Moments Lost and Found (14 page)

While Sam knew that some women might
find his behavior over-bearing, she was flattered by Laurent’s possessiveness.
He’d never given her any indication that it could turn into something ugly. He
was controlling, but she was an adult. She liked how he wanted to take care of
her, but she knew that she didn’t
need
him to. Perhaps that was why it
felt good to her, because she didn’t need it.

In Sam and Laurent’s industry, there
were various organizations made up of entertainment marketing professionals. Of
all of them, ProMedia was the largest, oldest and probably the one that had the
most caché. Executives from all aspects of entertainment marketing were part of
this organization, it being one of the rare groups that included clients and
vendors on the same board. Sam had been a member for forever but rarely went to
their annual conference. It was a three-day event with different speakers from
across the industry speaking on emerging markets, the future of advertising and
media, audience fragmentation etc.

The few times that Sam did go, they
validated why she typically didn’t. The ‘seminars’ where experts (her peers)
spoke about, for example, the key to the future of marketing in a new digital
world were typically a lot of topline platitudes and rarely had any real
substance. Which made sense. Many of the people speaking and those in the
audience were competitors. So the likelihood of one agency head or marketing
exec sharing the secret to success with their competition wasn’t terribly high.
So, in the end, it really was an all day schmooze, with a party to wrap it all
up in the evening. Sam had seen her fair share of clients and vendors getting
way too drunk together. It seemed like every year there was a story about
someone doing something, or someone, in a drunken haze. For Sam, there were
more reasons not to go than to.

However, this year, when the email
popped up in her inbox, she couldn’t help but take notice. The keynote speaker
would be none other than Laurent Román, speaking on the successes and
challenges of his new venture, The Network. Prior to working together, Sam had
seen his name appear over the years on the ProMedia board of directors. That,
coupled with his network, made sense that he would be tapped as the keynote speaker.
What surprised Sam was that he didn’t mention it to her. She was going to bring
it up but then thought she’d like to see him speak without him knowing she was
there. Of course, if he mentioned it, she wasn’t going to hide that she was
going, but she felt that since he was the keynote speaker, the ball was in his
court to discuss it.

The conference kicked off on a
Tuesday, with Laurent’s keynote speech scheduled for that evening. The fact
that they typically didn’t spend Tuesday nights together meant neither had to
tell the other they’d be at the event. Still, on the day of, Sam was surprised
he still didn’t mention it. She tried not to let her mind drift into unhealthy
areas, so she decided she’d just go, watch his speech and then go from there.

 “So, Sam, you’re going to
ProMedia tonight, right?” Steve asked, popping his head into her office. He
knew that Laurent was speaking.

 “And you’re coming with me as
my wingman. You’re not getting out of this.”

 “Oh honey, I don’t hate these
things nearly as much as you do. Plus, I’m kind of curious to see your man
speak. Actually, I’m more curious to see you two together at an event like
this.” He said a little too enthusiastically.

 “Like we’re a science
experiment to observe?” She asked, raising her eyebrows.

 “Yeah, kinda.” He smiled. “But
in a sexy French media-mogul style science experiment kind of way.”

 “That doesn’t even make any
sense.” Sam couldn’t help stifle her exasperated laugh.

 “Sure it does. Use your
imagination. How many sexy French scientists do you know? Exactly!”

 “Whatever. Ok, let’s get out
of here by 5. He’s supposed to speak at 6:30 and I want to make sure we don’t
miss any of it.”

 “My boss can be kind of a hard
ass, so I’m not sure if I’ll be able to sneak out at 5.” He winked at her and
then clapped, “Oh this is going to be so much fun!” he said as he turned and
practically skipped out of her office.

Naturally, between client calls and
last minute rushes, they didn’t leave until almost 5:45, which was cutting it
close, never knowing what traffic could do to a 15-mile drive during rush hour.
Luckily, they got there just as everyone was settling into the main auditorium.
Sam wished she had gotten there earlier to get a cocktail and relax first, and
maybe even surprise Laurent in the reception before, but she’d see him soon
enough after.

