Chapter 19

Aiden Morgan's pov

We finally arrived at our next destination, which was another mega sweet shop.

I walked ahead while Ava and Damien walked behind me chatting away between each other. It amazes me how close they have gotten since my assistant is extremely restricted.

By our interactions I can tell she's not truly comfortable with me.

I offered to help with the organization of games night because I wanted her to see that I'm not just a scary boss who is ready to fire her if she does wrong.

I wanted her to be comfortable and not feel on the edge around me.

I understand why she feels that way, I've been raised to take over my family business.

Growing up although I had a wonderful childhood, it was certainly different from other children my age.

Instead of playing outside with friends and being care-free I was learning what it took to run a business.

There were instances where I could go out, thanks to my mother but my father insisted I needed to be focused and not fill my head with nonsense.

Over the years I've mastered the art of a stone face, not allowing my thoughts or how I truly feel to be expressed in my face.

It comes in handy when dealing with clients, but in my personal life (the little I have) it does not help at all.

Often times I dream of an escape, going somewhere so excluded that nobody knows who I am.

I often dream of being invisible, the ability to walk in public or walk into a building without being stared at intensely.

I long for the days I can truly escape this world of constant gawking and watching.

I long for freedom and tranquility. I often read the poem ' I will arise and go now, go to inns free' by W.B Yeats

The poem instigates something in me, a flame perhaps. A flame that burns faster at the thought of an escape, a flame that burns until it's too late and there is nothing else to burn.

I want to escape, as the man in the poem did. I want to be in tranquility and peace, alone with no civilization.

Mr. Morgan your phone is ringing. I was brought out of my daze by Ava's voice.

I looked at her, as she had now appeared on my side.

'Ringgggg' my phone went off once more. I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone.

I looked at the screen to see it was Miranda calling.

I picked the call ' hello'

'When are you going to be done with shopping' Miranda spoke cutting right to the point.

'We still have a few places to go to. We just left the first shop, we are currently making our way to the games store' I replied truthfully, making sure to do so in a calm manner.

Miranda often has a temper tantrum, that temper tantrum is worse when she believes you're talking down at her.

'Hurry up, I'm done with what I have to done. I don't want to wait any longer' was her response before hanging up.

Often people ask why I deal with her, I've had people try and set me up with their child or grand children.

The truth is I'm familiar with Miranda, with my busy schedule I don't have time for dating. Miranda fits that schedule.

She often busy herself and all she requires is money and that's something I can give.

I've also never had anyone that sparked my interest, someone who truly made me feel like I was Aiden and not Mr. Morgan the CEO.

As an important businessman, my title is known. People don't truly know who I am; they often have an ideal image of a CEO and expect me to fit into that idealism.

Often, I do subconsciously fit into it because of the immense about of pressure and expectation.

Often times I try to be normal, in casual occasions I don't have a bodyguard or security. I yarn for normality, having security around you, twenty-four seven certainly makes you feel like a prisoner.

We arrived at the games store. Ava and Damien were still chatting amongst themselves in their own world.

I couldn't help but wonder how long they have known each other which wouldn't be very long since she hasn't worked with me for long.

He puts a smile on her face, a smile that I've never got the pleasure of seeing until now.

She's more carefree with him than I've ever seen her. It's as if she's a completely different person right now.

As we walked into the store through the automatic doors, people stopped what they were doing to stare at our direction.

Some looked because others were looking then went back to what they were doing while some were not sure if it was truly me.

I receive many reactions from the people I encounter, there are some that I would hate to experience again while some were humbling experiences.

As we made our way through the store an assistant came to our aid.

'Hello sir' how may I help you, asked a young man who did not look a day older than twenty-one.

'Yes, we are looking for a few games to buy for a little office get together'

'What types are games would you be interested in' the young man continued, judging by his name tag his name is Joseph.

'Card games such as uno, chess'

'Chess seriously' exclaimed Ava in disbelief.

'What's wrong with chess' I asked almost teasingly.

'It's such a clique' she replied looking at me in the eyes.

I held eye contact when I said ' you don't know how to play do you' I raised an eyebrow.

Her face became slightly flushed from the sudden realization.

'I don't but it's not worth playing because it's boring and old ' she exclaimed in a defected manner

I laughed while the young boy directed us to the section the games where.

