Chapter 4 The Proposal

TENOR

If I were to describe this day with one word, I'd say 'disastrous'. I needed to utilize every second of this weekend. I had been quite busy lately, and had planned a fun day out with Lyn to get up to speed with her activities, then this happened.

If not that Lyn, said yes to chocolate Ice cream, I'll be long out of this rat hole. It wasn't even a standard diner, I thought.

If only Lyn agreed to getting Ice cream in a classier restaurant, I wouldn't be found exchanging words with that woman. But that Waitress, Assertive and Sass.

I was stunned at how much she could put on the line for a stranger. Was she trying to gain the child's trust? Or was I overthinking things?

Well, you wouldn't blame me. Being a businessman, I've seen people come and go, but one thing was sure, they are only nice to you when there's something to gain in the long or short run. Could it be the same thing playing out here?

My thoughts swayed to her direction as I saw her walking gracefully towards us, she had a nice figure. Not like I was interested in her, but I would say she was my spec, just that nothing about women appealed to me.

While my eyes were still adjusting, she dramatically dropped the ice cream bow before Lyn, which made her giggle. At least my girl was smiling again.

"Darling," Lyn called out, "this is my daddy. He is handsome, isn't he?"

I smiled slightly at Lyn's compliment. Getting compliments from my kid was a regular thing, but in front of this woman it felt weird. If my dad were here, I'd say he put her up to it.

I could see the unease in her eyes, the waitress I mean. How was she going to answer such a question?

"We've met already, Lyn." I came to her rescue. "Now have your ice cream before the big sun comes in and turns it into a little brown stream," Lyn giggled again.

"Thank you!" I said reluctantly, after rehearsing the pitch several times in my mind, as I redirected my gaze to Darlene.

"What for?"

"You put your job at risk to stand up for my daughter. That was brave."

"I had to," It was soothing and seemed a bit sincere, but I wouldn't conclude. "Do you want something, sir?"

"Chocolate ice cream."

"Coming right up." She left and I leaned back in my seat, staring till she was out of sight.

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

As we arrived at the parking lot, my phone rang. It was my Dad and I could guess what this conversation was about. It had been months since he and Attorney Christos had left me to think about the clause on my grandfather's will, and there's been no progress, not on my side.

"Go in Love, I'd join you shortly. Daddy has some work to attend to."

"But Daddy, you said you aren't working today."

"No my Love, not that kind of work. I'd be with you shortly." I wished I could avoid this whole conversation, but for how long.

"Hi Dad."

"Oh hail, King Tenor of Stark!" He started with sarcasm.

"Oh, please Dad, I'm not in the mood."

"Of course, you are never in the mood for anything other than avoiding your father." He said dryly.

"I'm not avoiding you, Dad."

"Yes, you are."

"Eehhh...can we just skip this part? I'm sure that's not why you called."

"Your grandfathers will." He cut straight to the chase.

"What about it Dad?"

"Have you forgotten about it?"

"No. Why?" He was quiet for a bit.

"Look Tenor, my father and I have built Stark Realty with our blood and sweat, and so have you. Don't let it go to waste." What he said wasn't new, but hearing it from him weighed heavily on me.

"I won't, Dad."

"Good, it's been 6 months already, have you found someone to marry yet or would you like me to fast-track your search?"

"No no. I – I'm seeing someone." I blurted. The last thing I need is my father's help in finding a woman.

"Are you seeing someone? Or is that just a cover to get me off your back?" He asked after a stretched second.

"Yes Dad, I'm seeing someone."

"And why haven't you invited her to meet us?" I could tell her had his doubts, maybe his father instincts.

"I guess we were taking things slow?"

"Taking things slow is a luxury you can't afford. There's no time for that. Invite her to lunch next weekend."

"Eeehh---I'd be busy," I replied, trying to escape a meeting.

"Okay. The next then. You are busy too?"

"No."

"Great." I saw what he was trying to do there.

"Can I get back to my work now?"

"Sure, son. See you soon."

As soon as he hung up, I realized this lie had me in a tight spot and now I had to find a woman in 2 weeks.

SHIT!

DARLENE

The last few weeks had been crazy, although much better since I got a spot as columnist at one of the companies I applied to. Financially, things were still tough and Mum's medical bills kept piling, but this new position had given me some hope that things will turn out well.

As I sat at my desk, drafting an outline for this week's column, my phone rang, drawing my attention.

"Am I unto Darlene Clark?" The masculine voice spoke up as I picked.

"Speaking."

"Great. This is Tenor Stark." Followed by a brief but tangible silence.

Huh, Tenor Stark? Did I hear correctly?

"Lyn's Father?"

"Correct. Lyn's father," he repeated

"How may I help you," I asked rather confused. I had no memory of any unfinished business, so what could he be calling me for?

"I'd like to meet with you tomorrow." He was sharp and direct. I was lost there.

"Why?"

"Let's say I have a proposal for you," he responded confidently.

"Would you mind disclosing?"

"No."

I paused to look at the caller ID once more, such impudence.

"Are you being serious? You want me to go all the way to your office, and you won't even tell me why?"

"It's quite confidential, Miss." He said.

"Is there something I should be worried about?" I was curious. I hated the monosyllabic responses.

"You'd know when you get here."

"Hmmm...See you at 4?"

"4 pm is great. Send me your address and I'd send my driver to pick you up."

"Don't bother. Send yours and I can find my way."

"If you insist." He said and hung up very abruptly. I felt the man was rude, but just maybe it was too early to judge.

Curiosity does kill the cat indeed. You could tell I didn't get much sleep, and that column, I didn't get far with it either. All I could think about was the possibilities of Mr. Stark's proposal, forcing me to solve puzzles in my head.

I had arrived a few minutes earlier, the lobby was elegantly designed. It was an awesome sight, only quite a few buildings I had entered looked this magnificent.

"Can I help you," a thin voice disrupted my little moment of awe.

"Yes please, I'm here to see Mr. Stark, Tenor Stark."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"Eehhh...I suppose." She gave me that look, the kind that asks 'are you sure you are in the right place?' without actually saying it out.

"Could you please check with him."

"Sure, what's your name ma'am?"

"Darlene Clark," she nodded.

Quickly, she got on the phone, and while at it, she kept stealing glances at me, not sure why, but I was too wrapped up in the supposed proposal to bother.

"He is expecting you," She retorted. "Please use the elevator on your left, The CEO's Suite is on the 5th floor."

"Thank you." I flashed a courteous smile and went on to take the elevator.

On arriving at the door, I took a few deep breaths to calm my nerves. It was time for the reveal, although I was curious and my ears were itching, I was a bit nervous. This man had an intimidating aura, I couldn't let him see I was nervous.

I knocked, waited a while, and then took the handle. There he was, fixated on his computer screen. He looked hot as usual.

But I called myself to order when I realized I was drooling, I closed my eyes and quickly shook it off.

"Focus Dee, you're day-dreaming again." I scolded myself under my breath.

"We meet again," He lifted his head.

"Have a seat, Miss Clark." He gestured towards the seat opposite him. "Thank you for coming."

"Could we leave the formalities and cut to the chase?"

"Alright then, here?" He drew some documents from his drawer and tossed them towards me.

"What is this," I asked with furrowed brows.

"I believe you can read." He replied.

This man was clearly rude and I was not having it, maybe he thought he could boss everyone.

I sighed and picked it up. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes narrowed at the sight.

"Holup! Is this what I think it is?" He maintained eye contact without a word, which confirmed it.

"What the hell!"