My Corporate Rival - Finale

It was another high-brow party. The company was honoring CEO Trent Bishop's retirement. Every senior manager from the company's widespread holdings was in attendance, as were many of the people Trent had worked with on his way up the corporate ladder. Noticeable among the gathered guests was Rachel Preston, the organization's CFO and the heir apparent to Trent Preston's position as CEO. This was no surprise and, in most people's estimation, was a good choice by the Board. The atmosphere was festive, and everyone was having a great time.

As the evening progressed, Trent wandered over to the table where Rachel sat with several other corporate senior managers. As he approached, they all stood and smiled. Trent frowned and waved them back to their chairs.

"Sit! No formalities tonight. We are all friends. I would like to borrow Rachel from you for a few minutes."

No one spoke, but they all looked at Rachel, who simply smiled, put down her drink, and stood. Together, the two most powerful people in the corporate hierarchy walked away murmuring.

"Well. Rachel. By this time next week, you will have achieved all your goals. Congratulations, I knew when I hired you that you were destined to be a star."

"Trent, I owe most of my success to you. I was nearly overwhelmed when you brought me onto that merger team."

Trent laughed.

"You proved your worth on that project. The ideas and insight you provided saved us millions."

"Nonsense. What I learned from you and the other team members gave me the needed start."

Trent steered toward an empty table in a quiet corner. Motioning toward a chair, Trent sat and waited for Rachel to get comfortable. Leaning forward slightly, Trent spoke quietly.

"You seem to have forgotten one important person who contributed to your success."

Rahel looked puzzled and cocked her head to one side.

"Who?"

"Brad."

Rachel stiffened visibility. Trent watched her carefully.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Rachel, I know that most of the things you contributed to that merger came from Brad."

Rachel's eyes narrowed. Trent smiled inwardly as he saw the almost imperceptible change in her demeanor. She was now in full management mode.

"Are you saying that I stole Brad's ideas and used them as my own?"

Trent spoke carefully, knowing this would be a very delicate conversation.

"Not at all. However, many of your concepts appear in some of Brad's early works."

Rachel's eyes got wide. Her thoughts were jumbled as she tried to fathom how Trent knew so much about Brad's work. She didn't need to wait long to find out.

Trent took a deep breath before he continued.

"Rachel. You were on my radar when you were hired. You must know that before you came to that merger group, I had a comprehensive background check done on you and Brad. You know my tactics. I don't make any decision without as much information as I can get. I was well aware of Brad's passions and his talents. I read both his Master's thesis and his doctoral dissertation. You brought some things to the merger group almost verbatim from Brad's dissertation."

Rachel seemed to deflate into the chair. Her shoulders sagged and her eyes, which had met Trent's steadily to that minute, went downcast.

"Brad looked at the merger plan just after I got home. He did have some ideas and pointed out some problems. I took notes, and that's what I gave to you."

Trent reached out and touched her hand.

"It's ok. I have never had a problem with learning and then using what I have learned. Brad was teaching you. You proved to be a talented student. I am sure you benefited several more times from Brad's knowledge and willingness to help you."

Rachel nodded. She now felt like a fraud.

"Trent. I am so sorry. I feel like I have gotten to where I am on false pretenses."

"Not really. You had a ready resource who helped you freely. I am pretty sure you haven't tapped that resource for many years, at least since you moved to Chicago."

Rachel nodded, looking up to see Trent smiling softly.

"What does this mean for my future?"

"Nothing has changed. I still feel like you are the most qualified candidate for the CEO position. But rest assured, I will be watching you. I will be named the Chairman of the Board immediately after my retirement."

Rachel nodded again, but Trent could see some of the tension leave her body.

"That's not really why I wanted to talk to you tonight."

Rachel again got a look of concern on her face.

"Where is Brad tonight, Rachel?"

Rachel's eyes blinked a couple of times rapidly. The question from Trent was not what she expected and took her by surprise.

"Ugh. At home in LA, I suppose."

"Did Brad get an invitation?"

"I don't suppose. He doesn't work for us."

"He is your husband, is he not?"

Again, Rachel was taken off guard.

"Yes."

"Then why isn't he here? This is a huge day for you. Tomorrow you will be named CEO. This party is as much for you as it is for me. Everyone here who is married is accompanied by their spouse tonight except you."

"Trent, you know that Brad and I have lived apart since I moved to Chicago. He has his teaching position and has made it clear to me that he didn't want to stand in the way of my career."

"You don't know much about Brad's career or life, do you?"

"Well. I guess not."

"I want you to do a couple of things for me in the next day or two."

"Like what?"

"I want you to reconnect with Brad."

"I will give him a call tomorrow."

Trent nodded and then continued.

"I want you to do at least a cursory checkup on Brad's life and career. I think you will be surprised."

Rachel was a little confused about that request but nodded her assent.

"Lastly, I want you to think about why you are still married to Brad and living a continent away. I want you to think about why he has never filed for divorce and why you haven't done the same."

Rachel suddenly felt a bit of dread drop on her like a heavy wet wool blanket. Introspection was not one of her strong suits, and over the past years, she had simply pigeonholed her relationship with Brad and put her time and effort into her career.

"I guess I can do that."

"If you can't do it honestly, I want you to visit me so we can talk. It may not be a pleasant talk, but I think it will be life-changing for you. Will you agree to that?"

"Sure."

Trent nodded and stood, offering Rachel his hand and helping her to her feet.

"Great. Let's get back to the party."

&&&&&

The following week was a whirlwind around the corporate offices in Chicago. The day after the party, the Board met and officially appointed Rachel CEO. The following few days were filled with Rachel's move to the CEO's office, briefings from the other senior managers, and calls from friends and colleagues offering their congratulations and good wishes. It was almost a whole week before Rachel collapsed on the couch in her apartment, kicked off her shoes, and sighed. The challenges she faced as the new CEO excited her and filled her mind. Sitting in the dark living room, her mind played back the past few days. It was then that she remembered her promise to Trent. The thought was accompanied by a twinge of... of what?

Rachel moved to the sideboard, poured a glass half full of scotch, and went to the refrigerator for ice. Swirling the amber liquid around the glass, she pondered her feelings. It wasn't fear, nor was it dread. The best descriptor she could attach to her feelings was eschewal. She realized she didn't want to come to terms with her decisions. Compartmentalizing her life was a skill she had learned early in her career. It was a skill that allowed her to deal with often unpalatable or uncomfortable situations with little or no emotional cost. Brad had long ago been carefully stowed away in a tidy package.

Looking at the clock, she realized it was still early in Los Angeles. Refilling her glass, Rachel took her phone and moved onto the small balcony overlooking the river in Chicago. Her 14th-floor apartment gave her a fantastic view of the river and the waterfront on Lake Michigan. Sitting in the patio chair, she put the wine glass on the table and looked at the phone. Looking through her contact list, she found Brad's number, pushed the call button, and put the call on speaker. She laid the phone on the table and lifted her wine glass.

The phone beeped several times, then she heard Brad's voice.

"Thanks for calling. I can't answer now, but leave your name and number, and I will call you as soon as I am free."

Rachel frowned. She wasn't used to being shunted to a messaging service. Most people answered immediately when they saw her name or number on their phone. She started to leave her usual brusque message, but caught herself. Instead, she managed to leave a simple message.

"Brad, it's Rachel. Please call me when you get this message. Thanks."

As she clicked the button to close the call, she suddenly realized how emotionless and formal her message sounded. Laying the phone back on the table, Rachel sipped her wine. Her eyes looked out over Lake Michigan, but her thoughts were on Brad.

Rachel jumped when her phone rang and vibrated across the metal tabletop. She had no recollection of how long she had been sitting lost in her thoughts, but it was dark, and the lights of Chicago now showed brilliantly. She grabbed the phone and saw Brad's name on the screen as she pushed the answer button.

"Brad!"

"Rachel. I'm sorry. I was out riding my bike and didn't have my phone. Is something wrong? Are you ok?"

"Nothing is wrong. I just thought I would call and chat. Is that a problem?"

"Not at all. It is good to hear from you. Oh! Congratulations! I heard through the grapevine that you got the CEO job. Looks like you have accomplished all your goals."

For some reason, Rachel suddenly felt uncomfortable.

"Thanks."

An awkward silence followed until Brad continued.

"Was there something you needed, Rachel?"

Rachel hesitated again.

"No. Not really. I thought it would be nice to talk to you. We don't do it very much."

"You're right. How is the new job going?"

"Surprisingly well. Trent built such a fantastic organization and a quality group of people. The biggest challenge will be following up with such a person. I just hope I am up to the job."

"You will be."

"How is teaching?"

Now there was silence on Brad's phone.

"I am not teaching anymore. I retired from the University last year."

Rachel was surprised.

"Really! I didn't know. What are you doing with your time now?"

"I have a few projects going on. I do some consulting work and advise on some research projects. I ride my bike. I spend a lot of time camping."

"Oh God! You still have that old pickup and camper, do you?"

Brad chuckled.

"No. I finally replaced it with a new truck and a larger trailer."

"Really. How about that old Range Rover?"

"I still have that and drive it almost every day. It has a new motor and transmission, and I had it painted a few years ago. It's still my favorite vehicle."

"That is surprising. I can't believe you still have it."

"I couldn't trade it or sell it. It's special."

"That old thing. Why?"

Again, there was a definite pause on Brad's side of the call. When he finally spoke, Rachel detected a hint of suppressed emotion in his voice.

"You bought it for me, remember?"

Brad had opened her compartment and dumped it in her mind. Waves of memories and emotions slammed into her like a tsunami, leaving her mentally struggling to regain her balance.

"I haven't thought about that in years."

"I don't suppose you have."

Those few words sent Rachel whirling out of control. She felt as if she were suffocating. She had to get back to a place where she was in control. She stammered as she did her best to sound nonplussed.

"Ugh. Brad. It's been good talking to you. I need to go. Something has come up suddenly. We should do this more often."

Without waiting for a reply, she thumbed the disconnect button. Her hands went to her face, and she discovered her cheeks were wet with tears. Gathering herself, she unconsciously shoved Brad and all those churning memories into her compartment. After a deep breath, she straightened up, mentally sorted herself out, and headed toward her bedroom. She had a full schedule the next day and needed to rest in preparation. Unfortunately, it wasn't a restful night.

&&&&&

Brad sat on the end of his bed in the luxury condominium that had been his home for the past 10 years. The condo was one of his many investments. Looking at the phone, his thoughts were jumbled and chaotic. Finding Rachel's call on his phone was a complete surprise. He immediately sat on the bed and dialed her back when he discovered the call after his bike ride.

He sat and looked at the phone when she suddenly ended the call. His mind was working, and it occurred to him that she had run away. It amazed him to a certain degree since he knew she rarely backed away, preferring to forge ahead toward any problem. Her actions were so unusual that the temptation to call her back was overwhelming. After a few seconds, he dismissed the idea. He knew Rachel well enough to know that she could handle almost any situation. She had been doing it for years since she had moved to Chicago. Taking a deep breath, he headed to the shower to clean up after his bike ride and then to the kitchen to find something for dinner.

Brad didn't think much more about Rachel's phone call. His attention turned to his upcoming trip to Austin, Texas. His flight was scheduled for 10 AM the next morning, and he still needed to pack. After finishing his dinner, he cleaned the dishes and put them away before heading to the bedroom and his office to finish packing. He had trouble going to sleep, his mind returning to his conversation with Rachel and the strange way she ended the call.

&&&&&

Rachel easily fell into a routine and focused on her duties as CEO. Her phone call to Brad was far from her mind. Her compartmentalization skill put her emotions about the call deep out of her conscious thinking. The days following became a blur of meetings, reports, and social events.

Her PA stepped into her office and waited for an acknowledgement. Rachel looked up and smiled.

"Yes?"

"Ma'am, Trent Bishop is here and wants to see you."

Rachel stood quickly.

"Of course! Let him in."

Her PA stepped aside, and Trent walked in. Rachel saw that he was dressed casually in a polo shirt, khaki pants, and deck shoes. Rachel came around the desk with a huge smile. Trent stopped as Rachel hugged him.

"Trent. You look fantastic. How is retirement?"

"Glorious. I have played more golf in the last two weeks than in two years. Katherine and I are leaving on a two-month Pacific cruise next week. That's one reason I came to see you."

