My suspicions were right about her being magic; she’s bewitched everyone at the table and is holding their attention like a moth to a flame. They’re captivated. As am I; any nerves I felt have long disappeared.
“I’m ready when you are, Ms. Feelgood.” My confidence is now full to the brim.
Dropping in was a great decision; she lives up to her name. Just being around her makes me feel instantly better. I unbutton my suit jacket and settle in to watch whatever is about to unfold.
For the next hour, I sit glued to my seat, enraptured by Sapphire’s presentation. Her confidence and her ability to blend humor with professionalism are truly inspiring. That’s something I find challenging, especially considering the industry I work in. Losing a court case is never good. Not that I lose many, but when I do, it feels terrible and I’d rather walk barefoot over Legos. It’s not as if I can suggest dance therapy to my client to recover from a major loss.
Sapphire continues to share positive statistics, facts, and figures from the post-conference survey. Not only did the staff at Sew & So Apparel love the event, but the board members confirmed that motivation is higher, staff morale has improved, and productivity in their clothing factory has increased by twenty percent since the event. It’s incredible. She’s incredible, just like her team.
“And last but not least, the final question that I both dread and welcome in equal measure.” She points to the question on the screen, and I recognize the doodles, the same ones that were scattered around the presentation she showed me the night we had dinner, and on her website, around the question that now seems obvious. I feel foolish because I realize that it’s clearly part of her branding. From the back of the room, I can see what the doodles are: spirals unraveling into a straight line, surrounded by lightning bolts, stars, and light bulbs.
I’m having my own light-bulb moment… she’s unraveling me, one enlightening encounter at a time.
Sapphire reads the final question aloud. “Would you like to have Safire & Spark host Sew & So Apparel’s future events?” Using a clickable pointer in her hand, she moves to the next slide to reveal the answer. “Ninety-nine percent yes. And the other one percent?”
Everyone bursts out laughing as she reveals three quick-witted responses, then proceeds to read them out loud: “No, because by this time next year, the team and I will have set up our own Boomwhacker band with Sapphire as the lead singer, so she’ll be busy.” She chuckles before saying, “The next one is good… No, because Sapphire won’t be here next year, because I plan on marrying her and whisking her off into the sunset.” Shaking her head, she smiles, filling the room with radiance. “And last but by no means least, no, because I’m certain Sapphire Feelgood will be running for president next year.” Sapphire raises her hands in the air in celebration. “You are looking at the first female president, ladies and gentlemen. Get your autographs now.”
A round of applause sounds like a clap of thunder from the team around the table.
God, she’s fucking good. Great.
I don’t even care that she’s proved me wrong. I’m a dick for ever having doubted her and her abilities, and that look of satisfaction on her face is a look of I told you so, and I want to see more of it.
Sapphire finishes her meeting, and I zone out, just watching, observing how she tucks her hair behind her ear, the ease with which she laughs, and how she’s built a business targeting stuffy people in suits, yet has them eating out of her whimsical hand. They are charmed by her.
Me too.
I want to take part in everything. Anything that involves her.
Anchored to the chair, I nod politely as the team from Sew & So Apparel leaves, and Sapphire sees them all out, until it’s just Sapphire and me remaining.
Neither of us says a word as she takes the seat two away from me. It’s not uncomfortable silence, not even a little. She might make me feel unsteady, but I feel alive when she’s around.
A smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. “So,” she starts, “what did you think?”
“That was impressive.” Mind-blowing. She’s astonishing.
“We are very good at what we do.” Confidence beams out of her.
“You are brilliant at what you do.”
“Was that a compliment?” She feigns shock, pretending to gasp, shaking her head with a smirk. “Thank you,” she says softly, accepting my praise, her cheeks flushing pink. Leaning forward, she then asks, “What brings you here today, Eli?”
“Two reasons.” I clear my throat. “Firstly, the venue we viewed on Monday will work. Book it.”
To my surprise, she glances behind me and asks, “What have you done with the indecisive Eli Hart?” Her eyebrows lift toward her hairline.
I study her face, admiring the many facets of her sunny personality. As a leading lawyer in my profession, I am often surrounded by intensity, chaotic and messy negotiations, impossible deadlines, and people focused on wins and losses. However, Sapphire is different. Instead of questioning, she teases and she doesn’t compete; instead she laughs and carves her own path. She doesn’t make demands either; she gently coaxes, and somehow she makes me forget about time, my clients, the chase, and my OCD. With her, I feel human again.
“I apologize for taking so long to make a decision.” I don’t tell her it’s because I lengthened the wait, enjoyed seeing her every week, just to torture myself: being with her but not really being with her.
If only she knew I adore her mindless chatter and busy brain she can’t keep contained.
“Apology accepted. I will get that booked this afternoon and all that’s left to do is confirm attendee numbers.”
“There’s surely more to do than that?” We have hundreds of staff to organize conference badge names for, welcome packs, food choices, travel… My mind begins to spiral.
“We have people who do all that.” Sapphire turns her attention to her forty-strong team, who all appear to be playing giant Jenga thirty minutes before clocking off for the day.