Heartbeat

N I N E

《Fri. Sept. 2, 2016》

"Mr. Valdez," Rob's voice snapped out of my distraction in this boring meeting.

"What is it Rob?"

"Sir, the 50th anniversary of the company is coming up this week."

"And?"

"Well, Mr. Romano wants to host a party."

Of course he does, I wouldn't expect anything less from my father.

"Okay. Thank you for reminding me. I'll handle it."

"Do you want the list of guests Mr. Romano sent?"

I pursed my lips, he can't even trust me in inviting the people, "Email it to me."

When I got the email, I directly read through my father's long list, he was inviting all his business partners and friends, as well as future partners, and some of our old respectable employee's. Once I finished this seemingly perpetual list, I laughed comically at the note my father left for me.

By the end of this exhausting Tuesday, I called Nadia my assistant. "Nadia, there's a list of guests I sent you. I want you to send them invitations. Also, I want you to start looking for function hall for one thousand people."

Nadia widened her eyes at the number, "One thousand Sir?"

"Yes, and make sure you inform all the workers in the company that they are invited as well."

"Oh," she said with a smile, "Alright Mr. Valdez. Anything else?"

"No, you can go."

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

When Friday rolled around, we had the menu of the party chosen and the function hall booked.

I was going to take a look at the hall before tomorrow's party, but once I spotted Bella, I stopped in my tracks. I let my heart control my body without the consent of my mind, as I was already heading her way.

"Hello Ms. Samuels."

When she looked at she smiled, "Hello Mr. Valdez."

I was somewhat shocked as I thought she was going to glare at me after last week's events.

"Are you coming to the function on Saturday?" I asked her, getting to the pint of my presence immediately.

"I'm not sure, but probably not."

Isabella's answer startled me, "Why?"

"Well James has a surgery tomorrow tonight, so I haven't decided yet."

Her boyfriend, right.

"Oh I hope he gets better in that case."

She gave me a weirs look then laughed, "No Sir, James is performing the surgery."

"Oh right, he's a doctor, sorry I forgot," I quickly followed that by saying, "Then what will you be doing at home on a Saturday night?" I asked, "Besides, attending is mandatory, it's the company's 50th anniversary."

Bella laughed again, her melodic laugh, and tried to refrain my smile. "Since when?!" she exclaimed.

"Since I decided. Now you have to attend."

"Okay. But only if there is food I like."

I chuckled at her, "What would you like to have?"

"Well, cheesecake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, and maybe cookies."