Page 1 of Jade: Chance Are

one

The Meeting

I sit in the corner booth as discussed and await her. She’d asked that I be discreet. We picked a place across town—somewhere we are unlikely to find anyone who knows us. I have my shades on dressed in baggy jeans and a hoodie.

I know when she walks in. Her hair is cut in a bob hairstyle, but it is a wig to make her discreet. This much I know. She’s dressed in a knee-length forest green shirt dress with a belt. Her sunglasses cover most of her face.

She sees me and takes a seat without a word. A waiter appears and takes our drink order.

“I hope you haven’t been waiting long,” she asks.

“No, I just got here.”

The waiter returns with our drinks. I take my glasses off.

“Why the secrecy of our meeting?”

“I have a favor to ask, and I don’t want anyone to know I asked for this. Please promise me you will keep this between us.”

Looking at her beautiful face, I would like to say no but we have our history. I messed up, and I know she wouldn’t come to me unless she had to.

“Fine, I promise,” I reply.

She pushes an envelope to me. “I know you need someone to build your website and app. I want you to hire her.”

“That’s a big ask?” Why the fuck did I agree to this meeting?

“Look at the CV.” I pull it out and the first thing I see is a picture of a strikingly beautiful woman.

I silently read the CV and the work she has done. She’s exactly the person I need.

“Where did you find this person?”

“I can’t share that information, but I need you to hire her for this role and insist she can’t do the work anywhere but in Rhanaz. She’s going to push back and ask for more money. Accept all her crazy offers, and insist she come to Rhanaz.”

“If everything about her checks out, then she has the job.”

“I know it will, you’ll see she’s brilliant.”

“Fine, guess we are done.”

“Not so fast. The most important part is that you make sure your silent partner comes to the first meeting with her.”

“What! That part of the favor is worse than pulling a tooth. I want to rescind my promise.”

“No, you can’t back out, this part is important. I need you to persuade him and make sure he comes to the first meeting she’s going to be in.”

“Why?”

“I can’t share that information either, but I guarantee you will see the reason right away.”

“All I ask is that you don’t mention this meeting. Bring them into the same room. This is the only way to do that. I know my ask is big, but it will pay off—believe me.”

“Fine.” I leaned back and watched her. She’s brave, I’ll give her that for coming to me.

“Thank you, I promise you won’t regret this.” She states hiding her eyes behind the sunglasses.

“I’m already regretting it.” I answer back, though we both know there’s more to what I just said.