THESE ARE EVENTS FROM MY LIFE.
It is a long story with many details, which I will continue to add as time permits. Looking back, I cannot believe this happened, I do not expect you to.
My husband had started his own business. This was a long standing dream for him. He was his own boss, at last. Aviation had been his interest since his youth. He had studied the business for years, obtained all the pilot ratings, gone to graduate school in business, and worked in jet aircraft sales for over five years; all with the goal of eventually starting his own business dealing in business jets. Now he was six months into it and learning from the school of hard knocks.
Contacts were critical to his success. This was something he knew from the beginning, but had grossly under estimated. No amount of preparation, or hard work, seemed to solve this problem.
Getting into the right circles, knowing the right people and being informed when someone was really interested in making a decision was critical. These were multi-million dollar business jets and the people who owned them traveled in tight circles. He was having a real struggle. There was a lot of competition and he seemed to always learn about critical things too late.
Finally, some success, he sold his first big business jet. It was great to see him smile again. Everything seemed to be coming together. This was confirmation for him, that he could find some success. Good money. We could now pay a few of the debts that had accumulated while he was getting started.
Equally important, the new owner,Jack, was a wealthy business man and such a good source of help and contacts for additional new business. The aviation business had always been so exciting for hubby and now it was making real money as well.
More and more, I heard Jack's name as business started to pick up for hubby. Jack was Jewish, wealthy, hard working, and very successful in the hotel business. He developed, owned and operated numerous hotels working together with various national and international hotel chains. He flew. He flew his own jet. He was interested in the aviation business and more importantly he took an interest in hubby's business and the struggles he was having getting started.
I could sense that, through Jack, doors were now opening for Hubby. He more and more talked about fast pace, exciting, successful people, wealth, travel, high performance jets and the places these people go with them. More and more frequently he would say something like, Barbara, you need to meet Jack. I want to evenually get you involved with me in all this...as soon as I have things going strong.
It was clear that Jack was becoming more and more involved. Jack knew so many good contacts. Jack knew so many good advertising ideas. Jack was going to help by introducing this or that good client and "jetasizing" him. (taking him somewhere on a demo flight ) It seemed like Jack's name came into every conversation my husband and I had. I was so pleased with what Jack brought to hubby's business and the successful track hubby seemed to be on after months of struggle.
Finally, the occasion arose where my husband wanted me to meet Jack. This, for me, was so difficult. I have always been shy around males. Females I can do well with, but I find it so hard to talk with males and normally end up hoping they will carry on the conversation and I can just listen. I long have recognised that I cannot even look a male in the eye without embarrassment.
It was Friday evening and Jack was in town. He was staying at a Raddison Inn (which he owned) near the airport. Drinks and dinner. Hubby warned me that I might be bored after things settled down because they had a lot of business to discuss. This stuff will be greek to you, sweetheart. I agreed to sit quietly and just enjoy the evening out. So thankful that was all I needed to do.
Several times during the day I paused to think about what I should wear to meet Jack. I wanted to look attractive. He was so important to hubby. I did not want to look sexy for sure, such that he might think I was something other than a well educated housewife with a keen interest in what my husband was undertaking. I settled on a light blue business suit wiith a beige blouse. The suit had a jacket which would cover my breasts. They are my finest attribute (after my keen mind, hoho), not big, but perfect for a woman with two kids. I am maybe just a little too thin, but they are perfect. My mind is a strange place!
We got there early. Found a table in the bar area. I was so nervous. Jack was important to success in this business and I wanted to make all the right impressions.
A gentleman walked into the bar shortly after we sat down. As he crossed the room there was no question in my mind, it was Jack. Casual in appearance. Tweed sport coat. Grey slacks. A white shirt open at the neck. A full head of beautiful salt and pepper hair. I could have picked him out of any crowd. Hubby stood and introduced us. Jack took my hand in a very business fashion and simply said "hello Barbara, how nice to meet you" Nothing more. He sat down across the table with Hubby. The waitress appeared and we ordered drinks. I worry. Did he hold my hand too long, long enough, I am so paranoid. I settled on, just right. He knew I was there but I had not made a strong impression.
