The knock on my door jilted me back to reality. Then I looked up wearily to see cherry, my secretary walking in, she was rocking one of this businesswoman suit and her face was heavily powdered, trust her to look her best even in the most depressing situations such as this one.
"Miss Collins, you look like you're drowning!" she gasp as she stares at my heavy eyes that was already glued to the system before me.
"You sure are right about that, I do not only look like it but I feel like it, have you seen how rapidly sales has dropped in the past few months despite my efforts?" I rested my back in my chair and gazing up at the ceiling."---cherry, I think am losing it" I groaned, cherry walks behind me and places a hand on my shoulder rubbing it gently, although I was her boss, cherry and I were quite close.
"Oh no no Flora, you only think you're losing it because you're sitting here 10 hrs everyday watching the company sales drop every second...it starting to seem like your life is dropping too. All you have to do is to get up your smarty butt and relax... Go on a date or something, your life shouldn't be over because the company isn't doing well ." cherry said sounding as cheerful as usual, it's almost as if the company wasn't at the verge of collapsing.
"Well, what do you expect me to do?. At this rate, I can't stop thinking about how disappointed my dad would be if he finds out."I place my palms on my face sighing.
"Well am sure the sales will go up once we supply the latest building materials our team had designed, you just have to be optimistic flora... trust your employees!---" she flashes me a cute smile "--you only feel suffocated because you're carry the entire burden alone.....Take a break flora, call Tim..... and tell him you just want to chill and all, go out shopping and...." cherry twirls excitedly behind me and I rolled my eyes.
"--and strain my already thin wallet buying designers, thanks cherry but living extravagantly isn't for everyone, besides I still have some work to do before I can't think of anything else right now." I sat back up in my seat tucking my hair behind my ears. I could feel cherry giving me a childish glare and I smirked.
"Come to think of it Flora, when was the last time you and Tim went out?, I get that you two understands each other and all but he is a man Flora." Cherry said now sitting on the chair across the table with her head tilted to the side and her flashing me one of those annoying looks of hers.
"Yes cherry he is a man" I agreed smiling at her ridiculousness, "So what?" I demanded rolling my eyes at her and she giggles softly.
"I know you know what I mean. Anyways, I don't want to meddle in your business but I do feel you guys have been ghosting each other lately, you guys barely talk and he's out there somewhere doing God knows what and you are here working your ass up everyday of the week....I get that this means a lot to your family but do you have to throw your life out for their happiness too?" Cherry voice was accompanied by a tone of sadness. I understand that she's only looking out for me and I clearly see no reason for her to be so worked up over my relationship. Tim and I have being dating ever since college, he was much more than a random guy am dating, and he, more than anyone understands my situation. He has being nothing but considerate and helpful towards me, I owe him quite a lot. He had never complained about my work ethics and he treasures every moment we share together, he is the man of my dreams and my first love and he's all a lady could ever wish for. Listening to cherry speak ill about him, I couldn't help but feel uneasy and defensive. I paused what I was doing and looked at cherry coldly.
" We just lost 2 of our most prestigious shareholders cherry and more are still willing to leave if things don't improve, at this rate we will have to rely heavily on loans to run the business, I can't do this on my own cherry, i need your help, so which will it be? will you continue being cherry the dramatic friend or Cherry my loyal and helpful secretary?" I said and I heard her sigh.
"Alright Mrs Collins, I'll go hasten up the deliveries of the new building supply to the sites ASAP." she said in her most polite tone before she stood up to leave she paused as if wanting to say something but she thinks twice and left without a word.
Hearing the door slam shut, I sighed and tried not to think of what cherry had said but failed, I quickly fished out my phone and dialed Tim, his deep husky voice boomed in after the first ring and I inwardly scolded myself for doubting him.
"Hey babe, I thought you were busy today and I didn't wanna call, are you okay?" his sounded concerned and casual, My heart melted at his thoughtfulness, he is so caring and I hated myself for letting cherry get into my head.
"Yes Tim, I'm not supposed to be free till 9pm but I suddenly thought of you and realized how much I missed you" I said hating that I had to lie to him, I had barely thought of him till cherry came.
"I missed you more flora, but I know I have to give you time to work, although I've been occupied with something myself." he said sounding a little distant from the phone.My eyes widen in realization.
"Oh my Goodness Tim don't tell me you're at your dad's company" placing a hand on my lips to stop myself from gasping.
"You got that right babe, I have decided to take over the company, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before I started working, it's been hectic since I started." he said sounding sorry.
