Bewitched by the Businessman

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

San Francisco, California

Present Time

She sat up, disoriented, and looked around her room. When she realized that she was in her condo and that she was alone, she relaxed. A quick glance at the clock told her it was around six AM. She had another hour before she needed to get ready for work, but she was too awake now for any more sleep.

She had been having the same nightmare the past few nights. The only thing that could have triggered them was her best friend, Erin, moving to San Francisco. She hadn’t seen much of Erin yet, but she was still happy to have her here. It had been way too long since they had last seen each other.

Erin finally left her loser boyfriend and moved a few blocks away. She had been hired by an advertising company that was sure to keep her busy, but Lillian wasn’t going to allow that to deter from their time together. She hadn’t seen Erin since moving away from Portland all those years ago. Lillian hated severing all ties from her previous life, but it had been necessary.

They had remained in contact through phone calls, and when Erin discovered her boyfriend was cheating, it was a perfect excuse to lure her to San Francisco. It had taken a lot of convincing, but Erin had finally, reluctantly agreed. Lillian couldn’t be happier.

She just wished the nightmares would go away. It had been years since she last had one.

For right now, though, she knew just what to do. She slowly made her way to her bathroom. She filled a glass with water and grabbed two of her anti-anxiety pills.

She decided a run was just what she needed to calm the thoughts rattling around in her head. As soon as she panted home, she rushed to get ready for the day, then headed off to work at Graham and Dunn PR Agency, one of the leading firms in the area.

She found she had a knack for talking to people; she knew all about maintaining the image one wanted to project. She had received her G.E.D. and, with the help of a counselor, figured out this field was the perfect place for her.

One bachelor’s degree and lots of PR work later, she landed her big job with Graham and Dunn. She started at the bottom with them, but quickly made a name for herself. Once she snagged her first big client, they had given her more A-listers to take care of. She had everything a girl could wish for. Great condo, great job, and now her best friend; life was perfect.

“Morning, Judy,” she greeted the secretary as she walked into the building.

“Morning, Ms. Guthrie.” Judy chirped, bubbly as ever.

Lillian barely got to her desk and set down her briefcase when Jerry, her boss, appeared.

“Morning Jerry,” she said without looking up. He made a habit of sneaking up on employees. She wasn’t sure if it was subconscious or not, but it certainly creeped her out to no end. She hated it, but he was her boss so she couldn’t really get too mad. She knew to expect it, at least, after four years.

“Lil, glad you could join us.” Jerry scowled, trying to sound intimidating.

She looked at the clock on her desk. She was early. She was always early.

What’s his problem?

“What’s going on, Jerry? I’m always here at this time. Rain, snow, or shine.”

Jerry snorted.

“It doesn’t snow here.”

“It’s snowed before, it’s just rare. It was a figure of speech. But I don’t think you came to my desk to talk about the weather, so what’s up?”

“I have a job for you.” He handed her a manila folder. “Ivory Towers and Luxury Suites. It’s a very popular hotel in Los Angeles; the owner, Garrett O’Connell, called us to do some damage control. It seems one of his employees got into a fight with a patron. Wasn’t pretty.”

She had heard of Ivory Towers. Her company helped get their feet off the ground. O’Connell Advertising, Erin’s company, had done all their promotion.

There was a Jason O’Connell that lived in her building. She had seen him in passing and sometimes they even shared a few words. He was hotter than sin, but gave off a serious ‘leave me alone’ vibe. Hopefully, this O’Connell was better to deal with. She wondered if they were any relation to each other

“So, why not give it to someone local?” Someone who didn’t have to drive five and a half hours to get there.

His face turned red, his eyes bugged out. No one ever questioned him when he gave an assignment.

“Because I said so. That’s all you need to know.”

She held her hands up in surrender.

“Fine, I get it. So, who did the employee get in a fight with?” She started flipping through the file and gasped when she saw who it was.

No wonder they want me in on this. It’s Derek Starr.

Her first big client. He had gotten in trouble for fighting before, though the last time it was with his girlfriend. It had taken weeks to clean up his image.

Realizing his job was done, Jerry headed back to his own office. She didn’t blame him. She was going to be here a while.

She set to work pouring over the file. It appeared Derek stayed at the hotel with a new belle and wanted to keep it quiet. The employee, Samuel, was awestruck and approached Derek the moment he heard Derek was staying there. If there was one thing she had learned about Derek, it was that he hated people falling all over him and bringing unwanted attention. Especially when he was with an unknown woman, most likely trying to get lucky.

