Seven years later.
Another morning has come and gone. The day flashed by like any other.
But it is not a normal day. At least, it doesn’t feel like it.
I’m busy answering calls and writing emails, as I’ve done every day since I started working at Celestia Entertainment.
It had been my dream while working on my Bachelor's degree after I graduated school. I worked hard, even though it was the toughest time of my life. I made it work regardless. Broken heart or not, I wasn’t going to give up on my dream.
Not even for the memory of Jake Burton.
I press send on my last email before lunch and stretch my arms up.
Something has been nagging at me for the past few days, and I’m all but angsty about it.
I’m missing something, but what is it?
Shaking that thought away, I stand and head to the coffee room.
Maybe another one would help me.
I’ve been dreaming of him a lot lately. Of Jake, and I hate it.
Maybe it’s because he’s been on the trashy news segment. His return to Canada has been “long-awaited” for many.
He’s been dominating the international music industry, but now apparently, he wants to come back to his roots. Whatever that means. It’s not like he actually cared about his roots before.
He didn’t have any problem leaving them, leaving me, behind.
“Ah, Olivia. Just the person I was looking for.” Mr. Beaufort says as he walks into the break room holding his empty cup of coffee.
“What can I do for you?” I ask, lifting the pot of coffee, silently asking if he needs a refill.
Handing me his cup, I fill his, then mine.
“Thank you, Olivia.” He takes a large sip and moans. “Now that hit the spot. You can never have too much coffee. Don’t you agree?” He says, taking another sip.
“You said you were looking for me?” I remind, stirring in my three spoonfuls of sugar.
I know, I know. That’s a lot of sugar. But what can I say, I love sweets.
“Yes, I did. I actually have some great news.”
“Oh, really? What could that be, sir?” I ask, very intrigued by his excitement.
“For now, I’m keeping the who, secret, but we just managed to sign a very important musical figure with our company!”
“That’s great news, sir. But who met with them and dealt with the contract signing? I haven’t gotten any new sign-ins lately,” I say, frowning, trying to think if I missed something in my calendar.
“Technically, they haven't signed yet. But they will. They are coming in to fine-tune the contract I sent two weeks ago, and I’d love for you to be present since you will be their representative.”
“Ok. Who am I dealing with and when can I see their file?”
“The thing is, I don’t have everything on hand. It’ll all be compiled for you in our meeting at three O’clock today.”
“Now it makes sense,” I say, shaking my head.
“What do you mean?”
“I wondered why my afternoon was blocked off for today. I wondered what mystery you’d throw my way.” I tease.
Mr. Beaufort is level-headed and fun enough to be able to tease him from time to time. As he also does with us.
He treats everyone fairly if you do your work correctly.
“Ah, yes. I did block off your calendar. And I will not tell you with whom it is before the meeting. But I think you will find the person singing in with us worth it. Trust me,” He says, before heading back to his office.
Gosh. I wonder who could possibly make him so excited?
Shaking that thought away, I head out to lunch and get back to work at my desk promptly.
Even though I don’t know whom we’re having a meeting with, I do know most of the sign-in meeting details. I can have every blank document pre-printed and ready for any situation that might occur.
When three O’clock rolls around, I gather everything I need into my manila folder and make my way to the conference room.
I open the door, and just as I’m about to greet everyone that’s already there. I stop dead in my tracks. Not one word, nor a sound escapes my lips. My eyes widened as they met the deep sea green ones of the one person who I never wanted to see again in my life.
Jake Burton.
“Olivia, come in and take a seat. I believe you should know who Mr.Burton is?” Mr. Beaufort says, smiling from ear to ear, unaware of the turmoil that’s engulfing my heart.
I close my agape mouth and slowly make my way to the seat next to Mr. Burton.
“Miss Jackson, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Jake says, standing up and extending his hand to me.
Is he serious? Is he pretending he doesn't know who I am?
I look from his face to his hands a few times unable to phantom the situation we’re in right now.
He clears his throat and lowers his hands, earring me a questioning look from Mr. Beaufort.
“Is everything alright, Olivia?” He ask, seemingly worried.
And rightfully so. I have never, in all my years working for him, acted this way when meeting a new client. Never.
But I suppose there is a first for everything. If only he knew how much my heart is crushed at the moment. How much hurt and how much anger has resurface.
It’s taking every ounce of self-control for me to stay seated in this chair, and not launch myself across the table and tackle Jake. Beast him up for everything he’s put me through since he left me all those years ago.
But what’s worse, is that he doesn’t seem to notice the effect he’s having on me.
Does he truly not recognize me?
Aksara