Taken (13 page)

Chapter Twenty

              “You're coming out with us tonight.” Dana announces over the cubicle wall of my desk. “No excuses. You're coming.” She says, waving her hand through the air.

             
“And why am I doing that?” I ask, cocking my head to the side and giving her a confused half smile.

             
“Because we always go out on Wednesday's and you never come with us. Not to mention the fact that you have been very preoccupied with a certain god like man and your friends are feeling seriously neglected.” She whines, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

             
Guilt plays a round of ping pong in the pit of my stomach at her words. I didn't realize that they felt this way and hearing it now isn't the easiest pill to swallow. “I'm sorry... I didn't realize you felt....”

             
“Oh stop. I'm just giving you shit.” Dana says, laughter lacing her voice. “I'm trying to guilt you into going.... Is it working?” She asks on a 'pretty please' smile.

             
I shake my head but can't contain the smile that turns up the corners of my mouth. “Maybe.” I answer, pinning my eyes on hers. “Maybe not.” I shrug indifferently and turn my attention to my computer screen.

             
“Fail!” She says, smacking her hand on the top of my cubicle wall causing the whole thing to shake.

             
“Fine, I'm in.” I finally cave, knowing I would eventually anyways so why delay the inevitable. “Where are we going anyways?”

             
“We're going to
Bryants
across the street. They have twenty-five cent wings and four dollar pitchers of draft beer.”

             
“Okay, cool. Just grab me when you guys are heading over and I will wrap up.” I say, shooing her away with my hands. “Go, I need to get some work done.”

             
“Such an overachiever.” She signs, spinning on her heels before throwing me a quick half wave over her shoulder. I can't help but laugh as she disappears around the corner.

             
“Addison.” Steven's voice catches me off guard and I spin in my chair to find him standing at the entrance of my cubicle. “I need to see you in my office.” He says and then quickly walks away with no other explanation.

             
My stomach flutters nervously as I rise to my feet and head in the direction of his office that is located along the back wall of the floor. I can't think of anything I might have done wrong so I try not to jump to worst case scenario.

             
Steven's door is open and I rap lightly on the door frame, waiting for him to acknowledge me before I walk in. He looks up and gestures for me to come inside. “Go ahead and close the door behind you.” He says, taking a seat behind his large mahogany desk.

             
My stomach plummets at his words. Closed door meetings usually mean nothing good and for the life of me I can't figure out what I might have done. I push the door closed and quickly make my way to one of the chairs facing Steven's desk. It's a cheap imitation of designer office furniture and while it looks relatively comfortable, it actually is quite the opposite.

             
Steven's office is clean and organized. A college degree hangs on the left wall but there is nothing else to bring the pale gray walls to life. No pictures, no art, just a bareness that leaves the office feeling void of an actual owner. His desk sits along the back wall and there is a bookshelf to the left but other than that, like the walls, the space of the office is bare.

             
I shift in the chair, trying to find a comfortable position before turning my attention to Steven. He flips open a manilla folder on his desk and sorts through it's contents before turning his attention back to me.

             
“How is everything going Addison?” He asks, pushing back in his chair and crossing his arms in front of his chest.

             
I search his face for some type of indication as to what this is about but his face remains neutral, giving nothing away. “Things are good. Really good.” I say. Realizing that I am fidgeting, I smooth my skirt with my hands and then lay them in my lap, doing my best to keep them still.

             
Nervous energy bounces off the walls around us and yet Steven does not seem to pick up on it. Nor does he seem to notice that the anticipation of what this unexpected meeting is about is killing me.

             
He glances down at the file and then back up to me. “First, I want to say how very impressed I am with your stellar job performance. You have managed to accomplish in the matter of months, what it takes most people years to do.”

             
“Which is?” I try to phrase the question in a non sarcastic way but I can still hear the tint of it when it leaves my lips.

             
He raises his eyebrows at me and then shakes his head before continuing. “You have managed to make a name for yourself and as such, have drawn some attention from the senior marketing directors.”

             
“Oh.” The word comes out surprised and gets lost in the air, barely making any noise at all.

             
“Your work on
Bella Vita
was no short of amazing. Being able to join a team half way into a project and not be completely lost is a task in itself. But you handled it wonderfully. The other members of the project were all very impressed with you and the owner of
Bella Vita
even sent a letter to the CEO thanking him for the best planned year to date.”

