Undoubtedly Yours

Chapter 3

Dean

This is surreal. I cannot believe Hope is in front of me, my Hope, except, she is not mine now. Looking at her today has knocked everything off it's axis, once again. I am ecstatic about seeing her again. I am angry that she left without saying anything to me and has never bothered to reach out. I am sad to have lost so much time. But mostly, I feel settled to see her after such a long time. That's what she always was, my calm. I start thinking about all the questions I will ask that have nothing to do with the presentation.

I can't stop staring at her throughout the presentation. I did not get one thing she was saying and I don't care because I know Mark has got it. I think I know what I am going to do. I am not sure how it is going to play out but I cannot not try when she is right here in front of me, once again, and dare I say, more gorgeous than ever. When she turned around to look at me for the first time, the look on her face meant she did not expect this at all. Why would she? It's not like she knew me as Dean Hoffman.

My father, Mr. John Campbell, was a reputed, well-respected and successful man. Growing up, I always wanted to be like him. That changed when I found out about his secret life. It comprised of over a dozen women scattered across many cities, they came looking for compensation after he passed away. Thinking about it makes me sick. The thought that he cheated on my mother was appalling. I used to look up to my father for everything, but not anymore. When I told mom about the women, she said that she suspected it, but she is not going to speak ill of the dead now and wants to live her life. I decided then that I will change. I became Dean Hoffman from Daniel Campbell, Hoffman after my mom's birth name.

Mom is now in Greece enjoying her time and trying to learn new things. She even met a guy who seems to be nice. We talk every day and I make sure she is happy. I also visit whenever I get a chance.

As I am contemplating my life not knowing what is going on in the room. I hear my lovely Ms. Williams say, "Mr. Hoffman, what do you think about working with us?" What do I think? That is an excellent question. I think I need to buy Mark a bottle of scotch for pushing me to get a PR team. I think I want to take you somewhere and kiss you till you can't breathe. Shaking the image out of my head I clear my throat, then looking at her I put my plan into motion, hoping, like f**k, it does not backfire.

"Ms. Williams, thank you for your presentation. If you don't mind I would like to ask Mr. Charles and Mr. Spencer about something that has been on mind since we decided to hire a PR team. Gentlemen, as you know we are looking for someone to handle PR for us. I have been thinking about getting someone to work with my marketing team full time to make sure the PR practices set in place and are followed perfectly. I have a proposal if you guys are interested in working with us." I ask looking at the two of them.

I already knew it was her who worked on this project. The presentation itself was proof enough. I smile knowing this is going to be in my favor as I look at the two men in front of me. I look at her and see that she is squinting at me, clearly coming up with ways to kill me in 100 different ways in her mind. I know that look all too well. I smile as I speak to her directly now, "Ms. Williams, when we decided on giving NEXT ON a chance, we did not know what to expect. Your presentation today showed that not only have you done extensive research on our company, but on our current promotion styles and our need to improve in the digital world. I need someone who understands how the digital market works and clearly you are that person. I understand you might have other clients, but what I need today is, for you to come work with us at our office, let's say, for the next six months or more, to work with the marketing team first hand and implement your strategies. Since this will be our first shot at digital marketing, I want to make sure we do it right, if you understand what I mean."

If looks could kill, I would be 6 feet under right now. Slightly shaking her head she addresses everyone calmly, "While I think it is an excellent idea, Mr. Hoffman, I am not sure NEXT ON can commit to something like this and put other clients on hold." Before she can continue, Mr. Charles speaks up, "Hold on, Ms. Williams, I am sure we can come up with an arrangement since this is once in a lifetime opportunity for NEXT ON as well as for yourself. Your team along with Scott can take care of your clients for the next six months while you go and work with Hoffman industries. I am sure he can work with Katie and Josh to handle your current clients. I think that is everything that needs to be covered. Is there anything else bothering you before we finalize these terms with Mr. Hoffman?"

I know he is asking, but it is not really a question because the look of understanding on Hope's face says it all. Shaking her head at the two men she turns to me she says, "It will be my honor to work with Hoffman industries. Thank you for the opportunity to work directly with your team, Mr. Hoffman." Looking back at Scott and Craig, she says, "I will prepare the list for Mr. Spencer. When do you think will be a good time to start at Hoffman industries?" "We will be signing the contract in the next couple of days, you can start next week. Will that work, Mr. Hoffman?" Scott asks me.

"Yes, that is perfect. Thank you for agreeing to do this, Mr. Charles. It is duly appreciated. I look forward to working with Ms. Williams. I have a few things that I need to address and I was wondering if Ms. Williams can do that over dinner tonight." I know this was not a part of my plan but I can't help myself so, sue me. I also know she will be stuck saying yes but I don't give a damn. I am not ready to part with her yet.

"That is an excellent idea, Mr. Hoffman. Hope and I will be happy to join you for dinner. We can go over your queries and make an assessment of what you need." her manager says, getting up and putting a hand on her lower back. I notice her becoming stiff when he touches her and instantly I want to break his hand off. Something with this Scott guy doesn't sit well with me and I clench my fists to control my outburst . I look over at Mark and slightly point towards Hope with my head. We both nod at each other before getting up and going to stand next to Hope which causes Scott to step back. Lucky for me, Craig speaks before I can say anything, "I think Hope is perfectly capable of handling the dinner meeting. Besides, you and I need to attend the event at the Marriott tonight."

I notice Hope breathing a sigh of relief, which makes me wonder if my assumption about Scott is correct. I try not to get angry. I am about to say something to Hope when she beats me to it and asks, "Which restaurant will we be meeting at? I just need to grab a few things and then I can join you."

"How about you go get your stuff and we can meet in the parking lot and drive together or, if you have your car, you can follow us, so you don't have to come back here before heading home." I tell her, trying to control my excitement. She just nods and tells me she has her car. I give her the address and, after exchanging pleasantries with the others, we head to our car. As soon as we exit the elevator, Mark almost yells, "What the f**k was that? First, you are on my a*s about not wanting a PR team and now all of a sudden she is going to work directly with us, IN OUR OFFICE, I might add. Care to explain what is going on?"

I know I have to explain because he is staring at me waiting for an answer. As I open my mouth to tell him, he gasps loudly and I see a look of understanding cross his face, "Hope? Oh my god! The same Hope? How the hell did I miss this?" When I don't say anything he continues, "No wonder her name and voice sounded familiar." I wait for him to finish talking. "Will you shut up? Calm the f**k down before someone hears you." I tell him, clenching my teeth. Mark starts laughing and says, "Oh man! This is going to be epic. EPIC." I shake my head and look towards the elevator where I see her stepping out and, you know what, everything else can wait.