Chapter 5 Look Who Showed Up

"The fuck?"

Adrian didn't even realize when those words escaped his lips. To say he was disappointed would be an understatement of things. He had actually been looking forward to getting the pretty brunette's number. That is, before her friend pulled her away from him.

He should have collected her number quicker instead of stalling. Well, stating that would be incredibly embarrassing and he would rather die than admit that before Liam who was now levelling him an inquisitive stare. Too late for that thought because Liam had already opened his mouth.

"Bro, how could you fumble her?" Liam sighed exasperatedly.

Adrian clicked his tongue and tried to look unbothered."Fuck off, will you?" He retorted.

The club continued to boom around them, oblivious to whatever conversation the two were engaging in. Liam shook his head sadly and slung a hand around Adrian's shoulder. He moved closer to his friend so his voice could be louder before continuing.

"I'm not dumb, Adrian. Even though you like to repeat it like it's some prayer." Liam's voice was a bit slurred as he spoke.

"Sure." Adrian said, trying not to wince at the smell of alcohol in Liam's breath.

"Look, they couldn't have gotten that far. We can still reach them if you still want her number."

Liam's tone had gotten a bit more serious. Too serious for Adrian. He found that unnerving. He didn't like that one bit.

"Just forget it. It's not like there aren't more pretty faces around here." Adrian tried to sound unbothered. Liam had a look on his face like he didn't believe a thing that came out of his friend's mouth. It only annoyed Adrian even more.

"I'm not interested for fucks sake. Drop it." Adrian tried to yell over the loud music.

"Alright, alright. I hear you, boss man." Liam cocked his head to look at something behind Adrian. Adrian slowly turned as well, wondering what had caught his friend's attention. It was a blonde lady seated by the bar. She was sending a few suggestive glances in Adrian's direction. He tried his best not to glare. Liam wouldn't let him live it out if he did that.

"That pretty blonde's been eyeing you for quite some time now. Why don't you go enjoy yourself and just relax?" Liam had a smirk on his face.

"I think you should be on your way too now before your girl sticks her nails into my eyes." Adrian said with a monotone voice, referring to the girl who had been sending him an annoyed look. Liam simply rolled his eyes before going back to the girl he had been dancing with.

Adrian took a deep breath before moving to the bar. He sat down on the stool beside the blonde girl. She immediately turned to face him, a mischievous look in her eyes.

"You've had your eyes on me for quite some time, eh?" Adrian started.

"How would you know if you hadn't been looking at me from time to time as well?" She retorted, a sly smile on her lips.

He studied her for a moment before speaking again. "Adrian." He stretched out a hand to her.

"Arianna. But you can call me Riya." The blonde shook his hand firmly.

Adrian smiled, pushing all thoughts of the brunette girl to the back of his mind. Maybe he could focus on Riya instead and see if something came out of it. After he eventually left the club and was back in the warm comfort of his apartment, Adrian took out his phone and blocked Riya's number before deleting it.

-

Rays of sunlight pierced through the tiny crooks in the curtain, eventually falling on Adrian's face. He reluctantly got up from the bed, wincing when his head started to throb. The aftermaths of yesterday's party. He opened a drawer on his bedside table and pulled out some Tylenol. He helped himself to a glass of water and took the medicine. Today was of somewhat importance to him. He would be interviewing potential secretaries in hopes that maybe someone would fit the specification he wanted.

After taking a quick glance at the clock, he started to prepare for the day ahead. His fit for the day would be a navy blue tailored suit. Once he was dressed, he headed downstairs where breakfast had already been prepared by the housekeeper. Not really feeling hungry, he took just a piece of toast and downed it with some orange juice before heading for work. As soon as he entered the main building, he was greeted by all the employees.

He responded to most of them with curt, nods, making his way towards his office. He dropped his briefcase on the table before plopping down on his chair with a sigh. His head was still throbbing a little bit even though he'd taken that Tylenol in the morning.

A knock on the door brought him out of his rumination.

"Come in." Adrian said.

A woman walked in and moved towards his table.

"Sir, the applicants are ready for the interview." She said.

"Alright." Adrian said with a nod. "Send them in one by one."

"Yes, sir." The woman walked out of Adrian's office leaving him alone with his thoughts.

He wasn't alone with them for too long before a knock on the door was heard again.

"Come in." He said.

The door slowly opened and a meek looking man walked into the office. Adrian gestured for him to sit down and began the interview. He continued to interview the rest of the applicants. Though they seemed like they had a lot to offer, they were always lacking in one quality or the other.

Just as Adrian was about to end the whole thing, the next applicant opened the door and walked in. Adrian raised his head to address the person only for his words to be caught in his throat. He recognized that hair and those eyes from the previous day. He could never forget her even if he tried.

Shit!