Friday morning arrived with the kind of warm summer breeze that promised a perfect weekend, though James doubted Marcus was noticing the weather. When James arrived at Sharp Innovations, he could practically feel the nervous energy radiating from Marcus's office three doors down from his own.
At nine-thirty, James's phone buzzed with a text from Marcus: Presentation moved to 10:15. Victoria wants the full creative team there. Please tell me you'll be in the room for moral support.
James quickly replied: Of course. You've got this.
The response came back immediately: If I survive the next hour, drinks are definitely happening tonight.
The presentation was scheduled for the main conference room, the one with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. When James arrived, he found Marcus already there, arranging his materials with meticulous attention to detail.
"How are you holding up?" James asked, taking a seat where he could provide supportive eye contact during the presentation.
"I've been awake since four AM," Marcus admitted, adjusting his tie. "I keep running through potential questions."
"You've got this," James assured him. "Trust me, Marcus. This is good work."
The creative team filed into the conference room, all looking slightly nervous but excited. At exactly 10:15, Victoria entered, and James felt the familiar jolt of awareness that accompanied her presence. She was wearing a deep emerald silk blouse that brought out the richness of her dark hair, paired with perfectly tailored black trousers.
"Good morning, everyone," Victoria said, taking her seat at the head of the table. "I understand we have an innovation proposal. I'm looking forward to seeing what you've developed."
Marcus transformed into the confident presenter James knew him to be, walking Victoria through their smart water efficiency system. The presentation flowed smoothly, with Victoria asking pointed questions that demonstrated her understanding of both technical aspects and broader implications.
"This is impressive work," Victoria said finally, genuine enthusiasm in her voice. "Exactly the kind of project Sharp Innovations should be pursuing. I want you to move forward immediately."
The team gathered their materials with energized efficiency, and Victoria's gaze found James across the table. "James, could I see you in my office in about ten minutes?"
"Of course," James replied, feeling his pulse quicken.
As the team filed out, Marcus grabbed James's arm with barely contained excitement. "We did it. She actually approved it."
"Of course she did," James said warmly. "You should be proud."
"So, we're definitely celebrating tonight, right? Murphy's Pub at seven?"
"Wouldn't miss it," James agreed.
Victoria's office door was standing open when James arrived. She looked up from the presentation materials with a smile that made his pulse quicken.
"James, come in. Close the door, would you?"
James took the chair across from her desk, noting she looked more relaxed than he'd seen her all week.
"That was exceptional work," Victoria said. "The market analysis was exactly the kind of strategic thinking that makes projects viable."
"Marcus deserves the credit," James said.
"Marcus is talented, but that level of strategic thinking has your fingerprints all over it," Victoria observed with a slight smile.
The praise made James unexpectedly emotional. "Thank you."
"I'm curious," Victoria continued, "how do you feel about the direction Sharp Innovations is taking? This push toward meaningful innovation?"
"I think it's exactly what the company needs," James said. "There's something compelling about creating technology that genuinely helps people."
Victoria's expression brightened. "That's exactly how I feel. I want us to be significant, not just successful."
"I'd like to be part of that," James said honestly.
"I'm counting on it," Victoria replied, the warmth in her voice making his chest tighten with hope.
Victoria glanced at her computer screen. "I should let you get back to your day. Have fun celebrating tonight. You've earned it."
"I'll see you tomorrow evening?" James asked, pausing at her door.
"Seven o'clock," Victoria confirmed, her smile making his pulse quicken. "I'm looking forward to it."
Murphy's Pub was exactly what James expected, dark wood, dim lighting, comfortable shabbiness. The team had claimed a large table in the back, their celebration already underway.
"James!" someone called out. "The man of the hour!"
"Hardly," James protested, touched by the welcome.
"To the water efficiency project," Marcus declared, raising his glass. "And to teamwork."
"To good work and good friends," James added, raising his beer.
The evening continued with relaxed conversation among colleagues celebrating a professional victory. There was something deeply satisfying about being part of meaningful work with people who understood the effort involved.
The celebration wound down around ten, with James among the last to leave.
"Thanks for tonight," Marcus said as they prepared to head home. "And thanks for everything this week."
"That's what colleagues do," James replied.
The drive home took James through quiet city streets, past illuminated office buildings where other people worked late on their own projects. Tomorrow night, he thought as he navigated toward his apartment. Dinner with Victoria, and whatever comes next.
James was still thinking about the evening's events as he walked down the hallway toward his apartment, keys in hand. Which was why it took him a moment to process what he was seeing when he reached his door.
Victoria Sharp was standing outside his apartment, leaning against the wall with a small bag of fruit in her hand, looking like she'd been waiting for some time.
"Victoria?" James said, his voice carrying surprise and concern. "What are you doing here? Is everything alright?"
Victoria straightened, an expression that seemed to combine relief, exhaustion, and something almost vulnerable crossing her face.
"I've been thinking about tomorrow night," she said. "And I realized I didn't want to wait until tomorrow to see you."
James felt his heart skip as he processed her words. Victoria Sharp, who controlled every aspect of her life with meticulous precision, had come to his apartment because she didn't want to wait twelve more hours.
"How long have you been waiting?" James asked, concerned.
"Not long," Victoria said, though something in her expression suggested otherwise. "I finished at the office around nine-thirty and decided to take a chance."
She held up the bag of fruit with a slightly self-conscious smile. "I brought provisions for tomorrow's cooking lesson. Thought we might need fresh ingredients."
James unlocked his door, holding it open. "Come in. Please."
Victoria stepped into his apartment, and James was suddenly aware of seeing his private space through her eyes, the careful organization, warm lighting, books and wine collection that revealed his personal preferences.
"This is lovely, James," Victoria said, looking around with genuine appreciation. "Very you."
"Thank you," James replied, setting down his briefcase. "Can I get you something to drink? Wine?"
"Wine sounds perfect," Victoria said, settling onto his couch with easy grace.
James moved to his kitchen, selecting the Italian Chianti he'd mentioned during their elevator conversation. His hands were slightly unsteady as he opened the wine, the significance of Victoria being here by choice on a Friday night not lost on him.
"So," James said, returning with two glasses, "what's this really about?"
Victoria accepted her wine with a smile softer than her usual professional expressions. "Honestly? I've been thinking about Monday evening. You have been on my mind all through the week. I got a little impatient too. No, I actually am impatient."
She took a sip, her approval evident. "And I realized I spend so much time managing every aspect of my life that I rarely allow myself to do something simply because I want to."
"And you wanted to see me tonight," James said, settling across from her.
"I wanted to see you tonight," Victoria confirmed, her honesty both surprising and appealing. "Is that terribly presumptuous?"
James felt a smile tugging at his lips. "It's perfectly wonderful, actually."
Victoria's answering smile was radiant, and James realized that seeing her relaxed in his apartment, wine glass in hand and guards finally down, was exactly how he wanted to spend his Friday evening.