A Twist of Fate (16 page)

“That dress is
amazing on you Lexi, you have to buy it,” insisted Hannah as I
modelled an amazing red floral lace Scanlan and Theodore gown.

“Where am I
going to wear it? It’s two Grand!” I protested.

“You’ll find an
occasion. Trust me, it’s stunning. I’m buying it for you, I
insist.” Hannah volunteered, handing over her black Amex card to a
very excited attendant.

“Hannah, you
don’t have to do that, I don’t need this dress,” I protested
again.

“Just let
someone do something nice for you without arguing Lexi, ok? Let’s
say we’re doing it for me instead of you.” She cajoled.

“Okay, thank
you.” I conceded and went to change as she completed the
transaction. We had become firm friends in such a short time.

The nights were
more exciting. I’d come home from work and get ready to head to see
the show. Sometimes I’d have company, sometimes I went alone. Every
show was better than the last. They put it all on the line, night
after, night - giving their hearts and souls to the fans. I’d watch
from the wings, mesmerized. I had such a huge respect for each and
every one of them, even Dan was growing on me. It was staggering
how good they were, especially James and Alex who performed
flawlessly every night. They worked every inch of the crowd, it was
incredible to watch. Alex would catch me staring from time to time
and would give me a nod of acknowledgement. I could watch him for
hours and never get bored, he was so compelling. I understood the
attraction these girls had. I may not have a sign saying so, but I
was captivated by him. I wanted him and only him.

I never
ventured backstage again. I let Alex do his job without worrying
about my feelings and I knew that at some point I had to trust him.
It was a massive step for me but I reasoned that if he’d wanted to
be with someone else, he would be. He had plenty of opportunity and
yet each night he’d come back to his hotel room alone where I was
waiting.

Our time
together so far had been mind-blowing; we never seemed to tire of
each other. It was primal yet pure. We each had a need that only
the other could fill, not resting till exhaustion set in. I wanted
him constantly, almost irrationally and he seemed to feel the same
way. I loved it and yet it unnerved me, I was not willing to
relinquish all control. Alex had me one hundred percent physically,
there was nothing we hadn’t done at least once but emotionally, I
held back. I was guarded and he knew it.

“Stay with me”
were always his parting words.

“You know I
can’t,” I would respond.

“Can’t or
won’t?” he’d challenge as he tried to crack my tough veneer.

“Does it
matter? Isn’t this enough? I love what we have.” I tried to soothe
his disappointment.

“I want you to
stay with me. One day Lexi, you’ll stay.” He affirmed.

“Maybe, but not
today.” I left, as always, and went home to sleep alone.

Most nights I’d
lie awake for hours after, his scent still lingering on my skin. I
knew this was more than just sex and it scared the hell out of me
but I couldn’t stop. I didn’t want to stop. I just had to keep it
in perspective. I could do this. I could play close to the flame
and not get burnt. I just had to be smart.

My phone buzzed
as it did most nights.

- Are you sleeping?
Alex xx

- If I was, I’m not
now Lexi xx

- You can come punish
me for waking you if you like

- It’s not punishment
if you enjoy it!

- What if I try not to
enjoy it?

- What if you try to
go to sleep?

- I would if you
stayed with me

- You’re delusional if
you think that we’d sleep if I stayed!

- Sleep is overrated.
Are you naked?

- Alex! Sleep! -Lexi
xx

- Are you mad yet? I
like you mad -Alex xx

My face hurt
from my stupid grin; yep we both needed a program and possibly a
sponsor. I was sure I wouldn’t be able to go cold turkey. I knew
that it would have to come to end, in two days they were moving on
to Sydney and I was working with them remotely, flying up when
needed. It was going to end. It was just a matter of time.

“Lexi. Meeting
in 10 minutes, Boardroom!” Kate demanded as I looked up from my
computer screen. My mood was flat and despondent. If I was honest I
would admit it was the impending departure of Alex that soured me,
but I rationalized it was my period that was due any day.

