CHAPTER 2: SECOND MEETING
1105 Words
CHAPTER 2:
“Thank you!” she said gratefully as she held at the rails, then turned back slowly... “Sorry, I thought everyone had managed to go down already.”
“Mmh?” a hoarse voice reached her ears.
Curious to know who the mysterious person was, Victoria shone her flashlight on his face, and this time she almost stumbled down the stairs... But held herself tightly on the rails...
“Mr. Bennet!”
Alexander Bennet was the CEO of the famous Ace company, opposite the National library just across the main highway. Although the Ace Company had a unique highway leading to it’s entrance, the enormous company tower was very much visible from the Library. From the third flow, one would be able to make out a figure at the top floors.
The company's lights were still on, a view she was able to pick from the window. What surprised her the most if the business guru showing up at the library.
Alex was a rare gene... One 1.9 inches tall guy with distance black eyes that had the power to suck the soul out of the body, dark shiny hair and a distinct aura that shook anyone who came in contact with him.
Being such a business idol, one whom many have dreamt of meeting, Victoria never thought she would have the privilege of meeting him in real life.
“CEO of the Ace Company right?” Victoria rubbed her eyes... “I am not dreaming. God, I am Victoria Hamilton.”
“Nuce to be at your service.” He replied rather plainly, ignoring her outstretched arm.
Victoria lowered her hand, a bit embarrassed. “Umm... Sorry, I'll light your way down.”
Alex walked past her without giving much of a thought. Behind him, Victoria came slowly, not yet believing she had met Alex in real life.
As a library attendant, she had to come out last after the many final arrangements. This, she didn't have the luxury of watching him drive away.
... Morning...
“The generator failed us yesterday, but the good news is, it’s already fixed!” Laura, the receptionist started the moment Victoria walked in.
“Ooh, how early.” Victoria said, then turned back. “Can I have a look at the visitors’ book? I want to check something.”
“Why don't you check with the computer maybe? Things are digital nowadays.” Laura said looking at the computer on the desk.
“Umm... I don't think I'll need that for a start. Can I look at the book first? I need yesterday's records.” She said and impatiently pulled the book.
Looking through all those who signed yesterday, there was no Alexander Bennet. She sat down at the computer desk.
“Told you!” Laura shrugged as she watched her switch the computer on. After a while of searching, Victoria sighed in defeat.
“Who are you looking for?” Laura asked.
“Umm... One tall guy, Alex?” she scratched her head. “I thought I was him yesterday. But how comes he isn’t in any of the records?”
“Alexander Bennet?” Laura asked with a frown. “He’s a VIP you should know that!”
“You know him?” Victoria asked.
“The CEO of the Ace Company? How can I not know him? He's everyone's crush...”
“Ooh really?” Victoria asked.
“You’re a bit new here so you may not know a lot of things. He frequents here sometime... You know, he doesn't sign anywhere because he always stays mysterious!” Laura explained.
“Mmh? I thought CEO's don't visit libraries?”
“I really don't know much Vickie... But I heard the Manager say he's quite interested in diverse range if subjects this he never stops digging into books... History, science... Name them!” Laura explained.
“Ooh...”
“Did you meet with him somewhere?” Laura asked with raised eyebrows. “Mr. Alex rarely talks to anyone in here. I have worked here for two years and trust me, I've never seen him talk to anyone.”
“Ok... I’ll start my work if you don't mind!” Victoria said and walked away.
Today, she was assigned the business section of books. Humming to herself while earphones plugged into her ears, she walked past the shelves and made sure everything was in order, the computers were ok and even went ahead to call the technical team to ensure the network servers were good to serve the day. As she turned back, she suddenly bumped into someone. A number of books fell at her heat and she quickly bend down to apologize.
“I am sorry... So sorry really!” she said as she quickly picked up the pike of books. “I always put on earphones to avoid being distracted when arranging the shelves... I am sorry I didn't know you were behind me!”
“Miss Hamilton?” A familiar voice rung in her ears.
Quickly standing up and holding the books to her heart, Victoria looked at Alex with eyes full of astonishment... “Mr. Bennet!”
“Call me Alex.” Today, he seemed to be in a pretty good mood. His hand stretched out for a shake.
Carefully, she returned the favor, shaking his hand slowly and carefully like it was some delicate treasure.
“Sorry I tipped the books off.” She smiled. “Welcome to the library.”
Alex nodded as his eyes traced the lithe figure in a simple body hugging black dress and a white scarf wrapped around her smooth straight neck.
“Umm... I heard you are interested in a diverse number of topics, right?” to ease the tension building up due to silence, Victoria said while looking back. “You were going to use this reading section?”
“That’s right!” he nodded slightly.
“Can I have the pleasure of waking you to a comfortable place of your choice sir?” she beamed with politeness as a worker and a person who had just met the iconic idol.
“Sure.” He nodded and watched her walk a few steps before he followed.
“How often do you come here if I may ask?” she asked.
“Not so often, unless I am free. But I can tell you’re new here.” He said.
“That’s a pretty good guess.” She smiled and stepped aside for him to occupy the desk. “Feel free to ask for anything.” She said, placing the books before him...
- Writer
