Chapter 4 – You're Stunningly Beautiful!

Loretta returned home late that evening.

“How did it turn out?  I'm sure my baby had a fantasy world to reminiscence on tonight, right?” Lauren inquired, ecstatic that her girlfriend had a real date for the first time in what seemed like an eternity.

“Of course, just like any other dinner...” she said.

“That isn't a response...” Lauren gave her a sidelong glance.

“Okay. Fine… I arrived before him and had to wait about half an hour for him to arrive.”

“Okay…” Lauren prodded her friend for further information.

“After he apologized, we had supper together. That's all there is to it.”

“Okay…” Lauren prompted once more.

“What exactly do you want to hear, Lauren, girl?” Loretta had inquired.

“You know exactly what I'm looking for. “Come on, girl, spill it all out...”

Loretta said, “Sorry, I don't.”

“He didn’t ask you to be his… directly or indirectly?” Lauren inquired, her eyes bright with anticipation.

“No, he didn't...”  Loretta smiled and shook her head at her girlfriend in response.

“Hmm…” Lauren was taken aback and blurted, “I can't believe that!” “Babe, I don't believe a word you just said. That isn't even close to being true.”

“Nevertheless, he did question whether I had someone in my life right now,” Loretta continued.

Lauren responded, “Of course not,” thinking Loretta had said that.

“Well, I told him I have someone, and it is serious,” Loretta remarked, her displeasure visible on Lauren's face.

“Have I transformed into a guy overnight?” “Who is this man?”  Lauren inquired, her face flushed with dissatisfaction.

“Lauren, it's time for bed. It's late, and I'm pretty tired,” Loretta explained.

“All right, that's OK. But don't worry, girl, we're not done yet. I'm sure you're well aware of this. Lauren reminded her to “keep it in the back of your mind” as she flipped over the blanket to shield herself from the night's chill.

Loretta simply nods and walks into the bathroom to take a nice shower. Images of the dinner date ran through her head as she scrubbed herself clean.

She pictured his eyes, his face, and the smile he gave each time she laughed at something he said.

***

It was Sunday evening, and all she could think about was going on another date, this time with Roy.

She was excited to go more into this aspect of her life, but she was also nervous because she was unfamiliar with the dating world, especially after such a lengthy break.

Her phone rings not long after, and it's Roy, just as she expected.

Roy called and said he wouldn't be able to make it as planned. He explained that he was in an emergency. 

Somehow, Loretta felt relieved since she would no longer be subjected to Lauren's tortures. She, on the other hand, wished she had this date with Roy.

A FORTNIGHT LATER…

Lauren had returned to Chicago after spending time with her best friend Loretta, making up on what had accumulated over time and distance. She came over to Loretta's to spend her one-week vacation from work with her.

It had been a long day, and all Loretta could think about was getting home and sleeping peacefully.

The ongoing project is exhausting almost everyone in the office. Loretta often comes home and falls asleep right away, even if she hasn't eaten yet.

Loretta's boss, Mr. Diego, summoned her to his office.

She said nicely, “Sir, you called for me,” as she walked into the office.

He asked, “Yes... have you sent the mail to Mr. Kendrick?”

“Sir, yes. However, he has yet to respond...” She replied to him.

“Okay. Please notify me as soon as he responds.”

“Alright, sir, noted.”

“Yes.”

Loretta turned to go as he said, “You can go now.”

He swiftly continued, “Let me not forget, the budget proposal content you gave to the FEINZ Group of Companies has been approved.”

Loretta came to a halt and looked at him with such zeal.

“Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, huh Sir, many congratulations!!” she exclaimed, thrilled.

He remarked cheerfully, looking at her with profound admiration, “Thanks and thank you for a job well done, young lady.”

“Thank you much more, sir.”

Loretta exited her boss' office with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

The initial plan they submitted to the corporation was rejected... So did the same with the second, but she drafted the last one herself and had it submitted. She should feel pleased that it worked.

***

(Loretta on phone with Roy)

He asked, “How was work today, dear?”

“It's stressful, but I'm fine.”

“I'm really sorry, sweetie... Success does not come cheap at all.  It's no surprise you've been so successful.”

She replied with a simple “thank you” and a chuckle.

“I apologize for not being able to make it the other day,” he expressed deep regret.

Loretta answered calmly, “That's great, I completely understand.”

“Alright. This weekend, I'll make it up to you,” he offered.

“Alright.” He had persuaded her to accept his proposition.

“Thank you so much, dear,” he exclaimed, his voice brimming with delight.

“You’re welcome. I've got to get going...” She excused herself since she didn't know what else to say to him.

He hung up the phone after saying, “See you soon, sweetheart.”

(Call disconnected....)

***

When Kendrick's friend Santiago entered the office, he was working.

“Hey bro”

“Hey man,” Kendrick replied with a smile.

“What’s up, man?” Santiago asked.

“I’m doing ok, you?”

                              

“I’m fine bro”

“Alright”

They greeted each other with handshakes and then headed to the refrigerator to grab a drink.

“So man, what’s up with the charming babe you were telling me?” Santiago asked.

“It appears that she already has a boyfriend in her life,” with a sneer on his face, Kendrick said.

“...and when did that become a problem for you?” Santiago inquired, astonished by the smirk on this friend's face.

Kendrick grinned and sipped his drink slowly.

“I have my plans, dude. That lady belongs to me and no one else. You just have to wait and see,” Ken remarked confidently.

“Now, brother, that's what I'm talking about. “Get the ball rolling, man,” Santiago replied with a smile as he re-tied his necktie.

