EPISODE004
1093 Words
ZION'S POV
I kept one hand on the wheel and the other on the steering as I navigated Montego Bay's congested streets. The windscreen felt like a furnace because the sun was already rising. I was thinking about work most of the time.
Montego Holdings had expanded into a major enterprise. a multi-service business with ties to leading eateries throughout the Caribbean, primarily in the food industry.
It was once run by Papa Roy, or at least he tried. It didn't really matter to him. He claimed that it was a family business, but he was hardly sure how to handle it.
It almost collapsed beneath him.
However, I took over and began rebuilding it after receiving my MBA at the age of twenty-five. We recovered well from that first year. We expanded internationally. Everyone believed it to be dangerous, but guess what? We succeeded.
We are currently the best-performing business in this area. Every year, that is the aim. No justifications.
I recalled something Keisha mentioned as I passed the plaza where Montego Jewellers opened last month. She mentioned the Caribbean Islands' expansion. In fact, that might be worth investigating.
After cutting the engine and pulling into the private lot behind the Montego Holdings tower, I got out. Silence fell like a sheet as soon as I entered the lobby.
The person at the front desk said, "Good morning, sir."
The girl behind it smiled at me like all the women here do. The smile was a mixture of fakeness and flirtation. Without even slowing down, I gave her a slight nod.
I entered the elevator and pressed the button for the 31st floor, which is now my floor. I used to work at Papa Roy's. There weren't many employees up here. Only the people you can trust.
I walked past Miss Doreen Blake on my way to my office. I smiled a little at her. From the start, she has collaborated with Papa Roy. She stays in her lane and is observant. She has my respect.
But I froze right when I thought I could breathe.
How could there have been so many flowers at my door?
I turned abruptly to Nia, my temporary helper.
"What is this?"
She leapt. "Well, they were sent by some new partners. Best wishes, congratulations, etc.
"Do you think this looks like a greenhouse?"
She didn't respond.
"This week, this is the second time." I don't want to come into this mess every morning," I said.
"I apologise, Mr. Zion"
"Nia, clear it."
She paused. "Should I keep the cards?"
"Give them to Miss Doreen." She is aware of what to do.
I walked right into my office after pushing the door open. Nia read the schedule for the day in her small notebook. I only listened in part to gatherings, reports. At noon, a conference call is scheduled.
I just wanted to get everything done before Keisha entered.
My phone rang just as I was starting to open the file on my desk.
I let out a sigh. Only one person was meant by that ringtone.
"Hello?"
"Good afternoon, sweetheart! How are you finding the day? In my ear, Miss Marva's voice chirped like an overfed bird.
"Mum, everything is going great." I gave myself a forehead rub. "This call isn't just for small talk, is it?"
"I didn't bring you up to be so icy, Zion!"
In the background, I could hear Papa Roy giggling.
She yelled, "Darius, your son is being cruel once more!"
He probably just gave her his customary pat on the head. Those two were very close to the Marleys. The queen of dramatic whining is Miss Yvette in particular. Evidently infectious.
"Mum, you are loved."
"Really?"
She didn't wait for a response. “That’s why you won’t forget your reservation tonight with Amara, right?”
It's there. The true reason she called.
It was Miss Marva's and Miss Yvette's idea to pair me with Amara Marley. An arrangement. Once more.
"Well Italian,romantic. The Blue Lagoon Bistro sounds ideal!
I tightened my jaw.
She is experimenting with new recipes. She could share her opinions on the dishes with you, you know.
"Those are expertly prepared meals, Mum. What sort of evaluation would a high school student provide?
"She's not your average high school student!"
"And, Mum, she will graduate in four years."
"That does not imply that she is any less intelligent!"
To be honest, there are moments when I believe my mother has a PhD in guilt-tripping.
"All right. Italian restaurant. I understand. Amara's reviews. I understand. Is there anything else?
"Be kind. Enjoy the date as well.
Papa Roy laughed, and I heard it.
"Son, get back to work."
"Goodbye, Mum. Goodbye, Dad.
Before I could say another word, she hung up. Leaning back, I tried to get my thoughts straight.
Why does this match make them so enamoured? I suppose Amara isn't a bad girl, but she's still a child. Furthermore, I'm not seeking a child.
However, Keisha is now a different person. We met at a gala in St. Ann's Bay. She had recently joined one of our clients as a brand ambassador. We clicked right away.
She's mature, prosperous, and sophisticated. She does not accept gifts. She battled for everything. I like women like that.
When we first saw each other, Mum abhorred the idea. claimed not to trust her. Yes, Keisha came from nothing. However, she transformed herself into something.
Amara, too? She is kind. However, sweets don't help you weather the storms I encounter.
Andre from accounting knocked on my door at that very moment.
Before he even sat down, I said, "You're three hours late."
He appeared anxious. Very anxious.
"I'm nearly finished"
"Don't tell lies."
He was unable to look me in the eye. His hands trembled a little.
"You had two days."
" I am aware. I apologise. Tomorrow morning, I'll have it first thing.
He didn't wait for my response. simply stood up and walked away.
The clock struck five by the time I had completed my calls, emails, and meetings. I took a seat back in my chair and briefly closed my eyes.
It buzzed on my phone. Papa Roy has sent a message.
Remember. Amara. 6 p.m. The Blue Lagoon Bistro.
Oh no.
I leapt to my feet. I left my office on foot.
"Nia!"
She glanced up.
"Book a six-person reservation at Blue Lagoon. And forward the address to Amara.
"Yes, sir!"
I muttered to myself, "Here we go again" as I entered the elevator.
- Writer
