An Unexpected Date

"Are you alright?" Gregory asked, taking his seat.

"Yes, I'm fine Sir." Rosie replied, flashing a smile.

They dug into their food. A single taste of her meal had a moan escaping from her lips. She immediately lowered her face in embarrassment while Gregory chuckled sweetly.

"I'm glad you love it. You will enjoy it better if it's home made. I make a much better Fajita though." He boasted.

"No way, you cook?" She asked surprised.

"Not always. Just when I'm in a certain mood." He replied. "So, tell me about work, miss Bainer. How long have you been working at ZED?"

"For almost a year now. I'm actually an Intern and I'll be through in a month." She replied.

"So, what's next for you after internship?"

"Ummm, I'd love to be retained by ZED agency, but I really don't think it's possible. They don't retain Interns." She said,

"So, you want to work in an Advertising agency? Wow! Just keep an open mind about the retention. There are better Advertising Agencies than the one you're currently working with. Why do you want to confine yourself to ZED?"

"Umm, ZED was the only Agency that offered me an internship amongst many others that I applied to. And they have good working policies."

"That's great. Keep your mind open, you never know what might turn up" He said with a subtle reassuring smile. His smile was returned by a charming one from Rosie.

"Thank you for the reassurance, Sir."

They stared at each other for a moment before she lowered her gaze to her food, but kept stealing glances at Gregory who didn't stop staring at her for once.

Thinking of a for discussion to ease the tension between them, Rosie said, "So what about you Sir? How does it feel being the owner of one of the biggest Tech companies in the world?"

The question made him smile. "Well, I'll be honest, it's very stressful. And lonely at times." He shrugged. "Especially for someone like me."

"Oh..." She whispered. I'm so sorry sir, I didn't mean to remind you of..."

"Miss Bainer, that's okay. I don't dwell there anymore. I'm gradually learning how to move on and honestly I figured talking about it and trying to make it look normal is the biggest step."

"Yes." She said, "But I'm glad you have your daughter to keep you company just like yesterday." She added, innocently.

He chuckled. "Angelina can do anything but keep one company." He laughed and continued. "Between her numerous charity works, her work as an interior decorator and her love for Art. I don't even know the one that takes up most of her time."

"Wow!! She must be so busy."

"You have no idea." Gregory smiled.

Then came the moment of awkward silence again. And Gregory's constant stare wasn't helping matters. He couldn't keep his eyes off her and he made that much very clear. It felt like he was under some kind of hypnosis. Not to mention that he felt at ease and cheerful around her.

The exact way he would love to keep feeling. He reached for his wine glass, just the same time Rosie reached out for the same glass. Their hands touched briefly and their gaze met. Rosie withdrew her hand quickly and cleared her throat.

"I errr, I thought that was mine, the wine, I mean."

"Ah, yes. Mine is over there. I thought this was mine." He apologized withdrawing his hand as well.

"Umm, I... I think I need to go back to the office Sir, I've been gone for a while now." She said and started packing her purse.

"But, you haven't eaten much of your food." Gregory protested with sincere concern.

"It's fine, I'll..., maybe some other time sir. I really have to go now." She stammered.

"Are you Sure?" She nodded in affirmative. "Great, we have a date then." He quickly stood up to help with her seat.

"What, a date?"

"You said you will finish your food some other time. That's a date." She attempted to speak but he shook his head, brushing her off.

"No, don't say it. We'll see some other time, Miss Bainer." He said with finality.

"Okay sir." She gave in. "Thank you so much for today, I'm really grateful for your time." She stood up and pulled her bag over her shoulder.

"You're welcome. Here's my Card," he pushed his business card over to her. "If you ever need my help, please don't hesitate to call." Rosie took it, thanked him again and left.

He got back to his seat and continued his meal amidst thoughts. They have a date coming up soon and only if Rosie knew the things he has planned out for her.