Hangin' With the Boss

Sorry, it has been awhile. My fantasies have been occupied by other things... But don't worry, I am still here. Just, very far apart...

As Mr. Mason and I entered the high-class restaurant, an older gentleman called us over to a nearby table.

"Sawyer goddamn Mason."

Mr. Mason smiled down at the man and shook his hand. "Fredericks Dawn? You're still alive?"

The old man chuckled. "Trust me, I am surprised too." Fredericks smiled at me.

"This your date Sawyer? She's a beauty."

I blushed as I shook his hand.

"No," Sawyer said. "We are here for professional business. But I can't deny, she sure is a beauty."

I blushed even more as Sawyer gave me a warm smile.

"Mr. Mason?" Sawyer and I turned our head to the waitress.

"Yes?"

"A gentlemen said he was expecting you, correct?"

"Yes, that is." Sawyer turned his attention to Fredericks. "Good seeing you." He gave him a warm smile before placing his hand on the small of my back as he led me behind the waitress.

_________

The last 30 minutes Sawyer, the gentlemen, Carl Mick and Hugh Jed, and I sat around the table conversing of plans Sawyer has thought of for the company. Our meals were received about ten minutes ago and each of us was devouring the well-cooked food.

"So," Carl said wiping his mouth. "What of Elijah?"

"What about him?" Sawyer asked swallowing the last bit of his filet mignon.

"He's gone for a year, right? He won't come back at all within the year, say for a vacation?"

"Well, I can't speak for him but it is possible." Sawyer looked at me. "Did Elijah speak to you about a trip to L.A. in April?"

I nodded. "Yes, he did sir."

"Good because since he is already in L.A. he set up to have the meetings next month. He does have a new personal assistant but he asked me to ask you if you would like to come."

Elijah asked for me? Huh, so he does still care.

"Of course, I would love to come."

"Great." Sawyer smiled showing off his pearly whites. "You would be assisting me, not him, throughout the meetings, but that doesn't mean we can't all meet up and have dinner or something."

"Absolutely." I smiled.

We decided last minute to order dessert, and god, I am glad we did. Their chocolate cake was usual in appearance but exquisite in taste.

"So," Hugh sighed. "Carl and I were thinking of ending the night at the bar that's a couple blocks away. An old friend works there, care to join?"

Hugh looked back and forth between Sawyer and I. "Well?"

I bit my lip, considering whether I wanted to go home and call it a night or make the night last a little longer.

"Well," Sawyer said, leaning back in his chair. "I guess I wouldn't mind. Kyla?" Sawyer looked over at me.

"Oh, well, I don't know."

"Don't worry," Carl piped up. "We won't be getting shit drunk."

"Well," he added. "Maybe this guy over here will." He jokingly nudged Hugh, causing the four of us to share a laugh.

Sawyer spoke up. "I can call a cab for you if you'd like?"

I thought for a moment, staring at the crumbs of my chocolate cake. "No need." I smiled up at Sawyer.

He smiled at me and clapped his hands together. "Shall I ask for the check then?"

_______

The four of us sat at the bar, each with a beer in hand, telling each other of childhood memories.

"Oh, I got a story for you guys." Sawyer took a swig before continuing. "When I was about- oh 15 or so, I made cat poop out of fudge and placed it in the clean litter box. I was planning on my tricking my family, right? Well, they came to the bathroom and I was like 'Oh, watch this.' as I grabbed one of the pieces and started to chew it. It tasted absolutely horrifying, nothing like fudge. Want to know what happened?"

I eagerly nodded.

"Well, turns out my family found out and replaced it with... actual cat poop."

I was in the middle of taking a drink of my beer when he said the rest of the story and I spat out the beer all over the bar counter, provoking everyone to laugh even more on top of laughing because of the story.

I profusely apologized to the bartender but he shook his head telling me he heard the story and would've done the same.

Suddenly the lights lowered on the dance floor and the music changed from rock to EDM.

"Didn't know this was a club." Carl chuckled.

"Well, clubs are always fun. Right, Kyla?" Sawyer asked me.

"They can be, that's for sure, but I don't know if I prefer this at this moment."

Sawyer chuckled. "Picky, are we?"

I shrugged. "Just a tad."

Sawyer smirked.

Carl stood up and chugged the rest of his beer. "Alright, don't know about you two but I think Hugh and I are ready to dance our butts off."

"I am?" Hugh laughed.

"Yes, yes you are. Now let's go." Carl tugged at Hugh's arm and off they went into the mass of people.

"So, you aren't going to go dance?"

Sawyer shook his head. "Nah, not in the mood."

"I think I am going to head home."

"Want me to call you a cab?" Sawyer asked.

I nodded.

"Alright, let's step outside."

The New York City night air was pleasantly warm as the wind kissed my face.

"Cab should be here any minute."

"Thank, Mr. Mason."

Sawyer put his hand up. "Nope, call me Sawyer. But only out of work."

I laughed. "Okay, sounds good, Sawyer."

Sawyer lifted his hand as he saw the cab pull down the street.

The cab pulled over just before us. Sawyer walked with me to the door and even opened it for me.

"Well thank you, Sawyer."

"Anything for my personal assistant." He smiled warmly at me.

"Shouldn't it be the other way around?" I asked as I clicked my seatbelt in.

"Eh, whatever."

"Thanks for tonight. Want me to send the notes tonight or when?"

"If you have the time tonight, yes. Otherwise, tomorrow will be just fine."

I smiled. "Great."

"Have a good night, see you tomorrow." Sawyer gently closed the taxi door and I gave the driver my address. Sawyer stood outside and watched me leave until I couldn't see him anymore.

I opened my phone and saw I had three text messages.

Two of them were from Kate.

Kate: Yo, you busy tonight?

Kate: So you took to long to reply, so I am guessing that was a yes. Text me back when you can

Kyla: I was at the dinner with the new CEO, remember? Or did I never tell you about it? Lol.

I went back to my messages and the other notification came from...

"What the fuck." I muttered under my breath.

"What's that?" The driver asked.

"Oh, nothing."

I clicked on the message and unconsciously held my breath.

Elijah: Hey, Kyla.