“Please, call me Albert. Mr. Abramson is my father,” he said with a chuckle. The other two men rattled off a few fake chortles.
“So what is it you wanted to see me about, young man?” Albert asked, his business side taking over.
Alex took a deep breath and then pitched his company. He showed printouts of his assets as well as his business model. He felt like he was on Shark Tank and was sweating profusely under his suit jacket b
y the time he was finished. He stopped talking and looked around the room. The men’s faces were serious but they didn’t answer yet.
Finally after several moments, which felt like hours, Albert spoke, “Alex, your proposal was great but there’s one last thing I’d like to clarify before making a decision.”
Alex leaned forward, waiting for Albert’s answer.
“How many others do you have on board to assist you with growing the security company?” Albert asked, steepling his hands in front of his face.
Alex shook his head and said, “None, sir. It’s just me right now.”
Albert’s facial expression changed. “I hate to say this, son, but I’m not sure I can give you the money you need based on an idea. I like your business model but if you don’t have the man power to back it up, how will the company get off the ground?”
Alex frowned, bouncing his leg with anxiety, “I have several calls into some military buddies to see if they would be willing to sign on with me. I plan on searching the private sector for employees after I’ve exhausted my military connections. If you could just give me a chance…”
“I don’t take chances with my money,” Albert cut in. “Unless I know for sure the company will be a success. Like I said, I believe you’re on to something but I just can’t see myself being involved at this time. I’m sorry, Alex.”
Alex sigh, said his goodbyes and shook hands. As he was exiting the building he became despondent. What was he going to do now? What would he tell Bianca when he returned home? He couldn’t go back there a failure. Bianca deserved better than that. Later that afternoon, Alex checked out of the hotel to head home. On the plane he drew up a better business plan and devised ways to recruit employees. He would not fail, Bianca and possibly his child, were counting on him and he wouldn’t let them down.
*****
The day dragged on as Bianca chased children and read stories. She couldn’t wait for Alex to get back from Chicago so she could tell him the news. Every time she thought about it she felt giddy and couldn’t wipe the smile from her face. By the time three o’clock rolled around Bianca could barely contain herself. She packed her work bag and practically ran to the car, happy that she didn’t have her college class that night. All the way home she hoped for a call from Alex, whose flight was supposed to be in around four. As she changed into yoga pants and a t-shirt she kept her phone close but Alex didn’t call. Frowning, Bianca checked the time on her phone. It was after four-thirty. Pacing the kitchen and trying to keep her nerves down, Bianca sipped from her coffee cup. The caffeine was doing nothing to rest her jangled nerves. Bianca’s stomach growled and she was simultaneously nauseous and hungry. Dumping the now un-appetizing coffee in the sink, she went to search the fridge for something to eat. Just as she opened it for the third time in an attempt to find something that did not make her stomach turn, her phone rang shrilly.
Bianca dashed across the kitchen and answered the phone, “Hello?” She said breathlessly.
“Bianca, I just landed. My flight was delayed a bit from the wind.” Alex said. His voice was the best sound she heard all day.
Releasing a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, Bianca smiled. “I’ve been waiting for you to call. Can you come right here or do you need to go home first?”
Alex sighed heavily on the other end. Bianca’s nerves spiked and the uncertainty she felt earlier began to resurface. Finally he spoke, “I’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”
“Ok, I’ll see you soon.” Bianca replied and they said goodbye.
The following twenty minutes were the longest of her life. Finally she saw headlights in the driveway and rushed to the door. Her mind was racing. Should she tell him right away? Should she wait until he gives her the news about his meeting? How should she do it? An idea sprang into her head and Bianca raced upstairs to grab the pregnancy test she left on the sink. Rummaging around in the closet she found a tiny gift bag and she dropped it inside. She’d pretend it was a gift and see his reaction. Bianca hurried back down the stairs and placed the bag on the kitchen counter before moving to the door. Her hand was on the knob just as Alex knocked. She threw the door open and ran into his arms. Alex embraced her tightly, pulling back a bit to lean down and kiss her. Expecting a passionate and deep kiss, Bianca held on, but Alex just pressed a short kiss to her lips and pulled away.
Confusion lined Bianca’s face. Upon closer inspection she realized Alex didn’t look like his usual happy and passionate self. What happened in Chicago?
“Are you okay, babe?” Bianca asked, walking up behind Alex and slipping her arms around his waist.
Alex stiffened and Bianca released him. What was happening?
“I didn’t get the investor, Bianca,” Alex snapped angrily.
Bianca backed up further, moving toward where she put the gift bag on the counter. She wanted to use the opportunity of Alex having his back to her to hide the bag. Now was clearly not the time. Before she could grab the bag Alex turned, his face a mask of rage. Bianca had never seen him so angry and wondered if giving him some space was the best option. She moved to the left trying to block his view of the bag, although she doubted he would notice it in the state he was in. Of course Bianca wasn’t so lucky.
“What’s that?” Alex asked, the anger suddenly replaced with indifference. He was running so hot and cold.
“Uh, what?” Bianca asked, stalling.
“The bag, Bianca. What’s in the bag behind you?” A glint of irritation flashed across his face before it was once again replaced with indifference.
“It’s nothing. Just a gift for a friend at work. I didn’t want to forget it so I put it by the door.” Bianca hoped he would buy it.
“It’s Friday, Bianca.” Shit. He was right.