Intoxicated by You, page 10
“We love you too, honey.” Janice said. “Drive safely, and let us know when you get there, okay?”
“I will,” Maya promised. “I hope you two have a fun day planned today.”
“Oh, definitely!” said Bill. “We’ve got yard work to do—my favorite.”
Maya laughed. Her mom was known for her ambitious landscaping plans that changed every year, and her dad was known for going along with them all with only minimal grumbling.
“You have fun today, too,” said Janice. She winked. “I want to hear all about it. Oh! And send me a picture of your dress this evening.”
“Just the dress? Or do you want to see me in it?” asked Maya.
“Obviously, I want the whole package. You’re going to be absolutely beautiful, and even more importantly than that, you’re going to knock the socks off of everyone with your skill, your intelligence, your confidence…”
Bill was nodding. “You might even come away from this event with your first few clients. No pressure or anything, though. I’m just thinking out loud.”
Maya chuckled to herself. “No pressure at all. Okay, I’ve got to go…for real this time.” She kissed her parents on the cheeks and drove away as they stood arm in arm in the driveway, waving after her until she was out of sight.
“This is a complete and total disaster, and no, I am not exaggerating!“ Maya was video chatting with Andie and Luisa, propping her phone up on her bookshelf and stepping back to give them the full body view they had requested.
“A total disaster, indeed,” Luisa deadpanned, rolling her eyes. “You look like the actual troll under the bridge. That’s appropriate for a Michigander from under the bridge, I suppose, but what will the fancy entrepreneur types think?”
“Lu!” Andie interjected. “That’s a great joke—very Upper Peninsula specific, which is strange considering you’ve been there once in your life—but probably not what Maya needs to hear right now. Maya love, what’s the problem? You look beautiful!”
Maya looked down at the emerald green gown she was wearing, the off-the-shoulder neckline and curve-hugging fit. “It’s too…something! I feel uncomfortable…over dressed, I think? Too much skin? Too sexy? Is this even appropriate?”
“Tom said it was a formal event, right? Black tie?” Luisa asked. Maya nodded. “Then, it’s perfect. I know it feels fancy, considering you wouldn’t wear it to work or to your weekend yoga class, but it’s just the right level of fancy for a formal event. What’s the premise tonight, anyway? Why are all these people gathering and dressing up all fancy?”
“I think it’s some kind of entrepreneur award ceremony,” said Maya. She hated that she didn’t know more about the event Tom had invited her to. She had meant to do some research of her own, but between the work week from hell and the weekend chock full of emotions, she hadn’t gotten around to it.
“Dang,” said Andie. “So you’re like his date?”
Maya was silent for a beat. “Well, I hadn’t thought of it that way. He invited me like it was an entrepreneur meeting where I could do some networking, but then the actual invite turned up and it’s like some kind of formal ceremony and celebration. Oh shoot oh shoot! Am I supposed to treat it like a date? I’m not ready for this.”
“I’m sorry I even asked,” said Andie. “I didn’t mean to psych you out. Don’t think of it like a date…even better, don’t think of it at all. Just go out there dressed like the absolute hotness, beauty, and poise that you are and have so much fun. Really. No expectations, no plans….just enjoy it. It looks like a great lineup this evening from what I can see on the website.”
“You’re looking it up right now?” asked Maya. “Anything I need to know?”
“Er…” Andie hesitated, and Maya saw her eyes scan as she scrolled through the page. “Nope, I think you’re good!” The corners of her mouth were tight, and she wasn’t quite looking at the camera. Maya knew Andie well enough to know she was hiding something, and for the first time in the history of their friendship, she decided not to ask. As long as it wasn’t slime being dumped on the attendees to raise money for charity, she didn’t need to know. And Andie would definitely tell her if there was slime coming her way…she hoped.
“Do I really look okay?” Maya asked, twirling in front of the camera. “Too much boob? I should have tried this dress on again. My proportions have apparently changed a little bit since prom.”
