When Love Hurts

When Love Hurts-Chapter 20 -The Challenge

“When are we going for dinner again?” Vince smiled at me after asking the question. I laughed and shook my head.

“Uh uh, I already got the shock of my life when I went to dinner with you the last time. Besides, I’m dating someone else.” Vince lifted an eyebrow when I said that before giving me a smirk. He stuffed his hands inside his trousers before replying.

“Is that so? Who?” I grinned and pointed over to Jacob who was talking on the phone outside the meeting room. Vince gave a laugh and shook his head at me.

“Alright, but still, you’re not serious with him yet right? If so I believe I still had a chance.” He continued when I gave him the stare. “Come on, give me a break Ashley. I changed over the years, I work and fought so hard to get myself to where I am today. All because of you and you only.” I had to stop myself from laughing when he tried to give me his puppy dog face. I surrendered and laughed.

“Alright, you win. But only because I’m in a good mood today.” Vince chuckled and nodded his head before he glanced behind me.

“Here comes trouble.” Vince whispered to me before smirking. I turned around to see Bruce who was approaching us.

“Hey Bruce.” Vince took out his hand out of his pocket to shook Bruce’s who looked quite reluctant. Finally they shook hands and I let a laugh slipped out of my mouth. Both turned to look at me before Bruce spoke.

“What’s so funny?” Bruce had such a solemn face that I swear it looked like a panda.

“Nothing. It just seems so funny that both of you are so stiff. We knew each other from sooo long ago. Shouldn’t the atmosphere be lighter?” Vince laughed a bit before nodding his head.

“True, true, shouldn’t we be more relaxed? Right Bruce?” I could see Bruce clenching his jaw but I ignored that and pulled both of them to the chairs when Jacob strode in. He placed the files in front of us before taking a seat himself. I can see that both of them are back to their glaring war except Jacob who seemed oblivious to it. The meeting started as Jacob droned on and few minutes later Bob appeared to take over. I nodded a few times as he drove into the main points before Bruce slapped a hand on the table.

“I’m not working with his company.” All of us were staring at him now. Bob seemed frustrated and gave a sigh.

“ Bruce, we already sighed the papers. Like weeks ago.” Silence filled the room for a few seconds before Vince chuckled and said,

“ It seems that you got some misunderstandings with me. But business is business, isn’t that so?” I crossed my arms at stared at them as Vince smiled. Bruce seemed to be thinking over something before throwing a look that got me confused. He stared at me very hard until Jacob gave a nervous chuckle.

“Well, maybe Bruce forgotten about it since we are still preparing the details. Right Bruce?” Bruce broke the stare and turned to Vince.

“Yeah. Forget what I said earlier. I’ll hand this project over to Bob. I’m out of here.” With that, Bruce stood up and walked out of the room after giving me a look. Like he was angry..and hurt. I decided to ignore him again and returned to the meeting.

After another hour and the meeting was finished. Bob excused himself back to his office while I went to the ladies. After I came back I saw Vince and Jacob but Jacob looked really uncomfortable.

“What’s wrong? “ I placed a hand on Jacob. He shook his head and smiled before nodding his head to Vince.

“Nice to meet you, anyway I gotta rush. See you later Ashley.” Jacob walked away hurriedly before I lifted my eyebrows at his back. I gave a confused look to Vince who smiled wickedly.