Periods didn’t
bother me; they were a part of life, part of being a woman. In fact
they made me feel strangely superior. Name another mammal that can
bleed for 5-7 days straight and not die? It was just the moodiness
that I hated and the fact I could devour a packet of Tim Tams and
not bat an eye. Yum, Tim Tams.

“Trouble again
Lexi?” Matt smiled; it seemed the only time we spent together these
days was at work. I missed our witty banter and just plain hanging
out. I would have to remedy that.

“Trouble’s my
middle name.” I poked my tongue out.

“Very mature!”
Matt laughed as I switched off my monitor and left my desk.

I strolled to
the Boardroom, the place reserved for Kate’s more “important”
meetings. I felt slightly unnerved, why the Boardroom? Why not her
office? Was I getting fired? Sure I hadn’t spent as much time as
usual in the office over the past two weeks but I had hit every
target and achieved every objective. I had never missed a deadline
and my work was always completed to its usual high standard. I
hesitated before opening the door and taking a deep breath as I
stepped in.

Seated at the
large rectangular wooden table was James, Alex, Sol (Asshole
lawyer), Kate and a woman I didn’t recognise. Whoever she was, she
had expensive taste. She wore a tailored black power suit (possibly
Armani?) sky high, peep toe Jimmy Choos and her Hermes Kelly
handbag rested closely beside her. I estimated that the better part
of ten grand was being worn by the mystery woman. Her sleek brown,
shoulder length hair and flawless makeup mirrored her immaculate
appearance.

“Hello Lexi,
we’ve spoken on the phone. I am Christine Duquesne.” She extended
her manicured hand to greet me. “Please call me Chris,” she
insisted, her broad no nonsense New York accent commanding
authority as we shook hands.

“Hi Chris, it’s
a pleasure to finally meet you. What brings you to Melbourne?” I
asked. I was not feeling the slightest bit intimidated, but I was
in awe. Chris Duquesne was Power Station’s manager. More than that,
she owned one of the largest talent management firms in New York
City. She was strong, yet feminine, and unlike Sol, didn’t need to
power play. She had it in spades. In the couple of brief
conversations I’d had with her on the phone I had learned to
appreciate her brilliance. She had helped pluck the band from
obscurity and secured them a multi-million dollar recording
contract. In an industry dominated by males, her instinct had
always been astute.

“Well, it seems
we have some business to discuss, Lexi. Please, take a seat.” She
gestured to the chair. My bewildered gaze shifted from Kate to Alex
and on to James, wondering why Chris was here and obviously calling
the shots. I settled into my seat and Chris slid me a black bound
folder, similar to a business report. She took her seat and picked
up her Mont Blanc pen. “Lexi, I’m sure you are wondering why you
are here. Your time, as mine, is very valuable so I will cut to the
chase. The band would like to offer you a full time position. This
would entail you leaving your current role with Cole to be solely
contracted to my client. In addition to your salary, which we will
negotiate, we will provide you with an office space and apartment
in New York as this is where you will be based should you accept
our offer.” To say I was shocked would have been an understatement.
My eyes were opened so wide, I felt they would literally pop out of
my head. I looked over at Kate who was surprisingly calm.

“Excuse me?” I
questioned.

“I understand
this is a little out of left field, Lexi, but James and Alex feel
very strongly about you continuing to represent them. I understand
you have a personal relationship with Kate, so I thought it best if
we approached her and extended our offer above board. We have been
very pleased with our business dealings thus far with Cole and
would like our relationship to end amicably. Likewise, we shall be
compensating Kate accordingly for any loss she may experience.”
Chris nodded toward Kate who was smiling broadly.

“Wait a second!
You knew about this?” I turned to Kate, completely blindsided by
all parties involved.

“Lexi, you are
capable of so much more than what you are doing here. I know you’ve
been bored lately and you should be running your own business,
instead of working for mine. This is an amazing opportunity for
you, and one I know you will excel in. I will not be responsible
for holding you back. And anyway, think of all the headaches you’re
going to save me!” Kate’s eyes glistened slightly. She had been so
good to me, it was at Cole where I was able to establish myself and
build my reputation. It was a mutually beneficial agreement that
had seen her business grow tenfold since my appointment. She was
also my friend and I would miss her. Did I want this? Was I willing
to turn my back on my old life? Move Continents?