'Will I be of any further assistance' he asked once we made it to the section.

'No I think we are good for now' Ava spoke to my surprise.

Joseph gave us the basket he held in his hand before leaving.

'Twister' Damien suggested picking the box up from the shelf.

'No, I don't think so' Ava replies

'I think it would add diversity, it's different. It would allow people to be a little more, free' I responded, it's a light-hearted game it would take people out of their comfort zone.

'Okay fine' Ava agreed.

'Yes, dare cards' Ava picked up a pack of cards that wrote 'Dare Cards'. I had never seen it before must be new.

'This needs to be added' she spoke eagerly.

'I don't think so' I exclaimed foreseeing the mayhem it could cause.

'Please it would be fun' to my surprise she was giving us the puppy dog eyes. 'Please, please' she continued.

I wanted to say no once more but I couldn't get myself to, her eyes were so captivating. As if knowing she had me convinced, she smiled, showing her beautifully straight teeth.

How could I say no. I'm that moment I was in a trance. Obvious to the world around me. It was almost like she was too, but I wasn't entirely sure.

I was pulled out of my trance by the sound of Damien's throat clearing. I looked over to him to see him staring inquisitively at both Ava and I.

He tried bringing Ava's attention to another game he had in mind. Ava slowly walked over with him, but still looked to be in deep thought.

I didn't know what to think, it was unexpected, and I'm convinced it was a once off situation. Spare of the moment.

But I've never noticed she had hazel eyes, they had green specks on them that could easily go unnoticed if not inspected.

They were captivating, so captivating I wanted to inspect them more. I wanted to see if I could find more details in them.

I continued to look around, but no game actually caught my attention.

'Damien thought this would be a good asset to what we already have' Ava explained, standing where she previously was.

'Yes. It would be great' was my reply not truly paying much attention to the game.

We picked a few more games after that, the rest of our time in the store consisted of Ava and Damien mostly interacting with each other.

There were times when we would get each other's approval on a game but that was not often.

By the end of our trip we had made several stops o different stores for more treats, we had bought more games, bean bags and drinks.

We were finally done with shopping and was ready to meet up with Miranda in the cafe, who has called me several times during our shop wanting to know where we were and demanded that we got to the cafe immediately.

'I think that's the place over there' Ava spoke out pointing in the direction of the cafe Miranda was in.

It was a little downtown. The cafe had a traditional cozy vibe. The window beside the cashier had baked goods displayed.

On my way to work I've driven by this place, but I've never truly had the time to admire it's beautiful or even to go in for a coffee.

I looked inside through the glass and say a figure in the further side of the cafe, opposite the window.

Miranda was busy texting on her phone and drinking from the cafes mug. She had an impatient expressing as she texted frantically on her iPhone.

As I looked at the cafe through the glass window, I started to slowly notice that the people that were in there were starting to notice my presence.

As if automatically, one by one they turned their heads to our direction as we walked for cars to held so we could get to the cafe.

Some people looked and went back to what they were doing but a few stared intensely.

There was a few that were pointing encouraging their friends to look in our direction as if confirming whether their eyes were deceiving them.

We had finally made our way to the cafe. Damien was the first to reach the door, he held it open for both Ava and I, once we were in it was as if the whole room couldn't keep their eyes off us.

As we took steps into the cafe, we especially me was watched like gawks. The cage was filled with whispers and continuous pointing.

'Hello, well come to 'The nova cafe'. How may I be of assistance' a waitress came out of nowhere to welcome us.

'Oh sorry, my name is Stephanie by the way. You can call me Steph of course ' she spoke as I was about to tell her there was someone waiting for us.

'Hello, nice to meet you too. The cafe is lovely, we are here to meet someone. I'm Ava ' Ava politely stretched her hand out to shake Stephanie or should say 'Steph'.

The waitress shook it while saying ' all right then, show me where they are, I'll direct you to the table and get your order'

I showed her where Miranda was sitting, still texting on her phone completely oblivious to the world around her.

We walked over to the table; I could still feel the piecing stares of strangers as I made my way to the table.

'There you are you finally decided to come' was the first words that came out of Miranda's mouth when she eventually acknowledged our presence.

'We were shopping' was my only response. Sitting down across from her. 'What are they doing here' Miranda exhaled still not glued to her phone.