The two of them, became wrapped up in business. Jack was going over a list of possible clients that he knew and was suggesting Hubby contact. I could see in Hubby's face he was excited. This was a gold mine. He was working long hours. Clearly he was tired, but a listing like this just lit him up.
Jack ordered a second round of drinks. I was enjoying the finest Merlot wine. I like Merlot. He has such good taste. It is obvious. They had talked for an hour when Hubby excused himself to use the restroom. I sat nervously. Jack and I had not exchanged a word since the introduction "your husband is one energetic guy" Jack breaks the silence "he is so caught up in this business. I am pleased to be able to help him. I like and respect his kind of spirit and drive. I think, he is really progressing now. But, I worry he will burn out or wear out. Have you noticed how tired he gets." "Yes, it has been many long days for him since he started this." My first words to Jack.
Jack continues. "Thank you for coming over, to night, Barbara, I do not enjoy eating alone. I enjoy good dinner conversation. You hubby is a wonderful guy, he knows that I like to chat at dinner, but I feel like I am dragging him out. We have talked all day, he is normally worn out, and dinner conversation is just a continuation of work for him. I asked him to bring you tonight, knowing your being here would make dinner much more social. It sure does, for me. I would like it to be such that you can enjoy the occasional dinner with us."
"Your husband mentioned he would like for you to see more of this aviation business. Maybe, dinners with us could be fun and beneficial too. You agree?" I think of the salad waiting for me at home..."YES!" "Well I am going to work in that direction. Maybe even, on evenings when your husband is just too tired to enjoy dinner you might consider joining me on your own." He smiles. Have I been propositioned? "It would be strictly for a nice dinner with me so I am not eating alone." Jack continues. Concern passes. He sincerely was talking dinners. Jack is so important to all that is going on. Hubby thinks the world of him. I know he is married. I am so shy, I hesitate, gather courage. "Sure!! (my salad is two days old, a carry home) That could be fun!"
Jack continues to talk directly to me. He is interesting, educated, very well read, well traveled. I find I am caught up in his conversation when Hubby returned to the table. Jack turns "Hey, it is getting late. Lets get in there and get some dinner ordered." He motions to the waitress and asks if she can have out wine brought along to our table. The three of us stand up to move into the dining room.
Hubby stops. "Jack I think we better call it a night. We have been going at it since dawn. I am bushed. Remember it's every day like this for me. Lets call this off and get together for and early breakfast. ok?
Jack pauses. Glances at me. "Ok. Tell you what. How about if Barbie stays for dinner. She was looking forward to a dinner out, and I would love to have the company. She can be home in a couple hours." He goes on "It will give us a chance to chat a bit." I immediately learn what an excellent salesman he is. Hubby hesitates, looks at me, I nod. Ok! Remembering the earlier conversation with Jack. Hubby hesitates again. "well ok. Get home early." He smiles.
I remember as my husband turns, walks across the lobby and out the door. A strange feeling passes through me. I am alone with another man. Not since my early college days, have I been alone in the company of any man, except hubby. Jack takes my elbow and we walk together toward the dining room. I have always been shy, and bit timid, around men, particularly strong men, and Jack is a very strong alpha male. He continues to talk as we move along. "hungry? They have so many good things on this menu. I own six good stand alone restaurants so I try to bring their good menu items into these hotels." We stop at the entry to the restaurant. The manager comes over with a smile. It is obvious he knows Jack. "Hey, tell you what." Jack continues "This dining room is crowded. I have a suite. I will have them set up our dinner there. Let me order for you, please." He turns to the restaurant manager. I have not said a word.
We walk across the lobby. Into the elevator. Up to the ninth floor. Down the hall and into his suite. I am so tense, I cannot describe it.