"Oh no Tim, I blame myself for not asking you first, I mean I should check on you no matter how busy I am, I agree I have been a little bit selfish" I said feeling guilty at my negligence.
"Actually, I should be the one saying that to you, I know things hasn't been good over at your side compared to mine and I didn't check on you, I'm sorry". he said and my faced flushed at his soothing voice.
"It seems we have a lot to catch up on Tim, Do you wanna go on a date, after work today?" I asked hoping we won't let our schedules tie us down now.
"Sure babe, I'll pick you up at 8pm" he said and I sigh in relief. "Was I expecting him to decline?" I quizzed myself inwardly.
"Okay I'll wrap things up early today" I said sitting up to get right back at work In hope to hasten the bulk of work I had before me.
"Yeah sure, see you at 8." he said casually.
"okay, bye.....love you" I said subconsciously as I often did, I was already deeply rooted in my work I didn't notice the seconds of hesitation before he replied me until the line went dead.
"I love you too" he said slowly before I dropped my phone. It'll take nothing but a miracle to finish this pile of work before eight and I don't like piling my work up till the next day, the company is in no condition to tolerate such clumsiness.
By 7:50 I had miraculously done most of the paperwork originally scheduled to be finished by 9PM, I praised myself for my swiftness. "I must really want to go out with Tim" I thought to myself. I stood up and quickly dashed to the bathroom inside my office and when I stared at the mirror I gulped down in disbelief as I struggled to believe that the dark eyed creature was me. l guess cherry was really right after all, I looked hideous!. My hair was in a mess and my white skin looked dull and pale from exhaustion. I sighed " C'mon flora, you have to make this work out for Tim, you can't go out with him looking like the new cast for zombie apocalypse" I said to myself "....This is your first date with him in ages and you shouldn't ruin it for anything!" I mentally prepared myself with those words as I began to apply some make up on my face, though not as heavy as Cherry's, it was enough to make my hideous hazel eyes dazzle again. I began to brush my wavy long brown hair and was glad it all fell into place in no time, though I wasn't prepared for a date at the beginning of the day, I had wore just the perfect dress for a short notice date like this one. I was wearing a knee length blue dress with tiny straps on my shoulder, I dashed out hurriedly after I glanced at my watch, I was 15 minutes late already. "Gosh! Tim must be waiting outside for me already" I whispered, he was always prescise and right on time. I quickly took my black jacket which was placed around my seat and i dashed out. Cherry suddenly stood up from her seat which was right outside my office, and she obviously looked stunned at the transformation of her drowning boss.
"Is he here already?" I asked trying to put my makeup in my bag as I scattered all the materials on her desk bending down to pick the ones that had rolled down.
"Ohh you're going on a date" she said sounding shocked.
"Isn't that what you wanted?" I asked stuffing my hand bag with the my things I had picked up from the floor.
"Hell yeah, just didn't think you'd listen to me this fast" she said helping me zip bag while I wore my jacket. "....I must say you look less like a zombie now that you're going out with Tim" she said coming over to me tucking my hair behind my ears and putting finishing touches on my dress. I grinned at her idea of a compliment. "Are you sure about him?" cherry suddenly asked and I stared at her in shock. "well you two have dated for five years now, it's only normal for me to ask if you're sure it's him you wanna say "I do" to." she laughed nervously when I continued to glare at her. Before I could think of a suitable comeback the familiar deep husky voice called out behind me.
"Flora!!" I turned around slowly and I gasped in shock at the figure which was walking towards me majestically, Tim walker, 6ft tall and broad shoulders he had worn a black suit with a black V neck top. My heart raced as he got closer and it was as if I was seeing him for the first time. "Why does he have to be so cute?" I said inwardly, his long brown hair was tied in a messy bun and his brown eyes was staring happily at. "Oh This never gets old, does it?" I asked myself inwardly again before I heard Cherry's whisper behind me. "Breathe flora" she said and I felt myself release the breath I didn't know I had held in, Don't blame me! why does he have to look so breathtaking!!? although it's obvious the date had caught him suddenly, he still manage to look this handsome for the date.
"Tim!!" I called out not knowing what to say still under the effects of his captivating gaze, he suddenly pulled me into his embrace and I could feel all the blood in my body rush to my face.
"Let's go" he said wasting no time as he grabbed my hands, "Hi cherry" he said as we neared the exit of the room. I laughed at his forgetfulness, we had been staring at each other since he came in we have totally forgotten Cherry's presence.