The lights dimmed and onto the stage
walked a very attractive, young blonde woman. She wore a body hugging skirt
that came just above the knees, high pumps and a silk blouse. Her spring in her
stride accentuated her ‘assets’, which bounced with every step. Sam rolled her
eyes.

When she got up to the mike, she
adjusted it and then grinned out to the audience as she addressed them a little
too enthusiastically, “Good evening everyone and welcome to the 2013 ProMedia
conference!” the audience applauded. “It’s great to see such a positive turnout
on day one. I’ve seen some familiar faces throughout the day, and lots of new
ones! To everyone who’s a first timer, welcome! And to all of our existing
members, welcome back!” she giggled a little at the end.
Oh lord, who is
this woman?
Sam wondered. As if on cue, “For those of you who don’t know
me, I’m Stacy Little, Director of Events for ProMedia, and it is my great honor
and pleasure to introduce our keynote speaker of the evening, someone who I’m
proud to call a very close personal friend, and someone who helped me get to
where I am today. Ladies and gentleman, Laurent Román.”

Sam just about choked. Steve shot
her a look and Sam shrugged her shoulders as they both watched Laurent walk out
onto stage, giving little miss bouncy a kiss on both cheeks as she practically
fell all over herself beaming up at him. Sam could see he gave her shoulders a
little squeeze before he let her go.

 “Sam?” Steve whispered.

 “I need a drink.” She said,
but she wasn’t about to miss his speech. Plus, after witnessing whatever that
was, she wasn’t sure her legs wouldn’t collapse if she were to try to walk just
then.

 “Thank you, Stacy. It’s an
honor and a pleasure to be back here at the ProMedia conference. I have to
admit, it’s been a few years since the last time I was here, but aside from the
disapproving looks from my fellow board members,” chuckles in the audience, “I
think the time away has helped emphasize just how much can change in our
industry in such a short period.” He paused as if reflecting, “When they asked
me to be this year’s keynote speaker, it was right around the time The Network
was launching. And the board wonders, with timing like that, why I’ve stayed
away.” More laughter from the audience. “But seriously, they thought that with
the new platform of The Network, I could speak firsthand of new markets, new
models, audience viewing habits, and everything else that has changed within
entertainment today.”

Laurent continued with his speech,
but Sam’s mind was elsewhere. She was half listening. She caught enough to know
he was a gifted speaker, but that was no surprise. He was knowledgeable but
comfortable and engaging, blending facts with anecdotes and insight. The
audience seemed genuinely interested, and for what was often a very jaded group
of people, that said a lot.

After his speech ended, Sam grabbed
Steve’s arm and said one word, “Bar.” They walked briskly to avoid the lines as
Sam needed a drink quickly. Sam ordered a martini and forced herself not to
throw the whole thing back in one shot. “Let’s go over to that corner,” Sam
said to Steve, pointing to a remote table, “I want to be able to observe things
first.”

 “Oh, Sam, this is not sounding
good.” Steve was shaking his head, but knew that he’d be following her to the
corner if that’s what she needed.

 “What? Just going to do a
little recon on little miss bouncy-bounce and my frickin’ boyfriend.”

 “Mmmhmm, this is
so
sounding like a bad idea.”

 “Hey, I’m not the one who
conveniently forgot to tell me he was speaking here with his, how did she say
it, close personal friend.”

 “Yeah, jealous girlfriend does
recon from afar on jealous ex. You’re right, this sounds like an amazingly bad
idea.”

 “Oh ye of little faith. Oooh,
look, there she is. Jesus could she find herself a bra that actually holds the
girls in?” Steve spit his drink out and Sam started cracking up.

 “Sammy, that’s why I love you.
Now, give me your napkin.” Sam complied while Steve wiped his mouth.

They stood there in silence as they
watched Stacy make the rounds, air-kissing every other person. Eventually, they
saw Laurent walking through the crowd, stopping to make small talk, shake
hands. Sam and Steve said nothing. They just watched. Until Stacy saw Laurent
and broke out into an even bigger grin than the one she already sported. This
time, they embraced, she whispered something in his ear and he laughed. Sam was
watching all of this unfold right before her eyes. It was almost unreal until,
as they broke their hug and Laurent straightened up. That’s when he looked up
and locked eyes with Sam. Nope, this was definitely real.