"That sounds romantic and exciting. But why did you come here? You could have called."

"No. I wanted to meet you briefly and follow up on a few things."

"Of course. Would you like some coffee or something a little stronger?"

"No thanks. I'm good."

Rachel took his hand, led him to the conference table, and sat down. Trent sat down next to her and turned the chair so their knees nearly touched. She looked a little worried, wondering what this impromptu meeting was about. She waited quietly for Trent to speak.

"Rachel, do you remember our conversation at the retirement party?"

"Of course."

"Have you done as I asked?"

Rachel's apprehension grew.

"I did give Brad a call. I think he was surprised. We chatted for a while."

"How did that go?"

"It was amicable. I didn't realize that Brad had retired. He sounded good. He knew about my promotion."

"Amicable? How long has it been since you have seen your husband, held his hand, kissed him?"

Rachel's eyes blinked several times. She paused to think."

"The last time I saw him in person was at that party in LA. I think I held his hand that night. I don't remember. The last kiss I remember was when I left for Chicago and he stayed in LA."

Trent looked a little unbelieving. Folding his arms across his chest, he leaned back in the chair and looked at Rachel cocking his head slightly to one side.

"Exactly what happened when you came to Chicago. Everyone assumed Brad would be along after the house was sold and your stuff arrived cross-country, but it never happened. Did you two fight? Why didn't Brad come with you?"

Rachel looked pensively at her hands folded in her lap. She would be forced to open that container again to answer those questions and risk all those memories spilling out.

"That was a long time ago. What happened doesn't matter much anymore."

Trent didn't move. His eyes narrowed, and Rachel knew him well enough to become wary with her words and responses.

"Bull Shit."

Rachel audibly gasped. She had never heard him curse in all her years of working with Trent.

"What?"

"I said bullshit. Don't try to bullshit a bullshitter, Rachel. Of course, it matters. You two were desperately in love, and then, suddenly, Brad is a no-show, and you don't seem to show much emotion about it. What happened?"

A knot appeared in Rachel's gut, and the accustomed feeling of fear slowly crept through her body. Trent noted a slight tremor in her hand as she sipped from a bottle of expensive imported mineral water. He also knew the power of silence, so he sat, arms folded, and looked at her. Finally, Rachel began to speak quietly.

"You remember that it all happened quickly. I was given six weeks to wind up things in LA and report to Chicago. You remember that dinner. Brad and I had a little tiff that night. Things escalated when I told him about the promotion to Chicago. He disappeared for three days. He had gone camping by himself in Idylwyld. I was furious. I guess I laid down an ultimatum. I never guessed Brad could be so unyielding. He refused. I came to Chicago, and he stayed in LA."

Trent listened intently. Rachel knew his mind was working behind his placid expression.

"That was the night that Kurt Haverly officially told you about the offer in Chicago."

Rachel nodded.

"Did you ever wonder what happened to Kurt?"

"I heard he left to accept another company's better offer."

Trent chuckled.

"I fired Trent after the third complaint from an irate husband about Kurt's pursuit of a married woman. He is an HR specialist for a small private prison system in New Mexico. It's the best job he could get."

Rachel gasped.

Rachel's eyes went wide, and her mouth opened, before she could frame words.

"I never knew."

"Rachel, he targeted you, and I didn't know about it until he showed up at that dinner. We went along with the promotion because your name was already on the table. Kurt picked up on it and was beginning his pursuit of you."

Trent saw Rachel go a little pale.

"Brad figured it out."

"I think so."

"Why didn't you or Brad say something?"

"I had a policy of not getting involved in employees' personal lives."

"Why now?"

Trent smiled.

"I'm not the boss anymore. You are a friend. So is Brad. Friends try to help friends."

A question came to Rachel, somewhere out of the maelstrom of emotions she was feeling.

"Brad is a friend?"

"A good friend."

"You are in touch with Brad."

"Not regularly. Before I retired, we frequently saw each other at business events over the last few years. Much of what I accomplished while I was CEO came directly from Brad. Brad is a brilliant mind."

Rachel smiled.

"Yes. He is."

"I don't think you know the half of it."

Looking quizzically at Trent, Rachel queried him.

"What do you mean by that?"

"You should find that out for yourself. Brad is not the simple lecturer at university that you seem to think."

Rachel furrowed her brow. Trent continued.

"You remember that I set you two tasks. You completed the first one, but not the way I anticipated. What about the other two? Do you remember the other two?"

Rachel thought for a moment.

"I was to look into Brad's career."

"Talking to you gives me the idea that you haven't done that."

Rache shook her head.

"And the other?"

"To talk to you, which you told me would probably not be pleasant."

Trent smiled and nodded.

"Kathryn and I leave on our cruise in six weeks. That gives you enough time to complete the second task and then talk to me. Please try to get it done."

Rachel nodded.

Trent stood and waited. Rachel stood as well, and the two exchanged a brief hug.

"Get busy. This beast of a company can run itself. Barring some catastrophic event or accident, your staff can handle most of the day-to-day problems and questions."

Without another word, Trent left her office. Rachel plopped back down in the chair at the conference table. Her shoulders sagged, and she felt like she had been in the most challenging business negotiation.

Three days later, Rachel pushed back from her desk, amazed. She had deeply investigated Brad's life since they had gone their separate ways in LA. What she learned shocked her and, at times, left her incredulous.

When he retired, Brad was the Dean of the Business College at USCLA. He was well respected and considered one of the top authorities on artificial intelligence and its business use. After his retirement, she gathered that he continued working in some capacity for a consulting firm in LA called BRO, Ltd. There wasn't much information about the company other than it was a well-respected management consulting service with its main offices in LA and satellite offices in NYC, London, Buenos Aires, and Singapore. The company was a closely held limited liability company not traded on the open markets. It didn't surprise Rachel that Brad worked as a consultant for such a firm.

She spent hours reading articles in business magazines and journals that mentioned Brad. He was well-known in business circles, and many of the articles were co-authored by Brad. Some she read, theoretical journal articles left her bored and she skipped many of them. There wasn't much about Brad's personal life. He didn't use social media and managed a low key lifestyle that centered around biking, the outdoors and camping. She found several articles he had written about biking and camping.

Leaning back in her chair and looking out the corner windows of her office looking over downtown Chicago, she realized she still didn't know much about Brad. His under the radar, gray man lifestyle left a lot of holes in the story. Remembering Trent's last task, she pulled her cell phone from her drawer and pushed the speed dial button for Trent's phone.

Surprisingly, he answered on the first ring.

"Rachel! How are things?"

"Normal in most aspects. You built a great organization and now I get to reap the benefits."

Trent laughed.

"What can I do for you?"

"I learned as much as I can about Brad. There isn't much to find. He is a much more private person than I remembered."

Trent chuckled

"That he is. Have you thought about your relationship, about you and Brad?"

"A little."

"That tells me that you really haven't spent any in depth time on the subject."

"I guess you are probably right."

"I would like to come to the house and have dinner with Kathryn and me. Can you manage that."

"Sure. When?"

"How about tonight? Just don't expect much. We may even call for pizza."

Rachel laughed.

"Pizza is great. Is about 7 PM ok?"

"Perfect see you and Kathryn this evening."

Just before seven, Rachel turned her BMW into the driveway of Trent and Kathryn's house in an exclusive and posh development outside of Chicago. She remembered when she first moved to Chicago and the HR staff had arranged for her to purchase a home in this same development. When it became clear that Brad was staying in LA, she had backed away from the purchase and found the apartment where she still lived.

Trent came out the front door with a huge smile. Kathryn was right behind him and they were at the door of the car before she could get out. Trent was wearing another polo shirt and jeans. Jathryn sported jeans and a colorful t-shirt from Wrigley Field. They were both huge Cubs fans.

Rachel wore a pair of modest shorts and a spaghetti-strapped blouse with a pair of casual sandals.

"Rachel. You look fantastic."

Rachel blushed as Kathryn complimented her. Trent grinned and closed the car door.

"Come on in. we just corked a bottle of wine. The pizza is on the way. We are set up out by the pool."

They walked through the house. Rachel had been there many times on social occasions. Trent hosted company parties and get togethers on a regular basis. This was the first time she had been there when there wasn't a throng milling about the huge house.

At the pool, Trent poured wine and they sat. Rachel started talking about work, believing Trent would be interested in what was happening. Trent stopped her by the third sentence.

"Rachel. I could care less what is going on with the company. That is a past life for me. I asked you hear to talk about our friends."

Rachel sat silent and looked from Kathryn to Trent and back.

"Friends?"

"You and Brad."

Turning her head slightly, Rachel looked at Kethryn

'You know Brad?"

Kathryn got a pained expression. She looked at Trent who nodded. Kathryn turned back to Rachel.

"He has been a guest in our home severeal times."

Rachel did her imitation of a goldfish. Her mouth formed an O opening and closing repeatedly as she tried to digest that information. She stared at Trent.

"I... I don't understand."

"After the merger deal, I started keeping track of Brad. He was already doing some consulting work at that time. I pushed a few projects his way and he excelled for us. The more I got to know him, I found him to be a kindred spirit. We share a lot of values and loves. His expertise and knowledge have benefitted more than you know. Much of what I left you in the organization was based on Brad's ideas and suggestions. I owe him a lot."

Rachel was flabbergasted. Her wine sat on the table forgotten as she tried to assimilate what she was hearing. Kathryn leaned across the table and laid her hand on Rachel's arm.

"When he is around and not on the clock, so to speak, he is constantly asking about you, your job, and how you are getting along. Rachel, that man is still very much in love with you."

A tear slowly slid down Rachel's cheek. She was unsure why those words affected her in this way. Trent took up the conversation.

"I told you that what I wanted to talk about might be painful. If you would rather do it without Kathryn here, I understand and so does she."

Rachel shook her head slowly.

"No. Kathryn should stay. She might be able to give me a different view point."

Trent nodded. The door bell chimed and Trent glanced around.

"That will be the pizza. I'll be right back."

WHen her returned, he carried a large pizza box. Kathryn had gone to the kitchen a returned with plates, silverware, salt and pepper. Soon they were pilling huge slices of cheese rich pizza onto their plates. Given a few minutes reprieve, Rachel has regained some of her composure when Trent started back.

"Rachel. Can you tell us a little more about the night that Brad told you he wasn't moving to Chicago?"

Rachel nodded as she dealt with a bite of pizza. A string of cheese snaked down her chin and she wiped at it with her free hand. Once the pizza was disposed of, she glanced at Trent and Kathryn.

"That has been a long time. I'm not sure how clear or complete I can recall."

Trent nodded. Kathryn, still touching the back of Rachel's hand, spoke softly.

"It's ok. Just do the best you can."

Rachel nodded, took a sip of wine and let out a long sigh.

"We had been discussing my move for several days. There wasn't much agreement. Brad just disappeared for three days. When he got back, he told me he had been to Idylwyld. I was pissed that he was out of touch. He hadn't called. When he told me, it didn't surprise me. Idylwyld is one of his favorite places to go when he wants to be alone and think."

After he unpacked and had a shower, we sat at the table in the kitchen to talk. Brad asked about my plan and I told him I had to report to work in Chicago in six weeks. He asked about the house and I told him I planned to sell it. His next question came out of left field. He asked where he was supposed to live and I told him with me in Chicago. I remember getting defensive. Almost angry when he just said no. Then he explained that he had gotten a tenure track, how much he liked his job, and that he wasn't going to change jobs again. Then he dropped the ultimatum. I had to chose between staying with him and in my then position with the company or leaving him and going to Chicago alone. I challenged him about abandoning me over a teaching job. It was the first time that Brad challenged me. He told me that he wasn't abandoning me, that I was abandoning him by choosing to go to Chicago. I was furious. He never got mad, loud, or aggressive. I lost my temper and called him vile names. When he pointed out to me that I was demeaning him and his job, That further raised my ire and, to my recollection, I got in my car and left, heading into the office. I really had no where else to go. I didn't have any other close friends, I did my best to minimalize my social interactions with co-workers, and work had always been my refuge. By the end of the week, Brad had moved out. I was never sure where he went. I got wrapped up in getting the house sold and making my move to Chicago."

Kathryn looked pained but spoke softly to Rachel.

"Did divorce come up at all?"

Rachel took another deep breath as another painful memory spilled into her consciousness.

