Found Again

“You took this long to ask me that?” I said to Emma and chuckled.

All of them stop with what they are doing and waited for my explanation.

I smiled at them. “As you all know, Andrew is a very good friend of mine.” I started my speech.

“It just so happen that he also has a scheduled business meeting here in the US. When he heard that I will go back here to do all my pending commitments, he ask me if he could go with me since we both have a business commitment here in the US.” I explained to them.

They did not say anything and waited for me to continue with my explanation.

“I agree and even offered my office to him. It’s way better to work in my office than in his hotel room right? And from the looks of my schedule, you got for me, I will rarely use my office.” I said to end my speech.

They all nodded and look convinced. I already expected it. Andrew and I already planned this.

Andrew did schedule a meeting with some of their business partners and clients. It was a good excuse since it will be impossible for us not to be noticed on this trip. Someone will surely post our photo together. And if that happens, people will surely be suspicious of our relationship.

Allison has been meeting her team for the whole afternoon. I can help but be proud of all her achievements. It’s just a pity because I wasn’t with her when she was achieving all this.

“Oh! I didn’t know that someone is now occupying my star’s office.”

I glared at the uninvited person who had just gone in without knocking. It seems like he was doing this all the time when Alli was still working here.

“What are you doing here?” I asked in a cold voice.

“I’ll escort my star in her meeting with Catherine tonight,” Noah said in an annoying voice.

“You don’t need to escort her because I’ll go with her to that meeting. And stop calling her ‘my star’ because she is not yours okay? She’s my girlfriend so she’s mine.” I hissed.

He gave a wide, devilish grin which made me more annoyed. “Sorry, I’m just used to calling her that. You know, endearment. Anyways, I know that you will also be meeting Catherine but even if you hate my presence you need to deal with it because I’m also part of the meeting.”

I did not answer him anymore and just went back to check documents on my laptop. I don’t want to argue with him anymore because I know that Alli wouldn’t like it and also I know that whatever he said will just add to the insecurity that I am feeling right now.

Yes, I am insecure with him. He was the person who was with Alli when she was building this dream and I had zero participation in this. Now that we are here, I can’t help myself from thinking that I don’t have any significance in Alli’s life. She can always be successful whether I am with her or not. And this guy right here is the one who helps her to be successful. I am so jealous of him because I wish I was the one who’s with her during that time.

Someone knock and went in to give Noah a drink. They greeted each other and had small talk. It seems like the people here are so used to him. And I could see the smile on their faces with Noah’s presence. It was different from mine. They are looking at me like a stranger which made me feel that I don’t belong here.

This is Alli’s life where I know nothing about.

“Noah you’re here!” Alli said when he saw Noah sitting comfortably on her sofa.

Noah smiled at her and open her arms asking for a hug. I glared at him but he just ignore it. Alli looks in my direction and smiles awkwardly.

“Noah stop teasing Andrew.” She said.

“I am not teasing anyone!” He exclaimed. “I always do this to you before, remember?” He said in a teasing tone.

I know he’s telling the truth. I saw them being this sweet and comfortable with each other when I went here to win Alli’s back. But I also know that Alli is right, this jerk wants to annoy me.

I walk to the door to lock it and close the office window blinds. I went to Alli and hug her from the back. Now that her office is safe from the eyes of her employee I can do everything that I want with her.

I kiss her on her nape. “I miss you, baby,” I said in my sweetest voice.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

She giggles and turns to face me. She places her hands on the back of my neck to pull me for a kiss. It was just a quick kiss.

“I miss you too baby. You’re not bored or anything? My meeting took a while.” She said apologetically.

We heard a fake cough from Noah. I smirk at him while my hands wrap around Alli’s waist.

“Respect on the single guy here.” He joked.

Alli chuckled while I did not give any reaction. I just keep on caressing her waist.

“What time is our meeting with Catherine?” Alli asked Noah.

“In an hour.” Noah simply answered.

Alli’s eyes widen. “Oh! Shoot we need to leave right now. Filipino time is not a thing here.”

Alli grabbed my hand and we both went to her table to fix our things and get ready to leave.

Our meeting will be held in Lush’s head office. They invited me to this meeting when Alli told them that I will go with her to the US. They are offering a sponsorship with me. It’s my first time to have a luxury brand sponsor, I’m used to hiring them for business events.

Iya will surely scream with jealousy if she found out about it because she was a fan of the luxury brands.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. Lopez.” Catherine greeted me and offer her hand.

I smiled at her and received her hand.

Since it was almost dinner, Catherine invited us for a dinner meeting. I heard that Lush is planning to venture into the culinary industry with the help of Noah’s company since that is their expertise.

This restaurant inside their head office is the mini version of the restaurant that they are planning to open real soon.

“I saw your band’s interview with Alli, and I must say that all of you are star materials. But I do understand why some of the boys are not planning to join the entertainment industry. And to be honest, your band’s profile is perfect for our brand. That’s why we want to offer Allison band to be part of our family.” Catherine started explaining her offer.

“I know that I should talk to all of the members, but when I heard from Alli that you will also be here for a business trip, I ask Alli right away to set a meeting with you.” She added.

I smile and nodded at her. “Alli explained it to me already. I am interested but I’ll just need to consult the group about it. Vince will surely agree, I’m not sure with Lieo, Lance, and Mike.”

“I can easily convince my cousin and Lieo,” Alli said enthusiastically.

Catherine looks hopeful about the meeting. I am also positive about this. The group is so easy to please, added the fact that this will be a great favor for Alli. Surely the boys will agree to this. That’s how we spoil her.

After that topic, they both proceeded with the culinary venture of Lush. Noah is the main person when it comes to food (menu, chef, etc.) while Alli will be the first one to feature Lush Le Cafe and Haute (Lush restaurant). Since I was in almost the same industry as Noah, I was also able to give suggestions.

The meeting went well. They are all excited about the upcoming project with Lush. I was happy too because, in a way, I feel like I am becoming part of Alli’s life here in America.

After the meeting with Catherine, Noah suggested a place to hang out. He brought us to a luxurious penthouse lounge near Alli’s place. It’s a perfect place to chill out if you are not a fan of the nightclub.

“Allison!”

Suddenly a girl called Alli’s name. I turn to Alli and I could see the recognition in her eyes. She smiles and waves at her.

“Alexa!”