1 Lunch At BouLEvard
Olivia sat at her desk getting lost in her thoughts as she subconsciously filled out the same paperwork form for yet another client, same papers just a different name. The clients were typically the same, older people who just wanted to talk her head off while getting their lives together before they bit the dust. They came in with family mainly their children who wanted to make sure they would be covered if anything were to happen.
Olivia was friendly to the clients but always managed to get them in and out as quick as possible until one day he walked in.
Randolph Cooke. He was older than Olivia (15 years to be exact) and although Olivia had no plans on ever taking a conversation with a client past that desk, with him it was something different. The first thing Olivia noticed was that yes he was older but not "bite the dust" old, different than what she was use to seeing.
He stood about 5'10ft tall, dark brown eyes, beautiful smile, a faded haircut with a beard that you can tell he took pride in. He came in sat down at Olivia's desk and placed his leg over the other. He sat with this intensity like you knew he was coming to handle business (or so she thought).
She finished taking down his information, running it through the system, and scheduling a meeting with her boss for a sit down to discuss the best plan for his future. After everything was said and done Olivia walked Randolph to the elevator and thanked him for his time and assistance. He stood outside the elevator waiting for something.
"Anything I can help you with?" Olivia said as she stood their unsure of what to do now.
"Um, yea actually I'm new here and just getting settled in my new home."
Olivia just stood there still unsure of what she was suppose to say.
"Well, maybe I'm not being clear enough but I dont have any family and friends out here and was wondering if maybe you knew any good spots out here to eat."
"Oh, well there is a lot of places its California" Olivia chuckled.
"Oh."
"Sorry, Um I wasn't trying to be rude. There's a place up on the corner called BouLEvard."
"Oh, okay um thanks" Randolph stood there not sure what to say.
"Um, Im actually going on break in a few minutes. If you'd like to wait I'll show you where its at."
"I'd like that very much actually." As he stepped further into the elevator, this time with a grin."
"Great, ill be down in a second."
"Okay he said as he let the door close."
At this moment Olivia didn't know what to think of what just happened. How could one question turn into such an awkward encounter, stupid. Olivia went back to her desk to finish completing the paperwork of Mr.Randolph Cooke.
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*DING*
The elevator door opened and out walked Olivia. She was this petite, slightly awkward, beautiful woman whose big bubbly hazel eyes were soo intense and captivating Randolph couldn't help but stare.
Randolph had moved back to Beverly Hills where he owned a few properties already.
"BouLEvard?" Randolph said as Olivia approached him.
"Yes, just follow me this way". Olivia said as she walked past the receptionist desk.
"He's with me." Olivia said as they walked past the security spot.
Being a popular insurance company and everything, safety was number one and any guest that entered had to be searched before leaving. Olivia didn't want to wait for the search of Mr. Cooke she just wanted to get this over with.
"Thank you, for showing me around." Randolph said as they walked out the front door.
"Well, its only up the street. Are you okay to walk?"
Randolph chuckled at the question. He knew what she meant but Olivia had a funny way of delivering.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I was just tryin..."
"You're fine Ms. Grindel, you're...amusing. I can see we're going to have a good time at lunch together". Randolph said as he smiled at Olivia.
"I wasn't going to ...stay for lunch Mr.Cooke. I was..."
"You're going to make me eat all alone Ms. Grindel?".
"Well...um..."
"No, its fine Ms.Grindel I can take a hint. Have a nice day ill see you around." Randolph said as he lingered around the entrance of the restaurant.
Olivia was confused. Had she missed something? Olivia didn't think she sent mixed signals or even said anything implying they were having lunch TOGETHER, or did she? Olivia knew she was awkward and sometimes she had a tendency to overthink situations, kinda like what she's doing now. Olivia cared entirely too much of what people thought of her and the thought of him thinking she was rude gave her anxiety.
'Well, I guess its just lunch". Olivia said looking down.
Randolph knew she would see it his way, after all he had THIS affect on anyone who he came in contact with. In that moment he knew he found his mark. She was going to be more difficult than the rest but he like it he liked her. He didn't have to force his attraction this time because she was beautiful and her personality wasn't like the others ones that just flocked to him because they thought they were getting something. She was going to give him a run for his money.
"Well, if you insist Ms. Grindel". Randolph turned back around to face Olivia and with a grin they walked down to BouLEvard. BouLEvard was this 80's styled diner that played old school music. The smell of pancakes lingered at the entrance as they opted to take counter seats to avoid the long line. They were greeted with menus and happy smiles as a waiter approached them."
"Hello my name is Kim and Ill be your server for the day. Can I start you off with something to drink?"
"I'll have sweet tea please". Olivia said as she shuffled through the menu.
"Ill take the same" Randolph said.
The waiter returned with their drinks and took their orders before leaving again.
"So tell me about yourself". Randolph said to Olivia to break the silence.
