Chapter 4 Business dinner

𝙴𝚖𝚖𝚊 𝙽𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘.

The day had dawned cold as usual, my night had been turbulent enough to make me sleepy at work time. Sitting at my desk, I analyze some documents for the meeting I would have on Saturday with Victorio Leblanck.

That is, until I heard the phone ring over my desk. - Black Corporation office, Emma speaking. - I say when answering.

- Collins professionalism, by the way

Come to my room now. - I hear Thomas's voice over the phone and apparently he is certainly not in a good mood, but the question is when is he in a good mood?

I get up from the chair picking up some papers, today I'm alone unfortunately Margô didn't come to work because he wasn't feeling well. I take a deep breath when I reach the door of the room, then I knock twice and hear a "Come in" coming from inside.

I enter a little apprehensive and he was standing at the back of his room observing the view of the city, outside today it was raining early in the morning, which made the city even more beautiful in my opinion.

- Here are the documents you asked for. - I say approaching the table and putting the papers under it.

- Forget those documents, I have a business dinner tonight, some of the investors decided to arrive a little earlier. Miss Walter usually accompanies me, but since she didn't come today. Who will accompany me is you. - the same says turning to me, with his closed face and rigid posture as always.

- Do I have a choice? - I ask looking at the same one who continues to stare at me seriously.

- Yes. - he answers and for a moment I sigh relieved until he speaks again. - Either come with me or you're fired.- he finishes, still watching me with a serious expression.

- It was too good to be true.- I murmur softly.- Since I don't have a choice, can you at least tell me where it's going to be, what time and what kind of clothes I should wear? - I ask giving up since I had no choice.

- When leaving here you will be dismissed, dress formally as it will be a business dinner. Finally, my driver will pick you up at 7:00 pm sharp. Please don't be late. - he says turning his back and looking back at the view of the city.

- In addition to forcing me to go still wants to demand something, I can with that. - I mutter a little too loudly because he turns to me and I can see anger in his face.

- Did you say something, Miss Collins? - he asks and by his tone of voice I deduce that it was my cue to get out of there.

- Nothing no, so I'll go for it. - I say turning my back and leaving the room as quickly as possible.

I take my cell phone that was on top of my desk and check the time, it's 2:29 pm, I pack my things and leave through the corridors, towards the elevator. As I walk thousands of thoughts come through my mind, I can only have thrown - stone on the cross to deserve something like this - I think to myself.

Soon the elevator arrives inside it and I press the button and soon it starts to go down, but stops at one of the floors, and soon a boy enters. He was tall, had fair skin and was well dressed. Soon the elevator closes and continues down.

- You must be Thomas's new assistant? Pleasure my name is Matthew, Matthew Conway and your name?__ the same brings up the subject and then looks at me as if waiting for an answer.

- Oh yes, pleasure Matthew, my name is Emma. - I say in a friendly tone giving him a slight smile.

- Nice name, so Emma, ​​how is it working with boring Thomas. - the same question ripping me out a light laugh.

- I keep paying all my sins in less than a week. And even those who want to remember committing. - I answer awkwardly, because I realize that he hasn't taken his gaze off me at any time.

- Thomas is a nice guy, he's just in a bad mood these days. - he says scratching the back of his neck and letting out a weak laugh.

- By these days you mean always, right? But at some point I get used to it.- I say, letting out a light laugh.

- Are you going to dinner with the investors tonight? - The same question completely changes the subject.

- By free and spontaneous pressure from my dear boss but I will. - I say and the same smile while watching me. And what a smile.

At that moment the elevator door opens revealing the reception and we both get out of it.

- See you at dinner. - the same says and then says goodbye.

- I don't know why, but I'm pretty sure this dinner just got interesting. - I think to myself giving a light laugh then and biting my lower lip.

I go on my way, pass by the reception and say hello to Violet, we talk a little and right after I leave the company, I go outside where I call a taxi.

As soon as he arrives, I enter greeting the driver and giving him the prop. Soon the same departure, heading towards my house.

~༒︎~

Two hours, it's been exactly two hours since I've been here. In front of my closet, not knowing what kind of clothes to wear to a business dinner. Among the dresses that were hanging there I see a small hidden box, I take it and then a whirlwind of memories invade me.

It was the music box my mother had given me for my birthday, a few months before her death. Inside was a picture of me, her and my brother and my father. We were smiling, we were happy, I sigh seeing that and remembering that day the photo had been taken on his 16th birthday.

How I miss you, I sigh softly and a lone tear trickles down my eyes. - Why did it have to be like this, mom is so hard here without you. You were my safe haven and now I feel lost. - I whisper softly as I hug the box and the photo tightly against my chest. And some stubborn tears insist on falling.

Memories of that night flash through my mind making the reality of knowing they're not here any more painful. I take a deep breath and try to compose myself, I look at the photo once more and then I put it back in the box and put the box back where it was.

