Page 56 of Under the Mistletoe
They’re all flabbergasted that I would want a woman like Jessica on my arm in front of the fashion press. They see the older clothes, the glasses, her finance background, her lack of social media as bad or embarrassing things, when they are the exact things I love about her. They all want the limelight, the cameras, their social media profiles to rise. Jessica just wants me. The fact that they think she orchestrated the media intrusion is completely astounding.
I take a deep breath, hating that I haven’t seen it before now.
“Is Jessica a problem?” I don’t disagree that someone is baiting the media and maybe Jessica and I have been too close on a few public occasions that would stoke a small flame, but the intense following we have developed is not a natural interest story. It feels more like a tip-off.
“Well, she isn’t exactly suitable…” Ashley starts.
“What?” I push, wanting more clarity from them. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and charismatic. They don’t see how she is at the events I’ve taken her to. How she has deep conversations, networks like a pro, has knowledge in this industry that already surpasses many of those who have worked here for years. Including these women who sit around the boardroom table right now.
“Just not who we see representing York Enterprises on the global stage.” My PR Manager is selective with her wording.
“And you think you are?” I look at Ashley, who grins.
“I mean she works in fashion,” my PR manager says.
“So does Jessica,” I state.
“I have a wardrobe full of designer clothes,” Ashley pushes.
“As does Jessica.”
They scoff and roll their eyes.
“Have you not noticed her wardrobe? I would’ve thought with your expertise in fashion, you would’ve noticed. I did the day I met her.”
They look at me like I’ve gone mad.
“Today, she’s wearing Prada. Yesterday was Chanel…” I look at them and see a cloud of confusion cover their faces.
“It’s probably fake,” Ashley quips, and my anger increases because my own staff can’t pick out designer brands.
“They are vintage. Which is interesting because that’s exactly what’s coming out of Paris at the moment and what I know will feature heavily in Milan. So given Jessica is well aware of the trends, some might even say more attune than my own PR team, then she would be the perfect person to attend Milan with me.”
The room is silent. I raise my eyebrows, asking anyone to prove me wrong.
“Great. It’s settled. The other thing I want is a press release drafted.” I get back to my original request before they all start talking rubbish about the woman who’s starting to mean more and more to me with every passing day.
“Of course. What’s the objective?” My PR manager starts tapping her keyboard.
“I need something that confirms my relationship status. Something to ease the media attention and confirms that Jessica and I are in fact in a relationship.” You could hear a pin drop. All the people around the table look at me like I’ve grown a second head.
My PR manager frowns in confusion. “Ahhh, confirmation, sir?
“Jessica and I are in a committed relationship. HR was notified weeks ago. The board is also aware. I need something that puts the rumors to rest, to allow us the freedom to live our lives without the barrage of media. And I would like internal communications drafted to ensure the staff gossip comes to a stop. Bullying in the workplace will not be tolerated.”
“Bullying?” Ashley rushes out, and my brow furrows as I look at her.
“As a member of the organization, Ashley, I expect you to lead by example. If any of you hear rumors or gossip spreading around the office, you are to stop it immediately. Bullying can take a variety of forms, including verbal abuse and slander. I’ll ensure that anyone not abiding by their confidentiality clause in their contracts or if anyone is heard or seen talking about my private life and that of Jessica’s, they’ll be reported to HR and dealt with as per the Health and Safety laws and their contractual obligations. Including immediate termination. Do I make myself clear?” I never speak to people in my office like this. I’m firm but always fair. And while I think I’m still being fair, my voice is demanding respect and assurance from them at this stage.
“Of course, sir,” my PR manager says, still tapping on her laptop as Ashley remains quiet.
“Good. Ashley, have the Milan itinerary sent to Katie so she can schedule Jessica’s times accordingly.” I give one last instruction to the team and stand and walk out, not even saying goodbye. It isn’t just the fact that they think so poorly of Jessica that has me frustrated. It’s the fact that my own team seems to have little knowledge on the very topic they are tasked with.
Things around here need to change.
23
Jessica