When Samuel kept pressuring him for an autograph or picture, Derek took matters into his own hands. Literally. He punched Samuel, breaking out a fight. Hotel security and media were all over it in minutes. This was not going to be easy to clean up. Derek had a temper with a two-second fuse. Time to go to work.

Lillian opened Derek’s file on her computer and gained access to his social media accounts. It was one of the cool perks of her job. She could post messages as him or as any of her clients.

Usually, celebrities don’t have time for social media, so they hire companies to do it for them. Derek wouldn’t care. He hated being in the limelight. He once told her he wanted his batting to do the talking for him. Well, obviously, it could sing too.

She made a few calls to both Derek and the hotel’s people. She could fly down in a few days, but would do as much as she could from her office first. She would have to arrange plenty of PR events for Derek for the next few days to get him back in some positive light. This shouldn’t be new to him; they had done this only two years ago.

The sun was nearly setting when she finally finished all that she could do just now. It had been a long, grueling day. Derek’s assistant had called her almost hourly, hounding her to move faster. It wasn’t like you could change your image in a matter of hours, especially after attacking someone.

She put out some messages on social media, which were not well received, and arranged for Derek to make some public appearances around Los Angeles. Not everyone was thrilled about this. He had been dubbed the bad guy, so, of course, not all businesses wanted him around.

Getting Mr. O’Connell’s people on board had been a lot easier, plus, their PR was a breeze. Now she just needed to finalize things and book a flight.

She hated going through the whole flight process. It would take her half the time to just drive, but she needed that time to get everything in order. She would go down tomorrow or the next day, and get things resolved.

Lillian was just walking into her building after getting home from work, when her phone buzzed. She couldn’t help but smile when Erin’s name popped up.

“So, how was it?”

“Let's see.” Erin sounded drained. Lillian wished she could do something for her. The best she could do at the moment was listen. It’s what she had been doing for years. She should have been a therapist, that way she would have at least been paid for it. “I almost got ran over by a bicyclist, I spilled my Caramel Macchiato all over my brand new white dress, I was ten minutes late to my desk, and my boss gave me one of the worst cases to handle.” Poor Erin. Her accident-proness hasn’t diminished at all. If anything, it’s worse, or she’s just having a really off day. Her accidents always seem to increase when she’s nervous. Moving to a new town and working at a new company would do that to a girl.

It had always been a sore subject for Erin. Since the day they met, Erin was a walking nightmare. Always tripping over air, spilling something. Lillian always stuck by Erin, trying to shield her from the worst, but the kids at school when they were growing up were relentless.

“I’m sorry sweetie. Your boss sounds like a tool. Want to come over for a drink?” Lillian offered. She really needed to pack and get a little more work done, but her best friend needed her. Erin was worth the small delay.

Erin sighed heavily, not needing words to convey how much stress she was under.

“Not tonight. I still have some work I want to get done.” It was a lame excuse, and she wasn’t going to let Erin get away with it.

Lillian tsked. “You can't always work like this, Erin. You came here for a fresh start. So, start by doing something different.” An image of the perfect man came to mind. He was the ideal distraction for Erin, sure to get her out of her funk and back in the game. “There’s this total s*x god in my building. He’s dark and mysterious.” Her voice took on a dreamy tone. Jason O’Connell is every girl’s fantasy. Romance books were based off him. He isn’t my type, but he’s perfect for Erin; Erin needs a man to challenge her.

“Lil,” Erin scolded, “I came here to get away from men, not to find one.”

“Unless you move to an abandoned island, you’ll be surrounded by men. I wasn’t telling you to run out and get laid. It never hurts to look, though. What’s the saying? It’s okay to window shop as long as you don’t try them on or put on layaway.” Lillian was almost offended Erin thought she was just trying to get her laid, even if it was half true.

Erin laughed. “I’ll think about it.”

Lillian knew it was a lie. She would back off for now. Once Erin sees Mr. Penthouse she’ll be singing a different tune.

“No, you won't.” She tittered, not offended at all. She knew Erin was dealt a devastating hand by her boyfriend. He had been her whole world since 7th grade. To have him cheat on her with not one, but two different women, was the lowest blow possible.

“You got me. But only drinks, no men.” Erin said as sternly as she could.

“Maybe for you.” Lillian snickered.

Once Erin saw some of the men cruising the bay area she would change her mind. You couldn’t compare the guys of Portland with the ones here.

She thought of the mysterious man in her building she had initially suggested. He was tall, dark, and handsome. He was reticent; she knew virtually nothing about him other than how good he looked and that he lived in the penthouse. She did find him oddly compelling. He would be the perfect distraction for Erin. She just needed to get Erin to come over to her building.