"I asked Brad if he was going to divorce me. He said no, that if and when I wanted a divorce I could file and he would deal with it then. He told me he still loved me as much as he did the day we got married. It was then that he hit me with a stunning revealation. He told me he felt like he was a cuckold. I protested that I had never been unfaithful to him. I remember the sad smile he had on his face when he told me that the other relationship in my life was my priority and he wouldn't be second anymore."

Trent nodded without any expresson on his face.

"Rachel, do you understand yet what he meant?"

"Not really. I had never had an affair. I still haven't. I haven't even had a date since I came to Chicago. I can't fathom why Brad had the idea that I was seeing someone else and excluding him."

Trent glanced at Kathryn. Kathryn turned to look at Rachel and grasped her hand.

"Rachel. Oh Rachel. You are so smart and so talented. But in a lot of ways you are just plain obtuse."

Rachel blinked rapidly.

"What do you mean I am obtuse? Brad thinks I cheated on him in LA and probably thinks I have been cheating on him all this time."

It was Trent who spoke.

"You have."

Now Rachel reacted. Her anger flared and she jerked her hand away from Kathryn and started to rise from the chair.

"I HAVE NOT!"

Trent's face assumed a sardonic grin.

"But you have. You just can't see it because you are so close to it. Its the forest and the trees analogy."

"I tell you I have not cheated on Brad."

"Every day."

This time Rachel did stand and there was a fire in her eyes.

"NO! I have not. There has never been anyone else. As lonely as it has been and as much as I miss Brad, I have not been unfaithful to him.

Kathryn stood and stepped closed to Rachel.

"Not in your eyes, perhaps. But to Brad it was and is just as much of a betrayal as if you had slept with a dozen other men these years.

Rachel looked between Kathryn and Trent. Her keen mind was desperately trying to unravel this puzzle that the two other people had crafted. Her mind couldn't find a reasonable answer to the conundrum presented to her. Cheating was not a part of her. She heard Trent's voice.

"You are too close to the problem. Step away from it and look at it from a different perspective. Play devil's advocate with yourself. Drop all your assumptions and re-evaluate when you know for sure."

That final statement from Trent rocked Rachel to the core. She had heard Brad make that statement hundreds of times as he faced a difficult problem or needed a new solution. Slowly sitting back down in the chair, She felt like she couldn't breathe. Closing her eyes, Rachel calmed herself, let her breathing slow, and cleared her mind then slowly began to re-examine what she knew. Trent and Kathryn watched Rachel, occasionally looking at each with concern.

The pizza sat on the table forgotten. The remaining wine in the glasses sat untouched. Suddenly Rachel's eye flew open and she gasped. Her head dropped to rest her chin on her chest and a slow deep sob racked her body. Looking up, her eyes met Trent's.

"Oh God. I have been so stupid and selfish. It wasn't a person. It was my job, my career, my own selfish desires. I did cheat on Brad. I put myself and my job ahead of him almost every time I had to make a major decision."

Kathryn leaned over to pull Rachel close and wrap her arms around the now opening sobbing woman. Trent sat and watched, unsure what to do. Kathryn finally turned to him.

"This is going to take a while. Go make up one of the guest rooms. She doesn't need to be alone tonight."

Trent nodded and disappeared up stairs. Kathryn held Rachel and let her cry. In time, well after dark, the two sat as Rachel began to speak.

"He knew. He understood. I couldn't see it or understand it."

Kathryn just nodded.

"I ruined two lives thinking I was doing what was right. He let me go. Why? Why didn't he stop me and make me stay. If he had stopped me, we would still be together and happy."

"Not necessarily."

"What?"

"If Brad had done what he needed to do to keep you in LA, what do you think would have resulted? You have finally started thinking from a new perspective. Work from that."

Rachel thought for a moment and, with a surprised look, looked at Kathryn.

"I would have stayed, but against my better judgement. I would have continued to work at the company but I would have resented Brad for getting in my way and stopping my plans."

Kathryn nodded.

"You would have grown to resent Brad and what he had done. It would have eaten at you and poisoned your relationship. You would never have been happy and, I am almost sure, that Brad knew that. He couldn't stand to see you unhappy and it was out of love, not a desire to stymie your plans, that he stepped aside and let you go on your path. All he wanted for you was to be happy."

Rachel's face morphed into a look of suspicion.

"You sound awfully sure of that."

Kathryn laughed slightly.

"I am."

"How do you know."

"Brad told us."

"He told you?"

"During one of Brad's trips to Chicago we three sat at this very table. Trent began asking Brad the same sort of questions he has been asking you here tonight. This isn't the first time we have heard the story. His has a slightly different perspective, but it is almost identical in the details."

Rachel was quiet for a moment.

"Does he hate me?"

"On the contrary. He loves you very much. He follows your career closely."

"I often wondered why he never sought a divorce."

"You can talk to Trent about that. I know he asked Brad almost that same question."

Rachel looked around at the darkened patio. With a start she glanced at her phone and the time.

"Oh gosh. I need to get home.

Trent spoke from behind her.

"Nonsense. There is a bedroom upstairs with your name on it. I think you probably have many more questions and Kathryn is right. You may need a shoulder to cry on before we finish talking."

"But tomorrow is a work day. Everyone will be expecting me and I have things to do."

Trent laughed heartily.

"Who is going to care if you take a day or two to yourself."

"Why. Ugh."

"You afraid that you boss might be upset if you aren't in the office."

Rachel thought about that for a minute. It dawned on her that her boss was Trent, the Chairman of the Board.

"I don't know, Boss. Will you gig me for being absent."

Trent laughed again.

"I think you are begining to understand the the perks of your job. Call in the morning and tell them you are available by phone if anything comes up. You have worked hard a long time to get where you are. Now it's time to enjoy what you have earned."

Rachel flopped back into the chair. She felt as if she was being overcome again.

"I do have a lot more questions. And I really don't relish going back downtown to my apartment."

"Then stay here tonight. Hell stay a week. If you need to go to the office, go."

Rachel looked at Trent and Kathryn as tears began to well from her eyes again.

"Thank you."

&&&&&

Two weeks later, Rachel was sitting in her apartment, thinking about the two days she had spent with Trent and Kathryn. She had learned a lot about herself. Trent was a strict taskmaster, insisting that she do some intense self-examination during those two days. She had to return to work to handle an upcoming deal and had continued since then. Her first reaction to what she was learning was a bit of self-loathing. In truth, looking at herself from a different perspective, she was both ashamed and aghast at how self-serving her attitude and actions were. In the end, she asked around and made an appointment with a therapist.

Four months afterward, she had settled back into a routine. The economy was ticking up again, and Rachel decided that it was time to expand the company. She held a staff meeting with the senior management team and they began to outline their strategy. Once that was underway, Rachel spent a few weeks visiting some of their holdings, observing and learning more about the company assets. She made time to meet regularly with the therapists and realized that she had a lot of work to do.

The therapy sessions often resulted in dark moods with many tears. It was during one of those intense sessions that Rachel's therapist asked a simple question: had Rachel talked to Brad about their marriage? The session had ended shortly after the question was asked. It was hours later that Rachel recounted the session and realized that she had never answered. She knew the answer. Surprisingly, her mood over the next few days darkened. Even her PA at work mentioned that she seemed down about something. It wasn't surprising that the subsequent several sessions with her therapist dwelt most on Brad, their relationship, and what had happened in LA years ago.

Toward the end of the last session, Rachel's therapist had hesitated before suggestingto Rachel.

"Rachel. You have done a lot of hard work since we started, and I see the results. But."

Rachel looked intently at her therapist at the but.

"But, you really need to resolve your issues with Brad before you can move forward. I think you are suppressing your feelings about him and your marriage. We have skirted around the edges without tangible results. Until you can drag those issues into the open and deal with them directly, I am afraid we are stonewalled."

"How do you suggest I do that? I have talked about it. We have discussed it. What else can I do?"

"You must decide how to get inside those emotions and understand what is closing them off. I can make suggestions, but the decisions must be yours."

Rachel considered what she was hearing.

"What do you suggest."

"It's clear to me that you left a lot of things unanswered and unresolved when you and Brad split up. You need closure on that part of your life. You and Brad must find a way to resolve the issues left hanging all those years ago."

Rachel sat lost in her thoughts. Everytime she and her therapist got anywhere near the marriage discussion Rachel tended to shut down and become unresponsive. The therapist watched Rachel carefully and saw the beginnings of her mental withdrawal. She had seen it before.

"Rachel. Listen to me. Focus. Look at me."

Rachel seemed to shake herself slightly and her gaze focused back on the therapist. Her question was short and to the point.

"How?"

The therapist sighed and shook her head slightly.

"You need to talk to Brad."

"I'll call him."

The time for the session came to and end. Rachel had not definitively acknowledged that she would contact Brad and have a meaningful conversation with him. The therapist watched Rachel leave and after the door closed, shook her head and began to make notes in Rachel's rather thick file.

&&&&&

For the first time in almost 6 month's Rachel was excited about getting out for an evening. Trent and Kathryn were back from their cruise and were having a party at their house to share their experiences with their friends. Rachel had been invited.

The invitation had stated casual and Rachel chose a pair of black pants, a pale blue button down blouse and a pair of 3 inch heels. Her intent was to be understated and she thought she had met her goal. At Trent and Kathryn's house, she saw that the drive was already nearly full of cars. She found a place to park and made her way to the front door. As she mounted the steps, the door flew open and a suntanned and smiling Kathryn burst onto the porch and smothered Rachel in a hug.

"I am so glad you came! Come on in."

Kathryn pulled Rachel along by the arm, stopped to hand her a glass of champagne, and then dragged Rachel through the house until they found Trent, who immediately forgot about his conversation. Rachel gasped as Trent hugged her and kissed her lightly on the forehead.

"Now the party can begin. I was afraid that you were going to hermit out on us and hid in that apartment of yours."

WIth a grin Rachel replied.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world. I want to hear all about your adventures."

"Later. RIght now I want to introduce you to some people."

Kathryn and Trent led her around the house. Rachel, usually great with names and faces was soon overwhelmed. Some of the people to whom she was introduced were familiar to her. Other's were totally unknown. The seemingly interminable introductions ended with a man about her own age that Trent introduced as Chet Hawkins. Rachel learned that Chet was the COO of one of the companies held by the corporation. He was tall, handsome, and had an amazing smile. As Rachel and Chet began to chat, Rachel realized that Trent and Kathryn had disappeared.

More champagne appeared, served by a young man in a white waiters jacket. Rachel found Chet personable and easy to talk to. They moved to a couch in the den near the frech doors leading to the pool. Unbeknownst to Rachel, Kathryn and Trent stood in a doorway on the far side of the room looking at the couple on the couch. Trent had his arm around Kathryn's shoulders as he leaned over to speak quietly in her ear.

"I hope this hair brained scheme doesn't backfire."

"Don't worry. Either way it will work out for Rachel."

"Yeah, but it could devastate Brad."

"If she is happy, he will be happy."

"I hope you are right."

Rachel had a pleasant evening. Trent had a bunch of photos on a projector. The latter part of the evening was spent with Kathryn and Trent narrating a photo review of their trip. She found herself sitting next to Chet on a small sofa. When the evening began to wind down, she realized that most of her time had been with Chet. As she prepared to leave, she said her goodbyes and thanks to Kathryn and Trent in the living room. Approaching the door, Chet was waiting in the entry way.

"Rachel, I have enjoyed this so much. I hope we can get together again."

Rachel surprised herself with her reply.

"Thank you, Chet. It has been fun and enjoyable. I really did enjoy myself. I'm not sure about getting together. You know I am still married."

Chet nodded.

"I know. We all know something about your situation. But I really would like to get to know you better."

Rachel looked at Chet.

"Let me think about it. I'll call you."

"You know my number?"

Rachel laughed.

"I think I can get it if I want it."

Chet laughed as well.

"I suppose you can."

Rachel stepped forward and gave the taller man a quick kiss on the cheek and then scurried out the door to her car. Her mind was busy as she drove home. She made a mental note to get an appointment with her therapist as soon as possible.

Two weeks later, after three sessions with her therapist, Rachel looked shell-shocked as she walked to her car. Opening the door, she nearly fell into the seat, pulled the door shut, and stared blankly out the windshield. It had been an emotional and traumatic session.

