Kiss of Life-Chapter 5

by Christina on March 08, 19100 at 00:07:47:

Kiss of Life-Chapter 5

Pics from First Working scenes...

Pics from Plaza

“Miss Barrett, this is the wrong type of ham!” Katherine Bell screams as Brenda clenches her fists. “Sorry…I will go find the type you want,” Brenda replies with a sugary sweet smile. She had to kill Katherine Bell with kindness…that was the only way to succeed in business. “Forget it…get it right tomorrow!” Katherine snaps and Brenda jumps back a little in nervousness. “Yes…I will,” Brenda says, tucking her hair behind her ears. “Well, you might as well go home…there is nothing left for you to do today,” Katherine says with a bored expression in her dark blue eyes. “Have a nice afternoon,” Brenda says with a small smile. “Yes, I hope I have a nice afternoon as well,” Katherine replies smugly. Brenda walks out and was so tempted to slam the door but she takes a deep breath.

“Hey sweetie,” Lucy Coe says coming up behind Brenda. Thank goodness…Lucy was the only kind soul is this place. Lucy was the layout editor and was the only person who had said hello to Brenda and made her feel welcome. “Lucy, I am so ready to quit,” Brenda moans, rubbing her head. “Oh Kathy…do not listen to her…she is just mad because you have lasted longer than any other intern ever has,” Lucy says with a smile. “I know but she is so cruel!” Brenda exclaims in a whisper. “Brenda, she just thinks you are here because you are a spoiled rich kid who needed a legitimate summer job,” Lucy says.

“If only she knew…this job is supporting me this summer…I do not take any money from my family…unfortunately, my father and sister just happen to run Barrett Industries,” Brenda replies dryly. “Hang in there…you doing a great job and Katherine will eventually realize that,” Lucy says grinning. “Thank you so much…you have kept me sane,” Brenda responds. “Anytime…now go home and relax while you still have the chance!” Lucy says clapping her hands together. “Oh I am…believe me and then off to a nice stressful dinner with my parents who called and want to visit me tonight,” Brenda says waving to Lucy as she walks out of the building.

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“Mr. Jacks, Miss Morgan is on line three from Milan,” Venus says into the intercom. “Thank you, Venus,” Jax replies, rolling his eyes. Chloe had not been gone a full twenty-four hours and she was already calling. Why was he not surprised?

“Hello Chloe,” Jax says trying to smile. “Darling! Milan is so breathtaking…I am having a splendid time,” Chloe says breathlessly into the phone. Jax chuckles and responds, “Miss Morgan, are all the Italian male models courting you?” “Jax, how could you even think such a thing…no, I have been working non-stop and the show is going to be divine,” Chloe replies. “Well, I wish I was having as much fun as you,” Jax says tapping his pen against his desk. “Oh Jasper, why don’t you come and spend a couple of days in Milan with me?” Chloe asks innocently.

“Chloe, I told you three days ago that I working on a very big deal and I cannot stop and just fly to Milan on a whim,” Jax says in aggravation. “Oh but Jax…I do miss you so,” Chloe responds. “Chloe, I know but I cannot…we will do something special when you get back…I promise,” Jax says. “Well…okay…I am holding you to that though,” Chloe says with a girlish giggle. “Okay…have a good time in Milan…talk to you soon,” Jax says. “I love you,” Chloe replies softly. Jax takes a deep breath and says, “I love you too.” Jax hangs up the phone. Those three words were getting harder and harder to say everyday to Chloe.

“Mr. Jacks, the money has been transferred to your account,” Venus says interrupting his thoughts when she opens the door. “All of it?” Jax asks in surprise. “Yes… Dervish Deals really wanted that oil company,” Venus says with a smile. “Thank you Venus…” Jax says. “You are welcome…have a good afternoon,” Venus replies, then walks out.

Jax leans back in his chair and closes his eyes…a nap sounded perfect right now. He was exhausted with all the dealings that had taken place over the last few months. The phone rings and startles him. “Jax,” he says picking up the phone. “Jasper…my boy…it is Harlan Barrett,” Harlan says in his deep voice. “How are you doing, Harlan?” Jax asks. “Very well…actually, I have a proposition for you,” Harlan says mysteriously. “Harlan, I have to tell you I am to my eyeballs in work and I don’t think I can arrange any more deals without losing my sanity,” Jax replies.

“No, no…nothing like that…Veronica and I are coming into the city tonight to have dinner with Brenda,” Harlan says with a chuckle. “Oh, and what does this have to do with me?” Jax asks nonchalantly but secretly his heart was racing at the mention of Brenda’s name. “Well Jasper, my Veronica was quite impressed with you and asked if you would consider having dinner with us and Brenda,” Harlan says. “Oh…well, what time…my schedule is crazy,” Jax asks trying to not sound too eager.

