Dynasty and Desire

Chapter four

Jonathan drummed his fingers on the table, his jaw clenched tight. He glanced at his watch for the fifth time in as many minutes. 7:47PM. His date was supposed to be here at 7:00.

Why am I even here? He thought, scowling. I don’t need this. I don’t want this

He adjusted his off-the-rack suit as he took a swig of water, wishing he’d ordered something stronger. He deliberately chose to wear this to keep things simple for the first date. The restaurant bustled around him, couples and group of friends enjoying their meals. Jonathan felt like a spectacle, sitting alone at a table set for two and it only soured his mood further.

This is ridiculous he thought. I could be at the garage right now fixing up a car, or going through some company ledgers. Instead, I'm stuck here waiting for some stranger who can't even be bothered to show up on time.

"I can't believe I let him talk me into this." he muttered under his breath. Uncle Bernie had called him earlier that morning, informing him of the date he had arranged with a friend’s daughter, he didn’t give much information except that he he should try to get to know her better and behave himself. Behave himself indeed. He thought.

As the minutes ticked by, Jonathan’s thought grew more cynical:

She’s probably primping in front of a mirror somewhere, trying to look perfect for a stranger. Or maybe she’s having second thoughts. Good. Save us both the trouble. I could tell Uncle I tried, and that'll be the end of it.

He signaled the waiter, ordering a scotch. If he was going to wait, he might as well enjoy himself.

At 7:55 PM, Jonathan decided to give it five more minutes before leaving. he was going to tell his Uncle that it didn’t work out and that he was right about all this from the start.

Just then, the restaurant door swung open. A woman strode in, her eyes sweeping the room before landing on Jonathan. She made her way over, unhurried and seemingly oblivious to her tardiness.

She was striking! Jonathan observed. tall and curvaceous, with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. Her blonde hair fell past her shoulders, framing a heart-shaped face with high cheekbones and full lips painted a bold red. She wore a form-fitting black dress that hit mid-thigh, paired with stiletto heels that accentuated her long legs.

As she approached the table, Jonathan stood, annoyance evident on his face.

“You must be Jonathan.” she said, barely concealing her disappointment as she gave him a once-over.

“Yes. And you’re Claire.” Jonathan replied, his tone clipped. “you’re late.”

Claire shrugged, sliding into a seat across from him. “Traffic was awful” she said dismissively , picking up the menu. “what’s good here?”

Jonathan’s eyebrows shot up at her lack of apology. He sat back down slowly, watching as she perused the menu, seemingly unconcerned by his obvious irritation.

“I’ve been waiting for nearly an hour.” he said pointedly.

Claire lowered the menu, fixing him with a direct gaze. Her eyes, Jonathan noticed, were striking green. “And now I’m here,” she said with a slight smirk. “Shall we order, or would you like to discuss traffic patterns some more?”

Jonathan opened his mouth to retort, but Claire had already turned her attention to the approaching waiter.

“I’ll have a gin martini, extra dry” she said, her tone leaving no room for question. She glanced at Jonathan. “your glass is almost empty, would you like to top it up?”

Jonathan paused, before answering, “Scotch. Neat.”

As the waiter left, Claire leaned back in her chair crossing her legs.

“So Jonathan,” she said, “What’s your relationship with Bernie? He's the most influential man in our circles.”

“I work for him, I thought you knew about that?” Jonathan asked.

“Yeah I do, my P.A mentioned it in passing,” she said with a wave of her hands. “ I just want to know if you have any other relationship with him beyond that?”

“No, I don’t.” Jonathan said carefully, wondering what she might be on to.

The waiter returned with their orders and went on to attend to other customers.

“So, tell me about your work, what do you do in the company?” she asked, taking her drink in hand.

Jonathan shrugged. “Just a mid-level manager in the Tech department. Nothing exciting.”

Claire couldn’t hide her grimace.

She’s clearly here for something else, Jonathan thought as he observed a flicker of emotions across Claire’s face and hid a smile. This was rather interesting.

“Bernie is retiring soon and there are rumors that his nephew will take over the company. I don’t suppose you’d know anything about that?” Claire asked.

“It didn’t take you long?” Jonathan mumbled under his breathe.

“What?” Claire asked.

“Bernie keeps his business plans close to his chest,” he deflected. “I wouldn’t know that”

“Well then, this has been…enlightening.But I don’t think we’ll be seeing each other again.” she said with a resigned voice.

Jonathan nodded, hiding his relief.

She signaled the waiter. After awhile the check was placed on the table.

Jonathan reached for his back pocket, producing a tattered leather wallet held together by sheer will and a fraying thread. Claire’s eyes widened, a mixture of horror flashing across her face.

Before Jonathan could open the weathered billfold, Claire interjected, “Allow me.”

Her manicured hand darted out, snatching the check with barely disguised desperation.

She pulled out a gleaming platinum card from her designer purse, handing it to the waiter with a tight smile. “I insist,” she added, her tone a blend of condescension and forced generosity.

Jonathan feigned embarrassment, mumbling a half-hearted protest. Inwardly, he smirked at Claire’s transparent relief at avoiding what she assumed would be financial strain on him.

As Claire walked away, Jonathan allowed himself a small smile. He was quite sorry the date didn’t go well because that means he’ll have to go through this hell again. He thought as he stood to leave.