Jeremy 019; Not By Chance
Jeremy meets another dominant.
I've been so looking forward to introducing this character that I'll let you got right to it. Just this once.
After more than thirty meetings with dominants as prospective mentors Jeremy had one final Monday scheduled. He knocked on the door with the expectation of the pattern of incompatibility to continue. He crossed the room in shock watching as the fox rose to greet him. The vulpine needed no introduction but introduced himself anyway. Jackson Buttons was well known across the country.
His business career had started more than five decades ago and now the fox headed one of the most successful multinational empires in the world. If he remembered the latest news correctly he was standing feet from one of the top hundred influential people in the world. The vulpine stood more than a foot over Jeremy and unlike all the other dominants seemed to fill the room with his commanding presence. Jeremy was stunned to shaking just being in the same room with the fox. He idly wondered how rumors of his arrival hadn't run through the school like wildfire.
"Jeremy Dawn, Sir, its an honor to meet you. Thank you for your time and consideration." He forced himself to stop before he started gushing all over the fox.
"Not at all. Tell me how the sessions with the other dominants went. Have you met with any of others that you feel can become mentors?" He asked as he sat on the conference table and gestured for Jeremy to sit next to him.
Jeremy sat next to the fox awed that he was allowed to sit right next to him. He hesitantly explained his relationship with Zane Rook and his training with Elkins. With a bit of questioning from the fox he'd given a brief overview of his family. Jeremy felt himself relaxing and gaining confidence in himself the more he talked with the male. The male seemed to have a way of making Jeremy feel at ease. Buttons nodded as he trailed off, finally curbing his enthusiasm at talking with the famous dominant.
"Have you met with Jenna Sandoval?"
Jeremy paused thinking of how to confirm talking with the cougar and what they'd talked about without the fox thinking any less of him. The smirk that appeared on the male's face let him now he needn't answer.
"When its that time for you, do look her up. She has a lot to offer." Jackson said a cryptic smile adorning his face. "So, how are you doing as far as graduating?"
"I've started my final modules. My finals should be scheduled in a few months."
Buttons crossed his arms over his chest and looked down at him. "In a few months? How old are you again?"
"Seventeen, Sir." Jeremy replied wondering if his age was going to count against him.
The fox's raised eye ridges proceeded his surprised "Really?" With a slight nod he continued "That's impressive. So you're about to graduate and already have a job."
"Well, I've been thinking of trying to replace that job. I'm pretty sure its not what I want to do with the rest of my life."
"What do you want to do with yourself after graduating?" Buttons asked, clearly interested in the answer.
"Thats just it. I'm not sure. I've been focused so much on school I haven't really thought about anything long term until just recently."
The fox laughed. "So you're just a normal confused kid after all."
Jeremy wasn't sure if any answer was wanted or if one would make him seem even more inept than he already felt sitting next to the highly successful dominant.
The fox stood and as he held out his paw again in the greeting of equals said "Until tomorrow, Jeremy."
"You mean you'll be back?" He blurted out before he could stop himself.
"Yes. I have to confess, you're one of the few young dominants I've met that I find myself liking instantly. Perhaps, I'm not promising anything, but I just might extend an offer of mentorship to you by the end of the week."
"I would be honored, should that take place, sir." Jeremy answered knowing his eyes were wide but unable to hide his enthusiasm.
The fox clapped him on the shoulder and said "Thank you, but should I decide so, it would be because the honor would likely be mutual."
Jeremy looked at the male unsure if he'd heard right. It had sounded as if Jackson implied he'd be honored to know him.
"For the time being I need the room. I took the liberty of scheduling another meeting here in a few minutes."
"Oh, sorry. I didn't meant to take up any more of your time, sir." Jeremy responded as he hurriedly picked up his backpack.
"Not at all, have a good evening." The male smiled.
Jeremy did his best to rush through his homework that night. Once he was finished he researched everything he could of Buttons. He'd known of the fox before meeting him but only from scraps of news articles and the occasional social gossip. Not wanting to trust any future mentorship with the male to gossip he looked into everything there was on Buttons.
