It was now Friday, fifteen minutes to one. Eric Jackson had been in touch with Rebecca Norse and had sent her to Jessica's office. The call finally came from Rebecca and Sam had taken her information. Eric had left messages, probably about the drinks, but Jessica hadn't returned them. There's no sense in calling him back until the deal is made, why get his hopes up? Jessica thought. A loud tone came from Jessica's desktop phone while she stood next to an open filing cabinet.
"Your 1 o' clock is here, Miss Alexander." Sam informed her, as Jessica touched the speaker tab.
"Thank you, send her in."
A few minutes later, the door to her office opened as Rebecca Norse stepped in. She was attractive at first glance. Short-cropped brown hair, not overly thin with plenty of curves to fill out the beautiful long dress she wore. Rebecca had noticeably long eyelashes, which were hard to look away from as she raised her hand up, stepping toward Jessica.
"Hi. Nice to meet you, I'm Rebecca Norse."
Jessica took a step towards her, gripping her hand tightly. "Jessica Alexander. Great to meet you, have a seat." Jessica glanced down at the empty chair as Rebecca released her hand and stepped to the side too sit down.
"It's great to meet you too. Eric has told me a lot about your company. I'd like to use your services for a large party I'm throwing for a handful of friends." Rebecca crossed her leg, revealing the long slit that went up the side of her mauve-colored dress. "There will be about fifty people and I'm looking for high-end appetizers, if you know what I mean." She finished with toss to her hair, as she crossed her wrists together over her knees.
"I'm sure we can accommodate your needs." Jessica smiled, feeling a chill that came from Rebecca's tone.
Jessica stood and then reached into the filing cabinet. She pulled several colored brochures out and laid them down at the edge of the desk. "You can flip through these. There are tons of options and you can choose to your liking." Jessica took a seat. "There is a matter of a deposit. This is in case of the party's cancellation for any reason, in the allowed time frame. This covers the costs, but if the party holds, it becomes apart of your fee."
The meeting with Rebecca breezed past the scheduled time and Jessica tried not to stare at the clock.
I still don't have the new envelope. Jessica sighed. They can't have forgotten? Maybe the document handler didn't get the message. Jessica looked at the clock once again.
They continued to cover all of the possibilities of how the party could be handled. Rebecca listened and scanned the pamphlets, asking the occasional question while she took notes on a small pad.
"We have a deal," Rebecca said finally. "I'd like to pay you the deposit." Rebecca smiled, standing from her chair.
Looks like we are going to have that drink after all Eric.... Jessica sighed. ...What have I gotten myself into?
"Sam will give you the necessary forms to fill out and then you can give her the deposit." Jessica explained, standing up from her chair as she began walking around her desk. "And if you have any questions before your party..." Jessica shook her hand. "...Don't hesitate to call me."
"Thank you Miss Alexander. I'm looking forward to doing business with you." Rebecca squeezed her hand and then walked out of her office.
"Sam, can you give the new forms to Miss Norse, please." Jessica asked from the doorway.
"Sure." Sam took a moment to gather them and then placed them on the counter.
"Is my 3 o' clock confirmed?" Jessica asked, noticing it was twenty minutes after three.
"No, I never received a call," Sam answered.
Sam explained to Rebecca how to fill out the forms, after which, Rebecca wrote a check and then handed it too Sam. "Thank you. I'll be in touch." Rebecca smiled, gathered the forms and then turned towards the elevators.
Jessica watched her stroll down the hallway, as the silver doors opened to the elevator. A man in a suit stepped out, walking pass Rebecca. He carried a black briefcase in his hand, and a silver chain dangled just at the side of the handle.
Jessica took a breath. I'm staring... I can't just stand here in the hall. Jessica turned and went back to her desk, wondering where in the building he was headed to.
"Is Jessica Alexander available?" Jessica's heart stopped, hearing the man's voice coming from the hall.
"This gentleman is here to see you," Sam announced, standing at the edge of her door.
"Send him in, thank you." Jessica motioned, standing from her desk.
A very tall, clean-cut gentleman walked into her office. Not a hair out of place, his shoes shined and his tie set perfectly in the center of his collar. He wore a dark, navy suit and his cuffs shone with gold cufflinks. He stopped at the edge of her desk and then smiled.
Jessica found it hard to speak, her words stuck in the apple of her throat. "You-r-r, I mean, hello. What can I do for you?" Jessica bit her tongue.
"I'm here for you." He paused. "I'm the Document Handler." He lifted his briefcase, holding it up in front of her and then released the latches. The lid opened and he glanced down at the small, yellow envelope inside. "Feel free."
Jessica reached for the envelope marked with her name, and she took it from the case. "Thank you."
He winked and without a word, closed the case and then disappeared from her office.
Jessica looked down feeling the envelope with her fingertips as she sat down. She took the letter opener and quickly sliced it open. She blew air into the unsealed end and pulled out an index card.
*****