'Miranda be nice, there is no reason to be hostile' I embarrassingly voiced out.

'Sorry. She didn't mean it in a rude way' I turned my head in Ava's directly to see her glaring at Miranda, who was completely oblivious to the situation around.

Ava turned to her gaze to my direction and I immediately gave her a sympathetic look, in return she gave me a small smile before taken a sit at the table.

Once everyone was a sit the waitress asked 'so what would everyone like to order'

'I have mine, thanks' was Miranda's response still not looking up from her phone.

'I would like, a cup of coffee with your ham special ham sandwich' Damien also replied.

I looked over at Ava, who was still searching frantically through the menu. 'What would you like Ava' I asked. She looked up at me and told me I could order before her.

'Can I get a cup of coffee, no milk as well as a two croissant' I ordered.

Everyone except for Miranda turned their heads to Ava since she was the last one left to order. Noticing the attention on her, her face started to turn red.

'I would like your sub of the day, without the tomatoes please and tea'

--------------------The rest of the week was uneventful. It was the usual routine in the office.

I meet Damien a few times when he would come for business meetings.

I have yet to see his place of work.

Currently it's Friday. Everyone is getting ready for the weekend.

Mr. Morgan informed me on Tuesday that we will be going shopping for food for games night on Saturday.

I've already organized where it's going to be, and I did a poll on what games people wanted.

I also ensured that I look through everyone's medical report to familiar myself with their allergies.

When I met Damien on Tuesday, I told him about games night and shopping for snacks.

He seemed happy to join in. He said 'it will be a good way to unwind and take his mind of work'

I am currently sending a few emails before it's time to go shopping.

Mr. Morgan informed me earlier that he wanted us to go shopping at one pm.

Which I wasn't particularly happy about because it was our lunchtime.

It's currently twelve thirty-five, which gives me at least twenty-five minutes to have something to eat while I send emails to important business partners.

Five minutes has gone by when I heard a knock on my door.

I made sure to finish what I was eating before saying' come in'

The door opened revealing me Morgan in his well-tailored black suit.

'Are you ready to leave' he asked still standing by the door.

I looked at the time seeing there was twenty minutes left to the time that was agreed.

I closed my laptop and got up, wondering why I thought one o'clock was the time that we were going to be making our way out of the building.

Mr. Morgan is an extremely organized man. Always be prepared for an earlier time than the time he said.

He loves being more than prepared no matter what the situation is and I have grown accustomed to that since working for him

It makes me wonder if he ever lets his hair down or has ever been spontaneous.

'Yes sir' was my response as I got up from my desk.

He held the door open for me. I nervously walked out and walked for him to close the door after himself.

Once it was closed, I locked it with my key.

We walked towards the floor lobby where Susan was.

I told her previously about our little shopping date.

She looked over at us and said: have fun, make sure to get some Fanta.

Was her farewell to us before we walked towards the elevator. We both walked in and I pressed the button to the ground floor.

Once we got to the ground floor people immediately walked to speak to Mr. Morgan.

He dismissed them by stating he was extremely busy, and he would attend to them later.

Once we were outside. I spotted Damien in his car in the company's car park.

I could not contain my happiness. I walked over as quick as I could to where he was parked.

I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed him with all my strength.

He chuckled ' I missed you too'

I was brought back to my senses by the clearing of somebody's throat. I turned around to see Mr. Morgan staring at us inquisitively.

'Hey, how are you' Damien was the first to speak, while reaching his hand out.

'I'm well and yourself' Mr. Morgan reached his hand out to Damien.

'I'm doing good also'

'We are all here, the only person left is Miranda' I exclaimed filling the sudden silence.

'She informed me she was going to meet us at the café after we are done shopping' Mr. Morgan replied

Typical Miranda, what did I expect of course she wouldn't want to join us. Shopping is probably an extensive amount of work to her.

I wonder if she's ever done anything that does not benefit her.

I haven't had much encounters with her but the little I've had and what I've heard, she is something else.

Never down to Earth, always walks as if she owns the world.

I don't mean to be judgmental, but I really don't see what Mr. Morgan sees in her. She's a hand full and seems to only be with him for what she can gain.

Her type are does I try to stay away from. I really don't want to deal with her kind. They always seem to get their way.

It's a shame I must cross path with her, Aiden really does deserve better.

