Simulated Love (2024)

Chapter 1 Continued...

My boss, Evan Parker, and I arrived on time at the restaurant. Stepping inside through the elegant double doors, a soft, golden light surrounded us. Smooth melodies of jazz played in the background as a lady at the front desk greeted us. 

"Do you guys have reservations?" she asked, her bright eyes shimmering like the chandeliers above her.

"Hi, yes, we are here for Dean O'Dowell," Evan said.

She clicked away on her computer before she looked at us with a smile. "You guys will be on the 12th floor at table 32."

"Thank you," Evan and I said before we walked away.

"So how did your mom's birthday go? Did she like the gift?" Evan pressed the button for the elevator.

"Nope."

"Seriously? Isn't it what she wanted?"

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened for us to get on.

"It was, but she thought I spent all my money on it."

We got on to the elevator.

"I see."

"It is what it is. Let's not talk about it okay?"

He did the motion of zipping his lips and tossing the key.

I brushed my hair with my hands as I looked at myself through the reflection in the elevator. I needed to make sure my waves still looked clean.

"Be on your best behavior," Evan said to me before the doors opened for us to get off.

"Don't worry. I'm not that stupid," I said.

Evan wiped his pale hands on his pants. "Something big is going to happen. I know it." He motioned me to walk off first, and so I did.

"What do you think it is?"

"I'm not sure, but the fact that he only asked us to join him for dinner is a good sign, or it could be bad."

"It's gonna be good. The company needs us. It'll be dumb if it's something bad."

"You're right."

Dean O'Dowell stood up gracefully, capturing our attention with his confident demeanor. He warmly smiled and gestured for us to come over.

"If it isn't my favorite duo," Dean greeted.

Evan looked at me.

I told him he had nothing to be nervous about.

"Hello there, sir." Evan shook his hand. "How's your night going?"

"Great, now that you guys are here. Before we get started on business, I'd like to know how things are going with you guys. You two have done so much for this company that you deserve to be wined and dined."

Evan chuckled. "You're too kind, sir."

"Take a seat. I have already placed our orders and feel free to order more if you like. This is all on me."

"Don't mind if I do," I said as I sat down, going straight for the menu. When it came to spending other people's money, I was a pro at it.

I ordered anything that sounded interesting or had an extravagant picture. I knew I couldn't eat everything, but I planned on having leftovers.

"My daughter actually just joined the National Honor Society, and they are going on a trip to Thailand this year," Evan said.

"A daughter of yours, I wouldn't expect anything less from her. She seems like an exceptional young woman."