I floated home, riding atop an emotional high like none Iād never known. The exhilaration lingered on as I readied for another day of work and left for the office. Only by immersing myself into to drafting Ameliaās investment plan.
I faxed her plan over at 9:30, anticipating sheād make few if any changes, and then turned immediately to making a list of her initial portfolio buys. Just before noon, Amelia faxed back the signed plan without changes with a handwritten note on the cover sheet, āGarrett, Iāve signed the plan as is. The way you conducted yourself last night convinced me that youāre a person I can trust. Iām excited about our future relationship, Amelia.ā
In my first quick read, I thought I detected a cleverly disguised double meaning in the words of her note ā the second pertaining to what weād shared. It was possible that wishful thinking was making me read something that really wasnāt there. I was still bothered by how Amelia had made no promise of future meetings.
Needing to hurry and place buy orders before the market closed, I put thoughts of Amelia and her note aside. Aided by the list, I got them all in. I worked late to get caught up on my other clientās accounts before leaving for the weekend.
I couldnāt help breaking my normal ārecharge the batteriesā weekend routine. I called Amelia twice both on Saturday and Sunday, but only reached her answering machine and did not hear back. Afraid of missing her return call, I didnāt go out the entire weekend.
I went to the office even earlier than normal on Monday and buried myself in work. At ten, Mrs. Smyth called. After exchanging our usual greetings, she asked, āGarrett, have you heard from Amelia Thorne?ā
āYes I did. Weāve met twice and sheās placed her account with me. Thanks again. As always, I really appreciate your referrals.ā
āThatās great, Garrett. Youāve always done well for my friends and I. But, what Iād really like to know is what did you think of her?ā
āSheās exactly what you told me, well off financially and a very beautiful woman.ā
āThat she is. Did she do or say anything inappropriate to you?ā
āNo, it was all strictly business between us.ā If I were Pinocchio, my nose would have shot out.
āGood, Garrett. But, please be very careful with her. If the rumors are true, I fear she might seduce and hurt you.ā
I faked a laugh in replying, āNo need to worry. Our relationship is strictly a business one.ā Thankfully, my nose remained the same length.
āFor your sake, I hope it stays that way. Well, enough of my nosey prying. Iām looking forward to seeing you Wednesday night at the charity dinner.ā
āMe too, Mrs. Smyth. Iāll see you then.ā Hanging up I breathed a sigh of relief. Iād completely forgotten about Wednesday night and had managed cover my lapse. The dinner was a yearly event for Mrs. Smythās favorite charity. Aware of āwho buttered my breadā, itād been a month since Iād returned the invitation with a check for my dinner. Iād added an additional $5,000 donation check. I knew Mrs. Smyth, as a trustee, would get a list of contributions received.
The dinner was held at Chesterfield Country Club, in a room large enough to accommodate the 500 plus attendees. I found Mrs. Smyth immediately upon arrival and sat at table with her and her friends who were all my clients. I spotted Amelia, at a table about 100 feet away, just as dinnerās first course was served.
Ameliaās eyes met mine on my third furtive glance over and her face brightened. Coyly avoiding being noticed, she pursed her lips to throw me a kiss across the room. My will power was severely tested for the rest of the meal. Needing to keep up with our table conversation, I struggled to keep my mind and eyes off Amelia. On the few glances I did manage, our eyes met.
Dinner finally ended and was followed by several lengthy closing speeches. With the freedom to survey the crowd and Amelia without being detected, I didnāt hear what was said. She was obviously the most beautiful woman in the room and images of her naked body filled my thoughts.
The evening dragged to conclusion. Mrs. Smyth went off to perform her social duties as trustee. I stayed until the last of my clients left. Amelia saw when I was finally alone, smiled and jerked her head towards the exit doors. So as not to be noticed, I waited until she left the room before following.
In the hall outside, Amelia stood down at one end. She waved for me to come and disappeared into a doorway, holding the door open until I caught up. She let the door close as soon as I passed through. Alone in a stairway, we embraced and kissed passionately. In breaking she said, āGarrett, Iām so glad to see you here. Unfortunately, Iāve got to be somewhere else tonight but Iāve time for us to be alone together. Come with me.ā