A Smile and a Chance

1 WEIRD AND STRANGE

*UNEDITED

I was bored to my
wits end. If only it wasn't a 'sin' to fall asleep here.

I tried to stifle a yawn for the tenth time. Yes, I counted. It was proof of how bored I was at the board meeting, but I had to be here, because I am Liam Zein Maximillian.

My twin sister, Ava Natalia, was supposed to experience the same torture too, but she has a wedding to plan. Knowing my sister, she's probably sulking in one corner or doing something else. She hates planning parties, even if it's her own.

"Liam!"

Dad's voice echoed inside the meeting room and everyone stared at me. I wasn't sure if this was the part where I'm supposed to say yes...or maybe no.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't able to-"

"It's alright. Go ahead with that. How long will it take before you can send me the proposal?" Dad answered on my behalf. I knew it. I should have said yes – to whatever it was.

Adrian Hall, the guy who wears funny ties all the time, (I guess it was his way to make people notice him.) gave a reply then Dad adjourns the meeting. Everyone made a beeline toward the glass doors and I stood up last, as Dad remained on his seat, reading a few more documents.

"I know you're bored, Liam." He said before I went out.

"Sorry, Sir." I closed the door to face Dad. I never call him dad we are at the office. It was either Mr. Maximillian or sir.

"It's only once a month, besides, you know you and your siblings will take over in the near future. You should get used to this."

"I know, sir." I replied but wanted to add that I wasn't so sure about Leon managing their businesses. But that's another story, then I tried to focus on Dad.

Dad studied me before he spoke.

"I hope this isn't about Iris."

"Hell, no, Dad." I called him Dad since the topic was getting personal. I had to cut him off with a firm reply. I wasn't even thinking of her, but now that Dad has mentioned it, I will be.

No one ever knew why I broke up with her after four years of being together. I never told anyone and will never tell anyone.

"Do you need to go on vacation?"

I considered the option Dad gave me and almost said yes, but changed my mind at the last second before I spoke.

"It's okay. I don't need one at the moment, but I'll let you know."

Dad studied me again, trying to find out if I was lying. When he decided that I was telling the truth, he gave me several documents to review.

I headed to my office, where a middle-aged woman who frequently dyes her hair red, reminded me of a meeting I'm supposed to go to in an hour in one of our hotels.

"That's in an hour?" I asked, hoping she'd give a different reply. I can't believe the board meeting took two hours.

"Yes. Do you want me to cancel it?"

"No, don't. " I looked at my watch and hoped time would stop. "I'm heading out now. Do I need to sign any documents?"

She nodded and brought me seven different folders and explained what each one was for before I signed it.

It was a miracle that I made it, considering the upcoming holiday traffic. The meeting wasn't as dreadful as I expected it to be, so now, I'm headed to my favorite family owned coffee shop – one of those local businesses that became famous by word of mouth.