LOVING YOU BENEATH THE SURFACE

IN MY BUSINESS

I kept in constant contact with Jean, and we did several video calls together in order to discuss the various processes and things I needed for me to know before my inauguration. She was kind enough to send me the profiles of all executives and investors, told me their personalities and how to relate with them for a smooth business transaction.

“Your role is much more than a designer, you have the final say over all affairs of the company now, so you have to understand how a business run too”, she revealed, and I took note of everything.

The meeting with the executives was finally scheduled, and it happened to be on the same day Chris was going with his team on a vacation sponsored by the company. I woke up to his message wishing me a good day and to call him when I was done with the meeting.

The meeting lasted for more than eight hours as we went through a lot of paperwork and necessary documents. I also made a presentation of my goals for the company as the new President in order to convince them that I was capable.

“I once visited Jean’s house and something fascinated me about her workplace. She didn’t lose touch of her signature even though fashion evolved continuously over time. She had her territory marked and made a name for herself. I also want to continue that legacy and leave behind a signature that will not only carry on the name of Jean but all of us. We all have our voices and signatures, if we put them together we will be able to create something extraordinary”, I explained, and they all clapped in unison with Jean giving me a thumb up.

Immediately I was done with the meeting, I rushed to text Chris and fill him in on the outcome. We spoke at length, and he gave his own piece of encouragement before we both got back to what we were doing after promising to catch up before bed.

******

CHRIS’ POV

“You didn’t know? I was lucky to pick the room next to yours”. Charlotte blushed and picked the side of her ear with a smile.

Whatever it was she was trying to pull was what I was familiar with, but I would never give her the impression that I understood all the messages she was trying to pass across.

“Are you not joining them for the games? They all seem to be waiting for us”, I muttered, and avoided her glistering gaze.

“Sure! Let’s join them. I was on my way there after all” she responded and took the lead while I gave her some distance before I followed suite.

I watched them play several games and bonded over the introduction section. They discussed many other things before they moved to the answer or drink section, but I opted out because I needed to stay sane and watch whatever was going on.

“Let whoever loses sing for us. We should do a singing game”, Charlotte suddenly suggested, and everyone agreed immediately.

Charlotte started the singing session and everyone clapped and was wowed by how good she was. She was excellent with her voice, and it reminded me of Kate when we all went to the vacation house.

A smile crawled to my face as the memory reappeared, and I could picture her vividly. It was the moment I fell for her. Her smile and everything was something I couldn’t ignore. She was so attractive and charming.

As if she was reading my mind, her call came in at that time and I rushed outside the balcony to answer it. I filled in on what was happening and how the karaoke session reminded me of when I first heard her sing.

“So you fell for me at that point? This is my first time hearing that though” she blushed and I chuckled.

“I just told you a secret I had held dear to my heart. You sang your way into my heart”, I joked and we both laughed before I was called in by my team members to come and have my own turn at singing.

Shyly, I tried to turn it down, but they wouldn’t have it, so I had no choice but to fulfill their wishes. I decided to put Kate on the phone, so she could hear me sing, and I sang the exact song she sang during the vacation. Although others didn’t know that was what I was doing, it was a beautiful connection for both of us. I could picture her blushing hard on the other side of the phone and I could feel that she loved every bit of the performance I gave.

“Oh my God! I never knew our boss could sing this well! How come he is so good at everything?” one of them gasped and others followed suit.

“I know, right? He’s everything one can ever ask for, he’s so perfect, and I wonder how he gets cooler every time”, Johnson remarked.

“That is why I cannot keep myself from falling for him. He’s everything I need”, Charlotte blurted out, and my assistant nudged her a bit

“What are you talking about? He has a girlfriend” she cautioned, and Charlotte scoffed.

“That’s not a big deal come on. You can never know until you try” she remarked, and the atmosphere became awkward.

She must have realized the weight of what she said when everyone turned their eyes on her, so she burst into a big laugh suddenly.

“Come on! Why are you all so tense? It’s just a joke!” she cackled, but for some seconds, no one laughed at it.

Since I didn’t want anyone to dwell long on it, I resumed the son and the attention fell back on me. Everyone clapped happily after my performance and I excused myself to resume the talk with Kate, who didn’t mention anything about what Charlotte said.

I was not sure if she had heard it and I didn’t want to annoy her by bringing it up, but I didn’t feel at ease, so I threw it in as a joke.

“Did you hear that? My performance was mind-blowing enough to have someone fall for me”. I chuckled and she went silent.

Scared that I might have said something to annoy her, I started to stutter. “Babe, it’s not like that. I didn’t say that to make you feel sad and…”

Her soft giggles made me pause before she said “There’s no reason for you to explain this hard. I trust you babe. Also, it’s hard for anyone not to fall for someone like you. I mean you caught my eyes without trying hard too” she stated softly, and I breathed in relief.

“I know that you only have eyes for me and nothing is going to change that. Also, I shouldn’t be stopping you from having fun with your team. Let’s talk tomorrow, I love you” she added with a loud yawn.

“You must have been tired from the stress. We will talk tomorrow, so rest well. I love you too, baby” I responded before staring into the deep night and taking a breath of relief.

I wanted to call it a night, but I didn’t want to be a party pooper when they all suggested a movie, and we all settled down to watch the movie that was picked out.

“What is a movie without some popcorn? Let’s have them prepared”, one of them jumped up and Charlotte went along with her to get them prepared.

Within five minutes, the table was filled with bowls of popcorn and drinks of different kind, and it was distributed a bowl for two people. I ended up sharing the same bowl with Charlotte, which was quite uncomfortable, knowing that it was her plan, but I didn’t want to give the wrong signal.

“No one is permitted to sleep! I will ask questions after the movie, so stay alert!” my assistant announced, and everyone cheered.

Twenty minutes into the movie, I didn’t reach for any popcorn and just focused on the soda in my hand until someone asked out of the blue. “Do you dislike popcorn by chance? You barely touch it or do you want me to get you some snacks?”

I jumped at the bowl and took a handful while telling the person not to disturb herself and that I love popcorn. Charlotte only smiled at my expression and passed the bowl to me, so I could take more.

“Help yourself” she mumbled happily, but as soon as I took two handfuls of the popcorn, I passed the rest to her.

“That’s enough. You can have the rest to yourself. Thank you!” I said to her and focused on the movie.

The movie ended after an hour and twenty minutes and everyone answered the questions that were thrown at them before we retired for the night.

*****

The following morning was the height of it for me. I realized that I didn’t pack my body wash, and it was important for me to get one since there was none at home. I was about to order one when she suddenly popped up behind me and saw what I was doing.

“Did you not come with one? I have an extra body wash. Let me bring it for you”

Before I could even process anything she said, she was already in her room and she appeared in front of me with a bottle of body wash.