Wait...did I just call Mr. Morgan by his first name? That's a first.

'Ava, what are you thinking so hard about' Damien asked bringing me back to reality.

'Ahh... I was wondering what snacks we should get... that would be of everyone's taste' I lied regretting it as soon as it came out, but I simply couldn't tell the truth.

'Are we driving there or walking' I asked changing the subject.

'Walking would be fine since the shops are close by' Mr. Morgan advices

Since he's right I did not object, not like I would have anyway.

Damien got out of this car and we made our way towards the direction of the shops.

'What about over there'

I looked over to where Damien was pointing to see a sweet shop called 'Candyland'

It's a shop I walk by every day on my way to work but never actually went in.

'Sounds good let's go' Mr. Morgan authorized.

We crossed the road to get to the shop. Once we were in an old lady who I'm guessing was the owner of the shop.

Made a squealing sound. She had one hand over her mouth as she is staring at Mr. Morgan.

It was as if she witnessed something profound. She walked over us, more specifically Mr. Morgan.

She came close to him, grabbing his hand completely disregarding personal space.

'I am so honored that you would enter into my shop. Please feel free to stay for as long as you want, and I will be of great assistance to you' she exclaimed truly pouring her heart out.

She still held his hand while looking up at him with the biggest smile she could muster.

She looked so eager to be of use. I was surprised at how well Mr. Morgan held his composer. He stood there unbothered by the sudden action while still showing some respect.

He drew her attention towards us 'this is my colleague Damien and my assistant Ava'

I extended my hand towards her. She looked at it but did not attempt to shake it.

I took that as my cue to return my hand back to myself side.

I probably looked flushed from her not reciprocating the handshake.

'We would like to look around the shop now' Damien spoke suddenly.

'The sooner we get out of here the better' he said this time mutter.

I could not agree more, the owner's lack of greeting to the both of us was unsolicited.

We all walked over one of the sweet isles. There was so much sweets in the shop. There was an isle for each continent in the world.

We first started with the north American sweets. Any sweet you could think of was there, we were certainly spoiled for choice. the pack of jolly rancher caught my eye and if anyone knows anything about me, they know I can't live without them.

We picked up more sweets from the section and headed to the next section. Our next isle is European sweets.

There was a few I wasn't familiar with we made sure to pick a variety because there were multinationals that worked for Mr. Morgan and we wanted them to get a taste of their origins, we also went to the Asian section and well as the African.

I picked up a minty looking black and white sweet called 'Tom Tom' I looked at the back to see what African country it was from, Nigeria it read, I placed it in the basket the shop owner was holding.

While we were picking sweets, she made it her mission to query Mr. Morgan. By the look on Mr. Morgan's face he had had enough but had to keep his composer to avoid any outbursts.

It was clear that the old lady was extremely nosy and wanted to get information from Mr. Morgan to perhaps sell kit to the tabloids or gossip within her circle.

She did not pay any mind to Damien and I; she had her eyes set on Mr. Morgan.  When I asked her about any of the sweets and when they were from, she should ignore me completely as if I wasn't in the room.

It was as if Mr. Morgan had had enough because he voiced at that he believed there was enough sweets, even though we didn't go to the rest of the sections.

Knowing exactly why he spoke out. I did not speak up. Her paid and before he could leave the owner asked for a picture which Mr. Morgan declined politely saying he was in a rush.

I'm surprised she asked instead of just going ahead and taking it, she seems like the type to do so.

We walked out and took a few steps when I heard 'thank God, that woman was something else' Damien exclaimed in a frustrated manner that matched mine.

'She really was, she did not give me a chance to believe' Mr. Morgan said with a hint of annoyance in his voice. I could tell he was not happy with what he just went through.

'I get that type of behavior all the time, but I can never get used to it' Mr. Morgan continued.

I can understand his frustration, I look personal space and having time for myself. I cannot imagine how it would feel to constantly feel like all eyes is on you or constantly have your personal space invaded by a stranger that thinks they know you.

I do not envy the famous, my alone time and sanity is simply more important.

Hello my quarantine girls and guys, I hope you are safe and well during this time. I hope you enjoy this chapter, thank you so much to everyopne who has read my book, waited patiently for an update and for does who have gone as far as to continue to vote, share and comment. i appreciate the love and support. stay blessed and safe. talk to you in the next chapter.