He was typically disappointed with everything on the internet. The stories and comments only added or worse yet echoed the rumors he'd heard elsewhere. Nothing he found even remotely matched the impression of the fox he'd spent thirty minutes with. After wasting three hours in futile search for anything truly informative about the reynard Jeremy gave up. He'd just have to trust his own intuition and instincts.
The next day's meeting with Jackson started a bit different than his first. The fox greeted Jeremy and once they were seated asked with a smile "So, what did your research reveal about me?"
Jeremy paused for a second before countering "How would you know I would look into you?"
He smiled. "I'd be disappointed if you didn't. So, what'd you find?"
"I found out the internet can't be trusted."
"Thats good, but what did you find out?" He asked again with a grin.
Jeremy thought for a few seconds as the fox stared at him. "Nothing that means anything to me."
Buttons titled his head becoming serious and asked "How so?"
"I guess, after meeting you everything I read didn't make any sense. Nothing seemed to match with who you are in person."
Jackson smiled and let the topic go. He began asking questions from their talk the day before. To Jeremy it was as if the vulpine had remembered just where they'd left off. However it was that someone as busy as Jackson must be and was still be able to remember their talk so easily; he appreciated it immensely. They again spent the entire half hour talking. Jeremy left quickly, expecting the fox had another appointment and didn't want to be asked to leave yet again.
As the week progressed Jeremy was pleased that the fox continued to make the time to talk with him. By the end of Thursday he'd gotten the courage to ask more than a few questions in return. By Friday Jeremy felt unusually close to the fox. Even discounting the commanding presence of the fox and his reputation Jeremy truly felt as though he'd developed the beginnings of a friendship with the male. He hoped the feeling was returned but held his tongue and waited for the time Buttons would make his feelings known.
As the Friday meeting ended Jeremy stood and held his paw out in the greeting of equals. Jackson rose and returned the gesture.
"It's been a pleasure meeting you Mister Dawn." He said, the tone of his voice a clear end to the discussion.
"Likewise sir." Jeremy answered hoping his mounting disappointment was not detectable. It seemed to him that while Jackson had been interested in him the hoped for offer of mentorship would not be extended. With a smile he didn't feel Jeremy stepped back and turned for the door. Forcing himself to walk normally and keep his posture as upright as he could under the crushing disappointment he had his paw on the doorknob when he paused. With a deep breath he opened the door and stepped out to the hall. Half turning his head and looking from the corner of his eye he saw Buttons was focusing on his phone and texting someone.
He had turned away and was pulling the door closed when Jackson called out "One more thing, Jeremy."
The weasel stepped back into the room watching the fox intently. Motioning with his phone Jackson asked "What's your number? I'd like to keep in touch until I make a decision."
Jeremy smiled his appreciation and recited his number for the male to program into his phone. He wondered if it would be too forward to ask for Jackson's number in return and after a second decided it best not to ask. Jackson gestured again with his phone and said his thanks. Jeremy closed the door behind himself and left the administration building in a daze. While he hadn't gotten the offer of the male's mentorship he was certain it was still a possibility.
He felt distracted and was constantly looking at his phone all weekend. Time seemed to drag endlessly for him. It was with a little bit of relief that he went back to the academy on Monday. The day went as quickly as any Monday. To Jeremy's knowledge there were no further dominants scheduled to meet with but knocked and entered the designated room just to be sure. On opening the door he saw Jackson Buttons sitting at the table looking up from his phone. As he stood Jeremy entered and crossed to greet him.
"I was wondering if you'd come by. Tell me, was it out of habit or something else?"
"I was just checking to make sure there was no one waiting. I didn't want to miss any opportunities."
Jackson nodded and gestured for Jeremy to sit. "I only have a few minutes today, but I wanted you to know where we are as far as any possible mentorship."
Jeremy's heart almost stopped. He held his breath waiting for the fox to continue.
"For now I'm not ready to extend an offer, but that may change in the future. Please keep in touch, I'll text you my number so if anything you would like to ask please have no hesitations."
