The Blue Bird

Chapter 11: The Business Dinner

Saturday night brought great expectations toward Jay’s future. He was more focused than ever, knowing exactly what he wanted to achieve. His goals were crystal clear, and the path forward was beginning to materialize in front of him. Ten minutes before seven, Jay gathered his books and laptop, locking his dorm room behind him as he headed downstairs. As he approached the bus stop out of habit, he stopped, looked up at the sky, and suddenly burst out laughing.

“I own a car now,” he chuckled to himself, turning back toward the parking lot.

With a grin, Jay unlocked his sleek, black Jeep Wrangler and hopped in. The engine roared to life, and with it came a surge of confidence. This was his first business dinner—his first real taste of the professional world he aspired to be a part of. Tonight wasn’t just another event; it was an opportunity, one he intended to seize.

Driving through the evening city streets, Jay could feel the anticipation building. He replayed what Mr. Ivan had told him just days before: You’ve got something special inside you. That thought kept him grounded and calm, even as excitement bubbled beneath the surface.

When Jay pulled up in front of the restaurant, a well-known spot for high-end business meetings, he spotted his professor standing near the entrance. His professor, an older gentleman with graying hair and an easygoing smile, waved when he saw Jay park. There was a woman with striking red hair seated at the table in front of him, but Jay paid little attention to her as he climbed out of the car and made his way toward the restaurant.

Opening the door, Jay was greeted immediately by the staff. One of the waitresses, clearly taken aback by his presence, couldn’t help but smile brightly when she laid eyes on him. Jay was oblivious to the effect he had on people now—how his newfound confidence radiated in ways that drew attention.

“I’m here for a business party,” Jay said, his voice calm but filled with a quiet authority.

The waitress, her voice soft and flustered, nodded and gestured for him to follow her. “Right this way, sir.”

Jay followed, his mind now focused on the task at hand. The warm lighting of the restaurant, the clinking of glasses, and the soft hum of conversations created an atmosphere that was both professional and intimate. This was a place where deals were made, where futures were shaped.

When they reached the table, Jay greeted his professor with a respectful nod. “Good evening, professor.”

“Evening, Jay,” his professor replied, smiling warmly as he gestured to the red-haired woman seated across from him. “Jay, I’d like you to meet Mrs. Olivia.”

The woman turned her head slightly, meeting Jay’s gaze. She was striking, not just because of her vibrant red hair, but because of the way she held herself—composed, self-assured, and with an air of importance. She extended her hand toward Jay, offering a polite smile.

“Nice to meet you, Jay,” she said, her voice smooth and professional.

Jay shook her hand firmly, his mind racing as he tried to place her in context. Was she another professor? A business executive? Someone important, clearly, but her role in tonight’s meeting wasn’t immediately clear.

“Mrs. Olivia is the CEO of Aurora Ventures,” the professor explained, watching Jay’s face closely for his reaction.

Jay’s eyes widened slightly in recognition. Aurora Ventures was a rising star in the business world, known for investing in innovative technologies and start-ups that were reshaping industries. This wasn’t just any business dinner—it was a golden opportunity.

Olivia’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she watched Jay take in the information. “Your professor speaks highly of you,” she said. “He mentioned you’re one of the top students in his class, particularly when it comes to thinking outside the box.”

Jay felt a rush of pride but remained humble. “I try to look at things from different perspectives, Mrs. Olivia.”

“That’s exactly what we need in business,” she replied, leaning back slightly in her chair. “Creativity. Innovation. The ability to see opportunities where others see obstacles. I understand you’re interested in entrepreneurship?”

Jay nodded, feeling more at ease as the conversation shifted to a topic he was passionate about. “Yes, I’ve been studying various business models and exploring ways to apply them to real-world problems. My goal is to start something that not only thrives but also makes a meaningful impact.”

Olivia smiled, clearly impressed by his ambition. “That’s exactly the kind of mindset that leads to success. What kind of impact are you thinking about?”

The dinner progressed smoothly from there, with Jay and Olivia discussing ideas and potential projects. His professor chimed in occasionally, but for the most part, he let Jay take the lead. The more they talked, the more Jay felt that this meeting was more than just a casual introduction—it was the beginning of something much bigger. He could feel it in his bones, that familiar sensation that had come with being an Azure. He was meant to be here. This was his path.

By the end of the night, Olivia had extended an invitation for Jay to visit Aurora Ventures’ headquarters to meet with some of her team. “I think you’ll find our company culture aligns with your values,” she said as they stood to leave. “And who knows? Maybe we’ll find a way to work together in the future.”

Jay smiled, shaking her hand again. “I’d love that.”

As he left the restaurant and got back into his Jeep Wrangler, he felt a sense of accomplishment, but more than that, he felt ready. Ready for whatever came next, whether it was with Aurora Ventures or something else entirely. He was no longer the quiet, unsure boy who had arrived at college months ago. He was an Azure now—confident, powerful, and in control of his destiny.

Driving through the night, the city lights reflecting off his windshield, Jay couldn’t help but smile to himself.

Maybe, just maybe, this was only the beginning.