Conversation in the ballroom came to a halt. There wasn't a gavel pounding on a table, or a fire alarm, rather it was Sidney Rich, purposely late, entering dressed in a revealing form-fitting red and black dress, followed by a beautiful brunette in a dark-blue business suit with a pink blouse.
Both women and men rushed to greet her. She received cheek to cheek kisses from the women and affectionate hugs from the men. I stood demurely outside the clustered hub-bub observing closely the cheery greetings. I knew most of them by name because as Sidney's Executive Secretary I'd seen their resumes, and memorized their names and faces.
Sidney turned and spook over the din "Nikki would you be a dear and get me some bubbly?"
Nikki stepped to the nearest wait staff, retrieved a flute of champagne and took it to her.
"Thank you darling, you're a dear. You may mingle." She turned to Paul Edmunsen one of Sidney's major competitors.
My task was to meet as many members of the management staff of competitive firms and pick up as much information as I could. I was the most under-dressed woman at the reception which made me standout in the crowd. On my way to one of the many bars, I was stopped by a handsome older man who I knew to be James Henderson.
"I get you a drink Ms...?"
"Alderman, Nikki Alderman Mr. Henderson. Yes, I'd like some Champagne." She touched his arm with a well manicured hand with nails matching her blouse.
"How...how do you know my name? We've never met?" He asked confused as his eyes wondered over her body.
"I'm Mrs. Rich's Executive Secretary, and I'm required to know the name and faces of all the important people in the business," she said confidently and with a strong, clear voice.
"That's very impressive. Don't go away. I'll be right back."
Nikki watched him rush to a waiter.
"Hello there, I'm Mike Sanders, I assume you're with Sidney. It's just like her to dress as a prima donna and have her assistant wear a business suit, even though you're much more beautiful. She loves the spotlight. That's enough gossip; I don't know your name."
"Mr. Sanders, it's so nice to finally meet you after having read most of your critiques of various clothing lines. I'm Nikki Alderman, Mrs. Rich's Executive Secretary." She offered him her hand.
He accepted her hand and held it. "I'm pleased to hear that someone reads my remarks."
"Mike, I saw her first," Mr. Henderson, said as he returned with two flutes of Champagne and handed one to Nikki.
"Jim, Jim we're two old men who shouldn't be taking up the time of this beautiful young woman, rather than fighting over her. Why don't the two of us go to the veranda and smoke a cigar"
"Mike, why don't you go away and leave us alone. I'd like to get to know this beautiful encyclopedia better."
"What do you mean by that remark?"
"Nikki here has been required to memorize all the important names and faces of the people in the business. Isn't that impressive?"
"I did notice both her beauty and intelligence, but we should leave her to men more her age. Jim, I think Ms. Alderman must think you are a dirty-old man." Mike said stealing a glance at Nikki's legs.
"No, I don't. I believe both of you are complimentary and charming. I know from what Mrs. Rich has said that I'd find men of your charm and character."
"Oh, oh Jim, did you hear that? She must have a degree in diplomacy."
"Thank you gentleman but I need to check on Mrs. Rich after all I'm a working girl. It was a pleasure meeting you and hope we have a chance to talk later this evening. In the mean time enjoy your cigars." She smiled walking away to the mob surrounding Sidney with a please smile on her face.
"Nikki, there you are! I'd like you to meet Ben Franklin. Ben this is Nikki Alderman my very efficient Executive Secretary. Nikki this is Ben. Ben is with the investment firm of Hedges and Rogers. I'd like the two of you to talk. Is that all right with you Ben?" She took him by the arm and kissed him on both cheeks.
"It'll be more than a pleasure to speak with Ms. Nikki." He responded as he surveyed the voluptuous brunette.
"Yes, Mrs. Rich I'll be glad to talk with Mr. Franklin. Is there anything else you'd like me to do?"
"Just run along. I'll find you if I need you." She looked at both of them with a big smile.
He took me by the arm and led me away from the throng. "She certainly is a magnet for people."
"She's the CEO of the biggest women's clothing line outside of the large box stores, so it's not surprising she would draw a crowd and the dress doesn't hurt," Nikki said laughing at looking up to a handsome man with very blonde hair. He's by far the best looking man here. I wonder if he's married.
"An outfit like that is appealing to many, but your simple business suit is attractive and it doesn't detract from your wonderful figure. I bet you're stunning in a dress like that."
"Thank you Ben. It's nice of you to notice." I'd bet he's thinking about how I would look naked. I know I'm wondering about him. He's handsome with blonde hair and piercing green eyes, and he's built like an athlete.
He picked up two flutes of Champagne and led her to an alcove near the rear of the room. He took a sip of wine and motioned her to a chair. "A man would have to be blind not to notice you."
"Thanks again. I assume Hedges and Rogers are not only investment bankers but are also into risk capital. She held the flute close to her mouth and sipped the nectar from the glass.
"Your assumption is correct." He ran his hand through his hair.
"Why would Mrs. Rich want me to talk to you? Rich Incorporated isn't a risky investment, and I know we don't have expansion plans in the works." She finished her wine and placed her hands in her lap.
"Sidney is a shrewd business woman and I assume she's looking for a silent partner with deep pockets, and as it turns out were both located in Atlanta." He leaned forward staring her in the eyes.
I was unexpectedly struck how green his eyes were and how sexy he looked in his tailored suit. Don't see a ring. He must not be married. "You're correct about Mrs. Rich, but there's been no talk of a silent partner or the need of outside investment. Isn't it a coincidence we're both located in Atlanta, and we had to travel over a thousand miles to meet."
"Nikki there you are. Mr. Edmensen and a number of us are going out for a late dinner. I'll see to myself. Call me at nine. Good night. Nice meeting you Mr. Franklin."
* * *
"That's the best news I've heard tonight. May I take you to dinner, for a drink, or to my place? Ben asked with both humor and lust in his eyes
"Why Mr. Franklin, whatever do you mean?" Nikki asked in her most charming voice.
"I intentionally had Sidney introduce us. As soon as you walked into the room in the wake of the over dressed and ostentatious Sidney; I wanted to meet you and spend the night with you." His green eyes sparked in the light and perspiration sprouted on his handsome face.
"Why don't you tell me what you really want Mr. Franklin? " She stood smoothing her skirt.
"Would you please stop calling me Mr. Franklin? My name is Ben and if you're going to accept my invitation we need to be less formal." He stood and held out his arm.
She took it and said, "I'll accept your invitation to dinner."
"Is that all?" He asked as they walked arm in arm to the entrance.
"We're going to be here a week what's the rush? I don't even know you." She elbowed him in the ribs.
"Two people attracted to each other as you and I are don't need a long courtship." He pulled her closer.
"Ben my hormones aren't raging like yours I'll take you up on dinner. After all I'm not some dumb blonde." She laughed running her hand through his blonde hair.