             
My heart begins thumping rapidly in my chest. Liam. Liam wrote a letter to the CEO of my company? For a moment panic floods through my veins but I fight it off, refusing to let myself go there. I'm sure it was just a friendly thank you and did not even mention me specifically. No reason to freak out.

             
“That's wonderful.” I get my reply out but it doesn't seem sincere.

             
“Yes, yes it is.” He says, once again looking down at the file in front of him and then back to me. “Mr. Mason even went as far as to mention you specifically. Noting that the financial planning for the promotion of this event was the best he had ever seen. So much in fact that he has requested you to plan their annual end of the summer blitz.”

             
“I'm sorry, what?” I ask, leaning forward in my chair as if I am not hearing him right.

             
“Every year
Bella Vita
throws this huge party at the Casino. It's a black tie event and the entire venue is closed to the public for that night only. All the money that they earn goes to various charities, as per usual with these types of events. There will be plenty of time to discuss the details but for now I need you to work on assembling a team for this event.”

             
“What?” The question comes out just as it sounded in my head. Confused and completely taken aback. “You're giving me the lead? You can't be serious? I'm... I can't. I mean, why?”

             
Steven's eyebrows pull together in confusion as he stares at me, long and hard, before finally responding. “Mr. Mason asked for you specifically.” He says, sounding as confused as I feel. “This is an excellent opportunity Addison. I suggest whatever reservations you have you push aside and focus on the task at hand.

             
“You will lead a team of three.” He closes the file in front of him and extends it to me. I hesitantly reach forward and take it before scooting back into my seat. “The overview of the event is in there. Everything you will need to know to get you started. There is also a list of reps and managers in there for you to choose from. I suggest you choose wisely. This is your first time leading a project so you will need a lot of experience and know how on your team. The event is a little under a month away, so I suggest you not waist anytime. We need the promo ads running by the beginning of next week.” He says, standing.

             
I mirror his actions. “Congratulations Miss Grant. A job well deserved.” He says, extending his hand to me. I take it hesitantly and then after a quick shake, release his hand and make my way to the door. But before I push my way through, something else pops into my head.

             
“Sir.” I ask, turning to face Steven who is sitting behind his desk again. “Can I ask you something?”

             
“Ask away.” He says, shoving some papers into his desk before meeting my eyes.

             
“The
Bella Vita
project. Did you select me for that project or was I requested?” I don't miss the way his features tighten at my question and for a moment I regret asking. But then his face softens and he takes a moment before answering.

             
“You were requested.” He finally says before continuing. “But you would not have been given the job if I did not think you were capable so you still earned it in your own right.” He says reassuringly. “Now if you don't mind, I have some calls to make. Is there anything else?”

             
“No sir. Thank you.” I hammer out before pushing my way through the door. I feel disoriented and honestly a little scared as I make my way back to my desk, collapsing in my chair.

             
So Liam was the reason I was given the
Bella Vita
project to begin with. The thought curls my insides a little. I don't want to be given what others deserve, I want to deserve them myself. I want hard work to define me as an employee not who I sleep with. Anger and excitement blend together leaving me feeling even more confused.

             
I am excited about leading my own project and the fact that it is for Liam makes it all the more personal for me. I want to make him proud. But at the same time, I know that had he not requested me, I never would have been asked. And for that I just feel wrong. It's not fair that I am getting to lead my own project when people like Kristina and Sam and hell, even Dana, who have all been here much longer than me, have never been given that opportunity.

             
I consider going back to Steven's office. Telling him that I can't accept the project. But even I know that would most definitely be career suicide. You never shy away from a challenge and you certainly don't turn down major event projects, no matter how they may have fallen into your lap.

             
I don't have any choice in the matter. I know that I have to put on my big girl panties and do exactly what I would do with any other project, which is to give it one hundred percent dedication. The only problem is, this isn't just any other project and taking it, no matter how it fell into my lap, is no doubt going to prove to be a very difficult task.

Chapter Twenty-One

              “You ready?” Dana's voice cuts through my haze and draws my attention away from the file that has been sitting in front of me for over half the day. I flip it closed and push it away from me before turning my attention to her.

             
“Yeah, let's go. Suddenly a drink sounds amazing.” I say, sighing as I stand and gather my things.