“Shut. Up,” said Luisa. “Is that your prom dress?” Maya nodded. “Okay, let’s not even get into the fact that your prom dress still fits you, because that would be approximately the most boring comment I could make. What I’m gobsmacked by is the fact that you had such good taste when you were a senior in high school. What in the world? Did your mom pick it out? I’ve never seen a prom dress that wasn’t covered in sequins or glitter or cut out to show as much skin as possible. Yours looks like something an Oscar nominee would turn up in.”
Maya shrugged. “Maybe a perk of being an only child is developing a more mature sense of style. And actually, my grandma made this dress. She was a really talented seamstress. All the dresses at the department stores were expensive or tacky or just not quite right…so she made this. No one else wore anything like it, I can tell you that. And yeah, I was getting weird looks from all the other girls. Most of the other girls, I should say. I felt like a little bit of a freak, but Nina had a dress her grandma made, too. And when the two of us were together, we didn’t really care what anyone else thought.”
Luisa smiled gently. “I like it when you talk about her. She sounds like she was such a special person.”
“She really was,” Maya agreed. “And thanks for saying that. I always feel a little strange talking about her with people that didn’t know her. I mean, I don’t want to bum you guys out…”
“Don’t ever worry about that,” said Andie. “We’re your friends, we love you, and we want to share with you. We want you to share with us, too. The good, the bad, the memories that make you sad…all of it.”
“Thanks, guys,” said Maya.
She felt the emotion of the weekend bubbling up in her again and was about to change the subject when a notification popped up at the top of her phone screen. It was from Tom, and he’d written, “I’m on my way upstairs. Just wanted to warn you since I’m a little early. I promise I don’t mind waiting.”
“Shoot!” cried Maya. “Ladies, I’ve got to go. Tom is on his way up, and I’ve still got hair and makeup to finish. Any final words? If you’ve got something to share that will magically impart confidence and courage, now’s the time to share them.”
“Knock him dead, love,” said Luisa. “In that dress, with that body, you just might do that the second you open the door. And have fun. Don’t take any of this too seriously. You’re not going there tonight to bag your first million dollar contract or snag a husband. Just enjoy it.”
“Yeah,” agreed Andie. “And be proud of yourself for every step that you’re taking on this path. No matter what happens tonight, you’re taking a chance. Taking the next step for yourself. And even if the road ahead is a little twisty and turny, you’re on the path now. And that’s not nothing.”
“No, that’s not nothing at all,” said Maya, nodding. “Thanks. That’s a good way to look at all of this. I love you both. And I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.”
“We’ll hold you to it,” said Luisa. “Don’t you even dare think you can hold out on us. We’re going to hear it all.”
“I promise,” said Maya. There was a knock on the door, and her eyes widened despite the fact that she’d known it was coming. “Gotta go, that’s Tom!”
She ended the call as she walked to the living room, pulling the door open just as she finally switched off the screen of her phone. It wasn’t until she was standing face to face with Tom that she realized slowing down and taking a breath before flinging the door open might have been a good idea. As it was, she was flustered, out of breath, and unprepared for the sight of Tom in a tuxedo. The man looked good whatever he was wearing, she’d noticed of course, but seeing him in a tuxedo took it to a new level. Like it was New Year’s Eve, and he was showing up to spirit her away to an exclusive, romantic ball. Not that she’d ever attended such a thing, but the image came into her mind unbidden, regardless.
Of course, she had been silent and wide eyed as those thoughts swirled through her mind. There was an unreadable expression on Tom’s face —shock mixed with something else—as he was the first to break the silence.
“Maya, you look absolutely stunning,” he said. “That’s a beautiful gown.” He was pointedly not looking at the gown when he said it, though apparently his peripheral vision was excellent if he could register its beauty while his eyes were locked on her own.
