Jaded Hearts Read Online Free PDF Page A

Neither of us were
big coffee drinkers, but loved frappuccinos and caramel macchiatos and we shared them
as we went over the plans for that day. I think that my relief to
have someone who was so helpful, and her relief to have a boss who
was young and not sexually harassing her were the beginnings of a
great relationship.
    We cut our ritual brief since the meeting
was set for 9:00 am, and I went to the conference room to prepare.
Vivian would be sitting-in as well as Donna, and Mr. Delgado was
bringing his lawyer, so my office was too small to accommodate
everyone. My nerves surged as I sat poring over my client's
background to make sure I would be well informed on his business,
and Vivian walked in with the two men.
    Hector Delgado was tall, with a head full of
salt and pepper hair that framed his face. His dark serious eyes
assessed me and the tight reserve of his jaw loosened up.  I
was glad I decided on a taupe colored dress suit that had a short
bolero style jacket. He uttered a phrase in Spanish to the man
Vivian introduced as his lawyer. John Benson was an equally tall
gentleman at about six-foot two inches with short brown hair
highlighted with golden flecks; a nice tan gave him a golden beige
complexion, and warm hazel eyes that looked like I was staring into
my own. He reminded me of a mix between David Beckham and Clark
Kent. I smiled expectantly waiting for him to translate for his
client who was now also smiling at me.
    "Mr. Delgado is thankful that you are easy
on the eyes Ms. Spencer," He said.
    I blushed as everyone laughed at his
observation.
    The meeting, which should have been
relatively brief, lasted almost two hours. It seemed as if my
client wanted to ensure that I fully understood his vision for
expanding his empire, and the translation lag did help to extend
our encounter. I was impressed not only with Mr. Benson's fluent
Spanish, but also his patience with all of his client's questions
and mine as well. I wanted to be certain of my responsibilities and
the expectations of my customer.  John had a laid back
demeanor that made me feel at ease.  After we wrapped up our
session John handed me his card.
    "It was a pleasure meeting you Miss Spencer.
I have a few clients who have expressed interest in your company. I
would like to set up a meeting to discuss the prospects. Also it
never hurts to have a lawyer on hand when you are new in town." I
took his card and we shook hands.
    "Please, call me Jade. I would never turn
down a prospective client so I will have Donna set something up
with your office," I said.
    He shot me an all American smile. Very
Nice.
    "OK, Jade. I look forward to it," he
beamed.
    I exchanged universal goodbyes with Mr.
Delgado as they walked out. Vivian turned back to me with a look of
sheer pride and a high-five.
    "I knew you would be perfect for this. I
also told you that handsome available men come a dime a dozen," she
bragged.
    I met her cliché with a confused glare.
    "OK.... Price of tea in China, please?" I
joked.
    Both she and Donna laughed out loud.
    "Just keep your eyes and your options open
Jade," was her reply.
    My first week was amazing, and tonight I
would celebrate it with Jackie. She could make anything a reason to
celebrate. I walked into my apartment around 6:00 pm. Just as I
locked my door my cell phone began to buzz. It was Evan. I answered
excited to share the details of my first week with him.
    "Hey Evan! What's up?" There was a short
pause.
    "Um, that's a good question. You tell me."
His tone was dry. My spirits dropped. It was going to be one of
those conversations.
    "Well, everything is good. I had a great
first week at work." I tried to remain positive in spite of his
attitude. He snorted.
    "Whoa, pace yourself Jade. It's only been
seven days. You don't want to run out of gas," he suggested
sarcastically.
    Ouch!
    I wasn't going to go along with his
bullshit.
    "OK. Well, thanks for that, and I'm sure
things are good with you. It was good to hear your voice,