FALLING FOR MY BOSS'S BROTHER

SIX

Zoey and I had to go back home as she needed me change my clothes for this party that she wanted me to go to. “Zoey, it’s not even noon and you want to attend a party?” I asked confused as I got dressed in what she picked out.

“It’s not like a…party, party. It’s like a business event and I think people take me more seriously when I’m with you.” She said as she put on her earrings.

I sighed, “so you want me as an eye candy?” I asked.

She chuckled, “more or less.” She said as she checked her small purse, what can she even carry in that small thing? I wondered but didn’t air out my thoughts. “How about you see it as an opportunity to get more investors for your company, then we’ll both be getting something out of it. Okay?” She said as she walked to the bathroom.

“Zoey, it’s an event filled with environmentalist or what not I doubt they would be interested in what I do.” I commented.

Zoey walked out looking offended, “what’s that supposed to mean?” She asked.

I sighed, “the kind of work I do, it is like a different world that you are not used to. It’s a dog eat dog world.” I replied, which I didn’t think I have to as what I said seemed self-explanatory.

“You think that I wouldn’t fit in your world?” Zoey asked.

“I’m sorry that’s not what I meant.” I said.

“Then what did you mean? You think ‘environmentalist and what not’ can’t enter the business world?” Zoey asked.

“I didn’t mean can’t, I meant won’t.” I replied, I walked up to her, “let’s take you for example, you are this kind, charming, beautiful lady.” I complimented her and she smiled, “but once you get into my world, all that would be taken away from you and you’ll lose your identity, who you are.”

She kissed me, “I guess you are just looking out for me.” She said.

“That’s all I want to do.” I replied. “Now we need to go or else we ae going to be late and not in a fashionable way.”

We got there, Zoey seemed nervous in the car. I gently placed her hand in mine hoping that would calm her down. We were standing outside the door and she was too nervous to enter, “why are you nervous?” I asked.

“These people are people I have wanted to meet since I was a kid and now that I have the opportunity to share a table with them I don’t think I can.” She explained.

“Why not?” I asked, “you have worked just as hard for you to be offered a seat at the table and you have every right to be here as much as they do.” I squeezed her hands calmly, “now take a deep breath and let’s show them how much of a badass Zoey Dunn is. Okay?”

She smiled and hugged me, “okay.” She whispered.

I opened the door for her making sure she was the centre of attention before I walked in behind her. She was graceful, smiling and greeting people while introducing me to them, I stopped in my tracks when I saw someone that looked like Maeve but she had her back to me. The brown hair tied up in a beautiful bun and the long white cocktail dress seemed to flow so flawlessly, I was fascinated by her.

“Artemis?!” Zoey yelled at me pulling me out of my trance. I looked at her then at the couple who seemed confused and concerned by me, “are you okay?” Zoey asked.

I smiled, “I’m good. My mind just wandered there for a while.”

“Are you sure you are okay son?” The older gentleman asked.

I nodded my head, “I’m good. It was so nice to meet you.” I said as I eyed the lady when she turned around it wasn’t Maeve. She was making me lose my mind, what was happening to me? How can one lady mesmerize me this much? I wondered. I needed to get my head back in the game, I thought as I stepped outside to get some fresh air.

I was out there for about a minute when Zoey joined me, “maybe you coming here was a bad idea. Or me overwhelming you with the people here.” She placed her hand on top of mine, “how about we go home?” She suggested.

Her being so nice with me didn’t help me feel any better that I had an affair and went a step further to hire the lady I had an affair with. I looked at her then I pulled her into a hug, “you are the most amazing person I know and you deserve to be treated so much better than I have treated you.”

“What are you talking about?” She asked with a giggle.

“It means that I would be a better boyfriend from now on. I will always put you first, I’ll be nice to you, and also do nice things for you.” I confessed and I was willing to, no more thinking about Maeve. Or even calling or thinking about her name. I will work on my relationship with Zoey.

Zoey pulled back from the hug, “you already treat me good and nice.” She said, “so, do you want to go back in or we should leave?”

I smiled, “this is your day. We will go back and celebrate you.” I said as I offered her my hand and we walked back in.

Before we could go far, “Artemis, could I have a private word with you?” One of the board members from my last meeting was here and he stopped me.

“I’ll just mingle around.” Zoey said excusing us to talk.

“Mr. Phillips, how may I help you?” I asked. I really didn’t want to talk to him but one things my father always made sure my brother and I understood was, never piss of a board member as they could be the one to impeach you.

“I was hoping we could arrange to have another meeting by the end of the week. We would like to see your new designs as we would like to incorporate it into the products and ship them out as soon as possible.” He explained.

I smiled, “I already have someone working on it. I will communicate with you when it’s ready then we could have that meeting.”

I wanted to walk away when he grabbed my hand, “I want that design complete by the end of the week so we could start incorporating them as soon as possible.”

“You can’t rush the designs and schematics of a product. We got where we are because we make sure our products are good for the consumers. So, Mr. Phillips, when it’s ready, you and the other board members will know.” I tried to keep a smile on my face but I felt like punching his teeth out.

“How about…” He started.

“How about,” I cut him off, “you arrange for a meeting with my assistant and we could talk about this further at my office. This is a great day for my girlfriend and I don’t want to ruin it by talking about business.” I said and quickly walked away before he decided he had something else to say.

The day ended well, I took Zoey out to celebrate, she was so happy to have met those people she admired. What didn’t end well was how I pictured her as Maeve while we were having s*x. I was lucky I didn’t end up calling out her name, clearly not thinking about her wasn’t cutting it. But tomorrow was a new day and I will worry about that tomorrow.

I got to the office to find Maeve was moving into her new office. Considering she didn’t have any experience she would be here on a probation basis, I made sure Brianna explained that to her.

“Brianna, could you tell Ms. Thompson to see me in my office now?” I said as I walked into my office.

I was settling down when Maeve walked into my office, “you asked to see me sir?” She said.

“Yes I did. Have a seat.” I offered.

“I need you to start working on a design that would be shown to the board of directors late on in the week.” I stated as I opened a file, “is that possible?”

“I could put something together in a day or two.” Maeve responded.

“Good. Go do that.” I stated, before she could leave, “also you are to get your new assistant before the end of the day. Close the door on your way out.”

When I heard her leave I let out the breath I was holding, I didn’t even look at her the whole time she was here. It’s not that I didn’t want to, God knows I wanted to look at her as least r****h her with my eyes if my hands and body couldn’t. But I was trying to be faithful to Zoey, I messed up but I will try to make it up to her.

I sighed, I’ll arrange to have lunch with her. It will be kind of a surprise when I pick her up and take her out for lunch. I picked up the phone, to make reservations. I was starting to think maybe working with Maeve was going to be harder than I thought.