Always In A Million Years

11

Zachary Deighton

'What am I doing?' 

Hera was sitting at the passenger seat, going through her phone while I drive to our destination. Drive? For heaven's sake, I got a driver for this. Yet, I wanted to drive to the farthest restaurant for lunch. From my peripheral vision, I looked at her. She had a serious look with a slight frown on her face as she read whatever is there on the screen.  

"So," I cleared my throat, "Your dad came to my office the other day. He asked me to take you to the fundraiser and introduce big fishes in the market who could be beneficial for the firm." 

"Sorry," She kept her phone on the cup holder of the car, "Yes, he said something similar to me too." She replied and turned a little to face me. "I have known a few hotshot people when I was an intern at the firm. But now being introduced as a branch manager, it would create a new impression. And you introducing me to them could also put good words." She said, "I hope you don't mind. I don't even know if you already had a date for the event. I could go solo or find someone else to come with me if you do."

"No!" My mouth articulated without any second thought, "I didn't have a date for the event and I would take you there." I said, "If you want me to." It has come to my understanding that Hera doesn't like to be commanded or ordered. She prefers the freedom of choice specifically when it comes to the opposite sex. 

'Is she dominant or submissive in bed?'

I glanced at her, she was wearing a bodycon dress, which traced her curves perfectly. But what intrigued me the most is her facial features, her deep-set blue eyes with straight nose followed by bow shape plumped lips. Earlier at the stairs of the building, holding her felt so natural, her body sent fucked with my senses but at the same time, I felt alive when she looks into my eyes. I mentally shook my head. What the actual fuck is wrong with me?   

We jumped from one topic to another and avoided any topic related to work. She is more relaxed and beaming with a wide smile. In the next thirty minutes, we reached the restaurant and were seated at my fixed table. It was at the far end of the room, next to the floor to ceiling window.

"What would you recommend from the menu?" She asked while skimming through it. This restaurant includes all kinds of cuisines, but Mexican and Japanese had been most favorable. 

"What cuisine do you prefer?" 

"I am feeling Mexican right now." she replied.

"Alright." I called the waiter who was standing a few feet away, "Justin, request the chef for two Mexican specials." I ordered, "What would you like for a drink?" I asked Hera.

"Mixed berries juice." 

"And black tea with rum." We gave our orders. 

"This restaurant has a nice interior," Hera complimented, "I have been to a few of your restaurants in and around the states. They have a high-toned with a bit of an intimate environment."

"Thank you, this is one of the restaurants Lexi and I have designed." 

"You and Lexi designed this?" She looked surprised, "I knew Lexi has majored and has a skill of architecture, but you too?" 

The waiter brought our food and served it on our plate. We waited for him to be done. 

"Yes, I have majored in Architecture with finance as a minor in my undergrad, whereas Lexi chose Architecture with Interior design. Dad thought it would be great if we apply our passion and use our degree in designing restaurants, hotels, and condos. Lexi had uniquely chosen the theme and we brought the finest materials in each project." I remember when Lexi would move every rock to find the finest interior in each of her projects. The more of the reason I want to merge these restaurants with Kushner. 

"This chicken burrito sure beats chipotle. This is delicious." A light moan left from her lips as she took another bite. "Is that the reason you want to collab with Kushner?" She asked.

"Yes. This was her first restaurant. I know how much this means to Lexi. And now that she is marrying Bennett, it would be more profitable for both the company if merge them. I for sure would love it to happen." I replied while taking a bite of my own food.

"According to file you have send, you want to merge 2 restaurants- one is this, in New York, and the other one is in California; and one resort which is in Florida, correct?" She asked, which I nodded, "Yes."

"Have you discussed this with both of them?" She asked.

I shook my head in negative. "I am planning to take this to them when I am sure there would be no destructive effect on both the companies." 

"I have already put the paralegal team to it. We are looking at the graphs for the last 2 years. The shares and assets of both companies would be looked over. I would say, talk to them soon. And we have to be careful in letting this out to press. If they got wind of it, they are going to dish it out as a business deal than a marriage of two beautiful souls. Between you and I, we know that is not true but the world would presume it that way without any doubt." She said. I would say I'm impressed by her foresight to things, but no one should expect less from her. She is amazing at her job.

"I agree with you." I said, "I would bring it up when I meet them next."

We discussed the merger and talk about here and there. It was four when we left the restaurant. 

"I don't think it is a ridiculed idea. Moreover, it is for a good cause." She stated. We were discussing the fundraiser and the ridiculous idea of Lucus. Who wants to bid themselves and spend a day with some random person? Even if that fucker wanted to do it, he shouldn't have dragged Hera into it.

"Oh? So you are not bothered to spend a day with some creep who would bid on you." I asked, I mentally smack myself for being such a jerk. Hera raised her brow at me, 

"Why would it have to be a creep? All I could imagine, the person is someone who cares about climate change and wants to put money on it. Maybe, the person turns out to be a total charmer and sweep me off the floor." I know she is teasing, but, fuck, it doesn't sit well with me. 

*****

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