Page 6 of Every Broken Piece

Chapter six

Tess

I ’m deep into creating a Facebook ad for my author client when out of the corner of my eye I catch an email notification in the bottom corner of my monitor from Gabriel Strong.

While I typically don’t jump from project to project or else I’d get nothing done, I stop what I’m doing and click on the notification.

My heart jumps when I see it’s a video meeting request.

Immediately I accept the request for later this afternoon because it’s taken me weeks to pin Strong down on this meeting.

I don’t know why he's so opposed to it, but I’m relieved he finally agreed.

It’s much easier to help my clients when we can talk to each other occasionally.

Emails are great and fine most of the time, but it’s important to keep in touch other ways too.

I work from home one hundred percent of the time, but I’m not the type of person who works in her pajamas with bedhead.

I treat my job as if I’m in an office environment five days a week, because I am in an office environment.

My office just happens to be the second bedroom of my apartment, and I have no in-person coworkers.

Me: I finally nailed my client down for a video conference!

The VAs of my company, Task Genius, use a messaging app to communicate because it’s nice to talk to others in the same field.

I just messaged my friend, Amelia. While she doesn’t know Mr. Strong’s name because that would go against client confidentiality, she does know I have an important client who’s been slippery to pin down for a video conference.

It’s been frustrating and she commiserates with my frustration.

A long time ago we moved our conversations from the company messaging app to texting on our personal phones and we discovered that we live in the same area, so we meet up after hours sometimes too.

Amelia is one of those extroverted people who friended me, the introvert, and makes sure I get out into humanity occasionally. I love her. She gets me. But she also doesn’t allow me to wallow in my seclusion like I’m wont to do.

Amelia: Oh, yay! You’ll have to tell me all about it. I’m glad he finally came around

For some reason I have butterflies in my stomach when I think about this meeting.

I’m not normally nervous to meet a client.

I have a list of questions I ask, but typically we go off script and this is when we really get to know each other.

My clients can inadvertently reveal little quirks that help me figure out how best to work with them and help them.

I click back to the ad I was working on and before I know it, it’s time for my call.

Now my stomach is really kicking with nerves.

I press a hand to it while I run to the bathroom and check my hair and makeup.

Yes, I put makeup on to work from home by myself.

It makes me feel professional and like I’m not too much of a slob.

I’m sitting in front of my monitor when Gabriel Strong joins the chat.

Except it’s not Gabriel Strong.

I know what Mr. Strong looks like from my internet snooping and this man with the twinkling eyes, slight smile, and Gordon Ramsey messy hair is not the silver fox I looked up.

“Mr. Sterling,” I say. “This is a surprise.”

He grins and I can’t help but grin back because his smile is contagious. He’s dressed in a gray t-shirt that stretches across well-defined biceps. He’s leaned back, hands crossed in front of him.

“Ms. James, it’s good to see you in person.”

What the heck is going on here? Why am I conferencing with Jack Sterling instead of Gabriel Strong?

“It’s nice to meet you.” My voice rises on a question and he laughs.

“I know you’re expecting Gabe and I’m sorry he couldn’t make the meeting. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.”

My brows crease because I’m still confused. I’m Mr. Strong’s PA, not Jack Sterling’s, so I’m unsure why I’m meeting with him.

Jack leans forward and crosses him arms on top of his desk, drawing my attention to a chunky gold watch that probably costs more than three months’ rent for me.

His eyes are dancing with contagious mirth.

“I know you’re confused, but honestly, I wanted to meet you.

I’m the one who hired you. Your manager said you were the best and that’s what Gabe wanted. ”

“I hope I’m living up to his, or rather your, expectations.”

“I’m sure you are.” He tilts his head and studies me through the camera lens. I try not to fidget but it’s hard not to. This isn’t going at all how I thought it would.

“Will Mr. Strong be joining us today?” I ask.

He takes a moment to answer as if he’s memorizing what I look like. “I’m afraid not.”

Unless something was added to his calendar at the last minute, I know he doesn’t have a meeting. I’m so confused and a little irritated that he’s wasting my time like this. I have other clients I could be working on right now.

“Tell me about yourself, Ms. James.”

“Call me Tess. Please.”

“Tess. I like that. It’s a pretty name.”

“Thank you.”

“So tell me about Tess James.”

I push my page of questions to the side because clearly, he won't be able to answer any of them. “I’ve been a virtual assistant for five years now. I have a stable of clients and I can provide references if needed. While Mr. Strong has only asked me to manage his calendar and inbox, there are many other duties I’m capable—”

Jack waves his hand in the air, silencing me. I draw back, startled.

“You already have the job, Tess. No need to sell me on you. I want to know about you . What do you do outside of work?”

My eyes narrow because this is venturing into forbidden territory. At least forbidden for me. I don’t discuss my private life with my clients. Ever. I don’t discuss my private life with the few friends I have. Ever.

“I read, Mr. Sterling—”

“Call me Jack.”

I take a bracing breath to control my rising irritation. “I read, Jack. I enjoy close friends, going to the movies.” Lies, but I can’t admit that I read and work and rarely leave my apartment unless Amelia drags me out.

“Boyfriend? Husband?”

I blink. “Mr... Jack. That is hardly an appropriate question.” I grab my sheet of questions and wave it at him. “This meeting was supposed to be for me to get to know Mr. Strong so I can better assist him.”

“Yeah. He’s not going to make it.” A hint of remorse leeches into his tone and his look is apologetic.

“Then maybe we should reschedule.”

He takes a deep breath. “Look, Tess. Gabe’s never going to agree to a virtual meet and greet. It’s not his thing. I know you’ve been urging him to do this, but he asked me to attend in his place.”

“I see.” I don’t see. And my irritation is quickly sliding into anger. “Maybe I’m not the right assistant for Mr. Strong. It seems our approach to this relationship doesn’t align.”

“I disagree, Tess. I think you’re the exact right assistant for my brother. And I think your relationship will align in time and with some patience.”

Me: Well that was weird

Amelia: Yeah? Do tell!

Me: My client didn’t show up but his brother did

Amelia: ???

Me: :shrug emoji: I’m confused too

Amelia: This is bizarre. Was he cute?

I snort. This is so on brand for Amelia. She’s always trying to introduce me to a cute cousin, or a cute friend, or her cute brother.

Me: Idk, I guess

Most girls would probably say that Jack Sterling is cute, but I think my growing irritation at the whole fiasco tainted that for me.

Amelia: So client was a no show, but brother took his place.

Me: And asked weird questions like what I like to do in my free time.

Amelia: Did you tell him you go to raves every weekend?

Me: No!

When I get back to work, I find an email from Gabriel Strong.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Introduction

Ms. James – It appears that one of my dinner guests does have a shellfish allergy. Thank you for the good catch. I appreciate it. Can you please make the reservation for Le Papillon Doré. I cleared the menu with my client so there will be no allergic reactions.

I will also need a car with driver to meet my plane and remain available to me through Thursday.

Gabriel Strong

CEO

Strong Sterling Enterprises

I sit back, stunned at the complete one-eighty from his previous emails. This one is almost...dare I say it...personable. Strange, but I’m not going to question it. Instead, I make the dining and car reservations and email him the details before returning to the ad I was creating.