In a couple of seconds, the elevator stopped at their floor, and the duo walked out.
“I hope you have a lovely day, and yeah, I’ll see you later.” Ashton smiled at her before going in the direction of his office.
“I saw that! Now spill! Don’t leave any detail.” Vicky heard that very annoying voice say beside her.
“Not now, Katherine, I’ve been through a lot today already.” Vicky resumed her steps, walking in the direction of her office, with Katherine trying to catch up with her, holding her tab.
“You know I’m not going to believe that, right?”
“I have nothing to say. Maybe you can meet him for the information instead.”
Katherine shook her head. “I wanna hear it from you. The story is always sweeter from the source.”
Vicky rolled her eyes at Katherine as she stepped into her beautiful and luxurious office. It had a visiting area on one side to relax and welcome guests and on the other side of the office was Victoria’s desk area with an adjoined bathroom.
“Okay let me guess?” Katherine said as Vicky made her way behind her desk.
“He reminded you of the date and you got furious.”
“How did you know that?”
“Girl, I know everything!!! The last time he asked you, you came up with an excuse and gave today’s date as your free day. So he did well by waiting for you at the reception to remind you.” Katherine smiled.
“He waited?” Vicky frowned.
“I’m sure he did. He was here earlier to ask of you. Told him you weren’t around yet. I saw him through the glass wall going into the elevator. He definitely waited downstairs to talk to you so you wouldn’t change your mind.”
“So?” Katherine’s smile got bigger. “We have a date to plan right?”
“Don’t worry about what to wear. I’ll get you something really chic and se xy.”
Vicky glared at Katherine.
“What? Don’t give me that look. I’m only here to help.”
“Your help is not needed. There’s no date. I’ll come up with an excuse.” She mumbled, plopping down on her chair.
“What excuse?”
“I don’t know. That Sophie got a cold. I’m sure I’ll think of something before tonight.”
“You used that excuse before. Give Sophie a break and stop using her for your schemes.”
“It’s too early to start this argument, Kathie. I just want my coffee and want to get straight into work.”
“This is going to be the 9th date you’re canceling with Ashton.”
“Perfect?! I had no idea you were keeping track.”
“What are you afraid of Vee?”
“Afraid? Of course, I’m not afraid of anything”
“Liar!”
Kathie took a seat on the visitor’s chair opposite Vicky.
“You’re a terrible Liar!”
“Don’t start, Kathie. With all of the excuses I’ve given, can’t he just comprehend that I’m not interested in whatever schemes he has in mind? “Don’t be brutal. I’m sure he knows that. That’s why he insisted that you guys be friends first. He has been patient enough if you would ask me. And the least you can do is go on a friendly dinner date with him.”
“Friendly date or not, I’m not interested. Especially not in an office romance.”
“Babe, you know not everyone is going to be like him, right?”
“I don’t care! I just want to focus on my daughter and my career.”
“Or you’re looking down on him because he’s just a manager but you’re the senior manager and your earnings are slightly higher than his.”
“I wouldn’t look down on Ashton if I were you. He has a couple of investments as well. He got the looks too, so?”
“Oh G od, Kathie. Can you just shut up and let me know what’s on my to-do list today?” She massaged her temple.
“How can I tell you what’s on your to-do list if I keep my mouth shut?”
She sighed. “You’re going to be the end of me in this office.”
Kathie giggled. “Ashton is an amazing guy. I might have done a background check on him so there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Okay, I’ll stop talking about him.” She responded to the glare Vicky gave her.
“Today is Ashton’s birthday. I don’t know how it slipped my mind. I wanted to tell you yesterday.”
“Perfect! Now you have to guilt trip me!”
*
“No. This is all your fault. You were the one who promised to go out with him today, not knowing you chose his birth date.”
“He didn’t say anything to me when we saw each other.”
“Well, that’s because he isn’t always loud about his birthdays. He mostly celebrates alone at home.”
“And how do you know that?”
“I stalk him, remember?”
“Look, Kathie, you can have him if you want.”
“No. He’s not my type. I just like him for you because you both fit each other.
“Last one, I’ll get a dress for you regardless. Just in case you change your mind.”
“By the way, How’s Sophie?”
“Since you all tend to like Sophie more than me, then I suggest you get her personal contact.”
Kathie laughed. “What’s there not to love about that little angel? I love her”
Victoria nodded with a proud smile. “I can’t imagine my life without her.”
“I’m proud of you both but let’s get to work now,” Katherine said, swiping through the tab before her.
“Darlington will soon be here with the coffee. You have a meeting with the board by 11. You need to wrap up the project on the new product and submit it to the Boss for review of the presentation which is in three days.”
Victoria nodded, typing away on her laptop.
“Then you have an outdoor meeting at 2 pm.”
She looked up from her lappy. “What meeting?”
“With a new client. They have a proposal to make to us. I think it has to do with some sort of partnership. The Boss nominated you to have a meeting with him. They want to know your opinion on whatever the Client’s company has to offer.”
She nodded, taking note
“Anything else?”
“That’s all for today.”
“Glad to hear that because I don’t think I would stay long in the office today.”
“Linda had to take the day off so I’m in charge of Sophie. I have to pick her up from school.”
“Okay. But I’m sure the meeting wouldn’t take long and just so you know, I’m free tonight in case you need me to watch her so you can go on the
date.”
Vicky glared at her assistant who had a grin on her face.
Victoria buried herself with work, attended her meeting, had a light brunch, then got ready to leave the office at some minutes past 1 pm for her outdoor meeting with a Client.
Vicky got to the cafe at exactly 1:52 pm.
Thank you.” She smiled at the security who opened the door for her.
Reese’s Cafe was a very popular cafe around the area and by this time, it only had a few customers in it.
