112: Building Conflict

112: Building Conflict
CARL

"Four days?" Alma echoed, raising an eyebrow, and I felt her stiffened in my arms a little, "Why?" She asked, facing me, and judging by the tone of her voice and the look on her face I could sense that she wasn't in love with the idea.

The second I opened my mouth to speak, to answer her question, and explain why I had to stay here for that long, the chance was quickly stolen from me.

"We should do something tonight," Alice interrupted, excitedly, and we turned to her.

"What?" I quizzed.

Alice was grinning as she pointed to the bar,  "We should get a drink and celebrate tonight," she suggested, still wearing that huge grin. I could tell she was really excited about her new job, and I was happy for her.

I wasn't sure I was comfortable with not giving Alma a response to her question yet but there was always later, and anyways it wasn't like it was anything serious. I just had to stay here to take care of business, there was nothing more to it so it  wasn't really a big deal.

I flashed Alma a smile, darting my eyes back to Alice, "Sure, that sounds good. What do you think, Alma? Do you want a drink?" I asked her, pressing my lips to her face, teasing her.

She moved a little, and flashed me a small smile, "Sure, I could use a drink but I can't have more than a glass. I still have to drive back home," she said.

"True, but you could always take a cab."

"Yeah, you could always take a cab," Alice added, taking my side.

Alma eyes darted from Alice to me, and I could have sworn I noticed a frown flash across her face but it quickly vanished. "Nah, I'm fine with one drink," she insisted, and I had the sense that something was wrong but I didn't quite know what it was.

Was it Alice? Was it me? Was it the fact that I was staying here for four days? Alma seemed a little off, and it was odd.

I wanted to ask her if everything was okay but I couldn't do that in front of Alice because it didn't feel right so I just let it go. I packed my stuff from my seat, and we went to the bar. We sat at a table at the empty corner of the room.

"I will get the drinks," Alice offered as soon as we took our seats, getting to her feet.

"No. I'll do it," I volunteered, standing up.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

"Yes. It's my treat. I'm really proud of you Alice."

She flashed me a warm smile and sat down, "Thanks, Mr. Harrison."

"It's no problem. I'll be back," I winked at Alma, and left them for a bit to get the drinks. I returned to the table a few minutes later with our drinks, sitting beside Alma, and putting my arm around her.

"So let us make a toast to me for getting a job," Alice raised her glass, and we followed suit.

"Congratulations!" We chorused, clinking our glasses.

Alma brought her glass to her lips, "What did you get me?" She asked, swirling the glass in her hand.

"Taste it," I told her, taking a sip from my glass.

She squinted her brows, "Mysterious," she muttered with a small smile, "This better be good," she said, and took a drink from her glass, dropping it to the table with a smile.

I propped my head on one hand, resting it on the table, and arching my brows, "And?"

"Tequila," a smile spread across her lips, "You're the best," she whispered, pressing a kiss to my lips briefly.

She tasted like tequila but sweeter, and I hated how brief the kiss was. I pulled her back, crashing my lips on hers, and kissing her again. Alma threw her arms around my neck, pulling me closer as my lips glided on hers.

"Ahem," Alice cleared her throat, announcing her presence. I had totally forgotten she was right there, "You're making me a little envious here," She joked.

"Sorry," I apologized, "Got a little carried away," I added, facing Alma and winking at her, again.

She laughed, reaching for her drink, and taking another sip.

"Gosh! You guys are so adorable, and I have to say Mr. Harrison. I never knew you were this passionate, and sweet," she grinned, and I rolled my eyes at her.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Alice reverberated, mocking me, "You know what I mean. From what I remember you were nothing like this, you were....cold, and very annoyingly so. It was literally difficult to get you to smile but look at you now," she teases, "Your face keeps doing that weird thing."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her words, glancing at Alma, "Well, what can I say?" I cocked a brow, "Alma thawed my heart or gave me a heart," I mumbled.

Alma burst into laughter, "That is so cheesy, Carl," she said, and we all laughed.

We finished our drinks, and Alice and I walked Alma to her car. "Call me when you get home," I mumbled, holding the door open for her as we linger at the door.

She looked at me, and nodded, "I will."

"God! I already miss you."

"Shut up," she chuckles, and we kiss again. She clutched my shirt, holding onto me like she didn't want to leave.

"I'll see you, alright?"

"Yeah," she let go of my clothes, darting her eyes beside me, "Goodnight, Alice. You should get some rest."

"I will. Goodnight."

"Bye," she waved, climbing into her car, and starting the engine.

"Tell Velma I said I can't wait to see her, okay?" I wanted to tell I loved her, but I wasn't sure she wanted to hear that.

I waved as she pulled out of the parking lot, driving down the road, and I watched her until I couldn't see the car anymore.

"Well, goodnight, Mr. Harrison," Alice said as we returned to the suite, and we parted ways.



"This looks good, Mr. Harrison," Chen Liu said, going through the documents, his words slightly tinged with his Chinese accent that made it almost difficult to hear him clearly. He closed the document, and handed it to his partner Xiao Lim.

"I look forward to working with you," Chen added, extending a hand to me as he got to his feet.

"Me too. I also look forward to this merger. It will benefit both our companies, and I promise you. You will have no regrets," I shook his hands.

"I have no doubt about that, Mr. Harrison," he smiled, "It was nice to meet you," he released my hands.

"You too, Mr. Liu."

"It was nice to meet you," Xiao offered his hands, and I shook it with a smile.

I walked them out of the suite, and once we reached the corridors, Mr. Liu turned to me, "Mr. Harrison, this is such a beautiful place. Why don't you give us a tour?"

"Sure. I'd love to."

We toured the place, and made a stop at the club. Mr Liu and Mr. Lim seemed to be fascinated as they entered the club, and I followed them inside. The sound of pulsating music and lively chatter grew louder, resonating inside my head.

The club was a dimly lit, sleekly designed room with a gleaming bar and a sprawling dance floor. The air was electric, charged with the energy of people letting loose and having a wonderful time.

The dance floor was a whirlwind of movement, a sea of bodies swaying, spinning, and grooving to the rhythm. As we manoeuvred through the crowd I bumped into someone, or maybe it was the other way around.

"Sorry," she blurted as she turned to me. Alice. I arched my brow. What was she doing here? I thought she'd be in her room.

"Alice?" I called, raising my voice above the deafening music.

"Mr. Harrison?"

"What are you doing here?"

"I was bored. I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd come down here and relax!" What about you?"

"I'm giving my clients a tour," I gestured to the two Chinese men but they weren't anywhere in sight. "They are somewhere around," I explained, facing her.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I reached for it, pulling it out. Alma flashed on the screen, and I answered it, pressing the phone to my ear as I began to make my way out of the club.

"Hello," I heard her say from the end of the line but before I could respond Alice appeared beside me.

"Who is it? Is it Alma?"