The Trading Game

Chapter 3

I rolled my eyes.

"I'm going to talk to him and get him away from his crowd so I can introduce him to you."

I explained, knowing he could've worked that out in his own head.

He releases my arm and I walk towards the group, seeing an opening as one of the men leaves.

I am into the discussion of returning military men and women to work environments after suffering from combat injuries.

I noticed the man speaking to the Senator had a prosthetic arm.

Wounded no doubt in war and finding his voice for all those who have suffered as well.

"Acclimation isn't always with the physical. Its mental as well." I pointed out.

When all the men turn to me, I say, "My brother served two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. We thought he had come home to us, but he didn't. He was still fighting. He took his own life two years ago," I explained.

There are the usual sympathetic, I'm sorry, but that doesn't mean anything to me.

I lost my only brother to suicide. No matter how much outpouring of support I get, I can never find solace in it.

"He left behind a wonderful little girl and a devoted wife. So, he didn't deprive our family totally. She looks and acts exactly like him, the world was only ready for one." I smile sadly, thinking of my niece.

The thing about talking about personal issues with strangers is that it tends to make people feel uncomfortable and they usually run in the other direction. I wait as they quietly leave one by one. It's only Senator Jones who hasn't left because I made sure I was talking directly to him. I smiled, feeling victorious. Senators and other public officials tend to get elected because they have the appearance of impeccable manners.

I rely on this knowledge every time.

"Well, I sure know how to ruin a party." I joked, grinning up at him.

"You were being honest. I appreciate that, personal experiences are how we learn." He replies, easily.

I truly hate politicians.

I can practically see him plotting on how to get me in bed with him.

I almost wince, but manage to keep a straight face as I look behind me.

Alix, as planned, was standing close by and I motioned him forward.

"I have someone I'd like you to meet. This is my boss, Alix Greco, owner of Greco Shipping International said", I say, as he stands beside me. The men shake hands and I excuse myself, not wanting to be a distraction.

I take a glass of champagne as the tray passes by and make my way to the open doors of the ballroom.

I turned to watch Alix and Senator Jones's conversational exchange.

Having the upmost confidence that Alix would walk out of this event, he was secure that his plans would be approved and Senator Jones would be onboard. I saw a tall brunette with stunning features walk up to the Senator and kiss his cheek. He introduces her to Alix and I recall Senator Jones having a daughter. She must've just shown up, I granted, unhappily.

"Where was she an hour ago?" I grumbled underneath my breath.

Setting Alix up with her would've been an easier sell than the Senator's wife.

"I'm sorry?" I heard from behind me. I turned blushing, realizing I had spoken out loud.

"Oh, nothing. I was talking to myself," I explained.

The man smiled widely, knowing full well I wasn't talking to him.

"I know." He replies, "I just couldn't think of an opening line." He admits, cheekily.

I smiled back.

"A simply, Hi. Would've done just fine." I tell him, not really in the mood for flirting, but he does have a charming way about him. Plus, you never want to offend anyone at these events, you never know who you're talking to.

"But you wouldn't have remembered me. I wanted to stick out in your mind by being unique and creative." He says, seriously.

Having given his plan a lot of thought,

"Oh, you stick out all right. But I think you missed your mark." I said, regrettably.

As I pat his arm in sympathy, he winces and his shoulders fall.

"Where did I land?" He asks, bracing himself for my reply.

"Weird and stalker, like," I told him, playfully.

He lowers his head and leans forward, smiling.

"But I'm on the board." He jokes, making me laugh.

"Yes, I think I'll be remembering you for sure." I admitted, truthfully.

"This hasn't been one of my better ideas. I'm Ben Albertson." He responds, holding out his hand.

I do the same and we shake hands.

"That's it? Not Ben Albertson the second, or junior even?" I asked, faking disappointment.

He chuckles. "Well, I wanted to make this a challenge. I didn't want you to fall in love with me this quickly but," He shrugs, "Here it is. Its Benjamin. Douglas. Albertson. The third."

I widened my eyes in awe, playing along. "Wow, I don't even know what to say."

He nods in understanding. "Its okay. It happens. Take all the time you need." He puffs out his chest, looking smug.

I laugh because I can't help myself.

I felt a hand snake around my waist, knowing instantly its Alix. He bends down and kisses my temple.

"Ready, babe?"

I nod, in response. This isn't the first time I've been his cover. I'm his girlfriend at a lot of functions. Alix is a good-looking, rich, heterosexual male in his prime. Women flock to him like a sale at Barney's.

"See you later, Benjamin Douglas Albertson the third." I said, whimsically.

He smirks, a little of the light leaving his eyes.

"Remember that name and look me up if you ever find yourself not being a babe anymore."

I chuckled. "Sam Rivers." I told him, realizing I had told him to introduce myself.

Alix started to pull me out of the banquet hall.

I gave Ben one last look over my shoulder and with a small wave we left the extravagant building.

Just a little annoyed, I said, "That could've been the future, Mr. Rivers. But I'll forgive you if you tell me you got Senator Jones's approval."

"He'd take your last name?" He questions, amused.

"Yes, he's very progressive." I replied, not knowing a thing about the man besides his name.

"Now, shut up and tell me."

"Do you want me to shut up or to tell you?" He smirks.

"Ugh! This is why you have no friends," I stated, as we continued to the car.