Her first session with the therapist after the party at Trent and Katheryn's house, she felt more upbeat than usual. She had fond thoughts about meeting Chet and the time they spent together. Her therapist had encouraged her to explore her feelings about that meeting, and the day afterward, Rachel had called Chet and invited him to dinner on Friday evening. He suggested a restaurant on Michigan Avenue close to Rachel's apartment. They agreed to meet at 6 PM for dinner.

Rachel realized she hadn't been on a 'date' since before her wedding to Brad. That made her a bit nervous, worrying about what to wear and if she could remember how to act. She decided on a conservative tactic and chose a black business dress and a single string of pearls. She opted not to wear stockings or panyhose and a pair of black low healed shoes. At 6:30 she grabbed her purse, gave herself one more look in the mirror, and headed down to walk the few blocks to the restaurant.

Chet was already there when she arrived. He rose and looked at her with a smile, held her chair as she sat down, and then sat across from her. He had already chosen a wine and her glass was filled and waiting. They chatted for a few minutes before ordering dinner. Dinner was excellent and the conversation was easy and relaxed. Rachel felt comfortable. After a light desert, Chet suggested they walk a few blocks over to a local blues club. Chet paid the bill and they walked toward the exit. During the walk, Rachel found her arms wrapped around Chet's arm. It was a feeling she hadn't felt for years.

The blues club was about half filled. A three piece blues band was playing in the back corner. Chet stopped at the center bar and ordered each of them drink. Drinks in hand, they found a small table. Chet again held her chair and then pulled another around to face the band, close to Rachel, and sat. They watched the band for several minutes. At the band's break, canned music came over the speakers. Chet leaned sideways and turned to speak into her ear.

"Would you do me the pleasure of dancing with me?"

Rachel giggled. She was feeling the effects of the wine at dinner and the rather stiff drink from the bar.

"I haven't danced in years. I don't think I remember how."

"Nonsense. I bet you pick it up again."

He stood and took her hand, pulling her to her feet. As she stood, her head spun a bit but Chet held her arm and guided them to the small dance floor. He folded her into his arms and began to slowly move her around the dance floor. At first, Rachel was hesitant and made sure that there was space between them. Chet didn't push things, knowing she was probably hesitant and a little uncomfortable.

The second song was a little faster and Rachel did bobble a few times. They laughed together about it but soon, she was in the rhythm and enjoying the dancing. She was also aware of Chet being so close. A very slow song came on. Rachel closed her eyes and without realizing what was happening she had closed the gap between them and had her head on Chet's shoulder. When the band returned for their next set, the two were still dancing closely. Chet's hands held her on her hips as they moved.

Once they were back in their seats, Chet ordered another round of drinks. Rachel concentrated on the band. She was not a blues aficionado, but she tried to focus on the music rather than the feelings she was experiencing. Being in Chet's arms left her slightly confused. Her less-than-sober state didn't contribute to her ease of mind.

They sat through the next set, and as soon as the band took a break, Chet was on his feet, pulling Rachel toward the small dance floor. Without hesitation, Rachel snuggled close to Chet's chest, and his arms went around her. She felt his hands on her ass but didn't offer any resistance as they began to move to the music.

Rachel was surprised when the lights came up in the bar. The band was packing up, and there were only a few others left. She and Chet gathered their things and headed out. Rachel glanced at her phone and realized it was after 2 AM. The streets in Chicago were dark and quiet as they strolled along the empty storefronts. Finally, Chet spoke softly.

"What now?"

"Um. I guess we go home."

"Mine or yours?"

She glanced up at him before answering.

"Just what are you suggesting, Sir?"

Chet smiled, pulling her a little closer to him as they walked.

"Oh. A nightcap, a little more conversation, Just let things go where they may."

Rachel's mind was hard at work. It had been years since she had felt like she did at that moment. It was pleasant to have a gorgeous hunk of a man with his arm around her shoulders. A warm glow suffused her body, and she had just enough alcohol on board to feel a little risque.

"Which is closer?"

"Yours. I live further out."

"Then take me home, sir."

Less than an hour later, Rachel and Chet were sitting comfortably on the couch in her living room. He was holding her hand as they chatted about her apartment and the magnificent view it afforded of the Chicago lakefront. Rachel felt Chet move when his lips closed with hers, his tongue began to work against her lips. Almost involuntarily, she responded, opening her mouth slightly and meeting his tongue with hers. Her eyes closed as the kiss became more intense. Turning slightly, she presented herself and one arm inched around his waist.

A gentle caress moved across her left breast causingRachel to shudderslightly at the touch. It had been so long since Brad had touched her like this. She wanted more. She wanted to feel Brad's hands on her to feel his flesh touch her flesh. Oh Brad. Rachel's eyes flew open and twisted away from Chet.

Chet felt her stiffen and then turn away from him, breaking the kiss and shrugging his hand from her breast. He looked at her confused and saw tears filling her eyes.

"Is something wrong. Do I do something to offend you?"

Rachel covered her face with her hands. Chet sat dscomforted as he tried to figure out what was he might have done. A few seconds later, Rachel looked at him sorrowfully.

"Oh Chet. You haven't done anything. You have been nothing but a gentleman. It's all me. It's my fault. I apologize."

Chet shook his head slowly.

"Apologize for what?"

"I was feeling wonderful. You are wonderful. The kiss started out wonderful. Then, all I could think about was kissing Brad, feeling his hands touch me, and wanting more of it."

Tears were cascading down her face as realization dawned on Chet.

"You husband."

Rachel nodded, brushing tear from her cheeks.

"As we were kissing he was totally in my thoughts. It was him I was thinking about and him I was wanting. I am so sorry. I didn; t mean to lead you on. You are a wonderful man and in another life you and I... well. You know."

Chet took a deep breath. Carefully, he reached foward and wiped a tear from her chin with his index finger.

"I understand Rachel. I think now I understand more than you know. You are still deeply in love with Brad. You have been all these years. That explains the "Ice Queen" title that all the eligible batcherlors and some of the married men have for you."

Rachel looked down at her hands in her lap, speaking softly.

"Really Chet. I like you. You are a good man and a great manager. It's just that... Brad has never been out of my heart."

To her amazement, Chet smiled broadly. His next words came out of left field and left her a little stunned.

"Trent warned me. He told me that if I could get into your heart, you would be as loyal and as dedicated as any man could hope. He was right. But I know someone else is already there. Trent told me about you and Brad. Rachel, you need to figure this out. You owe it to Brad and to yourself to resolve this. You are too fine a woman to spend your time alone."

Rachel listened with her head bowed. She felt Chet stand, and she looked up at him.

"I'll let myself out."

Rachel had a lost and forlorn look on her face as she rose.

"I'm sorry, Chet. It just hit me."

"Rachel, you are an amazing woman. You have nothing to be sorry about. Follow your heart."

Without another word, Chet exited the apartment and was gone. Rachel locked the security locks and turned to look out the window at the Chicago lights. Looking into herself, she discovered a dark spot. It was like a void that she had never experienced before. As if a light came on in her consciousness, she realized what was missing that should fill that hole. As she readied herself for bed, her brain began to work. By the time her eyes closed for sleep, she had a good sense of what she needed to do.

&&&&&

Brad sat in the well-worn old recliner in front of the 80-inch wall-hung flat screen TV. On the table beside him was a glass of Glen Morangie 18-year-old scotch. On the TV screen was a rerun of the British adaptation of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot mysteries. Brad loved the British take on crime dramas.

Sitting in the old leather recliner, Brad sported a pair of boxer shorts, a faded and tattered terrycloth robe, and a pair of houseshoes. Another episode of Poirot was about to start when his doorbell rang. It was unusual for anyone to ring his doorbell this late in the evening. Then the thought occurred to him that anyone coming in unannounced should have buzzed from the foyer of the condo. How the hell did anyone get into the building and to his top-floor condo?

Grabbing his tablet, he pulled up the app that connected to the doorbell camera. Better safe than sorry, even in his upscale neighborhood. He wasn't worried about anyone busting in. The steel security door hung on a steel reinforced frame, and the lock pins of cold rolled steel extended to engage the steel frame when locked. Looking at the image from the doorbell, he growled. It was a woman, but he couldn't see her face from the angle she was standing. Touching the button on the tablet, he spoke.

"What is it?"

He listened. The audio on the tablet wasn't the best.

"Brad? It's me. Rachel."

Brad nearly dropped the laptop in surprise. Laying the device on the chairside table, dropped the foot rest on the chair and hurried to the door. Releasing the locks took several seconds before he could yank the door open.

"Christ Rachel. What are you doing here?"

She saw her smile slightly.

"You could ask me in."

"Of course. Come in."

Rachel stepped into the condo as Brad closed the door behind her. She turned and looked at him with a smile. In all the years, he hadn't changed much. A few extra pounds graced his frame and there were streaks of grey showing at his temples. Rachel recognized the old bathrobe and chuckled at the boxer shorts and fuxxy house slippers.

"You are as stylish as ever I see."

Brad, still in a state of shock at Rachel's sudden appearance at his door, looked down and chuckled as well.

"Well. You know. I have always been a hermit and I guess I have adopted a hermit's lifestyle. Come on in and sit."

Leading the way into the livingroom, Brad grabbed a dining chair as he passed the small dining room. Sitting the chair close to his recliner, he turned to Rachel with a a sad look.

"I don't entertain much and I am afraid that this condo is designed and furnished for single life. It isn't the most comfortable chair. You can sit in my recliner if you want to."

Rachel looked around at the condo. The building was nice enough and the condo was large and spacious from what she could see. However, the space could definitely use a woman's touch. The space was clean but cluttered. Typical of Brad she thought to herself. Sitting on the dining room chair, she smiled.

"You sit in your recliner. This will be fine with me."

"Ugh. Would you like something to drink?"

"What do you have?"

"Soda's. Beer. Liquor. Wine. You choose."

"How about a beer."

"Great."

Brad disappeared toward the kitchen and returned quickly with two bottles of beer. Rachel looked at the labels but didn't recognize the brand.

"It's a local craft brewery. One of my former students. This is my favorite. It's a dark beer with a macadamia nut and chocolate back. I think you will like it."

Rachel took a small sip of the relatively thick dark beer. Tasting it, her eyes widened and she took another longer pull on the bottle.

"Brad, this is good! You say one of your former students brews this."

"Yes. He and his partner began in their kitchen with a small hobby brew kit. Now they bottle over 30 different kinds of beer and ale and distribute it all over the West Coast. One of my success stories."

"You must be proud."

Brad nodded as he drank from the longneck bottle.

"Just one of a few. But. I am curious. What brings you here without any notice?"

Brad observed Rachel and thought he saw a hint of embarrassment. He was trying to control his emotions as he looked at her. She was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. There were some lines, and she was a little heavier than he remembered, but she still evoked strong emotions in him that he was working hard to control and hide.

"Brad. Since I took over as CEO, I have had more time to think and wonder."

"About what?"

"Us."

"What about us?"

"What happened to us?"

Brad paused to take a drink of beer before he answered. When he spoke, his voice was subdued.

"You left."

Rachel visibly winced but came back quickly.

"You stayed."

Brad nodded.

"I did and I explained why."

Rachel frowned

"To teach? You could have gotten a teaching position anywhere."

"Yes. But I had been granted tenure. For most academician's that is the holy grail."

"But, Look at where we ended up. I am the CEO of the whole organization. What are you?"

Brad shook his head slowly. His face fell into an almost sorrowful look.

"You really don't know do you?"

Rachel looked at him confused.

"Why don't you tell me?"

Brad sighed deeply.

"This may take a while. Have you eaten?"

"No."

"I'll order in. Do you have a preference?"

Rachel shrugged.

"You know the area. You pick."

Brad grabbed his phone and only a few sentences had ordered chinese from a local vendor.

"It will be here in about 20 minutes. I should start with what was going on just before you announced your move to Chicago."

"Ok."

Brad turned the beer bottle up and emptied it, setting it on the table beside the recliner.

"The week before your announcement, I had been offered a tenured position in the Business School at USCLA. That meant that I would be a full faculty member with all the benefits and perks. It was almost double the salary I had as a lecturer with the added prestige. It was the culmination of my dreams just like becoming CEO was yours. Turning it down and moving to Chicago would have meant spending another 5 to 7 years getting back to where I was at that point."

