C'mere (Paul Banks fanfic)

The Previous Meeting

Lee was off to Asia again the day Rhiannon was meeting The Client to talk about their strategy to try and stop Wilson from suing.

She was a bit annoyed. Lee didn't use to travel so much before, she never thought her fiancé would come to be so dedicated to his work that it would become a problem in their relationship. They needed to start planning the wedding and he never seemed to be around.

- Is it just me or you are travelling at least twice a month to the end of the world and back now? - She complained when he came to say good bye to her Central Park flat.

He made a dramatic gesture. Ly had always told Rhi her fiancé could have had a career in acting, he was so handsome and his over-the-top reactions indicated just that.

- It's only a week, just flying there is a whole day, please don't make this more difficult than it already is... - He begged.

She shook her head.

- I'm not making it difficult. I just want some things sorted for the wedding before the day actually comes...

He laughed quietly and surrounded her with his arms.

- Everything will be ready for when the day comes, silly.

She finally cracked a smile, seeing as he wouldn't stop kissing her face and hands. He always got his way.

- I'll be back before you notice I'm gone. - He assured and walked out.

- I sure hope so. - She said to herself.

-

It was very hot for June, or so it seemed to Rhi. Therefore, she made sure her meeting with The Client was in a well ventilated place. She didn't feel like melting right in front of him at all. Their office was closed for a couple of weeks, precisely because the AC was in maintenance, so both Lydia and Rhiannon were working from home.

Ly called to ask about the reservation.

- Is the Ritz alright or do you prefer the Plaza?

- Maybe the Plaza, do they have working AC on their salons? - Rhi teased.

- He said he preferred to talk in a restaurant so you could have a meal too...

- The client's always right, I guess. Do their restaurants have working AC?

Lydia laughed. She knew Rhi hated hot weather and sunshine, sweating and everything related to it, but this was a bit too much.

- I will ask. If they do, I'll make the reservation, OK?

- OK.

- Do you prefer the Todd English or The Champagne?

- Whichever you think is most fitting...

- Good.

They hung up. The Champagne Bar was where Lee and Rhi had had their first date. On second thought, going there was not an excellent idea now that she was mad at him... She told herself she would text Ly to go for the Todd, but became so burdened with the Jagger case that she was reminded of it when Ly texted her that she had indeed, made the reservation in The Champagne.

Rhi started clicking her pen compulsively, she would have to dress nicely due to the dress code at the restaurant.

- This is great, it's actually great. - She said under her breath.

In spite of herself, she started thinking about what she should wear. When the day came, she went for a light blue summer dress and nude Prada heels.

-

- So The Champagne Bar at the Plaza at 4 PM, next Tuesday did I get that right? Thanks Ly, I appreciate it. Ah, dress code. yes, I know. Fancy place, I know, you girls are fancy... OK bye...

Paul hung up. He had to dress decently now, as he was seeing Ms. Yeatts at the Plaza, no less.

-

Paul wanted to be early, he got the impression that Rhiannon thought he was some kind of big kid. Which he was, honestly, but today, just today, he wanted to be a grownup.

He arrived at 3:45 and got recognised immediately by the boy he asked where the Champagne Bar was, even though he was wearing a trilby hat and glasses. "So much for my undercover illusion" He thought, amused.

Their table overlooked Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain. It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon. Paul ordered a martini and relaxed, waiting for Rhi to arrive. He loved being a New Yorker, even if he only was one by adoption.

The reverberation of her shoes gave her away as she walked towards their table at exactly 3:55. He turned to see her, standing up to greet her. He had the biggest grin on his face. She couldn't help but to smirk back.

Rhi had seen him as soon as she had entered the room. He was wearing a white polo, khakis and dark boat shoes. The shirt matched beautifully his now tanned skin.

- You were early. - She commented as she shook his hand.

- You weren't late. - He beamed.

- Give me some credit, going up stairs in these shoes. - She joked.

He looked at her up and down, shamelessly and she regretted having said that.

- They're beautiful, anyway. - He finally said, and then added, in a completely innocent tone. - I was looking forward to seeing you.

She blushed furiously and they sat down.

- I thought you hated legal procedures... - She insisted on underlining the strictly professional nature of their meeting.

- Not when they involve lunch with a person I like. - He confessed.

Rhiannon could not get redder in the face, so she decided to let things go. The waiter came along and asked them if they were ready to order.

- I'll have a Shirley Temple for now. - Rhi asked.

- I feel bad for having ordered alcohol... - Paul whispered in a falsely ashamed voice.

She smiled at him. When did she start using her genuine smile with clients? Maybe it was just this beautiful place on this marvellous day, but she was in a very good mood.