Captivated

Six

Ellie

The following days were busy. After my shift ends, I go to Mr. Clarke’s firm for a regular workshop in which he himself does the workshop.

Right now, I’m looking at him as he carefully checks my designs.

“These are really good work, Ms. Brown,” he said.

“Thank you,” I said.

“I can say you’re a natural. Once you get out of my brother’s office, I’ll definitely hire you for my firm,” he said.

My eyes widened. “Really? But, I’m still new to this type of job,” I said. “I mean, I can design and draw, but that’s just it,” I said.

Before he could even answer, a voice came from the door.

“I didn’t know you work with newbies now,” Parker said, leaning on the door’s frame.

His voice was firm. The arrogant type.

My excitement toned down of his words.

“Well, there’s always a start for everything, bro. Also, her designs are brilliant. Take a look,” Clarke said, handing Parker my portfolio.

I bit my lip waiting for Parker’s opinion. I feel so tense. This is what if feels like when Parker’s judging.

I mean, Clarke is very artistic and open to new ideas. But Parker is different. He focuses more on the business, and he has a very different perspective. That’s why I always respect his opinion.

I took a deep breath.

“Well, I’m quite impressed,” he said. My eyes widened by his words. “So is this what’s keeping you both busy?” he said.

“What are you doing here, by the way?” Clarke asked him.

“I just received some news. A bad one. The Ultra Group of Companies is backing out of our deal,” Parker said.

“What? But you’ve worked your ass off with that deal?” Clarke said in shock. “What happened? The last time we were on a meeting with Robert Johnson, he seemed very happy and excited about the deal,” he further asked.

“Robert has a stroke yesterday. It was serious,” Parker said. “That’s why the documents we requested wasn’t sent. Their board of directors also decided to break the contract off,” he said.

“Bro, I’m so sorry to hear that,” Clarke said. “So, what’s your plan?” he asked.

I know how important this deal was to Parker and the company because I was there when he worked overnight in the office. Parker, Coleman Inc.’s CEO, has contributed so much for the company, and he made the company known not only in the country but to the whole world as well.

To celebrate Coleman Inc.’s success and anniversary, they decided to expand the company in Europe. But with this news, I think it’s not going to happen for now.

“It would be hard to give up now,” Parker said. “I’ve gone through the notes on our alternative ideas. I’ve looked into FJK Group of Companies as the closest choice. Christopher Carter has already accepted my invitation to a small meeting next week. We only have a week to save this and to change our game plan,” he added. “Ms. Brown, I need the notes earlier from the conference call,” he said.

“Yes, sir,” I responded.

“You need to come with me next week. We’re heading to London to meet with Mr. Carter. Cancel the reservations you made because Mr. Carter already set us in one of the hotels that he owns,” he said.

My eyes widened. “We’re both going?” I said.

“Yes, you need to come with me for the meeting,” he said without hesitation.

Wow. I’m going to London.

I snapped out of the thought when I heard Parker saying my name.

“Ms. Brown?” he said.

“Ah, yes sir. I can handle the cancellation of the reservations; however, I cannot get a ticket with the same flight as yours. Also, the private plane is still not available,” I said.

I honestly feel excited. I haven’t been outside of the country; and the last trip I was in was years ago. I don’t have the luxury and the time to wander and travel, since money has been a big issue for me.

And now, I’m going to London. In London!

But I will be travelling with Parker. And that made me nervous.

“Then change my flight so we can fly together,” he said. He checked his watch. “Can you go back in the office? I need you to work on double time with the FJK deal,” he said, now walking towards the door.

“Yes, sir. I’ll start right away,” I responded.

I still can’t believe this is happening. I need to do this right. I’ll prove to Parker that I deserve this position and to work in his company. This opportunity will also look good in my resume.

Plus, I’m going to London!

