Love Me Like You Do

chapter 3

Preeti : But what was he doing at Clayton's?

Her curiosity oozes through the phone. I'm in the depths of stock room, trying to keep my voice casual.

Suman : He was in the area.

Preeti : I think that is one huge coincidence, sumo. You don't think he was there to see you?

Suman : He was visiting the farming division of WSU. He's funding some research.

Preeti : oh yes. He's given the department a $2.5 million.

Suman : How do you know this?

Preeti : sumo, I'm a journalist, and I've written a profile on the guy. It's my job to know this.

Suman : okay. So do you these photos?

Preeti : of course I do. The question is, who's going to do them and where.

Suman : you could ask him where. He's staying in the area.

Preeti : you can contact him?

Suman : I have his cell phone number.

Preeti gasps.

Preeti : The richest, most elusive, most enigmatic bachelor in Washington State, just gave you his cell phone number.

Suman : err...... Yes.

Preeti : sumo! He likes you. No doubt about it.

Suman : Preeti, he's just trying to be nice.

But even as I say the word, I know they are not true- Shravan malhotra doesn't do nice. He does polite, maybe. And a small voice whispers- perhaps Preeti is right. My scalp prickles at the idea that maybe, just maybe, he might like me. After all, he did say he was glad Preeti didn't do the interview. I hug myself with quiet glee, rocking from side to side, entertaining the possibility that he might like me for one brief moment. Preeti bring me back to the now.

Preeti : I don't know who will get to do the shoot.

Suman : Hmmm..... What about Aditya?

Preeti : Great idea! You ask him- he'll do anything for you. Then call Malhotra and found out where he want us.

Suman : I think you should call him.

Preeti : who Aditya?

Suman : No, malhotra.

Preeti : sumo, you're the one with the relationship.

Suman : Relationship?

I squeak at her, my voice raise at several octaves. " I barely know the guy".

Preeti : At least you've met him. And it's look like he wants to know you better. sumo, just call him.

She hangs up. She is so bossy sometimes.

______________________________________

Aditya : But sumo I do places, not people.

Suman : Aditya, please.

I beg him. Clutching my cell phone.

Preeti : Give me that phone.

Preeti grab the phone from me. " listen Aditya Ahuja, if you want our newspaper to cover the opening of your show, you'll do this shoot for us tomorrow, okay?
Good. Sumo will call back with the location. We'll see you tomorrow".

She snaps my cell phone shut.

Preeti : sorted. Call him.

She gives the phone to me.