Can I Be Your Girl

15

Powell Industries towered over the other buildings around it like a giant; it was the skyscraper of our family's hard work. Running my eyes over its pristine walls made of glass and black tiles brought out a sense of pride from me for my father, mother and forefathers. As I stepped foot inside after about a decade, it didn't surprise me to be greeted with curious eyes wondering who I was that my father's secretary grew skittish as he led me to the private elevator— Mr. Lopez had to put a tamper on his stuttering whenever he answered me. Those eyes soon grew like saucers, some mouths even gaped and gasped. Oh well.

I shifted to my left where the scrawny and short Mr. Lopez stood in his evidently shaking legs, fashion dating back 19-forgotten. An eyebrow involuntarily ticked up and I wondered whether he ever dated a girl from this time period. "What does dad want?"

He jerked at my voice before looking up and answered, "It's about the upcoming business meeting with a new investor from Japan sir."

I stared at him for a second because I was nonplussed.

What did that have to do with me?

*****

My father was sat on his high-backed swivel chair, hands clasped together on the table and a troubled expression on his face before he calmed it down with a tired smile when I entered his office.

"Is something the matter dad? About some Japanese investor?"

"Ahh yes—" he unclasped his hands and stood up sauntering to me—"Have you eaten breakfast yet? Danielle—" he referred to Mr. Lopez—"Fix my son a tuna sandwich and coffee please and also for Mario and lead him to the lounge, I'll just talk with my son."

"Yes sir."

The door closed with a soft click.

"Sit Grey," he said and we settled on the L-shaped black leather sofa pushed to the wall adjacent the door.

"What's this about dad?" I asked again.

He heaved a sigh before answering me. "On the 25th I have a scheduled meeting with a prospective investor from Japan. My flight is on the 23rd. But I can't. Grey, your Aunt Alicia is in the hospital and I can't leave her that long," he said in a defeated tone and rubbed his palms over his face.

"Dad are you okay? How's Aunt Alicia?"

Shaking his head, he then groaned. "She still thinks I'm John. Honestly I'm worried, she's taking up more and more of my time."

"How does mom take this?"

I watched as his face broke into a frustrated grimace; His eyes watered.

"God not good! When I tried to take her to the hospital, Alicia screamed like a crazed woman and humiliated your mom in front of all the doctors and nurses. And now she wouldn't talk to me no matter how I try."

"Why? What did Aunt Alicia say to her?"

He huffed. "Slut, home-wrecker, bitch, gold-digging who—"

"Stop! Stop!" I held my palm to his face and groaned. Not only did I hate hearing my father curse, I also detested the fact that those demeaning words were thrown at my mother.

"I don't know what to do Grey. I made sure everyone who heard knew the truth but it wasn't enough. I shouldn't have brought her there."

Now I realized that the heavy and dark look on my father's face wasn't caused by a problem with the company, but the pure torture of having his wife mad at him. I haven't realized this turmoil in their relationship; how mom was unusually quiet these past few days and how dad seemed to be eating chains and bolts and drinking acid for breakfast. Now I know.

I clapped my father's shoulder encouragingly.

"Tell me what to do sir."

With a grateful smile, he said, "I need you to handle the meeting."

What the hell?!

Did he just say...??

"I need you to do it, and I know you can. Besides my secretary will be going with you and he'll help you out."

"Why can't Mr. Lopez do it himself?"

"Many are after this partnership Grey. If we show up there ourselves instead of sending a delegate, it shows how we give them importance. With this, it will help us gain their trust and loyalty more. Just think of this as the start of your training."

Convincing some Japanese men to invest in our company as my first training for the taking over my father's position in the future? Hah! This was one hell of a jump from the courier tasks I expected all these years. And to think I practiced parkour and intended to have an all-black get up tailored to seem cool when I delivered packages in the future.

The cuts and bruises went to waste. My childhood was weeping.

*****

"Mr. Lynche?" I asked hesitantly at the man whose back was on me and talking animatedly with my bodyguard in the lounge; he wore an identical uniform as Mario. He turned to me and smiled.

"Sir Alexandria."

Did I ever tell you that hearing my second name brought misfortune to my life? It was a discovery I found-realized rather-when I was but a puny little nugget (mom's endearment to me once upon a time). Just like now I stumbled as I walked and nausea hit me like a train.

I grimaced at shot Roger a disapproving look. He chuckled.

"It's nice to see you again sir." Mr. Lynche or Roger said.

"It's been some time. You're back from London?"

My old bodyguard shook his head in that familiar calm manner he always had. "No sir, I'm just reporting to your father personally then I'll go back."

Remembering that I intruded in his conversation with my bodyguard, I gestured to Mario. "He's my new bodyguard."

"I know sir. I hope my subordinates are keeping up with their responsibilities well."

I chuckled. "Yeah, he is."

Except when he's trying to steal my girl. Although she's not mine and I'd bet my cars they had something going on between them.

"By the way, how's your family? Your wife?"

Mr. Lynche smiled and the way his eyes sparkled and lips stretched in content, I saw a man of family, not an armed protector. I often forgot that.

"Their well sir. I hope my daughter's treating you fine."

"Daughter?"

Suddenly, Mario interrupted us before I could open my mouth and ask. "Sir, Mr. Powell is calling you."

Mr. Lynche's eyebrows met. "I didn't hear him from my earpiece."

"He talked to me through mine."

Mr. Lynche nodded before facing me once again. "Excuse me sir I'll just answer to your father."

I nodded and thought I'll just chat with him again some other time. For now I'll have a mother-and-son talk with my disheartened mother.

"Okay, Mario and I'll take our leave. Nice seeing you again sir."

His forehead creased and his eyebrows reunited once again. He wanted to say something, but when he glanced to the side he decided not to pursue and bid me farewell.

*****

I'M BAAAAAAACCCCCKKKKK!!!I'M BACK!! AND I'M GLAD!!!

I'M CRYING!!!! SORRY FOR THE ABSENCE. EXAMS CAME FLOODING INTO MY LIFE, AND I HAD TO BE BRAVE AND PREPARE LIKE A WARRIOR. I HOPE I STILL HAVE YOU WITH ME.

-Bubble