Chapter 2: The Big Guy
1180 Words
AVERY
“And how do you want to do that?” His eyebrows furrowed.
I swallowed hard, pushing his betrayal under my feet and embracing the new life he forced me into.
“Do you remember Jacob, my best friend?” I said, trying to reduce the tension.
“Of course, I do. The guy you always had a crush on.” He smiled, nudging me, as tears glistened in my lashes.
“No Dad, it was the opposite… but whatever, he's back in town now… I mean, he's been around for a while, and he knows someone that can help.”
He gazed down, looking weary again, “Oh! I don't know, Avy… I don't want us to be a burden to anyone.”
“Look how it turned out… with Ryan. It's… it's just–” He stuttered, slumping his head.
Sigh!
I scratched the back of my neck, my eyes never settling on a thing, “This one is different, Dad. He's a good man.” I forced a smile at him.
He definitely wasn't good and had always been a jerk since day one. And yes, How could I have forgotten, he was also my childhood bully… a handsome, tall, bully!
“I mean, he has donated millions into charity, building free schools and hospitals in the city.”
His eyes widened, “Wait, do you mean Mr Slade, is he the one?”
“Yes, Dad.” I nodded.
Quite an appraisal for a man who doesn't deserve a single thank you. I'm sure he's doing it for his family's name and all their political shenanigans, I rolled my eyes.
“That's great, darling. But do you think he would be able to help us?” His shoulders dropped again.
“Well… he's a good man, and I think he would. Besides, Let's start going, Dad.” I shrugged, “Everything will be alright.”
And then he smiled.
The journey back home was silent, the evening sun casting a warm glow on my skin. I looked at the busy streets of Manhattan, and my head throbbed with unending thoughts.
I couldn't break it to my dad that aside from the need to save his company, I also wanted revenge. I wanted Ryan to feel what I felt, and experience every little bit of it.
‘The enigmatic Liam Slade.’ I mouthed, taking in a deep breath.
Ryan ran a lot of businesses and firms, but it was nothing compared to Liam's success. They were profound rivals right from college, and no matter how Ryan tried, he always ate Liam's dust.
It's no wonder Ryan married Emily. He wanted more power and influence. But how did it measure up to Liam? Right now, I couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he sees me with his rival, sharing his little secrets.
Well… assuming Liam accepts my contract marriage proposal.
>>>
The next morning, I did my normal routine, prepared breakfast, and ate a bit. I placed a warm peck on my Dad's cheek, and I dashed out of the house.
“Be back home early.” He yelled.
“I will, Dad.”
Ever since last night, I had anticipated this moment with fear and uncertainty. But I had to be bold and unfazed.
Early this month, Jacob indeed warned me about Ryan, he never trusted him, and even if I couldn't understand the tension between them, I never for once knew that he would one day be right.
Approaching the sidewalk as I waited for Jacob, the cold morning air passed me, causing goosebumps on my skin. I brushed them off, blowing warm air into my palm.
After waiting for a while, I decided to ping him.
[Hey! It's Jacob, the single Romeo, leave a message!]
It was over ten minutes now, and I stood frozen in the morning cold. I couldn't believe he bailed on me.
He did send a text, stating the location and some details, but it didn't justify his absence. I had to order a ride to the venue he sent.
After a few minutes, I arrived at the company's building, and my jaws dropped. It was tall and covered in glass, piercing through the heart of the clouds.
I stepped in and unlike the breathtaking exterior, the inside was filled with indistinct chatter from employees, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air.
My confidence began to falter as I walked towards the receptionist counter. And I remembered my dishonest discussion with my father, as I'd put it.
Jacob wasn't the one behind the stupid idea, but I was. He only initiated the meeting with Liam, paving the way so I could make my move.
And it's only now I realise how difficult it was, compared to how I imagined it to be.
“Good Morning Ma'am, what can I help you with?” The receptionist said, her smile welcoming.
“Uh… I'm Avery Sawyer, and I have an appointment with Mr Slade.”
She looked down at her monitor, and her eyebrows leaned closer, “I'm sorry but your appointment with him should have ended a minute ago.”
“What?” I blurted, wrinkled lines forming on my forehead.
“Mr Slade is a busy man, and he's very time-conscious.”
“But?” I stuttered, “it's just 9:07 AM, how could I possibly be late?”
I ran my hands through my hair, brushing it down my face. How am I going to meet him now? I don't have much time.
“Can I fix another appointment? Like today? Or maybe… tomorrow?”
“Miss! I'm sorry but Mr Slade isn't someone you can easily predict. Kindly follow the due process, ma'am, thank you.”
Sigh!
“What if I wait for him? When would he be leaving?” I asked. “I know they're inappropriate questions but I–”
“It's fine ma'am, he already left.”
How convenient? I turn towards her, hoping to ask another question but her discomfort gives me off. I wouldn't have been late if it weren't for Jacob and his clumsy excuses.
I furrowed my brows, frustration digging in. Maybe I can wait for him.
“Ughhh…!” I groaned.
I picked out my phone walking away from the counter. My sweaty palms were feasting on my keyboard as I tried to text Jacob.
Maybe he'd have a better plan at the moment.
Suddenly, I bumped into some sort of employee, my phone falling hard on the marble floor, and the glass-shattering sound only took my exasperation to the next level.
“Hey! Watch it, big guy!” I blurted out.
“I have already been frustrated by Jacob and your so-called, time-conscious Mr Slade boss, how desperate could you be to add to the list?” I revolted, picking up my cracked phone.
“What the–?”
The deep baritone voice jolted me back, and I slowly raised my head hoping it wasn't who I thought it was.
- Writer