             
“Everything okay?” She asks, as we make our way to the elevators, joining Kristina for the ride down. I wait until the doors close behind us before I turn to my two friends.

             
“Everything is not okay. Steven pulled me into his office this morning and gave me my own project.” I say, pushing my back against the wall.

             
“What!” Kristina blurts. “Addie that's amazing. What project? Whose your team? Oh my god, this is so freaking cool!”

             
“Yeah, cool.” I say sarcastically before continuing. “Problem is, it's an event for
Bella Vita
. I'll give you one guess as to how I got the project.” I say, pinning my eyes on Dana.

             
“So it's true?” She asks. “You got the first project because of Liam?” I nod and she continues. “Well we knew that was a possibility right? Besides, who cares how you got it. They wouldn't give it to you if they didn't feel like you could handle it.”

             
I shrug. “I guess. But that doesn't make me feel any better about it. I mean, come on. Seriously? Tell me you wouldn't be upset with Liam if you were in my shoes.”

             
“I'm not saying you shouldn't be. But the fact still remains that the project is yours. Not much you can do about it now. Unless.... Oh god. Don't tell me you are seriously considering turning this down?” Dana barks in disbelief.

             
“We all know that is not an option.” I say on a long sigh. “I'm excited, I am. I just wish I had earned it the old fashioned way. Hard work and dedication. Not because the man I happen to be sleeping with decides to meddle in my career.”

             
“Yeah, that would piss me off too.” Kristina says, shifting her weight. “Are you going to call him? Ask him about it?”

             
“I haven't decided what I am going to do. I mean, I know he's only trying to help, only he's not helping. In fact, he's making things much harder for me. Right now, I just want to have a few drinks and forget this day ever happened.”

             
Kristina laughs. “Sounds like a damn good plan to me.” Dana says as the elevator pings and the doors slide open.

             
We arrive at
Bryants
within a couple of minutes and push our way inside. It's a typical bar and grill. There's a bar section to the left. Filled with bar tables and a U shaped bar in the middle. The outer space is lined with booths and is usually reserved for the more family oriented party.

             
I spot Sam standing next to the bar chatting to the female bartender who seems very caught up in whatever he is saying to her. She lets her head fall back on a laugh and I turn to find Kristina staring at them, only her expression is not shocked like mine. She seems completely un-phased.

             
We make our way over to him, at which point he ceases conversation with the pretty brunette behind the bar and pulls Kristina in a hug. “Bout time you all got here. Come on, we're over here.” He says, leading us to a long bar table in the far corner where several of our co-workers have congregated and are busy chatting and drinking.

             
The evening goes by in a blur. Starting off with light chit chat and quickly turning into laughter and commotion as the waiter continues to refill pitcher after pitcher. By ten in the evening, everyone has cleared out with the exception of me, Dana, Charlie and Matt. I excuse myself to the ladies room for a couple of minutes and then return to find Dana and Charlie kissing so madly I wonder if she is going to just mount him right here and now.

             
I catch sight of Matt, sitting at the far end of the table, seeming very uncomfortable and wondering why he's still even here. I ignore my sex crazed friend and join Matt at the end of the table.

             
“Hey.” I say, taking the seat next to him.

             
“Hey.” He replies, turning his face to look at me.

             
“I'm surprised you're still here. With the x-rated action taking place, I would have thought you would be long gone.” I say on a laugh, gesturing towards Dana and Charlie who are still going at it like wild animals.

             
He lets out a gruff laugh and then turns to meet my eyes. “Not like I have anywhere else to be.” He says on a shrug, his lips turning up into a smile as he takes another drink of beer.

             
I watch him as he does, watching his adams apple bulge as he swallows. My eyes travel the side of his face. Along his chiseled jawline and then to his messy dark blonde hair. I can't believe I never really noticed before but Matt is hot.

             
He sets his glass down and pins his blue eyes on me. “So what about you? Surely you have someone waiting for you to get home.”

             
“Nope.” I say, emptying the contents of my glass and then refilling it from the pitcher in the middle of the table.

             
“Well, cheers to... well..... nothing better to do.” He laughs, clinking his glass with mine. I take a long gulp, loving the crispness of the draft beer as it swishes through my mouth.

