Michael
I was up early today because my dad had called for an early meeting with our other partners: the Sartorius. I wasn't really particular about the meeting but my father had insisted on me being present. Initially, it was to be later at lunch today but he changed his mind this morning. Something about leaving for a meeting in Florida later today. I had Avery come earlier to set the documents for the meeting. I just pray all goes well and I still got a hang on these things. This was the first project my father let me manage on my own. I was a little antsy that I kept tapping my foot on the floor nervously.
Avery stopped for a couple of seconds to watch me with a frown before her features softened. She dropped the files she was holding on the table before moving up to me.
"You'll be fine. You've done this many times before and you did great. If you need any help I'll always be two steps away." She offered placing her hand on my shoulder. I looked up at her but I still couldn't shake that awkward feeling away.
"I just pray I don't puke my guts out infront of them. I'm way to old for that kind of embarrassment." I said with a grimace and she chuckled.
"Way too old." She replied. "But you have an entire team here to catch you up in case of any falter. We all got you covered." She reassured.
"Miss Haines, please inform Mr Donovan that Mr. Sartorius is available now." The clipped microphone on the collar of her shirt buzzed.
"Got it." She replied back. "I guess it's now or never so tell your guts to settle down while I usher up here." She said before leaving.
"I'm so screwed." I sighed falling into his seat in the boardroom.
****************
Aisha.
I lazily rolled over in bed out of Christian's grasp to grab my phone and check on the time and notifications since it had been buzzing on the bedside drawers for quite some time. Christian groaned in the process as I moved. Eyeing my screen, I saw 9:30am.
"Shit!" I cussed out loud, sitting up erect to read the notifications. Over 20 missed calls from Javier and his EA and tones of messages.
What's happening?
Hey...🌞
Pick up 🤨...
I'm getting really desperate right now please answer 😣😩...
I knew I was late but the important meeting today wasn't until midday. So i still got ....
Hey, I've been trying to get to you to no avail. The meeting has been pushed earlier to this morning at 9:00am.
Come fast because we're about to start.
"Damn it." I cussed again, trying to get out of bed but got my legs tangled in the sheets and fell on the floor in a loud tud.
"Honey are you alright?" Christian got up to check on me.
"Yea, just misstepped." I replied trying to stand up on my own. Then I felt his arms raise me.
"I got you." He replied and I smiled.
"Thank you." I said as I stood up once again. I was about to dash for the bathroom before he stopped me.
"Hey," he called grabbing my wrist. " Aren't you forgetting something." He asked with a lopsided grin.
"Baby we just got out of sleep..." I groaned but he pulled me close to him, silencing me with a brief kiss.
"There. Wasn't so hard aye?"he replied with a smirk looking into my eyes.
But I kissed my teeth and rolled my eyes. "Yea, now can I take a shower? I'm running late for work and we have an important meeting with an investor going on right now."
"Oh. That's bad." He said with raised brows.
"Yea really bad." I said rushing into the bathroom.
We showered in separate bathrooms to get done faster, and were off to work. Tardiness was a very upsetting thing here when it comes to work ethics and I know it. I wasn't looking to be fired or anything so I had to get to my office as fast as I could.
Taking the lift up I went straight to my office and Gathered all the documents I needed for the meeting. I walked straight to the boardroom to get to the meeting as I heard them talking in the background and pushed the door open gently.
Oh shit! I was going to get an earful from his EA.
"Sorry I am so sorry I'm late sorry." I apologized as I scurried to the empty seat close to Javier. I was trying to sort out the files before taking a sit when I felt a familiar pair of blue eyes firmly set on me. I froze utterly confused by his presence as I stared at him with wide eyes as he did me. Safe to say this came as a complete shock for us both.
"This is our designer Ms Aliyu..." Mr Tarun said gesturing to me who was still totally stiff in my spot. I couldn't utter a single word nor move from my trance. I felt a light tap at my knee and turned to see Javier with an arched brow who gave me the are you ok look?
"Ehh, I ... I sorry once again." I stuttered before sitting down flustered and his eyes never left me even once.
The meeting went in a blur and all I had in mind was to get the hell out of there as soon as possible. I was called out to give more explicit details to the designs but my eyes never even glance in his direction. But I could feel the burn of his gaze with every gesture I made. It was so annoying how self-conscious I was since I noticed his presence. I felt like he was too dominant and I needed space. I had no idea how he managed to glide through in his usual business persona and with so much confidence. I could hardly get my thoughts straight with his eyes ogling me. On several occasions I was tempted to ask why he kept staring but couldn't show how much he affected me. Funny how my body still squirmed under his gaze after all this years. It was basically ridiculous.
Once the meeting was terminated, and we came to terms with everything that was to be in the contract, I was elated till they made mention of scheduling for another meeting. I felt like crying.
What other meeting again? Haven't you said all that had to be said?
It felt like he was doing this on purpose. Just to taunt me. I glanced up to check if he still had eyes on me and ofcourse, they were still glued on me. I rapidly glanced away not to look suspicious.
"Ok. That will be all for today. We'll be looking forward to see you guys on the next meeting." Javier said effectively ending the lengthy meeting. Those felt like the longest hours of my life. Everyone stood up to leave and I hastily grabbed my file ready to dash in the crowd but the bustle was too much and I had to wait and leave last with the two CEOs and Mr Tarun. Once out of the room, I tried walking the other direction till Javier called on me to follow him.
"Ehm... I have to drop these at my office sir." I gritted.
"Just give them to Libi. She'll get them there." he insisted.
I begrudgingly passed the files to his secretary and followed. Why did he want me with them anyway?
We took the lift down which made the atmosphere more tense and air tight as he decided to stand by me. I remained calm, my face stoic as they chatted away about other random things which I didn't quite pay attention to.
"Oh Aisha, I'll let you escort Mr Donovan to the exit. I have to catch up with something. He said as he hurriedly moved with Mr Tarun in tow and I felt like dying inside.
Why? oh why? do you have to leave us alone? courage to face him. "This way, sir" I urged but he stopped me. His voice still with that rich tone I used to love.