Orchid tuned into the moderator’s introduction. He listed Phoenix’s awards and public speaking credentials, some of which she already knew. Like AdAge dubbing him “A Small Agency to Watch.”
Her attention was piqued when he continued with, “When he was a kid, our speaker attended his first parade featuring combat-wounded vets. Ever since, he’s wanted to help military personnel. We’re lucky to have him here today to share how purpose can drive creativity. Please join me in welcoming Phoenix Walker.”
Phoenix bounded onto the elevated platform, accompanied by a lengthy applause.
The room fell silent, as if everyone present wanted to hear him speak.
His opening story elicited warm humor from the audience, yet Orchid absorbed none of his meaning. Her hearing buzzed with a fresh insight: Phoenix Walker was like a hero to this crowd. An industry magnate. A towering force.
Something churned in her stomach. By giving her this creative work, was he simply being charitable? Like his contributions to help military veterans.
Her imagination had wanted to attach meaning to what they had been sharing. Hadn’t his kindness indicated a special connection? She wanted to believe in their kismet, but today was proving this to be wrong. He was a selfless, giving person. Everyone around him knew it. And she was one of his recipients.
It wasn’t that she was special to him.
It was that this unattainable bachelor had become special to her.
Her plans for the week had to change. She wouldn’t bother him. She had watched advertising superstars flock to greet him. He was here for work. He was busy. He’d probably already forgotten that she was here.
Orchid exhaled, in gratitude that they wouldn’t be traveling back to the States together after her epiphany.
She needed to think this through. When they returned to New York, she would attend their agreed-upon final meeting. She would go down to the shore for the July Fourth meeting with Tammy. She’d leave before the fireworks, which meant she wouldn’t have to explain why the booming noises frightened her.
After that, she will have delivered all her commitments.
And then? As much as she didn’t want it, all that was left was to say goodbye to Phoenix.
CHAPTER19
GOODBYE SHORE
Orchid
Was today goodbye?
There’d been little contact since they’d returned from Cannes, and returned to work.
Until today.
Phoenix picked up Orchid in his car, with old-school Renegade Soundwave pulsing from the speakers.
“It’s a party in here,” she said.
“Always,” he agreed. He looked fit in patriotic navy shorts and a white polo. They escaped city traffic and headed towards the diner in New Jersey, where Tammy would join them to discuss the final plans for the advertising shoot. “How was the rest of your trip to Cannes?” he asked.
“It was good. I saw you speak.” She recalled his command of the stage.
“You did? I was surprised that I didn’t see during the week. Except from afar on the last day of the conference.”
“That place was packed.”
“Any word on the China assignment?” he asked.
“Nope, but thank you for this opportunity. Joan told me she’d gotten a great recommendation from your client on my work.”
“You’re welcome. You deserved it. Your work was fabulous.”
Past tense. One more meeting and their collaboration would be finished. Goodbye to texts or poring over briefs. Au revoir to reasons for them to see each other.
