Prologue
“Where’s Mr Britney?” The angry voice of Kobe boomed in the lobby, everywhere went silent, almost as a grave. You could literally hear people breathing, no one was brave enough to give an answer and be made a scapegoat of Kobe’s anger. He stood impatiently, looking around like a bird who had just seen its meal. Glancing at his watch one last time, he figured he had little time left for the meeting at Texas, Mr Britney was supposed to attend.
The meeting was for a partnership with a similar Company, that specialized in raw materials. Kobe had been on this project for about two years and he was not about to let a certain Mr Britney ruin it for him.
Kobe was on his way to the airport, he had a business dinner with a longtime customer, when he received a call from a business associate in Texas that no one was present to represent his Company. He made a U-turn and headed straight to the office, hoping to find Mr Britney, the manager there so he could feel hell on earth. All the while on the road, he had kept dialing the older man’s line which had only rang with no response.
“S-sir?” A little lady finally spoke, with fear evident on her face.
“What?” Kobe asked like he was going to pounce on her any more second.
The woman gulped loudly and spoke again. “Mr Britney hasn’t come to wo…” The lady, his secretary, was interrupted by his Personal Assistant.
“Mr Gold, your flight has been booked and it leaves in 45 minutes.” James, Kobe’s personal assistant, was that one employee who could go against Kobe not physically. He always said his mind, exactly how it was. It had been said amongst other employees that he could read their boss’ mind. He’s been working at the company for 5 years now, right after college. He’s one year apart from Kobe and they fit each other in the work area perfectly, one could even call them friends.
Kobe breathed out heavily and turned to the secretary. “Tell Mr Britney, he’s fired!” A number of gasps could be heard across the lobby.
“I think you should hurry, so you won't miss your flight. Mr Gold.” James said mockingly.
“Shut up man.” Kobe snickered.
***************
Getting to the airport, he put a call through to Mr King to reschedule their dinner. Another call to his business associates at Texas apologizing for his lateness before turning off his phone. Wondering why, James had to book him a flight and not just let him fly his private jet.
Now in Texas, a car had been provided for him to drive him to the company. Turning on his phone, he sees a bunch of messages from Mr Britney on why he couldn’t make it to Texas. Kobe tuts and doesn’t bother reading either of his ‘excuses’.
“Mr Gold.” A masculine voice called out. Kobe presumed it was the voice of whom he had spoken to earlier on the phone.
“Mr Smith?” He asked unsurely.
“Yes, that’s me! I was asked to lead you in by Mr Michael.” Mr Michael was who Kobe was acquainted to and was his business associate here in Texas.
He says a quick hi to Mr Michael who had been waiting for him by the door as they exchanged hands.
“Please, come forward and take your seat.” Going into the boardroom, Kobe noticed everyone else was already seated and had obviously been waiting for him.
Instead of sitting, he remains on his feet and tenders a quick apology for his lateness. “Good morning, I’m Mr Gold, CEO of Gold Coast Industry.” And a knowing look crosses most of their faces and some stand to return his greeting. Kobe was quite famous in the business world, although most hadn’t seen him face to face, they were well familiar with his name.
“I apologize for keeping everyone waiting, I’d like to take everyone to lunch to make it up to you all.” A sound of cheers echoed across the room in approval of the lunch.
**************
The meeting was a success and a partnership between the two companies had been secured.
“H-hi…I mean good evening sirs.” The waitress greeted.
Her soft voice had gained Kobe's attention and he fixed his eyes on her. Her small stature amused him, which made him curious about her. Her long, wavy red hair soothes her creamy, white skin making her look like a porcelain doll. His gaze traveled down to the very fitted shirt she had on that left very little to the imagination as it outlined her perky breasts and the curves of her waist. She was petite but quite curvy.
His eyes landed on her smooth, shapely legs exposed by her skirt. He groaned and suddenly felt the need to cover her up, noticing other men on the table were ogling her. His teeth gritted, his eyes darkened and his palms clenched into his fists as soon as soon what he realized was jealousy began to build inside him. Why would a restaurant make its workers dress in this manner?
He slammed his fist on the table, startling everyone including the waitress who had come to take their orders making her whimper. He cleared his throat and asked them to order.
“I’d like the best dish on the menu.” Kobe spoke finally, after everyone had placed their order.
“R-right away sir.”
Dinner was over and the men were making their way to the parking lot, talking about random things.
“Pardon me, I must have forgotten my wallet.” Kobe excused himself, he had seen the little waitress step outside earlier after serving them and had not returned.
He turned to the arrow that indicated staff only and made his way inside the only door in that route. Barely taking two steps, he had a scream, he opened the door and rushed in to see the little waitress being choked by another employee.
“Let her go!” His voice boomed out, the other employee froze, obviously scared. But the waitress was still struggling to get him off her and hence, too distracted to care about the man who came to her rescue.
“Stay out of this!”
“I won’t repeat myself and I’m sure you don’t want to lose your job.” With that, his grip on her throat loosened and he raised his arms in surrender. Slowly, he released her and turned to the man who had interfered in their business. The waitress clutched her neck, drawing in deep breaths and massaging where the man’s hand had been.
“One call and I’m going to get you arrested. Move back!”
The man turned on his heel and ran away, leaving the waitress with the ‘unknown’ man.
Kobe moved towards the waitress, who was bent over and gently touched her shoulder.
“Miss? Are you okay?”
She was still bent over, trying to catch her breath. She couldn’t get enough breath in so she ended up fainting in Kobe’s hands.
