Sapphire’s favorite artist. And mine.
Flowers replace hair, appearing to blow in the wind, with the name of the business, and positive affirmations woven into the vines that intertwine with yet another portrait. It’s not only stop-you-in-your-tracks beautiful but it’s also fucking breathtaking.
I brace myself and get ready to face the unknown, praying that she’s in the office today and not hosting an event.
It’s been three days since I last saw Sapphire. Although I barely know her, I’ve missed her. I guess that’s why I find myself standing outside one of the coolest-looking buildings on this side of town, using Jane’s prompting as an excuse to push myself to be here.
“Are you coming in?” A woman brushes past me, clutching a laptop to her chest before tapping a keycard against the security pad to open the door.
“Yes, I am.” I step forward.
Break the chain. Mix things up.
“Who are you here to see?”
“Sapphire Feelgood.”
Smiling brightly, she beckons me to follow her. “This way.”
The moment I step inside, I’m greeted by the low-level hustle and bustle of a busy office and sensory overload. From the paintings on the red-brick walls to the upcycled office furniture in various colors and finishes, it feels more like a modern art gallery than an office.
“Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Eli Hart from Hart Law.”
She smirks conspiratorially, as if in on a joke I don’t get, and replies, “I’ll let Sapphire know you’re here, Mr. Hart, but I think she’s just gone into a meeting.” She looks across the open-plan office toward a meeting room that resembles a giant glass box in the middle of the room.
And there she is, standing at the end of a conference table, delivering what looks like a proposal to a dozen male and female executives in suits.
“You know, you could sneak in at the back if you want to listen in, Sapphire won’t mind. In fact, I think you’d be interested in what she has to say.” The woman I’ve only just met nods as if encouraging me to do it.
I would feel like an intruder. “Are you sure?”
“Follow me.” She gestures with her whole hand, and I have no choice but to follow her. “I’m Mistee, Sapphire’s lead facilitator.” She adds, “And best friend.”
I knew that the previous smirk she tried to hide said something. Just what the hell has Sapphire said about me?
“Nice to meet you, Mistee.”
She looks back over her shoulder, smiling. “Oh, the pleasure is all mine. I’m glad we got to meet before your event. Sapphire has epic plans, and I can’t wait to meet your team, Mr. Hart.”
As we approach the glass-walled conference room, Mistee waves to Sapphire, signaling to her to get her attention. However, Sapphire continues her presentation with all the grace of a professional, gesturing for us to enter when she clocks me, granting me permission to go in.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Hart.” She doesn’t miss a beat as Mistee pushes open the door. “Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Hart of Hart Law. Mr. Hart, may I introduce you to the executive team from Sew & So Apparel?”
I curtly nod, at ease with my surroundings. I deal with high-level suits all day, every day of the year; they don’t make me nervous, but somehow Sapphire does. “Afternoon.”
They mumble a chorus of polite hellos in return.
Sapphire points to an empty seat at the back of the room. “We’re doing a post-event roundup for an event we held four weeks ago. Take a seat, Mr. Hart.”
It’s almost funny how formal she is being, and I’m slightly taken aback. The spitfire with the sharp tongue is long gone, replaced with elegance and professionalism.
She looks beautiful today in another long, flowy dress in powder blue, which matches the ends of her hair. She’s cinched her waist with a wide brown leather belt, the same color as her cowboy boots, accentuating her perfect curves.
I don’t get distracted, and I never lose focus, but damn her, with those cowboy boots and quick wit, she’s got my attention, and I can’t get her out of my mind.
“Maybe the statistics I’m about to share will help convince you why we’re the best events company in the state, Mr. Hart.” There is so much teasing in her comment that I can’t help but laugh as I take a seat as instructed. “Can you believe this guy has his doubts about hiring us?” she says sarcastically, casting her eyes around the table as everyone chuckles, calling me out on my reservations. I love the way she teases me.