Second time is a Charm

Chapter 13

We walked into the dimly lit upscale restaurant, with rich interiors and plush furniture. All I could hear was the clinking of the cutlery, they spoke in softer tones making it a very formal setting. But one thing was common, no matter what setting it was women turned around to check out this tall bearded beast who commands the room when he walks into it and I am not jealous, but actually proud to walk by his side.

"Do you have all your dinner meetings in places like this? So rich" I whispered leaning into him.

"No.... they set it up so it was their choice, I guess I can't even lick my spoon here." He groaned.

I smiled thinking how he loved to enjoy his food. "Cheese burgers after?" I asked.

"Definitely" He replied grinning.

The maître D led us to the table with his clients. "Good evening Mr. Cayen " Brett greeted the elderly gentleman shaking his hand, "Simon" he greeted the more younger one with a nod of his head.

With his hand behind my back he introduced me "I would like you to meet my girlfriend Crystal Brown"

Astonished, I controlled myself from looking surprised when he addressed me as his girlfriend. My heart skipped a beat and I felt all warm inside.

"Pleasure to meet you Mr.Cayen " I said shaking his hand. "Pleasure is all ours Ms. Brown" Simon said as he bowed a little too much for my liking and kissed my hand. I could feel Brett's hand on my back tighten as he cleared his throat and helped me sit at the table.

As soon as the waiter left with our order, The men started to discuss, the deal they were there for. Brett included me in the conversation, and was actually impressed with the input I could give him. They discussed like I was part of the group and valued my opinion.

His behavior actually, surprised me, This was not how business dinners, with Gale were. Gale always patronized me, and never included me in his conversations. He never acknowledged, that I would be interested in business, or corporate world too. A few months into my marriage I had realized that he wanted a woman who can sit pretty, not give opinions in this business meetings. I was just a beautiful accessory hanging on his arm to show off.

I was happy the way things were turning out this evening, It felt nice to be part of a conversation which actually interests you.

We were done with our dinner and had bid Simon and Mr.Cayen good night and were now waiting for the valet to bring our car around. Brett's hand was around my waist and he was saying sweet nothings into my ear.

"Crystal Is that you" I heard from behind me.

I stiffened my back recognizing that voice, and turned around to see a smiling Henry.

"Henry ..... Hi ... Long time." I said a little hesitantly.

"I know, I am in town for a conference. Maddy tells me you are coming for the wedding" He asked. Henry kept moving his eyes from Brett to me while he spoke. I hated being put in a spot like this.

"Henry this is Brett...." I hesitated

"Her boyfriend" Brett finished for me and extended his hand to Henry.

I groaned inwardly, Now Maddy will insist I bring Brett to the wedding and my parents will be hearing about him from her rather than me. Great they are pushing this relation into a fast forward mode.

"B.. Boyfriend? That's great you should come for our wedding then." Henry replied Grinning.

Brett looked at me with a tight smile before answering "Definitely "