Jen stood in front of the mirror, looking at herself.
It has been a long time since she dressed up to go to dinner- she barely went out anymore after the passing of her parents.
Jen only has a couple of friends in school, from different group projects and classes. But she knew after graduation, they would probably not contact her anymore since she was a bit boring as a person.
But tonight, she will go out again.
In a shiny dark purple dress, Jen looked even paler than usual- maybe I should put on some makeup, she thought to herself.
Tonight, she is invited to go have dinner with Sebastian.
She said multiple times that it didn't matter that he hugged her out of panic and made it seem like they were making out in that tiny room, even though it was indeed embarrassing in front of Lynn- who was also technically Jen's boss.
But Sebastian felt so bad that he insisted on at least taking Jen out once.
He also said he had something important to discuss.
Jen guessed there was nothing she could do to reject him- her job description did include "listen to him and don't reject him unless it's really necessary".
Going through her makeup bag, Jen couldn't find anything that hadn't expired yet.
"Would I die from using this foundation? Expired two years ago. I don't think so. Just make sure not to eat it."
She slapped some of the only makeup products she had left but it kinda reminded her of a bad children's painting where they used all the colors they had in the art kit.
Waiting in the restaurant, Sebastian looked even more nervous than the other day.
He felt very bad for his behavior- the yelling, running away, and of course, the panic 'making out session'.
He also didn't understand himself, but he couldn't change the past, so maybe the best way was to make it up to Jen.
A moment later, Jen has finally arrived.
"I can't believe you gave me a dress code for this place." Jen looked at the empty restaurant, surprised.
"I wouldn't say that, but I did buy you a dress."
As the CEO of YD, Sebastian was given a lot of time and space to recreate a better wardrobe. With the card with what seemed to be an unlimited amount, he quickly got himself a new set of everything- and a beautiful dress for Jen.
"I know you must have gotten dragged into my family drama, I know we got off on the wrong foot. So this is the least I could do." Sebastian said, sincerely.
"Kid, I like you. But that seems awfully shallow." Jen said, wondering if Sebastian was one of those rich kids who believed money could solve everything.
"No, that's not what I mean... Sorry, I'm actually not good with words..."
"You don't say."
The atmosphere still seemed a little off, both of them went quiet for a while.
"You know, there is nothing for you to feel bad about. It's not like that was my time hugging someone." Jen wanted to break the ice, "Also, I will talk to Lynn next week and see if she could find someone else. I DID NOT sign up to be part of this drama."
Sebastian was a little shocked to hear this. Even though he was also not good friends with Jen, she was the only person who talked to him like he was a real person since he got back.
"I'm not quitting because of you. This is simply not what I signed up for."
"I understand," Sebastian said, his throat tightened, "But could you give me 2 months? or 5, or 6, whatever you think is doable for you? I really need you here. " He begged.
"Why would you need me here? Lynn is your aunt, you have uncles, assistants... I just met you." Jen asked, with a lot of confusion in her eyes.
"Remember when Lynn said you will be part of the team that helps me? Jen, there is something special about you that I haven't quite figured out. But there definitely is. Let's just say there is nothing... I don't know why but Lynn seemed to trust you more. You were going to be her little spy."
"I wasn't!" Jen was thrown off by his wording, "I thought I was babysitting, remember?"
"Exactly," Sebastian said, his eyes locked with Jen's, "I am the baby. The baby that no one believes. But you are different, you are new. YOU are not disappointed in me yet. I need someone with a fresh set of eyes to be around me, to give me honest feedback, and, to be real with me. "
"Wow, this dude has some issues." Jen thought to herself.
"Just 3 months. After that, if Lynn doesn't want you to leave, I will talk to her. I will say it's all my fault and you will have to leave." Sebastian said firmly, "And all the money Lynn promised you, I will give it to you, they gave me back my card now."
Jen wanted to laugh, this kid indeed needed to take some negotiation classes.
She hadn't even bargained with him yet, he had already shown her everything he had.
"Sure, just 3 months."
"Are you serious? You are not going to eat your words right? I didn't take any paper with me today, I can't make you write it down." Sebastian seemed a little flashed with joy, he didn't expect Jen to say yes so fast.
"How about we drink on this?" Jen pointed at the empty glass on the table.
"Ah, sorry. I was too busy telling you about the plan, I told the chef to wait until we finished talking to bring out the food and drinks... What would you like to drink? Juice? Tea? Beer??"
"How about something more suitable with this fancy dress you got me?"
"Sir, could you bring us a bottle of Champagne?" Sebastian said politely to the waiter that has been standing next to them.
It is always refreshing to see a rich young man having such a manner.
The waiter brought them the drinks. The two new partners both took a sip.
"I hope you are old enough for this, Sebastian."
"Come on, you are only two years older than me. And I used to work as a bartender."
Jen was very curious about that, but before she could ask about it, Jen felt like the world started turning and the ground turned into a cloud...