Behind the Puppet Master

Reconciliation?

I stare at the text, unsure of what to reply to him. After the party, I was left with his family, and my dad. I won’t complain, because it gave me a lot of time to get to know Alexia. She’s the complete opposite of her brother. She’s funny, sweet, smart and overall, such a genuine person. Honestly, I think the reason she thought about becoming an intern, was because I inspired her to do so. She’s a naturally inquisitive individual and is eager to learn new things. She asked me about what I used to do at work, and seemed interested in interning. I encouraged her to do so, and now she wants to do it- despite not needing to work. The elevator reaches the bottom floor; that’s when I realize I still haven’t replied to Nick, and instead, spent the entire time thinking about his sister. ‘Hey, Nick, yea I can do dinner. What time and where?’

I step off the elevator and walk towards the front. Wayne is already waiting for me. He greets me, opens the door for me, and asks me how my day went. I tell him as much as I'm legally allowed to, and then we make small talk as we leave the premises. My phone buzzes again and I check my notification. 'Great. You down for Le Fromage? I got us reservations at 6.'

Le Fromage? That place is always packed- and you usually have to make reservations five months ahead of time! Nick must have used some special connections or something. No one makes food like the French. I'm actually getting excited now- although a part of me is getting a weird feeling about it. I text him back and say, 'Looking forward to it. See you then.' 

I check the time on my tablet, and quickly do the math in my head. If the car ride takes approximately two hours, that should give me plenty of time to do work in the car, get ready for dinner and still have some time to spare before six. I press a button, which pulls out a table, and I don't waste any more time. I stand my tablet up, projecting a keyboard onto the table and get right to work. 

We'll need approximately two thousand employees to run the production lines. Give or take about a hundred laboratory technicians, to test and research the medicinal advances. I'll need to find extraordinary supervisors to help me oversee each division. I'll also need a lot of other miscellaneous employees, which HR will need to help me hire. We need this all set, and ready to go by the time fall comes. Totally doable, right? 

My heart starts rapidly beating against my chest, as I let the workload fully sink in. Did I bite off more than I can chew? Am I really cut out for this? No, come on, I can't have these negative thoughts linger now. I take a deep breath in, and focus on what I can do now. Instead of stressing over all the things I still need to do, I break it all down into more manageable workloads. 

I take out some of the files I received, and go through the list of contacts William provided for me. I use that as a guideline of people I'd want to hire. I look over their qualifications, experience and set that as a baseline. I write up a rough draft for the application form, which I'll have HR put onto the Fayroe Website. I'll have the more important applications come directly to me, so I can vet them myself. I am also considering reaching out to people I find myself, who I think would make a valuable asset to this company. Before I realize it, the two hours fly by, and we're pulling up to my house. 

I thank Wayne, as he opens the door for me, and head inside. My dad isn’t home, which is strange; I walk into the kitchen and find a note on the fridge with his unmistakable handwriting, ‘If you’re reading this, then the appointment ran a little long. I love you, sweetie. I’ll see you when I see you.' I smile when I read that- maybe my dad has finally met someone new. He’s been going out a lot more, running late more often or has been doing his own thing. I’m happy for him, I really am. My mom was taken by cancer when I was seventeen, and my dad hasn’t been the same since. If he’s found someone, I’m glad he’s moving on. I look over at the photos on the wall- at the pictures of my parents and I during happier times. My mom, as gorgeous as ever, holding me tightly, with my dad embracing the both of us. This picture was taken during our last annual camping trip. The trips used to last about a month, and my dad would teach me to hunt, set up camp, and basically survive in the wild. We’ve been doing our camping trips since I was twelve years old. I miss my mom a lot, and I know my dad does too. I wish we still did our camping trips together, to keep her memory alive, but I think it just hurts him too much to go without her. 

I allow myself to mourn my mom for only a few more minutes, before I head upstairs to get ready for dinner. I pick out a formal outfit and lay it out on my bed. I then attempt to decide between some fine choice of jewelry, and try to choose the best way to style my hair. Finally, I put my hair up into a bun, cover it with a shower cap, and get ready for a quick shower. While I’m showering, my mind wanders to Alexia. The sweetness in her voice, the glitter in her eyes when she’s excited, her irresistible smile. This girl, I swear, is not like anyone I’ve ever met. I’m really hoping she starts working, so I have an excuse to see her more- even if I would be her boss. I sigh in frustration. I can’t describe how badly I just want to be around her in every way. I want to listen to her talk and hear her giggle. I want to run my fingers through her hair, and cradle her face. I want to find out how sweet those lips would feel against mine. Even if I can’t be with her, I still want every part of me to be around her. Eventually, I start wishing Nick would be more like his sister- which instantly makes me feel disgusting, so I rush to finish my shower.

