She's wearing yesterday's cream Chanel suit. It's wrinkled.
There's a coffee stain on the sleeve. She couldn't get out in the airplane bathroom.
The red eye from San Francisco was 6 hours of staring at the seat in front of her. No sleep, just the flight tracker counting down miles.
Cole Ventures is 40 stories of glass and steel. The lobby has white marble floors that echo every footstep.
Modern art hangs on pristine walls. The receptionist desk looks like it cost more than most cars.
Victoria approaches. The receptionist is young, professional, with a name tag that reads Lisa.
Good morning. I need to see Darien Cole.
Lisa's fingers pause over her keyboard. Do you have an appointment?
No, but it's urgent. I'm Victoria Ashford.
I'm sorry, Miss Ashford. Mr. Cole only sees people by appointment.
Please just tell him I'm here. 5 minutes.
That's all I need. Lisa looks uncomfortable.
She picks up her phone, speaks quietly. Victoria can't hear the words, but Lisa glances at her twice.
Lisa hangs up. I'm sorry.
Mr. Cole is in meetings all day. Victoria's stomach drops.
I'll wait, ma'am. He could be in meetings until 6:00 or 7.
I'll wait. Lisa hesitates, then nods.
There are chairs by the window. 9:00 in the morning.
The chairs are expensive and uncomfortable. Victoria sits anyway.
9:45. Employees pass by.
Some glance at her. Some do double takes.
She knows they recognize her. 10:30.
Lisa brings coffee. Are you sure you want to keep waiting?
I'm sure. 11:00.
Victoria's back aches. She checks her phone.
42 missed calls, 37 emails. She ignores them all.
At noon, She orders flowers from across the street. Expensive roses.
She writes on hotel stationery. Mr. Cole, I made a terrible mistake.
I judged you before knowing you. Please give me 15 minutes to apologize in person.
Victoria. She gives them to Lisa.
Can you send these up? I'll make sure he gets them.
12:30 p.m.
Every time the elevator opens, Victoria's heart jumps. Every time it's not Darien, she sinks lower.
1:00. Employees return from lunch laughing.
They see Victoria. The laughter stops.
They whisper as they pass. She's becoming a story.
The CEO sitting in a lobby for four and a half hours. 1:45 p.m.
Lisa approaches again. Ms. Ashford.
Mr. Cole appreciates the flowers, but he's not available today. Please.
Victoria's voice cracks. Please ask again.