She looked at me then and grinned. “Oh, you and I are going to get on just fine.”
“THIS is the restaurant?” I asked when we arrived. I didn’t at all recognize the place from my little walk around the casino when I had arrived that morning. It was beautiful and incredibly intimate – fashioned more like a cozy Italian restaurant than a work café. And it was very hidden away from the rest of the place which seemed odd to me.
“This is it. It’s only for the staff, which is why you probably haven’t seen it before. Tucked away from the rest of the casino. Aren’t we lucky? It’s far better than the one for the customers I think. I keep telling Sebastian that he should make that restaurant more like this one. I think it would be a great selling point for the place. But apparently he’s got lots of plans for the food and beverage side of the casino so I have a feeling we’re in for big changes in that regard. Oh and I’m not sure if he told you, probably not, but you get a 30% discount if you eat here as well as four ‘meeting based’ lunches a month. I’ll put this down on mine so don’t worry about anything for now. I’ll give you a sheet when we get back to the office and you can start keeping a record from tomorrow. I actually come here most days for lunch. Trust me, it’s far better than any food you can bring in yourself. There’s loads of options too, and while I always try to go for the healthy options I always tend to go for the bacon pasta special. It’s amazing.”
“Okay, you sold me. I’m going to try that one. Screw the diet! You can’t spell ‘diet’ without the word DIE.”
She burst out laughing. “You kill me Jane. That’s brilliant. I have to remember that one. There are certain days when diets should not exist. And I definitely think a first day on the job counts as one of them. And I’m just joining you on that because you know… that’s what friends do.” She said the last bit like she just doing me a favor.
“And what a great friend you must be then.”
“Two bacon specials please.” Abbie said to the waitress, and then she looked back at me. “So, how’s your first day going? It’s always a bit daunting. I remember my first day well… but trust me… you’re going to fit in so well that soon you’ll feel like part of the furniture. I have a good feeling about you.”
“This place has amazing furniture so I certainly hope so! Actually, it’s going very well. I think I’m getting the hang of it. Thanks for all your help today.”
“Ah, it’s no problem at all. Geez, who was that girl that walked into Sebastian’s office. I don’t know what happened but she walked out looking very unhappy. And what was she wearing? Does she know it’s the middle of the day and it’s not a nightclub?”
“Yeah, I was going to ask you if you knew who she was. Poor girl, I felt so bad for her when she walked out. Even if she did glare at me when she walked past.”
“She glared at me too. She’s probably one of those women that hate every female that she meets. You know the type – they don’t want any women to get in the way of them and their man. Well, you’ll learn soon enough that Sebastian is VERY popular with the ladies and that this is not an uncommon occurrence. And I wouldn’t be surprised if she was just another one of his conquests that he has finished with. He’s not a bad person and he’s a good boss, but he’s most definitely a little bit too fond of women. Oh, I’ll just say it because nobody else is around – but he’s a womanizer for sure. You’ll see soon enough. But he’s a love them and leave them kind of guy and it doesn’t take long for the leave them part to happen. I was a little taken aback by how gorgeous he was at first but his looks have faded in my eyes. If I can give you one piece of advice that you should listen to above all the others it would be this: stay clear of Sebastian. You’ll only get hurt if you don’t.”
“Oh you don’t have to worry about a thing. I’m staying clear of men for the time being. It’s a long story which I’ll tell you one day but let’s just say it has lot to do with me starting over. The new job has helped with that. Next will be a new apartment. Meeting a man is the last thing that I want to do right now. And trying it out with my boss is a big no no in my books anyway.”
“I’m sorry you’ve been going through a hard time. But I’m very happy to hear that you haven’t considered Sebastian in that way.” But of course, I had, at least briefly. Before I spilled coffee all over him and made a complete fool of myself. But I was grateful for what Abbie had told me. I didn’t want anything to do with a man like that. I’d already had my fair share of assholes this year.
Chapter 12 - Sebastian
“Sebastian. It’s me.”
I recognized the voice from outside but I couldn’t quite place where I knew it from. I was so enjoying having some down time from everyone that for a while I didn’t even bother to answer. Perhaps if I was still enough I could pretend that I wasn’t even here at all. Usually Alison was quite good with keeping people out unless I had a meeting planned. I wondered if I had forgotten about a meeting. It was entirely possible but after quickly checking my diary I saw that it was empty. I heard a sound – like something being placed on the floor – and then I heard another knock. Tentatively at first and then louder. I sighed and went to answer it. The last person that I expected to see standing in front of me was Susie the bloody cutie who was not looking nearly as cute as I had last seen her. Now she was heavily made up, dressed for a nightclub and looking at me with huge expectant eyes. She must’ve either snuck past Alison or else somehow convinced her to let her through. I made a mental note to chat to Alison after this.
“Susie? What are you doing here?” I cursed myself for using her name. It would’ve been far better for me to pretend as if I had forgotten. She would’ve been hurt but I might have gotten my point across a bit better. She looked pleased suddenly as if she’d won the jackpot.