Sam knew that she immediately
flushed. Steve grabbed her hand, “Sam, you ok?” he asked as they watched
Laurent walk towards them, moving through the crowd, stopping to say hello to
people along the way. Stacy stayed by his side as he moved. Sam wasn’t sure if
he had invited her, but they would find out soon enough.

 “Super, Steve. Never better.”
Sam said as she turned to Steve and flashed a huge fake grin. “Now talk to me.”
Sam laughed. Steve knew the game she was playing.

 “And then she said, ‘I thought
you said this flight was full!’” And then they both laughed together at the
‘punchline’. At that moment, Laurent finally made it to their table.

 “Samantha, I didn’t realize
you were coming to this tonight.” He said coolly as he leaned to give her a
kiss and she turned her head so that he got her cheek. He then acknowledged
Steve with his usual, “Steve”.

Steve nodded and returned with, “Laurent.
Enjoyed your speech.”

 “Thank you.”

Things were definitely tense as the
four of them stood there, each waiting for someone to make a move, but soon got
even more tense when the bouncy idiot said, “Laurent, aren’t you going to
introduce me?”

Laurent seemed pained, but had no
choice to make the introductions, “Stacy, this is Samantha Davis and Steve, uh,
Samantha’s creative director. They’re The Network’s agency of record.”
Laurent’s lack of knowledge of Steve’s last name was the least of how pissed Sam
was becoming. The fact that he didn’t introduce her as his girlfriend was
glaringly obvious. She looked at Laurent incredulously who had a blank look on
his face, then at Stacy who was still smiling idiotically, then at Steve who
seemed semi paralyzed, unsure what to do next.

Sam’s anger was starting to manifest
itself in an odd way. She started laughing. Really, heartily laughing. Cracking
up uncontrollably. Everyone at the table was looking at her, then at each
other, then back at her. Every time she tried to stop, she’d bust up again. It
was starting to get even more awkward than it was before the laughing. Finally,
Steve cleared his throat and coughed and pat Sam on the back which finally
ended the laughing jag.

 “I’m sorry, I, uh, was just
thinking about the joke Steve was telling right before you two walked up.” Sam
took a sip of her drink, “It was a really funny one.” Sam said lamely.

 “Delayed reaction.” Steve said
shooting Sam a look.

 “So, Stacy, tell us, how do
you and Laurent know each other?” Sam asked with forced enthusiasm.

 “I was his mentee!” she
exclaimed with so much exuberance it was just one more thing that made Sam
stiffen. “ProMedia has an awesome mentorship and leadership training program!
Laurent taught me so much.” She winked at him and nudged him, “I wouldn’t be
where I am today if it weren’t for everything he did for me. He’s an incredible
man.”

 “Yes, he is isn’t he.” Sam
replied with more snark than she wanted to let out. “Tell me, how long did
your, uh, mentorship program, last?”

Stacy gazed at him adoringly. Sam
was pretty sure she actually batted her eyes. “Oh, the Executive Mentorship
Program is a year-long curriculum that matches managers with executives. I just
thank my lucky stars that I got paired with Laurent. You know, like, fate.”
Stacy giggled. Sam couldn’t help but smile. Steve saw this and thought she
might erupt into laughter again and put his hand on her back

 “Fate.” Sam repeated and
looked at Laurent. His expression hadn’t changed, giving nothing away. “Well, that’s
just
awesome
.” Sam said, emphasizing ‘awesome’, a word she never used.
“Here’s to fate!” she said as she lifted her glass. Neither Laurent or Stacy
had a glass so Sam clinked with Steve and then shot back the rest of her
martini.

 “Well, hey it was great
meeting you both. I hope you’ll be coming to the conference over the next
couple of days, we’ve got some really amazing speakers! Though probably not as
awesome as Laurent.” Again, she giggled.

Sam smiled, “He’s a tough act to
follow.”

Stacy nodded animatedly, “I know,
right!?” then she looked at Laurent and said, “Oh, there’s my boss, I want to
introduce you! I’ve told her so much about you already, I promised her I’d make
the intro!” It seemed everything Stacy said came out with much more enthusiasm than
there needed to be.