Beautiful Dreamer

12. Not Your Boss

Ari had expected their meeting to last three days as previously agreed per the contract. However, they ended up staying for two more. Due to bad weather, their private fleet was not cleared for takeoff. Luckily, the weather report had already indicated prospects of taking off that evening, and Ari couldn't wait to leave.

Sharing a room with Rey felt like he was following a particular boarding school roster. He had to somehow delegate daytime responsibilities to Rey, especially after noticing he'd somewhat become good friends with Ned. He didn't want to bother himself by asking how the two got along. Rey disliked even sitting close to him, making Ari feel a little self-conscious. Every afternoon, whenever Rey returned to his room, he requested a change of sheets just before he left. This meant he hardly got four hours of good sleep, always conscious of the time in case Rey returned and was still there. Luckily, they hadn't crossed paths yet, which relieved Ari.

Ned, on the other hand, kept following and pestering him, primarily upon the misunderstanding being cleared. It put Ari in a bind that he opted to hide from Ned's secretaries through the help of the housekeeping lady he'd met on his first day. Often, she'd help him sneak out once he was done with work and handed over to Rey, and then he'd return just before dinner for feedback from Ned. However, the previous night was the biggest shocker.

In truth, his life had been so busy with one task after another that he hadn't considered dating seriously. However, last night after dinner, Ned had openly proposed a relationship in the presence of Rey, who surprisingly appeared calmer than usual. He neither appeared nonplused nor repulsed; instead, his expression remained blunt.

"I reserved this private dining area for us three, and Mr. Rey offered to be a witness. I didn't force him to stick around, that I promise you."

"I-I told you I don't mix work with..."

"Pleasure. I know. You've made that clear repeatedly, but I can't seem to want you going off to someone else. I'm a jealous man, and I've had my eyes on you for a while. Now that it's out in the open, you are not entangled to anyone, why not me...?"

"Are you... Do you have another meeting today?" Ari had changed the subject.

"Why do you ask?"

"You seem well suited up than your other days. You even fixed your hair differently."

"I'm flattered you noticed. I had to dress up for the occasion, Mr. Ari, since you are a hard man to pursue."

"Can you stop this nonsense? I wish to continue enjoying my dinner..."

"Mr. Ari, I'm a very confident man. This means I'm used to having my way, but this time, I wanted my partner to be willing; otherwise, there would be no excitement. That is the reason why I took my time preparing for today. It's always been easy asking someone to become my lover but not you; therefore, I wanted only to tell you words backed by genuine affection, but even that is not enough to appease you. Consequently, I brought your secretary with me to figure out what you like, but even he knows less about you than I do.

I honestly wish you were an easy person to read. It would have been a walk in the park asking you to be my lover. Still, as difficult as it is, please acknowledge my feelings. Don't brush me as you've always done. Do not be indifferent, either. If you have any doubts, ask questions, and I shall clarify to your heart's content.

Additionally, Mr.Ari, I'll be taking a new career position and wish to share my success with someone. It's time I settled down and ended my life of debauchery; therefore, if you agree to have me, I intend to fulfil your every need. Big or small, I'll be at your beck and call."

"Enough." Ari couldn't endure any more of the embarrassment. To think Rey had been listening too made it uncomfortable. "I've heard enough."

"What's your answer then? Mr. Rey and I are waiting..."

"Why not?" Ari had asked, his eyes fixated on Rey. "I'm not tied up to anyone, as you said."

"Should you be packing to your boyfriend's room?"

Ari was startled to hear Rey's voice. He'd been buried in his thoughts that he hadn't heard him come into the room. Covering himself with the duvet to the neck, he inquired how long they had left before their flight was ready.

"Sir. Ned advised against leaving since the flight had been postponed to tomorrow morning. Heavy storm tonight, apparently, so we'll have an early departure before sunrise."

"Oh..." Ari replied, seeming somewhat disappointed. "Okay then. Any prospects of a business venture from our newly acquired networks?"

"I've responded to most emails about inquiries, so there won't be a backlog of things to follow up on our return. I've also taken the initiative to submit our final draft to Sir. Ned for perusal. He remains impressed by your work. On that note, I'm considering requesting your mentorship on handling clients like him."

'Did he just pay me a compliment?' Ari wondered, ignoring the sudden warmth rising in his neck and ears. "There will be more meetings such as this in future; therefore, I can make a recommendation to Mun about your interest in participating."

Rey stared at Ari briefly, fighting with himself over what to say. "I-I want to thank you...for bringing me here. I have interacted with people I never thought I would ever meet. During the day while you slept, Sir. Ned also allowed me the chance to exchange wisdom in the corporate world, and having seen him first-hand negotiating challenged my views in many ways, including...your...relationship. I'm sincerely sorry for being judgmental of your private life, including my careless assumptions about bedding clients. I hope you can give me more opportunities to redeem myself."

Ari's face flushed, his eyes unable to hide his shock. "What did you two discuss the last couple of days?"

"We touched base on personal life challenges, and just like you, he too prefers men over women."

"Wasn't that already obvious?"

"Not to me. I may disagree with him confessing to another man. However, it remains his personal affair. He's enlightened me in-depth on matters I never want to discuss again." Rey's face flushed, and he turned to the side, unsuccessfully hiding what had already been seen. "All in all, congratulations...and I wish you two well."

"T-Thank you... I guess..."

"Now, will you please vacate my room, manager Ari? Your so-called lover is the one that sent me to wake you up."

"I'm afraid you'll have to put up with me a little longer. I'll be scouting for job opportunities once I'm well rested. You may not realize what was at stake when I accepted Ned's proposal. I had earlier suggested that you work with team leader Mun because I'll be resigning since team leader Mun is the next person more fitting for my position."

"Resigning?" Rey was baffled.

"Like I said, I don't mix business with pleasure."

"W-We just completed a big project. Manager Ari. Moreover, Sir. Ned had promised bigger business to come... What about the new clients at the event..."

"You still don't get it, do you? For me to agree to be in a relationship with him means he has to cease to be my client, and resigning is the best option. Once we return, I shall cease to be your boss. This is why I'm turning down your mentorship request."