Eclipsed by Destiny

Chapter 4: The Deal You Can't Avoid

Kate Harper spent the rest of the day repeating her terrible meeting with Ted Montgomery in her head. Every snarky comment, every nitpicky critique, and, finally, the blatant disdain of her work played on repeat like a lousy song she couldn't stop listening to. She resented how much she cared about Ted's opinion. His business was not the pinnacle of her career, but the loss burned like a paper cut that refused to heal.

Kate sat on her couch that evening, sipping herbal tea and attempting to calm her anxiety. She sat blankly at the muted television, barely registering the clichéd romantic comedy playing in the background. Her mind remained at Luna's Bistro, replaying each agonising moment.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, interrupting her thoughts. She snatched it, half hoping it was Jake with another of his simple, soothing remarks. Instead, it was a number she couldn't recognise. She paused for a bit before opening the message.

Unknown Number: "Ms. Harper, this is Ted Montgomery. I had been thinking about our meeting earlier. Let us chat.

Kate's eyebrows rose. She didn't expect to hear from Ted again. She looked over the message for a full minute before answering.

Kate's response: "Ted, I thought you decided to take your business elsewhere."

The reply arrived nearly immediately.

Ted says, "I did." But I am reconsidering. I have a new concept, and I believe you are the person to make it happen. Let us meet tomorrow to discuss."

Kate let out a big sigh and leaned back into the couch. Of course, Ted was reconsidering. He always had a way of keeping her on the hook, dragging her back in just when she thought she could get away. She didn't want to deal with him again, especially after how he had treated her previously. But the truth was that her business required the revenue.

Her thoughts turned to Jake for a moment. She could almost hear his voice saying her she didn't have to do this, that she didn't have to work so hard for someone who didn't appreciate her efforts. However, Jake was unaware of the gravity of the situation. He didn't realise how much pressure Kate was under to keep everything going.

She typed a rapid response.

Kate says, "Fine. What time?"

The next day, Kate was sitting at the same corner table in Luna's Bistro, waiting for Ted to arrive. She considered telling him to meet somewhere else, but she did not want to come across as spiteful. If this meeting saved the contract, it was worth the inconvenience.

Ted arrived precisely on schedule, with his customary overconfident grin. "Kate! "Nice to see you again," he replied, sliding into the seat across from her.

Kate forced a pleasant grin. "Ted."

He did not waste any time. "Okay, let's get to the point. After reflecting about yesterday's discussion, I realised I may have been too harsh.

Kate lifted her eyebrow. That was the closest she'd ever get to an apology from him, and she knew it.

"I'm listening," she said, her tone remaining neutral.

Ted leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. "Here's the thing: I still want to create a big splash with this event, but I believe I need to take a different strategy. I was imagining bigger, grander—something that would have people talking for years. And I'd like you to lead it."

Kate blinked, unsure whether she had heard him correctly. "You want me to lead it?""

"Absolutely," Ted replied, nodding. "You are the greatest in the business, Kate. You know how to accomplish the impossible, which is exactly what I need."

Kate's thoughts raced. She didn't believe Ted's unexpected change of heart, but she couldn't deny that his words had an impact on her. She had always taken pride in her ability to face problems and deliver results, no matter how onerous the assignment.

"What is the catch?"She asked, crossing her arms.

Ted chuckled. "There’s no catch. Just a tight timeline, a limited budget, and some lofty expectations. But this is nothing you can't handle, right?"

Kate sighed. Of course, there was a catch. But the truth was that she needed this agreement. She wanted the money, the publicity, and—if she was being honest with herself—the opportunity to show Ted (and herself) that she was more than capable of pulling this off.

"Alright," she finally said. "I will do it." But, Ted, we need to communicate clearly this time. No last-minute alterations, no unrealistic expectations. If I'm going to make this work, I need your complete participation."

Ted grinned. "You got it, Kate. I will be on my best behaviour.

As soon as the meeting ended, Kate stepped outdoors and took a deep breath, allowing the cool air to fill her lungs. She felt a combination of relief and terror. She had saved the transaction, but the real work was about to begin.

Her phone buzzed in her bag, and she took it out to find a message from Jake.

Jake: "Hello, how did the meeting go?"

Kate thought for a bit before draughting her response.

Kate says, "Better than imagined. I got the deal back, but it will take a lot of work.

Jake's reaction arrived soon.

Jake: "Congratulations." I'm confident you'll crush it. Do you want to get a coffee later to celebrate?"

Kate smiled despite herself. Jake had a way of making even the most difficult situations seem doable.

Kate says, "Maybe. I will let you know if I have time."

She placed her phone back in her bag and began heading towards her car. For the first time in days, she felt a spark of optimism. The path ahead would be difficult, but she wasn't going it alone.

Back at the workplace, Kate jumped right into the planning process. She planned out every detail of the event, including a timeframe, a budget, and a list of vendors she trusted to perform good work. She realised she couldn't afford any blunders, especially with Ted watching her every step.

By evening, Kate was fatigued but pleased with her accomplishments. She sat back in her chair, stretched her arms above, and peered at the organised chaos on her desk.

Her phone rang again, this time with a call from Jake. She hesitated for a moment before responding.

"Hey," she said, her voice tired yet warm.

"Hey, yourself," Jake said. "I was serious about the coffee, you know. "You have earned a break."

Kate smiled. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm swamped with work right now. I have a lot of work to do if I want to make this event a reality."

"Well, in that case," Jake remarked, teasingly, "how about I bring you the coffee?" Everyone needs a little caffeine every now and then.

Kate laughed gently. "Are you persistent?""

"Always," Jake replied. "So, what are you saying?"

Kate looked at the clock. She'd been working hard for hours, and part of her knew she needed a break.

"Alright," she finally said. "But only for a few minutes." "I have a lot to do."

"Deal," Jake said. "I'll be there in twenty."

Kate was shocked at how much better she felt after 20 minutes. Jake arrived with two cups of coffee and a bag of pastries, and his easygoing smile instantly improved her mood.

"Thought you could use a little sugar to keep going," he replied, placing the bag on her desk.

Kate shook her head, a slight smile on her lips. "You didn't have to do this, you know."

"Yeah, but I wanted to," Jake said, taking a seat across from her. "Besides, I thought you could use some company. "You've been working too hard."

Kate sipped her coffee and felt the warmth go through her. For the first time that day, she allowed herself to unwind, even if only for a few moments.

"You're not bad, Jake," she remarked softly.

Jake grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."