Unplanned

9. Interruptions

Jesse doesn't call me the next day, or the next, and after 3 days I'm starting to doubt the connection we had. I throw myself into planning and studying, and manage to get a lot done before work this afternoon.

I didn't go out with Kara last night, I was just too tired and she wanted to party hop. I got a text from her this morning letting me know that she was fine, and I came down to the club early to sit in the staff room and use the wifi before work.

A quick glance at the roster when I arrive tells me that Jake is working today. As I sit and write out plans, every time the door opens I pop up my head and check for him.

It's 11:45 when he finally walks through the door. We make eye contact almost immediately, and he clocks in then heads right over to me. "How are you today Lex?" he asks as he tosses himself down onto the chair opposite me.

I close my laptop and look at him. "I have to tell you something" I say nervously. He watches me expectantly, his face open. I feel really bad about this, but I can't go around almost kissing boys when I'm into someone else.

"I'm kind of starting something with someone". I try to keep it vague, always aware that technically we're not meant to date senior staff, or guests of the club.

"I thought you might say something like that" he admits. He leans forward and brushes the hair off my face, "don't worry about it". He tweaks my nose and I giggle, getting up and mock punching him.

We start to wrestle jokingly and I'm getting super competitive. I have him in a head lock and am giving him a noogie when a throat clears at the door.

"Excuse me?"

I look up to see Maya and Jesse standing there, and I quickly let go of Jake. The smile dies off his face when he sees my expression, and turns to the intruders. He doesn't seem that fazed by Jesse, but keeps looking at Maya and then looking at the ground.

"Hey Maya, Jesse, how are you?" I'm professional and polite, and doing my best to avoid Jesse's intense gaze. Jesse seems mute, so Maya answers me "We're good Alexis. Mother was wondering if you had some time now to go over a few party things with us".

I nod and walk to the door, joining them. "See you soon Alexis" Jake's voice holds a suggestive quality, and I see Jesse tense up beside me.

"Who's the cute chef?" Maya quizzes me as soon as we're out of hearing range.

"His name is Jake", I'm walking between the two, and sensing Jesse getting even more wound up, I discreetly grab his hand and squeeze. When I go to let go, he holds on, and we walk hand in hand.

Maya is chatting away and doesn't seem to notice how I've gone quiet. Jesse is answering her questions, while at the same time making my pulse race.

Once we make it to their father's office, Jesse lets go of my hand and knocks on the door.

---------------------------------------

"Come in" Mr Callaghans voice calls, and we step inside the office.

"Ah Alexis, good to see you!" he reaches toward me and shakes my hand. "You too sir" I respond politely. Yes, it is good to see him, and I am definitely starting to like him. But I also see that Gloria isn't there. I hope that I don't have to lay down the law with him about party planning. I don't want to be fired.

"Jesse here told me that you're actually studying event and business management" it wasn't a question, and I simply nod in response. "Good. I would love to know what you have planned for my wife's birthday".

He looks at me expectantly and I take a steadying breath before speaking. I knew that eventually that this day would come - it does for every event planner - but I didn't think it would come up against someone like Mr Callaghan so quickly.