The Biggest Part of Me Read online

  Irritation rose up from Jane’s gut. So he was playing her, was he? Well, she’d show him that she wasn’t intimated by his lofty position. Standing straight and squaring her shoulders, Jane looked him in the eyes. “Absolutely. In fact, I think I’ve kept you waiting too long.” Motioning with her arm to the other room she said, “Shall we?”

  Back in the conference room, Jane began her presentation. She was calm, cool, and collected on the outside while fighting emotions on the inside. This was her moment. She was not going to let any old boyfriend—all right her first love—spoil this moment.

  Jane focused on the product: CARL. An incredible idea, she thought and one that would have a major impact on the toy market. As she plunged into her concept of bringing CARL to homes all over the world, her pleasure in marketing surfaced. Jason noticed that her eyes lit up over the ideas. The bubbly cadence of her voice captured him. Shaking himself, Jason stopped looking at her and instead looked at the handouts, concentrating on the presentation. CARL was too important to let just anyone handle the marketing.

  Following the presentation and a brief time for questions, everyone began filing out of the room. Lingering behind, Jason walked over to Jane. “Impressive. It looks like you put your heart and soul into this.”

  “Thank you.” Flustered by the compliment, she didn’t know what to say. “It’s what I do,” was all she could come up with.

  “Well, I appreciate all your hard work. Maybe I could pay you back with lunch?” He knew this was a mistake but felt that they needed to get a few things straight before he even considered Patterson.

  Jane couldn’t get any words out. Hadn’t she just proven her command of the English language with her presentation? However, she felt totally inept to finish a sentence now. “Well, I . .”

  “I’d like to discuss a few points about the presentation with you.”

  Shifting back to her professional mode, Jane relented. “Of course. Let me just put my things away.”

  Jason waited in his limo for Jane. His mind was scrambling, trying to decide how to handle the possibility of doing business with Jane. It had been such a shock to see her again. He knew she lived and worked in New York, knew she worked in marketing. But he never expected to run into her as the chief presenter for a marketing campaign. She had done well for herself.

  He was mad with himself that he hadn’t researched the firm fully before today. Usually he did. He always liked to know whom he was dealing with. He just hadn’t had time to delve into the personnel of a marketing agency.

  The CARL project had him putting in twelve-hour days, working to get all the bugs out. He wasn’t big on conspiracies but he would swear that someone had it in for CARL. There had been too many glitches to count. He was constantly putting out fires and making adjustments. Sometimes he wondered if he’d survive the big debut. But first he had to find an advertising agency.

  He knew of Patterson, had met Terry Dawson several years ago at some charity fundraiser. He knew that Patterson was solid. That fact had given them the invitation to bid on the project.

  Now was not a good time for a complication. Jane had made it clear years ago that she wasn’t interested in a future with him. He had accepted that. He had gotten on with his life and had been extremely successful. So why were butterflies swarming into formation in the pit of his stomach? Why was his throat suddenly parched when he looked up into her eyes? It had been seven years, not seven minutes since they had been together. Enough, Collins. Time to set the boundaries and move on. It’s not unlike any other business venture.

  Then he saw her leave the building. His mind emptied of everything except her. As she entered the frigid air, the wind caught the door, blowing her honey blond hair and swirling it around her face. She was wearing it differently these days. He remembered it long and free. Now, it was cut shoulder length, curling at the edges. He liked it.

  Jason had met quite a few beautiful women since he had moved to Manhattan. He had met quite a few more since his business had thrived. None of those women could hold a candle to Jane. She was pretty, not model material, but graceful and natural. Beauty shone through her clear blue eyes. He was mesmerized.

  Jason got out and opened the door for Jane. He couldn’t help to feel a flash of pride at the impressed look on Jane’s face.

  “Nice car.”

  “It gets me where I want to go,” Jason said casually.

