Chapter 55
Earlier that day, Alex had raced to her marketing meeting, barely making it through the boardroom door at eight. As usual, the president and two executive vice presidents were already seated with almost-empty coffee cups. She groaned inwardly. Damn morning people.
She plopped down at the head of the table and distributed her marketing agenda to the executives. After presenting preliminary plans for Show-Me Bank’s upcoming groundbreaking, a contract for radio spots on a new easy-listening station, and print ad possibilities for the Crystal City Business Journal, Alex filled a coffee mug while her superiors considered her recommendations.
After she returned to the boardroom, her boss leaned forward. “What would the radio ads be about?”
She grinned, happy she had anticipated that question. “I thought you might ask. Here.” She circulated several sample thirty-second spots. “I drafted scripts highlighting customers who’ve used a variety of our services including home loans, commercial loans, construction loans, and one showcasing an adorable new family who opened a college savings account for their newborn.”
The president smiled. “That’ll be a heartwarming ad. Maybe we should consider television too. These scripts could be used for radio or TV, right?”
Alex nodded. “Yes, I can rework them for audio or video. In fact, I already contacted Ozarks5 and two other stations for second quarter pricing. I should have that information by next week.”
One senior executive studied the script. “How in the world do you know these are thirty seconds long?”
She grinned. “Easy. I use a stop watch. Any time you want to run the thirty- or sixty-yard dash, I’m your girl.”
“You think of everything,” Jim said. “Let’s take a break and talk about the groundbreaking.”
Alex peered at her watch. It was nine-thirty. Gage would be at the other bank by ten. If they took a break, she’d never make it across town in time. “Fine, but I have a new customer from New York coming to the other branch at ten. He specifically requested my assistance with opening a new account.”
“Who am I to stand in the way of a new bank account?” Jim stood and stretched. “Go ahead and get to your office. Great job, as usual, Alex. I’ll send you an email later today with a recap of our decisions.”
“Thanks.” She gathered her briefcase and got in her car, thrilled to get out of the meeting a little early. Before she drove off, she stared in her rearview mirror, reapplied red lipstick, and brushed her hair. Why am I primping?
After catching every single red light, Alex finally made her way across the lobby at one minute before ten. With her briefcase in one hand and her leopard print purse slung over her shoulder, she smiled when she spotted the backside of a man sitting in her office. He is prompt.
Gage stood as Alex entered her darkened office. She noticed her hand shook as she flipped on a light. “Morning, Gage.”
“Good morning. You look nice. Red suits you.”
“This old thing.”
“Doesn’t look old to me. In fact . . . is that a price tag on your—” Gage’s eyes twinkled.
“Oh, God.” In one fell swoop Alex yanked the tag off and threw it into the trash. She brushed imaginary lint off her suit in an attempt to hide the maneuver. After composing herself, she settled behind her desk, trying to find her most professional voice. “So . . . you want to open an account. A regular checking account or—”
Hannah walked in. “Well, hellooooo.” She extended her hand as she leaned across his chair giving Gage full view of her cleavage. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Hannah Hooban, the bank president’s daughter.”
Gage raised his eyebrows. “You work in the bank where your father is president?”
Alex butted in a little too quickly and sternly. “She’s not an employee, per se. She’s an intern. My intern.” Alex shifted in her seat. “Why don’t you work in the employee lounge while I meet with our newest customer?”
Hannah eyed Gage. “I like new customers too. Maybe I can help.” She shot Alex a look and turned back toward Gage with her sweetest smile.
“Hannah, I’d appreciate some privacy,” Alex said.
The intern shrugged. “I believe I’ve been excused by my boss.” She dragged out the last word for emphasis and patted the door as she left. “Thanks for your business. I hope we’ll see you here again verrry soon.”
After Hannah was out of earshot, Gage raised his brows. “Friction in the office?”
“Something like that.” Alex rolled her eyes. “Ordinarily I’d ask what brought you here and whether you’ve seen any of our marketing like television commercials or billboards—”
“You brought me here.”
“There are a lot of banks in this town,” Alex continued.
“But you work at this one.”
She felt her cheeks flush. “Thanks, but I have to tell you I’m dating the cop you met.”
Gage crossed his arms. “I gathered that. Must be a ball. He’s a real peach.”
Alex shrugged. “You know how relationships are. Good days and bad. Let’s get you over to New Accounts.”
“So soon? I thought we could chat.”
“Want to talk about New York or about Cheri?”
Gage laughed. “I’d rather find out about you but fire away. What do you want to know?”
“Tell me about Brooklyn and more about the Van Burens.”
Gage discussed living in one of New York’s boroughs, Cheri, and her socialite parents while Alex sat riveted. “It must be fascinating working for a wealthy family.”
“It’s interesting and a challenge dealing with the paparazzi and driving through the city. The Van Burens are nice people, especially Cheri. She isn’t pretentious at all. Unless you recognized her designer clothes, you’d never know she was filthy rich.”
Alex nodded. “I’ve noticed Cheri doesn’t flaunt her richness. I like that about her.”
Gage chuckled. “I can’t say the same for her mom. She’s a flaunter.” He glanced around the lobby filled with customers. Guess I should get my account open so I can take you to lunch. My stomach is already growling.”
Alex winked. “I’m taking you since you’re a new customer, remember?” They crossed the lobby to a desk near the front door. She introduced Gage to Cleo, the senior New Accounts representative. “You’re in good hands. Cleo has been here since the bank’s founding. She can assist you with whatever you want—checking account, savings account, Certificate of Deposit, safety deposit box, basically anything except a loan.” As Alex entered her office, she could feel the burn of his stare and wondered why it felt so good.