NERTHUS
“Sure, don’t worry. Call whenever you wish to see me.”
I disconnect the call and stay frozen, staring into the void.
“Something the matter?”
Gigi’s worried voice tears me out of my train of thoughts and I smile at him.
“No, nothing.”
I take a sip of my coffee and halt before putting it back down.
“You know, this is the third client that has cancelled his appointment with me for next week already. This week is practically cleared as well.”
He squints his eyes at me.
“Did something happen?” I shake my head, playing with the cup. “Not that I’d know.”
“Maybe it’s just a bug that is going around.” He shrugs, finishing his cup of tea with an ‘Ah!’.
“Hopefully.” I stare back at my fingers that are rotating my cup on the saucer.
“Ah, this feast was fantastic.”
“Yeah. They have a really nice selection for brunch.” I agree with him, smiling up at him.
“Did you hear from Jenna? Let’s take her with us next time.”
“Only if she drags her lazy ass to the gym with us.” He says jokingly and I laugh.
“Well, if I had those looks without doing anything for it, I would be sitting on my ass all day as well.” We crack up before he grows pensive again.
“She was strange the last time we talked. Did something happen between you two?”
I nod, facing his worried face. “Kind of. She got scared by one of my clients.” I take a sip before adding, “We argued and I guess she needs a of bit time to herself, but I’m stressing her with texts and voicemails nevertheless.” He chuckles lightly and I take advantage of his mood to ask him. “Did she tell you something?”
“No, not at all. Oh, but, she told me that a blue-eyed guy called her, and she was all over the place. I never saw her like that.”
Gigi plops a grape into his mouth while he babbles along.
“Oh, really?” I gulp, worry creeping up my legs.
“Yeah. We have to keep an eye on that.”
“Don’t worry, hon. I know who to call.” I say, putting my cup back down.
“Uuuuuh, look at her knowing who to call.” Propping his head on his hands, he pouts at me cutely.
“I’m so proud of you, bitch!”
***
My heart beats into my throat as I dial the number of Aesir Industries.
“Aesir industries, you have reached Hanna. What can I do for you?”
Thinking she would never connect me with the big boss directly, I go for the option with a higher chance of it happening.
“Hi, my name is Aria. I’m calling to confirm an appointment for my boss with Mr. Rodberg. May I speak to Elinor Simeons, please?”
“Oh, sure, Aria. Hang on.”
“Thank you so much.” I haven’t even got the time to finish my sentence as there is already music coming from the other end of the line.
My thoughts are drifting up as a known voice takes the phone.
“This is Elinor.”
“Oh, hi. This is Aria. How are you?”
“Very fine, thank you. What can I help you with?”
“Mr. Rodberg asked me to confirm our Wednesday appointment.” I close my eyes as I lie. “Is there a chance he is free and I could speak to him?”
“Oh, sure, dear. Just a moment, please.”
“Thank you!”
My heart is drumming painfully in my chest as the hold music resounds again.
There is no way he is going to pick up anyway.
“Yes.”
The breath I was just about to take gets caught in my throat and I clear my throat to say ‘Hi.’
Like a complete idiot.
Closing my eyes at the cringe I feel, I speak again as he just utters a dry ‘yes.’ for the second time.
“This is Aria. Erm… I mean Rachel.”
His deep sigh gets newfound strength to stream through me as I suddenly think that he must be thinking that I called just to hear his voice because I’m crushing on him.
God, I’m so ridiculous.
“Well, firstly. Tell Dario to keep the fuck away from Jenna. She is way out of his league.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You heard me. Tell him to leave her alone or I’ll kick his ass. And… And, I’ll reject all of your future bookings.”
“What have I to do with all of this?”
“Oh, nothing. But you fucking tell him.” Clearing my throat again, I take a deep breath to speak again. “That said… I’m calling to confirm your engagement for Wednesday night. I got all the information I need from your PA and I’m looking forward to it.”
Waiting a little bit but ending up being too nervous to wait for him to say something, I shout out, “OK, bye.” before disconnecting the call. I’m clutching my phone with both hands as I let them slump with a deep sigh.
Why, just why, Nerthus?
***
Arriving at the appointed restaurant for my only engagement of the week, I feel kind of dejected. And I’m quite surprised that my nervousness isn’t undermining it.
Clearing my throat, I step into the noble restaurant, finding the entire dining hall practically empty. Checking my wristwatch, I make sure that I’m not being too early and shake it before I hold it to my ear to see if it’s still ticking.
And it is.
I know this restaurant and by this time it is usually packed. Also, there is always a long list for reservations, and they have to be put in several weeks beforehand. On top of that, the few men sitting and dining don’t seem to be the usual clientele and I find it very strange that there is no woman.
Strange.
I gulp as I see a young waiter walking up to me with a big smile.
“Good evening, Ma’am. Do you have a reservation?”
I tear away my gaze reluctantly from the hall illuminated by chandeliers and smile at the waiter. “I don’t, but my date has. Maybe you have a reservation with the name Rodberg or Simeons? Sorry, I’m a bit too early, as it seems.”
I surely would have noticed him in this room.
He claps his hands, his eyes sparkling up immensely.
“Oh, of course, I had the pleasure of taking Ms. Simeons call for the reservation myself. Please, Ms. Rachel, if you would like to follow me. This way.” He takes what seems to be the menu and holds his arm in the direction of the hall. I do a little courtesy with my head as I thank him and follow him though the dining hall. As we pass the few tables that are occupied by angry looking men, I get equal looks and I hope that he will sit us at a table in the corner.
But I remain astonished as he scoops a heavy red curtain, hanging in front of a dark passage to the side and gestures for me to get through.
Even if my heart is beating into my throat and I would like to turn around and leave the restaurant, I smile shyly and pass through it, reaching a set of stairs.
Climbing them with my new friend now following me, I reach a big hall with only one table standing in the middle of it. My lips stretch into a wide smile as I see my gorgeous hulk standing beside it, waiting for me.