FOR.BIDDEN LOVERS

Chapter 7: He's Everywhere

Claire

"I'm sure you're wondering why I brought you to Berkshire Restaurant. This restaurant is where all the big players in Malibu hang out. Eating here requires a three-thousand-dollar reservation." Mr. Dubois straightens his blue tie and looks around the room. He nods to a gentleman sitting across from us.

"Yes, I guess I do wonder why you brought me here," I reply, unfolding my napkin and laying it over my lap. I feel pressured to try and fit in now. I wish Mr. Dubois hadn't mentioned how much it cost to eat here.

“I want you to get a feel for what it means to cater to a specific type of clientele." Mr. Dubois opens his menu and signals for the waiter.

I take a sip of coffee and notice Richard storming out the front door. His nostrils are flaring, and he's clinching his first.

What could have made him so angry? Though I must admit, seeing him again was the highlight of my day thus far. I can still smell his cologne.

I continue to look at the door, waiting to see if Richard will return. I assume one of the men he was sitting with was his father, as they resembled each other.

I wait a few minutes and return my attention to Mr. Dubois. He's been such a great mentor, and I wouldn't want him to think I wasn't paying attention to him.

"Claire, I realize there aren't many women in here, but I don't want you to feel discouraged by that. We are moving into an era where women run Fortune five hundred companies and develop some of the most innovative products we've ever seen. I know you have the potential to be one of those women," he says, winking his eye while slowly stirring his coffee.

My eyes brighten like a little girl whose father has told her how proud of her he is. My father never married my mother. He is white, and my mother is black. My parents were raised during an era where interracial dating was frowned upon, especially in the small town where I grew up.

I've only met my father three times throughout my life. He attended my kindergarten graduation, middle school graduation, and my high-school graduation. My mother told me that my father loved her but feared his parents more than his love for her.

My father had no problem showing up for the big moments but skipped the process of the work required for me to be the woman I am today. As a result of him leaving us, I feel compelled to work my butt off and make sure my mother is well taken care of for the rest of her life.

I'm sure my father's absence contributed to me marrying young and getting divorced. I looked for the attention my father never provided, and in doing so, I overlooked all the red flags in Simon, my x-husband.

I grab the menu and scroll through the main dishes hoping Mr. Dubois doesn't see my eyes starting to water.

"Claire, your only goal for today is to observe the waiters and the guest responses to them." Mr. Dubois points to a young man taking the order for an older couple.

"What do you notice about the waiter and the guest he's assisting?" Mr. Dubois gives a stern look as if he's waiting for me to guess the correct answer.

"Hmm, the waiter makes sure to maintain direct eye contact. He gives them his undivided attention as if they're the only people in the room. He's confident in his ability to answer any questions about the menu." I turn towards Mr. Dubois, waiting for his reaction.

"Great job, Claire. You can see what all my current staff miss," replies Mr. Dubois, nodding his head in agreement.

Before we make our way back to the resort, Mr. Dubois engages me in a few more rounds of what feels like a "guess who's a billionaire" game.

Mr. Dubois and I exit the Mercedes and part ways for the day.

"Oh, don't forget we have our marketing meeting first thing tomorrow morning. The executive board is excited to meet you." Mr. Dubious waves goodbye and walks toward a limousine.

I take the private elevator to my suite and try ringing my mom but get no answer. My feet are still aching from the six-inch stilettos I at the art auction and I decide to sit in the jacuzzi for a bit.

The water moves through my body, massaging every ache. I tilt my head back and close my eyes when I hear a knock on the door.

I throw on a pair of sweat pants and t-shirt and run to the door. I look through the peephole and see Jill looking around in the hallway.

"Hi Jill, can I help you with something?" I stare at her, hoping there aren't any security issues.

"Yes, I was wondering if I can take the rest of the night off."

"What for, and who would cover for you?" I ask, curious to know what her plans are.

"Well, a friend of mine invited me to a yacht party, and I'd like to go. It's not often I get to attend luxurious experiences like a yacht party." She stares at me with those big brown puppy dog eyes.

"Under one condition," I reply, pointing my finger at her.

"Anything," Jill replies, clasping both hands together under her chin, smiling with excitement.

"You take me with you." I wink my eye and smile.

"Oh, uh, well, I wouldn't feel comfortable because you're my boss, and I-“

"Don't worry. You won't even know I'm there. What time should I be ready?" I ask, preventing her from declining me.

"Umm, 8:00 pm." She replies, slowly caving her shoulders over her chest.

"Great, I'll see you in an hour." I smile and shut the door.

I get back in the jacuzzi and relax before getting dressed. I have a feeling I'm going to spend a lot of time in here. It will be a nice outlet for stress.

After finishing my meditation time in the jacuzzi, I throw on a black lace dress and a pair of pearl earrings. I touch up my makeup and take the elevator to the main floor to meet Jill.

"You look stunning," Jill says, her eyes widening as she scans me from head to toe.

Jill took the liberty of pointing out the best and worst restaurant to eat at on the way to Arbor Pier. It's a section on Malibu beach for million-dollar yachts.

We park across the street and walk towards a massive white and gold yacht.

Jill hands the bouncer her invitation. He maliciously scans it before letting us on the yacht.

I tell Jill to roam around without me. I did promise her she wouldn't notice I was here with her, and I wanted her to feel comfortable.

I walk up the steps to the top of the yacht, and to my surprise, I see Richard. A brown-eyed brunette is pulling him close to her. She wraps her hands around his cheeks. I wish I could read lips. It looks as if he's telling her something, but the damn music is so loud I can't hear him.

What the hell did I just witness? Did he just kiss her?