Irish Gem

dinner dates

With a big yawn and a big stretch, I opened my eyes to the sun coming through the window. There was lots of noise down on the streets, people talking, shouting lots of cars and traffic. I was used to waking up at 6:00 or 7 before all the hustle and bustle. I looked at my phone and it was 10:30 AM. Happy days, a lie in and not hungover. Maybe still a bit drunk, but all good. I showered and called the guys to go shopping. And to go for breakfast, we all meet outside of the flat. Because Sean had stayed at Sineads, he was still in his work suit and looking like he was doing the Walk of Shame. It was so waisted on us and not some hot guy. We all laughed and went to the sit-in bakery at the end of the avenue, it smells so good with fresh muffins, bagels, and croissants that my mouth was watering. While we have breakfast, Roisin pulled out the list that we have made to get things for the flats.

We googled. Second-hand stores that were close to us for electrical goods there called pawn shops. To get some TV's and radios and googled for a Walmart to get bedding, kitchen supplies, a lamp, and rug for my wooden floor. We found a pawn shop, and I got a 21 inch TV DVD player. Sinead got a 32-inch TV, and Rosin got a CD player. that's all she wanted. She loves her music. We went to pay. I told them that it was all me. They looked shocked and they said no way. Then I told them that Daniel had given me $800. It was the least I could do as it was really Wasn't mine.

It came, too. $565, but I talked them down. To $500, the luck of the Irish I hoped. We dropped the TV's back to the flats. Sean went home as he was sick of looking at us on top of his hangover. So, he went on to his place. We find a household goods store got all that we needed. i spent just myself another $323.00, not bad, as I got me all the sorted out. For the rest of the year, we grabbed a hot dog from a street stand. It tasted like crap, but when you're hungry and watching the penny’s, I couldn't care less. While heading back. Absolutely exhausted, I got a text from Daniel. I will collect you at 7:00 PM. Be ready.

Crap, I forgot this dinner thing, it's. 5.05 now that only gives me 2 hours to get home, put all my crap away, and get dressed up. What the hell am I going to wear? The red dress was the only fine dress I brought along with me, along with the black formal gown that was overdressed. So what would I do? I didn't have time to go and buy one. Sinead came to my rescue. She said she had a strappy blue one. I thought it couldn't be too bad as she was the same height as me. She did say it came just above the knee. It's not always a good thing with dresses having been 5 ft 7. Long legs getting dresses to look not too short on me wasn't easy. But it was better than wearing my work clothes.

We wasted no time and got an Uber because our backs were killing us, and we had bags that were weighing us down. We got back to the flat and didn't even put away my shopping. I went and got ready. Sinead came down with the dress. It was nice a bit too sexy. But it was better than nothing. I curled my long hair and put my makeup on. When the buzzer went f***, I was still in my underwear. I grabbed the dress through it on and went out. Without really looking at myself, grab my strappy High Heels the same ones from the other night. Put my flowing long cardigan on. To tone the sexy down and headed out the door.

Before I got to the top of the stairs, Daniel was standing there in his French navy suit with a lilac shirt and a navy and lilac tie. Sexy as ****. I thought he had just looked at me and said. “Like what you see?” Trying to make me blush, I burst out laughing and said “nice try, I'm just seeing if we clash” and I smiled as he smiled back. “Right, let's move it. I'll bring you up to speed while we drive over.” As he opened the car door and I jumped in the back alongside him.

“These are old clients of mine, but He's a major shareholder, so I like to check in once in a while.” He tells me as we're being all professionally, as we get in the car. When we arrived at the restaurant, there were about 20 people standing outside queuing to get in. I didn't fancy that, but I wasn't sure how busy this place was. It was Saturday night, after all. We walked straight in the door and were escorted to our table as quickly as possible. This was getting kind of cool hanging out with the boss. When we arrived, there was an older man and his wife sitting whispering into each other's ears, making eyes at each other. They looked really cute, I thought.

Daniel smiled at their presence. Made our apologies for being late and introduced me to Mr and Mrs Thompson “Sarah and Bob, please.” Bob said, “Well, you can call me Em instead of Emily.” I smiled. Of course, I had spoken so straight into where you are from and all the other questions that follow. I was starting to feel like I was at a job interview. everywhere I went. Bob and Sarah were lovely, but Bob did like to get down to business. He didn't like coming into the office, and he said people are more truthful over dinner and wine. True, I thought.

