I took a sip of coffee as I flipped through my magazine. As much as I loved having fun with the guys, I cherished my solitude. Nothing was more relaxing than my peace. And of course, the occasional barks of Treasure, my Maltese dog.
I loved living alone. Just me and my Dog. Everything was always the way I wanted it. And of course, trained Treasure too. I turned to face the huge windows as I watched Treasure dance happily in the sun. I never allowed her out but this time, I felt she needed that bright morning sun on her silky white fur. What a happy puppy! I thought. She didn't have to worry about anything. No nagging Parents or threatening lovers. Just a puppy having fun in the sun.
My phone rang and I picked it up. It was Fernando. "Good morning Fernando. Sleep well?".
"I didn't Diana. I got a call at midnight from the factory. One of the machines had caught on fire". He started with a yawn.
"oh my!. That's terrible news. How did it happen?.Did anybody get hurt?".
"They said it was due to a malfunction. It turns out the machine was damaged beyond repair. Luckily, no one got hurt.
"I'm so sorry to hear that. It'll probably cost a lot.
"Well yes. But it's probably for the best. The machine had been needing an upgrade anyways, so l used this chance to get a better one. It cost a lot though".
"A blessing in disguise". I chuckled.
"Yeah. And if anyone was hurt, I'd simply take them to Roberto's hospital". He laughed.
"Well, I'm glad things didn't turn out too bad. Okay, Fernando, I'll call you later.
"Alright, Diana. Bye'. He responded as I hung up.
I suddenly realized Treasure was no longer in sight. I ran out in search of her and found her digging a hole in the backyard." What do you think you're doing young lady?". I yelled and bent over to carry her. "This is why you are not allowed outside. Your beautiful fur is all full of dirt now. "Gosh. I'll have to shower you again". I said to her as she snuggled in my arm. "Trying to butter me up, are you? Well, it's not working. I'm still mad at you". She barked in disapproval. "Okay. I can't stay mad at my Treasure". I said and placed
a light kiss on her head. "What do you want to do
today Treasure?. How about we go check out the restaurant? Don't worry, I get puppy treats specially made for you".
She instantly wagged her tail and barked happily. I took her up and bathed her then I changed into a pink top and black jeans. I wore my brown hair down to showcase its fullness. Then I slipped on a pair of black boots and I was all set. I put on Treasure's specially-made dog collar, which was decorated with beautiful diamonds in pink and white. She looked resplendent. Treasure led the way as we
left the house. "Where to ma'am". John, my driver inquired. "The new restaurant please". I responded with a smile.
The restaurant exuded elegance and charisma. I was beaming with smiles as I entered. Everyone seemed to be enjoying their food. I didn't want to disrupt the scenery by standing there any longer, So I headed for my office. "Now Treasure". I said as I walked into the office. "Im giving you the great privilege of handling my affairs today". I said as I put her down on my seat. "Be a good girl for me and manage my office till l get back okay?'.Treasure looked at me, then turned to face the computer and started pressing random keys on the keyboard. I laughed as I left for the kitchen."Good day everyone".
I said as I swung open the kitchen doors. They all stopped what they were doing and turned to greet me.'Good morning Miss Diana'. Alexander, the head Chef greeted." Good morning Mr. Alex. I see we've got quite a busy day today. "Yes we do but luckily, we have enough hands on deck".
"That's good to hear and it smells wonderful in here". I turned to see a cook searing a lamb chop. I walked over and had a taste of the sauce. "This is good. But there's only one thing that could make it better. Some Cumin. Add a teaspoon of Cumin to it. It'll help get rid of the gamey flavor of the lamb''. He nodded in approval and did as I instructed. He gave it a taste and was pleased with the result. l grinned. "I trust you all to do a good job here so keep up the good work guys".I
announced as | left the kitchen.
"Of course Matthew. Look, I believe that there's no better place to build that hospital than his hometown. I mean, what better place to expand than right where you grew up? You know the saying. There's no place like home ". Manager Ben said over the phone, not noticing my presence.
I waited till he ended the call, then cleared my throat. He jolted and greeted me with a nervous smile. "Miss Diana. I didn't see you there". "Of course, you didn't. You were on a call that seemed more important than the pile of work on your table". I stated, glaring at him."Oh no, Miss Rodriguez It's just that my brother.."
"I thought I made it clear to everyone to address
me as Miss Diana".
"Yes you did. I apologise". He said nervously.
"I do not appreciate or tolerate incompetence, Mr. Ben. I advise that you draw a line between your personal and private life".
"I will Miss Diana"
"Good. I look forward to your level of output. I'll leave now". I said as I closed the door behind me.
As I closed the door, I couldn't help but feel bothered. The words 'What better place to expand than where you grew up', kept ringing in my ear. I was lost in thought as I walked to my office.
I felt I had hit a wall. But it wasn't a wall. It was a human. A human with the name, Travis. "Easy there Diana. What were you thinking about?.Could it be my handsome face or my seductive aura?". He inquired proudly. "Neither of those things could ever bother me''.I responded. I noticed how much my response hurt his pride and I was glad it did. "Anyways, I thought about our last confrontation and I've decided to forgive you. It would take you some time to get used to my wonderful self. But not your friends though, I mean, it's not my fault you have such slow-witted friends. I went to your office to tell you this but I found your dog typing on your computer. Did you teach her how to type?". He asked with his hands in his pockets.
Suppressing the urge to kick him in between the legs, I smiled mischievously. "No, I didn't. She just loves pressing random keys".I stepped closer to him, making sure the heels of my boot went deep into his toes hard and murmured. "And. If you ever call my friends' slow-witted 'again, I'll make sure you're toes aren't the only thing broken in your body'. He made whimpering sounds and cried out in pain as I walked away.
"Let's leave Treasure. We're going to Roberto's hospital". l could see that she didn't like the idea. She always hated hospitals. I've always wondered why. "Don't worry. You can stay in the car with Mr. Ben and enjoy the delicious treats I got you". She barked and wagged her tail happily.
"The level of courage you have to just barge into my office whenever you like never ceases to amaze me". Roberto said flipping through some notes. "Of course. Anyways, I just wanted to run something by you. You're free right now right?".I asked with a sly smile.
"Well, judging by the workload on my table, I guess you can say I have all day ". Roberto responded sarcastically. "What is it, Diana?". He looked up at me and sighed. " I know that look. That's the same look you had on you before opening your fourth Restaurant. What are you planning Diana?". He inquired with a raised brow. "Oh, it's nothing. It's just that I think I wanna open a restaurant in Wrightwood. You know, where we grew up".I stated with a smile.
He just stared at me and started laughing. Then, he looked at me again and realized that I was serious. He picked up a phone and placed a call. "Hello, Nurse Maggie. There's a patient here that's in urgent need of a brain scan. Could you.....". I snatched the phone from his hands and ended the call. "What the heck Roberto!. I'm being serious right now. I realized that expanding without reaching your roots is all wrong". "You've got to be kidding Diana. Last night was your restaurant's grand opening. What's wrong with you?".
"Nothing. I just want to do it. I responded. "Besides you haven't been there in ages".
"I think you know why'. "Would you be mad at me if I told you l didn't? I can barely remember the details".
"Okay. I'll narrate it to you again. Listen carefully".