Chapter 10: Veiled Date

AVA

When we got to Cleopatra’s, Miles pulled up right in front of the entrance. A valet walked up to the car and stuck out his white-gloved hand to open up my door, but Mr. Brentstone got out on his side and stopped him.

He opened my door himself, offering his arm to help me get out. Hesitantly, I took it.

Miles drove away while we walked to the door, which Mr. Brentstone opened for me. A hostess came to greet us, and Mr. Brentstone merely stated his name in reply.

“Of course, Mr. Brentstone. Follow me.” She guided us to a table overlooking the water.

Mr. Brentstone pulled out my chair, and I sat down, not knowing what to say. He opened his menu, but instead of reading it, his eyes found mine.

The way he held my gaze made me feel weirdly dizzy, and I looked away quickly.

A waiter walked up to our table and asked what he could get started for us.

“We’re waiting for our guest,” Mr. Brentstone replied.

My eyes widened in surprise, but I quickly gathered myself. ~Of course. I should have known.~

I smiled joylessly, my mind racing as to who we could be expecting. I hadn’t brought anything. Should I have prepared something?

Mr. Brentstone picked up on my nervousness. “Is something wrong?”

I shook my head, avoiding his eyes.

“You didn’t think this was a date, did you?” I heard him chuckle, and I felt my cheeks heat up.

“Of course not.”

“Take notes of what’s discussed.” He got up and extended his hand to greet our guest, who I only just noticed had entered.

The men shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. I recognized our guest as William Ralls, some big-shot writer. Damn, the clientele this company had was impressive.

He seemed to be in his fifties with graying hair and a matching beard. He sported a pair of thin-framed glasses.

He extended his hand to me, and when I took it, instead of shaking it, he brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. I smiled uncomfortably and looked at Mr. Brentstone, hoping he’d come to my rescue.

Mr. Ralls looked me up and down and then turned to Mr. Brentstone with an impressed look on his face.

“She’s quite the looker.” He whistled, not even bothering to go unheard.

“Isn’t she?” Mr. Brentstone’s eyes were burning holes in mine.

I shot daggers back at him but was sure to keep a polite smile on my lips at the same time.

Mr. Ralls eyed me once again. “I sure wouldn’t be able to get any work done with ~that~ around me all day long.”

I stood up, smoothing my skirt with my hands. I excused myself and went to the ladies’ room. I texted Maisy immediately after the door shut behind me.

Ava

The ‘date’ is a lunch meeting with a client.

Maisy

Oh no! A fun client at least?

Ava

Kissed my hand and called me ‘a looker’ in the first 10 seconds after meeting him.

Maisy

Nooo. Sending you good vibes. Ring me once if you need me to call you about an ‘emergency.’

Ava

I just might. Stand by.

I put my phone back in my purse, looked in the mirror, and reapplied my lipstick. I took a deep breath and straightened my shoulders.

I walked back to the table, where the men were now deep in conversation. Mr. Brentstone pulled out my chair again. I sat down and took a tiny notebook that I used mostly for sketching out of my purse.

“I took the liberty of ordering for you,” Mr. Brentstone said. “You’re not a vegetarian, are you?”

I shook my head while trying to find a pen in my purse.

“I got you the veal. It’s exquisite.”

He picked up a bottle of wine and poured some into my glass.

My eyes darted to his, and when Mr. Ralls was distracted for a moment, I quickly switched out my full glass with Mr. Brentstone’s empty one. He raised an eyebrow at me but said nothing.

The rest of the meal I spent silently, taking notes as the men talked among themselves.

Mr. Brentstone wasn’t kidding; the veal was indeed incredible. It was just kind of hard to eat ~while also trying to listen and take notes at the same time.~

When we had all finished our meals, Mr. Brentstone and Mr. Ralls scheduled a new appointment.

“Have you got that written down, sunshine?” Mr. Ralls asked, grabbing my wrist.

I swiftly pulled my arm out of his hold, pretending to need it to hold up my booklet. “Absolutely, Mr. Ralls, I’ll be sure to confirm by email.” I smiled sweetly and batted my eyelashes.

Mr. Ralls grinned at Mr. Brentstone. “You’re a lucky man, getting to look at her all day long.”

“Don’t I know it,” Mr. Brentstone said, a touch hoarsely, never once looking away from me.

***

After Mr. Ralls had left, Mr. Brentstone paid the bill, and we walked back outside to find Miles waiting for us in the town car.

“You brought me to lunch to play your assistant?!” I burst out after we had gotten in.

“Yes,” Mr. Brentstone replied calmly.

“You have an ~actual~ assistant, in case you forgot.”

“You continue to blow my mind with your observance, Ms. Mayweather.”

“Then why didn’t you just bring her?”

“I needed to close this deal. You’re exactly Bill’s type, and he’s the kind of guy that lets that stuff play into deals like this. I just needed to butter him up, and you were the butter.”

“That’s disgusting.”

“Come on, Ms. Mayweather,” he said with a crooked grin. “Look at the bright side. Closing this deal will likely result in a bonus for you.”

I whipped my head around and bore my eyes into his.

“I’m not an escort, Mr. Brentstone. And frankly, I’m not an office decorator either. I’d appreciate it if from now on you’d let me do my ~actual~ job when I’m at work.”

I grabbed my purse and held up my hand. “Miles, please pull over.”

I opened my door immediately after we’d come to a stop, climbed out of the vehicle, and stormed off.

I heard a car door open and shut behind me, and in a matter of seconds, Mr. Brentstone had caught up with me. ~Screw these heels.~

He cleared his throat. “Ms. Mayweather, I believe I owe you an apology.”

“I believe so too.” I did not slow down.

“I’m sorry for blindsiding you. I’ll be sure to stick to your job description from now on.”

I finally slowed my pace a bit, mostly because my feet were killing me. “Much appreciated,” I said, scowling.

“Let’s go back to the office.” He stepped toward the car, which had been following us at a walking pace.

“No thanks. I’ll be taking my lunch break now.”

He raised an eyebrow. “We just had a two-hour lunch!”

I turned to look at him. “No, ~you~ had a two-hour lunch. ~I~ was working.”

Mr. Brentstone’s face softened, and he even smirked at me. “You’re right. Let me make it up to you.”

I turned away again, picking up my pace. “Yeah, no, I’m good, thanks.”

“I’m serious. Let me take you out for dessert at least.” He held the car door.

I stopped and hesitated.

“Get in the car, Ava.” He smiled mischievously.

“STOP TELLING ME TO GET IN YOUR CAR ALL THE TIME!” I boomed as I got in.