chapter eleven

I was under two deadlines: what if he had left? What if he had made up his mind to post the video, then what could I possibly do?

I had a hard time focusing when I approached the bar. My stomach grew sick. I stared at every table, the bar counter, until at last -I saw him.

I watched him as he sipped from his cocktail, looking aggressively at his watch. I stood for about three minutes before reluctantly joining him at his table.

"You're late. My shift ended hours ago." He scolded, even without looking at me.

"Of course," I replied.

In all honesty, I didn't care if I wasn't punctual or not. I was just relieved that he hasn't left.

"I'm a lady, I needed to get dressed."

That was the only thing I could really think of at the moment.

He gave me a quick glance before staring at his watch. "It's 5:57 and I can see how you're PROPERLY dressed."

I knew he was just being sarcastic because I looked a mess. My lie was awful. My hair was up in a messy bun, and i still wore my sweatshirt and joggers from the morning.

I ignored his comment. "I called you here because I want us to come in terms of an agreement. I want to know what you want."

I watched as the corner of his mouth curved to a smile. I couldn't see much of his face with the dim bar light but somehow, it made him look weirdly mysterious.

He clicked his tongue. "Isn't it funny how money can't buy your father's health at the moment? Listen to me heather, this isn't about what I want. It's about what I need."

"Like what? What could you possibly need that's so much better than money." I snapped, annoyed by his hypocrisy. "Just cut the crap dude, and tell me what you're here for."

He laughed. - the kind that made you wonder, the typical people pleasing fake laugh. "You're all over the news heather, do you know that?"

"Look. You already have my sanity at the moment," I confessed. "Just tell me what you want and I'll see to it."

"Do you really think the world revolves around you heather? You're right, I want money. But can you give me how much I want? You only have twelve months to prove you're actually not a failure. What if I spend the whole thing before then? I need an ultimatum, I need a job for that period. You pay me, and I'm off.

"A job?" I looked puzzled at the lunatic sitting beside me. "Do I look like fucking charity to you?"

He grinned. "Aren't you a bit feisty. Look heather, I'm simply just securing a good game for myself. You prove your self, bla...bla..bla.. you earn, you pay me." He looked at me, "I don't see how it's not a win-win?"

I stared at this man in utter disbelief. "What made you feel I can just do that?"

"It's up to you, not me." I felt him come closer. "You have just today to think about this heather. Time is ticking and I can't stay one minute in this he'll hole." He squeezed my hand lightly, "It seems you have a thing for trends, don't you girl? I'm giving you just today. Think about it."

- - - - - -

I stared lazily at my laptop. My head feeling empty. What job could I possibly scrape out? Ever since Georgio made that announcement yesterday, everyone has been so busy. Proving themselves? I guess so.

I reclined my chair, allowing myself to get lost looking at the painting on the ceiling. It was clear white, and like my mind, was blank.

What does he possibly want from me?

"Heather! What's this?" Kim barged into my office, dumping a huge file on my desk.

"Don't tell me you're thinking of employing someone new. Not after everything, we can't even afford to pay the staffs now. We don't have the funds for such expenses."

"Look Kim, I just wanted you to look into the files. Nothing much."

He let out a long sigh. "Just take a look at this heather. What can we possibly get from this guy. He doesn't even have any work experience. Worst still," he read aloud:

James stark. 33

Origin, Ohio.

Work experience, bus boy.

" Is this some sort of a joke heather? Who the fuck puts busboy as a work experience..."

"Just figure something out Kim, I owe his mother a huge favour." I lied

"And so, just pay the damned woman." Kim snapped.

"It's not like that Kim. Just place him on the front desk. Cleaning, anything."

We're full, heather. We can't afford to take chances, not this time. Look, I understand your dad is throwing you off a bit but, we can't grant favours now. We're working with a tight budget.

"That's it!" I exclaimed. "Kim, you're a genius."

Kim's face flushed red, "well thanks. I'll be on my way now, just don't do anything crazy."

I grabbed my keys smiling. I couldn't make promises.

I arrived at the bar. There's was no there place I'd think he'll possibly be. I Searched a little before spotting him at the counter. Hiding my excitement, I rushed out to see him.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked the puzzled James, as he stared at me. Carefully observing my every move.

I continued regardless, " Do you seriously want to be late for your first day of work?" I grinned. "I could have you thrown out. I'm not a very patient woman."

"Hmmmmm..." He eyed me suspiciously. "Now we're talking."

James turned to the guy beside him, "hey man, I quit. I'm done with this fucking hell hole."

"What the fu-

He jumped over the counter, turning to me. "where are we going now boss?"

"Well then, why don't you follow me?

We stopped at the front of my car. I threw my car keys at him. "You know the drill, drive."

James appeared puzzled too. "What are you trying to play here girl."

"Hmmm.... You'll see."

"So what am I supposed to do then, Drive your pretty ass around town like some driver?"

"Exactly. It seems you're catching up so quickly."

" Heather....? This wasn't the deal-"

"I didn't tell you to be rude about quitting your previous job," I simply replied. "The thing is would they hire you back?" I smiled triumphantly. " So Just come on."

He muttered words I couldn't comprehend. "Fine, I'll do it," he said before opening the door.

Honestly, it felt good having the upper hand even for a small moment. Maybe this is how Georgio felt all the time, power-high. James wasn't always specific about the job he wanted, and I had to use that to my advantage. I didn't have to give him an important job, I just had to make it seem so. I needed to get him where I could watch him, observe him, so he wouldn't do anything funny.

As for the money, we're on a tight budget so I'll just have to pay him from my earnings. It's a stupid sacrifice I'm willing to make. I needed to be on his good side for a while, then boom, sabotage. There was no way i was letting a low life, leech from me for a whole twelve months.

I could frame him for theft, for piracy. Anything I could get my hands on. There was a million things to d-

" Sorry to snap you out of your world domination trance piccolo gato, but where exactly are we going?" James poked me.

"First of all, don't you ever touch me with those filthy hands. Secondly, don't call me that." I snapped at him. "Of course I'm going to my office, where else did I come from?"

"Well I don't see what's wrong with piccolo gato, it suits you perfectly." He carved a smile on his lips. "You act just like a little cat, very feisty."

"Look James, I'm not your friend. So don't even think of getting comfortable with me. I'm your boss, got it? I won't entertain such kind of friendship with you, okay?"

He grinned even more. "Relax piccolo gato, you might just get wrinkles. You seem to be forgetting I have the upper hand too you know."

"Coward." I cursed under my breath.

"You don't get to boss me around, Pico. I'm just saying".

"Ungrateful ger-"

We suddenly jerked to a stop, causing me to bite my lower lip.

"You fucking piece of shit," I snapped at him. The raw taste of copper settling on my tongue.

"We're here aren't we? You're welcome, boss."

"Fuck you." Opening the car door, I stepped out. "Just park anywhere inside," I said before leaving.