Anna
I hate alcohol. You see, when you attend rich people's parties and you're offered welcome champagne or wine, you have to act like you like it, savor the taste and compliment how good it tasted. Observation and imitation is how you get along with the rest of the world.
One would question how I managed to secure an invitation to a gathering meant for only the elite. My landlady, Mrs Ali always received invites like this but she wasn't interested so I went on her behalf.
I run my manicured fingers along the stem of the champagne flute and then scan the room. I love it here, I love to hear rich people talk and share tips on how to grow businesses. It made me feel like I was preparing for the future, for when I become a successful businesswoman.
This is my third event in two weeks and I must say my purpose for attending these types of gatherings hasn't been fruitful. My aim is to secure a job by simply networking. I've applied for so many jobs online but I ended up with rejection mails or I'll get back to you mails almost every week. It's not like I am under qualified, I graduated with honors and I have a few years of experience and by next year I intend on starting my master's degree.
I raise my glass to my lips and take a sip while surveying the room. I quickly recognize a few people. There was Christine Delgado who owned an insurance company, we had a chat during an event and she seemed pleasant. When I heard there was an opening in her company for an auditor, I applied immediately and in a few days I received a rejection mail. Then there was Tom Brokaw, the news guy and then there was the representative from Bloomingdale's. I could go on and on about how many jobs I have applied for.
"You know you don't have to drink if you don't want to,"
I turn to the sound of the voice and hold back the gasp that almost escapes me.
The most handsome man I've ever seen in my life was standing in front of me. His face? I've never seen one like his before. His eyes and hair were as dark as midnight which added an undeniable edginess to him. His jaw was firm and well chiseled. He looks ravishing in a blue three piece suit.
I swallow hard and and try to regain composure.
How did he know I didn't feel like drinking? Was it that obvious? I thought I put up a good act.
He makes me feel naked, like he could see through me and he knew all my secrets.
"I drink only because I want to," I turn my back to him and pretend to be engrossed in a pamphlet someone left on the table
The air conditioning was functioning properly but with this six foot sexy man behind me, I can feel heat rise to my face.
"You should have some water," he places a bottle of water in front of me and proceeds to occupy the seat opposite me
"I didn't ask you to sit," I almost rolled my eyes at him.
"I don't need your water."
He smirks and leans forward. I take in his scent and hold my breath. He smells like wood and something else I can't figure out yet. I feel the urge to wrap my arm around him and pull him close so I can inhale more of him.
"Let me help you with that," he reaches for the bottle of water, twists it open and hands it over to me again
I don't like him telling me what to do but a part of me is relieved he offered, I was tired of pretending to like champagne. I gulped the water immediately, I didn't realize how parched my throat was before he came. I could feel his eyes on me and I almost choked.
"No thank you? I just saved you." He raises one of his perfect brows.
I am attracted to this man but I can't get past his cocky attitude. I can't tell if his plan is to annoy me for the rest of the evening. The night is still young, I have a mental list of people I'll like to socialize with tonight. At the top of my list was the owner of Carlton inc. I wasn't sure what the owner looked like because I didn't do my research but I knew a lot about the company. I applied for the role of a business analyst a few weeks ago and I was ready to pitch some ideas to the CEO.
"I'd appreciate if I you leave,"
I have difficulties believing what I'd just said. No, I do not want him to leave, I want to bask in his scent and stare at his face for the rest of the evening but he's a distraction. I'm here to find a job not to mingle with a man who I desperately want to hug me.
"Do you really want me to?" He asked, his expression serious
I almost gasp, did he read my thoughts or did I say them out loud.
"Say the words and I would leave."
I try to keep a straight face. My head tells me to ask him to leave but a little voice reminds me that I've never been this intrigued by a man. I can just let him hang around for a bit and hear what he has to say. When the owner of Carlton inc arrives, I'm going to leave him and proceed with my business.
"So you want me around?" his cocky smile returns
I can't help but laugh with him. I don't know who this man is or where he got his audacity from but I'm not mad about it. He may be cocky but he was good company.
"Do you want to take a walk with me?" Mr handsome stranger asks
I begin to shake my head in protest.
"You won't regret it, I promise you." he winks at me
I blush slightly, I like the subtle flirting. I don't know why I trust him but I let him take my hand and lead me. I decided to give him fifteen minutes of my time, it felt like a walk would clear my head from the numerous thoughts running through it.