“You’re incorrigible.” Erin teased. Erin was starting to sound lighter and happier than when she first called. It was a start.

“You wouldn’t have me any other way.” She had missed Erin. Neither beat around the bush about anything. It was a refreshing break from everyone else she had been surrounded by all her life. They were all out to gain something from someone. From the first day they had met, she knew she and Erin were going to be the best of friends.

“No, I wouldn’t. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t convinced me to move here, Lil.” The tears made Erin’s voice warble.

Uh oh. Lillian hated tears. They never fixed anything and just made you feel horrible. And look blotchy. She wasted years crying over something that couldn’t be changed. She needed Erin to refocus. Or, heaven help her, she might start crying, too. And she hadn’t cried in years.

“No. Don’t you start crying. He’s not worth it, Erin. He never deserved you. I told you that back in middle school, and it’s still true.” She said sternly.

“I know.” Erin tried clearing her throat. “I should have listened to you from the beginning.”

“Duh.” Lillian racked her brain, trying to steer the conversation away from that douchebag. “Why don’t I come over, and we can have a few drinks.” She suggested. I can bring over a bottle of wine and we can veg out in front of the TV. I still had phone calls to make, but they can wait.

“Not tonight, Lil. I’ve had a crap day at work. I just need to go home and unwind. Maybe tomorrow I’ll be more up for it.”

“I don’t think you should be alone right now,” Lillian argued. She loved the gal, but sometimes Erin was just so stubborn.

“I’m a big girl, Lil. I’m 26 years old. I can handle a night by myself.” She knew Erin really did want her to come over, but was just trying to put on a brave face.

“Erin...” she growled.

“Lil, look I’m already over at my place. I’ll call you tomorrow after work. I’ll be fine.” Erin defended.

“Fine, my-” She started, only to be cut off.

“Lil! I mean it. I can’t argue with you anymore. I need a really tall glass of wine and to just forget about this whole day.” Erin sounded like she was hanging on by a thread. Any moment now the tears would come spilling out; Lillian did not want to be around for that.

“Alright, I know when to cede defeat. But you owe me. Drinks Friday. Top of the Mark. I’ll text you the address.” Drinks can cure almost anything. Besides, there’s only so much pushing I can do.

“Whatever you say, Lil.” She said flatly.

She hung up and fired up her laptop. To help both Mr. O’Connell and Derek, she thought a charity event would be a good move. She did some research on low-key charities that needed support, but couldn’t afford much publicity. Something local. Doing something big for your community was always helpful.

After twenty minutes, she found something. A small public school was in serious need of a new roof and new gym equipment. Derek could teach the kids about sports and get the school some much needed attention.

She stood up to stretch. I could use a vacation. Too bad Los Angeles is only a business trip. I would love nothing more than to lounge at the beach all day and maybe find a boy or two to flirt with.

After her past, she would have expected to have zero interest in s*x, but it was a useful tool to shut off her brain and just feel. No talking needed. She only ever had brief one-night affairs. No strings attached. She didn’t want deep or meaningful relationships. Look at Erin. She had been in a relationship for ages, and it still ended in disaster. Though Lillian’s parents had loved each other, they fought all the time.

No. A relationship is not in my future. I’m okay with that.

She was heading for the kitchen to pour a glass of wine, when her phone vibrated again. Expecting Erin, she was shocked to see that her caller ID flashed Jerry’s name.

“Hey Jerry, what can I help you with?” There was no reason to play dumb like she didn’t know who was calling. Her boss only called after hours when there was an emergency.

“You have to go to Los Angeles,” he panted.

Duh. Tell me something I don’t know. Jerry gave me the file this morning. I may be blonde, but that doesn’t mean I’m stupid.

“I was planning on booking a flight soon.”

“No,” he rumbled, “I mean you have to leave now.”

She felt a jolt of panic. Has Derek done something? I wouldn’t put anything past Mr. Hothead.

“I can’t leave this minute. There is no way I’ll find a flight tonight. I’ll get one in the morning.”

“Have you looked at the news? By then it might be too late.” He sounded panicked now, too. That did nothing to calm her nerves.

“You know I don’t watch that crap. There’s only ever bad things on the news.”

“Ivory Towers is pressing charges against Derek and vice versa. Things are getting out of hand.”

She looked at her watch. It was almost 7 o’clock. Even if she did leave tonight, she wouldn’t get in until after midnight. No hotel would give her a room. And she still needed to pack.

