Chapter 6-1
2014 Words
Chapter 6
Leibowitz Oil Building
Monday, January 18, 2010
9:00 a.m.
Edward knocked on Sophia’s office door.
The click of the lock informed him that Sophia had unlocked it and he entered the elegant room.
She smiled at her friend, saying, “Good morning.”
He closed the door behind him and stopped mid-stride, analyzing her fresh face and impossibly huge smile. Pursing his lips, he stated, “You got laid.”
Sophia blushed. “God, Edward! And they say the British are restrained and reserved.”
“Love, I’m just stating a fact. Nothing more.” He sat in front of her. “You look absolutely radiant. Soooo, Mr. Gorgeous was a good partner in bed?”
“Stop this, Edward. You’re using your CEO powers over me to gossip about my s*x life.” She flung her pen at him.
“Sophia, Sophia. It’s you. You have the power.” Laughing, he caught the pen in the air and tossed it back to her. “You just don’t know how to use it.”
“We have a lot to discuss today.” Sophia shook her head at him. “I just got the contract for the new engines. I’d like you to analyze it with me.” She frowned and pulled out a brown envelope and tapped her pen on it. “Have you seen the project the students from the University of Strathclyde are developing?” As he nodded, she continued, “It’s absolutely fantastic. I’m sending a note to Williams from Tech to take a good look at it and report back to me. I think we should invest in them. Maybe we could enroll them in an internship or something. Think about it.”
Edward nodded. “I will.”
Sophia bit her lip and looked at her notes, underlining one of them. “I’m worried about the loan agreement. I studied the draft Mr. Wales sent. I didn’t like some of the clauses.” She stared at him. “And more, I don’t feel comfortable around him, Edward. There’s something that nags me. I want a meeting with the CEO.”
“Oh, please, Sophia, don’t start.” He thinned his lips. “Just because Wales drools over you?”
She shook her head.
“Instincts again?”
“Yes.”
“It took me almost three months to get this loan as it is. The rates are good. The City of London Bank is a well-known institution.” He sighed. “What is the problem?”
“I think we can get a lower interest rate. And have you read the most recent draft?”
“Not yet.”
“I don’t agree with their penalty clauses and they’re asking for too many guaranties. I’m sorry, but as president of the board, I’m vetoing it as it is, Edward.”
“Heavens, Sophia!” He raked his fingers through his blond hair, exasperated. “What are you vetoing?”
“Have you negotiated a hundred-and-fifty percent as guaranty?”
“No, of course not,” he balked, surprised.
“I think you should read the draft he has sent and ask for another meeting, urgently. I know you don’t want to lose the bidding season for the subsalt oil in Brazil. It’s a potential gold mine of oil and gas reserves. Gabriel was so excited by the discovery of the Tupi field. It is the perfect opportunity for Leibowitz Oil Brazil to forge a more extensive association with the Brazilian government.”
“What do you propose?”
“We can renegotiate it. I’ve underlined the clauses that need reviewing. Or…” She chewed on her lips. “We could always do an IPO.”
His blue eyes widened. “You’re going to put LO on the stock market? What would Gabriel think of this?”
“Gabriel was open-minded, Edward. It’s an easy way to raise funds. You can choose; do we have time to renegotiate the contract? If so, go for it. Otherwise, I’ll grant the loan to LO myself while we prepare the IPO.”
“We’re running out of time. And we definitely have no time to prepare an IPO, Sophia. Besides, I’m not allowing you to make a personal loan. We have dis—”
The intercom buzz interrupted him.
“Yes, Sarah?” Sophia said in a displeased voice.
“Mrs. L, I’m sorry to disturb you, but it’s from Ashford Steel again.”
Sophia rolled her eyes heavenward. “I’m busy, Sarah. Tell Mr. Ashford that I’ll call back as soon as possible.”
“Uh, Mrs. L, he’s not on the line.”
“No?” Sophia forehead creased.
“No. He left a message saying he’ll pick you up at one o’clock to take you to lunch. His secretary is on the line; he wants to know where he should make the reservations.”
His secretary! The gall. “In hell,” she muttered.
“I beg your pardon, Mrs. L?” Sarah sounded shocked.
Edward barked a laugh.
“Sarah, tell Mr. Ashford’s secretary that Mrs. Leibo—” Edward halted. “Mrs. Santo…Heavens, Sophia! You have to decide what name you want to use. This is quite confusing.
Sophia smiled at him. “Easy. Mrs. Santo for those who don’t know who I am.”