Rachel listened attentively. Mentally, she was still dismissive of Brad's choice.

"I had followed you everytime you had mounted another rung up the corporate ladder. I came to the conclusion that you had lost sight of our dreams and goals and made yours a priority over mine. I had other ideas and goals as well. You had become so busy and so focused that we stopped talking. You didn't seem interested in what I wanted in the future. I guess you assumed that what I wanted would have to take second place to what I wanted."

"Not really. But I was on the rise. I was headed up. I was going to be successful in the real world."

"Who says that real world success isn't possible in academia?"

Rachel made a dismissive sound.

"You know the old saying, 'those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'"

"Do you really believe that, Rachel?"

Another dismissive sound hissed from Rachel's lips.

"It's true isn't it?"

"That has always been one of your weaknesses, Rachel. You tend to see the world as you want it to be, not as it really is."

He saw the ire flash in her eyes.

"What the hell does that mean?"

"You are egocentric in your opinions and your world view."

The anger flashed again. Brad say her lean forward in an aggressive posture.

"Egocentric!"

He nodded.

"You are a good manager and leader. But truely great leaders understand that their place in the overall scheme of things tends to be insignificant."

"Are you calling me insignificant. I run one of the largest and most complex organizations in the world."

"That's what I am saying. You know that organization as well as anyone. What do you know about the world in which it exists. And do you really understand how your organization fits into the bigger picture?"

"I like to think I do."

The doorbell rang. Brad answered it and came back with several bags containing the Chinese takeout he had ordered. He set it on the dining room table.

"You want another beer with your Chinese?"

"Sure. But I want you to tell me what I am missing."

"I'll fill you in as we eat."

Rachel nodded and came into the kitchen. Brad was opening two more beers. Rachel began searching the cupboards and drawers and soon had plates and silverware. The two headed to the table. Brad spread out the containers of Chinese as Rachel sat down. As he dished out the food, he continued to speak.

"What do you know about the business climate in which you are working."

"The economy is good. We are experiencing some phenomenal growth in some areas, not so much in others. Politically, the current administration seems to be pretty neutral on business but I think they party in power tends to be a little negative on big corporations."

Brad was munching on an eggroll as he listened. A peculiar smile played on his lips.

"Let me tell you a little about my career after you moved. I loved teaching and the research I was doing. For 3 or 4 years I was totally involved. We stayed pretty close in touch during that time. Then communications started to dwindle. You were busy in your little corporate world, playing inside politics and building your rep."

"And doing a good job of it too."

"True. I followed your career closely. Apparently, mine didn't get as much attention."

Rachel wiped a chow mein noddle from her chin as she spoke.

"What career. You were teaching."

Brad nodded in what seemed like agreement.

"That was about the time I started doing a little consulting. Several local businesses in the LA area came to me after I made several presentations about AI and organizational management and structure. I developed several classes out of those consulting jobs that became hugely popular. Things began to snowball. I was offered the position as the associate chair of the business school based on some research I published. That further enhanced my credibility and I started getting calls from larger and more prestigious corporates, not just for advice, but also for help with restructuring and reorganizations. I continued to publish, using my consulting practice as part of my research. Somewhere along the line I was contacted by the NSA which required me to get a security clearance. You may remember getting a visit from some people who didn't say much but had a lot of questions about you, me, our relationship, and your job."

"I remember that. I thought they were from the FBI."

"They may have led you to believe that. Anyway, My consulting business was at the point that it had a life of its own. I now had a staff of about 8 people in my payroll. My immediate boss decided to retire and I was asked to Chair the department. I accepted that position. That was the end of my regular teaching assignments. Being the Dean of the Business school is more about fund raising than anything else. That brought me even more exposure. I held the Dean's office for another several years and then decided to retire."

"So that's what you have been doing? Retirement?"

"Not really. BRO, LLC was taking more and more of my attention and, as the sole stockholder, I was pretty busy with that."

"What does BRO stand for?"

Now Brad smiled broadly.

"Brad and Rachel Orienstein, limited"

You named your company ofter us?"

"I did. You own half the stock as well.":

Rachel smiled.

"Thank you. I guess it makes you a comfortable living."

Brad smiled a little wider.

"Come with me."

He stood and finished his beer. Rachel stood Brad walked toward the back of the condo. As they stepped into the hall, he turned on the lights and Rachel saw that both sides of the hallway were lined with photos. She looked at them and realized that almost all of them were of Brad with other people. As she looked closer, she realized that the first photo was Brad shaking hands with a former president of the US. The next photo was Brad standing with four other people. Two of them were dressed in white flowing robes.

"I recognize the first picture. Who are these people."

"The man with me in the suit was, at the time, the COO of the oil company that had the exclusive production rights to part of the Saudi oil fields. The man in the middle is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. The other man is the Chancellor of the Saudi Business University."

Rachel looked at the picture and then at Brad. As they continued down the hall, picture after picture of Brad with people in power that she recognized. Half way down the hall, she stopped and looked at Brad.

"You know all these people?"

"Most of them don't phone up and ask me to come over for dinner, but if you mention my name to them, they will recognize it."

At the end of the hall, brad opened the door to his office. Elegant furniture graced the room and again, the walls were festooned with pictures of Brad with many people that Rachel recognized and many she didn't.

"So you have met a lot of wealthy and influential people. That was part of your job raising money for the university I suppose?"

"Not really. Most of the photos were taken after I retired from USCLA."

"Then how..?"

"I told you I was a consultant."

Rachel furrowed her brow trying to connect the dots.

"BRO LLC, does business with all these people and many more. I now have a staff of over 50 highly educated and very dynamic individuals. I hand-picked them over the years from my students and other programs. We work with corporations and governments, providing consulting and other services. Along the way, I had the chance to get in on some investment opportunities by being in the right place at the right time."

"So you have done well for yourself. I wondered how you afforded this condo, in this neighborhood, on a faculty retirement."

Brad leaned against the desk and looked at Rachel.

"Trent told me that you really didn't have a clue about what was going on in the world."

Rachel looked surprised and then remembered that Brad had visited Trent's home on several occasions.

"Don't believe everything Trent tells you."

Brad folded his arms across his chest.

"Rachel, why did you come here tonight?"

The sudden change in the conversation caught Rachel by surprise, and she took a few seconds to answer.

"I want to reconnect with you, Brad. A few weeks ago, I found myself thinking about you, about us, and what might have been."

"And you are trying to find some answers."

"I suppose so. I have reached all my goals, and now I wonder what's next."

Brad took a deep breath.

"You wonder, without your challenges and aspirations, how you are going to fill your life. It's hard to face the future when you can't figure out what is next."

Rachel's felt like she had been slapped. Brad had put into a few words what she had been feeling for weeks. She had forgotten his ability to get to the core of a problem in such a short time and define it so eloquently.

"Yes."

"What happened to cause you to show up unannounced."

Rachel dropped her eyes.

"I was with a man."

"Did you have sex?"

Her head popped up with her eyes wide.

"NO! Um. I think he wanted to but I realized that I didn't want any man. I wanted you."

Brad's eyes narrowed.

"Why after this long?"

Rachel gazed around the office. She really didn't have an answer to that question. Trying to find one in her confused state, a thought popped into her brain.

"I am lonely."

That statement seemed to open the floor gates in Rachel. She stepped closer to Brad and wrapped her arms around one of his. As Brad looked at her, he could see the beginnings of tears in her eyes and saw a raw needy look on her face.

"Oh GOD Brad. I have been lonely all these years. I wanted you to come to me so bad. I wanted you to share in my success. I wanted everyone to know you. I wanted to show you off."

"That's the problem Rachel. I never wanted to be a trophy husband. I didn't want to be the also ran. I wouldn't... couldn't... be the cuckold to your your job and career."

Rachel buried her face into his chest, still holding his arm tightly. Brad's free arm went around her shoulders. The feel of her in his arms dredged up memories he thought were long faded away.

"Rachel, I never stopped loving you. But I couldn't compete with your career, the company, and your focus. There was nothing left for me. If I had come to you in Chicago, I would have resented you and your career for pulling me away from my dreams. That resentment would have soured eventually and been the death of anything we had. I wanted you to succeed. I wanted to see you happy. I knew the only way that would happen was if I turned you loose to chase your dreams."

Brad felt the wetness of her tears on the t-shirt he wore with the boxers. As she moved slightly, she looked up at him, tears streaming down her face.

"Is it too late for us? Did I totally screw everything up?"

"I honestly don't know. It has been a long time."

Her eyes implored him to say more. A slight smile washed across her face as she quietly spoke.

"Why don't we spend some time getting to know one another again. To see if that old spark is still there. I know more about you than you know about me. Perhaps you should see if you want to be around an old retired college professor."

Her arms went around his neck as she bounced up on her tiptoes to hug him tightly.

"Yes. YES! Please."

He led her back down the hall to the living room. He saw her suitcase in the entry where she had left it when she came in.

"What hotel are you in?"

Rachel glanced at the bags and then dropped her head.

"I don't have one. I came straight here from the airport. I guess I need to check around and see if I can find a room close and call an Uber to take me there."

"The hell you say. Look around you. This condo has five bedrooms, if you count the one that I use as an office. You will stay here. This is your home as much as it is mine."

Rachel beamed.

"Really? You want me to stay here."

"Why not?"

"Well. I thought after all this time. You might.. I mean."

"Nonsense."

Brad grabbed the suitcase and rolled it down the hallway. He stopped at the door to the first bedoorm and then seemed to pause before walking further down the hall. Rachel followed along into the furthest door in the hallway. As she entered she saw a huge bedroom with a massive four poster kingsize bed. Every chair in the room was covered in clothing. Piles of books lay beside the bed. The room had a totally disheveled look. Rachel realized it was Brad's bedroom. She gasped.

"Youi seriously want me t sleep with you?"

"We're still married, aren't we?"

"Yes."

"Why wouldn't a husband and wife sleep together?"

She was dumbfounded. He seemed to be behaving like they had just spent a few days apart instead of years.

"I guess. I thought."

"See. That's your problem. You think to much. Sometimes you just need to go with the flow and let things happen."

Looking at the clock on the dresser, Brad grinned.

"You must be exhausted after a flight from Chicago. I have an early meeting in the morning and I would like you to go with me. I think we should call it a night. How long are you staying?"

Rachel was in a sort of shock. She shook her head.

"I haven't even thought about it."

"You can call you office tomorrow and let them know that you are here and then make some decisions about how long you can stay. I know you are busy. There are some things I would like to show you before you go home."

Rachel nodded at a loss for words. Brad moved the suitcase and laid it on a small couch, after pushing a pile of clothes off onto the floor. Rachel giggled.

"This place could use a woman's touch."

Brad looked around

"What? Why? I like it. It looks lived in,"

"Yeah. Like a viking longhouse."

Brad looked at her and then laughed. Rachel joined in as she opened her suitcase. She heard Brad behind her and when she turned he was standing next to the bed in nothing but his boxer shorts. Rachel quickly removed the blouse and her pants, leaving herself standing barefoot in her bra and panties. She saw Brad looking at her intently.

"Jeszuus. You look fantastic."

Rachel looked at Brad. He wore the few extra pounds well. He was still lean and muscular. Probably from the bike riding. She watched as he jerked the bed covers back and waited.

"You coming to bed, wife?"

WIthout thinking, Rachel flew across the room leaping onto the bed and landing on her knees. Brad slipped into the bed after turning off the lights. She stretched out close to the edge of her side of the bed, lying quietly on her back. Brad rolled up onto an elbow, looking at her.

"Did you come all the way from Chicago to sleep 3 feet away from me."

Scooting across the bed, Rachel snuggled in against Brad. For the first time in so many years she lay with her head on his shoulder, his arm around her, and her arm across his chest. They lay like that for several minutes. Rachel spoke softly.

"I missed this so many times."

"Me too."

It didn't take long for both of them to drift off into a comfortable and restful sleep.

&&&&&

Rachel opened her eyes. Sitting up, she remembered where she was and what had happened. Brad was no where to be seen. Scrambling out of the bed, she looked around and finally found an old tattered bathrobe in one of the piles of clothes scattered about the bedroom. Heading toward the front of the condo, she found Brad busily making breakfast and drinking coffee. A coffee mug sat beside the coffee machine. As she entered, Brad turned around with a smile. He was still in his boxer shorts but had pu lled on a USCLA t-shirt. There was a hole on one side and a stain across the front.

