LOVE AND AMBITIONS

1: THE PITCH

JASON’S POV.

The sun was relentless, casting an uncomfortable and extreme heat over the city streets as I made my way from one potential client to another, showcasing my latest inventions.

The weight of my bag, filled with samples of my imaginative toys and gadgets, felt heavier with each step. It was a relentless pursuit of success, a quest I had grown accustomed to in my entrepreneurial journey.

I never knew it would come to this. I was one of the brightest in school, but here I am with no car, no house, (of course, I was squatting with the noisy and lousy Bryan) and most of all, no woman.

It was not as if I had lost my romantic touch with women. I just felt no one would want to go out with a guy like me. I had put all my savings into this work. If it fails, I am dead!

Lost in thought and clutching one of my newest creations, a miniature robot that could perform an array of tasks, and the bag of toys, I ambled down the bustling sidewalk.

My mind was preoccupied with strategies to make my next pitch more persuasive when a voice from the past jolted me out of my daydreaming.

“Jason?"

I stopped abruptly, nearly colliding with a lamppost in my startled confusion. Standing before me was Mark. Mark was an old friend from years gone by.

Our paths hadn't crossed in what felt like a lifetime, and a grin of pure nostalgia spread across my face as we shared a hearty bear hug.

“Mark, it's been ages, man!" I exclaimed, my heart filled with warmth as memories of our shared adventures during our younger days flooded my mind.

We quickly fell into conversation, catching up on the years that had separated us. I learned that Mark now worked as a consultant for the prestigious Briggs Engineering in the city.

The word “engineering” nearly brought tears to my eyes. My adrenaline shot up and my senses lit up.

“I can be a consultant too. I need the gig,” I said, showing Mark the miniature robot that could perform an array of tasks,

Mark laughed, I did think he was laughing at me, he was only laughing at how serious I looked and expressed myself by introducing my work.

“I can do better than that, come let me show you what I mean,” he said.

It was then that he mentioned someone he wanted me to meet, someone who would unexpectedly alter the course of my day.

“Actually, Jason, there's someone I'd like you to meet," Mark said with a playful glint in his eyes.

Intrigued, I followed Mark through the bustling crowd until we arrived at the entrance of an upscale café. There, at a corner table, sat a woman of remarkable beauty, her captivating eyes locking onto mine the moment I approached.

I have never seen such eyes pleased with such beauty in my entire lifetime. Her skin shone like glass and her body figure clearly made a statement even though she was sitting down.

“Jason, this is Vanessa," Mark introduced with a naughty smile.

I extended my hand, feeling a touch flustered by Vanessa's enchanting presence. "N - N- Nice to meet you, Vanessa." I struggled to speak, still captivated by the goddess in front of me.

Vanessa nodded politely and greeted me with a warm smile. "Likewise, Jason."

Without wasting any time, I reached into my bag, eager to show off my latest creation. "Well, since we're all here, let me show you something truly incredible!"

I unveiled the miniature robot, my words pouring forth in a stream of excitement as I explained its impressive features and versatile abilities. Vanessa watched with interest, her eyes focused on the tiny robot as I painted a vivid picture of how it could improve everyday life.

As I spoke, I couldn't help but notice the absence of a wedding ring on Vanessa's finger. I was assuming Mark and Vanessa were married and I proceeded with my enthusiastic sales pitch, unaware of the unspoken dynamics at play.

"Imagine having one of these little guys to assist you with your daily tasks," I continued, my passion for my creations evident in my animated presentation.

Vanessa chuckled at my enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest. Meanwhile, Mark wore an amused expression, well aware of the amusing misunderstanding that was unfolding before him.

Little did I know that this chance encounter would set in motion a series of events that would intertwine our lives in unexpected ways.

As I pitched my innovative robot to Vanessa, I had no inkling that our paths were about to converge in a manner I could never have predicted.

“I like you, I mean I like you a lot,” Vanessa said, smiling while looking at the robot.

“I am sorry Mark, I think she means the robot, I swear I was not trying to take a hit at your wife,’ I said.

They both busted out laughing. I joined them, not knowing why they were laughing.

“She is not my wife, Jason. Neither is she, my fiancee,” Mark said.

“And I mean I love your work and ambition. I am sorry that I didn’t come out well earlier,” Vanessa said. She couldn’t look at me, her face still steadied on the robot.

“Well, Jason, this is Vanessa Briggs, the Vice President of Briggs Engineering and the daughter of Mr. Briggs,” Mark said boastfully.

“Let’s do this. Mark, consults for us. You can either work with his consulting firm and bring your pitch to us or you can work with me directly after the team has heard all the things you’ve just told me,” Vanessa said.

“Working as a consultant would give you more time and more money, my man,” Mark interrupted.

I knew the game they were playing but I also knew Mark wanted to help me. Vanessa only wanted me to work with Mark because he brought me. But the thing is, I would not be working with Mark, I would be working for him. And working for him would limit my access to research.

Anyway, I wanted to see Vanessa again and again. In fact, I want to be close to her at whatever cost.

Please can I make that decision after the pitch?” I said.

“Okay, come to my office tomorrow. Let’s see what you have got,” Vanessa said.

My phone rang out before I could give a reply to Vanessa. I waved to her and Mark to excuse myself. I looked at the phone and it was Gina.

What! Why is she calling me now?

“Hello Gina, how can I help you?” I said.

“I am at your place,” was Gina’s reply over the phone.

I quickly cut off the call.

“So we are seeing you tomorrow, then,” Vanessa said.

“Yes, unfailingly. Please, I am so sorry I have to rush home as I have an emergency,” I said.