12 CHAPTER NINE

Nana

Theme Song : Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion

I took a hurried shower,threw on a white checkered shirt on pale green skirt. I went for natural today. My red Mary Jane's matched the dull red lipstick I wore. I strapped a green purse and bid Debbie whom gave me a thumbs up goodbye.

I arrived earlier than usual. After rearranging the files on my boss' table,I settled in. I quickly did a bit of my review to our upcoming product before heading to the beverage cabinet which so happens to be in my office too.

I greeted him by the door with his usual morning tea.

"Miss Worth" We shared a smile.

"Tea,sir" I handed him the black mug while happily displaying my white set of teeth. He took it from me and handed me his iPad while walking to his desk.

I took the time to admire his neatness and punctuality. I immediately composed myself when he turned.

"Anything you want me to do for you sir?" He sank into the soft leather chair.

"Not at the moment,Miss Worth." He opened a file going straight to work.

"I could get you lunch later on. I mean,I would bring it to your desk. There's this great Chinese restaurant few minutes away from the office and-"

"Miss Worth?" He called with a twinkle in his eyes.

I flashed him my most brightest smile. " Yes sir?"

"You could help me out by acting like you normally would."

I chuckled.

"Yes sir"

***

Few minutes of persistence later,Mr Hilton allowed me get him some Chinese food. The man obviously didn't like takeouts but still he agreed. I ordered my favourite. A dish of Yang's special fried rice with fish flavoured shredded pork. The sight alone made my mouth water so I had to buy some for myself.

I returned to the office with the takeouts to meet my still busy CEO. He was a workaholic!

"Lunch break,Mr Hilton!" I arranged the food on the table overlooking his desk and opposite a set of couch. After finishing up with the food,I basically ran to his desk and closed the file he was working on. He groaned.

"This is becoming weird. We aren't so close." He frowned but still made his way to the food. I didn't let his little remark hurt my enthusiasm.

He took a seat while I sat opposite him. He opened the rice and ate from it.

Eagerly,I asked him. "How does it taste?"

"Nice" He mumbled without hesitation and continued eating. I almost rolled up into a ball so I could cry at the way he acted so cold. "We'll be leaving work early today and together."

"To meet Riott?"

"This is what the whole sweet treatment is all about then?" He shook his head. "We're going to your house." I gaped at him.

"My house!?"

"What's so bad about going to your apartment?" He chuckled as he ate more. This man was a huge mood swinger!

""Everything. First of,you're my boss. No interpersonal relationship. Secondly,why would we even head there!?"

"Regina,your reasons don't count. I am obviously eating food you got. But as an answer to your question,I'll be coming to pick you up Saturday morning to meet your big crush."

I literally stood to swoon around.

"Riott!"

He chuckled.

***

"You'll make a left bend here and take the first right turn. The third building painted white is my house."

"Your house,uh?"

"My landlady's house. I obviously just rented an apartment there." I cleared what he hinted at as his driver pulled into the lot.

"Should I ride you up my floor" His driver coughed. Immediately realising how inappropriate that came off,I rephrased my statement "I meant-"

"I got you alright" He chuckled and alighted the car. I did same with pure lightheadness and a flushed skin.

"The elevator works really well. And even if it breaks down,the steps aren't really long." I explained still wanting him to get to know the apartment.

"It's alright,I guess. I could always call when I get here"

"Okay,sir. Should I run up and get you water or something?"

"Regina,I enjoy-"

"Ms Regina Worth,I am so disappointed in you. You couldn't even give me a...Oh,you have company." I watched as a pretty blonde old lady walked briskly towards me as a cab drove past. She was with her luggage.

"Nana!" I hugged her fiercely. I had missed her so much though I knew I had failed at reaching out. Hell,she didn't even know about my internship. I had almost forgotten the most important person in my life. The only family I had. "I missed you so much. See how beautiful you're looking. Billy's taking good care of you,uh?" She hid a blush while spanking me.

"Manners,young lady. Would you introduce this young pretty man to me?" Pretty? Mr Hilton smiled. Nana just added to his cockiness.

"Nana,this is Mr Hilton,my-" I hadn't told her about my new internship neither had I spoken a word about getting a job from Mr Hilton himself.

"Your boyfriend?" Nana probed.

"Mr Hilton,this is my grandmother,Ruth. Nana,Mr Hilton." I begged Nana with my eyes so she wouldn't delve into automatic detective mode. She nodded.

"I'm her boss." Mr Hilton spilled. Nana's eyes widened.

"Young woman,you have a lot of explaining to do." She said with her eyes still surprised.

"I know Nana and I'm so sorry. It's just that everything has been so overwhelming. I know that's not an excuse but I'm really sorry,Nana." I gave her the puppy eyes and she sighed.

"Well,ain't you treating your guest? He's your boss. Manners young lady. I taught you better" She asked nodding at Mr Hilton.

"I will Nana. We were about heading inside the apartment."

"How's Deborah?" Nana asked as we made our way towards the building.

After taking a sip of Buxton Water,Mr Hilton left Nana and I.

"Your apartment is looking super clean. But then again,it's you" Nana complimented as she arranged the cans of homemade soup she got me into the refrigerator. I'll get bigger now.

"Thanks Nana but you shouldn't have worried about getting me food."

"Don't nag. You're so thin. School's stressing you out?" I rolled my eyes but nodded nevertheless. "And then you got a job too? I never complained about paying the rents did I?"

"I know Nana but it started off as an internship but he offered the job the second week I got there. And then,I'm old enough to live independently and not as a leech."

Nana hit my head. "You silly girl. You're never a leech and you know that!"

"Okay,okay. Nana,enough of me. How's Billy?"

"He's fine" Nana smiled. "Lost a few pounds recently." I rose a brow. "Oh honey,I meant weight not money" We shared a laugh.

"Nana!" Deb screamed as she entered the apartment.

"My doll" She hugged Deb tightly,I had to separate them. So what if I was jealous? Hey,this is my gran not hers. Haha.

"Nana. I brought someone along" My gran's eyes danced happily.

"Is he handsome than Regina's boss?"

"She's a lady actually but hold on...you saw her boss!?" Deb all but screamed.

"Yeah and he was h-o-t" Nana wiggled her grey brows at me. She sure had a way of acting like a teen despite her age.

"Oh come on,you two. He is my boss."

"A lot of stories can come out from you two." Deb.

"A lot of romantic stories" Nana.

I felt attacked.

A knock on the door stopped their little drama. The door came open and Erin peered in.

"A little birdie told me you left work early."

"She's a pretty one. A new doll for me?" Nana asked and we all laughed with Erin oblivious to the inside joke.