*Andrea*
The mood in the room shifted after Alejandro’s statement, “What do you mean?” Mr. Shaw asked, his eyes shining with anticipation as he dared Alejandro to repeat what he had just said.
Alejandro relaxed into his seat. His shoulder squared with pride, “you heard me the first time.” He said. I knew he was not going to repeat himself.
This meeting was the reason we had hurried back. But what I did not expect nor understand was why Alejandro suddenly felt that we would not be needing their investments and that they could hand whatever investment they had to Mr. Shaw.
“This is perfect. If you knew you were going to say this, why not say it all along and allow us to conclude this meeting early?” Mr. Shaw asked.
I was confused. I ran my hands through my hair and turned to Alejandro. He never said anything about not needing the investment anymore. So what changed? I still couldn’t fathom what he was thinking.
“As long as he doesn’t change his mind and refuse the investment. I don’t see any reason I should indulge you in whatever plan I have, Mr. Jordan.” Alejandro said, and Mr. Jordan shifted in his seat uncomfortably.
“I don’t understand what you mean.” He said. “Oh, well, you very much do,” Alejandro replied with a slight smirk.
That moment, Mr. Shaw’s phone rang. His eyes changed when he saw the call ID, and he excused himself.
Mr. Jordan sent small glares to the other three directors in the room, and they stepped out. “I think we have something to discuss privately, Mr. Costa.” He said. Alejandro smiled, sipping slowly from the water in front of him.
“You, my friend, are smart,” Alejandro commented and turned to look at me. I raised a brow, and he slanted his head. I knew what he meant, but maybe I didn’t want to believe it as it was unexpected.
“You want me to leave?” I asked, wanting to be sure that was what he wanted before I stepped out. Alejandro replied with a smile and a slight nod. “Ten minutes is okay,” Alejandro said.
My shoulders dropped in disappointment. What was so important that I couldn’t stay and listen to it? Do I have to leave? I thought as I stepped out of the office, giving them their required privacy.
I walked down the hallway. People busted around dressed in corporate clothing with ID dangling on their necks.
There was a veranda at the end of the hallway. I found Mr. Blonde there. His shoulder squared. One hand stuck into his pocket. He had just ended his call.
“I didn’t expect to see you here. You were sent to eavesdrop on me?” He asked, and I rolled my eyes. I held the rail. My hair danced in the wind.
“You flatter yourself. I was passing, didn’t know you were here.” I said.
He smirked and looked across the rails into the busy city.
“You must feel happy now that you’ve gotten the contract,” I said. He looked down at the hand in which he held the phone. “I should be right?” He asked, and I nodded.
“But let me tell you, it isn’t as if we are chickening out. We just got something better, so why not leave this one for you.” I said in case he thought he won.
“You should at least smile.” I said when he still kept a straight face, “This was something of joy.”
He turned to me, his eyes boring into mine. I tucked some hair strands behind my ears, finding his long stare uncomfortable.
“The first time we met, I was smitten by you, you know. You fascinated me, and for the first time, I wanted to know more about a person.” He said.
I froze in place. This wasn’t what I expected him to say. “Well, I…”
“So I sat with you, hoping we could talk, but I never expected you to sound so angry when you came back from the restroom. It was later that I found out what happened and why it happened, and I never apologized, though I wanted to. I…” he inhaled Sharply, “I just didn’t know how to.” He said.
“It’s already in the past. I have forgotten about it, too.” I said, and it was true. The girls had called to apologize, and I was okay with that.
“I know.” He sucked in a breath. “But then, I want to apologize.” He said.
My eyes moved from side to side, and I snuck a quick peek at my phone. I still had five minutes.
“Are you truly happy with Alejandro?” He asked. I nodded, wondering if he knew Alejandro and I were somewhat more than employer and employee.
“I am.”
“I see. But I just thought I should tell you. In case you needed to leave him. Or you seek a new job; I am just a call away.” He said, and I smiled. I didn’t even have his number.
“I’ll send you a text.” He said. “You have my number?” I asked, and he nodded, “How did you get it?” I demanded, “That is not of importance.” He said.
He paused to gauge my expression, but I wasn’t revealing anything, “You can come to work for me anytime. We have branches anywhere, and you’ll be able to choose whatever you want to do.” I was touched by his offer. But I am currently fine with my life.
I was okay with being by Alejandro’s side and knew it wouldn’t change anytime soon.
“I know. But you never know what will happen.” I was about to tell him nothing he had imagined would ever happen, but he beat me to it.
