Chapter 23
“Knock, knock, favorite social media manager.” I glance up from scrolling X metrics as Chad, the brainy hunk from the twentieth floor, pops his head into my cubicle. Amanda is hovering behind him, looking sharp as always in a designer pantsuit and stilettos.
“Are you ready for some hobnobbing with Walsh Dynamics?” she asks wryly. “It’s time for the ‘Thanks for Your Consideration’ schmoozefest at TAO Downtown.” She grins before adding, “I love being wined and dined, don’t you?”
I nod, deflated, having half-hoped I would be able to excuse myself and sneak uptown to Grace and Aria for the weekend. Jack wouldn’t have noticed I wasn’t at the brownstone anyway, with how things were between us since we’d came back from St. Maarten. Instead, I will have to continue playing the doting fiancé and engaged employee, at least for tonight. I sigh helplessly. The contract between Jack and me can’t come to an end fast enough.
Amanda catches my wistfulness, though she luckily interprets it all wrong. “Unfortunately, Jack will arrive separately a bit later. He’s still in a meeting with Mr. Whitmore Senior.”
On our way, Amanda fills us in on key Walsh players. “Look for any red flags,” she stresses. “Like incompatible interfaces, of course, Chad. But also any issues with their image, Maddie. If Jack decides to sign them, it will be like getting hitched. Their social credit score will carry over to us. We don’t want to have to mend any bridges.”
As our cab approaches TAO, we are welcomed by sparkling lights. Walsh spared no expense taking over this swanky downtown rooftop lounge for the night. We exit beneath the sweeping views of glimmering skyscrapers scattered around us.
Inside the polished industrial-chic space, exposed brick is juxtaposed with plush seating. Modern fireplaces offset the energetic scene, while outsized floral arrangements frame the glittering city panorama.
Waiters bearing trays of cocktails and canapés weave expertly through the huddled groups of stylish people, while dance remixes pulse in the air. As Amanda steers us toward the bar, my gaze roams the glitzy crowd, searching for Jack. As much as I don’t want to see him, I’m involuntarily looking for him. Where has he disappeared to? Still, I manage to paste on a polite smile and make small talk with Walsh employees.
Finally, I spot his familiar eyes scanning the roof entrance before our stares catch, crackling with instant electricity. Jack”s heated gaze slowly traces my body, top to bottom, deliciously inappropriate for even pretend lovers. Before I’m able to process the look”s meaning, he turns to the left and walks toward a cluster of suits who look like Whitmore’s senior leadership.
Puzzled by the loaded glance, I almost miss Walsh”s director of infrastructure barreling over, excited to connect with our programmers. Soon, Chad is engrossed in debating hardware specifications.
Give a girl a drink already, I think, rolling my eyes inwardly as I swipe a flute from a passing waiter balancing a tray.
But Walsh”s senior social media manager walks over with a bubbly welcome. “Maddie, right? I”m Devon. So thrilled to meet Jack Whitmore’s charming better half!” Her warm smile is infectious, putting me at ease. Leaning on the rooftop railing, the overhead lamps keeping us warm and the lights of the city skyline glittering, we chatter and giggle. We instantly bond, not only as fellow social media managers working in tech companies, but also as girls working in a male-dominated environment.
“We have to show these VP fossils the power of platforms like TikTok!” she strategizes. “We could coordinate a viral dance challenge between our interns, the goal being mass views and traffic directed right back to Whitmore or Walsh sites, showcasing their tech capabilities. We could also stage friendly rivalry and track direct sales conversion increases from the buzz.”
I nod thoughtfully as she bubbles over her ideas. My palms tingle as I catch myself laughing from my heart for the first time in a week. If Jack signs Walsh for the contract, it will give me ample opportunity to work with Devon.
“Maddie, I think this is the start of a game-changing alliance!” she croons.
We are laughing over her dramatic impersonation of stodgy executives struggling with Snapchat filters when Preston sidles up, looking dapper and sporting an easy grin.
“Hope I”m not interrupting something over here ladies?” He holds up his hands jokingly.
“We were just concocting ways to drag our venerable leaders into the mobile age,” Devon beams. “They can barely work Zoom, don”t know how we”re planning to manage virtual reality!”
