Dangerous Addiction

First Impressions

Jade entered her New York office for another long day. Her family owned a jewelry business with stores located all around the world. They were the oldest running jewelry business known by anyone who had the means to buy from them. The Stone's had an upscale place that all celebrities or anyone of high importance would visit for custom orders. They were known for making beautiful pieces exactly how the customer wanted them. That is what held their stores apart from others. They were a place you could go into and literally choose which stones, how many carats and what kind of metal you wanted on your special made piece.

She loved working for her family and learned a lot about business and people alike. Jade of course loved the finer things and was picky about certain aspects in her life. Her personal life being one major part. Not that she even had a personal life. She always worked to improves sales or advertising to get more customers. Even when they were in very good standings within society she liked to push for better. Most people saw her as a perfectionist when working but anyone who knew her, knew she was pretty laid back.

Jade wanted to make the stores available for every day people who were not rich so they could make special pieces for their loved ones. Making the jewelry the way you want it makes it more personal and sentimental. She wanted to be able to give that to everyone but her family had other ideas. They did not understand change that much. A very traditional family who believed in sticking to the way things were because it served them well over the years.

When jade would bring up opening smaller stores to her parents they would just scoff and act as if it was impossible. Jade knew it wasn't, the amount of money they had versus the amount of money it would take to get the business going was minimal. She could use her money to do it but she had to have their permission on the documents if it would be under their family name. She didn't want to change the store name, just the clientele that would enter it. She believed that everyone should be able to afford their jewelry.

Walking towards her desk she hit her voicemail button to catch up on what she missed. Fifteen messages waited for her response. She couldn't help but groan at some of them as she had to fix shipment issues and make sure certain pieces were made by the deadlines. They were very strict in making deadlines as most of their clients needed the pieces for events like the Met Gala and even movies. They had no room for error when it came to the upper class. Sometimes Jade thought that the clientele were too picky and precise when things were in motion. Especially those who needed a unique and very lavish piece to impress their social circles.

Jade finished listening to her messages and making calls to respond to their concerns. Now she had to prepare for the rest of her day with her always busy schedule. She didn't know how she made everything work but that was where her secretary came in.

" Cindy can you come into my office and brief me for today's events." She asked over the phone to her secretary.

" Of course Miss Stone, I will be right in." replied Cindy.

Cindy was an older woman who worked for the company for almost 20 years. She knew all the clients and was really great at keeping things in order no matter how many clients they had to satisfy. Even on tough days when things go wrong she always found a way to make things work. Jade had a lot of respect for Cindy and owed her sometimes for getting her out of jams she couldn't fathom getting out of alone. Between the two of them the business has been running smooth even with their clientele rising. Cindy entered her office and sat in front of her desk with the clipboard.

“ What is the damage for today Cindy?” Jade asked sarcastically

Cindy chuckled at Jade’s behaviour knowing it has been a very busy month for them. “ Well it seems that today is a little lighter than usual. You have a meeting with the Connors at 11 A.M. about the necklace replica of the Titanic masterpiece. Then at noon you will have lunch with your parents as they had something urgent to discuss about tonight before the banquet….” Jade groaned at that part interrupting her secretary momentarily.

“ They always have something important to discuss before an event as big as this one. It is one of our top charity events of the year and yet they still need to make sure everything is spot on. Even when they give me the reins of the company. Shows how much faith they have in me sometimes.” Jade said exasperated

“ Miss, they just want to see you succeed. Your parents ran this company for 60 years together. It is their livelihood. Sometimes people have a hard time letting go. They know you will do well but it is just in their nature to make sure.” replied Cindy reassuringly

“ I know, it just makes my confidence go down when they question every detail. Mother never seems completely happy with my design choices or theme for the night.” She really is just picky as she is also an interior designer. When my parents let me take over 5 years ago, she couldn't just retire. She had to go and start doing interior decorating for people she knew and she was good at it. She had an eye for design and matched things perfectly.

“ Shall I continue with your events for the day Miss Stone?” Asked Cindy

“ Of course, I’m sorry Cindy. My parents just stress me out more than needed sometimes.” Jade replied apologetically.

“ It is alright Miss. You always do well, I have no doubt that tonight will be another successful charity event.”

Cindy relayed the rest of my schedule which consisted of a few meetings for new custom pieces and my final dress fitting for tonight’s charity event. I wasn’t looking forward to it tonight. I always felt like I was putting on a face to impress everyone all the time. It was good to communicate with some of my colleagues but it was stressful keeping a facade.

