CHAPTER SEVEN
1696 Words
CHUCK
Ever met someone who you have mixed feelings for? I bet not but I have.
The lady from the other day. I don’t know her name yet. I don’t know what she does and where she lives. I just know she is an abusive b***h who I want to keep messing with.
By messing, I don’t mean I have any feelings for her. Not at all. I have a fiancee so I have no time for the likes of her.
Who am I kidding?
I don’t love my fiancee. We are just together because of unavoidable circumstances but it doesn’t mean I want that lady.
I can find out all about her with just a snap of my finger but I’m not interested. Not at all. She is not my type so I don’t know why I have the urge to continue messing with her.
My office phone rings and I receive leaning back on my seat.
“Yes Sonia!”
“There is someone here to see you sir.”
“Who?”
“Your brother.”
“Let him in.” I replace the receiver and look at the door. This must be something he needs. He is always asking for favors and I can never say no to him. He is my only sibling.
“Morning bro?” he walks in with a smile.
“Hey Robin? To what do I owe this pleasure?” I smile back at him. Something I rarely do.
“Wanna talk business.” He slumps on a sofa and lies on it, looking at me.
“Which business?” I’m forced to move to the opposite sofa too. That’s the advantage of having a big office.
“You know Queen’s modeling agency?”
“How can I not? It’s the biggest modeling agency around.” I cross my legs and give him a long look.
“The owner is selling some shares and I'm interested.”
“And you are telling me this because?” I arch my brows at him.
“I don’t have the money.”
“Is that supposed to be my problem?”
“I know it’s not but I need your help.”
“You want me to give you money?”
“Not exactly. It’s some sort of a loan. Just buy the shares and I will manage the agency. Once I have enough money I will take over and be the CEO.”
“Remind me something, are you crazy?”
“I'm not Chuck. I just need your help.”
“You already have an agency Robin.” I stand and walk to the cabinets. I take a bottle of wine and two glasses, then walk back to my spot.
“Focus on your agency. Make it better than Queen’s.” I pour wine into the glasses and hand him one. He takes a sip and pulls himself into a sitting position.
“Yes but Queen’s is the best. It’s so established.”
“That’s because the owner is serious. Don’t be a loser. Learn from him and better your agency. You can’t always come to me for financial help.”
“So you won’t help me?”
“until when am I supposed to help you?”
“This is the last time I promise.”
“That’s a no. I'm not interested.”
“Come on Chuck! I don’t want to ask for money from mum and dad.”
“Why not? You are mum's favorite. I bet she won’t hesitate to give you the money.”
“I don’t want to be some spoilt brat. I want that to be the last option.”
“Not interested. I have never ventured into modeling. This won’t be the first time.”
“Give it a try. Search Queen’s and see how worthy it is. I can even take you there. Just give me a shot. One last shot.”
“I will look into it. If I decide to buy, you will manage it but under me. Can’t risk it failing.”
“Thanks bro.”
“What percentage are we talking about?”
“Eighty percent.”
“That’s a high risk.”
“And you are never scared of them. You are always a risk-taker. A go-getter.”
“Will visit the place.”
“When?”
“Later. When I’m done with something I’m working on.”
“Okay. I hope this works.” He stands placing the empty glass on the table.
“Let’s hope so. Show yourself out.” I watch him walk out and take a deep breathe.
Is Queen’s worth it? I have only one way to find out. I will check it out and maybe give it a shot.
I gulp down the remaining wine and place the glass on the table. I take my phone and jacket and step out.
“Cancel my appointments for today Sonia.” I order and walk to the elevator, dialing Victor’s number.”
“Yes sir.”
“Bring the car to the front. I’m stepping out.”
“Okay sir.” I snap the phone shut and step into the elevator. I punch the button and wait patiently as it glides through the other floors. It glides to a stop and the doors slide open, letting me out.
Victor is already upfront. That’s how efficient my workers are. He opens my door and shuts it once I’m in. He walks to his side and gets in then starts the car.
“Queen’s agency.” I order and buckle my seatbelt.
“Okay sir.” He joins the highway.
My phone vibrates in my pocket and I dig it out.
“Yes Annalisa.” That’s my fiancee, who I don’t love. We are just together for the sake of it. It’s not public. I have never posted her picture on any of my social media accounts. People don’t know whether she exists. Mum wanted to blurb about it but I warned her and her mouth remained shut. That’s why I’m the most eligible bachelor.
The only person who knows I have a fiancee is Miss Abusive. I decide to call that because I don’t know her name. I don’t know why I told her that. I have no idea.
“Can we have lunch together baby?”
“Not today.” I try hard not to snap at her. She is always irritating.
“Why not? You always say no to me. I'm your fiancee remember!” she shouts on the other end.
“I’m not fond of shouting so when you are ready for a civil conversation, you will call me back!” I hang up and snap the phone shut.
“We are here sir.” Victor snaps me out of my reverie and walks to my side to open my door.
“Wait here. Will be back.” I say and step into the building. I walk to a receptionist who grins at me excitedly.
“Here to see Mr. Patterson. Which floor kindly?”
“Fifth floor. You walk down the corridor once there and you will see a huge office.”
“He doesn’t have a secretary up there?”
“No sir. He doesn’t care for that.”
“Thanks.” I walk to the elevator and step in. The bell dings once on fifth floor and the doors slide open. I step out and walk down the hallway, into Mr. Patterson’s office.
“Mr. Clayton?” he stands to greet me excitedly.
“Hope you are well Mr. Patterson.”
“I’m. Was told to expect you today.”
“By who?”
“Robin Clayton. He is your brother if I’m not wrong.”
“Oh! I see.” Robin booked an appointment for me? This is funny though it’s so him.
“Have a seat sir.”
“Thank you.” I sit directly opposite him and look around. It’s a great office.
“I heard you want to sell some shares.”
“Yes. I'm getting old and I don’t have an heir.”
“Eighty percent?”
“Yeah. Was hoping that you would buy. You are a tycoon whose businesses are topping in the country. I'm so proud of you.”
“Thanks. The problem is that I have never ventured in modeling.”
“I know you can. You will be a very good CEO. You don’t know how many times I looked at that door hoping you would walk in with an offer. I know this agency will be in good hands.”
“Thanks for your kind words but I guess I will have to think about it first. I need to do some research on this place then we can get into a deal. I hope you understand.”
“I do Mr. Clayton. Take your time. Won't see anybody else until you make that decision.”
“Thank you Mr. Patterson.” I say standing. “If that’s all?”
“Yeah, that’s all. Will walk you out.”
“Heard great things about this agency.” I compliment as we walk down the corridor.
“Yeah, it has always been the best.” He gives me a smile and we bump into some lady. It’s Miss abusive. What is she doing here?
“Okay Lexi?” Patterson asks.
“Yeah. I'm okay.” She says and looks at me. My eyebrows are raised at her. I can tell she is surprised to see me too.
“Lexi?” it’s a question. “Is she one of the models?”
“Yes Mr. Clayton. My favorite model.”
“Well.” I narrow my eyes at her. “ I think I will reconsider. I will buy those shares.”
“Wow! These are great news Mr. Clayton.”
Lexi, as he called her, widens her eyes at me.
“Buy shares?”
“Yes dear. He will be the CEO if this works. You are in good hands.”
He assures her, with no idea how miserable I want to make her life here.
- Writer
