FOR.BIDDEN LOVERS

Chapter 3: Going Up?

Claire

"Claire, our sales have been down over the past two years, and we believe you can help us turn things around. I hope you're up for the challenge," said Mr. Dubois, staring out his office window overlooking Malibu beach.

My life has been a series of challenges. Each challenge brings a different opportunity for me to grow. Some challenges had blindsided me, such as when my x-husband decided we were no longer compatible. After our divorce, getting out of bed became a challenge. The divorce left me broken. I'm still learning how to rebuild my self-worth. Emotionally, I'm not where I want to be, but I'm not where I used to be either.

"Our rival is Bayside Beachfront Resort," said Mr. Dubois, handing me a brochure and pointing to the resort.

"I'm told Bayside Beachfront is upgrading to provide a seven-star experience similar to the only seven-star hotel in the world, the Burj Al Arab, in Dubai. Richard Bradshaw, the heir to the Bayside Beachfront resort, often takes trips to Dubai to consult with the owners of the Burj Al Arab." Mr. Dubois slowly sits in his office chair and sips his coffee.

I grab my notebook and pen from my bag to take notes as Mr. Dubois shares his vision for being the best resort on Malibu Avenue.

"The Bradshaw family have a lot of money, and we need to find a way to outshine them. If we can beat the competition, our guests will stop leaving us to stay at Bayside Beachfront Resort." Mr. Dubois leans back in his chair, rubs his chin, and stares at the ceiling.

"Well, I'm up for the task," I say, pounding my fist on his desk in excitement.

“Can I ask you a question, Mr. Dubois?"

“The more questions the better," Mr. Dubois leans forward with anticipation.

“Why was Dexter demoted?"

Mr. Dubois takes a deep breath and leans back in his chair. “Dexter was demoted because our sales and ratings started to go down after we hired him. The executive board and I feel that he still has a lot of potential. However, we believe he's a good fit in another department."

“Oh, I see. He seemed pretty upset with me and I can understand why. I hope Dexter and I can work together to do what's best for our customers, despite the tension that may be between us.'

Mr. Dubois reassures me that I have nothing to worry about. Though, I still have a weird feeling about Dexter. Something tells me there is more to the story about him, and why Hilltop Manor hasn't fired him. I could be wrong or overthinking the situation. Either way, I plan on watching him, as there is something that I can't put my finger on about him.

“Mr. Dubois, can I ask one last question before we end our meeting?"

“Sure," he replies, taking another sip of his coffee.

“In the interview with your wife, I spoke with her about bringing in additional staff per my recommendation. I informed her of my friend Laura, who is a phenomenal chef, and her possibly working here with the other chefs. Your wife gave me the green light on hiring her, should she accept the offer and she will be arriving shortly. She'll stay for two weeks and find her own place if she decides to work here. I wanted to give you a heads up and know if you're ok with that?"

“I trust you, Claire, any suggestions you have to compete and beat our rival, Bayside Beach front, is certainly ok with me." Mr. Dubois smiles and hands me a key card.

"What's this? Are managers allowed to live on the 20th floor?" I stare at the key card in disbelief.

"At Hilltop Manor, they are," replied Mr. Dubois. He opens his office door and smiles at me.

We walk towards the private elevator. I can't hold back my tears. It's enough for me to work at Hilltop Manor, but to live on the 20th floor and have my own suite is icing on the cake.

Mr. Dubois and I take the private elevator to the 20th floor. I try to hide my excitement as I flip the key card back and forth between my fingers. As the elevator reaches the top floor, I can't help but think about every challenged I've overcome to be at the top.

Elevators teach a great lesson in life. Most of us start on the bottom floor and work our way to the top. On our way up, we make a few stops here and there. Some stops require certain people to briefly accompany us. These people are known as mentors, teachers, or even parents. They play an essential role in helping to shape and develop us for the challenges that may come with reaching the next level, though they may not be able to accompany us all the way.

My mother, though not here with me, is the reason why I can ride this elevator to the top. I can't wait to call her and show her the suite.

As the elevator doors swing open, it's a reminder that people enter and exit our lives. Throughout this journey, I've had to tell some people to get off the elevator. People who I thought would ride with me all the way to the top such as my x-husband.

Unfortunately, each time I tried to succeed at the next level in life, he found a way to take me back down to the bottom. His verbal a***e and jealousy caused me to doubt my abilities and I still wrestle with the effects even now. However, I've waited a long time to get to this moment and I'm not going to ruin it by thinking of him.

I exit the elevator and the doors close I feel as though it's signifying a new chapter in my life. As I take my first step onto the red carpet, I can feel myself crossing over into a new threshold.

“I'll allow you to do the honors, Claire," says Mr. Dubois as he hands me the key grinning from ear to ear.

“I take the key out of his hand and unlock the door. I walk into the room and am immediately overwhelmed by the beauty of the golden walls and vaulted ceilings. A white bearskin rug lays in front of the fireplace surrounded by white leather Spruce Modular Sofa Set. I know the brand name because I always wanted this sofa set and the price of it starts at sixty-five thousand dollars.

I enter the bedroom and walk up the golden steps leading to a white Victorian-style canopy bed. The pillows and sheets are made of silk. I turn to my left and walk through a small hallway leading to a golden jacuzzi. I can't believe my eyes. I'm living in a place fit for royalty

Mr. Dubois interrupts my momentary daze. “Claire, I'm so sorry. I was scheduled to attend an art auction at the Preston Art Gallery. Unfortunately, I'm unable to make it. Would you mind stepping in for me?"

“Ugh…sure," I reply, hoping Mr. Dubois doesn't catch my hesitation. I don't know much about art, but I'm up for the challenges. Besides, it would be nice to start networking.

“Great!"Replies Mr. Dubois. "I can call the owner and let him know you'll be there in my place. You can ride in my limo. I'll make sure my personal driver is waiting for you at the main entrance at 7:00 pm."

“That is kind of you," I reply, still in disbelief that Mr. Dubois would consider me for such a task.

“Oh, and by the way, Richard Bradshaw, the young man I mentioned earlier who is the owner of Bayside Beachfront will be there. He usually outbids everyone and it's best not to get into a bidding war with him as he always wins. He is a billionaire and if he wants something, he'll get it, even you," he laughs jokingly.

This Richard guy sounds like an arrogant jerk. I'm eager to meet him.