37 Chapter 37: What Society Says

July 8. The results were in for the Lovers' Day challenge between the three bands. And the winner was...

"Tamarind," Raph announced excitedly. "Our new system was correct."

"Impressive," Will said. According to the reports, Ring Ding had been leading in terms of ticket sales until about two weeks prior to the concerts. Though only by a hundred tickets or so, Tamarind ended up being the concert with the most sold tickets that day.

Dell turned her business smile to Raph and Bianca, who was also with them that day. "Looks like you got yourself an approval for your loan."

"Alright!" Bianca high-fived Raph.

A new face was also among them. This man, a fresh faced man in his early thirties, nodded in approval. "I have a good feeling about this investment."

"You won't regret it, Howard," Raph said confidently.

"I'd better not. I'm giving forty percent of your capital, after all."

Dell still didn't like Howard Heigh's manner of speaking. But anyway, Raph would need his forty percent. The bank loan wasn't going to cover everything they needed. Then Dell turned to the last remaining person in the room. "And welcome aboard, Mr. Naslack."

The old man beamed. "Thank you, all of you, for allowing an old man like me to dabble in these new things. I know my investment isn't as big as you'd like."

"Nonsense!" Raph replied brightly. "We can greatly benefit from your experience."

William rose. "Well, then, Raph, Bianca, if you would follow me, I'll have you sign the paperworks for the loan."

Raph and Bianca stood up excitedly. "Lead the way," Raph said.

Howard stood up as well. "I'll be taking my leave, too."

And the four exited the room. Dell was left in the room with Mr. Naslack.

"It really makes me feel young again, these young people," the old man commented.

Dell smiled at him. "They're very grateful for your trust."

"On another note, you wouldn't know anyone interested in purchasing property in Ehima, would you?"

"Mount Ehima?"

"Oh, you've been there?"

"My, um, boyfriend took me hiking there not so long ago."

"Pretty place, isn't it? My property is up the mountain itself. Perfect for resorts and such. I'd run it myself if it weren't for my rheumatism. It's a beautiful area, Ehima."

"Yes, my boyfriend loves it there. He and his friends climb regularly."

"Oh, maybe they'd be interested?"

"I doubt they're the type to have that kind of money. But I'll be on the lookout. And I'll give him your card in case he knows anyone."

"I appreciate that." Mr. Naslack smiled. "You seem a bit awkward talking about your man."

"Do I?" Dell laughed as she hooked a lock of hair behind her ear. "He's a nice guy, though."

"I think I'm old enough to see what's happening here," he teased. "You like him. But you don't want to like him."

"He's already my boyfriend, Mr. Naslack."

"Then why aren't you proud of him?"

His word hit home. Dell couldn't answer.

"Do you make more than he does? Does society think he's not a catch? I'm a widower now. But I was married for more than thirty five years." His eyes took on a faraway look, a sad smile on his face. "And let me tell you. At the end of the day, what society says doesn't matter."

His sad smile pulled at Dell and she couldn't help but squeeze his wrinkled hand. "Thank you, Mr. Naslack, for saying that."

Mr. Naslack laughed in good humor. "Be sure to tell your man you love him as often as you can."

Dell smiled back. She couldn't possibly do that.

-----