I thanked Cindy and let her get back to her desk. I had thirty minutes until I met with the Connors. I pulled out their file and made sure every t was crossed and i dotted before we finalized the making of their piece. The meeting went by without a hitch. We finally finished all paperwork concerning the making of Mrs. Connor’s birthday gift. She was ecstatic that we could make her a replica of the sapphire heart necklace encrusted in diamonds.

Packing the things I needed, I headed to the restaurant to meet my parents for lunch. I informed Cindy that I was leaving for lunch on my way to the elevators.

“ Cindy, Can you please forward all my messages to my cell phone until I get back from lunch.”

“ No Problem Miss. Good luck with your parents.” She said warmly.

She always had motherly concerns for my well being, physically and mentally. Whenever I had a doctor appointment she would always make it a point to constantly remind me. I am not a fan of the doctors ever since my grandmother’s death. The atmosphere and smells of the offices did not sit well with me, making my anxiety flare up. I was known for skipping or postponing my appointments but with Cindy, it is near impossible.

I waved goodbye to Cindy and walked towards the elevators hitting the down button. The elevator chimed and opened its doors. I climbed in and pressed the main floor button. The music was from our local radio station. They played a wide variety of music depending on days and times. Today was Monday so it was 80's inspired until 5PM.

Humming to the beat of “Heartbreaker” I lost myself in the song not realizing I had reached my destination. The doors had opened and I was caught loving the song a bit too much in front of anyone who happened to be downstairs on their way to lunch. Embarrassed I blushed a deep red and walked out of the elevator being watched by my employees. Some were smiling and others trying not to seem shocked. I was usually a well composed woman so seeing my jam on a fake guitar was a sight to see. I laugh to myself and smile, shaking my head. Then I held my head up high and walked out of the building.

Cindy also knew how my parents were towards their prized company. They were the rich who were never seen home unless on holiday’s. Workaholics. My parents may have loved their company but they also had a social status to uphold. Every holiday my parents would hold massive parties with almost the whole town of upper class men and women. So any type of event that is held under the company name is strictly watched over by them. Every event. It was okay at first but then they never stopped. Five years of being micro-managed by your parents with simple events is tiring.

I crossed down three blocks and made it on time for lunch. It was unlady like to arrive late to an invite according to my parents standards. The clerk out front recognized me and directed me to where my parents were seated. I quickly pressed down my dress and suit jacket, smoothing out the wrinkles from walking the few blocks here. My mother spotted me first and waved to show she saw me. She was a petite woman with young features for being 57. Her hair was wrapped in a bun neatly placed behind her head. She was always well put together at all times. Even in her nightwear she was conservative and not messy looking. It amazed me ever since I was a child and I learned what it meant to be constantly put in a spotlight. Slight details could be drastic to someone who thinks they found something scandalous with our family.

I reached the table and greeted my parents warmly. “ Hello Mother.” I nodded towards her then turned to my father nodding as I said “Hello, Father.” They stood as I approached closer and engulfed me into a hug. I hugged them back and then we sat in our seats at the table.

“ They have chicken broccoli alfredo for their special tonight dear.” My mother smiled. She knew that was my favorite dish. First hint towards their ulterior motives behind lunch. They were trying to make sure I would be in a good mood. Which only made me wonder what type of bad news I was going to receive or how much my mother did not like something I had planned at the event tonight.

“ I may just have to get that and a strong glass of bourbon on the rocks.” I said eyeing my parents above the menu. They glanced at each other having one of their secret conversations. It was sometimes amusing watching them with their eye communication and body language. I knew something was coming soon.

“ That sounds like a heavy drink for a lunch break Jade. “ My mother said disapprovingly of my choice. My father just shook his head at my mother and glanced in my direction.

“ Bourbon on the rocks sounds great about now.” my father interjected before my mother berated me more about my beverage choice. She snapped her head towards my father and gave him a glare after his comment.

The waiter approached our table before anyone else could say anything further, lifting the tense air that was building around us.

“ Hello and good afternoon, my name is Daniel and I will be your waiter. What would you like to start with as a beverage? The waiter introduced himself then turned to my mother to take her order first.

“I would like to start with a white zinfandel and have a dessert tea after my entree but with my dessert.” My mother said warmly to the waiter, emphasizing words to make sure he understood when she wanted her tea exactly. He smiled and wrote down her order then turned to me.

