Through The Pain

17 | Eric

Nate

This will be the first time that I'll be seeing my best friend, Eric ever since I came back. We decided to meet in a restaurant that we usually hang out at before I went overseas.

"You're coming with me," I stopped in front of Catherine's desk. It was just right that I take her with me since Eric is a business partner and though we planned this lunch to catch up, we will also be discussing matters concerning business.

And besides, I want her to come with me. I don't know why but I do. I want her to always be around me, to be within my sight. If I cannot get a glimpse of her, I am starting to get antsy and irritated.

I know I was attracted to her the first time I saw her during my video call to my father but when I met her, my attraction to her became more than that to the point that I even wanted her to be close to my daughters. I even asked her to take my daughters and pick them up at school until I found a permanent nanny but the truth is I am not in a hurry to find one. I wanted to keep her.

I know this is wrong because she could be married, for all I know but I noticed that she isn't wearing any ring on her fingers making me have a little hope. But then, she is still receiving those flowers weekly and as much as I wanted to inquire about that, I don't want to sound nosy. And not to mention that clingy and touchy man I saw buying heels for her.

She raised her head and our eyes met, I swear her face flushed for a while before she averted her eyes and looked behind me instead.

"Uhm..."

I saw the hesitation in her eyes, doesn't she want to come with me? I raise my brows at her indicating that I won't accept a no for an answer. Anyways, she must've realized that I always wanted her to be with me whenever I am going out on a meeting except for when I told her not to. But that's only when I notice the tiredness in her eyes.

"Okay, Mr. Vann," she replied, making the corner of my lips curved a little upward.

I heard some shuffling under her table before she stood up and grabbed that satchel that she has been carrying around ever since I saw her. Doesn't she have any other bag? Because I noticed that she only has that one and that pair of heels. I never saw her with a different one.

I started to walk away and I felt her following me.

We arrived in this steakhouse located in a five-star hotel, one of the most luxurious and upscale hotels in the country. It is a well-frequented fancy restaurant with a luxurious atmosphere. What I love the most about this restaurant aside from its premium steaks is the dimly-lit interior with red hues and its comfortable velvet plush seats.

"Good day Mr. Vann, this way please." A finely dressed girl approached us and led us to the table that I presume Catherine reserved ahead of time.

I followed the girl while making sure that Catherine was closely following me. Ever since we left the office, she has been quiet and anxious. And I can sense her hesitation to come. Now, I wonder why.

She was never hesitant to come with me to every meeting, in fact, despite her annoyance at me she is still performing an excellent job.

I am glad that I am having that kind of effect on her, though most of the time she is irritated at me because I am intentionally pissing her off. I could see her looking at me then once our eyes met, she would blush.

When we reached our table, I found that Eric had already arrived, making me frown. This is unusual. Highly unusual. Because he rarely came on time. I could tell he changed ever since the last time I saw him.

"Did you finally buy a watch?" I said in a mocking tone. But instead of answering me, he immediately stood up and greeted Catherine.

"Catherine, it's been a while," He said with a smile. Calling her by her first name surprised me but that's not all, he walked around and pulled a chair for her.