The Elevator Pitch

The Elevator

The week after the book signing and play, Jess found herself riding the elevator alone back up to the office. She had forgotten her gym back. Her mind had been very distracted. There was no way Byron was the man that the internet spoke of. All this altruism, all this giving back to the community, the acting.

Jess was seeing a different man. One that was very much who she wanted to be with. However, who was the jerk that she had come to know and understand? How did that side disappear?

The doors opened. Byron was standing in front of the door holding her gym back.

“What are you doing with my gym back?” Jess fiercely asked.

The jerk that Byron was had shown up. Feeling feisty and ready to rip him apart, Jess prepared to verbally assail Byron.

“You’re welcome” Byron said as he placed the gym back on the floor and stepped into the elevator.

“Hold it right there!” barked Jess.

The elevator doors were just closing. Byron was gone. No fight. No sharp retort. Nothing. Gone.

Tearing into her bag, Jess took out her sneakers. It was ten flights. The elevator ran slow late in the day. Jess took the exit and ran down the stairs as fast as she dared.

As she maneuvered around the last bend for the final flight down, the door opened and Byron walked through. Jess’ momentum was too much for her sudden attempt to stop. Byron bobbed and weaved to avoid the content of the gym back from hitting him as he caught Jess who was starting to tumble.

After he was sure that Jess was OK, Byron picked up the content of the gym back, helped Jess pack things up, then walked out to the parking garage.

Jess sat down feeling deflated. What had gotten into her to act so foolishly and run after a man? Had she become one of those desperate girls that flung themselves after guys like Byron?

The door reopened. Bryon stepped through. There was a look of mild concern on his face.

“Here’s an ice pack for your wrist” Byron gently spoke.

Jess became aware that her wrist was hurt. The attempt to grab the rail to steady herself had failed and her wrist had slammed into the metal.

“Thank you” an embarrassed Jess squeaked.

Taking a seat next to Jess, Byron waited quietly for Jess to regain her composure. Once calm, Jess pulled her skirt back down below her knees and looked intently at Byron.

His eyes looked large pool of moonlight dancing over a river. Something about the way Byron moved his lips in thought was refreshingly soothing to her.

“You get one question” Byron whispered.

“A leopard can’t change it’s spots… how did you do it?” Jess asked.

“Maybe, I’m not a leopard. Maybe I got tired of the suit” Byron answered as he looked intently at the door.

“Byron, you’ve been a womanizing jerk from day one. Now, you’re telling me you’re over it?” Jess continued.

“That was one question, now I’ve got one for you” Byron dismissed the second question.

“Um… OK” Jess hesitated.

“Will you keep hating me for my past, or will you let the present carry you into the future?” Byron presented.

“That’s a compound question, so technically, that’s two” Jess tried to tease.

Byron’s silence sobered Jess.

“I never hated you. Never knew you well enough to hate you. I just don’t want to be hurt by the likes of you” Jess answered.

“Don’t worry. I’m not trying to take your heart. I had my chance. Thank you for answering though.” Byron said as he exhaled and slowly stood up to leave.

Jess stood up. If Byron was real and sincere, he had a lot of work to do to earn her trust. If he walked out, whatever small chance he had was going to sail out with him. Jess was not willing to risk her professional reputation, her heart, her peace on the gamble that Byron was a changed man.

Byron paused by the door. Slowly turning, he looked at Jess and smiled.

“You’ve got every right not to trust me. Hopefully, when you do learn the other side of the story, you’ll show me some mercy” Byron concluded.

Then, walking up to the step below where she was standing, Byron leaned just enough to close the gap to Jess. He sensed her breathing stop. Her stomach turned. Her arm trembled softly. Her knee popped as she steadies herself.

“I can promise you this, I won’t bring back my predator’s gaze you’re not a fan of” Byron softly said.

Jess exhaled and started to laugh.

“You’re sure?” She asked.

“Been over a year now and your spider senses are very sharply tuned” Byron said in a movie announcer’s voice.

Jess laughed. Byron slowly placed his hands on her hips. Jess got quiet and looked deep into Byron’s eyes.

“While your fear is justified, give me a chance to show you more of me, then make your final decision” Byron quietly said.

He could feel her body trembling and fighting with itself. Her mind didn’t want to take the risk. Her body wanted to cautiously explore. Her heart was conflicted. Her soul connected with him.

“Like, take me on a date or something?” Jess wondered.

“No. Show you my heart on your terms. If you like what you see, we can go on a few dates. If you still like what you see, I will claim you as mine” Byron said with more conviction and power.

“I can do that” Jess said as her hands found his forearms and gently caressed.

“Good, because I was running out of elevator pitches to convince you that I am serious” Byron joked.

With a playful jab and pinch of his abs, Jess pushed Byron back. Stepping down, he gently guided Jess down to the landing.

“No more elevator pitches?” teased Jess

“It’s too early for pinching your booty” Byron countered.

In a mock shocked look, Jess stepped back and pointed towards the door in a fake dismissive firm swing of the hand. Byron pretended to be mortified before slowly transitioning to a full smile and hearty laugh.

“I’ve not heard you laugh this profoundly” Jess noted

“Profoundly or heartily?” Byron teased.

“Don’t let this opportunity go to your heard Mr” Jess warned playfully.

They both walked out and Byron wished her a good night before moving toward his car. Jess didn’t mind. Too many cameras around. This break had to be tested first. There was no need to act like the past was gone. However, Byron did look good walking away, Jess noted.

Looking back before slipping into her car, Jess was very happy to catch Byron looking over towards her in a very protective caring way. Eyes scanning. Facial expression very focused. As soon as she had her car door open, Jess noticed how Byron smoothly slid into his car and fired up his car.

Maybe a leopard could really change his spots. Jess would put this predator through his paces however. She still had to be convinced this was real. For now, the feelings in her gut was exactly what she was looking for when allowing a man close.

Byron watched through his mirrors to be satisfied that Jess was on her way. This was the easy part. He had her attention. There was plenty of work left to do. If the road of discovery had no potholes, in time, they could explore more and become more. For now, this would have to do. The pitching by the elevator was done. Now it was time to court and impress a lady to accept a knight’s honor.