“Maybe is forgettable. Only yes and no are memorable. Be bold with your love and say yes to yes, and no to no.” -Jarod Kintz
"You!" He hissed.
"I was just going," I said and poured the coffee beans into the machine. He didn't say anything in return and went past me towards the fridge. Pulling out a carton of juice, pouring a glass for himself.
"Do you need coffee?" I asked to which he just shook his head in return. "It's fine. I can make-"
"Stop your pretense, Miss Williams." He suddenly snorted, putting the carton back in the fridge. "There's nobody else in here."
Tears gathered at the back of my eyes, and I was sure that I was not going to spill them in front of him. Would he ever be able to look past that mistake? Would he ever be able to forgive me?
Before I could say anything in return, he stomped in his room and I just stood there, watching his retreating figure contort in a blurry mess because of the tears in my eyes.
.
.
.
I have no idea how many minutes have passed by or how long I've been in the presence of Xavier's utter silence. His eyes were fixated on the file in front of his eyes since the time we entered the limo. Sighing, I shifted to the window side of the limo, trying to get dwelled by the busy streets of California. There has always been a salty smell in the air of this city. It felt like home, the home I left years ago, the people I abandoned years ago. And, here I was, again. Feeling a bit nostalgic, I clutched my rose pendant as it always gave me strength.
The rest of the ride went in the same silence. Xavier kept on flipping various files and working on his laptop, whereas I settled on observing him.
When we arrived at our location, I made sure that I was indeed the first person to exit out of the intimating surroundings of the vehicle.
Looking at the sight of the giant building, I guess I seriously looked like a goldfish with my mouth gaped open. Well, I was never an architectural fan, but this building was such a beauty.
Walking towards the elevator, "I swear the designer of this building might be a legend." I blurted out, looking all over the insides of the elevator.
"You like it?" Asked Chris, whose eyes were on me, while Lucy smiled, and Xavier glared.
What's new? He's always glaring. I thought.
"Yeah, I mean. Look at the building, this is indeed the best building ever. Both inside and outside. Have you seen the perfect mixture of red and white paint on the walls, the paintings at the entrance? Every single piece here has got its own style, charisma, and charm. The designer must have put his heart and soul into it." I explained, and when I glanced at Chris, I could not decipher the look in his eyes.
"Yea..." Chris started, "Well, my brother-in-law laid down the main design. It's been like three years; this building was constructed."
Smiling, I said, "Well, your brother-in-law did an amazing job."
The elevator dinged, and we all got out. The building has twenty-five floors, and each floor has been designed accordingly. The conference room was on the sixteenth floor and what caught my attention was the huge chandelier on the ceiling. It was designed in ruby, emerald stones, and mainly the blue stones and it glorified the whole room.
As soon as we entered the conference, we were bombarded with a whole array of greetings and welcomes. I just stood alongside Xavier, nodding and smiling. I found my seat at the corner of the U-shaped table and tried to focus on Xavier who stood at the center facing the whole team.
Well, Walker Enterprises and Knight Empire were partners in the project, and Chris' brother-in-law was the head designer in this construction project. As his presence was also required in the meeting, but due to some personal issues he could not attend it. I was so excited to meet him after encountering the marvelous job he had done.
Well, today we were not here to discuss the construction project as Mr. Walker suggested we would be conducting the meeting when his brother-in-law will join us.
Meetings were not my strong point. I've always loved to be a negotiator instead of listening to the whole bunch of propositions, proposals, and speeches that freeze my brain. There were just ten of the clients including us, but needless to say, I felt suffocated by a whole bunch of strangers.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen, welcome to this meeting and before starting over to the main discussion, I would like to acknowledge your esteemed presence and I hope you'd have a good time hearing out my ideas rather than falling asleep on your comfortable seats." The crowd chuckled and I fought the urge to yawn.
Watching with moody eyes as he continued to illustrate about the new clothing line that the Walker and Knight alliance was trying to establish, and how they were planning to reach every single person. Not just an elite group of people, but also commoners. I have to say, he was indeed a good negotiator. He had the capability to turn your ideas favorable to him and get into the minds of listeners. But needless to say, it was still a very boring meeting, and I just couldn't stop the tears that flowed out from my eyes due to constant yawning.
I felt my eyes drop down and I had the sudden urge to just lie my head on the table and have a deep slumber. But I had to resist the urge because of the occasional glares I was receiving from the clients during the presentation.
So, being said, I conclude my words and hope you find this deal suitable. Any thoughts and suggestions will be welcomed." I immediately peeked open my eyes with mere glee. My eyes sparkled with euphoria, applauding along with everyone.
Before I could congratulate my boss, who sat next to the seat opposite to mine with glaring eyes. A gentleman stood up and said while looking right into my eyes, "That was indeed a great proposition, you've put forward Mr. Knight, and I'm sure this young lady sitting beside you might be having something to add or contradict to your statement."
My eyes widened and I was sure Xavier might be mirroring the same expression because his whole body stiffened at the words of an elderly man.
"Oh no Mr. Rivers, she had just attended the meeting to prepare notes and I'm sure she would be just happy doing that. Right Miss Williams?" Xavier half-grinned and shot me a sly look, warning me to follow his words.
"But I would be rather happy listening to this fine young lady."
"You better not do anything stupid, Miss Williams," Xavier whispered, gently hovering at my side and I nodded.
"So, are we going to get a chance to hear you out, Miss Williams? Well, you know it's time for you to voice your own thoughts rather than just nodding to anything and everything we put forth." Said the elderly gentleman, Mr. Rivers.
That made my adrenaline level boost up in high spirits. He thought I was just a stupid clingy secretary. Well then it was time, I showed him my negotiation skills.
Standing up, I said, "I'd be privileged to accept your offer, Mr. Rivers. Please take your seat." I have no idea what sense of courage possessed me to say this, but I was indeed a person who never gave up before fighting back.
"Best of luck." He said, smirking with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Okay, let's do it.