Roses and Flames (ongoing)

4. Tyler

"When will the Grandville auction be held?" I queried Michael Young, one of my closest friends, as he settled on the seat beside me. He was involved in real estate and owned upscale hotels and fine-dining restaurants. We were at the welcome party. The deep burgundy and white essenced room was filled with exquisite floral arrangements in ornate vases and live classical music filling the air. The guests engage in conversation with one another while Michael and I sit on the bar, the lighting soft and warm contrasting to the rest of the room. 

"The tentative date given is on the 17th, of next month,” he answered, “Didn’t see Ethan, isn't he coming?" gesturing to the bartender wearing a crisp white dress shirt for a drink.

I sipped my drink as I nodded "He said he'll be here, maybe running late." We were talking about Ethan Walsh, my other closest friend. We three went to the same high school together.

"Isn't Mila here?" Michael asked casually.

"Yeah. She might be here somewhere" I responded and he nodded.

Just as I briefly examined the whole room, I saw the table where the department heads were sitting. Something was missing, someone actually. Why didn’t she show up? Probably scared to see my handsome face again. I smirked remembering her eyes filled with disbelief when I entered the meeting room.

"Looking for someone?"I looked up from my seat to see Ethan. Ethan was a highly recognized model working for one of the top brands of accessories. 

"Were you looking for me? Oh! You missed me, didn’t you? Michael, learn from Tyler!" he bluffed.

"Don't get ahead of yourselves, Ethan, and no I wasn’t looking for someone," I said as we continued our small chat

"So finally the takeover, cheers mate!" We three clinked our glasses.

"Didn’t hear any scandals lately, what happened?" Michael mocked me.

"Done with your business dating and finally fell for someone head over heels?" Ethan asked.

I dated only for business benefits. After a period when their business wasn't useful to me, I stopped dating them. Women I dated didn’t even bother since they could brag about dating me. Whenever I'm out with someone paparazzi follow us, leading to multiple dating scandals. This was more advantageous than actually falling for a person. It's a whole bunch of things I don't want. The emotional rollercoaster, distractions and all.

"Didn’t have time. Was preparing for this day." I said.

My last date ended 2 weeks ago. Even today, many were busy matchmaking either their daughters, sisters or their friends. What can I do? I guess everyone falls for me the second they lay eyes on me. Well, I think I'll have to date one. The CEO of the advertising company, Mr. Turner is a bit wary about our new deal. I don't go dating everyone for just a small deal, this is a deal I want, for those antsy board members who are looking for a mistake on my side.

"Can expect one soon?" Ethan asked.

I shrugged and said, "Maybe or maybe not."

I took out my phone and added a reminder on the coming 17th. I had been trying to find that ring for a few years now, but I got an intel a few months ago that it's now here in the country.

My mind went to a scene I dislike to remember. Eva being held at gunpoint. Pale skin, eyes wide with fear, rapid breaths. Main attraction of the robber, is the painite ring on her ring finger. The sudden provocation of the robber, the deafening sound of gunshot.

________

‘...I value our professional relationship and the potential for collaboration, which is why I feel it's crucial to have this conversation. While our discussions and negotiations have been productive and the deal initially appeared to align with my goals and expectations, some recent developments have given me pause.
Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to our continued collaboration and the possibility of revisiting this deal in the future.
Regards,
Ivan Turner’

I sighed looking at my screen. They say sometimes a rejection is just a step forward toward a mutually beneficial agreement. But he’s tenacious even though he has written it softly. Nonetheless,  it’s only gonna fuel my determination to reach a compromise. I won't let go of this deal. Not like this.

I leaned forward to my desk pressed the intercom button and said, “Lisa, could you step into my office for a second?”

Lisa entered my office and I said, "Arrange a date with Mr. Turner's sister, he wasn’t entirely sure to take up our offer." Mr. Turner had a soft spot for his sister, so the offer would be unofficially accepted by him just like that.

"Right away," she replied and got out of my office.

Pausing my work, I got up from my chair and stepped out of my office to see my employees work. Riding the elevator down I entered the PR department’s floor and wandered languidly observing everyone's work. It’s been a week since I took over, and I wanted to oversee and get to know my staff myself. Chatting with most of them and visiting the department heads, I went to the Finance and accounting department next.

To wrap things up, I stopped by the Legal and Compliance department. I conversed with some of the staff and moved forward to the head's office. I'm eager to witness how she’ll respond. It's the first time after the meeting I’m going to see her.

Upon reaching, I noticed the shade in her office was off and I could observe her from the outside. Curiously, I stared at her as others continued their work. She was walking to and fro beside her desk engaged in a phone call and was definitely angry. A slight grimace on her face as the call progressed, punching her fist into the desk.

Turning from the window and walking again to the front she finally becomes aware that she’s been watching and catches me staring at her. In the blink of an eye, she grabbed the remote from her desk and turned on the tint, blocking my view of her.