Jack stood by the club's entrance, swirling the wine in his glass as he watched the scene unfold between Chloe and Ted. His sharp eyes followed Ted as he re-entered the building, his expression revealing both amusement and curiosity.
"So, I guess she told you to fuck off?" Jack said, sipping his wine casually, clearly enjoying the moment.
Ted walked over, his hands stuffed into his pockets, his expression neutral. "Indirectly, yes."
Jack chuckled, raising his glass. "Well, that's Chloe. That's her emotions. Don't get too close, and you'll be fine."
Ted smirked slightly. "I've noticed. But thanks for the late advice."
They both fell silent for a moment, the noise of the club swirling around them. Jack glanced around at the other guests, his smile never faltering.
Without looking at Ted, he added, "Chloe is my friend, Ted. I know how your relationships with women are. Chloe is not—"
Ted cut him off abruptly, his voice calm but dismissive. "Yeah, yeah, I got you."
He extended his hand for a handshake, his tone serious but polite. "Congratulations again. I'll see you tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of the night."
Jack accepted the handshake, his smile softening. "I'll see you. Thank you."
As Ted walked away, Jack leaned back against the wall, watching him go. He took another sip of his wine, mumbling to himself, "Oh, Ted."
At the company
The small smoking area was quiet except for the faint sound of traffic outside the window. Chloe stood near the glass, a cigarette between her fingers. She took a slow drag, her gaze distant as smoke curled around her. A light cough escaped her, but she barely reacted.
Jessica, her coworker, appeared in the doorway, her arms crossed as she approached. "Here you are—coughing, and you still won't give up on smoking."
Chloe turned her head, smirking as she exhaled another stream of smoke. "Good morning to you, too."
Jessica shook her head, leaning against the wall. "Good morning. Speaking of mornings, did you know cigarettes aren't breakfast?"
Chloe ignored the remark, finishing her cigarette with a final drag before putting it out. She turned to Jessica, her expression unbothered. "I know, but I can't help it." She grabbed her bag, glancing at the time. "By the way, I've got to get back to work. So much to do today. I'll see you at lunch, maybe?"
Without waiting for a reply, Chloe left the smoking area, her heels clicking softly against the floor. Jessica watched her go, shaking her head with a faint smile.
——————————————————————————————————————————-
Ted walked briskly down the hallway, adjusting his suit as he approached the meeting room. He was running late, and his steps quickened as he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Good morning, Mr. Morgan," Ted said smoothly as he took his seat across from William Morgan, who was already sipping his coffee.
William glanced at his watch, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Good morning, Mr. Late Man."
Ted smiled as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a pack of cigarettes. "Do you mind?"
William shook his head, gesturing for Ted to go ahead. Ted lit the cigarette, taking a slow drag before leaning back in his chair.
"It was only ten minutes," Ted said, exhaling smoke casually.
William raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of his coffee. "Well, those might have been a great ten minutes for discussing business."
Ted chuckled, the cigarette balanced between his fingers. "My apologies, Mr. Morgan. It won't happen again. You see, I'm a professional man, and I take business very seriously." He leaned forward, extinguishing the cigarette in the ashtray. "Shall we start?"
William nodded, though his expression remained skeptical.
Ted leaned back again, his tone shifting to one of practiced confidence. "Your house will be intelligent, smart, and completely under your control. Everything based on the latest technology—and, of course, it'll be elegant."
William tilted his head, his interest piqued. "Explain to me more."
Ted smirked, leaning forward slightly. "You wanted this meeting, Mr. Morgan, because you know how good I am at what I do. Leave it in my hands, and I assure you, you'll be pleased."
William studied Ted for a moment before nodding. He extended a hand across the table. "My accountant will speak to you. Do what you have to do."
Ted reached out, shaking his hand firmly. "You won't regret it," he said with a confident smile.
———————————————————————————————————————————
Chloe sat in the backseat of an Uber, her bag resting on her lap as she stared out the window. The familiar streets passed by in a blur as she headed home to her mother.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her attention. She picked it up and saw a message from Jack.
Jack (Text): "Are you coming tonight?"
Chloe hesitated for a moment before typing her reply.
Chloe (Text): "I might be late, but count me in."
She locked her phone and leaned back against the seat, her mind already racing about what the evening might hold.