"Well, you already know where I work " Olivia chuckled. "Um, I'm 21 and moved out here 2 years ago for school".
"Oh okay what are you In school for?" Randolph asked intrigued.
"I was in school for business" Olivia said trying to avoid eye contact.
"Was?" Randolph asked confused.
"Yeah, I was in school but I took a little break. I just needed a little time off". Olivia said nervously.
Randolph knew there was more to her story but he wasn't going to pry anymore.
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Randolph ate his steak as Olivia tiptoed around the conversation about why she wasn't in school at the moment. She couldn't understand why she had agreed to this very awkward lunch. Olivia was pretty much a loner (besides her bestfriend) and always have been since she was in high school. Olivia's mom started staying out all times of the night leaving her to take care of herself. Olivia never knew her father and the only thing her mother told her was that he was killed in a hit and run accident shortly after she was born.
For Olivia getting away from Baltimore was the best decision she made for herself. When she got accepted to college it was the most exciting moment in her life then reality set in. Loans and bills started adding up and even though she was top in her class the school had to set an example and Olivia was kicked out of school her third year. She felt embarrassed at the fact she was soo close yet soo far and she refused to accept pity from anyone.
"You dont talk much, do you?" Randolph said as he sipped his wine.
"Well, no not really. Especially not with someone I only talked to about insurance just 45 minutes ago at my desk" Olivia said.
"Okay, I can see how this can be a little awkward for you. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable if you're ready to go ill pay the bill and walk you back down to the office" Randolph said.
Olivia had this guard up that made it literally impossible for anyone to get in. After only having yourself to rely on it happens.
"Maybe that's a good idea I think its time for me to get back anyway".
"Okay, lets go" Randolph said as he threw a 100 dollar bill on the table and grabbed her hand to help Olivia from her chair.
"I dont think my sandwich and your steak was 100 dollars. Are you trying to showoff" Olivia eyed him intently.
"I know" Randolph laughed. "But I also know how hard it is to make a living serving".
Olivia looked stunned, its not everyday you see someone show such gratitude for others.
They exited the restaurant and started their walk back to the office.
"Can I be honest for a second" Olivia said as she played with her hair.
"Yes, I would like that" Randolph chuckled.
"I kind of judged you. I... I just thought you wanted to lunch your way into my bed"
"Okay. Can I be honest with you now?" Randolph chuckled.
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Randolph knew Olivia was complicated but that's what attracted him to her.
"I would like that" Olivia said as she looked away at the shop she wished she could afford.
Randolph stopped and pulled Olivia to face him.
"I also kind of wanted to get to know you better. You're beautiful and you can make me laugh. I don't come across that combo too often but I guess I came on too strong. I am sorry Olivia. Randolph said as they stared into each others eyes.
Olivia just stood there.
"I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable but I get it. I'm just some creepy old dude who just invited you out to lunch"
Its like he read her mind and completely made her regret those thoughts instantly.
"I'm sorry". Olivia said embarrassed.
"Stop apologizing for how you feel Olivia. You are entitled to feel however you want. I'm not trying to take advantage of you or anything. If you want we can act like today never happened".
Olivia wasn't sure what it was that she wanted now. She thought she knew his type. Older man trying to look for a young girl to pass time with but after this very awkward lunch she didn't know what to expect.
They had started walking again and the tension wasn't even there anymore. Olivia felt more at ease for some reason. She still didn't know this man but his words, voice, and touch just made her feel OKAY, something Olivia hasn't felt in a while.
"We're here". Randolph said as he looked up at the bright sign that read (Insert insurance company name). It wasn't a big building but it was known one of the best in California. It was by the grace of God that Ms.Patricia Holestine gave Olivia a chance under her circumstances.
Ms.Holestine was a younger business woman whom started off working at her dads company 17 years ago shortly after her 18th birthday ( it was their agreement). She was no rookie to this which is why at her age she has been underestimated with other major insurance companies that she has surpassed. This business has shown her that she will be the underdog even when she is on top, which was what caught her eye about Olivia.
She saw that Olivia was down right now but her potential was something special. She had something that she dont think Olivia see in herself. She just wanted to help her reach her potential like she wanted others to see her sometimes.
"Well, ill see you later?" Olivia said hesitantly.
"Later?" Randolph said confused.
"I mean you know when you come back for you follow up" Olivia looked up at him smiling.
"Oh. Okay". Randolph said.
They shook hands and parted ways. Olivia walked away and into the building as Randolph walked to his Bentley reflecting on his lunch at BouLEvard.
Randolph knew his approach with her had to change. He had to study her until they ran into each other again and deep down he couldn't wait to see her so it'll be sooner than she think.
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Olivia woke up to her phone ringing.
She didn't know this number.
*ring,ring,ring,ring*
That same number called again. And again. And again.
Finally Olivia answered the phone.
"Hello."
"Livvy!!!"
Olivia knew who it was the moment she answered the phone. This should be interesting