“What about you
two? Anything you want to say to me?” I questioned James and Alex,
struggling to look at them.

“Lexi, I don’t
have people I don’t trust working for me. It doesn’t work. I need
someone who has got our backs. You have proved that time and time
again. We need you. I need you. Whatever your terms, we will
agree.” James answered.

“Terms are
still to be negotiated within reason” interjected Sol.

“No, she gets
whatever she wants. End of story,” affirmed Alex.

“I understand
it’s a lot to take in. I have prepared a prospectus for your
consideration.” Chris pointed to the bound folder in front of me.
“Inside is a contract amongst other things and your remuneration
will be discussed should you accept the offer. Of course all costs
involved in your relocation will be covered. If you have any other
requirements or requests we can amend the contract accordingly.
James and Alex have made it quite clear that we will accommodate
any requests and/or conditions and I like to make my clients
happy,” she smiled.

“Within
reason.” Sol interrupted again.

“Sol, you are
here purely as legal consult. As no contract has been signed nor
negotiated I would say your input is moot at this point. So I
suggest you sit down, shut up and let me do my job.” Chris
asserted. HA! In your face, asshole! It was clear who held the
winning hand in this game of standoff!

“Well thank you
for your time ladies. I’m sure I have given you a lot to consider.
Lexi, you have my cell number should you have any questions.” Chris
turned to Kate. “Kate, I have appreciated your assistance on this.
It’s been a pleasure.” Chris and Kate shook hands warmly. Chris
turned back to me, “Lexi, you have a very bright future in front of
you, regardless of your choice. Please give our offer some serious
consideration and allow me to alleviate any of your concerns should
you have any before you make your final decision. I would very much
like the opportunity to work with you.” Chris shook my hand and
took her exit, Sol followed closely behind as Kate saw them
out.

James and Alex
sat back down in their seats, “Can we talk Lex?” James began.

“What do you
want to talk about?” I asked calmly.

“Are you mad?”
smiled Alex.

“As much as you
would enjoy that, no I’m not. I’m flattered. However, I’m not going
to make a snap decision about my life right now. I need some time,”
I offered.

“Sounds
reasonable,” James agreed.

“It’s your last
show tonight, you should probably go. I’ll see you later.”

I stood up and
attempted to leave. Alex grabbed my arm. “Give me a second
James.”

“Play nice you
two. I don’t think Kate would like her fancy Boardroom trashed,”
James cautioned and walked out.

Alex circled
me, his eyes heated. “Lexi,” he murmured.

“Alex, I have
not made my decision, I want to talk to Kate and consider my
options,” I rebutted.

“I’m not going
to try and influence you, I just wanted you to know I WANT this,”
he breathed. He placed his hands around my waist and drew me in
close. He pushed my hair to the side and kissed me softly from the
base of my neck to my ear lobe. “I want YOU,” he whispered in my
ear.

“But you aren’t
trying to influence me or anything.” I mused.

“No, I just
wanted to make sure there was no confusion as to what my intentions
are.” He coaxed.

“And what may
they be?” I asked.

“For this not
to end.” He paused kissing me passionately. “Regardless of whether
you take this job or not,” he breathed, “I don’t want this to
stop.” His hands trailed up my back as he pulled me closer to his
chest.

“Okay.” I
conceded.

“Okay?” He
questioned.

“Regardless of
the job, this does not have to stop.” I assured.

“That’s all I
wanted to hear,” he drawled, his arms locked solidly around my
body.

“I need to go
talk to Kate.” I pulled away from his embrace.

“I’ll see you
tonight.” It was a statement not a question.

“Yes, tonight,
after the show,” I confirmed. He kissed me again and then walked
out the door.

I slumped back
into a chair, unable to control my thoughts. I heard the clatter of
heels and knew Kate was back. “Well, Well. I knew this day would
eventually come.” She sighed.

“Kate, I
haven’t decided yet,” I assured.