While we talked shop Sarah got Involved as well. I know she enjoyed being part of the chat and really had an open mind to new technology and updates. Dinner was delicious. I had three glasses of wine. Daniel didn't say anything, but I felt It was because we were in different company than Colin and Brian. The night flew in, and before I knew it. It was very loud and the piano man had started playing. The restaurant was starting to look more like a club. And it was really crowded. Mr and Mrs. Thompson called it a night. And Daniel asked if I wanted more drink. We were becoming too relaxed around each other. Yes, I was enjoying the fact but knew better, so we called it a night ourselves.

He dropped me off home in time for me to grab a bottle of wine from the supermarket and some snacks as I was walking out. Daniel was walking in. He stopped at the door and looked at me. “So, you don't want to drink with me because a $10 bottle of wine is so much better.” He said. “Well, yes, and it's $18 dollars. And I have Love Actually on DVD, so I'm going to chill out by myself”. I said cocky. He looked disappointed, but give me a small smirk. “Well enjoy yourself,” he said. And walked in the store. I actually felt bad and went after him. “Daniel, do you want to join me? You look like you're bored, and it's Saturday.” He raised his eyebrows. And replied “I’m not bored. I had a wonderful evening. Thank you. I'll pass. I just need batteries for my remote.” For some reason, that made me laugh because this man looked so out of place in this seven eleven store, and buying batteries just strange. “OK, have a good weekend. See you Monday.” And I walked away “goodnight.” He called after me.

Daniels POV.

From Thursday night, I couldn't stop overthinking about Em. She hopped into the car with a red fitted dress on. Not overdone, but a nice plan, flattering figure hugging dress; it really caught my breath. But then her eyes met mine, and she caught me looking at her and took the p*** out of me. She is my employee, not even that she is an intern, and she speaks to me worse than my closest friends. Why does it not bother me? Is it her accent, or is it she's funny, witty, and sassy. I don't know. But it does make me laugh and even blush.

We met with the new clients; two guys from Indiana distillery. It would be a good contract as they're growing their business in less than four years, so it's a no-brainer to get them on board. When the men came in, I could see them both checking out Em. I didn't like this. I didn't like this in-house relationship because my dad had a nine-year affair with his secretary. It nearly destroyed our family. But when I took over the business, I had to replace a lot of staff due to complaints from clients, wives, and husbands. So, I had to enforce this policy in the workplace.

Lacey, my last personal assistant, was different because in her interview, she had told me she was engaged to Jay from IT. He was a great man, and she wasn't trying to sleep with me, so it worked well. I had over 120 staff throughout the company. So, I didn't have time for drama. The night went well, but it was all about Emily. It was fun. This did give me the inside to these men. Yes, they were hardworking and passionate about their company. But Colin was over friendly with Em, even flirtatious. And I lack trust with the client more than I do with Em because she is just being herself. It is the only way I could say it. She did watch her manners and kept her banter under control, but she was refreshing and witty.

The two men were eating out of her hands. I felt proud of her and also a bit p****d. because she had so much of their attention but now none of her attention was on me. “really man she your intern," I said to myself, but this was eating at me. After we left the hotel and got into the car. I said “I have enjoyed the night. I have never gone to a business meeting without talking about business. It was refreshing. But please do remember the rules of not having relationships with clients or shareholders. Can you follow those rules, or is there going to be a problem?” I said, feeling very annoyed that she was playing into the client’s hands and loving all the attention she was getting.

“I don't know who you're talking to or think I am, but I can assure you that I am not a s*** that you are used to. And I have self-respect and a moral high ground. Before I throw my career and future away at any man. So please refrain from speaking or judging me in that way ever again!” she retaliated. Her face looked at me crossly, and without raising her voice

She got out of the car without even closing the door. Damit, her front door slammed before I could reply. f**k I literally called her a s**t. The driver closed the door. And I told him to get me home ASAP. What a night. I didn't sleep. Any other employee wouldn't bother me, but this really upset me. I know I had to apologize. Something I'm not used to doing.

