Coincidence! We Meet Again

 Episode 17

Zander couldn't wait to share the news with his mother,As soon as she got home from work, he exclaimed,

        

   "Mom, Mom! Guess what? Mr. Thompson offered you a job!" He said excitedly while ash kept smiling

Emily looked at the business card, confused. 

     "Ryan Thompson? I don't know who that is, Zander. How did you meet him?"

Zander explained how Mr. Thompson had visited their kindergarten class, and how he had taken a special interest in them. Emily's eyes widened in surprise.

"And he offered me a job? Just like that?"

Zander nodded. "Yes, Mom. He said he wants to help us. He was really nice, and Ash likes him too." He said and Emily looked at ash who nodded excitedly.

*. Who was this stranger, and why was he so interested in helping them?*She thought. Feeling a mix of gratitude and wariness.

"Okay, Zander. I'll meet with him. But I'll be careful, okay?"

Zander grinned, relieved. "Okay Mom. You'll see. He's a good guy."

Emily smiled, trying to reassure herself. She stared at the business card once again.

        

 *

 *

 *" Mum, mum are you in there" lily knocked on the door.

        

  " She's been in there since she came back from work, what is she doing?" She wondered then knocked again.

        

" Mum am coming in okay!" She yelled. She was about to touch the handle when the door opened and Mrs grace came out.

        

" Sheesh mum, you were in there the whole time and you didn't answer me" she said with a frown.

        

" Hmm, I, I was in the bathroom so I, I didn't hear you" Mrs grace said avoiding her daughter's eyes.

        

 "tshh, it's not like the bathroom is sound proof...wait, why are you sweating so much mum? are you okay" lily asked looking at her suspiciously

" Huh? Of course am okay geez, you ask too much questions. Didn't you come to call me for dinner huh, let's go" Mrs grace said pushing her along 

        

 "But, but I wanted to get my charger from your room..."

        

×××××××××××

 The next day.

Taste and Table Restaurant

    Lily skipped happily on the road with a smile on her face. She stopped in front of the restaurant and seeing the long queue of customers waiting at the entrance, a proud smile etched her face.

       

Lily walked into the kitchen, weaving past the bustling staff. She spotted Landon, his tall frame towering over the others as he gave instructions to his team.

"Alright, guys, let's move! We need to get these orders out pronto. Maria, can you plate the salads? Jake, how's the soup coming along? And don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs, we want that pop of color!"

The staff nodded, scrambling to follow Landon's directions. Lily stood there for a moment, smiling, enjoying the warmth of the kitchen.

Landon turned, his eyes locking onto hers. A wide grin spread across his face. "Lily! Hey, what brings you here?"

He excused himself with a nod before following Lily to his office. The small room was cozy, filled with the aroma of spices and herbs.

"Make yourself at home," Landon said, gesturing to a chair. He opened a small fridge, pulling out a selection of snacks and juices. "What can I get you?"

Lily's eyes widened at the spread. "You know me too well, Landon. I'll take a little of everything." She replied making him chuckle.

  He took them out and they munched on the snacks and sipped juice.

    

" So, why are you here?" Landon asked.

        " I've got a game for you, Landon. Choose your favorite." She smiled mischievously and pulled out three photos from her bag and slapped them down on the desk. He barely glanced at the photos, his expression uninterested.

   "What are you up to this time, Lil?" he asked, his tone skeptical

Lily just smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Just pick one, Landon."

Landon sighed, rolling his eyes. "Fine." He pointed to the first picture. "I choose...her, I guess."

The woman in the first picture had long, curly brown hair and bright green eyes. She was smiling brightly, her teeth perfectly white. She looked like a model, or a actress, someone who was used to being in the spotlight.

"Her name is Sophia," Lily said, clapping her hands together in excitement. "Excellent choice, Landon!"

Landon raised an eyebrow, confused. "What's going on, Lil?"

Lily handed him a piece of paper, her grin still plastered on her face. Landon took it, looking at her warily before glancing down at the content.

The paper had Sophia's name, height, job title...and a bunch of other personal details. Landon's eyes widened in shock.

"Lily, what is this? How did you get this information?"

Lily just winked. "Let's just say I have my ways. Now, I want you to meet her."

Landon's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Meet her? What, are you setting me up on a blind date or something?"

Lily nodded, her smile still mischievous. "Something like that."

       

He rolled his eyes and stood up.

 "Not interested, I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but I'm out."

But Lily wouldn't take no for an answer. She jumped up from her seat, her hands clasped together in a pleading gesture.

"Come on, Landon! Just meet her. One coffee, that's all I'm asking. If you don't like her, I'll leave you alone, I promise."

Landon shook his head firmly. 

    "No, Lily. I mean it. I'm not interested in your little matchmaking scheme."

"Come on, Landon! Just one little meeting. It'll be fun, I promise!" She pleaded with a smile

 Landon's frustration grew. 

   "Why are you so insistent on this? Do you gain something from it? Are you getting paid or something?"

Lily's smile faltered for a moment, and she blinked rapidly, avoiding Landon's gaze. , Landon took the three pictures from the desk. 

  "Come to think of it, these ladies do look familiar..." He said studying the pictures , sundenly his eyes widened 

      "Wait a minute...you're not collecting money from my customers to set me up with them are you?"

Lily laughed nervously and she refused to meet Landon's gaze. "What? No, of course not! I have no idea what you're talking about, "

But Landon's mind was racing. He remembered the strange looks he'd gotten from some of his customers, the whispered conversations and knowing glances. It all clicked into place.

"Lily, tell me the truth," he demanded, his voice low and even. "Are you running some kind of dating scam behind my back?" He half yelled and Lily faced him with a frown.

        

" Hey! that's too much, dating scam sheeeh why would I even do that" she scoffed

        

 " then tell me, why are you doing this?"He asked and she smirked a little.

***********

Thompson industries 🏢

Emily stood before the imposing building and took a deep breath,

    "Ah, I can do this." With newfound determination, she entered the lobby and followed the directions to the CEO's office. 

  "Please, make yourself comfortable. The CEO will be with you shortly." Tlyer said with a smile and she nodded.

As Emily waited, she glanced around the office.

Ryan's office was very modern and fancy. The walls were dark gray, and the floors were shiny black. There were big windows that let in lots of natural light and showed off the city view.

Emily was impressed by how nice the office looked. She liked the cool artwork, comfy chairs, and fancy computer equipment. The room felt professional and important.

She noticed a pretty painting behind the desk with bright colors and bold lines. She stood up admiring it.

   "Wow, this office is impressive." She said to herself.

Just then, Ryan entered the room, his eyes fixed on Emily. She was unaware of his presence and continued to take in the office's grandeur. Ryan approached her from behind slowly .

  "Are you here for the interview?"

Startled, Emily spun around, lost her balance, and almost fell. Ryan quickly grasped her waist, steadying her. 

         "Be careful!"he said staring at her.

Emily's eyes were shut tight from the shock, "Thank you..."she managed to say and opened her eyes slowly.

        Her gaze landed on Ryan and she gasped.

Ryan looked at her with a curious expression, as if trying to place her. "Have we...met before?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Emily's eyes widened even more, her heart racing. She couldn't believe the coincidence. 

   * Of all people why him* she thought already scared.

  Tbc....