“ I’ll take a bourbon on the rocks and a coffee with my dessert.” I replied towards the waiter, watching him scribble my order onto his pad and then turning towards my father.

“ I’ll have the same as her.” My father told the waiter while pointing with his thumb in my direction. Daniel nodded and then bowed before he departed to retrieve our orders.

My father was the first to break the silence as we all barely looked at our menus in front of us.

“Jade, there is something we have to talk about.” My father paused and waited for eye contact. I was taught to always make eye contact with someone you are talking to as it showed respect and recognition to being heard. I looked at my father acknowledging his request for attention.

“Okay, what would you like to talk about.” I replied calmly.

“ Do you remember an old friend by the name of Damon Rhodes? “ My mother asked.

I remembered Damon well. He was a close friend while we were children considering both our parents were busy working. Our nannies were friends and gathered us together everyday around lunch as a play date. You would catch us in the trees trying to climb as high as we could, or catching the biggest fish in the pond. Once we became pre-teens, Damon was sent to an all boys private school. I never heard from him again after that. I looked at my parents and gave them both a confused expression. Why would they ask if I remember him? Did something happen? It has been over 10 years since I last saw him. I probably wouldn't recognize him if I did see him. I know I look different.

My father cleared his throat and took a swig of his water before he continued the conversation.

" He will be coming into town soon to stay with us a while. His family still owns the best mines we purchase our jewels from. They wanted to see how our process is done. As they want to become permanent shareholders at 25% giving them a seat in the council." My father stated flatly. In other words, I do not have a say even though I run the family business now.

Daniel came back with our drinks so I took the opportunity and glanced at the bread basket. I grabbed a piece of warm Italian bread out, spreading butter evenly over the whole side and crunched a piece off taking a bite. The crust was perfect and the inside was so soft it melted in your mouth with the butter. I savored the bite then glanced at my parents knowing they were waiting for my reaction and reply.

" When will he be coming?" I nonchalantly asked. I wanted to give my parents no reason to see any disapproving action as childish. I was great at holding my composure in stressful situations. Some saw it as being rude but showing no emotion was better than giving people unnecessary ammo to use against you. Deep down I was annoyed that they did not even talk with me about it. They decided it was a good move so it was going to happen.

“ He should be arriving early next week.” My mother stated.

“ We will be having a meeting with the council on Monday evening to confirm the details and by Friday we should be able to close the vote and settle all paperwork for the transition.” said my father taking a sip of his bourbon.

“ I will start to prepare for his arrival once I get back to the office with Cindy.” I smiled biting another piece off the bread. My parents smiled back approving of my attitude. Usually I would fight them on decisions they made without me but I see no use anymore. Cindy would be proud of my progress. Choose your battles wisely. A mantra I say to myself every now and then to remind myself that I had the choice to act or respond a certain way.

The rest of lunch was typical event talk. My mother went over every detail as expected while my father hmm’d and mhmm’d with what she was saying. I was basically on auto-pilot through the rest of lunch. It was another coping thing I did when I just wanted to get out and get things moving. Before I knew it the waiter came with our bill which my father proudly took and I said my good-byes.

Parting with my parents I shook the tense vibrations away and headed back towards the office. The couple of blocks made it quick to get into my office to finish the day. I had a few things I needed to catch up on before the event tonight. There will always be projects that need extra attention to finish in time.

Speaking of finishing on time. I hope the dress fitting doesn't take forever. I always dread that part of events, the attire. Everyone has to out dress everyone with the latest or most costly garments of clothing that barely covers their bodies half the time. Last year a woman wore a dress made of diamonds and sheer fabric that was see-through all the way.

I would rather just put something nice on that does not scream I have money. My mother critiques my fashion choice at every event. Since I started picking my own clothes that is. She ran my fashion sense until I was 18 when attending an event. Perfection and image was everything to my parents. That is probably why I am the way that I am with things. Simple is better, less complicated and gaudy.

I sat in my chair and stared out of my office windows. I liked to watch the busy buildings around me. Seeing workers on their phones or running through the offices to make deadlines. It made me feel at peace knowing everyone around me was busy like I was. Or at least they looked like it. I reached into my drawer under my desk and pulled out my bourbon. It wouldn't hurt to have a drink while I wait until my fitting. It would certainly go by faster with a drink or two.