It is a long story with many details, which I will continue to add as time permits. Looking back, I cannot believe this happened, I do not expect you to.
My husband had started his own business. This was a long standing dream for him. He was his own boss, at last. Aviation had been his interest since his youth. He had studied the business for years, obtained all the pilot ratings, gone to graduate school in business, and worked in jet aircraft sales for over five years; all with the goal of eventually starting his own business dealing in business jets. Now he was six months into it and learning from the school of hard knocks.
Contacts were critical to his success. This was something he knew from the beginning, but had grossly under estimated. No amount of preparation, or hard work, seemed to solve this problem.
Getting into the right circles, knowing the right people and being informed when someone was really interested in making a decision was critical. These were multi-million dollar business jets and the people who owned them traveled in tight circles. He was having a real struggle. There was a lot of competition and he seemed to always learn about critical things too late.
Finally, some success, he sold his first big business jet. It was great to see him smile again. Everything seemed to be coming together. This was confirmation for him, that he could find some success. Good money. We could now pay a few of the debts that had accumulated while he was getting started.
Equally important, the new owner,Jack, was a wealthy business man and such a good source of help and contacts for additional new business. The aviation business had always been so exciting for hubby and now it was making real money as well.
More and more, I heard Jack's name as business started to pick up for hubby. Jack was Jewish, wealthy, hard working, and very successful in the hotel business. He developed, owned and operated numerous hotels working together with various national and international hotel chains. He flew. He flew his own jet. He was interested in the aviation business and more importantly he took an interest in hubby's business and the struggles he was having getting started.
I could sense that, through Jack, doors were now opening for Hubby. He more and more talked about fast pace, exciting, successful people, wealth, travel, high performance jets and the places these people go with them. More and more frequently he would say something like, Barbara, you need to meet Jack. I want to evenually get you involved with me in all this...as soon as I have things going strong.
It was clear that Jack was becoming more and more involved. Jack knew so many good contacts. Jack knew so many good advertising ideas. Jack was going to help by introducing this or that good client and "jetasizing" him. (taking him somewhere on a demo flight ) It seemed like Jack's name came into every conversation my husband and I had. I was so pleased with what Jack brought to hubby's business and the successful track hubby seemed to be on after months of struggle.
Finally, the occasion arose where my husband wanted me to meet Jack. This, for me, was so difficult. I have always been shy around males. Females I can do well with, but I find it so hard to talk with males and normally end up hoping they will carry on the conversation and I can just listen. I long have recognised that I cannot even look a male in the eye without embarrassment.
It was Friday evening and Jack was in town. He was staying at a Raddison Inn (which he owned) near the airport. Drinks and dinner. Hubby warned me that I might be bored after things settled down because they had a lot of business to discuss. This stuff will be greek to you, sweetheart. I agreed to sit quietly and just enjoy the evening out. So thankful that was all I needed to do.
Several times during the day I paused to think about what I should wear to meet Jack. I wanted to look attractive. He was so important to hubby. I did not want to look sexy for sure, such that he might think I was something other than a well educated housewife with a keen interest in what my husband was undertaking. I settled on a light blue business suit wiith a beige blouse. The suit had a jacket which would cover my breasts. They are my finest attribute (after my keen mind, hoho), not big, but perfect for a woman with two kids. I am maybe just a little too thin, but they are perfect. My mind is a strange place!
We got there early. Found a table in the bar area. I was so nervous. Jack was important to success in this business and I wanted to make all the right impressions.
A gentleman walked into the bar shortly after we sat down. As he crossed the room there was no question in my mind, it was Jack. Casual in appearance. Tweed sport coat. Grey slacks. A white shirt open at the neck. A full head of beautiful salt and pepper hair. I could have picked him out of any crowd. Hubby stood and introduced us. Jack took my hand in a very business fashion and simply said "hello Barbara, how nice to meet you" Nothing more. He sat down across the table with Hubby. The waitress appeared and we ordered drinks. I worry. Did he hold my hand too long, long enough, I am so paranoid. I settled on, just right. He knew I was there but I had not made a strong impression.