“Thank you, Tom,” Maya said. “You look very handsome yourself. Come on in.” She stepped aside to let him in. “I’ll just need a few more minutes to get ready. I hadn’t quite finished up my face and hair when I got your text…”
“By all means,” said Tom, gesturing to her to return to her task while he entertained himself in the kitchen. “I know I’m early, and I’m sorry for that. I’ll make myself comfortable here while you do whatever you need.” His eyes searched her face, flicking up to her hair. “Though I can’t imagine there’s anything you actually need to do. You’re welcome to try to improve on perfection, though they say it can’t be done.”
Maya blushed at the compliment. “I’ll just be a moment,” she said, hurrying out of the room and back to the bathroom where her makeup bag and curling iron waited. Things felt different between them, and she was grateful for the escape to delay whatever was about to happen just a little longer.
Eleven
“That’s as good as it’s going to get,” Maya said to her reflection. She had curled her hair with her straightening iron—a concept that still sounded ridiculous in her head, despite how flawless the end result always looked—and pinned up the top half. Now she was checking to make sure there was no lipstick on her teeth. Her makeup was subtle, apart from the pop of a bold red lip. She hoped it wasn’t too much. Glancing at the time on her phone, she knew she couldn’t stall any longer. It was time to face Tom, and time to head out to the event after that.
“Wow.” Tom whistled. “I am definitely going to be the luckiest man at this party with you on my arm.”
Maya blushed. So it was a date, or at least the kind of event two people went to arm in arm. “Thanks, Tom. Could you actually tell me a little more about the event? I meant to do some more research of my own about it, but between Catherine being AWOL and heading home this weekend—”
“Not at all. I’ll tell you about it in the car on our way over. Shall we?” He offered her his arm, a gesture Maya appreciated more than she should. She wanted to let her grin spread across her face freely, but something stopped her. Don’t let anyone see how happy you are—or, perhaps, don’t let life/the Universe/whoever’s up there in the sky see how happy you are. Because if you do, you might jinx it. You might lose it. The higher you go, the further you can fall. Better to stay at a happyish medium than reach for the stars.
Carefully managing her face, Maya took the arm Tom offered and let him walk her out the door of her apartment and down the stairs to the car waiting below. He had hired a driver for the evening—unless he regularly got around with a chauffeur. That was something Maya had never considered and should probably know about her client…friend…date.
Tom began to speak once the doors were closed on either side of them. “The event tonight is a gathering and celebration for entrepreneurs in the non-profit sector. There are a few awards being given out for innovation and impact, but apart from that, it’s really just a nice time to socialize with other founders. I’ve made quite a few valuable connections at these events in the past, and perhaps the same might be true for you tonight.”
“What kind of awards are being given out tonight? Is it like the Oscars of non-profit entrepreneurs?” Maya asked.
Tom chuckled. “Something like that, though it doesn’t have any of that hoopla to it. No red carpet, no best and worst dressed lists…though there will be a photographer or two, and there will definitely be free flowing champagne.”
“Food?” Maya asked. “I was in the car for hours today and could definitely eat.” Her stomach rumbled in agreement.
“There will be food.” Tom smiled. “And if it’s not to your liking, I’ll take care of it. I can’t have you fainting of hunger on my watch. I would have brought you a donut if I’d known you were driving all day. Where were you going? You mentioned something about going home this weekend? Where’s home?”
“Kalamazoo, Michigan.” Maya answered. “And the drive wasn’t bad, just a couple of hours. I was visiting my parents there, and I came back this morning.” That was all Tom needed to know. Diving into the sob story of losing her best friend to a drunk driver wasn’t exactly the kind of thing you talked about on a maybe-first date.
“I’ve heard good things about Michigan,” said Tom. “I’m a fan of Lake Michigan, of course, but that’s about all I’ve seen of it.”
“I may be biased, but I definitely think it’s worth a visit,” said Maya. “I can give you some recommendations when you decide to go. And if I ever make it to Ireland, maybe you can do the same for me?”
Tom’s eyes brightened with excitement. “Of course! You’ve never been?”
Maya shook her head. “I’m one of the many Americans who claim Irish ancestry, even think of it as the motherland to some extent…and yet I’ve never set foot on the Emerald Isle. Everything I know about Ireland is a cliché, I’m afraid.”
