Paid To Love You

Chapter 15

To say I am shocked is an understatement to see my dad instead of Robbins.
Shit! I forgot they are both Hardins.
I stare down at him with utmost surprise. And if am not wrong, he is just as shocked as I am, but recovers almost immediately.

Hello Mr Hardin, Nick greeted

He answers curtly while he continues to stare down at me.

Hello Mr Gadhafi, what a pleasant surprise, I don't know that you would be coming to.

Mr Robbins called and said we should finalize our deal today. It must have skipped his mind, seeing he is not around.

Oh! I apologise on his behalf. He had to attend to an impromptu business. I'd have attended to you but I've got a board meeting in a few minutes so maybe we'll have to reschedule.

That is fine sir...

Nick was cut short by a phone call for which he excuses himself, saying it's business.

The room was suddenly filled with an awkward silence.

I tried as much as possible to avoid dad's gaze, as I went down memory lane. It all seems to be like yesterday.

I can feel my blood burn up in rage as I sit calmly as if nothing is wrong.

Sarah, he called out

I looked everywhere else other than his face as I try to avoid eye contact with him.

I assume you work with Star Light now, seeing you are here for the contract.

Yes sir.

How long have you been seeing Nick?

He is my boss so it's only normal for me to see him every day.

I can feel some sexual tension between you two. Are you sure he is only your boss?

That is what I just said.

How long have you been seeing your brothers?

How about you ask your sons?

I won't have you talk to me like that young lady, I raised you better than that. "He said, raising his voice slightly."

Of course, you did!

Sarah! "He warned"

With that, we keep quiet and our breathing is the only sound that filled the room.
If I was angry before, I am furious now.
Why does he suddenly care about me?
He is even demanding respect like he deserves any.
If anything, I am pissed right now.
I waited patiently for Nick to come back and it took him close to fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes of beating myself inside for what I could've said, but I remain silent anyway.
The tension was evident in the room when Nick came back. He looked between dad and me but didn't question it.

He said goodbye to dad. With that, we leave his office.

As we leave his office, I release a breath I didn't realise I've been holding until now.
I followed Nick into his car and he drives us back to the company in silence.
I half excepted him to ask me about what just happened but he acted like it was nothing, and am slightly disappointed.
When we get back to the company he left for his office, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Shortly after our arrival, I got a message that we'll have to travel to Arizona which is about 5h, 55m from here by car. I sigh in frustration.
I don't want to spend another minute with that man because I find it difficult to read through him. It's suffocating.
Reluctantly, I drag myself to Nick office to inform him about the arrangement.
I knock at his door as I await his response patiently.
After what seems like forever, he finally asks me to come inside.