Chapter 13
Alaia
I grabbed my purse and stood up.
“Ash, if you want you can go back home. I’ll see you there once the meeting is over,” I said since I was going with Ignacio.
“And miss out on all the fun? I’m going with you. I’ll start on the right foot. Ignacio will give me his place, won’t you, darling?” Ash batted her eyelashes at Ignacio.
“You’ll have to be very aware of everything and don’t give me those eyes, I don’t like boys p>
Ignacio said, making us laugh.
He’s in on Ash’s plan, and although it seemed crazy to him, he’s shown his support.
“Of course I will be,” she said confidently before rolling her eyes. “You’d die to be with a guy like this,” she said, pointing to herself, and Ignacio laughed as he shook his head.
I have no problem going with Ash; she’s a very intelligent woman and she will know perfectly well what to do. I walked out of my office as Ignacio gave my cousin some instructions. We went down to the first floor and the bodyguards were already waiting for us with the car door open. We got in, and on the way, I finally took the time to see the city. I recall memories of my childhood and youth; it’s strange to be here.
The van stopped and I saw the entrance to the government building. Ash and I got out of the car. I watched her movements, and they were very delicate.
“Honey, you’re a very, very feminine gay man,” I said and she adjusted herself to look less like the woman she is, imitating the movements of our bodyguards. I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. I know she was holding back a laugh too.
“Let’s go,” she said, trying to make a masculine voice. I couldn’t help but laugh this time.
“Let’s go, high school boy,” I said, taking her arm, as we continued laughing.
We entered, passed the three security filters, and on the way to the boardroom we found the minister.
“Miss Russell,” he greeted, extending his hand.
“Minister Lander,” I replied, nodding as I took his hand and introduced him to Ash as part of my team. He introduced us to his companions.
“Go ahead,” he said, pointing to the door.
We entered the room while maintaining the small talk. We walked together, and just as I was talking to his assistant, the minister uttered that last name that I abhorred for years.
“Garnett p>
I refused to believe that someone from that family was here. I mustered all my composure to show no reaction. I didn’t know exactly what I was feeling, and if I did, I’d know it was not good. Of course, it had to be him. What kind of joke is this? I don’t understand what he’s doing here; it was supposed to be a meeting between the minister and us!
I felt his gaze as he talked to the minister. I maintained my posture. They walked away. Minister Lander introduced him to the people accompanying him until they reached me again.
“Garnett, this is Alaia Russell, representative of T–World, a major US telecommunications company headquartered in the UK,” the minister introduced us. It seemed like a thousand things were going through Nick’s head, his eyes tell me. I was not going to socialize with him; he was still dead to me.
“Nice to meet you, Mr….” I looked at him seriously and extended my hand in his direction.
“Garnett,” he said. His gaze seemed to want to pierce me.
“We can begin,” the minister said, pointing to the table.
I turned to look at him, nodding in confirmation. I then turned back to look at my hand still clasped in Nick’s. I looked at him as I continued to show no emotion, wishing for my hand back. I released it abruptly and turned to go to my place next to Ashley“I mean, Asher” who was talking to a really attractive man who was part of the group that came with the minister.
“I want to thank you for your quick response and willingness to develop this project. We have reviewed the history of both companies and both T–World and Garnett Morgan & Co. have an excellent level in most of the required aspects and are at the top of the group of companies that make this country what it is,” the minister said. I could feel Nick’s gaze with every passing second.
“You may be wondering why both companies have been called since we summoned you individually and did not give you much information.” I nodded when the minister turned to me.
“According to the information we received from both of you the previous day…” He picked up two folders, one bearing my company’s letterhead and I imagined the other was from Nick’s company. Since the day I saw the pictures of his wedding, I haven’t looked for any kind of information that has to do with him; fortunately, they’re not news in the UK.
“T–World has the necessary networks and connections to complete the service; however, its infrastructure needs to be expanded to support our requirements,” the minister said, addressing me. “While the Garnetts have the necessary infrastructure, their networks need work.” He looked at Nick. I could slightly notice him nodding.
After listening to the minister’s words, I began to make sense of them, and I just hoped it was not what I was thinking.
“Therefore, we want both companies to work together,” he said. I contained my reaction. This seemed surreal.
“Excuse me, Minister, but T–World is solving the infrastructure problem,” I interjected. I refused to work with the Garnetts.
The minister nodded but raised his hand to stop my words.
“We know.” He smiled and exhaled. “We know that both companies are working to meet our requirements, Miss Russell. However, we have come to the concession that working with both companies would send an excellent message to the country, in addition to the dividends that both organizations will receive, which would place them at the top of the economic news worldwide, benefiting them even more.” He handed us a folder each.
I noticed that the contract was even bigger than expected, and the figures reflected were not negligible.
“We can’t refuse,” Ash whispers, and I understand her. She doesn’t know my history with the Garnetts.
“All that is missing are your signatures.” He pointed to the contracts. “Although it is not what we would like, if one of you decides to abandon the project, it will be handed over in its entirety to the other company p>
I continued listening to him without exactly knowing what to do. My father doesn’t know about Nick; Darius and the board would surely accept the proposal.
“Given the unexpected nature of the news, we want to give you two days to formalize your participation. You can take advantage of that time to meet and discuss it with the board of each company.” He looked at his watch.
“Sir,” he addressed Ash. “Miss Russell, Mr. Garnett, it has been a pleasure seeing you. My assistant will be available to you whenever you require it.” He pointed to a man. “Excuse me.” We stood up and everyone said goodbye to us. I took my things and Ash did the same. This was all messed up.
“I’m ready–oh,” Ash said before quickly walking towards the door. I proceeded to follow her.
“Miss Russell.” I heard the voice of the person I least wanted to hear in my life. “Could you spare me a moment?” I considered continuing to ignore his existence, but Ash stopped, causing me to do the same. That was when I heard his quick steps coming towards me.
Ash turns and looks at Nick. She seemed curious, I noticed by the expression on her face.
Nick stood next to me, so I was forced to turn in his direction. The i***t stared at me intently in silence. His brow furrowed. I avoided breathing. Noah looked the same when he frowned. His cousin was standing next to us, watching us, as was Ash.
“Well?” I said. “I don’t have your time, Mr…” I lifted my chin.
“Garnett,” he said in a straight voice. He seemed annoyed already.
“I knew a girl similar to you years ago,” he said unexpectedly. His eyes scanned me for a reaction. But I didn’t give him that pleasure.
“I see. What a lucky girl,” I shut back.
“Are you playing with me, Alaia?” he asked, looking down at me.
“I’m not one to play games, Mr. Garnett. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I turned to leave.
“Black looks good on you, Miss,” he said loudly when I reached the threshold of the door. I stopped in my tracks.
“It’s a good color for visiting the dead,” I said as I walked out of there with Ash.