The Butler

Chapter 18- The Plan

Here's my plan for tonight's dinner. I would discuss about future parties that I would host for the sake of charities and donations from rich sponsors and fellow business partners. And then slowly, the conversation will veer towards a lighthearted one from the business talk. Because of the lighthearted talk, Damon will loosen up realizing that we can still be friends and that I have a support group that'll accept him as well. I can later have a private conversation with just Damon and me, and we can become the way we used to be. I can help him get his feet back on the ground, and I can hire a new butler. Happily ever after?

Nia hopped into my car as Liam held the door open for her. She was dressed nicely, after all, I was the one who bought the dress for her. She was wearing a casual dark navy dress that was simple but cinched in the waist. The dress was loose enough to be business appropriate, but tight enough to know that she did have curves underneath. 

I just wore my usual business attire- a dress shirt and khaki slacks with black pointed high heels.

Liam got in, and we were off to my home. Liam and I decided that he would drive her back. Looking back, Liam quickly suggested he would drive her back to the company where her car was parked. He must desire alone time with her. Don't worry Liam. I don't want to see you trying to pull moves on my best friend either. I don't have a brother, but I'd imagine this is the feeling of your brother dating your best friend, although it hasn't happened, YET. I have high hopes that she will. Liam has the body that Nia lusts for, so I wouldn't be surprised if some love blooms tonight between them.

As I was nearing my home, I could see a familiar car behind me. I was pretty sure that was Sam pulling in behind me. I was pretty anxious that I would be late, and Sam would wait for me, but I'm glad he was arriving now. Pulling into the driveway, I walked towards Sam's car and saw that he was in the middle of a phone call. I smiled. Next to a black ring, I could see the dancing hula girl dashboard decoration that I got him for his birthday because he told me he was actually born in Hawaii, so I thought with the remaining twenty dollars in my bank, I'd order something that reminded him of his hometown. He signaled for me to go in first, so I entered my home with Liam and Nia following behind me.

Damon was, again, doing his butler greeting. I noticed in my peripheral vision that Nia was staring at Damon's face. Maybe it was a common occurrence.

"I can see why you had a crush on Damon. If his body was more buff, we might have had to fight for him," whispered Nia.

I just gaped at her. She rolled her eyes at me slack-jawed. "Girl, I'm kidding. I'm meeting a guy right now, but I'll tell you about it tomorrow."

Oh no. Liam. Why didn't I think of this beforehand? A heartbreak was awaiting Liam, and I might have made it harder for him. I had to tell him somehow.

I came home and realized it smelled like food. Damon cooked food? Back in high school, he could only make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. With a pinch of pain, I realized that I missed 8 years of life with my best friend, and I may not know him at all now.

Sam came in after Liam and Nia sat down. I was serving food with Damon despite his protests.

"No Damon. Tonight you were supposed to be a guest. I can't believe you cooked food. I asked you to steam the lobster, not make a whole meal. The least I can do is help," I scolded him. He looked annoyed which surprised me. Is that the look someone has when you try to help make their job easier?

After the food was served, I situated myself before Damon hesitatingly sat down at the table with us. 

We discussed about my future plans with the company and charity parties that I'd like to host while eating. I glanced over at Damon to see him intensely listening. The conversation started dying down after we discussed all the necessary business plans, so I naturally veered the topic towards a lighter conversation. However, as soon as I did, Damon met my eyes and excused himself from the table. He took some empty plates with him, and I excused myself as well while following him into my kitchen.

"Damon, don't clean. I'll do it," I suggested when I saw he was trying to load the dishwasher and clean off some plates.

He didn't listen, and he kept cleaning the plates.

"Damon. I'm ordering you now. I need you to sit back down at the table. Maybe they'll start talking about business again," I added lastly in hopes that Damon wouldn't retaliate.

I noticed he straightened his back and stopped so I took it upon myself to push him gently back into the dining room. He walked in a funny manner back into the dining room, almost like marching. As soon as I could see that he was sitting down, I started rinsing off the plates and loading the dishwasher.

After dinner ended, my guests went home, and I started cleaning everything. I realized that Damon was waiting for me. He wasn't sitting and casually waiting. No, he was standing at attention as if today was a normal day for work. I was a little disappointed. There goes my heart-to-heart conversation tonight with Damon.

We both walked up the stairs and into our respective rooms when Damon's warm hand grabbed my arm. I turned around with a panicked look. I hated being grabbed from behind, but the only reason I didn't punch him in the face was the fact I knew Damon was the one who grabbed me. I glanced down at his hand and slowly looked up to his eyes. He had a displeased face.

"I know what you were trying to do. I just need you to know this: don't try to mix the past with us now. You're my employer now, and I'm your employee. Stop trying to get close to me because I don't need your pity, and I'm only staying here because I need money," he said coldly as he let my arm go. He turned around and shut the door as I stood there watching him dumbfounded.

I also forgot to tell Liam about Nia's romance. Today did not go the way I expected it to.