Before he left his friend's office, they discussed business matters.

Kendrick's best friend, the multibillionaire Santiago, is the polar opposite of Kendrick. Santiago is the life of the party — vivacious, sociable, and unafraid to stick to his guns.

And there's more. Santiago is a spoiled brat and an unabashed womanizer. He has no specific girlfriend and has never been faithful to anyone because of his character.

***

Loretta was having a very difficult day, as was customary. She was so engrossed in her job that she completely forgot about her lunch.

Anita, one of the front desk girls, stepped inside her office as she settled into her office chair.

“Ma…”

“Yes, Anita, what is it?”

“This was just brought in for you.”

“Who did you get it from?” Loretta inquired, perplexed.

“He didn't say...” 

As Anita returned to the front desk, Loretta murmured, “OK, thank you,” and took the nicely decorated paper bag from her.

Loretta rummaged through the package and soon came face to face with FoodSlack's boxed food. It came with chips and chicken, as well as a note that said, "Enjoy your lunch from KR."

Loretta couldn't keep a smile from appearing on her face. She was taken aback by how he discovered she hadn't eaten.

Loretta dialed his number right away, but his line was dead. She didn't waste any time, tearing into the food with ferocious zeal.

Kendrick's line wasn't connecting later that evening, and she became concerned.

When her phone rang, she assumed it was Kendrick, but when she picked her phone to check, she discovered it was Roy who had called.

She picked, and the two of them conversed for a while.

***

AFTER THREE WEEKS...

Loretta and Kendrick were out to dinner.

“I adore this location. It's really lovely,”  Loretta admired the natural surroundings.

With the ocean view, it was a cool scene.

Kendrick added, "I'm delighted you like it."

She grinned and said, "I love it."

Kendrick realized right then and there that he didn't have to go to great lengths to please her. She's easily swayed by insignificant details, which he'd never seen in any of the girls he'd known.

“What are you doing staring at me like that?” Loretta had remarked with an expression.

He said quietly, as usual, with his wonderful smile, "You're beautiful."

With a soothing grin, she said, "Thank you."

Kendrick put down his fork and cleared his throat to speak.

“I'll be attending a dinner hosted by a subsidiary firm. “May I have the privilege of inviting you to join me?” He inquired in the hopes that she would not decline his request.

“Can you tell me when that is?” She inquired.

“The following weekend”

“Why me?” you might wonder. “She inquired.”

Kendrick grinned but didn't say anything.

“Are you going to go there with me?” He asked, oblivious to the fact that she had asked a question.

“Within the week, I'll let you know. She said quietly, "Sometimes I can't foresee my schedules."

“Alright, then,” Ken conceded.

Kendrick was still apprehensive about Loretta mentioning she had a man in her life, despite how much he liked every second he spent with her. He'd been trying not to bring it up again.

Kendrick is a man of few words and many actions.

***

For the first time in history, he drove her back home.

“I appreciate the dinner."  As she stepped out of the car, she smiled and said, "You made my evening."

As he got out of the car and opened the door for her, he said, "I'm pleased I did."

They found themselves in an awkward situation all of a sudden.

Kendrick, who could no longer resist her, took her hand in his and placed it to his gentle lips, kissing it.

Loretta experienced a shiver run down her spine.

After that, he said, "Goodnight." That night, he did everything he could to resist succumbing to temptation.

Loretta gave a nervous grin and said, "Good night," as she walked away from the SUV.

She felt a certain sensation as soon as she stepped into her bedroom. She hadn't felt this strongly about someone in a long time.

She quickly ignored the notion, showered, and went to bed.

***

Cassandra's birthday was on Wednesday.

Cassandra is one of Shizells County's most attractive young ladies.

She is not just attractive, but also hardworking and considerate. They held a small party at work, but she revealed later in the day that her birthday will be celebrated on Saturday, which was a few days away.

Normally, when any of the staff members celebrate something, it is customary for everyone in the workplace to attend, unless there is a solid cause for their absence.

Loretta pondered it for a while. That Saturday, she was set to have dinner with Kendrick.

She became perplexed. Cassandra had been present at her birthday celebration the last time she had one. She couldn't help but show up at hers. What was she going to do, given that both events involved significant individuals in her life?

She decided to tell Kendrick about it after much deliberation.

She called Kendrick on Thursday evening.

The phone is ringing...

“Hello?”

“Hello, lovely... “How are you doing?” He inquired.

“I'm OK. “How did your day go?” She inquired.

He answered nicely, "Hectic, but I'll live," and they both laughed.

“Alright, there's something I want to tell you,” she continued, drawing his attention to herself.

“Ok… “Keep going, dear.”

“I'm sorry, but I won't be able to attend the dinner party with you. That Saturday, a coworker of mine is celebrating her birthday, and I feel obligated to attend.”

He said, seeming completely unconcerned, "Alright."

“Are you upset?” She inquired, unsure whether he was simply concealing his disappointment.

“No, no, no,"  He told her, "I completely understand why you need to."

“Are you sure?” she queried.

“Indeed, sweetheart. He comforted her, “I mean it.”

“All good, then..."  With a sigh of relief, she said, "Thank you."

“Thank you so much. Have a wonderful night's sleep,” he urged.

“Okay then, and you as well,” she replied before hanging up the phone.

***

Kendrick wasn't pleased with the news, but he had no choice but to respect her decision. He had a bunch of thoughts in his head about who she might be spending time with at the birthday party.

Was he already being possessive?