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Surprised by his invitation, I glance up at the big, chiseled man and agree, my heart thumping. His eyes are black whirlpools, pulling me in, and I have to remind myself he's old enough to be my father. But it’s not like I had the option to refuse lunch in the first place. And getting to know him on a personal level might contribute to a more constructive work environment. So, I grab my purse and join him at the elevator.
The descent is filled with awkward silence. I nervously fiddle with my purse strap, avoiding direct eye contact. Brando stands firm, his hands folded in front of him like a statue. With each person entering and exiting the elevator, we unintentionally brush against each other. A surge of heat rushes through me, and my cheeks flush crimson.
Arriving on the ground level, instead of heading toward the main lobby exit, we venture deeper into the building, uncovering a restaurant I had yet to learn was there. I should have requested a building tour on my first day.
As we make our way to a table, we are constantly interrupted by people eager to greet Brando. He knows a significant number of his employees by name. While it shouldn't surprise me, considering his position as the head of a large company, many of them are women. I can't help but wonder how many of them he has been involved with. My cynical side whispers that it's probably all of them. I roll my eyes at the thought. However, I do observe a softer, more personal side of him as he engages with those who stop to chat. He's amiable, cracks jokes, and asks about their families. He appears to be completely in the moment, giving his undivided attention to the person he's talking to. Witnessing this, I feel a touch of warmth and find my defenses crumbling even more.
We engage in light conversation while we eat, touching upon various changes he wants me to incorporate into the blockchain peer-to-peer energy trading project. Despite the frequent interruptions, I manage to grasp his vision and understand the direction he wishes for it to take.
Our conversation shifts to my former building, which he intends to make into the foundation's headquarters and the office space for the staff working on this and other renewable energy projects. A subtle sense of satisfaction washes over me, knowing that some of my input will remain in that building.
He asks for my opinion as to the direction he should pursue. I'm taken aback, as I didn't anticipate this question. In my experience, corporate business people tend to prioritize the bottom line and seldom seek or care for others' perspectives.
“Establishing a non-profit organization to support underprivileged children would be an excellent way to give back to the community and challenge the notion that large corporations are solely focused on profit margins,” I offer. “We could focus on a partnership with a tech firm, creating programs for kids without access to technology, and generating synergies with the renewable energy trading project.”
We finish our lunch, and as we step into the elevator, he lightly touches my back—a seemingly innocent gesture that sends a surge of heat through my skin. We ride the elevator back up to the ninety-ninth floor, and he graciously holds the door open for me. As I pass by him, my arm brushes against his chest, intensifying the flame he's ignited within me.
Brando enters his office, and I settle down at my desk to implement the discussed changes and send the updated file to his email.
Leaning back in my chair, I reflect on the people who interrupted our lunch. Charlotte had hinted that Brando had a reputation as a bit of a player, causing me to wonder which of the women who stopped by were his lovers at one point or another. It might be my imagination, but all of them were undeniably beautiful. At the thought, a sinking feeling settles in my stomach.
Thankfully, Charlotte returns from her lunch break, providing a welcome distraction. The silence had allowed my mind to wander too much, inevitably fixating on Brando.
“How was lunch with the hubby?” I inquire, attempting to divert my thoughts and maintain a casual tone.
“It was alright,” Charlotte responds, glancing at me once again.
“Just alright?” I question aloud, curious about her subdued response.
“Well,” she turns in her seat to face me directly, her expression changing, “he got a promotion.”
“That's fantastic!” I exclaim, a wide grin spreading across my face.
“Thanks,” she replies with a hint of mixed emotions. “But it also means I have to celebrate with his boss on Friday, and I have absolutely nothing to wear,” she confesses.
“Well, I have someone in mind who loves to shop and can work wonders in the blink of an eye. He's a fashion buyer and personal shopper for the rich and famous,” I tease.
“Give me his name and number, and I'll gladly accept any help I can get. Although, I'm neither rich nor famous, so I'm not sure if I can afford him,” she shrugs, her tone tinged with a touch of uncertainty.
“Don't worry, he'll do it for me. I'll let him know I sent you his way,” I assure her, my giggle bubbling as I reach into my bag and hand her Race's business card.
“Thanks,” she says appreciatively, spinning around in her chair. “I'm going to call him now while the phone lines are quiet,” she adds, picking up the receiver. “Oh, and don't think you're off the hook regarding that lunch with Brando,” she adds playfully, catching me off guard as Race answers her call, and she launches into a rapid conversation with him. I can't help but smile as Charlotte talks a mile a minute, and I take out my phone to text Race.
Char is my home girl, do good by her, and I will let you give me a makeover sometime this weekend.
I smile as I wait for a text back. Race is good at multitasking, so I know he will respond before ending the call.
I got you, boo,he responds, as I go back to work with the biggest grin on my face.
CHAPTER10
BRANDO
In the afternoon,I take a moment to review the revisions Ana sent, which incorporated the edits I suggested during lunch. I am impressed by her extensive research and knowledge of technology firms. I hadn't expected my new assistant to be this skilled, and I feel guilty for not providing her with more details about the company's plans for acquiring a new pipeline. If she had known, she would not have been in alignment with it. I am certain that once she finds out, she will protest.
Ana is aware that I will present a second proposal to de-emphasize the renewable energy aspect, but despite my desire to fight against it, there is no way to stop it. As much as I prioritize environmental friendliness, I want my plan to be successful. After reviewing both proposals, I reach over and press the button to call her.
“Yes, Brando?” she responds promptly.
