In Every Universe

Chapter 1: The Proposition

Ivy never doubted herself, that would be a very irresponsible thing to do. And so as her heels clicked on the marble floors, she pushed the tiny voice of doubt out of her mind. Her plans always worked out one way or another, there would be no need to worry today.

Walking into the Boreas Airlines Lounge, Ivy spotted the man she needed at the far end of the bar. He sat with a glass of soda watching the planes take off into the night. Blond hair, brown eyes, and cast on his wrist. Checking her phone one last time to make sure she has the right man. She looks at his pilot id photo, the man at the bar doesn't look half as sharp as the photo, his brown eyes glazed over rather than watchful. His blond hair is a mess, as if he hasn't washed the curls in a while. She can imagine it is hard to do with a cast. He isn't wearing a crisp white shirt as is uniform and seemed to have left the friendly smile all pilots of Boreas are trained to have at home. Despite it all he looks calm and competent; two traits Ivy is looking for.

"Hello Jake Anderson," she says, sliding into the seat next to him at the bar. She waves over the bartender as Jake stares at her.

"How do you know my name?" He demands.

Ivy ignores his question at first to order a martini, before turning to him, "You are one of the pilots for my airline."

When Jake gives her a cautious look she decides to elaborate, "My Grandfather is Robert De Vries, in a few years I am expected to be CEO."

His eyes slowly scan over her, taking in straight brown hair, her pearls, red nails holding onto a martini glass that was just handed to her, the black silk dress hugging her figure, and her jimmy choo heels.

"And so you must be Ivy De Vries," he finally said, meeting her brown eyes once again, shameless in the time he took to examine her.

Ivy sips her martini, content with how the meeting is going so far. She even ignores the lack of quality in her cocktail, she can tell they don't have a good enough gin for her here.

"I have a proposition for you Jake Anderson," she says.

Jake attempts to hide his sigh and Ivy pretends not to notice.

"Tell me what you want from a pilot with a concussion and broken wrist," he says finishing the last of his soda, "I can't fly you on your private jet to hide away from your mother if that is what you need."

Ivy pretends his words do not sting. She knows her reputation has taken a hit after her father's death. Her scheming was viewed as jet setting and avoidance. Tonight however, that is all going to end.

"There is no need to worry, I have taken into consideration your skills and abilities. Your financial status as well," she begins.

"What do you know about my financial status?" he snaps at her, cutting her off.

Rather than respond, Ivy gives him a look to be quiet. Jake glares at her but sits back and allows her to continue.

"I have written with the assistance of my lawyer a proposition that will benefit the both of us. I will email you the legal documents that need to be signed if you agree to follow through. However I advise you not to share anything I send publicly, as there will be repercussions for doing so."

Jake's disinterested look indicates that she needs to get to the point.

"I am looking for a partner and believe you to be the best candidate," she says after a pause.

Jake's eyebrows scrunch in confusion as he says, "But I have no business experience."

Ivy has to close her eyes and take a deep breath. She cannot lose her cool now.

"A romantic partner, Jake. I am looking for a romantic partner."

Jake actually laughs. It slowly dies when he notes the stern look on Ivy's face.

"You can't be serious," he says.

"Oh but I am," her tone curt.

"Who put you up to this?"

"No one, if anything my family will be shocked to hear."

Jake doesn't even bother hiding his look of disgust, "Go find someone else to play with, I am too tired for this."

"You do not seem to understand me. This is a serious proposition. I wish to marry you."

Jakes gives her another once over, before rolling his eyes. He then pulls out his wallet and leaves cash on the bar before standing up to leave.

"A word of advice, romance doesn't work like a business transaction," he whispers into her ear before walking off.

Ivy steels herself, bracing for the hit her ego will take as she goes to plan b. Leaving an even larger bill on the bar, Ivy runs to catch up with Jake. When she reaches him she grabs his arm.

"Give me a month," she says, "I am trying to save the business."

"I don't know what drugs you're on, but there is no way I am the savior of your business."

"If I don't have a husband the business goes to Miles," she whisper yells, looking around them to ensure that no one else heard the confession. The bartender is checking the hundred dollar bill she left on the table and the only other guest in the lounge is sleeping.

Her words stopped Jake in his tracks. While Ivy may have the reputation of a brat, Miles was a menace. Ivy was known to have the business skill and tact to actually run a company, Miles wanted to put a picture of his favorite porn stat on every plane because "sex sells". Many in the papers assumed Ivy would be the next to inherit the business. Her being the oldest and best equipped for the job. No one had considered the plane wreck of the human being that was her younger brother could be in the running.

"Why-the hell-would they even consider that as an option?" Jake finally said.

Ivy pulls on his arm until his ear is low enough for her to whisper, "They said they don't want a woman to take charge, that I need a husband."

Jake looks at her now with new eyes. Seeing that she dressed for success, wanting the best for her business, not her life. That somehow he ended up as a part of her plan.

"Why me?" he asked.

"I need someone who appreciates the business," she responds, too quickly it seems. Jakes catches on that it is a rehearsed answer. He raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms, the old t-shirt too small and stretches to accommodate the action. He waits for a different answer. Ivy clenches her jaw and exhales through her nose before caving in.

"It is true that I need someone who appreciates the business, this airline in particular. Your father was one of the best pilots we had, but I also need someone who won't step on my toes. If all goes according to plan we both end up with what we want. You will have a lot of money and I will have the business."

Deciding that she had given it her best effort, Ivy handed Jake her business card.

"Email me if you wish to see my proposition. I promise it will change your life."