Preston chuckles. “Well, if anyone can deliver grandpa technology training, something tells me you two girls have the magic touch.” His eyes crinkle pleasantly, emphasizing the compliment. “Your TikTok clips are quite popular in my feed, Maddie.”
I shift my weight uncomfortably but keep up the polite conversation, hoping to make my exit soon. Devon swoons visibly at Preston”s charismatic small talk. Watching her reaction, I consider that I might have been unfairly harsh in my judgment of him.
“Let me top off your drinks, ladies,” he offers. “What’s your poison tonight?”
“I’ll have another peach bellini,” I say.
“A cosmopolitan for me,” Devon chirps, and Preston disappears into the crowd.
She gestures excitedly at the skyline brimming with famous landmarks. “I swear, I”ll never take this view for granted.”
I nod thoughtfully, taking in the glitter around us. As a newcomer, living in the city still feels magical.
My eyes wander the crowd, unconsciously searching for Jack”s imposing frame. But there are no stormy green eyes to meet mine across the room. Had he already left? Or is he still in a meeting with the suits he came with?
Devon clinks her glass to mine. “By the way, I just have to fan girl and say I love your TikTok channel! I may or may not have picked up some MadeYaLookMaddie dance moves.”
She does an exaggerated hair flip making us both crack up. I wave her off, enjoying this newfound friendship.
“For real though, your stuff is amazing,” Devon continues sincerely. “I have major respect for how you use creativity and humor to address real issues. Plus, your collabs with other creators are super fun! That Jace guy especially, you two clearly have chemistry.”
“Aw thanks! Jace is great to vibe ideas with. Maybe we can figure out a Walsh-Whitmore crossover dance dare soon too! Let’s hope for the best outcome of the negotiations.”
“Oh, are we talking about the MadeYaLookMaddie TikTok slay queen in our midst?” A cheerful voice pops up behind us. Devon and I turn to see Preston grinning widely, holding our drinks. “Sorry, I couldn”t help overhearing.”
I laugh lightly. “Yes, Devon was just mentioning she enjoys some of my videos.”
“Enjoy is an understatement. I”m borderline obsessed!” Devon gushes. “Maddie, you and Jace need to host workshops. The choreography you whipped up to “Domino”? Iconic!”
Preston bobs his head enthusiastically. “Oh man, I was trying those moves at home to impress my nieces!” He attempts mimicking some steps, making us crack up. “Didn’t go that well.”
Still giggling, I nudge his arm good-naturedly. “Clearly we need a workshop if there are so many secret aspiring dancers around me!”
We chat a bit longer, but then Devon excuses herself to greet a friend as an upbeat song starts pumping.
Seeing her leave, I tense up, desperately looking around the room for an excuse. I’m not too comfortable being alone with Preston.
He gestures at brick archways leading to lounge enclaves, muted beats and conversation drifting out. “By the way, I ran into Jack, and he asked you to come over when you get a chance. He’s in a meeting with our CTO and Amanda, and they want you to join them.”
I stiffen, reluctant to speak to Jack after our fallout in St. Maarten. After days of tense silence, I’d rather dance naked in a subway car than have a business meeting with him. Amanda should be able to give him all the information he needs.
But instead of bolting, I smooth my features. “Of course, let’s go.” No need to make this worse than it is. I’m a big girl.
Preston leads me toward the back, weaving through happy hour revelers. I spot Devon surrounded by Chad and a few other IT guys. They buzz around her, vying for her attention, clearly hoping to make an impression. Devon beams gracious and friendly, despite their rather animated mansplaining of who knows what. I have to hide an amused grin seeing her subtly shift the frenzied orbiters aside so we can hug.
“Hey! Leaving so soon?” Devon asks, surprise flashing across her cheerful face.
“Oh no, just got summoned to weigh in on something with the big boss,” I explain breezily. “But it was so great connecting with you tonight. I’m sure we’ll get to see more of each other in the coming weeks.”
“Definitely! I’m looking forward to that.” Devon winks. She gives me another swift squeeze. “Go dazzle them, girl!”
“Shouldn’t Chad come with us, if there’s a meeting with the Walsh CTO?” I ask, turning to Preston, but he waves his head.
“No need to bother Chad. Jack only asked for you,” he says, gesturing toward the back of the space.
With butterflies swirling anxiously, I let Preston walk me to the meeting.