“Oh around seven or eight,” Harlan says. Jax smiles and replies, “Actually, I can do that…name the time and the place.” “The Plaza lobby at quarter to eight,” Harlan replies cheerfully. “See you then,” Jax says hanging up. A dinner with Brenda…maybe today would not be so bad after all.

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“Ick…The Plaza…why do my parent’s always have to pick places that I have to get dressed up for?” Brenda asks, looking through her closet as her roommate, Robin sits on Brenda’s bed. “Because your mother is horrified at the thought of jeans,” Robin replies with a giggle. “Ugh…I know…she is so old-fashioned,” Brenda says turning around. “Maybe you should dress-up just to prove her wrong and make yourself look amazing,” Robin says raising an eyebrow. “Or I could walk in with sweats and my ratty, old, white t-shirt that I love to sleep in,” Brenda says with a smile.

“But Brenda…think of how shocked she will be if you walk in looking all-made up,” Robin replies. “True…actually, I think you are right…I am going to get all dolled up for Miss Veronica Barrett!” Brenda exclaims. “I gotta run…I have to be at the hospital in twenty minutes,” Robin says glancing at her watch. “Have fun,” Brenda says with a smile. “Oh you too,” Robin says with a chuckle because she knew Brenda was dreading this evening.

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“Harlan, we can simply not go…I have a fever,” Veronica moans as she puts her hand to her forehead in a dramatic fashion. “Veronica, I was really looking forward to seeing Brenda and Jax,” Harlan says in disappointment. “Honey, I called Brenda ten minutes ago and she said it was just as well because she has a lot of work to do tonight,” Veronica responds. “Really?” Harlan asks in confusion. “Yes, and she was so relieved…she said we can come next week,” Veronica says.

“I better call Jax then and tell him the plans are off,” Harlan says. “No!” Veronica screams. “Veronica, I am not going to have the poor boy sitting in the hotel lobby for hours waiting for us,” Harlan says walking out. “Harlan, I gave Jax’s phone number to Brenda and she is calling him to cancel,” Veronica says weakly. “Oh…well, then…that was a good idea…I will send Andrew out for some medicine for you,” Harlan says kissing her forehead and then walking out.

Veronica sighs in relief and slips onto her back. This had been a little harder than anticipated. Even since that dinner that night at Nicolette’s, she had not been able to get the image of the looks between Jax and her daughter. For the first time ever, she had seen this fire in Brenda’s dark eyes…not anger towards Jax…it was an attraction. She had come up with this plan last week and Harlan, Brenda, and Jax had all followed suit and things were going to work out perfectly.

She knew Jax was dating Chloe Morgan seriously but the way he looked at Brenda that night showed that he was reciprocated the physical attraction. And the fact that Jax knew Brenda was going to be at the dinner tonight was probably what prompted him to say yes. She had made sure to tell Harlan to tell Jax that Brenda would be there. And Brenda had no idea Jax was going to be there…she would have been stubborn and refused to go. The results of this plan would be interesting… very interesting indeed.

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Brenda looks down at her watch. Where were her parents? They were never late…her father had always made sure they were a half-hour early. They were supposed to meet at 7:15 and it was already 7:45. She shakes her head and sits down.

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There she was and she took his breath away. Jax drinks in the perfection of this woman’s beauty. She was very dressed up. Her chocolate hair fell down her back in wild waves…she looked like she belonged on a tropical island instead of stuffy New York City. She stands up and looks at her watch and Jax felt faint. She was wearing a strapless salmon-colored cocktail dress that stopped right at her knees and strappy sandals. She looked unbelievable. He could not believe she was so dressed up considering she was so against that.

She looks up and he is caught gazing at her. He sighs and walks towards her. “Hello Miss Barrett,” Jax says when he reaches her. “Hi…what are you doing here?” Brenda asks in confusion. “Having dinner with you and your parents,” Jax says giving her a strange look. “Oh really…says who?” Brenda snaps. “Your father called and invited me today…will that take your angered look off your face?” Jax asks.

“But my father and mother did not even tell me,” Brenda replies in confusion. “Well I was asked and I just showed up,” Jax says shrugging his shoulders. “One moment,” Brenda says walking over to the main desk. “Excuse me…have a Harlan or Veronica Barrett checked in or left any messages?” Brenda asks looking over at Jax. She hated to admit it but he was extremely handsome. His golden hair was still wet from a shower and his cheeks a little flushed. He had on a dark navy-blue suit with a crisp white shirt and sky blue tie.

“Miss Barrett…your mother called and left a message and told me to tell you that she was feeling horrible and she and your father cannot make it,” the young man says. “Oh okay…” Brenda says shaking her head as she walks away. “Well?” Jax asks. “My mom felt sick and they cannot make it,” Brenda replies.

