How They Met Again

The "Day"

1 year ago

Lia was tired. After a long day of work, was it necessary to have a business meeting, that too at a party. After a relaxing bubble bath scented with her favourite lavender oil, she got dressed. Even though her tired self wanted to grab a pair of sweatpants, she unwillingly picked a party-appropriate lavender evening dress. 

"Why do these investors want to meet at at a party? Can't they have discussions in peace and quiet? Frowning at the thought of having to meet new people, she grabbed her most comfortable party footwear and left her apartment clutching her tiny handbag. 

"Hey Siri, call Chloe" Lia said in a boring voice. Chloe was her pretty assistant who at the moment was the only one who could empathise with Lia's unwillingness to go to the party. 

"Hey Lia! Have you left home? Mr. Lee already called twice. He seemed worried you won't make it." "Let me breathe Chloe. I'm driving to the party right now. If he calls again just tell him I'm on my way." "Well you better be. He seemed really eager to introduce you to his new partner. He said you will really consider doing business with them once you meet him." "How many times do I have to make myself clear to him that I don't want to sell my hospital and work for him? Remember I only agreed to meet him today on the condition that he wouldn't bother me anymore." 

"Well good luck to you. That party seems a little wild to me." "Chloe you know I hate parties. Don't make me more miserable than I already am!"

Lia reached the venue and briefly considered turning back. However, she put on a cheery face and entered. 

She was immediately hit with the smell of alcohol, she could barely make out who was standing next to her and the flashing lights weren't helping either. She awkwardly found a spot to sit in and called Mr. Lee. 

"Hello. Mr. Lee I'm here but I cannot see you. Are you here already?" "Hello Alia! I'm right here in the booth behind you. Come join us I want you to meet someone very special." Lia disconnected the phone and rolled her eyes. putting on a faux smile, she turned to see two people sitting in the booth. She walked towards them avoiding all the dancing people around her. As she drew closer, she could make out Mr. Lee. But who was the guy next to him? She squinted her eyes to see him more clearly. As soon as she saw the guy, she froze. No sound left her body as she merely gazed at his smiling face, a warm, inviting face that reminded her of all things good. A familiar face in the sea of unfamiliarity. A face, she had last seen 10 years ago. 

Mr. Lee's voice calling out her name brought her back to her senses. "Karl," she said "it's you!"

"Hi Lia, Mr. Lee told me you are planning to do business with him. That's really interesting." Lia merely nodded, she needed a few moments to catch her breath. "Maybe a few drinks would help," she thought as she gestured towards the waiter carrying drinks. After maybe a few sips of alcohol running through her system, she finally spoke. 

"Karl, what, I mean, how, like when did this happen?" "I assume you are talking about me becoming a businessman. Well let's just say after high school and college, life became a bit boring so I started a shipping business and now I am an Investor." 

Mr. Lee interrupted "Wait, do you'll know each other, well that makes my work easier, doesn't it. Lia how much for your hospital?"

Karl was surprised, "Mr. Lee we cannot buy her hospital! It is her life's work. You never told me this was the deal. I am sorry I cannot do this." Lia was mesmerised by Karl's persona. "He's so successful and yet so humble," she thought. 

Mr. Lee looked disappointed and under the pretense of getting an important call, quickly exited the situation.

"Hey! I'm so sorry about that dude. He gets a bit over excited at times. Would you mind another drink?" Karl asked politely. "I won't, although I just remembered, I have to drive back. Never mind, I'll get an uber." "No you don't. I'll drop you. I have met you after so many years. We can chat." 

"Yeah right we can," Lia said after having 2 more drinks. "Hey, slow down you'll get sick." Karl said concerned. "I hate parties. This will get me through this one. I don't understand why Mr. Lee asked to meet here. "Oh I'm sorry I think I am to blame there. I thought if we would meet in a more informal setting you would like me." Karl immediately regretted saying that. and Lia blushed a deep pink and thanked those annoying lights which she had been cursing a few minutes ago. 

For about 3 more drinks there was an awkward silence until Lia spoke up "Karl I think Mr. Lee is not going to come back. Can we please head home?" 

"Sure!"