I go back to looking at the countless dresses that were there until one of them catches my attention. The same was black, with a thin strap with subtle details of a matte shine. His length just above the knees stood out among the others.

I take it and wear it, I go to the mirror, liking what I see, it highlighted my curves, adjusting perfectly to my body without being vulgar or too tight, it also had a slight V-neckline that made it even more attractive .

I decide that I would go with it, I remove it and then put it on the hanger, I put it on the bed, and I go to the bathroom, I get rid of my underwear and I get under the shower.

I take a hot shower and wash my hair a few minutes later I get out of the shower and turn off the shower, put on my bathrobe, apply my creams and do my hygiene. I go back to the bedroom, put on my underwear and the dress I set aside.

I dry my hair and use a flat iron, making a few waves at the ends leaving them loose. A nude make-up and a burgundy lipstick to complete, I put on black heels and finally I take a handbag, I put money in case I freak out and want to leave and my cell phone.

Soon I leave the room following the hallway, stairs and then the living room. I look at the clock on the wall it said 6:50 pm and I sit on the couch waiting for that driver.

A few minutes pass and I hear my doorbell ring, I get up and look at myself one last time in the mirror. I take my purse and keys and go to the door, I open it but instead of the driver I find my dear boyfriend.

- Is this all for me love? How did you guess I was coming to pick you up for dinner tonight?- He asks and I see a smile appear on his lips.

- Why did you come without telling Pietro?__ I ask going outside and locking the door afterwards.

- What do you mean without warning, I sent you several messages. Warning that it would come. -he looks at me without understanding but the arrogant tone in his voice is remarkable.

- I didn't have time to see the messages, but I can't go out with you today. I have a work appointment. - I say firmly looking at him and I can see his face changing from calm to furious.

- Damn Emma, ​​it's been less than a week since you started working and you practically forgot about me. He doesn't answer my calls or my messages. What's happening with you? - same question practically screaming in front of me.

- I told you I'm not getting married and you continue to insist on the same subject. Always hitting the same key Pietro. - I say calmly to him and see the anger rising in his face.

- How can you not agree to marry me. I'm your best choice Emma and you'll never find someone like me, I'm here offering you the chance to live a queen's life and you dismiss me like a mangy dog. - The same begins a real show in front of my house.

- Pietro is enough. - I say calmly to the same one who continues to scream and do his show.

-Miss Collins, I didn't know you had an open-air theater across the street from your house. - Thomas's deep voice sounded amidst Pietro's screams, making me turn my face towards him.

- Who is this Emma? - Pietro asks with some anger in his voice.

"Her boss, and you are?" Thomas asks as usual in his cocky tone. - well it doesn't matter, Collins come on, we're late. - the same says with certain elegance and following to his car.

-So that's it Emma, ​​you're trading me for him asshole? - says Pietro with fury and with his gaze fixed on mine.

- We'll talk later, Pietro. - I answer him and turn my back on him, heading to Thomas' car where his driver was waiting for me with the door open. I get into the car and thank the driver who closes the door. - Come on please, the faster we end this theatrics the faster I can get home and drown myself in my bathtub. - I say calmly and see a sarcastic smile on Thomas's face.

- I thought you were bitter only with me. - says Thomas making me pay attention to him.

- I'm sorry to inform you, the world doesn't revolve around you Thomas.- I say sharply.

- You are very impolite. - Said the same staring out the window to the outside.

- Frankly, you treat me badly, force me to go to a crappy dinner that I have no idea what it is, to pay doll by your side for your investors. You get in the middle of the discussion I'm having with my now ex boyfriend, you speak ill of my mother and my child and now you think the way I treat you is bad? Please spare me. - I say turning my face to the window and focusing on the outside.

we continued the rest of the way without exchanging a single word, outside the light rain that had started to fall, the bright lights of the city center made the night too romantic, too attractive.

Some time later the car stops in the parking lot of one of the most chic restaurants in the city, which in turn was located on the ground floor of a huge building.

- Let's go?- Thomas says just before getting out of the car, he makes the turn approaching and opening the car door, offering me one of his hands then.

- I will not go hand in hand with You Thomas. - I say getting out of the car while fixing my dress.

- No Collins tantrums. - whispered the same next to my ears making me shiver.

I don't say anything else, I just follow beside him, we enter the place where I swore that dinner would be, My mistake, Thomas guided me to the elevator. Pressing one of the buttons on a floor I didn't see what it was.

- I thought the restaurant was down there. - I ask the same with curiosity breaking the silence.

- Don't worry, I'm not kidnapping you before you start screaming. It will be dinner and cocktails. But on the upper floors. - he replied sharply.

- I deserve. - I say after rolling my eyes and I see his face close.

Soon the elevator opens and as soon as we leave I come face to face with a huge hall with some people, classical music playing in the background while the people who were there chatting and smiling happily. I glare at Thomas who just stiffens his stance placing one of his hands on my shoulder guiding me inside beside him.

