Under These Circumstances

16.

Alexis
I smooth my hand over my dress trying to distract myself from my father's gaze. We were having dinner with an investor to finalize everything but my father and I were sitting alone waiting for him. He cleared his throat.

"So, how is the new job?" He asked.

"It's fine." I said not looking up at him.

"It must be hard working with that boy." He said.

"Daddy don't start." I rolled my eyes. " I am just here to make sure this investor signs these papers. I don't feel like hearing you personal opinions about my private life."

"Yh well you are going to have to. Alexis you know how I feel about-"

"I really don't care about how you feel. So please, just drop it."

Before he could answer, two men approached the table. One with a head of gray hair and one who looked about my age.

"Mr. Johnston?" The older man said.

"Mr. Perry." My father said extending his hand. "Please have a seat. This is my daughter Alexis. She helps me with my business affairs." He said. I extended my hand and shook his.

"A pleasure to meet you ms. Johnston. This is my son, Lucas, he is my money advisor." Mr. Perry said. I gave his son a smile. "Let's get to business shall we?" He smiled.

The whole night, I was zoned in and out, conflicted about what I was going to do about Michael.

"Alexis?" My father said snapping me out of my thoughts.

"I'm sorry what was that?" I said. Lucas chuckled.

"I said this contract outlines everything. Do you want a copy of it first or should we just sign now?" He said.

"I'll take a copy of it thank you." I said. Conversation continued and I was zoned back out.

"A lot on your mind?" Lucas said looking at me.

"Um yeah. I don't know where my head is at tonight." Lies. I know exactly where my head is at. In bed with Michael.

"It happens to the best of us. So what do you do for a living?" He asked. I internally rolled my eyes. I was not in the mood of conversation, but I was going to be nice for my father's sake.

"I'm a Fashion designer."

"Oh that's cool. Well I'm a lawyer by profession."

"That's good money." I said.

"It is. It definitely is. But sometimes I wonder if its worth it." He said leaning forward. Here we go with the life story. I internally face palmed myself.

After a long night night of zoning in and out the dinner was finally over. I quickly called an Uber so by the time I was outside it would be here.

As I left the building, Lucas stopped me.

"Hey um, I'd love to grab dinner sometime. You know, just me and you." I thought long and hard.

"Sure." I said through a tight lip smile. He handed me his phone.

"Can I have you number?" I quickly punched in my number and walked to my Uber to avoid any more conversation.

I pulled out my phone and decided to call Michael.

"Hello?" He answered.

"What are you doing tonight?"

"Just chilling at home."

"Come over."

"Now?"

"Yes. Right now."

"Aight I'm on my way." He said and I hung the phone up.