After a station tour, we went over some new theme music tracks for their shows and they showed me footage of their on air talent.
I met with a few of the top personalities one on one to critique each’s presentation individually behind closed doors.
The last meeting was with news anchor Brandi Brady, an attractive petite redhead who anchored the 5:00 newscast. After viewing her demo, I have to say, I was very impressed with her top-notch look and delivery and asked her who represented her.
“I’m a free agent right now, actually. Do you know any takers?” Brandi crossed her legs in front of me and licked her lips flirtatiously. I could tell when a woman was sending me signals.
“Actually, J.D. Westock is always looking for new talent to represent. It would be a conflict of interest for me to entertain representing you myself, since I am a consultant for your employer KLAG, but I am sure one of our other agents would be happy to set up a meeting with you.”
“I was hoping to set up a meeting with you, Cedric,” Brandi replied firmly, her eyes glancing down, sizing me up, slowly.
“Oh?” I said, knowing full well what she was getting at from the way she looked at me and licked her lips.
“I am very impressed by your knowledge and would love to hear more about what it is you do at J.D. Westock. You have quite the reputation. I was hoping you’d let me show you around tonight. I could meet you at your hotel after my shift is over.”
Well, fuck, could she be more direct?
“That’s nice of you Brandi, really it is, but I’m going to have to pass. I have another meeting tonight.”
“Ok, Cedric. Well, I better be going, I need to get ready for the broadcast.” Brandi exited the room, looking back at me flirtatiously.
“Bye, Brandi.” I watched her walk away. If this were three months ago, Brandi would have likely ended up naked in my bed tonight. It wasn’t that she wasn’t appealing, but I was so wrapped up in Allison, I had no desire for anyone else.
***
After a sushi dinner at Koi with the station management, I finally made it back to my hotel room.
All day and night, all I could think about was Allison and lying in bed talking to her on Skype tonight.
One day in Cali was enough; I couldn’t get back to Boston fast enough and I had two more days here, with meetings at two other stations.
I logged into Skype to turn my status to online and figured I had a few minutes to jump in the shower before calling Allison.
I took off my suit jacket and was about to unbutton my shirt when I hear a knock at the door. I stupidly opened it without checking the peephole and was surprised to find Brandi Brady standing there in a tight red dress with ample cleavage.
Shit.
She pushed her way in before I could tell her I was not interested.
“I heard your meeting wrapped up. I thought I would come over and keep you company.” She started touching my shoulder suggestively and I instinctively moved back.
“Brandi, um… I appreciate that, really I do…but—”
Brandi cut me off. “Look…I am going to be direct with you, Cedric. When you walked into the station today, I couldn’t believe how hot you were, that I could be so attracted to someone. I have never wanted to fuck someone so badly in my life. I want nothing more than to experience that with you tonight. There I said it. This isn’t about business; it’s about pleasure. No strings attached. No one has to know.”
Tell me how you really feel.
I wasn’t really sure what to say to her as she sat on my bed looking up at me. I actually felt sad for her. I hate to think that I would have taken advantage of her a few months ago, but I probably would have, as pathetic as this situation was. But now, tonight…I really only felt sorry for her and there was no way I would fuck up my situation with Allison for a cheap thrill.
“Brandi, wow. I am so flattered, believe me. If this were a few months ago…things might have been different, but I am sort of involved with someone right now, so…”
“You have a girlfriend?” Brandi interrupted.
Allison wasn’t technically my girlfriend—yet—but I felt like my heart belonged to her from that very first day in the diner. I lied to Brandi anyway.
“Yes, I do, Brandi. I am sorry,” I said.
“Okay, Cedric. From what I had heard about you, I didn’t think you were the girlfriend type. But if you say so, that’s all I need to hear. If you change your mind, you know where to find me. You won’t regret it.” Brandi kissed me on the cheek, handed me her card and walked out the door.