Tom laughed. “Like what? Leprechauns and potatoes and saying ‘top of the morning to you’ as a regular greeting?”
It was Maya’s turn to laugh. “Well, I knew leprechauns weren’t real, but….I may have just this moment learned that’s not actually how you greet each other. You really don’t?”
“Afraid not, love,” said Tom. “Though I’m sure you’d make some Irish folks very amused if you said it to them.”
“Duly noted,” said Maya. “Do you miss it? Ireland, I mean?”
“I miss my family, naturally. But I talk to them regularly, and I’ll be going back soon.”
“Back?” Maya asked. She felt her heart drop as she said it. “Your time in America is almost up already?”
Tom smiled at her. “I didn’t say I’m going back forever. The nature of my work is that I need to be here sometimes and there sometimes, so I rack up a lot of frequent flier miles. Don’t think you can get rid of me that easily.” He winked.
Maya blushed for the umpteenth time of the day. “Am I that obvious?” she asked.
“I might be projecting,” Tom replied. “Because I know if our roles were reversed, and you’d just mentioned that you might be moving to the other side of the ocean…well, I’d definitely be concerned about that.”
His admission emboldened Maya to probe further. “And why exactly is that?” she asked.
“I like to be around you,” said Tom. “I’ve enjoyed working with you, that’s true. But I might enjoy your friendship even more. Especially when it includes perks like tonight and that dress. Have I mentioned how beautiful you look?”
“You have,” Maya said. “Though the compliment doesn’t get old. I’m glad this old dress still has its charm.”
“Old dress?” Tom asked. “I’d assumed you went out and bought it in preparation for this event. Though admittedly, I don’t really know how these kinds of things work for women. Me, I just rent a tux, nothing to it.”
“Have you never had a date for an event like this before?” Maya asked. “Surely you could have asked her.”
“I’ve never actually been to one quite this fancy,” Tom admitted. “And considering that Conley Corp is up for an award tonight, it seemed right to pull out all the stops.”
“Is that why you wanted me to join you? So you know you’ve got someone in your corner, or on your arm, rather? In case you don’t win?”
“It’s not like that—I’m not waiting to see if I’ll be recognized. I know I will be, and that I’ll be asked to make a speech. I just want someone to sit with me, to laugh with me and enjoy the evening with me, and to keep my ego in check if too many people start telling me I’m doing such great and meaningful work.”
“You are, though. You know that, right?”
“I definitely believe in the work that Conley Corp is doing,” said Tom. “But I’m under no illusions that our work couldn’t exist without me. I might be the boss who keeps it all moving forward, but my employees are some of the best people I’ve ever met. They always say you should hire people who are smarter and better than you, and my hiring decisions are some of the best decisions I’ve made as a business owner.”
“What about the idea for your filtration device? If you hadn’t come up with that, those talented people wouldn’t have anything to do in the first place,” Maya offered.
“Anyone who takes sole credit for an idea doesn’t understand how inspiration works,” said Tom. “It comes from somewhere, that’s for sure. But if you’ve ever seen a movie or an invention that you swear you thought of once upon a time, you know the truth. It’s in the ether. Floating around in the air, invisible to all of us, are the ideas and inspiration that keep our society moving forward. Sometimes one of us is lucky enough to have one sneak into our consciousness. But that doesn’t mean we thought of it on our own.” He chuckled softly. “I didn’t even think of that explanation there, but I did hear a great speech about it once.”
Tom was humble, and Maya was impressed. In the years she’d worked at Andersen, she’d met a lot of innovative thinkers. Tom was the first one who wasn’t full of himself and in awe of his own potential. And there was definitely something magnetic—sexy, even—about the way he cared for his employees and acknowledged his own humanity.
“Here we are,” Tom said, as the car pulled to a stop in front of one of the fancy downtown hotels. Maya wasn’t sure which one it was, as she’d never actually had a reason to visit any of them. Tom stepped out of the car and then held out his hand to assist her.
