Unwanted Heat

“I’ll call them and if they are agreeable, I’ll have Melody arrange something at The Summit in a couple of weeks. I want you there though; you were responsible for bringing it this far, just because they want to be a pain in the ass at the end doesn’t mean your work isn’t recognized. I want it known to them that you were responsible for everything until this point.”

“Thank… thank you Nicholas. I appreciate that,” he is clearly surprised-I don’t give out compliments often but in this case Alex has done everything on this including going above and beyond what they have asked for.

“I’ll read this over but I’m sure you have everything aligned.”

“Mr. Parker, your eight o’clock is here,” Melody interrupts us a short time later.

“Let me know if you need anything else,” Alex says as he leaves my office.

“Mrs. Wilder it’s nice to see you again,” I greet her as Melody closes the door.

“It’s Bridget, but it’s nice to see you as well, Nicholas,” she shakes my offered hand before sitting in the gestured chair.

I have known Bridget for many years now, as she serves on the board of several charities with my mother. Since we were old enough to understand, my mother has brought us to various charity events and insisted that we find ways to give back to the community. Since I’m usually too busy, my giving back tends to be in the way of a large donation check. My parents organize various events, even hosting a few at their house.

My sister volunteers her time at the hospital at least until she figures out what she wants to do with her life and my brother and father donate services from their architectural firm to several nonprofit organizations that help the homeless. All three of us are expected to attend as many charity events as possible, especially those that our parents attend. My mother accepts very few excuses for missing an event; typically the only ones I can get out of is when I’m traveling out of state for business. Since Bridget also sits on several of those boards, I have seen her at many events over the years.

“I understand you wanted to talk with me about a donation for the New Beginnings Gala next weekend? I’ve already confirmed my donation with my mother, but if there is something else that you need-”

“Actually, this isn’t about that gala at all,” she hands me a folder and when I open, it I see if contains a non-disclosure agreement. My interest is immediately sparked as to what Bridget could want to discuss that would require we both sign an NDA. I quickly review the document which is pretty standard, and then present her with one of my own NDAs. Although these are usually reciprocal I don’t take anything for granted, and insist that whenever I sign an NDA the other party signs one of mine as well.

“Now that we have that out of the way, what’s this meeting really about, Bridget?” I ask.

“I’ve seen the tabloids and the numerous articles written about you, Nicholas.” I cringe. “I’ve known you long enough that I don’t believe any of the things that have been written about you. I know the constant focus on your personal life must be getting to you and I’d like to offer a possible solution.”

“I’m listening.”Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

“We know each other in the charity circuit, but we probably know very little about each other on a personal level.” I nod in agreement. “As you probably know, I run a successful consulting business targeting large corporations through the tri-state area. What you likely don’t know, is that my consulting services specifically target men and women in your current situation.”

“I’m sorry, I’m not following,” I have no idea what she is talking about. If this is a sales call I will kick her out of my office in the next two minutes and without a concern that she is a friend of my mother. I do not accept sales visits and to do so under the disguise of a charity event is just wrong.

“I’d like to help you with your media problem-”

“I already have a full public relations department, Bridget,” I point out.

“I’m sure you do,” she agrees. “But I can offer you something they can’t. You see, my client list consists of many, highly successful men and women who are often publically criticized for their personal lives or lack thereof. These are men and women who don’t have time to date, or don’t want to date, but find themselves needing someone to accompany them to charity events, business dinners, award ceremonies, etc… That is where I can help you… ”

“Help me how?”

“Between us and the NDAs that we both signed, my consultation business essentially arranges for acceptable dates men and women who need someone to be by their side in the public eye.”

“You’re a match maker?” I can’t help but laugh.

“No, my goal is not love, romance and wedding bells. Essentially, I would provide you with a woman who would attend all your events with you to get the media off your ass. She would expect absolutely nothing in terms of romance. The only contact you would have with her would be on these prearranged dates. You wouldn’t have to worry about her wanting you to call her the next day, or that she is going to start calling you every hour and demanding your attention. Think of it as a business transaction: you pay for her to accompany you to a dinner, gala or whatever else you might need her for your business.”

“What does she get out of it?”

“A paycheck,” she answers simply. “The fee you pay to me covers her clothing for the event, her hourly pay and of course overhead charges associated with my services.”

“How would this be any different than what I’m doing now? I’ve taken women to events and the media still rips me apart… ”

“You’ve taken women to these events. What I would propose in your situation is that you require an exclusive agreement be signed-” “An exclusive agreement?”