“I’m really hungry. You treat me, that sound reasonable?” James laughed, “I heard they opened a new restaurant, it’s supposed to be pretty good, why don’t we try it?”
When James mentioned that she should treat him, he gave her no way to say no, otherwise she would seem very stingy.
“Alright then, I’ll wait for you at the gate.”
When they hung up, James took his jacket and was just about to leave his office. He opened the door and ran into Ms. Wilson from his department. He patted her shoulder and said to her, “Oh, I just ordered some take-out from the canteen, I’ll treat you! Take it when they bring it later.”
“Wow, so generous Dr. Yard. Alright, I will. Thank you!”
…
“I remember that you don’t eat spicy food, I am sorry, I totally forgot!” They had already sat down when it came to James’ mind.
“It’s alright.” Jenny laughed, “I am okay with it, anything is fine for me. I am sure they also have non-spicy food here as well.” She wasn’t here to eat anyways.
“Yeah, let me check their menu.” James started reading the menu in a serious manner, he even called for the waiter to ask about not spicy dishes. When they finally ordered, Jenny started talking after hesitating.
“I want to ask you, did you pay for my mothers medical bills?”
“Hm? What medical bills?” James raised his eyebrows, “What are you talking about?”
“It was you, right?” Jenny knew as soon as she saw the look on his face, “I really don’t need it anymore! I am going to find a job for myself, Mom needs the money, and I know the Andrews’ are not going to keep paying for her. I cannot rely on them forever.”
James nodded his head, “I totally agree with what you just said. But I really didn’t pay for your mothers medical bills.”
“It was you.” Jenny knew that James never looked her in the eyes when he was lying.
“…”
Jenny took her bank card out, “I already owe you too much, I cannot let it go on like this, alright? Please, I am begging you, just take the money back!”
“Right now is the time that you need this money the most, why are you trying to give it to me? I can provide for myself, I don’t need it. And you know that I am in the hospital all the time anyways, except for lunch and dinner, there is no place to spend money for me. I don’t drink, I don’ smoke, the only thing that costs some money is probably my car.” James pushed the card towards Jenny again, “This is the time for me to help you, I just want to take off some of your burden. It’s not easy for a girl like you, and no one knows when your mom will recover. Don’t you want to help her anymore? Why are you trying to pay me back now?”
Jenny insisted on giving him his money back. “If you really want to help me, then find me a job. No matter how exhausting, I am willing to do it.”
“I could find you a job, but I cannot accept this money from you. Jenny, if you keep doing this, it doesn’t only mean that you don’t want to accept me, but that we can’t even be friends?”
“…” Jenny only knew that if she kept trying, he would only decline the card from her.
James saw that her attitude softened, so he quickly took out his phone and called a friend.
“I got a job for you, how do you feel about being a clerk in a company?”
“But I don’t even have any experience.”
“You just need to make some coffee, get some files and such.” James wrote down a phone number, “Just contact this person, he will tell you what to do. Salary is pretty good too, 5000 for a month, there is not much to do, and you will be flexible too. If your Mom needs anything, you can come over anytime.”
Jenny reached for the number, and nodded her head, “Thank you so much!”
“No need to thank me, as we said, you will treat me this meal. That should be enough to thank me!”
James laughed, and watched her put away the number. When she did, he felt much better.
He sent his friend a message, “When it’s time to send her salary, let me know!”
Since she won’t take his money, then why not send it to her as her salary. At least this way she will accept it, shouldn’t she? He didn’t believe that this still wasn’t moving enough for her.
…
“Mr. Quarrington, here is your coffee.” His secretary brought him his coffee. Sitting in the back of the car, Harold was sunk in his own thoughts and looking out of the windows. His eyes seemed to be fixed on a restaurant. When he heard the voice, Harold found his focus again.
“Alright.”
“Miss. Andrews just called, she said it’s her birthday, and she is asking if you would have time to spend it with her.” His secretary happily told him about the news.
Harold looked at his watch, “Not today, but send her some flowers for me.”
“Yes, Sir.”
His secretary sat behind the wheels and started driving. Harold took his eyes off the windows of the restaurant. That person… Was she having a meal with that man? He has seen the guy, was it in the hospital? Not long after, the car arrived at the Quarrington Group.
When Harold entered, the security guard and receptionist both bowed at him and greeted him, “Good day Mr. Quarrington!”
“Hello.”
He took long steps towards the empty elevator. Only he was allowed in this elevator, even his secretary had to take the employee one. Finally he had reached the level where his office was located. He exited the elevator and suddenly heard a voice.
“Harold!”
“…”
Harold walked towards the voice. It was Torah. What was she doing here? Didn’t he tell his secretary that he didn’t have time today?
“I am sorry Harold, I just came on my own, I hope this is not giving you any trouble?” Torah hooked her arm into his, “I was just missing you so much, and being alone at home was so boring. My friends said they would throw me a party, but I didn’t want to spend it with them, I just want to be with you.”
Harold pressed his lips together and opened the door to his office.
“I have so many meetings today, I might even have to work until midnight.”
“I can keep you company!” Torah said, “I know you are very busy, as your fiance, of course I can understand! But you need to understand me as well! I have been waiting for you for so long, and you never have time for me, so I just decided to come and visit you. Is that so bad?”
“I need to go to a meeting now, you can only wait here.” Harold took out a check and signed it, “Go and buy yourself something, as a birthday gift from me! Later if I get some time I will call you.”
Torah looked at the check but didn’t take it.
“I don’t want you check, I just want to be with you!”
“Don’t be childish, this is a workplace.” Harold drew his hand back, “It’s working hour now, don’t let the others see us like this.”
Torah really wanted to be wilful, but Harold was right, this was the Quarrington Group.