"Does that mean we'll have dinner alone?"
"That's what I said." She brings her hand to my neck and caresses the pearl necklace and my skin.
"How did you get it?"
"It's the best gift I've ever received." I smile as I say these words.
"I suppose it must be expensive for someone like you." He turns around, walks around the truck, and then gets in. I sigh, knowing that this is going to be a tedious evening, and I get into the truck as well. Throughout the journey, the only words spoken inside the vehicle are the driver's greeting, my response, and when he announces that we have arrived.
We both get out of the truck, as usual. I thought he would walk ahead and leave me behind, but contrary to that, he waits for me and then offers me his arm. I look at him strangely in response.
"Take it, hurry up." I roll my eyes at that remark.
"Do I have another option?" I ask in an annoyed tone.
"No, you don't."
"That's what I thought."
When we enter the restaurant, we are taken to a secluded area with a view of the sea.
"It's... it's beautiful, I love the sea." I comment as I get lost in the beautiful view.
"More than expensive gifts?" He asks from behind.
"I don't know what you're trying to achieve with your out-of-context comments, but if you're going to continue with this attitude, it's better that I leave."
"You wouldn't dare." He grabs my arm and turns my body to look into my eyes.
"Of course I would, I'm off work hours, the dinner with the potential client was canceled, and there's nothing forcing me to endure your hostility." I watch him gulp and clench his jaw.
"I'm sorry." It seems like those words were hard for him to say.
"I hope it won't happen again." He adjusts his jacket and then pulls out the chair for me. I don't dwell on it further and proceed to sit down. It's better to get out of this situation as soon as possible. He sits in front of me. It's only now that I realize it's a two-person table. I look at him somewhat suspiciously, and it seems like he understands what's going through my mind.
"I called to let them know it would just be the two of us." The waiter comes over to take our orders. He places his order, and when the waiter turns to me, I say that I'll just have some water. In response, my boss orders a bottle of wine. After this, the waiter leaves.
"Do you really dislike sharing a meal with me so much that you'd rather not eat?" He asks in a casual tone, looking me in the eyes.
"I had dinner with my mother; I hadn't done that since I started working for you. I owed her that."
"I understand." After this short conversation, silence falls until the waiter arrives with our orders. He uncorks the bottle of wine and pours two glasses, then he leaves.
My companion proceeds to eat calmly, while I drink from my glass. It annoys me a little to see him enjoying the dinner so leisurely while I just want to get up and leave. Despite that, I reluctantly drink from that wine. By the time he finishes his meal, I've already had four glasses, and I must say my body is handling it well, considering I'm not very tolerant to alcohol.
"I see you've enjoyed the wine." He comments after putting his utensils on the plate with all the grace that characterizes him, and he brings the napkin to his beautiful but arrogant lips.
"Does it bother you? You can deduct it from my salary." I affirm, realizing that I've seriously consumed more than half of the bottle.
"Are you sure you want to work two months without receiving any payment?" I cough upon hearing that question. If I had known that bottle was so expensive, I would have just admired it from afar. "I don't know, don't worry, I'm not going to do that. I invited you." He caresses his chest as I sigh, catching the breath I need.
"I'm sorry." He takes the bottle and pours into both glasses again, smiling.
"I think I'll have to order another one." He states as he empties the bottle.
"I'd rather you didn't."
"I want to, it's my favorite wine, and I'd like to have a little more, unless it bothers you to accompany me."
"No, it doesn't bother me." I smile, damn it! Why did I say that? I should have told him that I have to leave. "But before that, I'd like to make a phone call."
"Go ahead." I take out my mobile phone and try to get up from the table, but everything spins around me. Apparently, my body doesn't behave as well as I thought. "I try to hide it and smile."
"I think I'll write instead."
"Of course." He raises his glass in my direction, takes a sip, then licks his lower lip, and mine slightly part. Damn alcohol. I shake my head slightly and focus on writing to my mother.
Me: Hi, Mom.
Mom: Hello, will you be long?
Me: A little, but if you need me, I can come back right away.
Mom: No need, I've taken my medicine and I'm a bit sleepy, so I'll go to bed.
Me: Sweet dreams, if you need me, don't hesitate to call.
Mom: Don't worry, I'll be fine. Love you.
Me: Love you too. — I put away my phone and look up, finding myself face to face with my handsome boss's penetrating gaze.
"Where were we?" I ask.
"Was he your boyfriend?" I'm about to answer, but just then the waiter approaches, takes away the plates, and my boss orders another bottle of wine. The waiter leaves, leaving us alone once again.
"Richard, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Why are you so hostile towards me?" His face shows no expression, he drinks a little more wine without averting his gaze from mine.
"I'll answer you later, after we finish this bottle of wine" He says, gazing at the bottle that the waiter leaves on the table before promptly leaving.
"Then, pour again, please." I smile widely, pointing at my empty glass. He raises an eyebrow and smiles before doing as I asked, signaling the waiter who approaches again, pays the bill, and the waiter thanks him for the tip before leaving.
Author's Note:
My beloved readers, this will be the first of six chapters that I will upload throughout today. I apologize for my absence, it was due to a major issue – my daughter was unwell.
Kisses and hugs. Don't forget to tap the heart to continue the story and receive updates.
With love,
Eliana, the writer.
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