"Morning sleeping beauty."

Rachel immediately poured a cup full of coffee and turned to watch Brad as he plated eggs, bacon and biscuits. Judging from the pans on the counter, he had made the biscuits from scratch.

"You have gotten quite handy in the kitchen."

"You do what you got to do."

Setting the plates on the table, he waited for her to sit and then joined her.

Rachel found the scrambled eggs full of cheese and bacon bits. The bacon was perfect, and the biscuits were fluffy and hot. She found butter and jam on the table as well. She was ravenous. Brad watched as she wolfed down the breakfast.

"You have a good appetite."

"That little bit of chinese last night didn't go very far."

He nodded as he sipped his coffee.

"What kind of meeting do you have this morning and why do you want me to go."

"Well. It is at BRO and I want to introduce the CEO of a multinational corporation to the staff."

Rachel blushed.

"You might also find where we are going interesting."

Rachel nodded, finished her coffee and stood to pour another cup.

"Would you like more?"

"No. I have already had two. I try to limit my intake."

She smiled.

"Did you bring some business wear?"

"Of course. Are we dressing to impress?"

"Nothing special, but business attire is the normal expectation where we are going."

"When do we need to leave?"

Bard looked at the clock on the stove.

"In about 40 minutes."

Rachel nearly sprayed coffee all over the kitchen.

"BRAD. There is no way I can be ready in 40 minutes. Christ. Why did you let me sleep so late."

The broad grin on his face belied the situation. She looked at him warily.

"Really?"

"Well. Maybe a little longer."

She growled as she set the mug on the counter and headed off toward the bedroom and bathroom. Digging through her suitcase, she found her makeup bag, toiletries, and the business suit she had packed as a last minute thought. Heading into the bathroom, she pulled the door shut and reached for the controls in the shower. She marvelled at what she found. She thought the shower in her apartment was lavish but it didn't hold a candle what she found. She wanted to simply stand in the exquisite shower and enjoy the pulsing water jets that came from every direction. She knew that she was on a schedule so she cut her time short and stepped out to find a huge thick towel on the heated towel rack.

Outside, Brad moved around the bedroom with a smug smile on his face. In his closet he chose a conservatively cut navy blue suit and a starched white shirt. Once he was dressed, he stepped into a pair of custom wingtip shoes, moved to the vanity mirror to adjust his ties and straighten the pocket square. The red tie was the perfect addition to the outfit. Sitting in a chair, he watched the bathroom door, waiting.

Almost exactly an hour after she entered the bathroo, Rachel stepped out in a charcoal gray business suit. The hem came to just below her knees and the cream colored spaghetti strap top she wore perfected the outfit. Stepping across the room she dug out a pair of 3 inch heels and slipped them on her feet. Only then, as he rose from the chair behind her, did she see Brad. She was amazed. The suit he wore was cut and tailored perfectly. He looked like he should be on the cover of GQ.

"Brad. You look amazing."

"You are awesome yourself. Ready to go?"

She nodded, picking up her small purse. As Brad walked toward her, he took her hand and held it.

"Brad. Please tell me we aren't going to ride in that ratty Range Rover."

"Not today."

He led her out of the condo and to the elevator. At the ground floor, they exited the building to find a stretched Mercedes limo waiting at the curb. Inside, Brad spoke to the driver by name. Once they were seated, the car rolled smoothly out of the parking lot into the LA traffic.

Twenty minutes later, the limo pulled up in front of a large modern commercial building. Rachel saw the lettering on the building. BRO, LLC. As they approached the door, still holding hands, the doors opened, and two uniformed security guards had the door. As they passed, both men said hello to Brad, calling him by name. Brad greeted both of the men by name as well. The surprises for Rachel continued as they made their way into the building.

Everyone they met had a good morning for Brad. Rachel noticed that he called each of them by name. Often, he would inquire about a husband or children or ask a question about some project. It took them several minutes to get to the elevators. Inside, Brad placed his thumb against a small panel, and the elevator began to move upward. Rachel watched as the buttons on the panel lit up in consecutive order until they reached the last numbered button, 12, and then the car continued. Several seconds later, the car stopped and the doors opened. Brad led her into a lavishly appointed vestibule where an older woman sat at a massive desk. Glancing up, the woman met Brad with a huge smile and leaped to her feet.

"Good morning, Brad."

"Good morning, Lisa. How is your mother? Feeling better, I hope."

"She is much better. That doctor you called has seen her and met with us last night. He says that she will do fine after he does her surgery."

"I'm glad. Lisa. This is Rachel."

The woman's eyes went wide.

"Oh my. I have heard so much about you. Brad speaks of you a lot. He is always telling us how smart, successful and... well. You understand."

Rachel listened and looked at Brad.

"I think I do. Now."

Suddenly, Lisa became all business.

"The reports are on the conference table. The rest of the team will be here in about 20 minutes. Would you and Rachel care for anything to drink?"

Brad looked at Rachel.

"I would appreciate a glass of orange juice. Rachel?"

"Um, could I get a bottle of genger ale?"

Lisa nodded and scurried away.

As Brad led the way to the conference room, Rachel looked at the office. Here there were more pictures displayed. Many were of Brad and some dignitary. There were also pictures of different locations, office buildings, and other facilities.

"Whose office is this."

"Mine."

Rachel looked up at him.

"I thought you were a consultant."

"I am. I am also the CEO and owner of BRO, LLC."

As they entered the conference room, Rachel was astounded. The conference table could accommodate 40 people with attendant stations behind each seat at the table for assistants. At the head of the table, she could see several folders carefully aligned in front of the chair. As they walked around to the end of the table, Brad pulled a chair with him and arranged it next to what was his place. Rachel started to ask questions when people started arriving. For the next 30 minutes, she was introduced to a steady stream of men and women, all whom addressed Brad by name. When almost every chair in the room was filled, as well as many of the attendant chairs around the periphery of the room, Brad stood and got everyone's attention.

"Good morning. Let's get the show on the road so we don't run any longer than we must. Charley, get us started.

The first man on Brad's right began. Rachel quickly learned that the man was the vice president of BRO LLC, who was responsible for facilities. For the next twenty minutes, she listened to the man summarize the current state of the real estate and property holdings of BRO LLC, new acquisitions, and, at the last, a quick recap of the financial status of the facilities operation. To her amazement, she realized that BRO LLC held or controlled a vast real estate empire in the US, Asia, and Europe.

And so it went around the table. Consulting contracts with both private corporations, public companies, and governmental entities. Shipping interests, agriculture, technology, and business interests. It was during this presentation she learned that BRO, LLC was a minority share holder in the company of which she was the CEO. It began to dawn on Rachel what Brad was showing her. The meeting lasted a little over two hours and when everyone had left, Brad sat arranging the papers to which he had constantly referred during the meeting. Rachel waited until he looked at her.

"This is all yours?"

"Ours."

"Really?"

"Yes. Not bad for a teacher, huh?"

"Why didn't you ever say anything to me about all this?"

"Would it have mattered?"

Rachel thought for a moment and realized that, as proud as she was of Brad at that moment, during those years she was so intent on her own goals, that she wouldn't have had the least interest in what he was doing.

"I guess not, at the time. But you are a huge success."

"I have had a little luck."

"With all this, why do you still live in that condo?"

"I like it."

"But you could live anywhere in LA. You could have stars for neighbors."

"They make lousy neighbors."

"How do you know."

"Several of them have lived in the condo building. They are arrogant, self-centered and typical less than good neighbors. I have had to evict several of them."

"Evict?"

"Yeah. I own that condo building."

Rachel was stunned.

"That limo wasn't a rental was it."

"Nope."

Brad left the file folders on the table and stood, holding his hand out to Rachel.

"Come on. Lets go get some lunch. We have a lot to talk about. Have you called your office yet?"

"No. I haven't had time."

Brad led then to an office just across the hall from the conference room. It was massive and lavish, easily three times the size of her opulent office at the company headquarters.

"Make your calls. If you need a computer, mine is on the desk. I am going to the bathroom."

Brad disappeared into a door to the side of the office. Rachel looked around and sat down at a table near the entrance to the grand office. Fishing her cell phone from her small purse, she called her PA. The call didn't take long. Everything was moving along as expected. Her next call was to a personal number.

"Trent, it's Rachel."

"Rachel. How are you?"

"I"m better than I have been in months."

"Really. How are things going with you and Chet."

"They aren't."

"What?"

"I broke it off."

"What happened?"

"That's why I called. I am in California. LA actually. I am with Brad."

There was a pregnant pause on the other side of the conversation."

"Want to tell me about that."

Rachel sighed and began to recount her last date with Chet, her sudden realization that it was Brad that she still loved and wanted, and her sudden and unexpected trip to LA.

"Trent. I have been here for less than 24 hours but I have learned so much. I think that you knerw a lot too that you didn't share with me."

There was another pause.

"Brad asked me to keep you in the dark on most of it."

"Why?"

"He didn't want to spoil your success or get in the way of your goals. All he ever wanted was for you to be happy."

It was Rachel's turn to be silent for a moment. Trent took the opportunity to continue.

"Rachel, for once in your life, listen to your heart not that analytical machine you call a brain."

"Thanks. I have to go. Brad is coming back."

She closed the call and looked up at Brad. Everytime she learned something new about the years they had spent apart, the next time she saw him she had a new perspective. As she watched him from across the office, she suddenly realized that she had seriously underestimated him even before they had separated. Not separated she thought. Since before I left him behind.

Smiling, he approached her, stopping at his desk and pressing a key on the telephone.

"Iisa. Have the car brought around. Rachel and I are going to lunch."

&&&&&

Lunch was almost two hours away by car, on the coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was a small venue, but obviously one of Brad's favorite places. The owner/chef came out of the kitchen to greet Brad and meet Rachel. Brad ordered wine and appetizers. They sat on the open veranda, listening to the waves on the rocks several hundred feet below themtalking. Rachel took the lead.

"You said you followed my career closely. How did you do that?"

"Easy. Trent was one of my best contacts?"

"Trent?"

"Yeah. He and I got to be friends, allies, and he became one of my clients. Well. Your company became a client but I dealt with Trent most of the time."

"I never knew."

"That was intentional. I didn't want you to know."

"How did you get the consulting job?"

Brad chuckled as he poured more wine. Before he could speak the waiter arrives with the appetizers and took their lunch order. Brad ordered for them, selecting a seafood entre before turning back to look at Rachel.

"Trent called me not long after you finished that merger project."

"Really!"

Brad nodded.

"He told me it was clear to him that most of the ideas that you had presented to the merger group were so sharp and so well thought out that he was amazed that you had crafted them in so short a time. He had done some research, got several of my published papers, including my Master's thesis, and read them. That's why he called me. His main question was if you had purloined my work and presented it as your own."

Rachel was shocked. Trent had never said anything or questioned her about her input on that project. He had praised her for it in fact.

"Don't worry. I told Trent that we had looked at the committee report and I had made some suggestions and helped you with the changes that your presented. He was still worried that I shold be getting credit for the work. I told him that you were welcome to my ideas and my suggestions. You had supported me so generously while I was working on my Masters and that it was really a joint effort. You deserved to use my ideas."

Rachel listened and realized how much Brad had made her career launch possible. Instantly her mind recalled all the times she had been faced with what seemed to be an insurmountable problem and Brad had not just given her the answer, but had coached and taught her how to analyze the situation, how to think critically about the options, and finally select a workable plan.

"You were always behind me. WIthout you, those first few years I could have failed miserably."

"But you didn't."

"Only because I had you, your knowledge and your skill."

Brad grinned.

"You were my very first consulting client. But you were also a student, you just didn't know it. You are smart and you learned quickly."

Their food came and they turned their attention to the marvelous creation that came out of the kitchen. Silence dominated the table for a while. Finally, as they both finished and pushed their plates away, Rachel looked at Brad.

"Tell me about you and Trent."

"Trent was always interested in my research. He kept up with what I was working on and a couple of times helped me get corporate sponsors to help with some of the research. Just before we moved to LA, he contacted me about doing some work for another company not affiliated with your organization. I took the job and it went well. He really helped me launch my consulting career. Most of the people that I worked for the first few years were because Trent mentioned my name to them."

