The Love Game

CH.2 Coffee

Chapter 2

Nathans P.O.V

Coming back to my hometown seemed right. After High school I went to Harvard and then moved to Seattle to move up the corporate ladder. Now I am a Head accountant and Board Member of Black Enterprises. I made the motion to expand and move the headquarters, at first the CEO and other Board Members rejected the idea. However, I had my methods of persuasion after all numbers don’t lie. Now here I am back to dominate this little town.

Meeting Rachel for the first time was quite the surprise. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was entranced by her mature beaty. Her hair was loose and wavy that curled and molded her perfectly rounded breasts. Her curves and tanned skin ready to be touched. Her lips plump and juicy with very minimal make-up. And those chocolate eyes that can melt your heart away. To say the least, I was breathless. This was not the Rachel I remembered. Yes I knew who the Major of this town was. Yes I knew that she was the girl that had a crush on me as a child, which I was going to use as my advantage to finalize our company move. But DAM! She was radiant.

As the meeting went on I was surprised as her unflinching professionalism. She was well informed, organized and concerned for the citizens and the image of this town. I could not take my eyes off her. I was marveling the presence of this women. How could I not see what she would become. I wanted her mind body and soul. I wanted her to be mine. I was overjoyed that she gave her approval on the new headquarters, But I couldn’t go just yet. I proceeded behind her and stop her.

  “Not to be unprofessional but it was really nice to see you Rachel. I really hope we can get a coffee sometime and catch up.” I was ready with a come back if she rejected but to my delight.

 “Sure, sounds like fun. Schedule something with my assistant. It was nice seeing you again.” I couldn’t ready her expression. Was she being polite or was she really happy about it? But no matter I was happy nonetheless. I had to give her my biggest smile. Andrew and I walked out of the Building. And the minute that the doors closed behind us Andrew let out a breath.

“Man that was intense. How did you manage to stay cool in there?” Andrew sighed in relief.

“You just have to be prepared. We had all our plan and data. Plus it helps that I knew her already.” I had to drop that bomb.

“you could have told me that. ASS!... I could’ve been more relaxed. But boy she was HOT!” Andrew smirked. I guess he saw how beautiful she was too.

I returned to my hotel, once I set my things down I took out my cell and dialed her office number. I had to act quick if I wanted to see her again.

“Major Hamilton’s office, How many I help you?”

“Yes my name is Nathan Cavanhall. I would like to schedule a coffee meeting With Rachel please?” I wish I had her personal number so I could talk to her myself.

“O Yes. She is available Friday at 11 am. Will that be agreeable?”

“Yes Ill take it. Have her meet me at the Starbucks down the street from her office.” Yes that was only two days away. Friday couldn’t come fast enough.

“Ok it is confirmed.”

“Thank you”

O Rachel I can’t wait to see you again. Let the game begin.

Rachel P.O.V.

TGIF. Yes I am that cheesy. I can’t help it I am always excited for the weekend. It’s the only time that Jonny and I have off with the kids so we can go on an adventure. I was beyond excited as we are going camping at the lake. I just had to get through today.

“Good Morning Beatrice! Happy Friday!”

“Good Morning Madame Major! Here are the files your asked for and you have a coffee meeting at 11.”

“Thanks Beatrice. It’s a good thing that I skipped my coffee this morning. So who am I having coffee with again?” I forgot who I was having coffee with. I just glanced in my calendar to see I was having a coffee meeting.

 “Nathan Hamilton”

“Right. That was soon. I guess he was that eager to see me again.” I guess I should have seen that coming.

“Yes he actually called that same day to schedule this meeting.” Beatrice seem just as surprised as I was with his eagerness.

“Well I guess he just might be in town for a short while. Whatever it is I’m sure its not business related. O Well…”

I make my way into the corner Starbucks and immediately see Nathan in the corner booth with his coffee on that table. I waved at him before heading to the counter to place my order. I glance over to catch him staring at me. He had this smirk on his face that just made me uncomfortable. I grab my coffee and head over to the table.

“Hi Mr. Cavanhall. I didn’t expect you to see you so soon.” He must have disappointed him because for a second I saw him frown. But he went back to a small smile.

“Please Rachel just call me Nate like old times. I was hoping to reconnect and be friends again now that I’m planning on moving back to this town.”

“Ok Nate…..Soooo I’m guessing this is not a business meeting than?” I had to through that out there. Last thing I want is to put myself in a situation that I know I’ll regret later.

