A Billionaire's Obsession Series by Hattie Black

10:00 am, one Monday in the middle of August, 23 year old Renee Wainwright sits in the modern and chic waiting area of the widely popular and rapidly growing BYWINSTON branding, marketing and event planning firm. She had just completed her third interview, and was told to wait in the lobby while the three person panel deliberated. Renee was positively hopeful. It was her 3rd call back after all... more10:00 am, one Monday in the middle of August, 23 year old Renee Wainwright sits in the modern and chic waiting area of the widely popular and rapidly growing BYWINSTON branding, marketing and event planning firm. She had just completed her third interview, and was told to wait in the lobby while the three person panel deliberated. Renee was positively hopeful. It was her 3rd call back after all. She looks around the sitting area, and notices one young man with spiked hair wearing a thin black tie with a black and white checkered shirt, and another woman with black rimmed glasses, blonde bangs, and tresses, and a burgundy sweater. "I guess this is the competition." Renee whispers to herself under her breath. She glances down at her own apparel. Renee is dressed in black washed out slacks, a black blouse with ruffles down the center, and her thick curly hair worn up in a top-knot bun. Of course she is wearing her trusty black ballet flats - that Renee almost never leaves home without. Eventually the conference room door opens, and one by one each candidate is called back into the large room with an oval glass table, surrounded by silver high-back chairs. When Renee is summoned, she immediately springs up and speeds walk toward the room. Whether good or bad news, Renee is anxious to learn the final outcome. less

Knock, knock...Bang, Bang, Bang "Urgh! Who is banging on my door this early on a Saturday morning?" Renee mutters while making herself coffee in her small apartment kitchen. She looks up at the time on the microwave's clock "After almost no sleep last night-this is the last thing that I need at 7:00 am." She complains. The coffee cup slams onto the kitchen granite countertop, and Renee charges toward the front door. She whips the door open. "Melaine? Wha...Why... moreKnock, knock...Bang, Bang, Bang "Urgh! Who is banging on my door this early on a Saturday morning?" Renee mutters while making herself coffee in her small apartment kitchen. She looks up at the time on the microwave's clock "After almost no sleep last night-this is the last thing that I need at 7:00 am." She complains. The coffee cup slams onto the kitchen granite countertop, and Renee charges toward the front door. She whips the door open. "Melaine? Wha...Why...." Before Renee can manage a sentence, Melaine walks directly in without waiting to be invited in. "So this is where you spend your nights, and weekends. Hmmm...Quaint!" Melaine comments. Renee stares at the woman confused, and somewhat worried. "Melaine, why...". Renee begins, but Melaine interrupts. "Renee, I know you're wondering why I'm here." Melaine begins in a softened tone. "Colin told me everything that he did to you yesterday. He really does feel awful, and I am sorry too." Renee's eyes widen. She knows? He told her! Melaine keeps talking. "He doesn't want you to leave the firm...he knows you've worked hard, and deserve every chance you get." Melaine continues. Renee is slightly agitated by the comment. Still, she appreciates all Melaine's done for her. She's discerned that her boss genuinely took her under her wing, to mentor, and grow her creative gift, but her boss' boss, and founder of the company - Colin Winston - had been cruel to her. As far as she is concerned, he is a predator. less

"Renee! Honey, what are you doing here?" Pilar, Renee's mother comes out her home, excited, and surprised to see her daughter siting in her car, in the driveway. "I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. You hadn't said that you were coming down to visit this weekend?" Renee remains sitting still in the driver's seat of the car. She is numb. "Renee...Renee honey, what's wrong?" He mother asks... more"Renee! Honey, what are you doing here?" Pilar, Renee's mother comes out her home, excited, and surprised to see her daughter siting in her car, in the driveway. "I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. You hadn't said that you were coming down to visit this weekend?" Renee remains sitting still in the driver's seat of the car. She is numb. "Renee...Renee honey, what's wrong?" He mother asks. Renee had actually been sitting in the driveway for about twenty minutes before her mother realized she was there. "Renee!" Pilar hollers, now standing by the driver's door, looking into the window. Renee awakes from her somewhat comatose state. "Ma, what are you doing?" Renee asks looking at her mother strangely. "Why are you just sitting in the car? Why don't you come in?" Pilar asks her daughter who is acting strangely. Renee rolls her eyes. "I'm coming Ma. Can you back up a bit?" Renee asks, giggling at her hovering mother. Pilar looks down, and around her, and then steps back. Renee exits the car. She wraps her arms around her mother, and embraces her firmly. Renee's mother returns an equally tight embrace. less