“Right. So, Sarah, tell Mr. Ashford’s secretary Mrs. Santo wants to go to China Tang at The Dorchester,” Edward finished, shaking his head at her.
“Hold on, please, Sarah.” She touched the mute button, “No way, Mr. CEO.” If he wants me to have lunch with him, he should call me. Yes, that’s it. “Sarah, tell Mr. Ashford’s secretary that I don’t have an answer for him. And, please, only call me again if Mr. Ashford himself is on the line. I won’t answer if anyone else calls. Only him or Gabriela. Have I made myself clear?”
“Y-yes, Mrs. L. I’m sorry,” Sarah stammered.
“Poor, poor Sarah,” Edward tsked. “So moody, Sophia. Why didn’t you answer his secretary?”
“Edward. He should call, not his secretary.”
“You haven’t fallen for him.” He shook his head, pity in his eyes.
Sophia thinned her lips. “I like him, Edward. That’s all. Now, if you—” The intercom buzzed again. “Oh, damn! Yes, Sarah?”
“Mr. Ashford on line two, Mrs. L. Are you answering the call?” Sarah’s voice sounded apologetic.
“Yes.” She sighed. “Please transfer him.”
“Sophia, darling, good morning.” Ethan’s baritone voice filled the room. “Why didn’t you answer my secretary?”
“Ethan, I don’t go out with secretaries.” Sophia made a face when Edward smiled at her petulant answer.
“Uh?” mumbled Ethan on the other side of the line.
“You want to go out with me, you call me.”
“I see.” He audibly inhaled. “I’m sorry. So, baby, where do you want to have lunch?”
“Anywhere would be good. I don’t have much time today. Unless you want to make it after two o’clock.”
“Anytime, Sophia. I would like to take you somewhere else after.”
“Where? What for?”
“Surprise, baby. So, where do you want to have lunch?”
“China Tang at The Dorchester.” Sophia raised her brows at Edward, smiling. “Sounds good?”
Ethan replied, “Splendid. Shall I pick you up at a quarter to two?”
“I said two o’clock, Ethan. I can’t make it earlier today. Will that be okay?”
“Yes, Ms. Santo, ma’am, fine,” he mocked. “Don’t forget to leave some spare time for me after, all right? The whole afternoon, if you can. See you at two.”
Edward smiled at her when Ethan hung up. “He’s eating out of the palm of your hand, Sophia. Completely smitten.”
Yeah, maybe. Sophia made a face at him. “Now, where were we?”
Outside The Dorchester Hotel
4:03 p.m.
“You got me drunk, Mr. Ashford.” Sophia giggled. “I’m not fit to go back to work like this.”
“Good. I missed you over the weekend. I want to make up for it today.”
His driver opened the door to his Rolls-Royce Phantom Black-tie Edition.
“Wilkins, we’re going to 165 Sloane Street.” Ethan accommodated his body on the seat then closed the partition between them and the driver. He turned sideways and framed her face, his eyes sparkling. “Promise me you won’t get mad?”
“Mad? Why would I get mad?” She stared at him, befuddled.
“Promise me,” he insisted.
“Hmm. Whatever.” She flicked her hand, nodded, and giggled, a little high. “I promise. You really got me tipsy. Why are we going to Sloane Street? I don’t need more clothes.” Correction: I won’t accept them.
“No more clothes,” he agreed. “For now.”
“Aren’t you mysterious, Mr. Ashford?”
“I want another promise from you, Sophia. You’re going to spend the night with me.”
Sophia sobered on the spot. “Tonight?” Oh, damn. Gabriela! I must tell him sometime. How long can I keep it from him?
“Please, baby?” he huskily asked, and his thumb caressed her mouth with a light touch. His mouth descended to conquer her lips in a sensuous kiss. “Promise me, Sophia.”
“Ethan…I can’t. Tomorrow, I promise.”
“So be it.” He sighed. “But spend this afternoon with me. Wilkins can take you home after dinner.”
“Before dinner. Seven o’clock.” She kissed him lightly. “It’s the best I can do.”
“Are you going out this evening?” His demeanor darkened.
“No. I have a contract to review.” My dearest blonde, blue-eyed, three-year-old contract.
The car parked in front of a brick building. Ethan leapt out and held out his hand for Sophia. “Remember your promise,” he insisted, as Sophia stepped on the pavement and looked around warily. “Shall I blindfold you?”
“Blindfold me? What for? I promised I wouldn’t get mad and you said we weren’t going shopping.”
“I said we weren’t buying more clothes,” he corrected, and guided her by the hand toward a jewelry shop.
Sophia planted her heels on the ground and stared at him.