“Well after graduation, went to Harvard, moved to seattle and now I’m back here. But not to much going on in my life beyond that..” He was very curt with his response ok. “But for the most part I’ve been single and just working hard. What about you? With that wedding ring on your finger Im assuming you settled down and have a family.”

“Yes married 11 years and have 3 kids. But besides that just have a few small businesses and properties that my husband and I own. But besides that I’m just living life to the fullest.”

“That’s nice. But your life seems more exciting than what your telling me. After all you are the current Major. What did you do after graduation?” He asked seeming to drill every ounce of information about my life from me.

“Yea I decided to go to college in San Diego. Stayed there working for a few years until I had to move back here.” I really didn’t want to go into further detail. If he wasn’t going to be direct with me about his life than why should I.

“What was your job back in San Diego?”

“Wedding floral designer and manager.”

“Wow never thought of you as the artistic type.” He said with a hint of sarcasm

“Thanks…But I never thought of you still being single. Didn’t you use to have all the girls trailing you back at school. Figured that you would be married by now.” I made sure to draw out the “thanks”. If he was going to start teasing me then he is going to have another thing coming.

“Yes well just got sick of the dating game. Once you reach a certain level of success than all you find are gold diggers.” He said while shaking his head with a small smile pulling on his face. “But I’m really glade you found a job that made you happy. But I have to ask how did you go from florist to Major. That is like to opposite ends of the spectrum of careers?”

“Well yea, I did double major in Political Science and Business Management. I just got into the flower industry because of my best friend. I was interning for a city council member part time and my friend asked me one day to help her at her job and you can say that it was like love at first sight. Creating something so beautiful and colorful with your hands is like magic. Plus I loved watching the brides gush over our masterpieces.” I was filled with a sense of pride when those words came out. Some of my favorite pre-kids memories where when I was working as a full time designer.

“Wow so I guess you found your passion.” Nathan Said in pure amazement.

“Yea anything that puts a smile on peoples. Its those happy moments that make my job not feel like work. Even now as Major I find enjoyment in making sure this town is happy and thriving.”

“So what other businesses are you into. Seems like flowers and politics is not all you have your hands on.”

“Yea Hubby and I own four restaurants in town, and I just finished getting my real estate license and starting up a property management group. I just cant seen to stop learning and investing in something new.”

“That’s so amazing Rach. You’ve accomplished so much in the last decade. I bet your parents are super proud of you. How’s your little brother?” Great the dreaded question I’ve been avoiding for the last three years. I couldn’t help but sigh in grief.

“Well…. My parents and Brother died in a car crash. So its just me now and my little family.” I said in a low voice. It still pained me to think about them. I wish they were here to enjoy my kids. They would’ve been amazing grandparents and my brother was going to be the crazy uncle. But that’s just what it will never be.

“O… I’m sorry Rach. I cant imagine how that must have felt. They were wonderful people.” He was remorse and without warming stretched out his hand to mine. He gave it a little squeeze in an effort to provide comfort.

“Its ok. Its been a while now and I’m better. I have my family to look forward to. And my work.” I gave him a small smile to reassure him that I really don’t need comforting.

“Well I’m sure they are beyond proud of you. Is that why you have you plate full running all your businesses?”

“Partly… with the money I received from their will I was able to help Jonny open our first restaurant and buy some property to rent out. We needed to set up our future for my kids. Everything me and my hubby do is for the future of our kids. If they don’t go into the given fields than they can always sell and be set for life. I know that that’s what my parents wanted. Always pay it forward making sure future generations are set.”

“Well they were true great people with great family values.”

“Thanks Nate.” We continued filling in on each others lives and what we heard about other mutual friends we grew up with. We talk for about two hours until I glanced at my cell phone to look at the time. There I had a message from Beatrice that I had a person back in the office that wanted to talk to me about some ceremony I had to attend.

“Sorry to cut this short but I have to go back to the office. It was nice catching up with you. See you around Nate.”

“Pleasure was all mine. Don’t be a stranger. Before you go can I have your number. I would really like to keep in touch.”

“Sure” I was hesatent but having another friend would’nt hurt. I took his phone that he held out for me and entered my cell number. Once done I was about to Shake his hand but he suddenly gave me a huge. I froze and just patted his back with one hand.

“Well see you around Rach.”

Once he let go I walked out of the Starbucks and headed back to the office. On my way I was just thinking about our conversation and the hug. Maybe I’m just overthinking but I couldn’t help but enjoy my time with him. I almost forgot what a good friend he was. I just hope that he doesn’t think there could be more. It was uncomfortable when he would randomly smirk and look at me as if I was a piece of delicious candy, but again I’m probably over thinking.