Unbound: The Pentagon Group, Book 2 (27 page)

“Manny?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“How often do you drive the executives around?” I wondered if I was an exception and not the rule.

“Very often. You are one of few women I’ve driven home. I think there are only two at the corporation.”

“How long have you worked for the company?”

“This is my second year. I’m happy to work there. They’re a great company to work for. I have a young family. My son is three and I have a girl, eight months, so the benefits come in handy during this economic downturn.” I nodded.

“Great to hear it, Manny. I’d like for you to drive me the rest of the week, if other execs don’t need you. I’ll probably be leaving same time every day until I move into my apartment within walking distance.”

“I’ll give you my number when we stop and you can call me at least ten minutes before you want to leave.” I nodded. We talked about his family, passing the time as we traveled through the busy road.

In no time, we made it to the Sheldrake. Manny opened my door, and gave me his hand to step out of the car. He handed me a business card with his phone number. I made a mental note to put his number in my cellphone. With my bags in hand, I made my way to Carson and Turner’s apartment, grateful I had a professionally successful day at my job. The only void I felt was not arriving home to spend the night with a lover.

*****

For the next two days, I worked long and hard on meetings with executives, designers, and architects about the changes instituted for Pentagram. With every step taken forward to implement my ideas, there were setbacks which I demanded be remedied in a timely manner. I wasn’t as patient as I had been in the past. Certain I’d frightened Gill with the way I spoke to one distributor, I took him out to lunch as an apology.

Gill chose a small little bistro close to work. He’d reserved a table earlier, and we were seated as soon as we arrived and checked in.

“This is a nice place.” I said as I reviewed the menu. I caught Gill nodding.

“Try the duck salad. It’s really good here.” He suggested. I nodded, but kept looking at the options.

“Gill, about my behavior this morning, I just want to say I was feeling a lot of pressure, which caused my outburst with the vendor. You know I’ve come into an already existing project and I added some new elements which require my immediate attention. I want to apologize for my language and tone while in the office this morning. If my voice was deeper and I had a penis, I would’ve been taken more seriously.” Gill stopped me.

“Women in corporate America shouldn’t apologize. You know what’s needed to make this project successful. They were given a reasonable timeline to provide the product. I was surprised because you were like a demure little thing, but tell you something can’t get done and you’re ready to call in the guards.” I giggled. He had a point. I would not apologize again.

“So, Gill, tell me about yourself.”

“Not much to say.” He sat back after taking a bite of a chip. “I’ve been working for Pentagon since graduating from college. I’ve been personal assistant to a few executives for the last five years.”

“What is your end goal? I’m sure you don’t want to be a PA for the rest of your life.” I asked, hoping I didn’t offend him.

“Actually, I enjoy it. Depends on how hard ass my boss is.” He winked. “I’m paid well. I have great benefits, vacation time, and have made so many connections in and around Boston. I’m living the life.”

“You’re the second person to say working for Pentagon has provided a great life. I’m happy to hear it.” I’d hoped I could have as good of an experience as Manny and Gill.

I shared with Gill a bit about me, eliminating my experience with Pentagon or my relationship with Matt. I didn’t know if he was given any details about me or how I came about the job. I’d be mortified if he knew I unintentionally slept my way to the top.

I liked Gill. We shared some great laughs and stories about ourselves. My trust in him increased as time passed while at lunch. Always the task master, Gill hurried the waiter to complete our service. We walked back to the office. I had a busy afternoon with a long executive’s meeting where I was introduced. It was the most nervous I’d ever been, but I held my own as I introduced the new Pentagram designs, and my expectations for finalizing the designs and construction.

*****

At about four in the afternoon when I took a little break from the pace of my day, I received a call from Magnus letting me know the apartment was ready for me to move in. I was incredulous. Once we hung up, I searched for Gill, completely ignoring Andrea.

“I need your help. I was going to let you go early, but I’m hoping you can help me with a personal matter.” He rolled his eyes and sighed. Then he smiled, and I could tell he was kidding.

“It’s my job, Perla.” I smiled.

“My designer just called and my very first grown up, executive apartment is ready. I can move in tonight and I need you to come see it with me because I’m nervous and alone.” I pouted. Gill smiled.

“Grab your things. I’ll meet you at the elevators.” He said glancing over at Andrea. I nodded.

Returning back to my office, I took my purse and briefcase. When I exited my office, I closed the door behind me, “Have a great weekend, Andrea.” I offered with a terse grin. Not waiting for a response, I walked toward the elevators.

I rounded the corner and met up with Gill. Gill held the elevator door for me to enter. I felt like a school girl sneaking out of school, although the work day was effectively done. We bid security a good night and a good weekend before I was stopped.

“Ms. Mercurio. I will call a car for you.” The guard offered. My brow furrowed.

“I don’t need a car. I’m within walking distance of my apartment, which is where I’m going.” I plastered a tight smile.

“Ms. Mercurio. It would be best if you were driven.”

“What is your name?” I asked coldly.

“Joshua Grant.” He responded. I smiled.

“Mr. Grant. I appreciate your concern, but my assistant and I will be walking the three city blocks to my building. I don’t need a car. It would be a waste of company resources to use one. I’m a big girl, and can take care of myself. You have a great weekend, Mr. Grant.” I left him open mouthed and dumbstruck.

“Have you ever seen them fuss over another executive before?” I asked Gill.

He shrugged, “I don’t know. I know they never did with my last guy.” I started to wonder if the car was a way to keep tabs on my movements. The question was, ‘who made the executive decision to keep an eye on me?’

Gill was impressed with my new apartment building. “Wow. You get to live here.” I beamed as we walked into the foyer.

“It’s my first big space and I’m super proud. I don’t know if I’ll live here forever, but for now, this is big for me.” I admitted.

