Part 3

Adelia’s (Lia) POV:

"He did what?" I started laughing at Mitch's story. Cole's face was flushed red, but he never took his hand from Mitch's. Mitch, aka Michelle, and I was buddies from primary school. Cole, aka Nicolas, joined us in Grade 8. We were inseparable in school.

I recently completed my degree in business administration in Manufacturing and Logistics. I joined my Dad in his "Worth Manufactures." I could not help a smile whenever I thought about my Dad. The company was his life apart from my family. Even though my grandfather started it, my Dad made it a big success. The company and my family were like two eyes for him. But recently, we were facing struggles due to the recession. I was a big shock to see the company's situation because my Dad usually made it look as if the company was running without any issues.

Even my idiot brother never opened this before. He was working with Dad for the past two years. I shook my head, thinking how my Dad was still optimistic about the situation.

Cole joined Medical School and still had a few more years to become a qualified doctor. Mitch was a primary school teacher for Maths. Cole and Mitch found their love with each other in our senior high school. I was happy to see their steady relationship. They were the only pair I know who discovered the real meaning of love, apart from my parents. Cole will be proposing to me anytime now. But I believed that they were waiting till Cole finished his course.

"Yes, in the middle of sleep, he suddenly jumped and started running towards the door shouting as 'Hold the patient.' I was scared to death when he started shouting at my ears. I had to hit hard on his head to make him realize that it was only a dream." Mitch was struggling to complete the story without laughing and failing miserably. I joined her, much to Cole's embarrassment.

"It was a hell of a week. Too many shifts and emergency," he said sheepishly, which only increased our laughter.

We were meeting at Masa for dinner. Mitch thought that Cole was stressed out in school and felt to treat him with a relaxed dinner. I knew even though she was pissed off at certain times at Cole's busy work; she loved him more to accept that.

"At least be happy that it was about my work and not about any other girl," he mumbled, but Mitch heard it.

"If it is Nicolas Banks that will be the last day on earth, you will be walking alive." Mitch threatened him back.

I couldn't help but chuckle at them both. I felt a pang of jealousy seeing them and wondered if I find someone who would love me like that. I mentally slapped myself for thinking about my friends like that.

Suddenly I felt as if something was pulling me. I was taken aback by this sudden feel and had never felt such a feeling till now. I looked around to find the reason without knowing what I was looking for.

"Are you fine, Lia? Who are you searching for?" I saw Mitch looking at me with a frown.

"Nothing. I mean, No one. Is everything set for your trip?" I asked Mitch mainly to divert her. She would be visiting Cole's family this weekend. As expected, she had fallen for it.

"Oh, All set, Lia. We are starting by Friday afternoon as Cole wants to go by car. It takes 8 - 9 hours to reach there. Why can't you join us? Cole's parents will be happy to see you too." Cole also nodded at Mitch's statement.

I shook my head in denial. "Sorry, Mitch. You know the situation in Dad's office. I am surprised how I didn't know till time. I want to be with him to sort out things."

Mitch suddenly looks worried. "How stupid of me. I forgot this. Were you able to find some solution?"

"Our contract with Alastair Corporation is expiring this month. If we get that renewed, we may able to make up to a percentage. Even that will not be enough. But losing the contract will be much worse. I saw their call asking for applications on this contract. I am worried about what if we lose it. I am trying to contact their CEO, but no luck so far." I answered back, slightly dejected.

"I heard Lucian Alastair took up the CEO position recently. Is it true?" Cole asked me, and I nod back to him.

"Lucian as in THE LUCIAN? The Handsome Prince?" Mitch asked back breathlessly.

"Yes," I could not control my chuckle. Only Mitch can be like this.

"Baby, I should be the most handsome man for you," Cole said with a fake hurt.

"You are my Prince Charming." Cole beamed at this answer. I looked at Cole with pity. I could not believe that he still fall for this. As anticipated, Mitch continued, "But, It will not hurt appreciating good-looking men. Is it not, baby? "

Cole shook his head with a smile. They both love each other but often pull each other's legs.

We were distracted by sudden laughter. I turned to look at the commotion. There I saw a group of guys commenting on the waitress.

My eyes narrowed in anger when they crossed the limit on the comments, and then I saw one guy stuck his foot out, and I felt a sudden chillness on me. I then realized that the drinks on the tray spilled on me from the waitress's hands.

I looked up to see the fear in the girl's eyes. Without a second thought, I scooped down to help the poor girl to pick up the glasses.

"Is there any issue, ma'am? Oh my God. Maria, what have you done?" I heard the restaurant manager's voice inlined with shock.

"Please, sir. This is not her fault." I smiled at him to stress the fact that I was not angry.

"We are extremely sorry for this incident, ma'am. Maria, this will go in your paycheck."

"Mr. Manager. Please note that this is not Maria's fault. We are delighted with her service. So I will be happy if you leave this matter as such." I told politely but firmly.

He finally understood and left the place.

"Thank you, ma'am." I turned to see her timid thanks and smiled at her.

"No big deal Maria. I saw the entire incident, and it is not your fault. Don't let those idiots' action bother you."

I finally saw her smiling back. With a small pat on her hands, I turned back to my friends.

"Now we got a reason for shopping." I burst out laughing when Mitch told me with an innocent look.

We left the restaurant leaving a good tip for Maria.

"Have a safe trip, both of you. If possible, let's meet before you two leave for the weekend." I hugged Mitch and Cole before waving goodbye and eased my car in the traffic towards home. I made a mental note to try to reach out to Alastair Corporation once again tomorrow.