The two of them, became wrapped up in business. Jack was going over a list of possible clients that he knew and was suggesting Hubby contact. I could see in Hubby's face he was excited. This was a gold mine. He was working long hours. Clearly he was tired, but a listing like this just lit him up.
Jack ordered a second round of drinks. I was enjoying the finest Merlot wine. I like Merlot. He has such good taste. It is obvious. They had talked for an hour when Hubby excused himself to use the restroom. I sat nervously. Jack and I had not exchanged a word since the introduction "your husband is one energetic guy" Jack breaks the silence "he is so caught up in this business. I am pleased to be able to help him. I like and respect his kind of spirit and drive. I think, he is really progressing now. But, I worry he will burn out or wear out. Have you noticed how tired he gets." "Yes, it has been many long days for him since he started this." My first words to Jack.
Jack continues. "Thank you for coming over, to night, Barbara, I do not enjoy eating alone. I enjoy good dinner conversation. You hubby is a wonderful guy, he knows that I like to chat at dinner, but I feel like I am dragging him out. We have talked all day, he is normally worn out, and dinner conversation is just a continuation of work for him. I asked him to bring you tonight, knowing your being here would make dinner much more social. It sure does, for me. I would like it to be such that you can enjoy the occasional dinner with us."
"Your husband mentioned he would like for you to see more of this aviation business. Maybe, dinners with us could be fun and beneficial too. You agree?" I think of the salad waiting for me at home..."YES!" "Well I am going to work in that direction. Maybe even, on evenings when your husband is just too tired to enjoy dinner you might consider joining me on your own." He smiles. Have I been propositioned? "It would be strictly for a nice dinner with me so I am not eating alone." Jack continues. Concern passes. He sincerely was talking dinners. Jack is so important to all that is going on. Hubby thinks the world of him. I know he is married. I am so shy, I hesitate, gather courage. "Sure!! (my salad is two days old, a carry home) That could be fun!"
Jack continues to talk directly to me. He is interesting, educated, very well read, well traveled. I find I am caught up in his conversation when Hubby returned to the table. Jack turns "Hey, it is getting late. Lets get in there and get some dinner ordered." He motions to the waitress and asks if she can have out wine brought along to our table. The three of us stand up to move into the dining room.
Hubby stops. "Jack I think we better call it a night. We have been going at it since dawn. I am bushed. Remember it's every day like this for me. Lets call this off and get together for and early breakfast. ok?
Jack pauses. Glances at me. "Ok. Tell you what. How about if Barbie stays for dinner. She was looking forward to a dinner out, and I would love to have the company. She can be home in a couple hours." He goes on "It will give us a chance to chat a bit." I immediately learn what an excellent salesman he is. Hubby hesitates, looks at me, I nod. Ok! Remembering the earlier conversation with Jack. Hubby hesitates again. "well ok. Get home early." He smiles.
I remember as my husband turns, walks across the lobby and out the door. A strange feeling passes through me. I am alone with another man. Not since my early college days, have I been alone in the company of any man, except hubby. Jack takes my elbow and we walk together toward the dining room. I have always been shy, and bit timid, around men, particularly strong men, and Jack is a very strong alpha male. He continues to talk as we move along. "hungry? They have so many good things on this menu. I own six good stand alone restaurants so I try to bring their good menu items into these hotels." We stop at the entry to the restaurant. The manager comes over with a smile. It is obvious he knows Jack. "Hey, tell you what." Jack continues "This dining room is crowded. I have a suite. I will have them set up our dinner there. Let me order for you, please." He turns to the restaurant manager. I have not said a word.
We walk across the lobby. Into the elevator. Up to the ninth floor. Down the hall and into his suite. I am so tense, I cannot describe it.