“Can I come in?” She winked at me and I cringed inside. But before I had a chance to answer she simply waltzed right past me. I closed the door behind me because I didn’t want any of the marketing team to hear me. That was the one problem with my office – it was only private when I shut the door. I hated that I always had to walk past the marketing team to get to it but it was still the best office in the whole building and it was a sacrifice that I had to make. Also, I loved seeing their faces every time I walked past, especially when they were caught not doing their work or messing around on Facebook. I never said anything except give them a stern look and then would continue to walk to my office knowing that they would only breathe a sigh of relief once I was inside. It was always so much fun having power over of them and it often made me feel far older than my twenty seven years. I was sure I noticed the new girl Jane giving me a strange look but I couldn’t be too sure.
“You’re back. I thought you and your family had to leave?” I said to Susie matter of factly.
“I am! Well, I mean I’m not actually back. Like, my parents are not here or anything. I did try to convince them to stay longer but my dad had to go back to work and there was simply no convincing him. I was annoyed but there was nothing I could do. I really thought I was going to have a bit more time to spend with you. Especially after that special night we shared. But I thought I’d come in and see you anyway. Bring you some lunch. I took my mom’s car and told her that I was going for some big job interview. She was so excited for me that she didn’t even mind me using it. I just wanted you to know that I hadn’t forgotten about you.” She said the last part softly. Almost demurely.
“I only just got your email. And I did reply.” I said to her unsure of why she felt she had to follow the email up with a visit.
“I know. But as I sent it I suddenly realized just how much I missed you. What we did the other night, in your room, well it was very special to me.”
Oh no! Was she a virgin before? The horrible thought crossed my mind and I think she noticed it. “Oh, I mean I’ve done that plenty of times before of course. But never with someone like you. And never in a room like that. Anyway, I just thought you might be hungry.”
“A
ctually Susie, I’m very busy. This is the middle of the day and I don’t ever take time off during the day. I’m very busy. Like I told you. There’s always a hundred meetings to go to and a million emails to send. It just never ends here and there’s nothing that I can do about it. I wish I could take some time off but I really can’t. I do appreciate you coming, that was very sweet of you, but I’m not going to be able to spend any time with you.” I was trying to break it to her gently. I wanted her to get the hint without getting too upset over it. Most girls were ashamed when I dropped them suddenly and would leave without word. But there were those, thankfully few and far between, that continued to be needy – up to the point where the only way I could get rid of them was to be mean. And I always preferred not to let it get to that. I still wanted a good reputation.
I saw her face drop. “Oh. But… well, when will you be free then? I can wait. I don’t mind. I promise you. My parents aren’t expecting me home until later. I can go in the pool. Or even better, I can wait up in your room. You can just phone reception and get them to let me up. I’ll be good and wait for you. I won’t touch anything, I promise. In fact, I’ll make sure that when you get back I’ll be waiting unclothed on the bed – and I’ll make all your stress go away. I’m good with that and I know exactly what to do to make you feel better. Poor Sebastian, you look so uptight.”
She was right about that. I was uptight. “No, I’m going to be busy the whole day. And probably for the next few weeks. There’s a lot going on that I cannot just drop, but thank you very much for the kind offer. I’m sorry but I just can’t see you right now. Like I said, thank you for coming but you really should’ve phoned first so that you didn’t waste your time like this. We have a lot of things to do for the casino and I have to oversee them all.”
“Can’t you get other people to do them? You’re the boss aren’t you?” Gees, did this girl not get a hint? How much more obvious would I have to be?
“Absolutely I’m the boss. But there is one reason why the casino is doing so well and that is because I am here to make sure of it.” I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to explain myself to her. I should just kick her out. I wasn’t completely lying – I did like to oversee everything. But I really could do whatever I wanted and I’d stopped work to be with a girl in the middle of the day many times. But not girls like this. This was trouble. This was someone that was going to cause a big scene if I didn’t put a stop to it immediately.
“But you have to eat Sebastian. And… you know… maybe I can be your dessert?”
Seriously? Did she never give up? She wasn’t even turning me on right now. I just wanted her to get out the office. “Thank you for the food. I do appreciate it and I will eat it. It looks and smell delicious. But I’ll be eating it while I do my work. Unfortunately I just have no time to spare right now. But it looks lovely. Thank you.”
“But I miss you. The other night was so good. No, it was great. I’m sure you felt it too.” There was so much sadness in her voice that I almost took pity on her. And she was right, the other night really had been great. Maybe just one quickie wouldn’t hurt me. Thankfully I shook my head to the reality of the situation and stopped myself. One more time with this girl would lead to even more complications down the line. And anyway, she had been great but I’d had far greater and I could easily have that again with someone else. I sighed and looked at her.
“Susie, I just don’t have the time for this. Thank you but I really do have to get back to work. My emails are piling up as we speak and the longer you are here the more I’m going to have to catch up on.”
She looked down and I noticed how her shoulders now sagged. “But Sebastian. We can be quick. Very quick. Or I can wait for you in your room. Like I said, I don’t mind waiting even if it’s all day. It won’t at all be a problem for me Your room is huge and you have a crazy big TV. Let me go watch a movie or two until you are finished up. I can even phone my parents and tell them that I’ll only be home tomorrow. Hey, that’s a great idea. Then you can work as long as you want and then come up and see me when you are ready. I’ll get the bed all nice and warm for you and we can spend the night together. And in the morning, I’ll even make you breakfast. Or… well I can maybe take you for breakfast or something. Whatever you want. It will be so much fun and I’ll definitely make it worth your while.”