             
Two hours later, Dana and Charlie have packed up and moved the party back to her place but me and Matt stayed behind. Both of us two drunk to drive and neither actually wanting to leave.

             
The dinner crowd eventually turns into a drinking crowd and now the bar area is filled with customers and the jukebox blares loudly through the surround sound speakers. The song switches from a pop number into “Talks to Angels” by Tom Petty.

             
“I love this song.” Me and Matt both say in unison before buckling over in laughter.

             
“Come on, let's dance.” He says, grabbing my hand and pulling me from my chair. I stumble and then manage to right myself. He pulls me to a small open area to the left where several other couples are already dancing.

             
We weave in and out of the crowd and find a spot in the middle of the floor before Matt pulls me into his arms. I can feel the firmness of his chest, the definition of his stomach muscles pressed firmly against me. Even with that, I feel no pull to Matt. No sexual longing or the rapid butterflies that Liam leaves me with.

             
Even still, I am having fun. We work together. Dancing does not mean dating and I hope that in my drunken state, I am not leading him on. I like Matt and I hope that we can be friends. I can't help but wonder why I never really noticed him before.

             
We sway back in forth with the music and feeling like I can no longer hold my head up, I rest it on Matt's chest and close my eyes. I'm not sure how long we remained like that. A few seconds, minutes maybe. But when a raspy voice bites through the air, my head shoots up and I spin around forcing Matt to drop his arms from my waist.

             
“What the hell do you think you're doing?” Liam asks, stalking towards me. He stops directly in front of me and looks at Matt, then back to me.

             
“We were just dancing.” I slur out, pushing my way past him and making my way back to our table. I grab my purse and spin around running into Liam's hard chest. I step backwards and look up to him, all the anger I felt from earlier resurfacing.

             
“It looked like a hell of a lot more than that to me.” He says, not trying to hide the accusation in his voice.

             
“Oh don't be fucking ridiculous. We all came here after work and time just got away from me. We both love this song so we decided to dance. That was it.” I say, pushing past Liam towards the exit.

             
His hand shoots out and grabs my elbow, stopping me instantly. I turn my head to look at his hand on my arm and then to his face. “Let go of me Liam.” I say, my voice coming out even and controlled but only just.

             
“Hey, you okay?” Matt appears at my side, looking from me to Liam. “I called a cab. We can share if you want.” He says, studying my face for any signs that I want to get away from Liam.

             
“She's got a ride.” Liam barks, pinning his eyes on Matt.

             
“I think Addison can decide that for herself.” He says, straightening his shoulders to face Liam.

             
Sensing a very unwelcome confrontation about to happen, I interject. “I'm good Matt thanks. I'll see you at work tomorrow.” I say. He studies me for a moment longer before nodding and walking away.

             
“You have no right to be such an asshole to him. He was only being polite.” I say, pulling my arm free from Liam and heading towards the exit.

             
I can feel him behind me as I walk away but I don't turn around until I am outside and the warm night air is blanketing me.

             
“He wasn't being polite Addison. Anyone can see that man was trying to take you home.” He says, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

             
“Don't be ridiculous! He was not trying to take me home.” I say, stepping backwards to put some distance between us.

             
“I'm a man, remember? I know how men think. And I can tell you with one hundred percent certainty that he wanted to fuck you and he would have fucked you had you left with him.” His eyes burn into mine.

             
“Well thank you for just assuming that I would have let anything like that happen. Last time I checked, I'm not you Christopher. I don't just fuck random people for the hell of it.” The words come out dripping with cruelty.

             
“So that's what you think of me?” His features soften and he takes a step towards me. I hold my hands up to stop him from coming any further.

             
“I don't want to get into this right now. I need to get home. I have a lot of work to get done tomorrow but of course you already know this. How could you Liam? How could you interfere with my career without even consulting me first? Do you know how that makes me look? How it makes me feel?”

             
He stares at me for a moment as if choosing his next words very carefully. “I wanted you leading my project. I don't see what's wrong with that.”

             
“Seriously?” I blurt out, not giving him the chance to say more. “You are a real piece of work Mr. Mason. Now if you don't mind. I need to go.” I say, spinning around and catching sight of Matt climbing into his cab. “Hey Matt! Wait up!” I yell, jogging over to the cab. I glance back at Liam who has not moved an inch, before sliding into the cab next to Matt and pulling the door closed.