Mr. CEO [ON HOLD]

R.E.S.P.E.C.T {32}

Mr McKinley had the big gift basket in his hand and after placing it on the gift table he made his way over. I tapped Sophie and she turned her head to the side and after seeing Mr McKinley she quickly turned her head back again to me.

She whispered, "OMG" as Mr McKinley strutted his way to the table.

By this time Connor had stopped speaking and everyone seemed to turn around. Some people were shocked while others tapped their neighbors asking who the intruder was.

Mr McKinley sat in the seat next to me, which was also Connors's seat.

As I was about to tell him that the seat was already taken, Sophie pinched my arm and said, "Are you crazy? If he wants to sit there, let him"

I stopped my actions and instead gave Connor an apologetic smile. After giving his speech which I was too distracted to listen to, we all gave him a round of applause.

Mr McKinley leaned over to me and I held my breath as my heart started to beat faster

"Is your phone broken Ms Suren" he whispered

"No" I said loud enough for Sophie to hear. I didn't want him to whisper in my ear since it was very distracting.

Of course not receiving my hint he leaned in again and this time his mouth grazed my ear, "Then why haven't you been calling me back. I called you six times Ms Suren. Six times"

I couldn't tell from his tone whether he was angry or not.

"Sorry. It was in my bag" I said loudly and I gave a smile to Connor as he walked over to me.

Returning my smile he addressed our boss, "Thank you sir for coming"

"Happy birthday Connor" Mr McKinley said as he brought his hand out for a handshake.

The waiters returned with our food and Connor went to sit in the empty seat across from me.

"Sir is there anything you want?" Connor said as he called forward the waiters since Mr McKinley was the only one not eating.

Tapping one of the waiters, Mr McKinley said, "Do you have a wine list" the waiter nodded, "Let me see it." with a quick nod of his head the waiter scurried into the back.

I digged into my grilled cheese sandwich and it was delicious the crunchy bread and melted cheese was perfect together. The margarita didn't not go well with the grilled cheese.

"I think maybe next time I will just get a soda" I said to Sophie.

"I hundred percent agree with you."

"It doesn't pair well together?" Connor asked, looking at each other me and Sophie laughed at the disgusted face that Connor was making.

Our night was spent having good conversation and the whole time I tried to ignore Mr McKinley's presence. But it was hard to do that since I could feel his gaze burning at me.

"Oooo Sophie. You remember this song?" Connor said as he got up with a smile on his face.

Listening intently I heard the deep soulful voice of Aretha Franklin. I recognized the song since it was one of my favorite songs to sing with my foster parent Granny-Anne. Sophie followed Connor to the empty dance floor as they belted out the lyrics to Respect.

Soon enough everyone on the table got up and sang the classic Respect song by Aretha Franklin. I made eye contact with Sophie and she went towards me and forced me to dance.

I placed my bag on my chair and pulled my dress down as I made my way over to the circle that Connor had formed.

When someone jumped out of the circle Connor pulled me into the circle with him.