“Something came up, and I’ll be leaving. Alejandro gets the contract.” He paused and continued, “I don’t know when we’ll see each other again, but I hope you are happy.” He said.
I was surprised, “but you got the contract.” I said, not understanding why he was leaving.
“I’ll be leaving the contract for him. Something came up.” I raised a brow, hoping he would explain more, but he didn’t say anything. “Take care.” He said, and he left.
I watched him walk out. I inhaled sharply and took a quick peek at my phone; it was twelve minutes. The time Alejandro stated has elapsed.
I walked back to the office.
Mr. Shaw had just stepped in. “I’m afraid I would have to reject the offer.” He said. He turned to Alejandro, “It was kind of you to think of leaving the investment to me. But I’ll have to pass.” He said. Mr. Jordan looked unsatisfied with the turn of things. But if you look closer, you can tell his look is fake.
“I see. It was nice doing business with you, Mr. Shaw.” He stood and extended his hands, “it may not have been concluded, but all the same. Thank you.” He said.
They shook hands. Mr. Shaw nodded at Alejandro, who did the same.
He smiled at me before he finally walked out of the office.
“Well, I guess you were right all along.” Mr. Jordan said. “I have never been wrong,” Alejandro said, pride sipping out of his every word.
“Then we’ll conclude the contract. Do not go back on your word.” Mr. Jordan said. I could only wonder what they had discussed. I couldn’t wait to be out of here so I could ask Alejandro.
After the contract was concluded, Alejandro offered to take me to a French restaurant for lunch.
The drive was exhilarating as we both spoke about the changes in the office, and all we noticed that was different from the way things were done in his own company.
The car pulled up in front of a restaurant with the inscription, “La Belle Epoque.” The restaurant was in the heart of the city. Alejandro led the way as we walked in through the glass door.
Golden lightning illuminated the dining room. Chairs surrounded the round tables, which were covered in fine white linen, and a vase of flowers was in the middle. As one of the waiters led us to our seats, I marveled at the walls filled with vintage French posters.
The aroma of freshly baked bread and roast meat was heavy in the air. “This place is heaven,” I said to Alejandro as we sat. “I knew you would like it.” He said. Knives and forks clicked on the plate.
I looked around at the people having lunch here. They were all in their different world. The occasional burst later soothed me. “This place is comforting. How did you find it?” I asked Alejandro as the waiter handed us the menu.
There were classic dishes like coq au Vin and Tarte Tatin, amongst others. “These are all new stuff,” I said. “I’ll have whatever you have,” I said to Alejandro, lifting my head to hold his eyes for the briefest moment.
“What did you speak to Mr. Jordan about?” I asked what I wanted to ask for the longest time. I didn’t think he would want to avoid the question.
“What did you think we spoke about?” Alejandro asked. “How would I know?” I asked. The waiter came back with our food.
“Well, we spoke about a few things.” He said. “I’m glad Mr. Shaw left, and we got the contract.” I said, having a bite of my food and smiling as I absorbed the taste, “This tastes divine.”
“I knew you’d like it.” He said, and I smiled.
“But something tells me you have something to do with his refusal,” I said. “Why would you think that?” He asked.
“He received a call, and then he walked out… I just put piece and piece together, and this was the only reasonable conclusion I could come to.” I said.
“You, my love, are brilliant.” He complimented me, but I refused to allow his compliment to fool me.
“Of course, I did some work behind the scenes. Sometimes, we do all we can to get what we want.” He said. I didn’t bother him again. I had no reason to care and was happy we got the contract.
This means our time here has come to an end.
When the waiter who brought our dessert, a young girl who should be around my age with black hair and eyes, couldn’t take her eyes off him, that was when I noticed why he was being an object of attraction.
He had left two bottoms undone and pulled his shirt up, exposing those veiny hands. “Love, what was the name of the artist you mentioned a while ago?” I asked, making sure the waiter got the hint that this man right here was taken.
Alejandro lifted his head and squinted his eyes, confused by my question. The waiter walked off before he could ask me what I was talking about.
“Why don’t I remember any artist?” He asked. “Oh, it was nothing. I glared at another lady whose eyes were pinned on the exposed part of his skin.
“You do like attention from women, don’t you?” I asked.
He kept his fork and knife on the table and fixed his gaze on me. “Are you jealous?” He asked.
I felt my cheeks heat up. I swallowed, finding a perfect distraction. Fate seemed to be on my side as his phone rang at that moment.
He excused himself and walked outside.
When he came back, he had a grim expression, “is anything wrong?” I asked when he settled on his seat. He shook his head but just twitched his brows and said the opposite.
“We’ll leave after lunch.” He said.