Tempo (7 page)

“Why did you lie to me?”  Stepping back he looks like I just punched him in the gut. I have obviously hit a nerve.

The volume of his voice is rising steadily. It levels off as he reaches the tone and inflection meant to intimidate me. “There seems to be a lot of accusations flying today. Like you, I don’t lie. Ever. I told you my name is Michael. You never asked my last name and I didn’t offer it. End of story!”

“Oh no mister, this is only the beginning. You knew who I was and yet you let me make a fool of myself. I even shared my dream house and my silly magazines with you. I fell asleep on your shoulder and well, you know what happened after that. You could have warned me. I showed up here thinking I was going to meet Vincent Scarpetti and instead there you stood. You are such a typical male!”

“Typical male! I don’t even know what to say to that!” I behaved like the gentleman I was raised to be. I was just a guy on a flight that happened to sit by a pretty girl. I had no idea who you were until you said your name, but when I picked up all of those magazines I knew for sure.  I didn’t lie, I just didn’t elaborate. If I had told you I was Vincent Scarpetti you wouldn’t have felt free to be yourself. You would have begun your pitch right then to win the bid. I was tired and I wasn’t in the mood to talk business. I liked the girl on the plane. She was witty and funny and she wasn’t impressed with who I was.”

“I am not impressed with who you are Mr. Scarpetti, you’re not a nice man and you’re no gentleman. I think you planned that trip and knew who I was from the beginning. Maybe it was another one or your sneaky behind the scene investigations.”

“Be careful Ms. McKenna,” he warns.

“Of what Mr. Scarpetti? Are you threatening me? I have met your kind before and quite frankly like your father, you all belong in prison.”

His face is red and he looks as if he is barely able to control himself. I know that I have gone too far.

“Leave!  Now!”

“Great! Now I am fired? Perfect!”

“Leave this office immediately and call your boss. Ask her who made your flight reservations and hotel accommodations. I had nothing to do with them. My only input was that the designers fly first class and stay at the Four Seasons. You could have flown any airline, been on any flight, it was just coincidence that you were on mine. Go call your boss so we can put this behind us. I am not my father, Ms. McKenna. It will serve you well to remember that.”

Heading to the door I hear him bark at me. “Tonight seven o’clock
sharp, and don’t be late!”

Exiting the office, I all but run for the elevator. What happened in there? I have never in my life stood up to someone like that. What is happening to me? Who is this person?  Even at the worst moment of my life, I hung my head and walked away. When Evan stood there laughing at me, mocking me, I did nothing. His secret broke me!
It’s about time you rejoined the world. Welcome back to life Karlie.
Somehow I made it all the way to the street without knowing how. Oh what have I done? I could lose this contract because I decided somewhere inside me to finally stand up to a bully. Was he bullying me? I can hardly remember the conversation. I only know that something about that man puts my back up.
You like him and that scares the hell out of you.
I don’t like him, I find him to be… oh I am so confused. Now I am going to have to call Anna, tell her that we made it through the first round only to be fired because I couldn’t shut my mouth.  The twenty-two minute walk to my hotel gives me time to cool down and clear my head. I have to salvage this situation somehow. I am hoping that Anna can give me some advice. Walking through the lobby, I head straight to the elevator. As I reach my hand out to press the call button, Joshua calls my name.

“Ms. McKenna, a package was left for you at the desk a few minutes ago, let me fetch it for you.” Joshua quickly retrieves the package and hands it to me. Reaching for my purse, Joshua shakes his head, telling me a tip is not necessary. The “package” is actually a Styrofoam take out container. Written in familiar writing across the top are the words, YOUR NOTES. Opening the container I am shocked to find my toilet paper scrolls neatly rolled and placed side by side in the box. I don’t know if I should be happy or mortified. I didn’t even realize I had left them behind. So much has happened today. Did I really draw a design plan on toilet paper? I can see another paper tucked under the scrolls, pulling it out I see his handwriting. There are only seven words and they are written all in caps.

DINNER AT SEVEN, DON’T BE LATE!

