I woke up with the worst hangover and I could pretend I was surprised but in all honesty I wasn't.
"She's awake!" Vanny screeched and I immediately shoved deeper under the duvet. Why was she louder than usual?.
'oh i don't know, maybe because you're in a delicate state having drunk more than you should have'
As much as I would want to banter words with my subconscious, I knew she was right.
"Riele?" I poked out my head looking at Mia with a smile that probably looked like a wince.
Four pairs of eyes met with mine accusingly and I knew I was about to be lectured.
I couldn't even remember much from last night. I could only remember getting to the club and ordering a shot of some mixed drink I didn't remember the name of right now. After the third glass it all became a blur.
"How much disgrace did I bring upon you girls" I asked with a grimace.
"A lot but that isn't what's important right now" Liv replied.
I feigned confusion hoping they'd drop it if I acted like I didn't know what they were on about.
"Riele it's been two years" Candice chimed in and I sighed, staring at all of them.
It really didn't feel that long to me.
"I'm sorry" I immediately broke down. I didn't like how weak I seemed whenever it concerned him. It was pathetic.
Well there goes my operation 'RID MY THOUGHTS OF HIM' PLAN.
Liv moved quickly over my bed drawing me into a comforting hug.
I heard Vanny sigh and I immediately felt ashamed of myself.
******
"Grrrrr grrrrr grrrrr"
Woke up to the blaring of my alarm and once again like every other Monday my mood turned sour and I said a little Monday prayer like I always did.
"Lord keep my mood in check, In order for me not to be arrested for murder".
I rolled over on my back outstretching my hand and succeeded in turning the little witch called an alarm off.
I yawned, jumping off the bed which proved to be a terrible idea seeing as I landed on my butt.
Ouch!!!?
Don't even ask me how it happened, I blame it all on the day we're in. MONDAY!!!!. I mean why did a day like this have to exist, I so hate Mondays. Trust me Garfield's hatred is terrified of mine right now.
My phone's ringtone blasted around the room breaking my line of thought. I turned to my nightstand and picked it up.
Looking at the caller ,I saw it was Ann, my personal assistant.
"Speak!!" I was a little irritated.
"Good morning Miss" she shakily answered. I almost felt bad for how I treated my employees, Ann especially but I didn't even know how to be nice to people anymore. I didn't want to be taken for granted. Absolutely every human other than my own people scares me.
When I didn't reply, she took that as a cue to continue.
"Uhm Miss, Mr Richards says he can't make it to the meeting today because he has a flight to catch at the exact time and it's for a really important matter but he's sending his Son". Ann sounded terrified. she knew I hated when plans got changed.
Normally I'd get angry at the unprofessional arrangement. He should have stated it earlier, that's how it's done. But I couldn't get angry because this is THE RICHARDS!. Owner of the biggest hotel business in the world. He's also the owner of Richards' interiors currently ranking second in the interior designing business. The man sure knew business, that's for sure.
I remember my father trying to get a business deal with them. It would have done lots of good for our company but the deal never worked out and so by the time I got it, father was so happy and passed down the company to me. He's now retired and travels the world with Mom.
MOM!!!!
"Oh my God!" I exclaimed, remembering I haven't called them in a while..
"What is it? you need anything" I almost laughed at Ann's frantic voice on the other end of the phone.
"No just get the meeting room at the top floor ready, I'll be there in 30"
"Ok ma'am". With that I hung up and dialed Mom.
"Darren guess who finally remembered she got parents" I winced at my mother's accusatory tone.
"My princess!!" Came my father's excited reply which brought a smile to my face.
"Hello daddy" I chuckled. I heard shuffling and my mother cursing at how easily my father was fooled by me.
"Hey princess, how are you baby" I smiled at how my father addressed me. I couldn't help but miss them. He never agrees I'm grown up.
"I'm fine dad, please tell Mom to forgive me, I've just been so busy"
"It's fine dear,I know you're busy, I just miss you so much" My mum's voice sounded distant and so I guessed she was probably far from the phone.
"I miss you too Mom"
"What about me?" My father voiced out, sounding sad.
"I miss you too dad"
"Better" He said and I chuckled. My father can be such a big baby .
"Aren't you supposed to be at work right now young lady" Mom's stern voice called out and with that I turned to the clock which told me I probably should get moving if I needed to go through anything before the meeting.
"Oh shit!!! Got to go Mom,dad. The Richards' meeting is today. Love you" I rushed out running into the bathroom.
"Love you too" I heard them chorus before the line went dead.
****
While waiting for the elevator to reach the top floor where only my office and the biggest meeting room is located, I turned to listen to Ann as she briefed me on the happenings.
"Fire them right away"
"But ma...."
