She is not ready

A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE

(A Contract Marriage)

EPISODE THREE

THEME: She is not ready

         IN CONNECTICUT

    CHRISTOPHER’S APARTMENT

Christopher rushed to the door when the bell jangled. He unlocked the door and was greeted by a grin from the slender looking man standing on the porch.

“Hey buddy,” Benjamin Williams raised his hand up in a bid to give his best friend a high five.

“Come in.” Christopher slapped his hand and stepped aside for Benjamin Williams to walk into the apartment.

“How are you doing?” Benjamin asked.

“Do I look okay to you?” Christopher furrowed his eyebrows and pointed to himself.

“You look like a starved puppy.” Benjamin laughed as he sat on the comfy couch and crossed his legs. “Get me water.” He said.

“Are you trying to take advantage of me because I asked you to help me out?” Christopher frowned.

“Is that how you see it?” Benjamin smirked.

“Don’t give me that look.” Christopher pointed at him.

“Tsk tsk I don’t even know what help I am about to render. I am only teaching you a simple courtesy. You should serve a guest before choking he or she with your demands and troubles.” Benjamin said.

“This is —“

Benjamin cuts in. “You need to be fast because I don’t want to turn up late for a shoot.” He glanced down at his wrist watch with a feigned serious look on his face.

“At your service, majesty.” Christopher gave him a mock bow before walking away into the kitchen.

Benjamin chuckled at his friend’s gesture. The good looking man is a thirty years old model and fashion stylist. His light brown quiff hairstyle revealed his wide forehead. Dark small eyes sitting below a nice trim eyebrows that seems to fit his broad and rounded nose. His slender shoulders and lean chest depicts his profession.

Christopher came back with a tray filled with a glass of chilled water and his favorite biscuits. A wide smile graze Benjamin’s face at the sight of his favorite biscuit—crackers.

“Please take a seat so we can talk.” Benjamin gestured to his best friend to sit on the couch facing him directly.

“I missed all your calls but came as soon as I read your message.  What’s wrong? Is daddy okay?” Benjamin drank from the glass and set it down before munching on the biscuit.

Christopher looked up at his best friend, sighed before he spoke up. “Dad is fine. But there is a problem.”

Benjamin leaned forward placing his elbows on his knees. “Problem? What else is the problem if daddy is doing fine?” He furrowed his eyebrows.

A concerned look crossed his face as Christopher rubbed his palms together. Christopher only does this habit anytime he is really bothered about a situation.

“Can you stop the habit and tell me what’s wrong?” He questioned frantically.

“Dad wants me to be take over the company.” Christopher said.

Benjamin heaved a sigh of relief. “Is that it? This is great news! Congratulations, CEO Christopher Crawford!” He coaxed.

“You can save the congratulations for later. Didn’t you hear me say there is a problem?” Christopher hissed.

Benjamin smile faded immediately. “Can we just go straight to the point and save my blood pressure from causing any harm to my heart.” Benjamin snapped at his best friend, feeling frustrated.

“I will take on the position of the CEO at the company but firstly I have to get married.” Christopher blurted out.

“What? Are you serious?” Benjamin couldn’t stop the laughter that erupted from his chest.

Well Christopher already expected such reaction from his best friend.

“How can he give me such a condition? Get married before becoming a CEO.” Christopher grumbled.

“I think this is good news.” Benjamin sat back on the couch after reaching out for the glass on the table.

“You can say that again.” Christopher rubbed his temples.

“It’s simple. Get married.” Benjamin said with a shrug.

“That’s the problem.” Christopher replied.

Benjamin raised his eyebrows. “I don’t think there should be any problem. You have a girlfriend, the woman you love so much and you have been together for years. All you need to do is propose to her, do the necessary things for a wedding, tie the knot and became the CEO of Crawford Corporation.” He stated.

“Seriously Benjamin? I feel it’s easier said than done. Although I wish everything would happen just as you have said it.” Christopher countered.

“Why is it not easy when all you have to do now is talk to Jessica. She is your girlfriend. Do what is needful and settle down with her.” Benjamin emphasized.

“I don’t think things will work out with Jessica.” Christopher stood up from the couch.

“What do you mean?” Benjamin eyebrows drew together.

“That’s the problem. The reason why I called you over. I spoke to Jessica before I reached out to you right after I left the hospital.” Christopher answered.

“So what did she say?” Benjamin asked.

“I explained everything to her but Jessica is not ready to get married.” Christopher replied with a scrunched up face.

“What?” Benjamin jaw dropped slightly.

Christopher ran one hand into his hair. “I asked Jessica to marry me over the phone but she turned me down. Did I do something wrong?” He wondered.

“How am I suppose to know if you have done something wrong? Wait, maybe you didn’t use the right words.” Benjamin said.

“I told her everything. I have never been so careful with choosing my words like I did today.” Christopher pointed out.

“And she still said no to you?” Benjamin itched the bridge of his nose. He was confused.

“Look Ben, the reason why I called you over is to help me provide a solution to this problem. I need to figure out a way to get my girlfriend to say yes to my proposal. I have just three weeks!” Christopher paced to and fro trying to think.

“This is serious. You have been dating for almost four years now and she is still not ready to get married. What reason did she give?” Benjamin requested.

“Her work. Her boss is running for the governorship seat so she is too busy working as a campaign manager.” Christopher huffed.

“So when would she be ready for marriage?” Benjamin hissed out.

“She didn’t say anything about getting married anytime soon. As a matter of fact she pointed out that settling down would affect her job and career.” Christopher recounted the words his girlfriend had said to him.