Jeremy felt the disappointment and fought hard to keep his head up and maintain eye contact with the fox. After a few seconds he hoped the water he felt collecting in his eyes wasn't obvious.
The fox stood and held a paw out for the greeting and waited for Jeremy to stand.
After releasing Jackson's arm Jeremy said "Actually, there is one thing I'd like to ask. That is if you have just a few minutes."
"Shoot."
Jeremy knew he'd already explained his desire to find another job to replace his one at the gym. From talking with Jackson for a week he felt confident the male would remember. "I know this is a lot to ask of someone in your position, but I might as well give it a shot. I was wondering if you have any positions open."
The fox smiled as he pulled out his phone. After a few seconds he said "I'm going to give you the number of an HR manager in one of my teams downtown. Get in touch with her and let her know your situation. She should be able to find something, nothing glamorous you understand-" he paused looking at Jeremy "but it'll be a paw in the door."
Jeremy's phone buzzed in his pocket even before Jackson had finished.
"Anything else?"
"No, that's all. Although I do wonder, does this end my chances?"
"Hell no. If anything it improves them." The fox replied with a smile and clap on Jeremy's shoulder. "If you'll excuse me, I do have an appointment."
"Sure, you need the room I understand."
"No." Buttons answered as he took a step toward the door. "I have to be elsewhere soon."
"Oh," Jeremy said. He picked up his pack and after seeing Buttons had paused on his way to the door continued "Do you mind if I walk with you to your car?"
The male gave his now familiar grin. "Not at all."
Together they made their way to the parking lot where a simple nondescript luxury car waited. They had passed several other students who paused and even turned to watch them. Buttons glanced at the weasel several times but never asked a question. Jeremy was happy just walking next to one of the world's more powerful dominants in public. He forced himself to walk normally as if the chance to stroll with someone of Button's stature were an everyday occurrence. He was hoping as many as possible would see him with Buttons.
At the fox's car Jeremy smiled and said "Thanks again for your time and consideration. It's been a pleasure talking with you, sir."
Jackson smiled pleasantly back and replied "It's been a pleasure for me as well, Jeremy." and held out his paw. As they shared the greeting of equals again Jeremy forced himself not to look around to see if anyone was watching.
The fox released his grip and turned to open his car. He started the vehicle with the key fob and turning back to Jeremy leaned in and with a grin muttered "Good discipline there, kid." He got in his car and nodded to the weasel as he closed the door.
Lowering the window he looked up at Jeremy and added "Don't worry though, I see a great deal of potential in you. I'll be in touch eventually." and laughed at the weasel's expression.
He watched Jackson drive out of the lot and away. Taking his phone out Jeremy dialed the number he'd just bee given and after only a single ring it was answered. He introduced himself and quickly explained his reason for calling. The female on the other end asked him to send her his resume and also scheduled an appointment with an assistant for that Friday. The way she asserted the time made Jeremy feel there would be no other opportunity. He accepted the appointment not knowing how he'd make it.
He made his way to the library turning the situation over in his head. Sitting at one of the tables he texted his brother. Sam lived downtown with room mates. If he could sleep at his place the night before Jeremy could make the appointment easily. He'd miss a full day of school, but that was tolerated as long as it didn't become a habit. Jeremy was sure with his record of attendance an absence wouldn't draw any notice.
After a few messages back and forth Jeremy was assured he could 'crash' at Sam's apartment. His brother warned Jeremy that the couch wasn't the best but was still serviceable. His thoughts turned to his lack of a ready resume. He needed to send one in by the end of the next day.
That evening Jeremy called in to the gym and took his first sick day since the fight. His father was more than happy to help him with a resume. Steven also let him know of the protocol for sending a thank you letter to Jackson Buttons for arranging the opportunity. He then spent several hours going over what Jeremy could expect in an interview. With everything taken care of he finally had a moment to think on what the opportunity would actually entail. He would have to move downtown the same as Sam had, if he got the job. He found he had mixed feelings about that prospect.
* * * *
So, hope that was at least interesting. Got nothing for this week. Shift change has my internal clock...broken.