On our trip downstairs, someone Nicholas informed me that the building housed not one, but two distinct restaurants as well as a cafeteria.
If his staff decided to eat on-site, Nicholas wanted to provide them with choices. I smiled at him as he gave a thorough explanation, not caring in the slightest that he was a little boastful. How could I stop a man who clearly wanted to impress me and be the cool boss?
The employees were a little reserved with Nicholas sitting in the same cafeteria as them. We found a seat and it was hard to not be bothered by the ogling and talking that was going on around us. Nicholas didn’t mind, but it was hard for me to ignore.
I contained my laugh when I noticed Geoffrey trying to woo Courtney with every pick-up line he could come up with. Therefore, Nicholas, Francis, and I were left to speak amongst ourselves. We placed our orders and I then looked over at the person across from me.
“How long have you and Nicholas known each other, Francis?” I questioned before I sipped on my iced tea.
He was no Nicholas, but he was a really handsome man. His typical blue eyes and blond hair excellent looks went well with his carefree demeanor. He seemed to lighten the mood, which was necessary with Nicholas being dark and broody all the time.
It’s a good thing I enjoyed that dark and broody side of his.
Francis grinned as he relaxed in his chair. “Well, it’s been, what, nine years?” Nicholas, who was looking at him, nodded in agreement. “After my father’s death, I took over Hampton Media, and Nicholas and I started hanging out in the same circles. We got along, I believe, because, in contrast to some other businesses, we were more concerned with invention than with revenues. After that, we started having real conversations about merging our companies a few years ago. What follows is history.”
Before proceeding, he winked at me while slouching over the table.
“He needs my fresh perspective to keep the progression of the company according to times.”
Francis was older than I thought, but I refrained from asking because it was impolite. I could always search for information about him on the internet.
Nicholas chuckled while shaking his head. “I only keep you around for entertainment value.”
I enjoyed their friendly dynamics. They resembled siblings more than colleagues. Francis appeared to bring out Nicholas’ lighter side, at least when they were in a friendly environment.
It was too sad that his silly side didn’t come out more often.
“So what was this deal you promised Dorian?” I inquired.
Francis grinned before turning to face Nicholas. “I believe Willow has a crush on someone.”
With a grimace, Nicholas slung his arm around my shoulders.
“I’m not. Just a question, really.” Francis laughed, and I crossed my arms across my chest.
Nicholas whispered in my ear to get my opinion. “You don’t have a crush on him, do you?”
I wanted to chuckle at how ridiculous it was, but Nicholas sounded legitimately worried. I turned my head and pressed a kiss on his lips before responding. “I only like you.”
He grinned and drew me in.
Nicholas’s insecurity was extremely strange. I began to wonder if it had something to do with Rosemary’s incident. I had to find out exactly what transpired between them.
“God, the two of you are charming together.” We were pulled out of our bubble by Francis.
Nicholas tapped the table with his fingertips. “We just finished a meeting to discuss a new production that Dorian wants to start. We’ve already collaborated with him, and it was a great success. The decision to get him onboard for this new project was obvious.”
I hummed. “So creating new shows is a part of what you do?”
Both of them nodded.
“Among other things. Development of new programs is one of the best things about running this enterprise,” Francis admitted. After a waiter gave us our food, he spoke again. “Nicholas tells me you are attending QCU this fall. Have you decided that you want to pursue a degree in?”
I put the olives from my salad on Nicholas’ plate since I knew he would enjoy them.
“I’m not yet certain. I have to start out with a lot of introductory classes. I’m hoping I’ll have a plan in mind before I need to declare my major.”
Francis spoke with enthusiasm, “Well, you could always get into the entertainment business and assist us out here.”
After a moment of silence, I turned to look at Nicholas and was taken aback by the tiny frown and furrowed brow.
What was the issue? Was he outraged when Francis recommended I join the company?
It hurt that he reacted so aggressively to a small joke Francis made. Francis glanced between the two of us, unsure.
“This place looks to be running pretty smoothly, in my opinion.” My tone was chilly, and I didn’t try to hide it.
I quickly speared my lettuce as I returned my focus to my salad.
While Geoffrey and Courtney continued talking to one other, the three of us remained quiet for a while, focusing on our lunches.
After clearing his throat, Francis again broke the ice. “How do you feel about Quentin thus far?”
I sighed and shifted my weight away from Nicholas. “I have not had the time to see around yet. When my best friend gets here tomorrow, we’re going to visit as much of the city as we can before the semester starts.”
I disregarded the noise Nicholas made when I spoke. When he put his hand on my knee under the table, I shrugged it off.
“Sounds good. It will take a lot of time to see everything. I’ve lived here all my life, but I still haven’t seen everything.” I smiled back at him.
“We are interested in seeing everything. The people, museums, and stunning structures.” I held back because I knew what I was going to say next would enrage Nicholas. “We’ll probably need to take some cabs and subways to experience Quentin in its truest form.”