Business in Greece- Short Story

drunken olives

The address led us to a large mansion on the coast, about a 30 minute drive from where we were staying. I was so glad to get out of the cab and stretch my legs. I smoothed down my dress and we made our way towards the entrance of this huge estate.

I kept my hair up and away from my face and styled it into a sleek pony with soft curls at the end, while Alyssa had her's down in long waves.

She showed the security guard the invitation she received earlier from Yiannis' friend and he allowed us in through the tall double doors. We seemed to walk into what looked like a large ballroom, decorated with three glass chandeliers and leafy green vines curling up the walls. No one could miss the live jazz band playing on a balcony facing the inside, like an ancient Grecian theater. There were so many people that my head started to spin.

I looked to my left and saw a kitchen island made of marble filled with all kinds of hors d'oeuvres, small pastries, and drinks. And to my right, a grand staircase that curved around and overlooked the room from above- the bottom floor with a bathroom closest to us.

"Wow, this is...posh." Alyssa says, her eyes wide in amazement. "I mean, I've thrown some amazing parties, but this is gorgeous!"

I nod my head in agreement. But my awe state is interrupted by seeing Mr. Ahmed, the Qatar investor, already staring in my direction. You've got to be kidding me.

He starts to make his way over to me, eyes trailing my purple- clad body. "What a pleasure to see you here Ms. Easton." I refrain from rolling my eyes and put on a fake smile.

"Please, call me Lana. I didn't expect to see you here either! This is my best friend, Alyssa." She blushes and looks do- wait. This bitch never blushes.

Mr. Ahmed grabs her hand and kisses her knuckles. "Nice to meet you, Mr...."

"Call me Omar."

She blushes again and looks up at him through her lashes. "Well, nice to meet you- Omar," she purrs.

"The pleasure's mine, beautiful." He smirks.

He turns his attention back to me. "If I had known you knew Yiannis, I would've make sure you ladies got a ride here. Most of the investors and other business people are here too."

This peaked my interest. Who is Yiannis? And why did he have such an effect on a man who nearly owned Qatar.

"We actually just met today," I try not to think too hard about our encounter. "His friend was kind enough to give us a formal invitation."

Omar's eyes became wide. "Whoa, he must've really liked you for just meeting! Come, you must be thirsty." He says, smiling at Alyssa and walking through the crowd.

I guess I should've brought her to the damn luncheon.

We follow him all the way to the kitchen and watch him pour us drinks. The band starts to play an fun, upbeat song.

"Mind if I steal Alyssa for a dance?"

Ugh. "Of course not! Enjoy yourselves." I wink at Alyssa and take a swig of my drink. I look around for any open seating, but everything was taken. So I stand alone at the counter awkwardly. I can feel the tension in my shoulders tighten the night passes on, so I pour myself another drink- and then two. I can't believe I really let the deal of a lifetime slip right through my fingers.

I already feel myself loosening up and and start to sway my hips to the music.

"Lana." A deep, sexy voice rumbles behind me.
"I'm glad you could made it."