  The drive was slow as the limo made its way into lunchtime traffic in New York. Neither Jason nor Jane spoke. The only sounds in the opulent limo were those of a purring motor. The tension was as thick as the limo’s carpeting when Jason finally broke the silence. “Would you like something to drink? Water? A glass of wine?”

  “Water would be nice, thank you.” She gladly accepted the water he offered her, bottled and chilled from an ice bucket and poured over ice into a crystal glass. Her throat was terribly dry. And why not? It was only natural. After all, what do you say to a man that you haven’t seen in seven years? A man who broke your heart. The man that you gave your virginity to. And now it looked like that man could very well hold your career in his hands. What blasted luck!

  Just as Jane was about to comment on, of all things, the weather, Jason’s cell phone rang. He politely excused himself and took the call. It was strange to listen to Jason conducting business. This was not the Jason she remembered. She remembered a happy-go-lucky boy with his head high in the stratosphere and his mind busy with his toys. Now, he was a successful, confident businessman who apparently did not take any gruff from anyone. His face showed the lines of living a high-pressured life. He didn’t smile as easily as he once had. His eyes had a hardness that was unsettling to her. The one word that now described Jason Collins seemed to be cold.

  In most ways, Jason looked much like the boy she had loved. He was tall, just over six feet, with dark brown hair that contained just a bit of curl, and was now obviously styled by the best hair stylists in New York. He had the body of a runner, long and lean. Jane wondered if he still jogged as he had years ago. His face was still boyishly handsome. He had one dimple on his right cheek that shone when he smiled with both his mouth and eyes. Jane wondered if she would ever see it again.

  Mostly, Jane remembered his lips. Oh, those lips! They were full and firm and wonderful! They had known just how to make Jane come alive with passion.

  The limo stopped in front of a small French bistro. Jason concluded his call and took Jane’s elbow to help her out. “I’m sorry. I had to take that call.”

  “No problem.” The toys always come first. I know that, she thought.

  Once inside, the restaurant staff made a big fuss over Jason. He spoke kindly to them, asking them about their families, college classes they were attending, sports events they frequented. Apparently, this was a regular haunt of his. Funny, Jane never remembered Jason ever eating anything French, unless it was French fries.

  Lunch was ordered—two ham and cheese croissants with frites francaises (French fries) and more water. Lots more water. Jason took a deep breath. “Did I tell you what a great presentation that was this morning?”

  Drinking her water Jane said, “Yes, you did. Thank you.” When did Jane start drinking so much water? It was like her mouth was a desert that would not stop blazing. “You said you had a few questions to ask me?”

  “Yes.” He hesitated. “I’m not sure how to put this. I certainly don’t want to insult your professionalism. But I have to know. . .”

  Jane leaned forward. “Yes?”

  “If your agency gets the CARL account, is there going to be a problem with our working together?”

  “I’m not sure what you mean by ‘problem.’”

  Jason took another breath. He was tempted to try the relaxation exercises he had seen Jane doing earlier. “It’s just that we were at one time . . . involved. CARL is too important to me to have to deal with problems involving an old acquaintance.”

  Jane felt like she had been slapped in the face. An o
ld acquaintance! Had he forgotten? Did he even care? Now she remembered. She felt the hurt deep in her soul. She felt unimportant.

  “Did I say something wrong? You have a strange look on your face,” Jason said.

  Jane said, “No, sorry.” She cleared her throat. “Jason, Mr. Collins. I can assure you that our involvement of the past is in the past and will absolutely in no way, shape, or form be evident in my work on the CARL project. Surely, you could tell from this morning’s presentation that we are ready to make CARL a toy icon. There is nothing I or my company want more than to make this advertising campaign a complete success. And nothing, I repeat nothing is going to stand in the way of our success should we be given this project.” Jane took a breath to compose herself.

  Jason smiled slightly at her passion. “You realize that our staff will review all the agencies involved and then make a recommendation. I, of course, will study their recommendation and make the final decision based on which company I feel fits with our vision.”

