Chapter 22 FIRSTS are still First
“So, do you mean this review means nothing at all?”
Stuffing their faces with food like they had never eaten for days, Tom suddenly blurted out that their session for tonight is just for the show. A show for what? He said it’s a secret.
“I want to help you Betty.”
“Help me for what?”
“Get your revenge. Just tell me not to accept their proposal, I won’t sign it. Just tell me.”
“Why would I do that? I do not need revenge, Mr. Dawson. I am doing pretty well even he’s around.”
“You were too close to crying this morning, Ms. Hernandez. That picture frame. You are still hoping for his attention. I’m sorry but you are pretty obvious with what you feel for him. That’s why Patrick won the moment you told him you’ll be meeting with him next week. There’s still little hope in you. Am I wrong, Ms. Hernandez?”
Betty’s eyes traveled to the lone picture frame and she is angry for this man to meddle with her things.
“Sir,”
She inhaled holding back tears. Tears of anger, madness and humiliation after the sudden confrontation. Not only with tears, but she is also holding back her words.
“What I really hate is when someone go through my things without my permission.”
Temperature dropped with the sudden change of her tone. Tom remains hard, and he is also at the peak of the moment, ready to fight with her.
“I know what I’m doing. And I think it would be best for us to stay out of each other’s personal businesses. And I am not meeting Patrick just to talk our long-gone closure but pure business only.”
“Okay, sorry I saw your picture with Patrick. I didn’t mean it. But let me ask you one more thing.”
Staring each other like two cowboys calculating each other’s action who will draw the pistol first.
“Do you still love him?”
As if the question doesn’t surprised Betty, making her slam her palms on the table surprising Tom in the process.
“What in the world? Excuse me if I’m being rude here, sir. We are in my apartment so I guess I can say whatever I want. Of course not! I have already moved on, for Pete’s sake! What made you think I still love him! Sorry, but it feels weird that you are asking me this kind of questions.”
“Yeah, you’re right. But I just can’t help it every time I see how you react whenever he is around. You always look troubled. Why is that?”
“Why are we sudden—”
“No, I want to know Ms. Hernandez. Please answer the question.”
“No. Answer me first, Mr. Dawson. What is your reason that you gave me this case? What’s in it for me?”
He is silent, choosing his words right. Contemplating whether to tell her the main reason. Why is he so agitated to know about the real deal between Betty and Patrick?
“I want him to see how valuable you are to this company and as a person.”
Simple, yet striking words escaped from Tom’s mouth. You can see the shock even in Tom’s face when Betty stared at him in disbelief. Probably, thinking why would this man is so concern and all out when it comes to her personal issues.
“I want to make him understand that he already lost when he let you go, Ms. Hernandez. I am mad that you just can’t say no to his proposal in our company. I was positive that time that you will reject the offer and you only have the capacity to do it, that’s why I chose you to check it. And that is also the reason why this review is nonsense. This all means nothing.”
“What do you mean?”
“That’s why I want you to reject his proposal. I don’t care if it’s worth almost half of this company’s revenue. I just don’t like him to be around you anymore. But instead you decided to meet him next week? How am I supposed to feel about that?”
Tom has the sense of pride that Betty would reject the offer and show to Patrick that she is stronger now. Stronger more that ever.
“Well, I told you it will be just pure business.”
Her only response trying to connect the dots. Tom lets Betty decide whether to accept Patrick’s proposal as an extension of his investments in the company, because he is certain that she will reject or would not waste her time on his behalf. But he was disappointed when she quoted, ‘I will meet you in person next week for the final decision.’ Of course, knowing the jerk Patrick he is, would try to sugarcoat and offer flowery words just to lure this woman back in.
“I thought you told me to separate personal and work matters, Mr. Dawson? What is wrong with you?” She asked innocently but a slight insult can be heard in her voice. She doesn’t care anymore if it’s her boss she is talking to, all she knew is he doesn’t make sense anymore. She is partly mad for Mr. Tom's sudden outburst.
Tom stared at her, eyes darken as if a storm is brewing, dilated pupils and the moment she knew it, his lips crashed into her, jerking her in surprise. His hands that were once on her forearms, slowly moved around circling her small frame. She froze in her spot unable to respond and mind blocked out from the sudden intimacy.
Warm, soft pink lips met her. Overwhelming feeling washed over her yet she doesn’t know how to respond. Is it still part of her job? Heck no. Then why in hell are they doing this? Shock is also evident on Tom’s face as he opened his eyes and met with the blackest pair of orbs he ever seen.
“What—what are you doing? It’s getting late… you better-” Betty croaked attempting to move away but a strong arm prevented her from doing so. Tom must’ve been knocked out back to his senses, loosened his hold and made a good amount of distance between them.
“Yeah, you’re right. I got to go. See you tomorrow, Ms. Hernandez. Don’t forget my files. Thanks for the dinner. Good night.”
There he slowly moved and walked out of the apartment scratching the back of his neck. He must’ve been embarrassed for doing that to his secretary. He now doesn’t know how to face her tomorrow especially they will be working on their upcoming projects for the company.
“Wait!”
“Yes?” He turned around immediately with hopeful eyes.
“Your phone.” Betty pointed at the dining table where his phone is lying, vibrating with someone calling him.
“Oh, right. Thank you. See you tomorrow then. Pack my things and just bring that to me tomorrow.”
He strutted his way out of her apartment in no time leaving Betty awkwardly standing at the kitchen. She stood there for a good couple of minutes recalling what had happened.
“Did he just kiss me?” She laughed giggling like a little girl skipping her way to her room to call Liz her best friend and tell what actually just made her day.
She likes him. Yes, she likes Mr. Dawson. He is the most famous man in the world of business in LA, whilst she is just a commoner assistant/secretary working eight hours a day. Not a big deal actually. But what bothers her the most is their reputation. She meant, she doesn’t have anything to lose, but what about Mr. Dawson? Judgments and harsh comments will be their friends one day.