Sometimes it was so hard not to stare.
Staring is not cool -- especially when the person staring is the boss. But, sometimes, Brad couldn't help it. He was the Director of Marketing for a large medical center in Southern California. Kate was his assistant, and Kate looked amazing.
Brad met Kate almost two years ago after meeting her at a health policy conference. They were sitting in the back of a stuffy conference room in an overpriced Marriott near the White House, listening to an Assistant Secretary of HHS explain why hospitals were creating their own fiscal problems through their inefficiencies. Brad was rolling his eyes and looking down at his Blackberry when the lady seated next to him leaned over and remarked, "I remember Henry Kissinger saying that the best thing about being famous was that when you bored people at dinner parties they thought it was their fault."
He smiled, looked up, and was momentarily stunned by the most dazzling pair of blue eyes he had ever seen. "Uh, so, are you feeling guilty?"
"Definitely. In fact, I was thinking of going to terrace bar for therapy. Interested?"
"Well, I know it's certainly no fun to think alone. I'm in."
For the next three hours, they talked, laughed, shared war stories, and solved most of the world's problems. He loved how her jet black hair fell across her face when she laughed and how her face ignited when she talked about writing. Aside from steamed crab and cold Pinot Grigio, writing was her greatest passion.
"Listen, I know this probably sounds crazy, but how would you like to come to California and go to work for a humble but brilliant hospital marketing executive who could use a passionate writer to help him reshape the image of a skilled medial center, surrounded by corporate behemoths?"
Kate cocked her head to the side, smiled impishly, and answered, "Maybe I should buy you a drink."
"If it's all the same to you," Brad deadpanned, "I'd rather have the cash."
Kate burst out laughing, and a team was born.
Over the years, they created a strategy for Bayshore Medical Center that positioned it as the hospital of choice for family-center care. The results were impressive. Admissions were up, the finances were turning around, and the people in the surrounding community began viewing Bayshore as an old family friend.
Now, they were on their way to another policy conference, but the experience would be bittersweet for Brad. The notoriety from their awards brought in a horde of job offers. Finally, Kate succumbed and accepted the position of corporate policy director for a hospital system in San Francisco.
"Who's the genius who scheduled the policy conference in Aspen in January?" asked an annoyed and shivering Brad.
"I know. You have cold weather," Kate replied. "But, look how beautiful everything is covered in white. It's like living in a snow globe."
Brad wrinkled his brow, "What happened to you? Have a few too many sugarplums for breakfast?"
"Don't be such a Grinch. I think it's exhilarating!"
"Let's just get to our rooms and try to thaw out," he said blowing into his cold hands.
"Checking in for the conference?" asked the desk clerk at the Lodge.
"Yes. Brad Griffin and Kate Morrissey," Brad replied.
The clerk started typing into the computer, and Kate walked around the lobby taking in the views of the majestic Rockies.
"Um, excuse me, what were the names again?"
"Brad Griffin and Kate Morrissey. Why? Is there a problem?"
"Well ... I see the reservation for Ms. Morrissey. I just don't have anything for a Brad Griffin."
"You've got to be kidding me," stated an exasperated Brad. "We made the reservations over a month ago."
"Yes, sir. I see that," replied the clerk. "I don't know what happened, but I simply have no reservation for you. To make matters worse, every room in Aspen is booked."
"What?!"
"The combination of the conference and the snow has made this a popular place this week."
"So, what am I supposed to do ... sleep in a cab?"
"What's the problem?" asked Kate after she clued into some sort of problem at the desk.
"They lost my reservation!" exclaimed Brad. "They have your reservation, but I'll be the one mushing in on a dog sled from the nearest igloo!"
The clerk was clearly uncomfortable because of the situation and his complete lack of any way to solve the problem.
"Listen ... don't worry about it. You can stay in my room," suggested Kate.
Brad looked at her in her in her light blue, form-fitting sweater, tight black pants and brilliant blue eyes; cleared his throat; and said, "But, we work together. That wouldn't be appropriate."
"Lighten up," she replied. "It's not like we have a lot of choice. What's wrong? Never been to a slumber problem?"
She then turned to the nervous clerk and instructed, "Give us two keys and please have our bags brought up to the room."
The clerk eagerly completed the check-in and handed over the keys.
"Come on, roomie," Kate said with a smirk.
The two of them took the elevator to the 6th floor and found their room. Upon entering, Kate broke into a wide smile when she saw the view and the balcony with a small gas fire pit in the corner.
Brad's eyes went immediately to the single king bed in the room. He swallowed hard. Kate turned and saw the look on his face as he stared at the bed.
"Hey, look. We're both adults. It's not like we planned this. We'll just have to make the best of the situation. Don't worry so much. Let's go exploring!"
She grabbed Brad's hand, and they went back to the lobby. The lodge had a complete spa with an outdoor Jacuzzi plus a eucalyptus sauna and massage services.
