5 The Meeting

Shane Ricardo, the CEO of one of the established hot-shot publishing house in New York, appeared as if he's locked up in his thoughts.

The time now is 7:00 PM. One hour left until his meeting with Ms. Giselle, yet he sprawled on the bed, his eyes seem to be helplessly wandering as if he was anticipating a call.

Bingo!!

His mobile rang, and he picked up faster than the wind itself. A familiar voice spoke to him.

"Alright, it is only because of you I'm doing this, Mr. Ricardo."

Hearing those words his face lit up, Shane relaxed.

"Thanks, Jayce. I will let her know and arrange for you guys to meet. I have to go now."

"Talk to you later."

Shane ended his conversation and moved to get ready.

***

At Giselle's apartment:

"How do I look?" Giselle asked for an opinion while standing in front of the mirror.

Lia played along and replied, even without looking. She was too busy reading her storybooks. Giselle was getting ready, and so ignored her daughter's opinion. She looked at the time and was getting ready to leave.

"Lia," she called.

There was no answer.

"Lia!" she called again.

Lia was totally into in her book that she ignored the incoming voice.

"LIA," Giselle let out a shout, and she finally responded.

"Focus! I'm about to leave. I left the food in the hot pack, make sure to eat it on time. If you feel tired, go to bed soon. I have a spare key. And-"

She looked at her daughter who's been listening attentively.

"Don't answer anyone. No one knows we're back and we haven't met any neighbor so, please don't answer the door unless it's me."

Lia agreed and then said goodbye to her mother. She locked the main door and went back to her room to continue reading.

At "The SUN" hotel. Time 7:45 PM.

Giselle arrived at the venue. She was escorted by one of the attendants to her table. Because she arrived early, Giselle had requested the server to wait until the other party comes. She remained patiently at the table.

...

Sharply at 8:00 PM, Shane Ricardo entered the dining area.

Shane dressed up for the occasion in a neat, perfectly fitting black suit, his well-built body and a tall appearance gave him the default CEO looks. On the other hand, Giselle wore a sleeveless olive green long gown paired with exquisite jewelry. The dress beautifully sat on her slender figure, radiating elegance.

Both looked great in their outfits, confident and composed. They both greeted each other and took their seats.

"You look too good for an editor Ms. Giselle," Shane said after throwing few glances at her.

Giselle smiled at his compliment with a soft nod.

"We should place our orders," Shane called the waiter, and they both placed their orders for tonight's dinner.

Meanwhile waiting for the food, Shane opened the conversation.

"How are you feeling returning after so many years?"

"I'm sure it must have been difficult moving back here, isn't it?"

Giselle agreed.

"It sure is, but I haven't forgotten this place. It's still the same to me."

They both shared a smile, admitting to the homely feel.

Apart from her answers, Giselle seemed nervous. However, Shane felt the time was perfect to talk on the main objective of tonight's dinner.

"Alright. Let start by saying. Welcome to KeyLine Ms. Giselle. It's good to have an editor with credible experience."

Startled by his sudden welcome, Giselle's eyes widened in surprise.

"Thank you, Mr. Ricardo. It is unexpected, but I couldn't refuse the offer."

"Oh, the pleasure is mine," Shane replied.

"So, the author you'll be working with is one of our top best. It will be a huge responsibility, but I'm sure you can handle it, I believe?"

Shane's words gave a slight SOS signal to Giselle.

"Top best?" she looked puzzled.

With no hesitation, Shane went on to reveal it.

"Yes. You'll be Jayce's editor henceforth."

Giselle felt miserable hearing those words.

"Ja- Jayce?"

"The bestselling author, Jayce?" Giselle exclaimed.

"Yes," Seeing her frozen, Shane reassured her.

"Don't worry Ms. Giselle. You will do a good job."

Giselle couldn't articulate anymore. The weight of the job, the responsibility was just too huge and would be difficult for her to handle.

"I don't think- I can't- It won't work, Mr. Ricardo. You have to reconsider what I'm requesting for is another author. I can't possibly be an editor for THE JAYCE."

"If not I'm afraid that I can't accept your offer at all."

Giselle feared over the gravity of her job.