However, I think Parker and I will be staying in the same hotel room.en my parents died, I still remember how we thought the company will die with them as well. Grandma was the one who took responsibility for everything. Of course, my brothers and I helped her. I was only sixteen at that time. I remember I would spend all of my weekends and free days to study how the company works and analyze how I should run it. When my brothers and I got older, I was the one who mostly gave time to manage and help the company regain its name in the corporate world. I was the one who helped Grandma fix and handle everything since Clarke has his own firm and could not fully give his time to the company. Liam also helped, but I was the one who really committed 100%.

When my grandma retired, she gave the company to me. And even though I know it’s a big responsibility, I could not make a choice. Besides, it’s always family first.

If this European deal goes through for the company’s golden anniversary, I can say I’ll be the happiest person in the world. This will embark as a huge success not only to the company but to my family as well.

I heard a knock from the door and Ellie came inside.

“Here are the financial statements for the past two years. It contains the profit and loss statements as well. I’ve already talked to the accounting department for the estimated cost for this year’s business operation. I’ve also set an appointment with the CFO tomorrow,” she said, handing me the folder and the files.

“Thanks,” I said. We’ve been working every day at 7 in the morning until 8 in the evening. And we surely need some good rest.

As if on cue, Clarke entered the office. “Are you guys still working with that? I thought the proposal is good to go?” he asked.

I leaned my back in the chair. “It’s done. We’ve already sent it to our lawyer. But we have to talk to him about it tomorrow for finalization. I suggest we call it a night,” I said.

“You still have a long day tomorrow. Why don’t you let Ellie go home early tonight? Maybe she hasn’t even fixed her luggage yet. Am I right, Ellie?” he said.

“Uh, actually--,” she started.

“See, bro?” Clarke said. “Why not, we end this night, and go out for dinner? I’ll make a call for a reservation in a nearby restaurant,” he said.

“I need to go home,” Ellie said. She fixed her blouse and I couldn’t help but notice her bra slipping a little bit out. Her blouse was kinda loose on the cleavage.

All I can say is pink is now my new favorite color.

“No, join us. You’ve worked so hard for this proposal and this deal too. Let us at least treat you dinner,” Clarke insisted.

I saw Ellie bit her lip, signaling hesitation. “Alright…” she said.

We walked Ellie to her car first and then we all went to our cars and headed out to the nearest steak house. Clarke said it was his favorite restaurant.

Unfortunately, when I arrived in the restaurant, Clarke called that he might not make it.

Damn, this guy is a fucker.

I saw Ellie waiting inside the restaurant with her jacket on, and her hair tied up all neat.

“Clarke canceled on us for a date, so I guess that leaves just you and me,” I said.

I saw her bit her lower lip. “Oh… well, I’ll just go home then. It’s been a rough day,” she said.

I could have just agreed but I saw her green eyes. “No, stay. It’s better to eat her than grabbing fast food on the way home. it’s unhealthy,” I said. I didn’t wait for her to respond and went straight to the front house for our reservation.

She walked first and I couldn’t help but look at her body as she walks.

When we reached our table, we ordered our food.

Ellie

I should have gone home the moment I knew Clarke isn’t coming because this dinner is getting awkward every minute. But at the same time, I feel so tired, and I don’t want to cook at home. Also, I thought Clarke will be with us.

Our salad and drinks arrived. Parker leaned in and began eating. “So, I was thinking either I’ll put the company in Greece or Germany as a location for our Europe store. I have a list of properties there as well. What do you think?” he said.

I appreciate that Parker is trying to open a conversation with me right now, but my head is so filled with too much information about work and the European deal, so I don’t want to hear anything about work. Also, I might get a hemorrhage if all I feed in my head is work.

I gave out a sigh. “I’m sorry sir, but can we not talk about that right now? I mean, not about the business?” I said.

He seemed surprised by what I said. “What?” he asked.

“Boss, my head is so full of work. I’m roasted with business talks,” I said, sounding like I’m setting rules.

He stared at me, speechless. After a few moments, he leaned back in his chair and fixed himself in a relaxed position. “Sure. Okay,” he said.

Totally relaxed in his usual black suit and white shirt, he gave out an utmost radiance of pure elegance and class. He really looked good.