The next day, I called her to the office to apologize, but she wasn't interested and told me to be professional and get my head out of her personal life and into the game. She was right. So, I asked her to come to the meeting 30 minutes late so I could get the ball rolling and the clients in the game before they were distracted by her. When she came in, colin looked her up and down. He even licked his lips. This was a place of work and not a bar. I looked unimpressed. Then she said,” I’m so sorry I was late, gentlemen. I had a ticking tummy.” I laughed inside because she was trying to make herself less desirable. What a star.

At the end of the meeting, Colin shook her hand, kissed her on the cheek, and whispered in her ear.

‘Get your f*****g hands off my intern!’ I mentally screamed

I didn't know what he said, but she smiled and said that her girlfriend wouldn't be happy.

‘Good for you, yeah. Kick him in the nuts!’ I celebrated again inside my head.

She looked at me, and all I could think was ‘told you so’ But just said "thank you" instead. I thought she had done such a good job and carried herself so well that I thought I would make it up to her for last night and this morning with lunch. I know this girl could eat, so I knew she wouldn’t turn down a lunch.

We went to one of my favourite restaurants.

The chat was pleasant and respectful but wasn't long enough. I thought when we got back to work, Em went to her office to do the minutes for this morning’s meetings. And she said that she would need to go buy things for her new apartment tomorrow. I told her we had a business dinner. She didn't need to come. It was only Bob and Sarah, and we have had years of business with them. I met them every two to three months for years on my own, but I wanted to show her off. I don't know why she just was fun and happy to be around. She had done so well with the first clients that a lunch and a business meeting wasn't good enough. I know payroll wouldn't give her an advance. Or bonus within her first three days, but she did a good job, and she’s here with nothing; so, I thought if I could help, when I would.

I only had $800 in my wallet. So, I put it into an envelope and called her into the office before the end of the day and gave it to her. That was the first time she went red in the face; not blushing, but overwhelmed with my gift. She looks so beautiful. So, without I thinking I took out my phone and took a picture. I just couldn't help myself. She wasn't happy, but I did what she did. make a joke out of it. She played me right back. She was so happy it made me happy. And then she was gone. Tomorrow night wouldn't come fast enough.

I spent all day Saturday working out and talking with my mom about her and aunt pearls visiting next week. 6:30 couldn't come sooner, so I messaged Em just to remind her as I know she’s easily distracted. I do feel at ease with her. When I called up to the apartment at 7:00 PM, I buzzed. But no answer. I waited and then went to buzz again when someone opened the door. So, I just walked on up the stairs. She came down the hall with a long cardigan on her. Covering her outfit but catching her checking me out, I smiled and said,” You like what you see” the same line she used on me.

She was so cocky and quick. She just answered ’” Just making sure we don't clash.”

‘Cocky b***h!’ I thought before I got distracted with Her, I went over the clients details and the point of our meeting, the night went well, Sarah and bob; are a lovely couple and very much in love. I really enjoy meetings with them. As the night was getting late Sarah and Bob had to say Goodnight. I knew Em was getting tipsy,but I was interested to see her a bit drunk.

‘What's wrong with me?’ I had to ask myself. I ignored my common sense and I asked, “Would you like another drink?” But she just asked to go home. OK, maybe I went around asking her the wrong way or something? Maybe she's not that into me or she doesn't like me as a person. Our boss… boss, BOSS Yes, that's what I am. Her f*****g boss and I'm hitting on her. What's wrong with me?!? I need to stop thinking like this, so I took her home. She got out of the car and went into the shop. I waited for her to see what she was buying.

‘Why are you stalking her you weirdo?’ The next thing I know I was going into the shop and walked right into her. She was carrying a bottle of wine and a lot of comfort food. A party for one, I hope. She said she was having a movie night and left after saying goodnight of course. I felt jealous that she would want to watch a movie on her own then have a drink with me. She was walking away, then returned a couple seconds later and asked me if I would like to join her and watch a movie. My heart stopped and my palms started sweating I said I couldn't. As much as I really want to. I couldn't be alone with her in that dress and her smelling so good. We needed distance between us.

We said goodnight and I brought my batteries that I didn't need. Just got back into the SUV and headed home. Walking into my apartment has never felt so lonely. Tho me and Chloe only split about four months ago and it hadn't bothered me all that much that I was on my own. But this was different. I really felt lonely. I didn't need s*x or a friend I just missed Em.