THE MEETING

Chapter 2

He looks so good……..she thought.

Vanessa was smiling back at him, “Nice to meet you, Gilmore” she responded. And just then, Stephanie came whispered a few words in her ears and she had to excuse herself from the men.

Vanessa Jones was a 24 year old belle. Pretty, smart, and hardworking. She worked with one of the top marketing firms in the city, BrightRidge Strategies, where she quickly rose through the ranks due to her sharp instincts, and creative flair. Known for her poise and professionalism, Vanessa had a natural charm that drew people in—even those like Gilmore, who was very hard to impress.

As she walked away with her best friend Stephanie, her mind still lingered on the brief exchange. Gilmore’s confident smile, and calm demeanor had stirred something in her. She wasn’t easily fazed, but there was something about him that felt different. She made a mental note to ask Stephanie or Lucas more about him later. Stephanie always seemed to have the scoop on someone.

Back at the event, the air buzzed with music and clinking glasses, but for a moment, Vanessa felt herself drifting into thought. Something told her this night was just the beginning. The beginning of something new.

As Vanessa and Stephanie slipped through the throng of guests into a quieter corner of the venue, Stephanie leaned in, her voice hushed but urgent.

“You won’t believe this,” she said, glancing around. “Gilmore—the guy you were just talking to? He’s the new senior consultant on the Elaris account.”

Vanessa blinked, surprised. “Wait, the Elaris project? The one Carter said would make or break Q3?”

Stephanie nodded. “That one. Apparently, they brought him in last minute. Big deal. Quiet reputation, but serious results. And he just asked for you to be point person from BrightRidge’s side.”

Vanessa’s heart skipped a beat. Not just because she was flattered—though she was—but because this was the kind of opportunity that came with high stakes and even higher expectations, plus he barely knows her.

Back at the main hall, Gilmore was talking to Lucas, and Carter, the firm’s director, but Vanessa caught the slight glance he tossed her way. Subtle, unreadable—but intentional.

By the time she returned to the group, the conversation had shifted to business, and Vanessa slipped effortlessly into professional mode. Her posture straightened, her voice calm and assured. She could feel Gilmore observing, assessing. And she was careful enough to avoid his gaze.

Later that night, after the event had ended and the guests filtered out into the city streets, Vanessa stood alone for a moment near the lobby window, watching the lights of downtown flicker. She pulled out her phone and found a new message waiting.

Unknown Number

“Pleasure meeting you tonight, Ms. Jones. I look forward to working together”.

No name. No emojis. Just that.

And still, somehow, it made her smile.

She replied:

“Likewise, Mr. Gilmore. Let’s make it a memorable quarter”.

And as she slipped her phone back into her clutch, she had a feeling this wasn’t just business. Something was unfolding—and she was ready for it.

—

Vanessa opened her eyes to the noise from her alarm by her bedside table, she rubbed her eyes, sat up in bed and said a quick prayer to start her day. The door to her room opened, and Stephanie walked in carrying two cups of coffee.

“I knew you'd be up already, you never miss your alarms. Did you sleep well, Nesa?” she asked handing a cup of coffee to her.

Vanessa chuckled and murmured a thank you. “ Yeah, I did Steph. Got an unexpected text last night though, from a stranger” She said as she got out of her bed, and walked to a corner of her room where her pet rabbit, Lala was in. 

“Unexpected text?. From who??” Steph asked.

“I wasn't even expecting a text yet, how did he get my contact so fast?” she was now whispering to herself. Lala was now in her arms, caressing her arms with her ears. It soothed Vanessa, she likes it when Lala does this.

“You seem to know who sent the text though” Steph winked, and smiled.

“Guess who?” 

“The tall, stairway guy, from last night?” Steph chuckled.

“No…His friend. The CEO”. 

“Omg!!...That reminds me, on your schedule for today, you have a meeting with him, his company I mean. They're coming over to ours. To startup plans for the Elaris account project” Steph said giving her a knowing smile.

Vanessa knew what the smile meant, she could decipher it. “Get away, girl” she tapped Steph who was now laughing.

She got up walked to her wardrobe and started trying out dresses, something she wouldn't usually do. Steph stood up, shook her head and started heading out of Vanessa's bedroom, she usually got to work before her roomie, plus they were in different departments too. “I hope you find the perfect outfit, remember it's work too!” she shouted leaving Vanessa alone again in her room. She placed Lala back in her little house and fed her. Then walked to her wardrobe to get ready for work.

Vanessa finally found something to wear, after sorting through the clothes in her wardrobe, which was now a heap of clothes scattered on her bed. She picked a blue, long sleeved, straight cut dress, with red heels to pair with it. She quickly took a shower, applied lotions and sunscreen and then applied light make-up on her face. She wasn't a make-up person, but she suddenly felt like adding extra effort to her look today. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled, she looked good and she knew it. Satisfied with her look, she then slipped into her dress and heels.

She picked up a red miumiui accessorised tote bag and put in her laptop, phone, lip gloss, perfume and sunshades and stepped out of the house into her car.

She got to work early enough as she expected. Greeted everyone with a bright smile on her face, from the receptionist at the ground floor, to the cleaners and her colleagues at the top floor.

It was going to be a good day, she smiled and pulled up the window blinds in her office. Carter, walked in almost immediately relaxing himself on the chair. 

“Good Morning, Carter” she greeted.

“Pleasant morning Ms. Jones, today seems like a good day. Carter smiled.

“Yes, it sure does” she replied him.

“We'd be having a meeting here this morning concerning the Elaris account project. BlueEdge representatives are coming over to ours, together with their C.E.O.  We have a lot to prep, and put in place before they arrive.”

“Yes, Carter”

“You'd be ontop of all the preparations and report to me by exactly 11:20, the meeting is scheduled for 12. So, we ought to be ready before then. Please, get to me or my secretary in case of any emergencies or whatever”.

“Alright, I should get to work. Later, Carter” 

“Later, Ms. Jones. I trust you with this” He said and walked out.