We followed to a circle where there were some people, men and women talking with glasses in their hands, both well dressed with their jewelry and expensive clothes, empty people.

As soon as we approach, eyes turn to us and I must admit, yes, I was a little embarrassed.

- Thomas my young man how long. - a tall black man in a black suit says shaking Thomas's hand.

- Roberto, my dear friend. How long have we not seen each other? - says Thomas smiling and greeting the man.

"It doesn't even look like it was about to swallow me minutes ago." - I think to myself.

- Who is that beautiful girl beside you, your wife? - asks the man directing the word to Thomas.

- God forbid I marry him. My name is Emma Collins sir, I'm a friend of Thomas only. - I answer with my best smile, extending my hand to the man who takes it, depositing a light kiss.

He looks at Thomas and I see the disapproving look on his face.

- Nice to meet you girl, Thomas had never told me about you. How long have you known each other? - says the man turning his attention to me.

-:We've known each other for about five years, isn't that Thomas? - I say as kindly as possible to the same one who nods. - the reason why he never mentions me is that I was away for a while, actually spent the last few years in London, came back a few months ago. And we just happened to meet again a few weeks ago. - I say trying to be as convincing as possible with my best smile on my face.

- It's been a long time, isn't it Emma? - says Thomas looking at me with an indescribable face.

- Long years. - I agree with the same, but with a slight smile on my face. I have fond memories of my time in London.

Slow music begins to sound in the hall, some couples start dancing and I take advantage of this cue by moving away from where I was and as a result giving Thomas a miss.

I walk among the people looking for something to drink, or an exit, patio window or something to get me out of there.

- Miss Collins is lost. __ a familiar voice sounds behind me.

I turn to face the owner of the voice, facing Matthew, who was wearing a gray suit. His slightly messy blond hair gave him a laid-back look.

– Missing no, but giving Thomas a miss yes. And you? - I say smiling and approaching him.

- I spent the night looking for a certain girl, with brown eyes and long and curly hair that I met this afternoon. - says the same with a slight corner smile on his lips.

- I don't think there is one out there, but if you see it, I say that you're looking for it. - I say smiling and the same laugh at my words.

- How about we get some air? The view from up here is beautiful. - he extending me one of his hands.

I take his hand and we walk hand in hand through the huge hall. He guided me to a kind of balcony or terrace that was there, luckily it was covered because the night had been rainy since the time I left the house. But the view from the top was breathtaking.

- It's beautiful up here, don't you think?- He asks leaning against the railing next to me.

- Yeah, it's amazing. - I say looking around.

- What do you think, I mean the cocktail? - the same question scratching the back of his head, as a way of bringing up the subject.

- Pleasant even, except for the part where I have to make a scene for people when I'm next to Thomas. - I say a little low looking at the rain that falls in front of us.

- At first it's hard I know, but then you get used to it. - he says smiling. - Do you want to dance a little? - he asks putting his hand on mine that was resting on the windowsill.

- But there's no music. - I say still trying to understand.

- And who said you need music to dance.- he says holding my hands. - I'll teach you. - he says pulling me to him. - just close your eyes and follow me in every step. - he says with a beautiful smile on his lips.

- But I don't know how to dance. - I say a little loud amid laughter.

- Me either. - he says letting out a hearty laugh then.

I let myself be carried away by that moment as I am guided by his steps, I close my eyes imagining that I am in a ballroom and that we do not exist there, Matthew puts one of his hands on my waist and the other lightly holds one of my hands while my other hand was positioned on his shoulder.

We danced as if nothing else mattered and it was as if for a moment everything around us disappeared. There was no music, but our rhythm was perfect and yes, it was worth it.

After a few minutes we stopped dancing amidst laughter when I opened my eyes and noticed that several people were watching us, both applauding when we finished the dance, embarrassed I shrink into Matthew's arms who had put his arm around my shoulders.

I roam my eyes around the place until I find a pair of brown eyes that look at me in fury, I let go of Matthew and go into the hall in search of something to drink. Until I feel a hand on my wrist.

- Nice show you gave out there. So he forgot that his role was to be by my side. - says Thomas rudely holding tight to my wrist.

- First let go of me, second I'm not a robot that you give orders whenever you want, and third I'm already fed up with this little theatrics. So tell me what I need to do to leave faster. - I say letting go of him and looking coldly at him who is now swallowing hard and seems to be looking for words.

- I must say that your staging earlier was divine.- he says trying to change the subject. - Roberto found it surprising that we met after so long. - he says with a half smile on his face. And his face changes to a calm and satisfied face.

- Except Thomas. Don't give me cheap compliments, just hurry things up. I want to leave as soon as possible. -

I say moving away from it again.

I get a glass of wine from one of the waiters who were serving there. And I walk among the people to a farther corner where there were some tables, I sit at one of them watching attentively the movement that was going on there.

I can't say that this place isn't nice, the dancing with Matthew was amazing, the people were super welcoming and the service was wonderful. But for some reason this is not my place.