Michael

“Grrrrr! That man is driving me crazy. What nerve. I won’t be late. I am never late.
Except this morning and at lunch!
I end up on the 39
th
floor without even realizing I had stepped into the elevator.  I head for room 3915 absolutely positive I have lost my mind.

Safely in my room, I disrobe and pull on some sweatpants and a T-shirt. I have three hours before I have to meet Mr. Pushy in the steakhouse. I hang my clothes, brush my teeth and check my e-mail. I doing everything
I can to waste as much time as possible so that I can avoid my talk with Anna. Knowing I can’t put it off any longer, I grab my phone, a notepad and I sit Indian style on the big king sized bed.

Dialing the number, the phone rings several times before I hear Anna’s voice. “Hi, Karlie!”

“Hi, how are you?” I ask meekly.

“Well, things could be less hectic. What happened today? Tell me exactly what you did today!”

Panic begins to rise. She knows already. Where do I begin? Do I start with the flight or do I go directly for the reason I am being let go. “So much has happened today, where do you want me to begin?” I look down at my hands and see that they are shaking. I feel sick to my stomach and I fear I may lose the Caesar salad from lunch.

“I just got off the phone with Michael. I guess that was what the M stood for on his dossier. He had quite a bit to say. Anyway, he called to congratulate me on our making it to round two.” Uh-oh, here it comes.  “He also informed me that during some down time you created the perfect patio design for the rooftop venue. He has decided to use our firm for that project. I have been busy putting together the contract for him to sign. What a boon Karlie! He mentioned something about toilet paper rolls
, but I had no idea what he was talking about. He said you used unconventional methods, but he respected your resourcefulness, and courage. He did say that you were late twice and hoped that was not the norm for you.  If I didn’t know better I would have thought he was describing someone else. The Karlie I know is sweet and compliant, well prepared, and easy-going and never late. Regardless, I am so proud of you. Michael tells me that the final decision will be made on Monday in regards to the bigger picture. Tonight he plans to give you and the other designer your assignment. That sounds like such fun. It’s almost like a game. Just make sure you don’t lose. You will have the weekend to work on your project and will be asked to present it on Monday morning. I will be around all weekend to help you if you need advice or just a sounding board. Now, tell me about our client.”

Stunned by the turn of events. I am speechless.

“Karlie, are you there?”

“Yes, Yes I am here. I was just thinking of how to describe Mr. Scarpetti. Um…  he is driven and has very specific ideas. He seems somewhat aloof and some may perceive that as arrogant. I believe that Tempo is more than a hotel to him. It seems very personal.”

“He seemed charming on the phone. Is he nice looking?”

“He is a nice looking man.” Feeling uncomfortable talking about Michael, I look around and try to find a distraction. I need to hang up and process this new information.

“Anna, I need to go soon because we have a dinner meeting and I need to shower and change before I head to the lobby.” The mention of the lobby reminds me that I need some information from Anna about my travel and lodging arrangements. “Anna, before I hang up I needed to ask you who made my travel arrangements.”

“Why, is something wrong?”

“No, no I was just wondering how I ended up on that particular flight and how I got so lucky to have such a lovely suite. It must be costing a fortune.”

“Brenda made all of your flight arrangements. She was going to put you on a later flight
, but I was afraid if you got there too late, you wouldn’t have the time you needed to prepare and get rest. The noon flight got you to Las Vegas six hours earlier. As far as your hotel arrangements, the client insisted you stay at the Four Seasons and in a suite of our choice. He wanted to make sure that you had a place that gave you enough room to sleep, eat, relax and work since this project could be long term. The location was picked because it’s at the end of the strip, where there would be less noise, traffic and distractions. He seems very committed to provide you with everything that you need. The hotel is outrageously expensive, but the client is paying and whatever he wants, he gets.”

“Thanks for clarifying and please thank Brenda for the lovely accommodations.”

“Brenda only made the reservations; you should be thanking Mr. Scarpetti for the stay.”

Feeling like I have a lot to be thankful for today, I say goodbye to Anna and promise to call her tomorrow. Collapsing on my bed, I am in utter disbelieve at the turn of events today. This is the second time this week that I thought I was being let go. Once again I was wrong.  Wondering where things went awry, I replay the day in my head.