  “And if you’re wise you’ll choose Patterson.”

  Jason chuckled. Then growing serious again he added, “Just so you know, CARL is my baby. I’m going to be involved with every aspect of this campaign.”

  Jason’s remarks created a sharp pain in Jane’s heart. Recovering quickly she said, “I don’t see that as a problem. After all, our goal will be the same—the total and complete success of a new toy sensation.” Then, lifting her glass of water towards his she said, “To the success of CARL and the Talbot Toy Company.”

  “Here, here,” he returned as he took a sip.

  Jane took a long gulp and just hoped she could deliver on her promises. But why not? She was capable and competent. However, she usually didn’t have to look into those deep, creamy brown eyes everyday.

  Silence reigned. Both didn’t know where to go with the conversation.

  The lunches were delivered. As if on autopilot, Jason reached for the small, elegantly bottled ketchup and mustard and handed them to Jane. She used the ketchup and handed it and the salt to Jason, which he used. Then realizing what they were doing, they both looked up. A bittersweet smile passed over Jason’s face, reflecting what Jane was feeling.

  “I guess old habits die hard, huh,” Jason said.

  “They sure do,” Jane said with a little melancholy.

  They ate their lunch, cognizant of the swirl of tension in the air. “So, how is your family?”

  Jane had just taken a huge bite of her sandwich and was forced to choke it down to answer. “Everyone’s fine. Mom is busy with church and women’s groups. Oh, Tom lives here in the city. He has a very successful photography business. Did you know that?”

  “Yes, I’ve seen his work. It’s very good. I especially liked his Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers.”

  Typical, she thought, and then said, “Yes, those girls are beautiful.”

  “Tough way to make a living,” Jason grinned.

  Ready to defend her brother she said, “He works really hard at it.”

  Touchy. She always was very protective of her family. “Yes, I’m sure he does.” Jason paused to take another bite of his sandwich. “He was always diligent as I recall. Especially when he got me on the football field.”

  Now Jane smiled. “Do you still have that scar on your elbow from when he tackled you into the side of Chuck Miller’s shed?”

  Jason lifted his arm and turned it so Jane could see the small scar on the elbow. Jane laughed.

  “Don’t laugh. That thing hurt like hell. It took five stitches and a bottle of smelling salts to pull me through.”

  Jane laughed harder. “That’s right. You really don’t like the sight of blood, do you?”

  He sighed. “True. I could have been a world famous brain surgeon except for that little fact.”

  Enjoying herself for the first time in his company she shook her head. “No, you’d miss your toys.”

  “True enough. Besides Mr. Linstrom in biology told me that science would be much better off as long as I wasn’t involved in it.”

  “Maybe that was because you blew up the science lab.”

  “Rumors! It was only a little explosion. Nothing that even bears repeating.”

  Now Jane was really laughing. Jason looked at her and couldn’t help but to chuckle. Finally, Jane thought. A little thawing of the successful executive.

  She took a breath and said, “And what about your family? How are your parents, Eliza, Tracy?”

  “Everyone is doing fine. Dad still works at the garage however he’s cut back on his hours. Mom has convinced him that cruising is actually enjoyable.” Jane laughed. “They’ve been doing a lot of traveling. They come up here regularly to make sure I’m eating properly and taking care of myself, you know how they are.” Jane remembered Jason’s loving and caring parents. She smiled.

  “Eliza is married and has two children. She married Ben Johnson, you remember that small kid at school?”

  “Oh yes, he was small but had a big brain as I recall,” Jane remembered.

  “Yeah, still does. They live in Jacksonville. Seem to be very happy. Their kids are cute as buttons.

  “That’s wonderful. What about Tracy?”

  “She’s teaching kindergarten and engaged to be married next year.”

  “Wow, little Tracy’s getting married,” Jane was amazed.

  Jason looked at his water, running his finger around the rim. “So, I see an engagement ring on your left hand. I guess congratulations are in order.”

