IN A PINCH

CHAPTER TWO

IN A PINCH

Getting through traffic in that part of Portia was all kinds of testing, mostly caused by preparations for the parade to be held in commemoration of new years but Jace having the patience and skill of a city dweller managed to get to the building his budding company used as their headquarters.  As soon as he stepped into the lobby he was greeted by Lena who worked as a secretary for him.

“Morning sir” Lena said, “I didn’t expect to see you so early.” She said as they strode briskly towards his office.

“We have to be prepared to meet up with our prospective investors today.” Jace said while he did battle with the lock on his office door.

His office had floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the bustling city below. The plush carpet underfoot is so thick, you could lose a small child in it. 

The desk is an imposing piece of furniture that seems to take up half the room, and the chair behind it could easily double as a throne.

But that’s not all. The walls are adorned with expensive art, carefully curated to impress any visitor.

There’s a small sitting area, complete with a couch and a few armchairs. 

Lena nodded, “we’re just finishing up here, everything is ready and in place.” after a pause she added “The parade seems to be a huge affair this year.” 

“That’s the plan. The mayor has been pushing it as one of her major events for this year, though I think she was hoping to bring in more tourists than actual citizens. Still, it shouldn’t affect what we have planned for today.”

“If you say so sir. This letter was delivered to the office this morning. It’s addressed to you, and it’s marked as urgent.”  She said as she slides the brown envelope across the smooth wood of his desk.

Jace took the envelope and opened it, pulling out a sheet of paper. As he read the letter, his expression changed from curiosity to confusion to concern. 

“What does it say?”

Jace looked up at her, his lips pulling in a small frown. “It’s anonymous, but it says someone is plotting against me. It warns me to be careful, and that my enemies are closing in.”

Lena’s eyes widen. “That’s terrible, Jace. Do you have any idea who it could be?”

Jace shakes his head. 

“I don’t know. But I’ll be sure to keep my eyes open and be careful. It could very well be a very tasteless prank.”

 A knock on the half open door drew their attention and they looked up to see Marta peering in. "Excuse me, boss," she said, her voice hesitant. "I hate to interrupt, but the investors are waiting for you in the conference room. "Alright, thanks for letting me know. I'll be there in a minute.” 

Jace stood up from his desk, tucking the letter into his pocket. “I’ll handle it,” he said to Lena, determination in his voice. “I won’t let anyone bring me down.”

Jace walked into the conference room with a confident gait, trying to push his worries aside. The room was filled with several potential investors, all looking up at him expectantly. Jace took a deep breath and started his pitch, highlighting the strengths and benefits of his company. He spoke with passion and conviction, using his business expertise to show the investors why they should choose to work with him.

Throughout the meeting, he answered the investors’ questions and addressed any concerns they had. He was well-prepared and knowledgeable, and the investors could see that he was confident in his abilities. They were impressed with his passion for his company and his drive to succeed.

As the meeting progressed, Jace could see that the investors were starting to warm up to him and his proposal. They were nodding along with what he was saying, and he could tell that they were becoming more and more interested. Jace wrapped up the meeting by summarizing the key points of his proposal and reiterating the benefits of working with his company.

As the meeting came to a close, the investors thanked Jace for his time and told him that they would be in touch soon with their decision. Jace left the conference room feeling hopeful and proud of himself. Despite the worries brought on by the anonymous letter, he had put his best foot forward and made a strong impression on the investors. 

As he walked back to his office, his shoes tapping out a rapid beat on the tiles Jace felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. He knew that his pitch had been convincing and that his company was well on its way to success.

“Congratulations, Jace!” Lena, his secretary, greeted him with a broad smile. “That was an amazing presentation. You really knocked it out of the park!”

Jace felt his spirits lift even higher at Lena’s words. He had always appreciated her support and planning.

“Thanks, Lena,” he replied, his smile matching hers. “I couldn’t have done it without all of you.”

Lena waved a dismissive hand. “Nonsense. You were amazing all on your own.”

Jace made his way to his office, feeling buoyant and energized. He gazed out of his window, where he could see the bustling parade below. The floats and marching bands were in full swing, and the people on the street were cheering and shouting in delight.

Just then, he noticed a group of people leaving the building. They were the investors he had just presented to, and he watched as they made their way down the street, chatting and nodding amongst themselves.

Jace couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nervousness. He hoped that they had been impressed by his pitch, and that they would invest in his company.

But as he watched them disappear into the distance, he pushed those worries aside. He had done everything he could to persuade them, and now it was out of his hands.

As he watched, Jace felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He had worked so hard to get where he was, and now he was able to enjoy the fruits of his labor. 

Until, his phone rang. It was his wife.

“Jace, I need your help,” she said urgently. “I’m stuck in the middle of the parade and I can’t get out. Can you come get me?”

Jace looked down at the crowded street with marching bands moving slowly through the throngs of people. It was a chaotic scene, and he wasn’t sure how he was going to make it through.

“Where are you?” he asked his wife.

“I’m on Main Street, near the corner of 5th. Hurry, Jace, I can’t stay here much longer.”

“Everyone,” he called out, popping his head out of his office door. “I’m heading out early today, enjoy the parade.”

His employees looked up from their work, pleased by the expected announcement, and clearly grateful for the impromptu break.

Jace took a deep breath and started to weave his way through the crowd. The air was thick with the sound of drums and trumpets, and the scent of fried food and cotton candy. He tried to move quickly, but he was constantly blocked by groups of people who were standing in the street, cheering on the floats.

“Excuse me, sorry, excuse me,” Jace said as he pushed his way through the crowd.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally made it to the corner of 5th and Main. He could see his wife, waving her arms frantically to get his attention.

“Jace, over here!” she called out.

He dashed across the street, dodging a group of dancers in brightly colored costumes. As he reached his wife, he could see the amusement in her eyes, And the boxes at her feet.

“Thank goodness you’re here,” she said, grabbing onto his arm. “I thought I was going to be stuck here forever.” 

“I’m here for the boxes aren’t I.” Jace said In a resigned tone.

Jace groaned as he hefted the heavy shopping boxes, grumbling under his breath.

“Who needs a gym membership when you’ve got to carry boxes for a woman?” he muttered, his tone both amused and exasperated.

He looked over at the woman in question, who was walking ahead of him, hands free and unencumbered by the weight of their purchases.

“Seriously, why did I agree to be your pack mule?” he asked, half-jokingly.

Rain turned around, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Because you love me,” she replied, a teasing grin on her face.

Jace rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help but smile.

“Alright, alright,” he conceded. “But I’m going to have to start charging you for my services.”

Rain laughed, a sound that was both musical and infectious.

“I’ll pay you in hugs and kisses,” she said, blowing him a kiss.

The man shook his head, but he couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

“Deal,” he said, as they continued on their way, the weight of the boxes momentarily forgotten in the warmth of their banter.

It was slow going, but eventually they made it to the other side of the street. As they walked away from the parade, Jace couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief.

“Thanks for coming to get me,” his wife said, smiling up at him.

“Of course,” Jace replied, feeling grateful that he had been able to help. “I just hope we don’t have to go through something like that again anytime soon.”