LIONEL'S POV
PAST
"Talk to me" I said after tapping on the sensor of my air pods. I stopped, taking deep breaths as I waited for the caller to speak
"Why are you breathing so hard?" Xavier asked
"I went out for my morning run" I answered, still trying to calm my pacing heart
"I didn't know you ran" I could hear Xavier chuckle on the other end of the call
"I'm practicing for the day I can successfully run away from you" I said
"I'll keep that in mind, Mr runner, mr track star" Xavier laughed "Are you free tonight?"
I hesitated before answering "Depends on what you need me to do"
"I thought we'd go to a bar and just relax and unwind" I heard him say
"It's Monday. You're supposed to be working today or do I have to remind you about all the meetings you're supposed to have today" I shook my head trying to explain
"The meetings would always be there" Xavier countered
"Well it took a lot to schedule these meetings so I suggest you meet with the clients and secure this deal with them" I said to him
"Fine. How soon can you be at the office?" He asked
"In about an hour"
"Alright. See you then" He said and the call dropped. I stared at the screen for a minute, shocked that the goal focused Xavier would want to skip work to hang out at a bar and "unwind"
If you ask me I thought the world was ending or I was in an alternate universe, but at least the crisis has been avoided. I slid my phone back into my arm pouch and continued my run
***
Over at the company, I met Xavier in the office, behind his executive desk, looking rather serious and very professional. The big time billionaire CEO who people would kill to have even just a minute with. Most people only saw him as an opportunity to go from point A to point B but I saw him differently. He was funny, patient, kind, with a good heart and the best part, he's my best friend
"You're finally here" Xavier said, looking up from the files "Come take a look at this"
"Whatsup" I walked up to the table, taking my seat at the opposite side "This is the file for the new collection"
"Check again" He said sternly
I examined the contents of the file closely, unsure of what he was referring to "What exactly am I looking at?"
"This collection was supposed to have been ready a month ago but the design just reached my table" He sighed deeply rubbing the bridge of his nose "This whole thing is going to put us in a tight corner. The only reason why we are the number fashion brand in the state is because we promise our customers consistency. How can we do that when we can't meet simple deadlines?"
"Who's the designer for this project?" I asked skimming through the pages
He scoffed "I should be asking you"
"I'll handle it" I said, rising to my feet.
Xavier King, the man with the good heart, but when it comes to actually managing the business, no one does it better than him. I won't lie, I'm a little bit jealous.
"Where are you storming off to?" I met Terrace by the door as I was heading out of the office
"Good morning Terrace. There's an issue with the designs so I'm trying to take care of it before it causes an even bigger issue" I said, steeping aside
"Is he inside?" She asked peeking through the opening
"Yes he is" I said, my mind focused on resolving the matter "I gotta go. I'll see you later" I marched off leaving Terrace by the entrance. I turned around briefly but she was already inside the room.
The meeting with the designer didn't take so long after he assured me that the new collection would be ready before the end of the week. His excuse being late delivery of the materials he needed.
I got back to Xavier's office and he was nowhere to be found. His table, a cluttered mess with files and unsigned paper work.
"Where did he run off to?" I muttered pulling out my phone, dialing his cell
He finally answered at the second ring "Hello"
"Where are you?" I asked
"Stepped out to the cafeteria for coffee. Calm your tits" He answered
I bit back my words "My tits are calm. You have a meeting in about half an hour"
"I'm aware. You sent me the itinerary already. I just felt like walking about. I'll meet you outside"
"I'll get the car ready" I said before the call dropped
Sometimes he can be a handful
I got out of the building, signalling the driver to bring the car around. As soon as the car parked in front of me, Xavier stepped out of the building and into the back seat of the vehicle and I followed suit
"Take us to Eden" I instructed the driver just as he pulled out of the compound. We arrive at the restaurant about thirty minutes before the meeting, taking our seat at our designated table
"Why are we here so early?" Xavier grumbled
"Because it's better to be early than being late" I answered, typing into my phone "I'll be back"
I stood up from my seat, heading outside the restaurant to take a call and that's when I saw her. She wore the prettiest smile I had ever seen. I could feel my heart thump at the rhythm of her footsteps. Her blonde hair danced gracefully in the wind before she disappeared through the restaurant doors.
So this is what love at first sight feels like. I walked back into the restaurant eyes following her as she talked to a couple of the customers with a beautiful smile on her face. She looked so peaceful, it was like this was her world, her space, where she could be free and be herself
I wanted to approach her but it looked like she was about to begin her shift for the night. She disappeared through the kitchen doors and I never got to see her for the rest of the meeting.