8

“Fine,” Duke replied. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, Sir.”

For the first time, Duke noticed his polished accent. The driver did not sound like an averagely educated person.

He sounded well-educated and Duke could perceive an air of confidence oozing out of the young man. Duke often found that impression to be true about persons who are well-traveled or perhaps schooled outside the country. And in Auckland, only the wealthy could afford to school abroad.

The only other persons who were opportune to school abroad were those who happened to be favored with private or government scholarships.

“I hardly find people who sound well educated doing the job that you do,” Duke commented observantly.

“Why do you assume that I am well educated, Sir?”

“You speak well. You have a poised demeanor that is barely found in the uh…streets so to speak.”

“Oh, thank you.” The young man replied without commenting on Duke’s words.

Duke saw this as intelligence. The man was not ready to yap about his life to a stranger he was just meeting. And speaking of strangers, the guy didn’t seem to recognize him.

Being a political aspirant vying for the position of mayor, his posters were in several places in the city. He was a known face. Perhaps the guy genuinely didn’t know who he was.

Either the guy was pretending or he was just maintaining professionalism in his way.

Duke was getting more and more intrigued by the driver. Again, he could not stop imagining that the guy would be able to handle Andra. He was sure of it. However evasive the driver was, Duke told himself that he was ready to get to know him.

“So, judging you by my perception that you’re well educated, why do you choose to do the job that you’re doing?” he asked.

Duke chose to be more direct in his bid to strike up a conversation. He figured that it was the only way to move forward with resilient guys like the young man.

“I do what I do because I believe that white-collar jobs are overrated, sir,” Dominic replied. “I currently find this work lucrative. And it gives me control. I choose when to work and I choose when to take a break. That is my humble opinion.”

“Wow, I’m impressed.”

Duke silently applauded the guy in his heart.

“Thank you, sir.” He responded with graceful humility.

“You sound like someone who knows what he wants.”

“Your perception is correct sir.”

“That is great to know.”

Duke was now ready to take his shot. He didn’t see any sense in delaying what he was intending to do.

“Do you mind having a drink with me this evening?”

“Sir?”

“Yes. Because I may have a business proposal for you.”

The young man looked astounded as he met his eyes in the rearview mirror.

“Okay, sir. I look forward to it.”

Duke was relieved that the man didn’t turn him down.

“I appreciate your audience.”

“My pleasure, sir.”

Duke suddenly realized that he didn’t know the man’s name.

“What is your name?”

“I’m Dominic.” The young man responded. “Dominic James.”

“Great to meet you, Dominic.” Said, Duke. “I am Duke Anderson.”

If his name rang a bell, Duke could not see it.

“Nice to meet you, Sir Duke.” Dominic simply said and Duke smiled.

“The pleasure is all mine.”

***

Time passed and ushered in the evening. Inside a posh restaurant, Duke and Dominic were seated over glasses of wine.

Duke was still in his morning outfit and Dominic was in the same. They were done for the day.

Duke admired Dominic’s dress sense now that he could fully assess his complete dressing.

Dominic was wearing a white long-sleeve shirt over dark-fitted jeans and slip-ons that could also pass for sneakers.

He noticed the designer’s wristwatch gracing his wrist. It didn’t look like what a financially struggling man could afford. But he guessed from his impression of Dominic that he was the type of guy who planned and due to planning, could afford certain things he wanted.

He admired the fact that the young man had a high taste. He could tell that the gold necklace with a cross pendant around his neck was pure gold.

He was sure that Andra would like him. And if she did not like him, it would not matter. What mattered to him was getting the young man’s consent. That was all he needed to move things forward.

“Dominic,” Duke said, getting down to business immediately.

“Yes Sir.”

“I am sure you’re wondering why I would be considering giving a contract to a stranger I just met.”

“That is correct.”

“Well, it’s because I have this conviction that you’re someone I can trust.”

“Wow. That sounds uh…flattering.”

“Hmm. I’m glad you see it that way. Still, I hope that I am not wrong.”

“I feel honored by the confidence you have in me given that we’ve just met. But to be honest, I am curious about what the contract is about.”

Duke’s phone rang and he received the call which was from his wife. Carla informed him that they were done and ready to pick him up. Duke told her to go home with the driver since he would be going home with the uber driver and would be a bit late.

After the call, he concentrated on Dominic.

“Do you know me?”

“Honestly, I do know you from a distance like the rest of the common citizens of Auckland.”

“Wow. I didn’t think you did.”

“Well, I’m sure you’re used to the attention you might constantly get from the media. I don’t want to add to that because I imagine it can get overwhelming.”

Duke smiled. “You increasingly impress me. And that’s why I’ve chosen to propose this contract to you.”

Dominic watched him expectantly as he listened intently.

“Dominic.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Will you propose to my daughter?”

Dominic’s face registered shock and he stared at Duke, dumbfounded.

“I would like you to propose to my daughter,” Duke told him. At Dominic’s speechlessness, he clarified his request. “A fake proposal. He said, allowing Dominic to assimilate his understandably shocking offer.