bump. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ashamed of people seeing me pregnant, I'm hiding my little bump from these people from Evergreen Shipping. Tyler Johnson is their boss, I cant let them know that I'm pregnant. Yes. I basically don't want Tyler to know that I'm pregnant. He's not ready, so be it. 

 I hailed a cab to the Evergreen Shipping building. It's thirty  minutes from my apartment. As I look at the building, I glance at my watch... 

8:45. Just in time.

I walk to the building and I look around as I take in my surroundings. Wow. This place is huge. Much larger than the Singapore Branch. Now I know why they want to promote this. This is a big investment. I walk to the reception desk and I am greeted by a pretty brunette.

"Hi good morning." She beams at me. Uhh... Too perky for an early greeting. Work on that girl. 

"I have an appointment with the manager. Stacey Mcguire from Gazette." I smile at her. God! I can feel my heart beat go faster. My cheeks hurt from smiling. Impress them Stacey. You need this.

"Right. Please take a seat...." I nod as she grabs the receiver and makes a phone call. 

Please let it be Brandon. It should be. Last time I checked he is the one assigned to manage this branch. Okay. Fine. You got me. I was researching. Uhuh! Researching. I just want to make sure! 

"Miss McGuire, please follow me." I follow sheepishly as the brunette walks me to the door with a name on it.

Brandon Whitfield. Manager.

I breathe deeply as she opens the door.

"Please come in." She holds the door for me and I walk quietly into the room. My heart stops for a moment as I look into those familiar eyes. I fist my hands at my sides to steady myself. My throat starts to tighten and I can feel my face heat up when he just stares at me. I know he didn't expect to see me as I look into those shocked eyes. Oh God. I think I'm gonna be sick...