MEETING WITH ETHAN

The day of the meeting had arrived, and I dressed with trepidation. My mother insisted on accompanying me, despite my attempts to persuade her otherwise.

"Are you ready?" her voice echoed from my closet. I stepped out, concealing my emotions, not wanting her to sense my unease.

"Are you nervous?" she asked, sensing something amiss. After all, she was my mother.

"Nervous? No," I replied, attempting to sound composed.

"Tell me what's wrong," she urged, concern etched on her face. Seizing the moment, I guided her to the couch.

"I managed to resolve the scandal with Cub Finance and cancel the deal with Lion Furniture. Another scandal with Robichaud Enterprises could be detrimental to my show, company, and us. Businesses might shy away. Despite our history with Ethan Robichaud, their proposal aligns with our budget. Can we set aside past issues for the sake of my business?" I carefully laid out my words.

"Do you want me to accompany you or not?" she inquired, her anger and disappointment evident. She had a plan.

"I want you by my side," I replied, holding her hands. She smiled and left the room. I breathed a sigh of relief, having achieved my goal. As I was about to exit, Ethan's call came in.

"Hey Sunshine," he greeted as soon as I picked up.

"Why are you calling me?" I asked, rolling my eyes.

"That was smart of you," he acknowledged, and I knew he was aware of what transpired in the room.

"Why are you stalking me?" I queried, frustration apparent.

"Sunshine, I liked that black suit more. It goes well with mine," he remarked, and I was on the verge of exasperation.

"Stop it, Ethan. Why are you stalking me?" I demanded angrily.

"See you in that black suit, Sunshine," he said before ending the call. My confusion deepened as he seemed to know every detail within the house, bordering on spying rather than mere stalking.

After an hour of driving, we arrived at Robichaud Enterprises. I gazed at the towering building, impressed by the man Ethan had become. Starting with a small shop, he had transformed it into one of the largest structures in town. Accompanied by his secretary and my company's lawyer, whom my mother insisted I bring, we strolled into the conference room.

"Good morning, Mr. Robichaud," my mother greeted, her handshake laced with disdain.

"Good morning, Mr. Robichaud," I added, trying to infuse a more pleasant atmosphere. I extended my hand for a shake, a gesture met by a brief kiss. Politely, I withdrew my hand – his touch still unlocking memories I wished to bury.

"Let's get down to business," my mother declared as we took our seats.

"I've reviewed the proposal, and it's impressive," I began, avoiding eye contact with Ethan.

"Maintain eye contact," my mother whispered, her presence like a weapon.

"I'd like to collaborate with your company to sponsor our show and future productions," I continued, my gaze deliberately professional.

"Your proposal covered various aspects, but it overlooked the financial specifics, particularly the percentage your company intends to claim from the show streams," I asserted, emphasizing professionalism.

He swiftly inquired, "What's your stream budget?"

"We anticipate ten million streams, considering the content, associated scandals, and the heightened anticipation surrounding the show," I responded, maintaining a neutral expression.

Looking directly into my eyes, he questioned, "How much per stream?"

Maintaining composure, I replied, "The plan involves compensation of five dollars per stream."

"That's a fifty million dollar stream budget. What percentage would you allocate to the sponsoring company?" he probed further.

"For our two sponsors – the head sponsor and co-sponsor – we propose twenty-eight percent and twenty-two percent, respectively. Twenty percent goes to salaries, and the remaining thirty percent is retained by the company," I responded, having calculated the figures.

"Excellent calculation. I'd like to meet the co-sponsor," Ethan said knowingly, though I introduced my mother just the same.

"Mr. Robichaud, allow me to introduce Madam Alyssa Cooper, the proprietor of Hey Alyssa television show and Alyssa World," I formally presented them, even though the introduction seemed unnecessary.

"Nice to meet you again, Madam Cooper," he greeted, a trace of mockery in his tone. Suppressing my anger, I requested a break to allow my mother to vent her frustration.

"Certainly! I'd appreciate a conversation with you, Miss Cooper," Ethan expressed, and I glanced at my mother for approval. She nodded, and I left with him, unsure of what this private conversation might entail.

As much as I wanted to help my mom vent, I also want to give him a piece of my mind. We entered the luxurious office, and he locked the door behind us.

"Hey Sunshine," he greeted with that sultry voice.

"Why did you say that to my mom?" I asked, trying to calm my nerves.

"We have a beef going, and letting it go now shows something is happening," he replied, giving a valid reason, but my mother's feelings were involved.

"You said what I did this morning is a smart move. Why don't you please forget about it for the sake of my business too?" I pleaded.

"Your business is you, so I will let it go," he said with a calm voice that soothed someone's pain.

"Thank you, Ethan Robichaud," I said, not looking at him.

"Sunshine," he said, walking close to me. I moved back, knowing that was dangerous. He moved closer and held my hands in his; it felt like an electric shock, but my reflex was not removing my hand; it was holding on to it.

"Ethan," I called in an attempt to stop him, but it came out like I was enjoying it.

"I want you, Alicia," he said, kissing my neck. I bit my lips in an attempt to suppress my moans. I found myself leaving his hand and holding his neck and collar; I was enjoying what he was doing. He moved from my neck to my lips; I unconsciously opened my lips for his to come in, and he let himself in. The kiss was gentle at first then hard; he bit my lips and removed his mouth from mine.

"I love this suit on you; it makes me want to take you right here," he said, looking at me with wanting eyes.

"That lips are mine; don't let anyone touch it," he said, kissing my injured lips. He moved away from me and entered the restroom in his office. A part of me detests myself, while the other part wants more than just a kiss.

I checked my injured lips in a mirror to see if it was obvious, and it wasn't. I reapplied my lipstick and left the office to meet my mom.

"What did you two talk about?" She asked in a strict voice, and I was scared she knows.

"I gave him a piece of my mind; he can't talk to you anyhow he wants," I replied, trying to sound genuine.

"Let it be, dear," she said and faced the lawyer she was talking to before. Ethan walked up to us with elegance, and I tried my best to keep my eyes off the tall, clean-shaved man in a tailored suit.

"How are you feeling now, Madam Cooper?" He asked, trying to be genuine. My mom ignored him, and he looked at me. I nodded.

"She's better now, Mr. Robichaud," I replied with a smile.

"Let's go inside," he said, pointing at the door.

We all walked back to the conference room to complete what we started.

"I will be signing the deal since we came to you ourselves, and the offer is good," he said, leaving no chance to praise me. We signed the deals after a review from both legal personnel.

"Thank you for your business, Miss Cooper," he said, shaking hands with me but maintaining a professional demeanor.

He walked out of the conference room talking to his secretary, who was giggling and blushing, eager to stay beside him.

"Let's go, Alicia," my mom said, and we left for home immediately.

After an hour's drive, we got home, and my mother seemed angry. I wasn't sure why.

"Are you angry at him?" I asked, wanting to know.

"Who?" she asked, pretending not to understand.

"Ethan Robichaud," I replied with a knowing look.

"No, he doesn't worth it," she replied, and I heaved a sigh of relief.

"So why are you angry?" I asked, worried about her.

"I'm not, just wonder why you would lie to me," she replied, making me confused.

"Lie? I won't do that," I said, not understanding her.

"I know you lied to me earlier about what you and Ethan small talk," she said, leaving me shocked. Did she know what happened? Or is she aware of the relationship I shared with Ethan? I became scared; my heart raced as I thought of words to tell my mother. What were we doing there? Did she see my injured lips? I unconsciously bit my lips, worried she might have noticed.