"I never knew."

"You weren't supposed too. Trent asked that I didn't make an issue of it with you."

Rachel's eyebrows went up.

"So you and Trent conspired behind my back."

"Not at all. The consulting had nothing to do with you, your job, or your career. I honestly think Trent was trying to coerce me into coming to work for him full time. He tried every kind of offer to lure me away from teaching."

"So how did BRO get its start."

"After you moved to CHicago, the consulting started to take a lot more time than I wanted to spend away from the university. So, with the help of a couple of fellow professors from the law school, I created BRO LLC and set up shop. I hired some people that I knew to take on some of the consulting jobs and BRO was on its way. Things just sort of snowballed. I had a good reputation, a solid foundation, and I hired the best people available."

"But what about the real estate, investing, and all the other things I heard about."

"One of the first things you learn about in undergraduate business school is the concept of diversity. Plain language common sense. Never put all your eggs in one basket. So we began to look at other opportunities. One thing the consulting racket gets you is a look at a broad range of industries. You also meet a lot of people. That combination brings about a lot of opportunities. One thing we developed a lot of expertise in is filtering opportunities. We took advantage of the ones that looked right."

"Just how big is BRO?"

Brad smiled and he spoke. Rachel gasped.

"That is bigger then our organization? What is the net value?"

Brad smiled broader as he spoke again. Rachel put her hand to her mouth.

"What is the share price today. Have you been paying dividends?"

Brad shook his head.

"No. We don't pay dividends."

"Seriously. Why not?"

"Because there are no shareholders."

Rachel's eyes went wide.

"What?"

"BRO LLC is a privately held corporation. There is one stockholder."

"You?"

"Me."

Rachel paused and downed the remaining wine in her glass.

"That makes you a..."

He finished her sentence.

"A multi-billionaire. Probably number three or four in the world. I don't keep track."

Rachel sat stunned. Brad grinned.

"Not bad for a college teacher, huh?"

&&&&&

Two days later, Rachel got a call that a problem with one of their subsidiaries needed her attention. There was nothing to do but arrange a flight back to Chicago. Brad drove her to the airport in the old Range Rover, which, with its new paint job, fresh tires and completely redone interior, looked better than new. He parked at the doors to her gate and got her bag out of the rear of the Range Rover. As he put it down on the curb, Rachel wrapped her amrs around him and buried her face in his neck.

"I don't want to go back. This has been almost like we were when we were in college."

"You don't have to. You know."

"But I do. I have responsibilities. They Board is depending on me to fix this problem."

"I know how you feel. When you finally understand that there is more to life than reaching another goal you have set, come back. I might even offer you a job."

She grinned up at him.

"A consulting job?"

"Maybe. Or housekeeper and bedroom wench."

She started to reply when she heard the call for her flight. She quickly kissed Brad on the lips. As she was walking toward security, she realized it was the only time during her whole visit she had kissed him.

The flight home was unremarkable and she was at her office first thing the following morning. The problem that had seemed so urgent had resolved itself. After getting caught up and tending to a few emails, Rachel reached for her phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Trent, Rachel."

"Can I invite you and Kthryn to dinner."

"I suppose. What's up?"

"Nothing. I would just like to pick your brains a little.:

Had Rachel been able to see Trent's face she would have seen a broad smile.

"How was your trip to LA?"

"How the hell did you know I was in LA?"

"Come on Rachel. You kicked Chet out of your apartment and a week later you disappear for a week. YOu should know that even your PA couldn't keep a secret from me. How's Brad?"

"He's wonderful."

"And how are you?"

"I don't know yet. That's what I'm trying to figure out."

"Let me talk to Kathryn. Do you have a time and place in mind?"

"I would rather do it sooner than later and you two can pick the place."

"I'll call you back."

Settling back into her chair, Rachel found her thoughts returning to the days she had spent in LA with Brad. The memories brought a smile to her lips and a feeling of contentment she hadn't experienced in a long time. Take a deep breath and letting out a long sigh, she picked up a report from one of the company divisions and began to immerse herself.

The report kept her attention until after lunch. Her focus was only broken when her phone range. She saw Trent's name on the phone and pressed the button to answer.

"Well? What's the plan."

"Kathryn says you should come here. She will make dinner. I will make the drinks. We can talk in comfort as long as we want."

"Are you sure. I don't want to put the two of you out."

"She insists."

"Ok. When?"

"How about tonight. No sense in waiting. Come whenever you get read. OH! She says to bring a swimsuit. The pool and the hot tub are ready."

Rachel was grinning as she agreed to the plan. Hanging up her phone, she immediately cleared her desk, grabbed her purse, and headed toward her car.

&&&&&

Rachel stopped by her apartment and put a few things in a small bag and then headed toward Trent and Kethryn's house. Arriving about an hour after her phone call with Trent, she rang the bell. Trent opened the door with a smile.

"You didn't waste any time. Should I dock your pay for leaving early."

She punched him lightly in the midsection.

"You are the one who told me as long as the job is done there is no reason to sit in an office to just pass time."

He stepped back and let her in.

"Kathryns in the kitchen. I was helping with dinner. You want something to drink?"

"A glass of wine?"

"Coming up."

Trent peeled off to pour a glass of wine. Rachel found her way to the kitchen where Kathryn was seasoning three huge tuna steaks.

"Hey! Put your bag in the hall. Did you get a drink?"

"Trent is getting me a glass of wine. Thanks of inviting me over. I would have been happy to take you guys out to dinner."

Kathryn looked over her shoulder at Rachel with a grin.

"No way we are going to fight with crowds and the noise if we are going to talk. This is much more private."

"How do you know what I want to talk about needs privacy?"

Kathryn grabbed a towel and started to wipe her hands as she turned to look at Rachel.

"Rachel. Trent talked to Chet about your last date. Then you disappear for a week to LA. It wasn't hard to find out that you and Brad spent the week together. Obviously, you are having some conflicting emotions. Talk to me, girl friend. What's going on in your head?"

Trent entered and handed Rachel a glass of wine. He stepped back and leaned against the kitchen counter and waited. Rachel paused, not sure where to start. Kathryn saw her hesitation and nudged her.

"Tell us about that last date with Chet."

"We went out for dinner and made a few other stops. We danced, talked, and decided to head back to my apartment. It was close and convenient. We got there, had a few more drinks. Chet is a great guy. He is honest and I really think he had the best of intentions. We started to neck a bit and things began to heat up. Suddenly, I realized I wasn't thinking about Chet. I was thinking about Brad. I wanted Brad to be there instead of Chet. I'm afraid I got rather abrupt. Chet was a perfect gentleman. He stopped when I asked him too and left. I felt terrible about how I treated him, and then I thought about how close I came to cheating on Brad. I was a wreck."

Kathryn looked at Rachel sympathetically, reaching over to touch Rachel's forearm.

"But would it really have been cheating on Brad after all these years?"

Rachel looked at Kathryn cooly and replied evenly but with a hard edge to her voice.

"Of course it would. We are still married. I have not done anything since I left LA with another man or woman that would not pass the husband test."

Kathryn nodded, letting the steel in Rachel's voice slide.

"You still love Brad."

"Of course I do. I have never quit loving him. I just... I guess I was confused. I mixed up my priorities."

Trent stood with his arms folded across his chest. His posture was almost antagonistic as he spoke.

"But you didn't think much of his choice of profession."

Rachel hung her head.

"No. I coiuldn't understand why he didn't have more ambition or drive. I coiuldn't accept that he was as devoted to academia as I was to corporate life."

Trent unfolded his arms.

"What do you think of Brad's choices now that you know a little more about his life since you to separated?"

Rachel sighed heavily.

"He seems to have been as successful as I am."

"Rachel, if the truth be known you two are not even in the same league. Yes. You are the CEO of a world class organization, but outside our own little insular world, you really aren't that well known. Brad, on the other hand, has built an organizaiton that rivals ours in it size, wealth and income. More importantly, he is well known around the world and respected as an advisor and a consultant."

"I saw all those pictures of him with lots of dignataries and politicians. I thought they were just photo ops."

Trent chuckled.

"All of those people you saw in those photos are not just receiving line photo ops. Most of those people, the politicians and the business people, consider Brad a friend and an advisor that they call on regularly."

Rachel's eyes grew rounder as Trent continued to talk.

"Do you remember just after you got to Chicago we began a series of organizational changes and personnel moves?"

"Of course. The year after you made all those changes, our net profitability rose almost 18 percent. Those were brillant moves. I was awed at how you saw the things that needed to be done and the brilliant way to managed the change."

Trent put his arm around Kathryn and pulled her tight to him.

"Most of what happened goes directly back to Brad's work and his recommendations."

"What?"

"When I became CEO, I put together a team to do a top to bottom survey of our entire operation to try and determine how we should move forward into the future. As we started planning, it was obvious that we needed a fresh set of eyes on our problems, and yes, we did have some major problems at the time. Our growth had been haphazard and done without a longrange plan. I suggest Brad. It was sort of a tough sell because he didn't have much of a reputation at the time. But we hired him and he spent a year putting his recommendations together. The vast majority of those changes that you saw as the CFO came directly from Brad's recommendations and his report."

Rachel looked at Trent, her mouth open, and her glass of wine forgotten.

"But, I thought all of that was your doing?"

"One of the main points in our agreement with Brad is that he didn't want you to know what he was doing. He wanted no credit for the results."

"Why?"

"He never said. You would have to ask him that question. But he used the data from that consulting job for a lot of his research in the next few years. We often aided him in that. Word leaked out ater he published several papers about his results with our companies and others began to knock on his door for help. I don't know much about the ensuing years. Brad won't talk about it much. All I do know is that he became very successful, very wealthy, and very well respected."

Rachel looked like she was going to sag to the floor. Trent stepped forward and helped her to a chair at the kitchen table. He and Kathryn joined Rachel at the table.

"He never showed any interest in business like that. I always thought he was focused on his research and teaching. How did he become so successful without the focus and drive?"

Trent refilled his wine glass and took a sip before he continued.

"Rachel, there is often more than one road to a destination."

Rachel looked a little confused.

"You set out with a goal to be successful. You focused all your energy and determination into that and you achieved your goal. You even put your husband and your marriage in the backseat. You consciously focused on your goals and did everything you could to make them happen. You pursued it and that got you noticed. I noticed you. So did a lot of others."

Rachel could see Trent shift mental gears as he continued.

"Brad didn't seek out that kind of notice. He was happy to exist in the insular world of academia, do his research, publish his articles, and teach his classes. He was, he is, happy with that world. When we hired him, he came to us excited about the data he would be able to take away for his research. That was what really inspired him to take the contract. He wasn't really interested in the money and, in fact, was surprised at the sum we offered him. I am not sure he wouldn't have done the job for free to get access to the research data.'

Rachel smiled.

"That sounds like the old Brad I remember."

"It's true. But other's noticed the results. I read those journals and articles. Lots of CEO's do. They are where many of us get the ideas that will shape the future of our companies. It wasn't long after Brad started publishing that other companies came to him for help. He apparently made some good decisions."

"I never realized. I guess I should have been reading those journals and articles."

Trent nodded. Kathryn was smiling. Trent filled Rachel's wine glass.

"I need to get that fish on the grill."

Trent left the table to tend to the cooking. Rachel looked at Kathryn.

"So Brad has been here a lot?"

"Not a lot. But he is always welcome. Trent counts him as part of his inner circle. I think Trent admires Brad almost like a favorite son."

"And all along Trent knew about Brad's growing success and he never mentioned it to me."

"Trent only has a few absolute rules. He knows that life is conditional."

Rachel pursed her lips in thought.

"What kind of rules?"

Kathryn grinned

"First and foremost, he believes in honesty. There are only three things that I know he is absolute about."

"What are those?"

"One. Fidelity and trust in a marriage are unassailable. He would never accept anything else but total commitment. I will tell you that you wouldn't have faired as well in the company if you had separated with Brad and started a round of affairs without divorcing Brad."

Rachel was more than a little surprised. Thinking back, she realized that in all her years climbing the corporate ladder, she had never seen or heard of problems with affairs among the executives. She now had a little better understanding of that."