“You won’t make a scene in the middle of Sloane Street, will you?” He stared back at her. “You promised.”
“Ethan…please. There is no need for this.” She looked around searching for a way out of the situation. His generosity and domineering behavior distressed her. “I don’t feel comfortable with so many gifts. You’ve already given me a whole set for Christmas.” I don’t need jewels, Ethan. I want a loving boyfriend.
“Indulge me, please, baby,” he asked her sweetly, begging with his eyes.
How can I say no when he asks like this? She let him tow her into the shop. Just a small ring or a pendant wouldn’t hurt.
The instant they entered, a beautiful woman came to greet them with a big smile on her face. “Mr. Ashford, good afternoon.”
“Good afternoon.” He smiled brightly and the woman melted at his charm. “We have an appointment with Mr. Arkade.”
“Of course. He’s expecting you.” The woman eyed Sophia speculatively, taking notice of her purple wool Carolina Herrera dress with a deep V-neckline and multicolored patchwork bag, and black lambskin Chanel high-heel booties. She opened a door at the back of the shop and motioned them to follow. “May I take your coats?”
Sophia handed her dark gray overcoat trimmed with purple and lilac fox fur and almost asked the woman if she was approved to be inside the jewelry shop.
“Please, be seated. Mr. Arkade will be here in a moment. Would you like something to drink?”
“Still water, please,” Sophia replied.
“The same for me.” Ethan smiled at the woman who grinned at him, bewitched by his charm.
“Is it always like this?” asked Sophia, amused.
“Like what?” he frowned.
“You charming everyone and women falling at your feet?” She giggled and put a hand on her mouth. “Oh, my. I can’t believe I just said that out loud. Mr. Ashford, you’re a danger to my sanity.”
“The only woman I’m interested in is here in this room.” He grinned at her and his blue eyes flamed. “Let me see your watch.”
She extended her arm for him to look at her Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega Four.
“Take it off, please,” he asked.
She shook her head. Not this one.
“Why not?” He frowned. “Is it a fake?”
“Of course not,” she replied with indignation. “It’s a work of art.”
“Yes, it is. It is one of the most complex wristwatches in the world, to be looked at in three-hundred-and-sixty degrees. Please?” He eyed her sideways.
Sophia relented, wary.
As he turned the watch, he noticed an engraving on the leather bracelet.
Para G., o amor da minha vida.
Eternamente sua, S. 27/09/2002
“What is written here?” he asked, wanting his own translation to be wrong.
“It’s Portuguese. For G., the love of my life. Forever yours, S.”
Forever yours? He stiffened. “Who is G?”
Not telling. She sighed. “My late husband.”
“You got married when you were eighteen years old?” he thundered. His hand closed around the watch, his knuckles white.
“Ethan…please.” She opened her hand to receive the watch back.
His anger was boiling. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“I married when I was seventeen. On September the twenty-seventh, two-thousand-one.”
“You were only a child. How old was he?” His azure eyes were bright with an undefined emotion.
“I don’t discuss my husband. Not with you, not with anyone. I don’t feel like it. It’s a part of my life that has ended.”
Her low, sorrowful voice and tear-filled eyes cut deep within him. They were worse than shouts.
“Give me my watch back. My husband is dead. Six feet under. Cold and alone.” Her voice choked and she snatched the watch from his hand. “I’m here with you, aren’t I?” I wish I weren’t. I wish I were buried with Gabriel. “Why are you spoiling for a fight? Do you want me to leave?”
“No.” He stared at her, surprised. His thumbs dried the wetness from her eyes. “Please, don’t cry. I’m sorry. I’ve told you I don’t like you wearing things other men gave you.”
“Let’s not argue about this, Ethan,” she pleaded in a whisper.
Understanding dawned on her. This is more than jealousy. And this is more than a fetish. It’s absolutely ridiculous, Ethan. You’re trying to dictate who I can be while I am with you. This is abuse.
The woman knocked on the door, bringing two crystal glasses of water on a small silver tray. She put it on the table and hastily exited the room, returning with Mr. Arkade and trays loaded with jewels.
“Mr. Ashford, it’s an honor to receive you again.” He shook hands with Ethan and nodded at Sophia. “Mademoiselle, it’s a pleasure.”
Sophia acknowledged the little man. What am I doing here? I’m no frivolous woman to accept jewels from a man I barely know.
“So, Mr. Ashford, do you have something specific in mind?”
“It’s up to the lady. But I thought about Van Cleef.” He turned to Sophia. “You like Van Cleef, don’t you? Perhaps you prefer something different?”
- Writer
