In Bloom

Chapter 5

The pair sat down on the slightly shredded couch and Jackson wondered how one person could do so much damage in such a short time. It was actually quite impressive but the writer was thankful that, hopefully, that would be the last time he saw her.

“Wow,” Mark whispered to his companion as his eyes looked around the room. He could feel dread rising in the pit of his stomach. He was sure that the contract would fall through given how their first meeting had turned out to be a catastrophe. However, seeing how easygoing Mr. Bloom appeared to be, there was still the faintest glimmer of hope in the editor.

“Now, gentlemen,” Christopher said as he dusted off the adjacent chair and dropped himself into it, “I believe we have some things to discuss.” He picked brushed shards of glass off of the leather folder next to the chair and opened it to the familiar-looking paper, waiting to be signed and sealed in the soft blue envelope. His eyes scanned the document once more before he looked at the pair and smiled. “So how do we do this?”

Mark launched into his well-rehearsed speech of how Jackson would be the Christopher at designated times, taking notes, observing, asking questions, the whole nine yards. The CEO nodded, jotting things down in the folder as Mark went on about expenses, press coverage, and clearances that Jackson would need. He was just starting to cover the release schedule when Jackson put his hand on Mark’s shoulder to stop him.

“Mark, I’ve told you before, I don’t write on a schedule.” The writer squeezed his friend reassuringly before looking at the man who would become his muse with a cheeky smile. “I guess this means we’re about to attach ourselves at the hip, Mr. Bloom,” Jackson quipped before smirking at his editor; he knew the innocent flirt would frustrate his companion, it was work after all; but he was also sure the man was squirming, either with excitement or worry. Either way, the writer felt slightly giddy at the idea of writing a biography and it also concerned him somewhat. He hated writing them, mainly because the people who wanted them written were about as interesting as paint drying, but something about this guy had made him change his mind after just one meeting.

“Well!” Mark said, a little louder than necessary, “I believe this is the end of our time. Jackson can be ready whenever you are Mr. Bloom.” Pulling out his card, the editor laid it on the table and stood up, “my number is on the card. Please feel to reach out anytime.” Mark laid his hand on Jackson’s shoulder and squeezed it, tightly.

“Um, ow?” The younger man said, taking the hint and standing as well. Jackson wasn’t in any rush, but he knew better than to try and fight Mark at this point, “it was nice meeting you,” he said with a polite smile this time. Christopher bowed his head slightly from his chair before standing up and skating both men’s hands.

“Likewise. I look forward to being attached at the hip with you as well, Mr. North.” The CEO said adding a wink for good measure. From his years of experience with nervous board members, he could tell that the editor was worried Jackson was being too much for the businessman. He wanted this to be something that was fun and felt less like a work obligation, and Christopher could tell that he and Jackson were cut from the same cloth. The CEO almost felt bad for Mark, now having to deal with both of them, but the enthusiasm he felt for the project overshadowed it.

The businessman led them back to the reception area and waited at the elevator ascended to retrieve the pair. “Jackson, Mark,” he said with an outstretched hand for the editor, “it’s truly been my pleasure.” Unable to stop himself, Christopher gave Jackson another wink before stifling a chuckle. He could imagine the conversation the two would have later and bowed slightly to them before turning to walk back into his office before he burst into laughter, “see you soon gentlemen!” Christopher called as he waved his hand in the air before the door shut behind him.

What a day it had been; the man looked around his shambled office and sighed deeply before walking over to his desk. Pressing the intercom button, Gwen’s soft voice came through as he requested a maintenance crew and asked her to order lunch for them. Flopping down in his chair, he was pleasantly surprised to see his computer was unharmed, and thus began his extensive research of Mr. Jackson North.

The writer and his editor had barely made it into the elevator before Mark launched into what was clearly a well-rehearsed speech about how to conduct himself professionally while on the job. Jackson nodded and added “you’re rights,” and “I knows,” like a dance they had done a thousand times because, by this point, they more or less had.

The younger man stared at their reflections in the mirrored doors and his mind wandered to how much different Christopher was as opposed to the preconceived misconception. The writer couldn’t believe how easily he came out of his shell around the other man; it almost threw him off, but, fortunately for him, the whirlwind events that unfolded kept him from overthinking things.

The bell dinged as they reached the lobby and Mark let out a heavy sigh. “ You didn’t hear a word I said did you?” The elder huffed and crossed his arms as the door opened before stomping out of the elevator and marching towards the doors.

“Yes I heard you,” Jackson said as he rolled his eyes and followed after his friend. “Besides, it’s not like you haven’t given me the same speech a dozen times.” The writer let out a chuckle as he caught up to the mand and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. “Now that that’s over with, let me treat you to a fancy dinner to celebrate our new contract.”

As much as Mark wanted to be angry with Jackson’s inappropriate flirting with the CEO, he wasn’t one to pass up a meal on someone else’s dime. Besides, it was nice to see the writer so comfortable with someone who wasn’t him. Mark had always wanted to see Jackson branch out and let others see his truly charming personality, maybe this job would be good for more than just money and notoriety.

He let out a, now feigned, sigh and pouted for a second before looking over at his friend. “Fine, but don’t expect me to be a cheap date.”

The writer let out a loud laugh as they walked out of the building and towards the car, “you? Cheap?” Jackson snatched the keys out of Mark’s hand and unlocked the car. Looking across the top he smirked at his editor before putting on a completely innocent face, “spend as much as you want Marky, you know I like showing off for you.” He gave the other a wink before sliding into the driver’s seat just in time to miss what was surely an axis-changing eye roll from the elder.

Soon the two were headed to the restaurant; Mark, with the long desired contract, and Jackson with a head full of questions and an odd feeling in his stomach.