Victoria's Forbidden Kisses

Chapter Four - The Meeting

Victoria stood in front of her closet, staring at the rows of clothes and coming to the conclusion that she had nothing to wear.

She didn't want to be too sexy (if there was such a thing) as she didn't want Professor Sobitan to think she dressed a particular way because of him. Even though he had not said anything in regards to liking her she felt as if he was sending her subliminal messages when they last spoke. His intense gaze and the way he place emphasis on some of the things he said like "I want you " .

She finally decided on a blue silk dress. Though it accentuated her curves it also flared so it didn't cling to her body.

looking up at the time she saw that it was just 9:45am and she had enough time to straighten her hair (if you have natural hair you know how tedious the process can be) and add a fresh coat of paint over her nails.

She kept trying to convince herself that she was not doing it for the professor, but in some small way Victoria knew that she wanted to look classy and elegant for him. Though she had not sat through his classes for the entire semester fraternizing over him, she realized from their conversation on Friday that she liked him in some way and she wanted to figure out just where those feelings will take her.

She still loved Omari and wanted it to work and was in no way trying to be unfaithful or step out of the relationship, but she felt as if he was not giving her all she needed. And no it was not only the lack of sex, though that has contributed to the problem. The conversations didn't have substance or depth. It was beginning to feel routine. It was now at the point where she could recite the conversations before they happened. It lost all excitement.

Sobitan was a well read, well traveled, and can definitely hold a conversation of substance. Though she didn't participate much in the discussions during lectures and tutorials she very much enjoyed them. She loved how professor Sobitan would sometimes stray a bit from the topic and talk about his travels especially when they were discussing locked states and he spoke about visiting almost every country in Europe.

Though Victoria has never traveled much, but she dreamt of one day travelling the world.

~

After fighting to tame her hair for 45 minutes she polished her nails with one of those so called "Quick dry" polish and waited 5 minutes for them to dry and then rushed out of her apartment. She hailed a cab and was on her way to the meeting.

When she arrived he was already there.

~

Adebiyi: Ah, Victoria! Come in and close the door behind you.

She did as instructed

Adebiyi: Please have a seat. Coffee?

She nodded

Victoria: Yes Please.

She then told him she wanted sugar and cream and she saw her had some Swiss chocolate on his tea tray and asked if he could add a bit of chocolate as well. He looked at her as if her request was odd, but said nothing and did as she requested.

After fixing coffee and offering her a croissant which she delightfully accepted he decided to get down to business.

Adebiyi: OK Victoria, I have drafted a contract of sorts that gives a clear description of the job as well as outlines the requirements of the job.

She sat and listen to Adebiyi explain the terms of the contract. He gave a copy of the job description and the attached itinerary. He began reading from his copy.

Adebiyi: The job would be for three months and you would be expected to assist me in hosting a series of themed dinner parties. To do so successfully, you will be given a business credit card which would allow you to hire the vendors for these events i.e. decorators, caterers, entertainment etc. and whatever else you see fit. On the weeks where there won't be a party you will arrange for my family and myself to go on an outings to somewhere you feel is absolutely necessary for us to visit, somewhere that's authentically American. My Mother loves any outdoor activity that is Eco-friendly so that can be taken into consideration. I have listed the possible dates for the parties. You can make changes to these dates if you see fit, however, I will require adequate notice. My family and their friends arrive on the 7th of June so the first party would be expected for the 9th, hence you would be required to move in by the 29th of May the latest. Oh, and you are allowed to hire an assistant.

He paused to look up at her.

Adebiyi: Any questions?

Victoria was reading through the document while Adebiyi gave the overview and found everything to be straightforward, but needed more information.

Victoria: Yes, is there a budget? I will also need a list with the name of the guest to these events as well as their food allergies, if any and if there are any vegetarians so I can plan the meals with the caterer.

Adebiyi: No, there is no budget. Spend whatever is needed. I will present you with that list when you move in next week.

Victoria was stunned by the fact that he had not given her a budget. Was he a drug dealer or something. She had an idea of what a professors actually got paid, though it is not bad it is not enough for someone to keep so much elaborate parties in such a short period of time. She didn't question it though.

They went over her salary. He would pay her at the end of the three months. However, she would be given an allowance during the three month period. He informed her that he would draft a contract and she would be able to read through and sign next week.

They shook hands and ended the meeting. She told Adebiyi good day and left.

Victoria was excited for this new job as even though she had a job it was only part-time and the money she got was only enough to pay her rent and for transportation. She now appreciated the fact that she would be living where she worked as she would not have to spend money to get around. She hopes that at the end of summer the money would be enough for her to cover bills and buy a car.

She decided to buy a bottle of wine on the way home to celebrate her good fortune. Then it actually hit her that she would be living with Adebiyi for three months and would be spending a week alone with him before his guests arrives.

Victoria: Oh, dear God!What have I done?!