"Don't worry about me, Have fun kids" l heard cherry call out behind us as we walked out of the room into the elevator and out of the building as soon as we reached the last floor. The walk to his car was a short one, we were walking hand in hand out of Morgan's construction company, named after my mother's maiden name.
He opened his door for me like a gentleman he was, I entered his black jeep, fastened my seatbelts and watched him Walk over to his side gracefully.
"I have booked one of the most famous restaurant in the city, I hope you like my choice" He said to me flashing me one of is captivating smiles.
"You know I like everything about you" I blurted out and I inwardly scolded myself for saying things without thinking, Tim chuckled at the look I had on my face after mentally scolding myself and he zoomed off to the restaurant.
The ride was lively all through because Tim was quite eager to fill me in on how well his first day as the CEO of his father's company had gone. I could only listen in awe as he bragged of his achievements. The walker's company was one of the best company in the city and they were quite famous for their wealth, however Tim being a humble person has always wanted to build his own company from the scratch and stay away from his father's company so am quite shocked at his sudden decision to take up his responsibility as the sole heir to the walker company.
We arrived at the restaurant after a long drive and indeed it was one of the famous restaurant in the city, we walked into the restaurant and was ushered to a table by the waitress. Tim wasted no time in ordering the food and while the waitress went for the food he spoke
"We haven't gone on a date in a while, you know?, I'm glad you thought of this early" he said and there was an unknown emotion in his voice I couldn't decipher but I waved it off filled with excitement and nervousness I didn't want my thoughts to wander off carelessly, this was the moment I subconsciously crave for.
"Yes Tim, it's been a while" I affirmed refusing to look away from him, apart from him being undeniably attractive and I unable to unglue my eyes from him, I was also curious about knowing what he was thinking, he had been a little bit distant and I couldn't help but wonder why. Before I could nurse my curiosity he spoke.
"Now tell me Flora, how's the company doing?" he said and I was a little taken aback by his question. why the sudden interest?.
"To be honest Tim, things hasn't been good with the company but I'm trying my best" I said waving away the sudden feeling of uneasiness and hoping we won't dwell to much on business talks.
"I have been thinking Flora---" He paused as the waitress placed our food on the table and I tore my gaze away from him to the food, maybe eating will take away this uneasiness. I quickly dug into my food, stuffing my face as fast as I could, whatever he wanted to say doesn't seem okay and I had began to devour my food like a monster to keep my mind in check and with one look at Tim's surprised face, I had to slow down and my face flushed in embarrassment.
"why are you so nervous Flora? Tim asked knowing fully well that I tend to crave for food when nervous.
"Well it because of what you said Tim, you've been thinking, I mean we haven't talked in a long time and suddenly you've been thinking....and that only means one thing Tim..." I trailed off but stopped abruptly realizing I'd just ramble out all my deepest thoughts if am not tamed.
"And what does it mean Flora?" he asked in his usually calm tone and I couldn't help but feel nervous.I dug into my food again realising I hadn't eaten since in the morning. After stuffing my face again, I sighed and blurted out what's on my mind.
"That you want to break up with me, you and I know things hasn't been the same between us for a while now" I looked at his reaction after those words left my mouth, He chuckled and finally dug into his food too, I squeezed my face together as numerous thought ran through my mind was he really going to break up with me?. I stuffed my food in my mouth once again preparing for the worst case scenario.
"Flora, You and I, our love is beyond that, and that's never going to happen" he said in a very calm and soothing tone he was that type of person who chose his words carefully. I looked at him in delight and for the first time this night I saw the Tim I was farmiliar with, the Tim I love and my heart fluttered.
"So I'm just been silly, right? I giggled.
"yes... you're just been silly" He affirmed and stretched his arm towards me pinching my check playfully and I giggled loudly and just like that my nervousness melted away.
"okay then, what did you want to say?" I asked delightedly but his next statement froze the world around me, without any emotion or hesitation he blurted out.
"Sell your father's company to me Flora, I heard you now have full control of the company." He purposely avoided my gaze while my mouth hung open in mid air. Was he serious right now? I quizzed my self and an unknown emotion welled up inside me.
" Sorry, could you repeat yourself again, I didn't quite catch that?" I blinked nervously doubting the functioning of my ears.
"Yes Flora, I want to buy your father's company from you" he repeated as if I hadn't heard the first time. My fist clenched together underneath the table as Tim tried visibly to keep his eyes away from mine.