"Third, he doesn't meddle in his employees personal lives unless their activities impact the company. Obviously, you relationship with Brad wasn't affecting your performance. The more he learned about you, I think the more comfortable he became with your situation. Had you started having affairs, even if they didn't involve anyone else in the company, I don't think you would have gotten the support to your career that you got."

Rachel gulped as Kathryn continued.

"Lastly, He won't deal with anyone that he doesn't trust or doesn't believe will deal honestly and openly. He always told me that he could deal with the biggest bastard on the planet if he believed that man was honest and dealing openly. He will not tolerate anyone who works through deception. Once, after Brad had been here for a couple fo days, Trent told me that he believed Brad to be the most honest and up-front person he had ever dealt with."

Rachel listened attentively. Trent came back in and stuck his head around the corner.

"The fish will be ready in about 15 minutes. I suggest the two of you get everything else ready and on the table."

Kathryn and Rachel headed to the kitchen to finish the preparations. Rachel was pensive and a bit withdrawn. Kathryn kept watching her, often looking to Trent who nodded understandingly.

Rachel was quiet during their meal. Neither Trent nor Kathryn tried to engage her, allowing Rachel time to think. As they finished, Rachel pushed her plate away and then looked at Trent.

"Why did you try to hook me up with Chet?"

Trent had a slight smile on his face.

"It was obvious to me that you still weren't happy, even after achieving all your goals. Something was missing. I was pretty sure it was Brad, but I couldn't just hit you with my insights. You would have never accepted my rationalization. You needed to come to that realization on your own. I knew that in all the time after you came to Chicago that you never went out, you never socialized other than for business purposes. You were celibate as far as I could determine. I thought that putting you close to a man might push you into seeing what most of the rest of us already saw. You were, are, still in love with Brad."

"How did you know I wouldn't cave and start an affair with Chet."

"I didn't. I really didn't worry about it because I knew, if things turned that direction, you would do the right thing. You would divorce Brad before things went very far. Chet is a good man. He was seriously interested in you."

"I hope I didn't hurt him too badly."

Trent smiled.

"He was disappointed, but he knew the situation going in. He was aware of your history, about Brad, and, to be honest, I told him what I thought. I think he saw it as a sort of challenge."

Rachel looked down at the table, her hands playing idly with the napkin. She looked up at Trent.

"What do I do now?"

Trent shrugged.

"I can't tell you that. My advice is, for perhaps the first time in your life, follow your emotions rather than your master plan."

Rachel sighed

"I don't have much of a Master Plan anymore. I achieved my goals in my career. It's been so long since I have had a life away from that, I don't have a clue where I want to go or what I want to do."

Kathryn leaned forward slightly and a serious look on her face.

"Then why did you go to California on the spur of the moment and stay a week?"

Kathryn's question seemed to catch Rachel by surprise.

"Ugh... I don't know"

"Oh, come on. You always have a plan and a reason for what you do."

Rachel worried the napkin in her hands.

"My therapist told me that I wasn't going to get any resolution until I sorted things out with Brad."

"You have been seeing a therapist."

Rachel nodded.

"I wasn't happy. I haven't been for months. I realized that I was at the end of the rope. I had achieved everything I wanted and I had no plan past that."

Kathryn looked at Trent. Apparently, this was an unexpected twist for both of them.

"Do you called Brad and made arrangements to go see him and get some resolution?"

Rachel dropped her eyes and shook her head.

"No. I just got on a plane with a few clothes and showed up at his door late one evening without any notice."

Trent's head went back and he laughed deeply.

"How did that work out?"

It was Rachel's turn to laugh.

"He answered the door in boxer shorts, a t-shirt, and an old tattered terrycloth robe. His expression was priceless."

"And what happened."

"He let me in and we talked. I spent the night."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Looking back, he treated me like I had only been gone on a short business trip."

"What happened the rest of the week."

"We went shopping. I needed a few things. We went out to eat. He took me to the consulting company and let me sit in on what I would call a departmental reporting session. I learned a lot about his company that day. The rest of the week, we just talked."

Trent crossed his arms again."

"Why did you come back. That story you told me was bogus. That situation could have easily been dealt with on the phone or by one of your subordinates."

Rachel looked down again.

"I was overwhelmed. I need time to deal with everything. I was also scared."

"Of what?"

"Brad welcomed my back like nothing had ever happened. He treated me like we hadn't been separated all these years. He opened up to me and let me into everything. It was like I had not left him in LA. It blew me away."

Kathryn couldn't hold back any longer.

"Did you sleep with him?"

Rachel blushed.

"Yes."

"How was it."

"Just like I remembered."

Kathryn looked at Rachel and then at Trent. Trent nodded.

"Rachel, what do you want to do?"

"I don't know. I am conflicted. I don't want to give up my position as CEO yet. I still think there are things I can do here to make this company stronger and more profitable. But I want Brad back in my life."

"So, what's stopping you?"

"He won't come to Chicago and I can't leave."

"Did you ask him to come to Chicago?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"I didn't want to hear him say no again."

Trent furrowed his brow again, then looked at Rachel.

"I think you need to talk to Brad again. I think you need to be honest and open with him about your feelings and your wants. See what he says. Nothing may change. But you might be surprised and you don't have a lot to lose."

Rachel looked back and forth between Trent and Kathryn. She felt as if someone had tossed her a life rope. She grasped it.

"You're right. I hate to leave you with dirty dishes. The fish was great, but I think I need to get home and deal with this right now."

&&&&&

Rachel pressed the button on the call box in the lobby of the condo in LA. She heard a familiar voice.

"Hello?"

"Brad. Can I come in?"

Immediately the door lock buzzed and Rachel headed toward the elevator. Brad was waiting in the hall, holding the door to the condo open as the elevator doors slide back.

"I guess I should give you a key."

She grinned and stepped forward. Leaning in she kissed him on the lips and felt his response slightly. Stepping back, he pulled her into the condo and shut the door.

"This is a pleasant and unexpected surprise. What brings you here?"

"I need to apologize to you and then we need to talk."

Brad got a worried look on his face. He knew some of the connotations behind that "we need to talk" phrase.

"Why do you need to apologize?"

"I really didn't need to go back when I left last time. I sort of manufactured an excuse to leave. I was feeling overwhelmed and needed time to deal with everything."

Brad took her suitcase and they walked down the hall to the master bedroom. He tossed the suitcase onto a couch, covered in piles of clothing.

"You don't need to apologize. You are a big girl and can come and go as you please."

"I know. But. Brad. Like I said. We need to talk."

"Well. come on. Would you like something to eat. I have leftover pizza and some beer."

"That would be great."

Together, they headed for the kitchen. Brad retrieved the pizza and beer from the refrigerator. Rachel found plates and silverware. They decided to eat the pizza cold. Sitting at the table, Brad waited for Rachel to start the conversation. He was amazed at how she started the talk.

"Brad. I miss you."

"I have missed you too."

"I want us together again?"

"So you are moving to LA?"

He watched her expression and saw the slight hint of anger but it was quickly replaced with a sense of calm.

"No. I was hoping you might see your way clear to returning with me to Chicago."

Brad shook his head slowly.

"Rachel. My company is here. This is where my life is. I would desperately love to have you here to share this life with me."

Brad saw the disappointment on Rachels expression.

"I was afraid that would be your answer. Is there no hope for us then?"

Brad smiled.

"There is always hope."

"How?"

"Compromise."

It was Rachel's turn to frown."

"Compromise?"

"Yes. Does every negotiation you do always end up with you getting everything you want?"

"You sound like you are discussing a business deal."

He shrugged.

"Business. Life. It's all about give and take."

"Ok. So what's your take on this negotiation?"

"Let's set out the parameters. You want to stay in Chicago. I want to stay in LA. We both want to repair this relationship. Anything else to add?"

"No, that pretty well sums it up."

"Ok. What ideas do you have that will accomplish those goals?"

Rachel munched on a piece of cold pizza as she thought.

"Find somewhere in the middle?"

"If neither one of us wants to move across the continent, would either of us contemplate a move to somewhere in the middle. Denver?"

"No. That's out. My office is in Chicago."

"And mine is in LA."

Rachel looked at him slyly over the slice of pizza in her hand.

"You could retire?"

He laughed.

"So could you. Then we would both be free to do as we pleased. But I suspect that you aren't through working yet, and frankly, neither am I."

"Then we are at an impasse."

"Oh, come on, Rachel. Use that creative brain of yours and get outside that box you have built."

Rachel frowned and set the pizza on her plate. Taking a drink from the beer bottle, she narrowed her eyes.

"You have something in mind."

"Maybe."

"Why not tell me rather than play all these games."

"Because I think you need to learn to think critically again. I think you are stuck in that corporate quagmire you have created that keeps you compelled to work with specified parameters. Let things go and think. Really think."

Rachel shook her head. She remembered Brad saying much the same thing to her when she would raise issues from work early in her career. Then her mind flashed to what Trent had told her about Brad teaching her as he helped her. Her eyebrows went up.

"You ass. You already have an idea and you are trying to get me to come up with the same solution."

"You have gotten a little more perceptive over the years."

Rachel virtually growled at him.

"Dammit. Why don't you just tell me what you have in mind."

"Because, if you come up with the idea, you will have some buyin and a reason to try and make it work."

Rachel tossed the pizza onto the plate and looked at Brad with narrowed eyes.

"Just how in the hell do we put ourselves back together but be in two places at once?"

"It is a conundrum, isn't it."

Rachel looked like she was about to explode. Brad just continued to sit, relaxed, and with a slight smile on his face. Rachel's mind was working hard. Suddenly, her face opened up and she looked up at Brad.

"If I was willing to live here half the time, would you be willing to live in Chicago half the time?"

Brad's face broke into a wide grin.

"You may have hit on an idea."

Rachels mind was working furiously now. She was considering options and means. When she began to talk, the words tumbled over themselves in the haste she was making to get all the ideas out in the open.

"We would need to agree on a schedule. I can always fly back to Chicago when needed. Most meetings and other tasks can be conducted online using video conferencing. You could do the same. There are enough flights back and forth that it shouldn't be too much hassle when needed."

Brad was nodding as she spoke.

"I could set up an office in one of your spare bedrooms. We could do the same in my apartment in Chicago. How much time do you really spend in your office anyway?"

"Usually one full day a week, but you are right. There is almost nothing I couldn't handle with video conferences. Are you sure you are comfortable working like that?:"

"I would need to pass it before the board."

"Knowing your board, I don't think they will have much problem. I will predict one thing if you decide this is workable."

"What's that."

"A lot more of your senior executives will want to be able to work remotely."

"Is that a problem."

"Not from my point of view. Hardly any of my employees, especially the consultants, come to the office more than twice a week. Some perform all their duties remotely."

Rachel sat back in the chair, her eyes wide.

"This could work."

Brad grinned

"All it took was a great mind. There is one real questions to be answered."

"What's that?"

"Do you really want it to work? I mean, do you want to be a couple again after all these years. You are pretty independent. Do you want me around all the time?"

Rachel looked across the table.

"More than anything."

"Then we need to start in the morning, making plans."

"Why not tonight?"

"Because tonight, I have other things in mind."

Epilog - One Year Later

Brad and Rachel sat at the patio table with Trent and Kathryn. The remains of dinner remained on the table as did several empty bottles of wine. The mood was jovial and relaxed when Trent looked at Rachel with a smile.

"Are you happier now?"

Rachel grinned, reaching over to squeeze Brad's hand.

"Much."

"You know the Board was a little wary of your scheme. Some of the old hands weren't too sure that you could pull it off. They aren't as comfortable with the digital world."

"Well. It wasn't all happy days. There were some issues and problems, but nothing that we couldn't work out. One was the travel. Flying scheduled commercial airlines was causing a lot of problems at first. Then Brad bought into a shared aircraft coop and suddenly those problems disappeared."

"And how are things with the two of you?"

"It was a little hard to start living as a couple again. But we have managed."

"And what's in the future?"

Rachel shrugged.

"Who knows. I am taking a page from Brad's play book. Take the right opportunities when they come and don't sweat the rest of it."

Trent laughed.

"That is one hell of an attitude change from the Rachel that I used to know."

"I am learning that, as a team, Brad and I bring a lot more to the table."

"That sounds encouraging."

"I hope so. He has been working with me on some short-range and long range plan for the company. I have been working with him on some ideas to restructure some of his company."

Trent glanced at Kathryn with a satisfied smile.