"We fucked up," Bruce sighed as he looked up from his computer.
Ella looked nervous, 'Fucked up? Was the article wrong? What did she do? Submit an incorrect expense item?'
"Bruce smiled, "Not asking you to write more stuff for us. 90% of the crap has to be rewritten so much it was a lie to credit the original authors. This," he pointed at his screen, "is the first article I'm not going to touch. It's perfect. I loved your article on Marvin...really touched on his humanity but I...we assumed, getting that same human sympathy for Alan was going to be a challenge. You captured the heart of the man especially, with his charitable work with the humane society and no-kill shelters. Getting 6 quotes from the various organizations was going above and beyond."
"Thanks. I wasn't sure what the scope of the task you gave me was but Alan was so passionate about his animals I wanted to visit the sites. The people there all loved him."
Bruce smiled, "Keep it up. You sure are making me look good but also no one is talking about 'he who should not be named,'" he chuckled.
Ella blushed, "Thanks. I love writing and you never know if what you do is good or not. I appreciate your feedback," she said.
Bruce stood, "Keep it up and you'll be getting more assignments. By the way, Mark is going to be tougher. He's an 'all-business' type of guy. Not sure what passions you'll find but do your best. I've rarely heard more than 4 words from him...ironic, as he's our CMO," he chuckled.
Ella smiled but felt relief that he wasn't going to be like Alan who wanted what Marvin got. She took the man's hand and left the office.
* * *
The rest of the week, Ella researched the company's CMO but found almost nothing personal. She was pleased to hear the various comments as to how great her articles were but by Friday, she had little to go on with the man.
As she headed over to Decker Creek she was still wondering what might open up this very private man. She had never been there but she heard good things about it. She wasn't about to tell Billy that Marvin and Alan were a fluke and most likely, Mark would angrily spurn any suggestion of impropriety. On the other hand, she had plenty of experiences with the previous 2 men to keep Billy happy so let him fantasize all he wanted. It was curious that he insisted that she suggest using a guest bedroom if the interview ran late...not get a motel room but sleep in the same house with a man she had yet to meet.
Mark Beottger opened the door and stepped aside, "I'm impressed. You said 8 and it is exactly 8. Come in." He led the girl into the library indicating a comfortable seat.
"Drink?" he asked.
Ella was going to say no but then had a thought, "Only if you are and I'll have whatever you're having. I booked a room a couple of miles away if this runs late so I'm not worried about one drink," she smiled.
Mark nodded, turned, and headed to the dry bar. He poured two glasses of his favorite, Macallan Rare Cask 18. He turned and held up one of the glasses, dreading her answer, "Ice, water, soda?"
Ella shook her head, "Nothing, except perhaps a drop or 2 of water, but it's not critical," she said.
Mark's face reflected his relief. He smiled and nodded, "Alan and Marvin both said I'd like you. I was impressed with both articles...never knew Alan's love of animals. Made me go look for a rescue last weekend," he said, "I think I found a great pup. Going back tomorrow," he said as he came back with the glasses. He handed the beautiful redhead her glass, studying her before taking the seat across from her.
Ella took a sip and gasped, "Wow! This is the best single malt I've ever tasted." She took another sip and closed her eyes as she felt the vapors waft down the back of her throat and through her nasal passages. She then sat up, "Sorry. I love a good Scotch but this is on another level. OK. Before we start, do you have questions or things you prefer we go over...not go over?"
Mark chuckled, "A lot more of the not go over part of it. After reading about Marvin and Alan I feel like I'll be a total letdown. I'm not a very interesting person."
Ella shook her head, "Everyone is interesting. Everyone has stories and events that make them who they are. I want to get to know you...the person you are away from the office. Have you had pets before? Growing up?"
Mark looked wistful, "One. A mutt, though she was mostly an Australian Cattle Dog. My best friend growing up."
"Great dogs. Smart. What happened to her? How old were you when you got her?"
Mark smiled, "Five. I wanted a dog for my birthday and Dad came home with the cutest ball of fluff you've ever seen. We grew up in the woods and she explored every corner with me." Then he paused, "You asked what happened to her. I was away at Yale when Mom called. She said Molly was sick and that I should know that they were going to have to take her in. I told my professors I had a family emergency and flew home." He closed his eyes as he tried to collect himself, "I held her as..." he choked and didn't go on.
Ella let him get through the painful memory wanting to apologize for bringing it up. Then, Mark opened his eyes and nodded, "Cancer. A tumor on her heart. 13 years old. The one time I hoped there was a heaven," he sighed.
"I'm so sorry for your loss and making you bring the pain back," she said softly. "I too doubt there's any construct like a heaven but when it comes to my pets, to my best friends growing up, I hope there is one."
Mark looked at the girl shaking his head, "Both Marvin and Alan said you were easy to talk to but I never told anyone about Molly...ever."
"I can leave it out of the article if it's too painful, too personal," she said quickly.
Mark shook his head, "No, no. It's fine. I'll bet everyone can relate to losing their first pet," he said softly.
"First best friend," she corrected. "Dogs and cats are family members, best friends. They love us unconditionally, trust us unconditionally...OK, perhaps I'm describing dogs more than cats," she chuckled. "Let's get into the questions I prepped," she said.