“Oh, I see,” Jax says. “I am sorry you came here to not have your dinner,” Brenda says looking around in discomfort. “Well I am famished and you still owe me a coffee date so I propose that we have dinner here,” Jax says giving her a dazzling smile. Brenda blushes slightly and replies, “No, I should go home…I am not hungry anyway.” Suddenly, a growling noise comes from Brenda’s stomach and Jax says with a smirk, “Not hungry?”

“Fine…but I want to be home by nine!” Brenda says crossing her arms and storms into the restaurant. Jax laughs and follows her. This should be quite the interesting night.

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One hour later…

“You have really been on a mission trip to Africa?” Brenda asks, taking a bite of her raspberry cheesecake. “Yes, for a whole summer when I was twenty,” Jax says smiling. “Wow…I have always wanted to do that…I have been practically everywhere but not for a good cause like that,” Brenda responds. Jax grins…dinner had been tense at first until he had brought up traveling and Brenda lit up like a Christmas tree.

“My favorite place so far has been Madrid,” Brenda says getting a dreamy look in her eye. “I love Madrid…great ambiance to the city,” Jax says sipping his wine. “Yes, and the culture there is so strong,” Brenda responds nodding in agreement. “My favorite place that I have been to though is Egypt,” Jax says. “I have never been there…what is it like?” Brenda asks, looking like a little girl which made it hard for him to concentrate.

“Brenda, it is amazing…the sand extends endlessly and the pyramids…well, they speak for themselves,” Jax says. “Oh…it sounds amazing,” Brenda sighs. “Did you enjoy going to high school in Paris?” Jax asks. Brenda licks a piece of cheesecake from the corner of her mouth and says, “I adored it…Paris is such a beautiful city and has so many historical sights…I was going to go to college there but I decided it would be good for me to do something new.” Jax responds, “I did my semester abroad in France and I picked up the language pretty quickly.”

“Where did you go to college?” Brenda asks. “Dartmouth…it’s in New Hampshire,” Jax says. “Very good school,” Brenda acknowledges. “Yes…I really enjoyed my years there…I was on the crew team there,” Jax says. “How many languages can you speak?” Brenda asks with her eyes gleaming. “Let’s see…French, Spanish, German, Italian, Latin, a little Greek…and oh yes…Chinese,” Jax says with a smirk. “You are such a showoff!” Brenda exclaims rolling her eyes. “I just answered your question…did not know that was a felony,” Jax shoots back and he could see the anger beginning to pop onto Brenda’s face until she hears the pianist begin to play. “I love this song,” she says softly getting a far away look on her precious face. “Shall we?” Jax asks putting his hand out to motion her for a dance.

“I don’t know…” Brenda replies with hesitation on her face. “I do not bite Brenda…come on…let’s dance,” Jax says taking her hand. They reach the dance floor where other couples were swaying to the romantic tune. Brenda wraps her arms around Jax’s neck and takes a deep breath. The man smelled too good and she refused to look up into those magnetic eyes. She almost jumps back at the shock of his arms circling around her lithe waist and she by mistake looks up to see him smiling down at her. They begin to move to the music slowly.

“You have a little cheesecake on your lip,” Jax says taking his hand from her waist and wiping it away, her mouth slightly open. Brenda throws her head back and giggles and replies, "I am just the tad embarrassed now.” “Don’t me…the cheesecake look suits you,” Jax says with a grin. Brenda’s nose scrunches up and she laughs. “Why thank you,” she says. She was so beautiful…what he wouldn’t give to kiss those soft lips or brush her rose cheek.

Some day, when I'm awfully low,
When the world is cold,

I will feel a glow just thinking of you...
And the way you look tonight.

Yes you're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft,

There is nothing for me but to love you,
And the way you look tonight.

With each word your tenderness grows,
Tearing my fear apart...

And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,
It touches my foolish heart.

Lovely ... Never, ever change.
Keep that breathless charm.

Won't you please arrange it?
'Cause I love you ... Just the way you look tonight.

Mm, Mm, Mm, Mm,
Just the way you look tonight.

The song ends and Brenda pulls away quickly, as if the mood had been broken and that little world she had found herself in scared her to death. “I really should be getting home,” Brenda says walking over to her table and picking up her purse. “Well, at least let me drive you home,” Jax says throwing some money down on the table. Brenda opens her purse and puts some money for her meal down. “Oh no…a gentlemen always pays,” Jax says handing her back the money. “And I am a woman who pays her own way…here,” Brenda says throwing it back down.

“I guess I know better than to argue with you about this,” Jax groans. “That’s right!” Brenda says crossing her arms. “And I also know you will not let me drive you home but I did have a very nice time Miss Barrett,” Jax says seriously. “Me too Jax…thank you,” Brenda says smiling and then she runs out. Jax sprints after her and looks around the lobby and then outside the hotel. She had disappeared into the night…again.

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Music from this chapter
“The Way You Look Tonight” by Tony Bennett