  Jane had not given Ed a passing thought since she had first seen Jason in the conference room that morning. What did that say about her character, she thought. How could she explain about Ed? Did she want to explain about Ed? “Yes, I am. Thank you.” She decided to leave it at that. And then because she couldn’t help herself she added, “What about you?”

  Jason took a breath. “I suppose it’s been more important to establish my business than finding someone.” Jane saw darkness in his eyes, a barrier to his soul. She had always been able to read him by looking into his eyes. Not anymore. They were hard and resolute. This was new. Jane shivered slightly at the intensity of those eyes.

  After an uncomfortable silence, Jason asked, “So, how long have you been in New York?”

  “I came after college. The Patterson agency offered me an internship and I just sort of stayed.” Jane laughed nervously.

  “Oh, I know better than that. Patterson has a reputation as one of the best marketing agencies in the city. They wouldn’t have kept you unless you were very good.”

  Jane looked him in the eye and with a serious expression said, “I am.” Jason grinned.

  “Tell me about the Talbot Toy Company. How did it come about?”

  Jason took a breath, not knowing how much to tell Jane. “Well, while I was at UF, I started working at different manufacturing companies, learning the business. When I scrapped up enough money together, I started my own small company.”

  Jane waited for more. When nothing came she asked, “What was your first successful product?”

  Hesitating, Jason said, “The J.J. doll.”

  “The J.J. doll? Your company did that? I remember that was all the rage one Christmas.”

  “Yeah, we couldn’t produce them fast enough. We got lucky.”

  “No, it wasn’t luck. I saw that doll. It was amazing. How did you create such a beautiful doll?” Jane was dully impressed.

  “I had a lot of help,” Jason said looking at his plate and losing his appetite.

  I’ll just bet you did. Jane could imagine what kind of help. In fact she was thinking about all the women that could have helped him create the exquisite doll that was called “J.J.” Jason had always been handsome and had never had any trouble getting a girl. Suddenly sad, Jane chastised herself. What did she care if Jason had a hundred women at his beckon call? It was none of her concern.

  Jason looked up at her, puzzled. Jane rebounded and said, “So, after that success you moved to New York
?”

  Jason nodded as he took a drink.

  “After graduating from UF?”

  “Did you see our waitress? I think we need more water.” Jason looked around the restaurant, avoiding Jane’s question.

  After a refill of water, Jason said, “You know, I’m glad I ran into you. I actually have a couple of things of yours.

  “Really? Such as . . .”

  “Such as those God awful gloves that you wore to senior prom. The ones you took off in my car.” Jane blushed. “And your class ring. I’m not sure you want those gloves back but you’d want your class ring.”

  “Yes, I would.”

  “After lunch, why don’t I swing by my apartment and get them for you.”

  “That’s really not necessary, Jay, I—“

  “No, it’s no problem. It’s on the way back to your building. And I’d like to get these back to you.” Sure he could mail them but he decided that he wanted a few more minutes with Jane.

  “Well, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble.”

  “None at all.” And motioning for the check he grinned one more time at her.

  Jason’s apartment was in a fashionable Eastside apartment building. The doorman, decked out in a formal uniform, opened the door and greeted Jason by name. The moment Jason opened the door to his two-story apartment, Jane gasped. It was like something out of House Beautiful. Everything was immaculate. The caramel-colored leather couch had a polished shine that was made comfortable with paisley printed pillows. The bookcases surrounding the marble fireplace had leather bound copies of the classics, interspersed with small models of Jason’s toy creations. The balcony beyond boasted large lounge chairs with colorful umbrellas and plenty of potted ferns. Jason took off his coat and threw it over an upholstered chair then took Jane’s and threw it on top of his.

  “Wow, this is tremendous!”

  “Yeah, it’s home,” Jason said without any real enthusiasm. “Just make yourself comfortable and I’ll get your things.”