I quickly get dried off, and while I’m still wrapped in my towel, I do a simple, yet elegant look for my makeup. Once I’m done with my makeup, I get dressed and check the time. It’s 5:15 which gives me plenty of time. I head downstairs, and get myself something to drink. Then, I grab my car keys before heading into the garage. I press the button on my key which starts the engine. My car is the Fayrocious Genesis, which, unlike the Mosaic sedan, is a luxury coupe. I get into my car, open the garage door and make my way to Le Fromage. On the drive there, my mind is already preparing for how my night is going to be. Who knows how Nick will react when it’s just the two of us, or what he’s going to say. Maybe he really does feel bad and wants to apologize? Who knows. Besides, at least we’re out in public, and he can’t cause too many problems- right?

I pull up to the restaurant, five minutes before 6PM, and stop in front of the valet booth. I get out and a lot of people outside the establishment are staring at the car. “Good evening, ma’am,” the valet greets me, “please enjoy your evening.” I thank him, and hand him my car keys. He drives off to park my car and I skip the line going straight to the booth. 

“Good evening,” I greet the lady behind the booth, “I am here for a reservation, party of 2. Under Nicholas Fay?” She nods her head and reads down the list. She then leads me to our table, and Nick is sitting there looking nervous and fidgety. I thank her as I sit down, and she tells me the waiter will be with us in a moment. She leaves and I look at the menu set in front of us. Did I mention that Le Fromage has a three Michelin star rating? With the world-renowned Jaque Dubois as the chef? This place is ridiculously expensive, mouth-wateringly delicious, and a delicacy. I only eat here on extremely special occasions. I look at Nick, and he’s scrolling through his phone to look at something- so I ignore him and go back to the menu. Just reading some of the menu items is enough to make me drool. Nick suddenly clears his throat, and I look at him. 

“You look really nice today.” He compliments me.

“Oh, thank you.” I tell him with a smile.

“So- um, I just wanted to tell you that I’m sorry for the way I was at the party,” he starts, sheepishly, “I had a little too much to drink, and shouldn’t have done that.” I nod, allowing him to continue. “I was also a d**k today, but it’s just 'cause I know my dad did those things to embarass me.” I internally groan as I try hard not to say anything smart. “It’s not your fault you got thrown in the middle of this.” I keep looking at him, nodding. “Will you say something!?” he suddenly demands, which startles me. 

“What do you want me to say?” I ask him.

“Anything? You’re just sitting there nodding, while I’m here trying to apologize!” 

“I’m just listening, Nick. I’m trying to hear it out from you.”

“Well, I said what I had to say, so say something.” he tells me, frustrated.

“Well, okay- I don’t think your dad did all that to embarrass you.”

“Well he did. I know him and you don’t.”

“Okay, then.” I tell him.

I go back to looking at the menu and he goes back to his phone. After a couple of more awkward minutes pass, the waiter comes and greets us.

“Hello, my name is Thomas and I’ll be your waiter for the evening. Can I interest you in any wines or champagne? Or can I start you off with something to drink?”

“Get me an old fashioned.” Nick says without looking at him. The waiter nods and looks at me.

“I’ll just have water, please, with lemon.” I tell him. He nods again and leaves.

Nick is sitting there, looking unhappy and frustrated. I try my best to keep ignoring him, but unfortunately, I can only ignore him for so long before it gets annoying. “What is it, Nick?” I ask him. He shakes his head, looking unamused and angry. I keep looking at him, waiting for him to answer, and his face is all scrunched up. I can tell he’s trying very hard to find the right words to say.

“Look,” he starts, “I don’t know why my dad chose you, but I’m telling you, he did it to embarrass me. Either that or I think he did it to teach me a lesson- in which case, you can consider the lesson learned. I think you need to do the right thing and stand down. I just don’t think you’re ready for the job. Trust me, I can do the job good, and take care of you- if you just let me. You won’t need to tire yourself and do anything you’re not ready for.”

I stare at him, blank-faced, as I try to fathom what he just said. A wave of anger, resentment and rage pulses through me. I have so many choice words running through my mind, and I’m feeling all sorts of emotions. However, the only thing that escapes my lips is, “No.”

He seems almost too surprised by my answer, “No?” he repeats.

“No.” I stand my ground.

He rubs his face in frustration, and massages his temples as if he has a huge headache. “Why?” he finally breathes out, as if in defeat.

“I don’t need to explain myself, Nick. They chose me, and that’s that.”

“I deserved that job!” He says through gritted teeth, “My dad told me about this job for months- and he wouldn’t have told me just to give it to someone else. He only gave it to you because of my little freak out at the party- which, by the way, wasn’t even my fault.”

