the various chances

chapter twenty one

Lily

Can't believe this handsome idiot texted me saying I abused M&Ms. The text was so unexpected that I almost jumped out of my bed and fell first on the floor when I saw that the text was from him. The gift was well suited for him because I knew the love he had for those muffins especially. The heights to which my sleeplessness went to after the texts was insane.

I had to drink one more cup of coffee to cope with my sleep deprived look for which I had grabbed mine and Jeremy's coffee form the café. With his cup in my hand I knock on his door and walk in after the reply. He was scrolling on his phone, fingers swiping up and down. Placing his cup on the desk, I clear my throat.

He looks up and blinks once. I hold onto his blue eyes trying to look deep down inside my eyes. His stare was mischievous as if he were expecting some sort of comic statement from me. I gesture to his cup and say, "Your coffee." He nods and picks up the cup, takes a small sip of the hot liquid and sighs.

"We are going to India next week."

I nod, "okay I'll take care of the clients and meetings."

He raises an eyebrow, "Did you actually heard what I said?" I groan, roll my eyes and say, "I heard that you are going to India next week." He sighs in dismissal, "I said 'we' which means it's you and me."

I blink once unable to process what he just said. What could I possibly be use of for him? He is just going for closure of the deal then why me? Confused I shake my head, "Why me? It's not like you will be in need of an extra hand there."

"Who is the boss here, Miss Pierce?"

I scoff, "Jeremy Nicholas Langford."

"Then you listen to him" -he says- "cancel your plans for next week and book the flights for us. Economy class."

Surprised I gasp, "You don't have a private jet?"

He shakes his head, "Why waste money in the maintenance cost when I can buy more cars or use the same money in expanding my business!" he shrugs at end. To all extents it was correct. A wise business man always knows where to put his money.

"Alright, anything else?"

"Ask all the departments to submit their update reports about the project we have with that German company. The finance department requested a meeting with me so schedule it after 1 in the noon but firstly ask them to submit the papers within an hour."

"Noted" -I say with a nod- "I better get going then." Spinning on my heels I was about to walk out of the door when I hear his voice calling me. I turn around to see him standing up from his chair, "Don't forget about the trip. I am dead serious about you accompanying me."

My lips press in a thin line. "Yeah sure", I nod and exit his cabin with a rapidly beating heart. I set back and start the work when an hour later there is a knock on my door. After my reply Ian walks in. "Hey, Lily" -he says "Am I disturbing you?" I shake my head and he takes a seat on the other side of my desk.

It wasn't that we weren't in touch but he has been a little awkward around me lately.

His hands were clasped and placed on the desk. "So, How are you doing?" he asks. I click my tongue, "I am much better, thank you for asking, Ian." He nods a few times. His gaze sweeps the interiors of my cabin. I haven't made any as such changes which could represent that I've been using it for last few months.

He clears his throat, "I wanted to ask you if you would like to go on a small trip next week." I blink once and ask, "Next week?" He nods, "yes, I am going to my parent's house thought you could accompany me." His tone was casual as if it weren't new for him and I to go on some smaller trips and all. I'd have been new a friend or colleague to him. I wasn't sure if I was comfortable around him since his little off behaviour lately.