Flashback to the Future

IV. The Deal

Zeus

Selena never left my eyes as soon as she entered the function room Zach reserved for the meeting. I have the tendency to exaggerate things but I saw what I saw. My jaw dropped when I saw her. How could she turn into a divine beauty in four years? She was beautiful back then but the enormous power that she carries now just added up to it. She showed Zach a splendid set of white teeth when she smiled at him. I felt a pinch in my chest when Zach placed his hand at the small of her back. That part where my hand wandered years ago.

I joined them but they don't seem to care that I was there. Fine. I am enjoying the view anyway and the feeling. It tickles me each time Selena would brush her hair to her back. It exposes her neckline more. Too bad her neckline does not show much but  just enough for me reminisce how I claimed them before.

Zach should have called me before he got this meeting with her last week. How can they be so comfortable with each other? Well, yeah, Zack looks desirable enough but he was never this lose to anyone, not even to me. I now see the the charm that Selena possessed and she was not even bothered by how close his face was on hers.

"Its about time you realized that. Let's go to business shall we?" I said to interrupt their conversation. I can no longer stand these love birds. "So, Selena. I have prepositions and I'm sorry Zach, this time I will take over fully." I continued. Selena turned her body solely on my direction giving me a better view on what's peeking from her V shaped neckline.

"What are you talking about?" Zach asked irritated. Now that's the Zachary I know. 

"Listen and listen well." I started. "We will not submit to your pricing conditions." 

"What are we here for then? Zach?" she asked turning her eyes from me to Zach. She's surprisingly calm.

"Selena, I can't recall us having this kind of conversation last weekend. I on the other hand is willing to submit with conditions." He explained.

"I'm all ears." she said returning her eyes on me like asking, what the heck are you up to?

"We cannot afford to meet you head to head with your pricing demand." I resumed.

"You actually can if we shorten the deal." she answered.

"The pricing that you demand is already a year of partnership with Adventura." I stated. "Give us six months and we may have to say yes."

"Three." she rebutted.

"Six." I insisted.

"Six and you'll drop Lexner." She countered. She hasn't rusted her skills. Still sharp as ever.

"Sure but you'll have to take Maxima." I smirked as I stood up to lean closer to her.

"Three months and I'll take Maxima." she objected. She stood up and placed her arms across her chest. Oh, why did she just block the best view just yet? 

"Deal!" Zach exclaimed.

"Three months? two major brands? How sure are you that they can keep up?" I raised my brow at Zach.

"How sure are you that we can't?  May I just remind that its F1 you are talking to." She spatted.

"Oh! and may I just remind you, Selena that this is not just a college project. Maximus yeah, it just needs consistency. A constant reminder of the merchandise to the public but that's not the case with Maxima. This haggling shit will either may it or brake it." I said brushing my hair with my fingers.

"Now, watch your words, mister! Its you guys who have been haggling. Its no secret that Maximus only equates to three percent. We technically have nothing to lose. It won't even cause us a scratch but for old time's sake I'll give you another option." she smirked knowingly.

"Give me my price, drop Lexner, I'll handle Maxima..." she paused.

"and then what?" Zach asked spreading his fingers as if telling her to stop the suspense.

"Three months. We'll tie it up for three months and if you don't get your numbers we'll give you back the increase we placed on top of Adventura's pricing." she continued confidently.

"I guess we'll have to go with it." Zach murmured.

"But it does not stop from there." she added. Really now, Selena. Are you sure you've gone over college debates? "I need your marketing team and  group of researchers working closely under my watch and just so you'd feel at ease, I know I have not done it for the last two years but I will personally head the project. Make sure though, that you will be giving me competent people. I need to know your numbers historically, your target market, everything in twenty four hours. I want all pages turned and opened. Your team will work closely with mine." she demanded.

"I will work closely with you." I retorted and I think she wasn't expecting that. There was a hint of surprise in her.

"Great! We're all settled then. Just a heads up, Zeus. I can be a little overbearing, you may want to set your people's expectations about me." she retorted back.

"I have no problem with that." Let's see who overbears who.

"The next questions is whose expense and office will facilitate all these? That is no longer a part of my responsibility." she asked, one eyebrow raised.

"We'll take care of that. We have leased a newly constructed warehouse for Maxima. You can use that. Its just an hour drive from here. I also have the servers linked to the main office so you'll get all the information you'll need." Zach bragged.

"This meeting is adjourned then. I'll have Ms. Liz Mendez of the legal department get this in black and white. Its been nice doing business with you gentlemen." she said with pearly white smile beaming as she looked at Zach.

"Hey! I think this calls for a celebration." Zach told her. 

"Wine and cheese seemed nice." Selena responded.

"Care to join, Zeus?" Zach turned to me and ask.

"Nope, I have twenty four hours remember?" I smirked rolling my eyes at Selena who busied her self in her smart phone.

"You got this one bro!" he encouraged me. "Selena, can I just change to something more comfortable?" Zach then turned back to her and asked.

"Is that even necessary, Zach? You look just fine." she assured him.

"It is especially when you're trying to please a girl." he said. "Excuse me, please."

"Sure, I'll just make a phone call." she told him and dialed her phone as soon as he left.

What's up with these two? Are they already together. Huh! This is one side of Selena Flores that I am not aware of. 

"Liz, yeah... we just ended the meeting... uhuh... just a little celebration... you better clean up and prep up, Zach's coming with me..." she giggled. "oh and Liz, I don't think I'll be sleeping in the apartment tonight..." 

Oh ho ho! She's not going home. She's going to sleep with Zach. What a who... I just can't think of her that way. Ugh! I felt sick in my stomach.

Zach came back wearing  a knitted long sleeved v-neck shirt. He stretched his arm out on Selena who obliged to wrap her arms around his.

"See you in the office tomorrow, Zeus. I won't be home for tonight." Zeus said as he led Selena towards the function door to exit. Selena waived goodbye at me and winked. Selena won't be sleeping in her apartment and now Zach won't be going home too.

I felt one huge blow in my chest. I don't know how and why. I just knew something hit me and it drained all the blood I have.