“Again, I can’t leave tonight. I’ll call Derek and Mr. O’Connell’s assistants. I’ll drive out at dawn. If I leave tonight, I won’t get anything accomplished.” I hate telling Jerry no. I’m pretty sure no one ever says it to him, but getting in after midnight wouldn’t do anyone any good. I’ll just leave at the butt c***k of dawn and drive. I’ll definitely make sure somebody covers my driving expenses. “I’ll book a hotel for tomorrow and get there first thing.” Somewhere expensive; the company is buying.

He let out a string of curses. “I suppose it’s the best you can do.”

It’s the best he’s getting right now. She refused to budge.

“Have I ever let you down?” She pressed.

“No.”

“Well, there you go. I’ll take care of everything, Jerry.” She hung up before he could make a rebuttal. She had a lot of work to get done now. She scrolled through her contacts until she found Cynthia, Derek’s assistant.

“I was wondering when you were going to call,” Cynthia answered on the first ring.

She smiled. Cynthia was another no-bullshitter. “Yeah well, my boss called saying Derek was pressing charges against Ivory Towers.”

Cynthia breathed a heavy sigh. “I warned him against it, but he was adamant. That employee never should have hassled Derek.”

“True, but he shouldn’t have taken the first swing, either. Derek won’t win a suit, and he knows it. This will make things even worse for him.”

“Derek claims he didn’t have any other choice. This is why I don’t envy you your job.” Cynthia teased.

Lillian sneered. “We all have choices. You know, same goes for you. I had a hard enough time with him those few weeks years ago. You get him 24/7.”

“Derek isn’t such a bad guy. He just doesn’t understand all that comes with being a pro athlete.”

“Well, that’s all going to change. I emailed you the itinerary I made for the next few days. I’ll keep Derek so busy schmoozing people’s asses he won’t have time to screw up.” She got Derek’s anger issues, but there was a time and place for it. A hotel, against an employee, was not one of them.

“I’ll go over it with him and make sure it works. Thanks for everything, Lillian.”

“Of course. It’s my job. Will you please try to talk Derek off the ledge, though? Pressing charges is the worst thing for him right now.”

“I’ll do what I can, but I can’t make any promises.” Cynthia didn’t sound too confident. It would be up to Lillian. Cynthia may be a no-bullshitter, but she never could say no to her clients.

“Tell him if he doesn’t, I’ll do it for him.”

“Good luck with that.” Cynthia didn’t believe Lillian could do it. Well, bull to her.

“I have another call to make. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

She hung up and called Mr. O’Connell’s assistant, Karla, next.

“Hello, this is Karla.” The woman was just so prim and proper; it sounded like she was eighty. Lillian had talked to her earlier today, and had instantly disliked her.

“Hi Karla, this Lillian Guthrie from Graham and Dunn PR Agency,” she spoke slowly. She wouldn’t be surprised if the woman wore hearing aids.

“Hello, Ms. Guthrie. How may I help you?” So much for not beating around the bush.

“I received news that Mr. O’Connell is pressing charges against Derek Starr. I need to delay that request until I can get down there and assess the situation in person.”

“Who?” Karla asked, confused. “Oh yes, that young man who attacked poor Samuel.” Karla tsked her disapproval.

Lillian rolled her eyes. She was sure Samuel probably had it coming, but it wasn’t her place to say.

“Right, so I need you to tell Mr. O’Connell to drop the charges.”

“Why on earth would I do that? That man attacked Samuel. It’s only right Mr. O’Connell defends his good name and his employees.” Lillian was sure Samuel had been in Derek’s face, acting awestruck. Maybe there would be a security tape of the exchange.

“Please, Karla. I am only trying to do my job. I have already gotten Derek Starr to drop the charges. I want to be able to handle this in an adult matter.” That was a bald-faced lie, but she would make it happen.

“I don’t know. . .” Karla said, skeptically.

“If you can’t, then please give me Mr. O’Connell’s number and I will talk to him myself.” She threatened. Lillian hated dealing with assistants. She understood they were just doing their job, but so was she.

“I could never.” Karla affronted.

Lillian could call him. She had his number, but she was trying to go through the proper channels first.

“I understand your reluctance Karla, but many people and companies are at stake over this. I am headed to Los Angeles in the morning. I am only requesting Mr. O’Connell refrain from pressing charges for the next 24 to 48 hours.” She requested as calmly as she could. If the old bat denies me again, I’m calling Mr. O’Connell myself; consequences be damned.

Karla sighed as if she were making the greatest decision of her life. “I will pass your request off to him, but it will be up to him to comply.”

No s**t Sherlock.

“Thank you for your time, Karla. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She hung up and finally poured herself that glass of wine, before heading to her room to pack. It was going to be a quick night and a long day tomorrow. It looked like she was going to miss drinks with Erin on Friday; she doubted things would be resolved in the next four days.