A Rocky Scheme

Friday morning Theresa got a call from Liz, saying she and the boys were heading up to Boston for a few days to visit her mother.

“You sound stressed, Liz. Is your mother okay?”

“She’s fine. I just need a change of scene. Now that Chet is back I won’t be seeing much of Philip until all this nonsense is over. Whenever he gets home after a late day with Chet, he smells of drink. Even when he is here he’s preoccupied. I need to give him some space. Maybe it will be over soon. He said a VP was coming in this weekend and he feels he can wrap it up.”

“Skip Brown has never pressured him so hard before. Why now?”

“He hasn’t now either. He suggested Philip bring all the players into the office on Monday and they can work on the issues. Philip says Chet feels that once the VP explains the situation, they can take in a complete package and it will be immediately approved. Do call me in Boston if there is anything I should do to help. I’ll be in touch.”

After Theresa wished Liz a safe trip and expressed regards to her mother, she felt there was something she should be doing. Once she was at home she decided to call Philip and get his take on the situation. Essentially he repeated what Liz had said. He was staying in town for the evening, having dinner with Chet and the VP, who would be bringing some documents he had requested so he’d have a complete package to take to the firm on Monday.

“Where are you having dinner?”

“At Chet’s hotel.”

“Did you drive in? Sometimes these meetings take time.”

“Tell me about it. Liz called saying she’s on her way to Boston. All the more reason I want this over. I’d rather be with her and the boys. Yes, I drove in.”

This was not a happy situation. In all the years at Stuart and Brown it was never expected that Philip could not bring problems to the partners for suggestions. Somehow she felt she needed to get involved. Perhaps she could join the meeting at dinner and help smooth the waters. Thinking of seeing Chet again added to this motivation and a depth to her breathing. Theresa carefully got ready for a night on the town, choosing a more provocative dress than she had been wearing since she was back in the States. She liked being noticed by Chet. They certainly did make a handsome couple.

Three days before, Theresa had been traveling the same tracks in the opposite direction. She was feeling a bit elated and smiled at the doorman as she got out of the cab. The maitre d’ was very formal and seemed to recognize her but also hesitated when she said she was there to join her brother. Uncharacteristically, Theresa walked by and checked the booth where she had had dinner with Chet. Both Chet and Philip were indeed there; as were two well-dressed women.

Theresa stopped short, stood for a minute, coolly appraising the situation.

Chet and Philip immediately stood to greet Theresa. “Terry!” “Theresa!” The poise and calm demeanor Theresa had carried coming in was gone. After a pause, she replied, “My name is Theresa, not Terry. And nice to see you, brother dear. This certainly looks like a cozy arrangement.”

One of the women wearing a black, scooped neck cocktail dress stood; a willowy presence. Her carefully coiffured, dark blond hair was softly pinned up to a bun, with wisps to frame her face and to advantage her brilliant-cut diamond stud earrings. She smiled and spoke softly. “Hello, Theresa. Please join us. I’m Patricia Marble Doyle and this is my sister, Bernice. We just arrived to join my husband to—”

Theresa’s stance became rigid. She looked directly into her deep blue/brown eyes. “I believe you just said you are Chet’s wife?”

“Why yes, I—”

“Then I’m sure you’d like some time alone with him. Let’s go, Philip!”

Chet was quick to point out, “There’s no need. I’m sure we can all have a pleasant evening together.”

Changing her direct gaze to Chet, Theresa replied, “There is a need all right. I believe your very important business can continue in a more professional atmosphere at Stuart and Browns’ offices on Monday.”

Philip stood to go. He knew there was no way he could defuse the situation. He addressed Chet, “Sorry Chet. Here’s my credit card.”

“I guess not. Chet is quite capable of taking care of this.” Theresa picked up the card and exited the restaurant with determination.

Once outside, Philip emphatically complained, “That wasn’t very smooth, Theresa. His wife is the vice president of the parent company.”

“It wasn’t intended to be. Did you know he was married with a vice president wife? And it’s certainly convenient to have a sister along for a stray gentleman. The keys, please. I’d like to drive.”

On the road, Philip attempted an explanation. “Come on, Theresa. This is all business. Yes, I was surprised the VP is a woman. We were just talking about their trip over a couple of drinks and had ordered dinner. I didn’t see it as a problem. With Liz gone, there didn’t seem to be any pressure to get home. This contract is a big deal! I want to get it right. What’s with the Terry business? Have you seen Chet since tennis?”

“You’ll be lucky if Liz ever comes back. This isn’t what she bought into when she married you. You’ve never done this before. Is this contract really worth it?”

“It appeared straightforward at first. Now Chet wants me personally involved as the company’s American manager.”

“Yes.” Theresa paused, then quietly continued. “I’ve seen him. Twice. He came by Sunday after your tennis weekend to help me set up some media equipment. We had an interesting evening in town on Tuesday.” Theresa began to tell him about Tuesday but kept it vague. Philip expressed surprise that he had come back that soon. Chet had called him on Wednesday and led him to believe he had just arrived.

Fortunately, Theresa didn’t need to respond. Her cell phone rang. She asked Philip to answer it. Maybe it would be Liz and she could relax knowing Philip was with her. Instead it was Ed on the line. “Sorry, I may have the wrong number.”

“I’m answering this for my sister. You sound like Ed. This is Philip.”

“I am. Are you with her?”

Hearing it was Ed, Theresa was quick to loudly say, “I’m so glad he’s calling. Tell him I’m a little tied up at the moment with a forty-year-old brother who has lost his sense of direction. He’s supposed to be taking care of his baby sister.”

“Philip. Sounds like you need a mediator. Where are you?”

“Heading home to—”

“To my house. You’re not getting out of my sight.”

“I’ll meet you there,” said Ed.