We arrived at my front door which was wide open. I peeked in, and was delightfully assaulted with the most amazing visuals. Magnus changed the colors on me. He chose lavender, spring green, and light grey for the color scheme throughout the open concept living area. The walls remained white per my lease terms, but I didn’t miss the wall color. Magnus put up beautiful black and white pictures of ballet scenes and Boston landscapes in golden frames. Everything looked so lush and sophisticated.

Magnus stood by the window talking on his cellphone. I noticed the pause he took, staring intently past me as he conversed with the party on the other line. I smiled as I realized Gill must have been the object of his attention. Magnus broke his gaze, attending to his conversation. I looked at Gill, and once he realized I was watching him, his gaze broke from Magnus. He smiled meekly at me.

“It looks great.” He confirmed.

“Doesn’t it? I set my things on the counter top of my kitchen. Magnus hung up the phone and approached me. “Magnus. This is amazing!” We double kissed. I turned to Gill.

“Magnus, this is my assistant . . .”

“Gill. How are you?” Magnus interrupted, finishing my sentence. I was surprised they knew each other. They didn’t shake hands, which spoke volumes. My brief knowledge of Magnus as a well-known Boston socialite, a consummate party boy, didn’t register a connection to staid Gill. He’s been in all the local magazines and newspapers. Gill didn’t appear to live the lifestyle or run in the same social circles.

Gill nodded. “I’m well, Magnus.” He looked around. “You’ve outdone yourself once again.” He complimented.

“Thank you.” Magnus responded, never taking his eyes off of Gill. I decided it wasn’t time to ask how they knew each other. I was anxious to see the rest of my place. Magnus walked me through the living room, identifying his choices for décor. He informed me he didn’t have pictures of my family or friends and would leave it up to me, but he left behind some beautiful frames for me to use which matched the design. I hadn’t asked for a television, but he placed one over a beautiful antique console with curvy lines.

“Let me show you your bedroom. I promise you, you will never want to leave your bed.” We followed Magnus to my master.

I entered a room filled with rich colors. My bed was curtained by heavy aubergine draping. My sheets were white and plush. The accessory pillows were aubergine and patterned to match the draping. The side tables flanked each side of the bed and contained a lamp and other accessories. I couldn’t believe how he captured my personality. I made several slow turns, looking at everything he’d installed. Another antique dresser in a mahogany color to match the canopy bed with muted gold pulls, anchored a large mirror opposite my bed.

He explained the art work of a woman in undress on a fabric layered chaise. Near the window, there was a similar chaise with accessory pillows and a lap blanket. He made a haven for me in this room. He showed me I had lighting within the canopy bed which I could turn off and dim with a press of the button. It felt like my own little cocoon. I could escape into my own little safe world where I could read and sleep. There was lighting next to my chaise, but sunlight streaming through the window would also serve as a little reading nook. I couldn’t contain my elation, hugging Magnus and thanking him profusely.

The final touch was my office space. Magnus took the longest wall of the room and placed floor to ceiling bookshelves one either side of a long desk. The shelves had old books, frames, little sculptures and ceramics. The wood bookshelves were stained a French grey. The desk was a white lacquer, which held a few antique milk glass containers with flowers and pencils, pens, and a beautiful lamp. It held space for my laptop.

I turned to look at the full sized bed. The frame was a black ornate frame. The bedding was beautiful and comfortable, adorned with lots of little decorative pillows. There were two small nightstands with small lamps. The wall art was of a jazz club with men and women in beautiful suits and gowns, appealing to the man or woman who would spend time in this room.

“I love everything, Magnus. How did you manage all of this in a few days?”

“It was a team effort.” He smiled. “Well, I have to go, love. I have a dinner to attend.” He kissed my cheek, taking my hand to place my key in my palm. “Gill, it was great seeing you again.” Gill nodded with pursed lips. There was a history there I desperately wanted to know, but wasn’t comfortable enough to ask Gill. We weren’t in a friendship place to reveal such personal information about our lives.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Gill said.

“Hmmm?” I played naïve.

“How do I know Magnus?” Gill answered.

“I don’t want to pry. It isn’t any of my business.” I said, unconvincingly.

“He and I dated while he was in college. I was under the impression we were in love, but he was too immature for a committed relationship.” He paused. “He’s a partier, if you didn’t hear. Even back then, he partied six days a week. On the seventh day he rested.” Gill joked. I smiled.

“It’s obvious both of you still have feelings for each other. There were sparks in the air when he laid eyes on you.”

Gill smirked, “If by sparks, you mean that of a canon ready to take down an already sinking ship, then that’s definitely what happened.” I smiled. “I’m happy. I’ve been seeing a great guy. It’s new, but I’m definitely in for the long haul. What about you?”

I tensed at the question. “I’m divorced. I was seeing someone for a short period of time, but I realized we would never work out. And now, I’m going to stay alone for the rest of my life because I’m done with men.” I admitted.

“Does it have anything to do with Dr. Keene?” He asked.

I stalled, pondering the question. “Yes. We had two very different definitions of a relationship, and it was best we went our separate ways.”

“Talk has it you stole the stocks from him.” I shrieked with laughter, startling Gill. I quickly covered my mouth with my hand.

“Sorry . . . I can assure you, Matt gave me those stocks willingly. He used them as a grand gesture to keep me, but I chose my pride and integrity. It didn’t hurt I created this job for myself. I think I brought a lot to the project, so I’m not sitting around cashing a paycheck.”

“Definitely not. You’ve turned it on its head. There’s so much more to this project than before. It was big, but you launched it into the stratosphere. Everyone is excited about what this will do for the corporation and Boston.” Gill sounded really excited about my ideas.