"Shut the hell up and do as I've said Ann".
The elevator dinged and I got off hearing a small "okay" from Ann. There are things I don't tolerate and one would be workers who don't take their job seriously. Having someone else do your job for you while you're taking a mini vacation without my consent? The audacity!!! Ann had better fire them, else she'd be joining them.
I got to my office and sat on my chair scrolling through some news feed on Instagram. I still have some time before Mr Richards' son arrives, so I'll just take my time. Social media for at least 15 minutes and then I can read through the presentation again.
Five minutes into Instagram and my office line signaled an incoming call. So much for a little 'Me' time.
"Yes!!" I snapped.
"I...I .,uh..."
"If you don't stop that, prepare to look for a new job Ann" I knew I was being harsh but I didn't really care plus it's freaking MONDAY!!! and I don't pay her to fucking stutter
"Miss, it's Mr Richards, he's at the meeting room "
"What??...but the meeting is scheduled for 9am and this is just a little after 8"
"Yes Miss but he said he has some things to do today so it's now or never" I stayed quiet. "his words" she quickly added, sensing my already brewing anger. The question now though is who the hell does that bastard think he is ? Not even a call or something to show the rescheduling of time.
Great! I hate Mondays and now I have to deal with some asshole too.
"Fine Ann, I'll be there in five". I hung up and moved to the mirror beside my ceiling to floor window to rearrange whatever felt out of place with my looks before heading to the meeting.
Ann opened the double door to the meeting room as soon as she noticed me. It is a very big room and is only used for big clients like Mr Richards.
I've heard a lot about his sons. He has two of them. His eldest one is rumored to be taking after the hotel business in two weeks time while the second is taking after the interior business in a month's time. I have no business with gossip that does not benefit me but the Richards are well known so it's no surprise I know that information. I don't even know what they look like but I heard they were quite the sight but different in personality. I could as well check for their pictures on the internet but like I said I have no business with it and I don't care.
I was met with 2 pair of eyes. One which I'm assuming to be Mr Richards' son spotting a sea of deep blue eyes that looked oddly familiar but I couldn't place how or why. His eyes seemed so focused and calculative but one thing stood out the most, it looked empty. His face and eyes were kept cold and looked at me in pure impatience. I knew that look because I'm putting one on too. And the other pair of eyes belongs to his assistant I presume.
"So is this how you run your business?, by keeping people waiting for you". He roared making Ann and his assistant shrink in fear but I didn't move an inch. I also kept my face void of any emotion. Two can play the bossy act asshole. I know he's trying to intimidate me but he's met his match today .
"With all due respect, No one speaks to me that way" I snapped, matching his icy tone. He seemed shocked at first but masked it all quickly.
"I don't have the time for all this bullshit, let's commence". He finalized and I was finding it difficult not to just slap this man because he really was pushing my buttons. I took in a large breath to reign in my anger. Absolutely no one tells me what to do but this is for my father and the company so I'll just feign ignorance this time.
This is for my father, I kept chanting in my head.
"Fine then" I gave in.
*****
"This must be a joke to you right?" He asked, letting out a dry chuckle. Yup we are still at the meeting and I have had just about enough of this idiot.
."what are you talking about" I spoke calmly , way too calmly and it wasn't a good thing for this man. Ann noticed and looked scared.
"Your presentation and analysis are just unskilled and trash". He spoke without a care and I gritted my teeth in annoyance.
"Ann, leave us please. Same goes to you too bimbo" I spoke, referring to his assistant. She glared at me and looked at her boss for permission.
."Just go Kara, I'll be out soon" with that she left and Ann followed behind. As soon as the door shut, I turned back to the idiot man with me.
Now alone with just him, I was a little taken aback and speechless as I now noticed how handsome he was but didn't dwell on it much because his character definitely outweighed his look.
"What exactly is your problem?" I slammed my hand down on the table, earning an eyebrow raise from him.
"First, you changed the time for the meeting without any heads up. Secondly you weren't even listening to the presentation because God knows what bimbo's hands were doing between your legs and now you have the audacity to tell me my presentation is unskilled?" He looked unfazed by my outburst and just stared at me like I was singing the "happy birthday song".
"Are you done now?" He asked, looking at his watch. My left eye twitched in anger.
"Well I guess you are, look I'd only do one thing for you, which is another chance since father spoke so highly of your company. My company in three days time and please be prepared. Same time too" he says standing and heading to the door while I stared after him like he'd grown two heads with my mouth agape. He stopped and turned slightly, holding on to the door knob.
"Oh and the "bimbo" as you called her was just relieving me from listening to your boring and unskilled presentation" he winked and left.
I stood there stunned and irritated.