She meets with Sean

She had been a little relieved when she had called Sean and he had picked up and had a jovial tone. In a cutthroat business like this, even that part couldn’t be taken for granted. He had agreed to meet for a late lunch, seeming genuinely happy to do so even if this wasn’t something they had done in well over ten years, never even asking if she had any reason to arrange this. She was thankful for that. It didn’t make her feel any more **** than she already did.

Giving herself one more brief once-over, Jessica made sure that her vibe matched the one she had intended. Her outfit really needed to tell the right story and she had spent an hour going through her wardrobe to perfect the look she had wanted. The result was a mixture of Hollywood starlet and businesswoman, her two personas merged into one in a professional, yet fashionable and sexy look that she was more than happy with. She had opted for a black business suit consisting of a blazer and pants and combined it with a white button-down shirt.

While it wasn’t revealing to show off her cleavage and put her attributes brazenly on display, it was tailored to perfection for her.

Clinging to every curve, it hugged her figure tightly and showed off the shape of her tapered waist, as well as her toned thighs and calves, which were accentuated by the slightly heeled stilettos she wore. Her belt, shoes and purse were made from black leather and the simple, gold earrings and necklace completed the understated, but sensual look. Her subtle make-up was largely kept professional as well, but she had deliberately chosen a lighter shade of lipstick than she usually would, giving her lips a slightly promiscuous hue.

Swiping an errant strand of hair behind her ear, Jessica gave herself a reaffirming nod. Enough to turn heads, but also not to appear to scream for attention.

Perfect!

You’re a boss! You’re a badass! You’ve got this!

Consciously keeping her composure, she turned and let her gaze linger across the country-club style interior of the dining place. It was early afternoon and the room wasn’t too crowded with just around a third of the twenty tables taken. Three waiters diligently kept an eye out to recognize any potential wishes before their guests even had to formulate them and sure enough, it only took a moment of her surveying the room for one of the neatly-dressed gentlemen to approach her with a smile.

“Mrs. Alba!” he greeted her, not hiding the fact that he had recognized her, but also not making too much of a show out of it.

“May I be of assistance?”

She nodded briefly and gave him a polite smile, briefly feeling her excitement fluttering up in the pit of her stomach. “I am here to meet with Mr. Laurie!”

Her explanation sufficed and with a nod and a “Right this way, please!” the waiter led her swiftly through the dining hall. Jessica followed as he navigated them through the tables and towards the back of the restaurant, making their way to a more secluded table that was almost shielded from the rest of the guests, hidden by a pillar, yet granting a view across the sprawling landscape through the huge floor-length windows, it appeared exclusive even in this exclusive place.

Jessica felt a lump in her throat as she first saw Sean. Sitting at the table, nursing a Martini despite the early time of day, the producer had an aura of pure relaxedness. Now in his fifties, it was obvious that the man was working on his looks. His black hair was still full and mostly jet black, with just a few grey strands sneaking in at the temples. His clean-shaven, sharp face was tanned and even while there were a few wrinkles around the eyes now, he was still a very good-looking man, dressed in a stylish tan suit with the top button of his white shirt unbuttoned. He oozed self-confidence and Jessica felt her heart race as their eyes met and Sean’s lips spread into a smile, displaying teeth that just seemed a tad too bright.