Taking her hand into mine, I bring it to my lips. “I’ll tell you everything before the night is over. For now, my only desire is for you to dance with me.”
She glances up as Michael Buble’s version of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” starts playing.
“I’d love to.”
With one hand wrapped around hers and the other guiding my chair, I move us to the middle of the lobby, amongst the numerous other couples already dancing. We move in sync, my gaze firmly held on Jackie as she sways easily to the music. I have to shove aside the regret I feel for not having been able to spend the actual holiday with her. I was more than three states away trying to get shit tied down before tonight.
We end up dancing for three more songs before we’re interrupted by the sound of my boss’ voice through the microphone.
A few of Jackie’s coworkers have waved to us and given us the thumbs-up. All of them are anticipating what Aaron is about to say.
“Some of you may know that Townsend has been looking to expand our reach into the healthcare field. We’ve taken many strides throughout the years to break into this field. However, this year we have taken our biggest leap yet. I am proud to announce our merger with Cypress Mental Health and Addiction Corp.”
The applause that breaks out around the room is almost thunderous. Jackie and I turn to one another with shit-eating grins on both of our faces. I wasn’t aware until this very moment of just how invested the both of us were in this project. It feels good as hell to have worked on something so hard and finally get to share it with the world.
She leans down and kisses me. I take her face into mine, unwilling to let the kiss end too soon. “We did it,” I say against her lips.
“I’m so proud of you,” she whispers.
“Mark, if you’ll come join us.”
I nearly miss Aaron calling my name from the front of the crowd because I’m too busy staring into Jackie’s eyes.
“He’s calling you,” she says, moving from in front of me.
Aaron’s staring directly at me, expectantly. Sighing, I release Jackie’s hand and roll up to the front of the crowd and up the ramp to get onto the makeshift stage where Aaron is.
“You all may know Mark O’Brien as my executive assistant. However, he’s been instrumental in overseeing this project and ensuring things run smoothly. He’s done a hell of a job and continues to impress me, which is not easy to do.”
I chuckle, as do most of the other people in the room, knowing Aaron’s temperament.
“Which is why I’m pissed I have to let him go as my assistant.”
Lifting my eyebrows, I stare up at Aaron.
“As of today, Mark no longer works as my assistant.” He pauses, looking to the crowd. “As the announcement of this merger is just the beginning of this endeavor, we will need someone with hands-on experience to bring these two organizations together, as one.”
He peers down at me.
“As of today, Mark O’Brien is Townsend Industries’ new Director of Oversight for this merger, and syncing Cypress into the Townsend way of doing things.”
I nod to the crowd, who is applauding their congratulations. I’m not stunned. Aaron and I spoke days ago about his decision. I’m thrilled at receiving this promotion. It’s what I worked diligently for. Yet, whereas a few short weeks ago, this announcement would’ve made my entire year, now it’s merely the cherry on top.
As I look out into the crowd and see Jackie clapping in between wiping away tears as she smiles at me, I know the truth of what has made my entire year.
“Let’s bring up the rest of the team that worked on this merger,” Aaron says.
One by one, both Cypress and Townsend employees make their way to the stage. As soon as Jackie steps onto the stage, I take her hand in mine.
Our gazes linger on one another as Jase and another Cypress employee make their speeches to the crowd. I’m sure they talk about how excited they are for Cypress’ future and how great it is to be a part of the Townsend team or whatever, but I give my full attention to Jackie. Even as Jase points her out for the work she’s done on the merger, I can’t take my eyes off her.
It must take minutes but feels like hours before we all descend from that stage. Once we do, Jase stops Jackie and me.
“I hear your mother is feeling better,” he says.
Jackie hesitates but nods. “A little.”
“That’s great news. But,” he pauses, his eyes flickering to me before he looks at Jackie again, “we at Cypress should’ve been more attentive during your family’s hour of need. I recognize our shortcomings, and while I’m certain a monetary benefit can only go so far, I’d like to notify you that we’ve signed off on tripling the bonus promised to you at the beginning of your tenure with Cypress.”
