Mr. Corvette

Chapter 4

I arrived at the conference room a few minutes early as Mr. Black had requested. The Vogue team and Mr. Black would be arriving any minute. I decided to enter the dark conference room, Turing on the lights and having Lisa, from events, set up the food I had bought for the meeting. Everything looked amazing. The croissants were stacked and layered so perfectly on one of the platters while the cheese and salami laid on another. I had also bought blueberry muffins for something sweet. They were of course displayed on a cupcake stand that sat in the middle of the conference table.

I sat cups of water around at each spot of the table, while Lisa added the final touches of garland. I couldn't wait for Mr. Black to see my amazing job with setting up the room. He said that this could potentially be a big signing, so I had to make everything perfect.

"Thank you, Lisa. This is a big day, so I appreciate your time in helping." Lisa had set up the food on display racks and fancy platters in the middle of the table. I didn't care if the food got eaten or not at this point, it was all about presentation.

"You're welcome dear, I must be getting back now. There's a 'going away' party in one of the departments down below."

Lisa and I exchanged a few more words with each other before she hustled away, leaving me alone once again in the empty conference room. The room was big when you were the only one in it. When other people filled the room, it seemed claustrophobic and stuffy. But I felt like a goldfish in the middle of an ocean in here.

My phone buzzed, distracting me from my thoughts.

Avery: Let me know how it goes!

Josie: Will do. Got to go, I think they're coming in now!

I shoved away my phone, but it continued to buzz. Assuming it was Avery still messaging me, I ignored it. 7 people walked into the conference room, men and women. Each dressed neatly and professionally. I bit my lips nervously. Where was Mr. Black? A second later he popped into the room closing the door behind him. A new feeling set in my stomach, this time lower. Get. A. Grip. Josie! Stop fraternizing your boss! I made my way over to my chair next to Mr. Black and whipped out my notebook with a pen. I was ready. Nothing could go wrong at this point.

"Morning. Ms. Reid." Mr. Black whispered.

"Good morning sir." Mr. Black looked immaculate. He wore a black suit and white dress shirt that hugged his chest tightly. A grey tie matching, with a leather strap watch that could easily be the size of a dinner plate. Not to mention how good he smelt. I had never been so close to him before. I could smell the musky orange and sandalwood on him. He smelt rich. Well, because he was rich, you i***t! He was rich. And it looked good on him.

The meeting started, several of the men from Vogue pitching in how good Lush did last year. Meanwhile, my phone buzzed. Jesus. Why was Avery still messaging me? She knew I was in this meeting. Mr. Black glanced my way as my phone continued to buzz on the table. I snatched it from the table setting it in my lap, refocusing my attention on the notes I was trying to take.

But no matter how much I tried to avoid the annoying buzz of my phone I couldn't. I dropped my pen and picked up my phone only to be greeted with several missed calls from the hospital and my brother. What the hell? I turned to Mr. Black.

"I'm sorry. I have to take this." I started to push myself from the table, holding the phone to my ear.

"Hi, is this Josie Reid?" Someone says from the opposite of the line.

"This is she," I say. I was now almost out the door when I stopped to listen carefully to see if I had just heard the lady on the phone correctly.

"Hi, this is Genevieve, from New York Medical Center. I am calling in regards to your father, Jonathan Reid."

My heart rate picked up, sweat beading at my hairline. I prayed so hard. Please don't say it. Please don't say it. Please don't say it.

"Your father has unfortunately taken a turn in his original recovery from his heart surgery. We're not positive he will make it through the night." Genevieve says.

I stood there for a moment more. More in shock than hesitation. Part of me didn't even want to go because then it wouldn't be a distant thought in my mind. It would be true. Right in front of me. That my father was dying. But I knew that if I didn't leave right now, then I would regret it. I could hear someone calling my name from behind me. Too in shock to answer, I focused on my breathing.

Deep breath in. Deep breath out. In. Out.

"Ms. Reid. Josie!" Mr. Black now had his hand on my shoulder, shaking me gently. I turned my attention towards him, Saturn directly into his concerning eyes, both of my arms at my side. I could feel my eyes well up with hot, heavy tears as I began to realize what was happening. I cleared my throat, bringing my phone back up to my ear.

"I'm on my way."