Dell was taken aback again.
"Your... your partner?"
"Yep! She's wonderful. I couldn't do anything without her." He turned to Bianca. "B, Dell and I were in university together."
They even had nicknames for each other.
"Really?" This seemed to come as good news to the beautiful woman.
Dell quickly composed herself and stretched out a hand. "Dell Santos. Very good to meet you, Bianca."
Bianca shook her hand as she pulled away from Raph. "Bianca Mendoza. Great to meet you, Dell! I've seen you in some networking events. And I've always wanted to meet you but never got the chance. I mean, vice president at thirty two! Sensei, teach me your tricks."
Dell laughed. She was having mixed feelings towards this girl. I mean, it was a blow to have the arrival of this girl destroy the hope that had been building for a second shot at Raphael. But this girl was a fan of hers! But she had just revealed her real age for all the world to hear!
"So, is Ral as big-headed now as he was in college?"
"Just about the same, I'd say."
"Oh, you love me, B," Raphael said as she embraced the girl anew.
Bianca stuck her tongue out at him. And Dell was beginning to get annoyed with this public display of affection when Bianca spotted someone at the far end of the room.
"Oh it's that investor from Seedster," she said. "Ral, we need to go meet him."
Bianca was about to pull Raphael away when she remembered something. She turned back to Dell. "I'd love to have coffee with you some time."
"Sure, let's arrange it."
Bianca flashed her a sweet smile. Then she pulled Raphael away. Dell watched as the two of them teased each other as they walked away.
"So, you found yourself your new clients?" A voice pulled her attention away from the pair. William was beside her.
"Maybe," she replied with little enthusiasm. She finally found someone she really liked. And he turned out to have had a crush on her, too! And what did destiny do about it? It paraded him before her with a gorgeous, young, sexy girl on his arm. It was like being offered cake, then telling her she couldn't have it because there was someone who deserved the cake more.
She took out her phone and pulled up the message she got from her friend, Tim. "Change mind!" She texted. "I'm coming."
"Woohoo!" Came Tim's reply. "The three ladies are already here. We're complete tonight."
"Get me something strong." She texted. Then added, "And get me cake."
"Hey, the event really didn't serve anything substantial to eat," William said. "I'm starving. You want to join me for dinner?"
"I'll pass." A part of her was already wallowing in self-pity. She needed a drink and some people to talk to about this tonight. "I'm meeting some friends tonight."
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