Tulips

41. The Dictator.

Freen.

Ten minutes left til 5pm. I hurriedly finished everything that needs to be done. I went thru my phone and search for a restaurant that have good reviews. Wait, why not try one of Jacobs Corp. restaurant. I searched for it and found 'The Crabbies'.

I picked up the phone and called May.

"May, can you please reserve a table for two at the 'The Crabbies' at 7pm."

"Yes, Miss."

I was about to say thank you when May interrupted. "I'm sorry Ms. Sarocha but your Dad just came in."

"What? Ugh why now. Let him in."

I walked towards the door while I was typing a message for Becky saying I'll be late for a few minutes. Usually whenever Dad comes I'd be nervous but this time I feel slightly irritated for I have a date in less than ten minutes. I smiled as soon as the door opened.

"Dad. What a surprise." I said as soon as he came in the door. He went to me and gave me a brief hug.

"I came as soon as I learned Jacobs corp wants to do business with you. Honestly, I'm utterly surprised yet impressed. That's a big thing." He said as soon as he's seated.

"Is it?" Now I know why he's here. "He offered a joint venture."

"A joint venture?" He looked surprised. "That's really impressive."

"He proposed to bring 'The Equinox' to the US. He wants everything 'The Equinox' offers. He gave me time to think..."

"I assume you'll say yes soon. You see It's been a while since I've sent a proposal. I want one of their restaurants be tied up with one of our new hotel. It was us who asked for a venture. In this case it's them who asked you... which is a great honor."

"A great honor? How come Dad? Honestly I only know The Lynx but other than that I don't think they're well known."

"Mr. Jacobs is a good friend of mine and also a business partner. One of his restaurants are located in our hotel in California. They're well known and have a great reputation in the US." He stood and walked to the mini bar. He picked up a few bottles before he gives up. He picked one and showed it to me.

"No. The 2nd to the last bottle." I said. He obliged and poured himself a glass of it. He took a sip, savor it for a moment and looked satisfied by it's taste. "Send me 10 of these."

"No Dad. You're not allowed to drink a lot. You've got to take care of your health. That's why Theia have gave away all the wines at your house."

"Damn Theia. Sometimes I wish you weren't close to her." He was about to pour himself another.

"Don't." I said.

He put down the bottle with a heavy sigh.

"Mr. Jacob's son... I forgot his name..." He said going back to his seat.

"It's Eli."

"Yeah. Eli. He's entirely different from his father. If it's Mr. Jacobs, he'll approve my proposal right away. But I have met him and I believe you too. Isn't he handsome. He's responsible, kind and loves his family very much too. His father told me his son likes you and wanted to ask you out. You don't have to think about it. It's a big opportunity not just for business, but also for your personal life too. It's about time you have a boyfriend that'll treat you good."

What!?! If he said that years before I would've spat at him. I'm tired of him dictating me or affecting my decision and even my way of thinking. I closed my eyes for a second and took a deep breath.

"Dad. I know that with your help in giving me the capital, which I have already paid for, I couldn't have started my business. With that I am very thankful. But that doesn't mean you can dictate me on how I should run my business. Most especially I won't let you dictate me on who I should go out with."

I ignored the look of surprise in his face and looked at the time. It was already 5:10 pm. So I stood, took my bag and went over to him. I help him stand and took the wine glass from him.

"Office hours is done as well as this conversation." I then led him out of the office. "I need to go now. I'm late for my dinner date."

I faced May and said. "Lock my office please." I leaned and added. "He might take a bottle."

I faced dad and said. "Bye Dad." I gave him a quick hug. Then I hurriedly went to the elevator.

As soon as the elevator door closes, I laughed. I can't believe I stood up for myself and weren't afraid anymore in facing Dad. I even told him I don't want him dictating me. I was right though, he doesn't have the right to dictate me on my business specially on my personal life.

Way to go Freen. Welcome back to the old You. I proudly said to myself while smiling.

I took my phone and messaged Becky. "I'm on my way beautiful."