I couldn’t take it anymore. I stood up and walked right up to her, my face leering down on her. “Susie. I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this but I have to be blunt with you now. Don’t you understand? Don’t you get it? You were great the other night but all it was to me was a one night stand. I don’t want a second night with you and I certainly don’t want a relationship with you. You were wonderful for the night and I will never forget that but that’s all it was. I am not looking for anything more. Now please will you leave so that I can get on with the rest of my day. I’m not lying to you – I really do have a lot of work to do. Perhaps it’s better if you don’t call or email me either. Unfortunately you have pushed this too far and I don’t think we can even be friends.”
“But…” Her voice was shaky and she looked up at me with shock all over her face.
“Again, thank you for coming and for the lovely food. But please will you leave. And close the door behind you when you do. Goodbye Susie.”
She stared at me for a few minutes, perhaps trying to see whether I would change my mind, and then eventually she sighed and walked out. She shut the door a bit louder than she should’ve and I could hear the patter of her feet as she scurried out. I breathed a sigh of relief. First a stranger pours coffee all over me then this happens – it was not turning out to be the best day. But then I looked down at my box of food – which was definitely meant to be for two and I smiled. She must’ve done her research because the box was filled with all of my favourite food items. Perhaps little Susie hadn’t been a total waste after all, I thought as I bit happily into my bacon and cheese wrap.
Chapter 13 - Sebastian
I was sitting in the main meeting room waiting for the others to come in. I usually made an effort to let them all gather first before walking in because I liked making a big appearance. But today, for reasons unbeknown to me, I was here before everyone with still at least fifteen minutes to spare. My office had just suddenly seemed cramped once I had finished my lunch and despite not wanting to feel guilty about eating the food that Susie had brought in for me – I almost couldn’t help it. The moment I took the last bite of food, albeit the rather delicious food, I remembered her face as I had kicked her out the room. After that, the room had seemed small to me. I felt better in the meeting room, which was large enough to fit at least twenty people seated, and breathed in the air around me. This was another one of the rooms that I enjoyed when I wanted to show off the casino to others. The table was large and made of the finest wood, hand crafted by one of the top furniture designers in the area. He had also personally designed each and every chair that went with it which meant that while they were not all exactly the same they each had a lot of detail and character. The office actually jutted out of the building and because each wall was in fact a big window, it offered the most beautiful view of the pool outside as well as the city out below. Every time I sat here I felt as if I were sitting on top of the world. It was hard not to feel important in a room like this – especially since it was a room that I had designed myself.
Finally everyone came in and I motioned for them all to take a seat. The marketing team was not very big and once they were all seated the table still looked vastly empty. Around me sat David, Kevin, Michael, Abbie and Jane.
“Okay everyone, thanks for coming in today. It’s been a very busy day but it was important that we all got together. It would’ve been better if we had met this morning but I know it was not possible. So thanks especially David who came straight from his meeting in New York to be with us. To the rest of the team well done on finishing up that deadline in time, I know I didn’t give you much time. Of course
the reason that we are all here is to welcome Jane Greiner, the newest member to our team. Jane I do apologise that the team wasn’t able to interact much with you today but I hope that you were able to settle in regardless. Jane, would you like to please stand up and introduce yourself to the team. Tell us a bit more about you.”
I wasn’t sure if this was a good idea or not because I had seen many people freeze the moment they stood up in front of a group of people. And poor Jane had so far come across as someone that was very uncomfortable in herself and very shy in front of strangers. I was grateful that she hadn’t stood up with her cup of coffee because I’m not sure if she’d be able to hold the cup steady. I watched as she nodded and then stood up. Instead of staying where she was she got up to the front of the table so that everyone could see her as she talked. That surprised me. When she started speaking her voice was clear and controlled.
“Hi everyone, well as you know my name is Jane. I haven’t had a chance to get to know everyone just yet – especially David.” She turned and looked straight at David, “So it’s great to finally meet you all. Abbie has been wonderful today – showing me the ropes and helping me to get comfortable. Thank you so much Abbie, you made the whole day a lot easier. I’m very happy to be here and grateful to have been chosen for the position. I have always been fascinated by the power of marketing, especially social media, and I believe that it is imperative that all companies do not ignore this wonderful tool that they have to share with the world around them. As an example I had a friend who wanted to choose between two restaurants. She figured she’d look through their Twitter feed to see what others have been saying about them. The one company had a great deal of interaction with the public while the other hadn’t been on Twitter for three months. Just like that she made her decision and went for the one that was active on social media – without truly knowing which restaurant was better. My friend is just one of many who think this way. I have worked for a few companies over the years and I’ve taken their social media from zero to one of the most talked about companies at the moment. It’s very exciting and I look forward to doing it for the casino – especially because it’s already so well established. It’s going to be easy to market this place.” She started walking back to her seat but I stopped her.
Auctioned to Him Page 89
