Jack made his six and a half hours journey to New York and arrived thirty minutes past five pm. The road was buzzing with life as his car eased into the hotel where he was to spend the night. It was the same hotel he owned, where a section was undergoing remodeling.
He remained at the backseat of the car as he made a call to the hotel manager.
“I’m at the hotel. Do we meet tonight or we meet over tea tomorrow?”
“Over tea tomorrow morning is perfect. I understand that you just had a long trip.” the manager replied and he nodded, grateful for the fact that the manager was understanding.
He dropped the call and stepped out of the car, walking into the hotel building. He had a personal suite in the hotel that was built only for his visits and was made out of limit to staff at the hotel. He placed his personalized card on the door and it scanned, opening up few seconds later.
He dumped his bag on the bed, falling down tiredly beside it. He pulled out his shoes before walking into the ensuite.
__
The next day, he walked into the breakfast lounge of the hotel to meet the manager who was already seated, crossed legs on one of the chairs, waiting for him. A cup of tea was placed on the table in front of him as he scrolled through his work tablet.
“Good morning sir” the manager greeted Jack warmly as he raised his head from the tablet and noticed Jack walk toward him.
“Good morning, Mr Adams.” Jack took his seat in front of the manager who snapped his hand and a female waiter rushed out. She gave a courteous bow to Jack as she waited for his order. Even though she didn’t know who he was and the position he had in the hotel, she knew he was a very important person judging from her boss’ dealing with him.
“A cup of black coffee with a bit of milk” Jack ordered while she bowed and left, reappearing beside the table a few minutes later with the cup of coffee.
“Hmmm. Nice” Jack nodded affirmatively after taking a sip from his cup of coffee. “The coffee is great.”
The manager smiled at him. “We brought in a new barister. She’s the best at her work around here.”
They soon started talking about work with the manager showing him some samples on the iPad. After going through the options, they finally settled on one.
“That will do. It’s perfect.” He pointed at the sketch design displayed on the screen.
The manager nodded “I will contact the designer right away.”
After spending four unplanned days in New York, Jack stepped out of the aircraft as it landed in Los Angeles. He had spend his days at Los Angeles overseeing the completion of the project. His trip had been extended largely due to work related reasons. He put on his sunshades as he walked quickly to his car that was waiting for him.
“The mansion” he informed the driver who sped off.
****
“Good day Mr smith.” The investigator greeted calmly, trying to set the tone for their conversation. After their last phone call, he had gone back to work and had gotten some information he knew his boss wouldn’t like.
“What is the news?” Mr Smith’s impatient voice sounded from the speaker of his phone.
“From the information which I gathered, which is hundred percent legit, Damian and your daughter seem to have shared a past. I hope you know what I mean.” he scratched the back of his neck nervously. “And it seems he’s back to rekindle it.”
“Oh shit!” he exclaimed. He suddenly recalled Damian’s words before he left.
He had made a promise to a girl and he was going back to fulfill it.
Was his daughter the lady he was talking about? Did he know that she was his daughter?
The questions ran through his mind as he paced his sitting room, still on the call.
“Thank you for the information. Keep me updated.” He concluded, dropping the call and placing his phone on the table. He didn’t want Damian for his daughter. Shit! No sane, loving father would want him for his daughter. He knew the shits he had done, though in the past, were still part of him. He wanted his daughter to have a peaceful and love filled life and he knew it may not be possible with Damian in the picture.
____
“Nice to meet you again, Mr Blake” Ciara shook hands with Harry and he laughed at her attempt at sounding professional.
“Same here, Miss.”
Ciara had just arrived in Chicago for the project she was overseeing at Harry’s company which was to take off soon.
“I hope you had a nice trip.” Harry indulged her in a conversation as they walked towards his car that was parked at the parking lot of the arrival area.
“It was perfect. I made a friend on air.” she laughed as she remembered the conversation she had with her seat partner during the flight.
“Must be fun.” He opened the door of the car and she stepped in and he followed behind. “The company.” he informed the driver as he brought the car to life.
Ciara relaxed as she sat at one end of the car, looking as they drove past different buildings. Harry’s hand curled lazily round her waist as he hummed lowly to the song playing from the car’s speakers.
“First time in Chicago?”
“Nope. Second time. First time was many years ago, I was still very much little.” she replied.
“Any memories you can remember?” he asked, stroking her hand softly.
“No. Not much. Hoping to make new ones.” she smiled at him warmly as he pulled her closer.
“Definitely. Memories you won’t forget.”
The driver drove past the gate into the big complex. His company headquarters was housed in a beautiful four storey building he had acquired years ago. The company’s name was boldly designed at the side of the building, running from the ground to the top.
They both stepped out of the car as they walked into the building, stopping briefly at the entrance for a quick check. He responded to greetings from some of his staff as they walked towards the elevator. He punched in the digits and waited for the elevator to open before stepping in with Ciara.
“You’ve got a nice building here. I’m impressed.” She spoke once they were inside the elevator alone. She hadn’t said anything since they stepped out of the car, owing partly to the fact that she was fascinated.
“Thanks.” My best friend designed it.
“That is nice, he’s good.” she complimented. “You’ve never talked about him though.”
“Ya. We had a little disagreement, but we’ll get over it soon, though.” The elevator stopped and they stepped out, walking into his office.
“Welcome to my office.” Harry announced, punching in the codes the door, making it open. He led the way as they stepped in to a aesthetically decorated space. The wall was painted white. The windows was draped with white designed curtains that added aesthetics to the room. The table and chairs was set at one side of the room with his laptop and other gadgets on it while a lounge chair and coffee table occupied the other side. A white shelf was placed by the wall while a flat screen television hung on the wall opposite.
“This is fucking perfect!” She complimented with a wide smile as she walked further into the office. “Wow!” she exclaimed again. This time, standing in front of his table.