It's Me And Not You

4

Dan's POV

We enter the conference room on side closer to the stage as I am the next speaker. We can hear that the current speaker is almost concluding her speech. "Those are the key reasons why IFRS15 was introduced."  I look up to the stage to see the speaker and for second time today, I loose my breath. It is the same woman I saw outside. 

John makes a comment. I think he said something along the lines of "Oh, look who is on stage..."  I am really not sure, everything just faded and my focus is on the beauty on stage.

My assessment of her was correct, she is definitely nothing like the girls I have dated before. If she is the keynote speaker, she must be really good at what she does. I see that the MC is back on stage now and everyone is on their feet clapping hands for this mysterious woman.

" Where is your head at Sir today? The MC has called you to the stage already." John says while he is tapping me on my shoulder. I am at the bottom of the stairs that are used to go up to the stage. She is climbing down the stairs now, my heart is beating so fast. I thought I was going to move mountains in order to find her. But she is here in front of me. I offer my hand to help her down when she is almost at the bottom of the stairs. The moment our hands touch, I feel this spark, warmth and my heart beats even faster. "Thank..."  I think she was about to say 'Thank You', until she realised that she is holding my hand, she snatched it very quickly as if it burnt her. I know she could not see me clearly from far, since the light is dimmed except for the stage.

"I'll talk to you soon." Is all I say to her before climbing the stairs quickly to go on stage. My speech is quick and I heard back to my table. I can see that the waiters are serving dinner now since the starters were served earlier at the reception area. The only thing,my eyes are interested in now is finding Rachel Smith. I know her name now, I checked the program again and I memorised it. I think this is the only name that my secretary will not have to remind me.

Rachel Smith, is not just pretty. She has brains as well. She is the Associate Director at TASK Auditors. I never really liked auditors, they are nosy people. But I think, all that is going to change now. All because of my Rachel. Whow, hold your horses man. She is not yours yet and she might never be. Yep, I definitely do not like that thought, I realise I am gripping the knife on my right hand very hard as I am eating my dinner.

Where is she sitting? She must be in one of the front tables. I see that the table opposite me has an empty chair. Did she leave? No she can't, I need to speak to her and see if I have any chance of salvaging the damage I caused earlier. I continue eating and try to contribute to the conversation at my table. I have not said much since I sat down. 

"Son,I see you didn't bring any girl tonight."  Mr Thorne comments. He is a good friend of my dads. I kinda like the old man. But he needs to mind his own business sometimes.

"Oh Tim, give the boy a break, though I must say I am actually glad Daniel didn't bring anyone this year. Those girls he usually brings are not marriage material all." One of the oldest ladies on the table comments. Everyone laughs at my expense. Yah, old people will not sugar coat things. I know that the girls that I have been dating have not been really interested in settling down and their dress code was not usually appealing to the elderly.

"No offense son" Mrs Scott adds.

''None taken." I raised my wine glass to her. I am actually relieved when Mr Thorne changes the subject to talk about Rachel's speech. I listen attentively and apparently she made some valid points and her speech was very good.

" That is the type of woman Daniel should marry" Mrs Scott comments.

 I choke on my wine. And Mr Thorne stands up, pats me on my back and I drink some water as well. 

" Are you fine now son"

"'Yes,I am ok, thank you Mr Thorne" 

" I keep telling you to call me Tim, Mr Thorne makes me feel like I am old."

"You are old" Mrs Scott says and everyone laughs at the table.

After that I ignore the  table conversation and I look around to see if I can find Rachel. I look at the table opposite me and there she is occupying the previously vacant seat. How I wish, I was sitting at her table right now.  I stare at her , she really is  beautiful. She eats her food and constantly wipes her face with the napkin to make sure she does not have anything on her face. She suddenly looks up and our eyes meet. There it is again, my heart beating fast. What is this woman doing to me?

I am interrupted by Mrs Scott whispering in my ear since she is sitting next to me.

"She is pretty, isn't she?"  Oh no, I was caught starring at her. I am sure, my face is red now from blushing.

" Don't be embarrass now son, I saw you looking at her. It will be our little secret. Though, you must hurry up and make your move. A woman like that will not be in the market for long."  Mrs Scott whispers to me again and winks afterwards.

Mrs Scott is definitely right and I plan on making Rachel mine soon.

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