I keep hearing him say “Go now, so we can put this behind us.” What does he want to put behind us. The arguing? The attraction? I feel something when I am around this man. It teeters between attraction and hate. He muddles my brain. He infuriates me. In spite of these opposite reactions my body sings in his presence. I don’t understand any of this. This would have been the perfect time to call my mom. Releasing an audible sigh I have no more time to live in the past. I have a dinner to get ready for. It’s five o’clock and I need a shower. Stripping out of my sweatpants and T-shirt I stand naked in front of the mirror. Reaching up, I release my hair from the elastic band and let it fall past my shoulders. My nipples pucker under the movement sending a tingling feeling from my toes to my head. Tossing my mane back to remove the stimulation, I stare at my reflection. I am tall and thin with breasts too small and hips too wide. I turn in front of the mirror, the heart shaped birthmark on my right hip grabs my attention. It shines like a beacon of shame.
The shame doesn’t belong to you.
I know that she’s right, but the image of that heart peeking through as his body entwined with mine fills me with shame.

Stepping into the shower, I let the water run over me. It cleanses my soul, washing the ugliness of my past away. Feeling fresh and revived I start to formulate my plan of attack. I will not go down without a fight. I feel energized and alive. Those women may have laughed at me today
, but tonight I will emerge the victor. Wrapped in a towel I head to the closet. I want to send a message tonight. One that says I am in charge and I am a force to be reckoned with. Laughing I hear my inner voice shout out
I am woman hear me roar
! Deciding on a little black dress and tall boots, I head to the bathroom to ready myself. Tonight calls for drama. I powder my skin creating a flawless palette. I line my eyes dramatically with charcoal liner making my hazel eyes really pop. I apply mascara, blush, and fill my lips with my favorite lip color. I debate on what to do with my hair. A ponytail is my go to style, but tonight I need something a little edgier. Twirling my hair, I fashion it into a French twist. The dichotomy of soft and severe is perfect.  Slipping on the little black dress, I look in the mirror and like what I see. Little is an understatement, every curve I have is accented by the cut and tailoring of this dress. Looking over my shoulder I can see panty lines. Normally I would be wearing pantyhose or Spanks, but I didn’t think I would need them here in the sweltering heat of Las Vegas. Looking once again at the distinctive lines, I decide that my only alternative is to dine without panties.  Panties removed and boots on, the girl looking back at me in the mirror looks nothing like me. She looks confident and powerful and … sexy. Looking to accessorize I grab a long gold chain and instead of placing it around my neck I unlatch it and create a belt. Encircling my waist I attach the chain about six inches from the end. This leaves a tail that points straight to the juncture of my thighs. I am being so naughty. A spray of perfume and I am out the door.

Arriving at Charlie Palmer Steak I check in with the host. “Hi, I am meeting a group here at seven.”

“The name of the person who made the reservation?”

“I imagine it would be under Scarpetti.”

“Yes, of course. You are Ms. McKenna correct?”

Wondering how he gathered my name from so little information I nod in affirmation.

“Please follow me.”

Walking through the restaurant I take in the warm gold hues of the wall coverings and rich mahogany of the furniture. Red velvet upholstered chairs surround intimate tables. The dim lighting creates an intimate atmosphere. As we walk toward the back of the restaurant I find myself searching for him. Turning to the right I am guided to a corner table out of the way. My body knows he is there before my eyes find him. The tingling begins in my chest and spreads outward reaching every cell of my body. He sees me approach
, but I cannot decipher the look in his eyes. His pupils seem larger and darker; his eyes are captivating. He raises his brows and looks at me. His eyes are questioning. The tension between us is rising. Michael rises and walks to me. Appraising me, his eyes travel from tip to toe, stopping just a minute too long at my makeshift belt. The blood rushes to my face. What was I thinking? I am way out of my league. Pulling out my chair, I sit as he gently guides the chair up to my knees. As he moves behind me, his hand brushes my back from shoulder to shoulder. I can feel the goose bumps rise on my skin. Looking around the table I realize that we are not alone. Tina sits across from me looking surprised with maybe a hint of envy. Right then I know I have chosen the right dress.