Chasing Dreams

The days after the party were filled with a strange, restless excitement for both Jane and Nick. Jane couldn't shake the feeling that her encounter with Nick had stirred something inside her. She tried to push it aside, focusing on her work and sticking to her usual routine. Nick, on the other hand, couldn't stop replaying their conversation in his mind. Her laugh, her quick wit, the way she had looked out for him—it all lingered with him.

Jane sat across from Allison Hart, the company's director, in her office, looking out over the bustling California skyline. Despite the stunning view, her chest felt tight with nerves. She had been summoned with little explanation, and her mind raced with possibilities.

"Jane," Allison started, her voice confident but encouraging, "you've done exceptional work this year. Every major client we've secured has been thanks to you. Now, I need you to step up for something big."

Jane straightened, intrigued and a little nervous. "What is it?"

Allison leaned in slightly, her eyes focused. "We've been invited to present our new Artificial Intelligence Marketing system at the Pacific Investors Conference. This is our chance to showcase it to the most influential people in the industry. And I want you to lead the presentation."

Jane's stomach tightened as Allison's words sank in. "Me? I'm not sure I'm the right person for this…"

Just then, the door opened, and Michelle walked in, her usual playful energy lighting up the room. "What's going on here?"

"She wants me to lead the presentation for the investors," Jane explained, her voice unsure.

Michelle's eyes went wide. "Are you kidding? That's amazing!"

"It's also terrifying," Jane muttered. "What if I mess up?"

Allison cut in, her tone calm but firm. "Jane, stop doubting yourself. This project is your baby. No one knows it better than you, and investors trust people they know. You've been with them from the start. You've got this."

Michelle nodded in agreement. "Exactly. You've nailed every pitch before. Investors are just people in suits. You've handled tougher situations."

Jane let out a nervous laugh, recalling the countless hours her team had spent on the project. This wasn't just any presentation—it could be the key to taking the company and her career to the next level.

Finally, she took a deep breath and exhaled. "Okay. I'll do it."

Allison smiled and extended her hand. "I knew I could count on you."

As they left the office, Michelle nudged Jane playfully. "Don't worry—you'll crush it. Just picture everyone in the audience as robots."

Jane chuckled. "Let's see about that."

On the day of the event, Jane walked into the grand conference hall, feeling the weight of the moment. Her navy-blue dress, with a slit on the right thigh, was just the right balance of elegance and authority. Her black heels clicked softly against the polished floor as she made her way to the podium. Her soft waves of hair framed her face neatly, completing her look. She appeared calm, confident, and put together—or at least that's how everyone else saw her.

She didn't notice Nick slip into the back of the room and take a seat. But Nick noticed her immediately. He watched as she reviewed her notes, adjusting her microphone and practicing a line or two under her breath. Even from a distance, he could see the concentration in her eyes. There was something captivating about her—the way she moved with efficiency, but still held a natural elegance that made it hard to look away.

As Jane stepped up to the podium, the room fell silent. She took a quick breath, adjusted the microphone, and smiled—a small, calm smile that helped ease the tension in the air and, maybe, a bit of her own. "Good afternoon, everyone," she began, her voice steady and warm. "Thank you for joining us today. I'm excited to share something we believe will change the way we think about events and marketing."

Her words flowed easily, her tone confident yet friendly. She moved her hands lightly as she spoke about the new AI system, and it was clear how passionate she was. The way she stood—straight-backed, poised, and fully in control—made everyone pay attention.

From where Nick sat, he couldn't take his eyes off her. It wasn't just how she looked; it was how she carried herself. The way her eyes lit up when she answered tough questions, the soft pink on her cheeks when the crowd nodded in approval—it was the energy she gave off, the way she could command the room with just her voice and a smile.

When the applause started, Jane stepped back with a slight bow, her lips curling into a relieved yet sincere smile. She glanced at the audience, catching her breath and soaking in the reaction. For a moment, Nick thought she might glance his way. But she didn't. Instead, she walked off the stage with the same quiet grace she'd shown all afternoon. Nick clapped harder than he meant to, feeling a rush of admiration—and more attracted to her than ever.

Once Jane finished her presentation, the room erupted in applause. She moved around the venue, chatting with guests, answering questions from potential clients, and basking in the success of the day. She was deep in conversation with a group of investors when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned, surprised to see Nick standing there, grinning.

"Well, that was impressive," he said, his voice full of genuine admiration.

Jane smiled, a little embarrassed, and laughed softly. "Thanks for coming."

"Of course. I wanted to see what you've been working on," Nick replied, his tone warm. "And I wasn't disappointed. So, how are you feeling after all that?"

"Relieved," she admitted with a small laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "There's always that nervous energy before you start, but once you're up there, it's just... exhilarating."

Nick smiled, his eyes reflecting pride. "I could tell. You didn't just present—you owned the room. You're a natural."

Jane felt her cheeks warm at the compliment, a small smile spreading across her face. She shrugged it off, trying to be modest. "You're just exaggerating."

Nick chuckled, shaking his head, clearly not agreeing. "Not at all."

They talked for a few more minutes until a few of Jane's colleagues waved for her to join them. She excused herself, but before she could walk away, Nick gently grabbed her arm, stopping her.

"Hey," he said, his voice softer, more serious. "I'd like to take you out sometime. No business, no presentations—just us."

Jane blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. Her heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, she wasn't sure what to say. But then, she smiled. "I'd like that."

Nick's face relaxed, a look of relief washing over him. "Great," he said, his voice lighter. "I'll call you soon."

As she walked away, Jane couldn't help but smile to herself. She hadn't expected that, but the thought of spending time with him outside of work felt good. He had a way of making her feel comfortable, like talking to an old friend. The idea of seeing him again made her feel warm inside.

Over the next few days, Nick couldn't stop thinking about their upcoming outing. He wanted it to be perfect—something simple but special. After searching through countless reviews and photos, he finally found the ideal spot: a quiet restaurant with a stunning skyline view. He smiled to himself, feeling satisfied with the choice. With a quick tap, he grabbed his phone to text Jane.

Just as he was about to type, his phone buzzed. His father's name appeared on the screen, and Nick's stomach tightened. He hesitated, fingers hovering over the screen, before finally answering. His posture instantly stiffened.

"Hello?" he said, trying to keep his voice neutral.

On the other end, his father's voice was cold and direct. "Nick, I need you to come home."

Nick's heart sank. The casual, excited mood he'd been in just moments before quickly shifted to annoyance. He didn't want to go back to that place—the mansion he'd avoided for years. The thought of returning brought up too many memories he wasn't ready to face.

He paced back and forth, gripping the phone tighter as his father continued talking. His plans for the night with Jane now felt distant, as if someone had yanked them away.