Together Forever

"Cathie, what happened? Why aren't you here yet?"

"I am sorry Evie. I've had a fever since morning. I was about to call you then you called me."

"Anything serious?"

"No, just need to take the medicines properly and it will be alright."

"Ok, then. You don't have to come. Take a leave for a few days until you get better."

"No, no, I don't need to" -

"No, Cathie, I said and that's final."

"But today's meeting" -

"Don't worry about that. I will manage it, ok?"

"Thanks." She replies, hesitantly.

"Take care."

I sigh and shove the phone into my pocket.

I get outside of our office and reach for my car. Hoping in, I check the time on my watch. Oh shit! I am late. Will there ever be any occasion where I would be able to get in time? I don't think so.

I start the engine and drive fast towards the skyline restaurant. I take my eyes off the road for a second and look down to see what I am wearing. A black skinny jeans and a black shirt with hair flowing down, it is ok. I really don't care how I am looking but for the sake of looking like a CEO, I must do it.

Breaking the speed limit all the way, I finally reach the restaurant. I park my car and check the time once again.

11.10 am.

10 minutes late.

I open the door, get outside looking up towards the beautiful building in front of me. This is one of the fanciest restaurants in New York and one of my favourite places. Standing in a secluded area, with a lovely flower garden in front and soothing touch of nature, it's a perfect place for a romantic date.

But look why I am here!

I approach the big glass doors and wait there for a while. Why am I having this odd gut feeling that something is going to happen today? And people say when you feel like something is going to happen then something really is. But the worst thing is you wouldn't know what until that happens. I hate gut feelings!

The guard opens the door, I step inside and look around the huge area. This restaurant remains less crowded at this hour of the day, so does today. The tables are mostly empty, only a few people sitting at some of them.

The walls are tiled in golden zig-zag tiles, gigantic chandeliers are hanging from the ceiling, all the tables are covered with white tablecloths while on each table there are flower vases filled with freshly plucked flowers.

I make my way towards the reception, there is a young man in his uniform writing something down in his notebook. I approach there as he stands up and flashes me a smile,

"Hello, Ma'am. Welcome to our restaurant. How can I help you?" He asks me in a boyish voice.

"Uh... We have a reservation for Ethan Jones." I reply and he checks the register.

He nods, "Yes, ma'am. He arrived 15 minutes ago, waiting in the meeting room. Room number 204. Here's the way." He shows me the direction.

"Thanks."

"Welcome."

I walk towards the booth area and then take a turn to the left that leads to a corridor. The long corridor is lit up by the golden crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling one after another. Marble tiled floor is sparkling under the soft light.

Suddenly my phone buzzes in my pocket indicating a message. I switch the phone on and Leah's name pops up on the screen. I continue walking and open the message:-

Emergency alert- Don't kiss Mr hotshot in the first place! Be careful! Danger zone!

Humor of this girl!

I smile and am about to reply when I hit something hard.

I immediately look up from my phone when my eyes meet two deep brown orbs.

My heart stops as my eyes fall on the man in front of me.

Is he a human being?

Or sent from heaven?

How can someone be so breathtaking?

My eyes get stuck with him as if they are watching something else, not a human.

He is that kind of beautiful that doesn't really exist in the world, the description of that charisma just found in the fantasies.

His black hair which has brown hue on the edge; is styled to perfection, his mesmerizing eyes are like you could spend hours just staring. His chiseled jawline, sharp nose, high cheekbones, light skin, everything proclaiming what a piece of art he is!

It feels like his brown eyes are staring directly into me holding an invisible power that has made me frozen in my place. It's like an eternity we have been staring at each other. Suddenly my phone rings and I come back to my senses. I cut the call and hurriedly step backwards.

Oh God, what the hell just happened? What was I doing? I was ogling him? Am I the same girl who never properly looked at any man? And here I was staring at him for years! I want to go away from this hypnotizing man.

It's such a shame. I should go and join the meeting now and here I am admiring how gorgeous a man is! No, no, no it's not my character.

Finally, I decide to break the awkward silence between us and speak up,

"Uh...I am sorry. I didn't notice you." I say and try to pass him but he abruptly moves forward and stands in front of me blocking my way. "Are you Miss Gray?" He asks me in a deep voice to which I nod.

How can a voice be so melodic?

Wait! How did he know my name?

"Yes, I am. But you?" I ask as he makes an assured face and holds out his hand,

"I am Ethan Jones."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