Before I get a chance to tell him what’s on my mind, the waiter returns with our drinks. Nick dismisses him before he can ask us what we want to eat, and takes a swig of his drink. “This whole damn world is against me.” He says in frustration.

“I thought you invited me out to apologize?” I ask him.

“I did apologize earlier. And now that I apologized, it’s time for you to fix the problem.”

“There is no problem to fix, Nick.” I tell him, now growing more frustrated. 

“Why are you acting so damn difficult?” 

“I’m really not- listen, Nick, if this is how it’s going to be all evening, then I’m gonna leave.”

He gets up, his face red with anger. His fists are closed tight around the table cloth, and he’s so mad I swear I see steam coming out of his head. His breathing is heavy, and slightly exaggerated as he stares daggers at me. “I’m trying to be nice here! But you’re making it extremely difficult to be nice.” I look around the room and notice that most of the guests are staring at our table. 

“Nick, sit down, you’re bringing a lot of attention towards us.” I warn him.

“Ask me if I give a s**t?!” He tells me through gritted teeth.

I get up to leave, and just as I walk by him, he grabs my wrist with such a force it almost bruises me. He yanks me in towards him, and he whispers in my ear, “I’m warning you, Alina: If you don’t give me what I want, there will be consequences.” I look into his eyes, and what I see is a rage unlike any rage I've ever seen. I turn with my elbow towards him to break his grip. I say nothing more to him as I leave the restaurant. I get outside and I’m fuming with anger. As politely as I can, I ask the Valet to get my car and I stand outside- hoping Nick doesn’t follow. My heart is beating hard and trying to jump out of my chest. I’m so angry at him and can’t believe the nerve of him. I didn’t even get to eat any of the food I was so excited to eat! Maybe I’m just hungry and angry- hangry or whatever. I try to avoid all the curious stares as I pace back and forth waiting for my car. 

The valet eventually arrives with my car, I thank him and drive off. I’m so glad my car has automatic control and safety, because I’m so angry I can’t fully pay attention. I’m so enraged, I can literally feel my heart pulsing in my ears. I take deep breaths as I try to calm myself down. Once I’ve driven far enough, I safely pull over to the side of the road, giving myself a minute to breathe. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t paying attention for the first five miles. I get out of the car and start pacing again. I don’t even know what to do or say. Should I tell William what happened? Should I be scared? I’m definitely never going to be alone with him again- I can’t risk that. I give myself a few more minutes to calm down, and attempt to get my thoughts in order. I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. In, out, in, out, in, out, in, out. I feel myself slowly calming down and that’s when I notice my stomach growling. I huff- of course I didn’t even get to eat there. I was so excited, and now I either have to find another time to go, or maybe see if they deliver. Definitely not tonight.

My stomach starts growling even louder, as if it’s growing frustrated with me. I roll my eyes, take out my phone, and order take-out from my favorite Chinese restaurant. The confirmation pops up, telling me the food will be ready in fifteen minutes. Perfect. I drive towards the restaurant, and only have to wait a couple of minutes before the food is ready. I get the food, and my mouth starts watering, eager to finally satisfy my hunger. It’s a good thing my house is only a ten minute drive away. I start heading home, and as I’m about to pull up, I notice someone leaving our driveway. I wonder who that was? I pull up to the garage and park my car. As I get in, I see my dad sitting in the kitchen looking worried. 

“Dad?” I call out to him.

He looks up me and a wave of relief washes over his face. He rushes over to me, and pulls me in for a tight embrace. “Are you okay?” He asks me, looking me up and down. 

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be? Are you okay?” I hug him back. 

“Better now that I know you’re safe.” he kisses my forehead.

“What’s wrong, dad?”

My dad breathes a sigh of relief, and walks me over to sit down at the dining table. He tells me that he’s been worried about me, and that he knew Nick asked me to meet him today. He tells me that ever since he knew I went out to meet Nick, he’s been thinking about my safety non-stop. I let him get everything off his chest before I finally ask him, “how did you know all this?”

He looks at me, and there’s an indescribable look in his eye, before he tells me, “Alexia warned me.”

I stare at him, blank-faced, and filled with confusion. That’s when everything clicked- the person I saw leaving the driveway? That must have been Alexia. It’s almost as if my dad could read my mind, because he confirms what I thought when he tells me, “she came over an hour ago, and told me everything. She only left when she knew you were safe. I don’t want you to be alone with him ever again, you understand?”

I nod, and he kisses my forehead again. My dad eventually leaves, and I’m left alone with my thoughts. How did Alexia know all this? I start thinking about her, grateful to know she cares. Maybe I’m a little giddy knowing she cared enough to try to find me. I start wishing that it was her I met today, but then my mind wanders, reminding me of my disastrous evening with Nick. Suddenly, I’ve lost my appetite.