He’s always been looking at his best. But tonight, while being in this dinner, I can’t help myself not to stare. I should be the one avoiding, but I can tell that he’s looking at me the way I’m looking at him as well. But our relationship will remain professional, just pure business. Nothing more.

Plus, I don’t want to risk my job just because of some petty crush.

“You do the talking,” he said. Maybe he got used to me talking and babbling nonsense during work.

“I don’t know what to say. What do you wanna talk about?” I asked.

“Are you dating anyone?” he asked directly as if he wasn’t hesitant.

I almost choked on what I was eating.

I honestly just hope that I can say yes so that these awkward glimpses will end. But sadly, I don’t have a boyfriend. The last one that I was with was two years ago. I had to let that relationship go because I have to look after Mom and Kendra first.

When I was a kid I’ve always wanted to find the perfect love, just like what my mom and dad shared before dad abandoned us. I wanted a loving partner that would love me through thick and thin.

“Well, I want to have a boyfriend,” I said shyly.

“Then why don’t you go out and date?” he asked.

“That’s not easy,” I said while playing my drink. “Were you and Alex able to talk?” I asked. Alex was Parker’s girlfriend. I learned that when I started working at Coleman Inc. They broke up a few days after I started working.

How did I know? Alex used to call every day in the office. But sometimes their calls are short.

The waiter then came back with our main course meal. The waiter got our salads and placed the new meal in front of us.

After the waiter placed our food, I saw Parker’s brows lowered. “It’s over. We shared good memories, but she was trying to change the rules. It was time to end it,” he said.

“Why are you like that?” I said, he looked surprised. “I mean, why do you always have rules for everything?” I asked.

He gave me a look.

“I’m just curious. I mean, don’t you wanna settle down in the future and have kids? Your brother Liam is happily married. I also witnessed your grandparents and parents before, they were all happily married. Don’t you want to have that life as well?” I asked.

“It’s not that I don’t like the thought of marriage,” he said. “It’s not just for me.”

“Why not?” I asked, trying to get a hold of his side. “I’m focused and dedicated to my career now, but I also want to get married and have my own family in the future. Don’t you see yourself with that picture too?”

“I have a huge family, Ellie. Lots of cousins, nieces, and nephews. I don’t need a kid. My work is more important and gives me more satisfaction than any relationship I’ve been in,” he said.

I felt sad and pity for what he said. It’s sad to think that he’ll grow old alone.

“I love my job. So much. But I don’t think I can live with just working. I need family in my life,” I said, giving out a smile.

He nodded without showing any emotion on his face. He was never this open in a casual conversation, and him telling me his opinion about this kind of stuff makes me feel like I know him for a long time now.

“Don’t you want to find love again?” I asked.

“No,” he said without hesitation. “I don’t want to get married,” he added. “Love isn’t even worth the pain and struggle.”

I can tell from those words and the from the sound of his voice that he had given up on the thought of love and marriage. There’s a hint of sadness, but it was covered with coldness. He was still young when his parents died. Everything that is valuable in our life that is gone makes us weak and helpless, to the point that sometimes people that are like Parker have given up on the thought of being happy again/

It’s sad to see such strong men like Parker give up.

I held his hand on the table. “Love always comes with pain. When you love someone, you have to expect that in the long run or during the process, you’ll eventually feel hurt. But it doesn’t mean you have to give up on the thought of it. It’s nice to have a family of your own too, you know,” I said.

He removed his hand from the table and grabbed his table napkin. He wiped his mouth with it. “It’s not a loss if it’s not what you want,” he said.

My heart felt heavy, but I managed to put up a smile on my face.

“Okay, fine. Whatever you say,” I said in a jokingly way. Why do I have to push myself in this conversation anyway?

“How about you,” he started. “You said you want to get married and have kids,” he said.

“Yes, but it’s not gonna happen near soon,” I said. The waiter walked to our table and asked us if we wanted coffee. I nodded.

“I’m not looking for anything permanent right now,” I added.