An idea

Phina was terrified. She was given an interview with her Dad's boss, but she needed to figure out what to wear. Her clothing needed a change... her wardrobe needed a change. She does, however, have a few outfits that she could wear. However, she believes that wearing them would not be appropriate because some are too fancy, and some are inappropriate given the circumstances. She wants to avoid coming across as too casual. Therefore, she didn't know what to dress.

Her brother entered the room as she was still deciding what to wear.

With concern, he said, "Sis, what happened? You look stressed. Are you okay?"

She replied, "Not really." to him. "I don't know what to wear for the interview with Dad's boss."

The young man said bluntly, "Oh, sis. Just wear anything."

He could not understand his sister's fear. He thought it would work whatever she wore.

She rolled her eyes and muttered, "Are you okay, Samuel? Why will you say I should wear anything? You want them to think I'm a beggar."

"They know you aren't rich and need a job, so they don't expect you to wear some expensive or fancy clothes. Moreover, you are beautiful." He laughed.

She threw him a shirt and said, "Stop flattering me, Sam."

"I'm not. Do you know how beautiful you are? Look at how sexy you are in just bum shorts and a tank top." He replied honestly.

"Thanks for that, Sam," she said.

She could always count on her brother to cheer her up, so she let out a sigh of relief and decided to follow her brother's advice.

He answered truthfully, "Don't thank me, sis. Find anything to wear. Everything looks good on you."

Grinning, she turned to choose a nice piece of clothing to wear.

************

Patrick was heading to a restaurant to meet with one of his clients when he got out of his vehicle and questioned his PA, Alex.

"Where is the report on the Wallaces?"

Alex instantly answered, "Oh, sorry, I forgot. I will send it to your email now."

"Tell Mr. Sheldon Wallace to ask his daughter to meet me here in two hours." He gave instructions. He knew the meeting he was scheduled to attend would not require him to stay an entire hour. Additionally, he intended to meet the driver's daughter at the exact location.

Alex said, "Okay, sir."

They entered the restaurant together and found his client waiting for him.

***********

Just like he had asked Alex to, Patrick reviewed the file regarding the Wallaces that Alex had given him. And he'd done his job flawlessly. He did that quite well. He had conducted a brief investigation into the family. And he was experiencing it right now.

While he waited for Phina and her father to arrive at the restaurant, he also learned everything he needed to know about the Wallaces from the information provided to him.

***********

With a groan, Phina went into the restaurant. It was unlike any place she had visited before. She could see his expression as she passed the security guard and entered the upscale dining establishment. Her attire made it clear that she didn't frequent this business.

She pretended not to notice it, grinned, and entered.

A young man who appeared to be a stranger approached her. He was a good-looking man in a well-fitting suit and had a very endearing smile.

He said, "Good afternoon, miss."

She said, examining him with her eyes, "Good afternoon."

Even though he already knew she was the one, he questioned, "Are you Seraphina Wallace?" He had seen the similarity between her and her father, Mr. Wallace. Additionally, he has a few photos of her from the investigation his supervisor had him undertake.

"Yes." was her courteous response.

He saw her politely nod, "Okay. I'm Alex Miller, Mr. Patrick PA." She nodded, nervously pressing her hands together as he stated, "Mr. Patrick is waiting for you. This way."

"Just relax. He won't hurt you. Just a tip," he leaned up close to her and said. "Don't mind the face and tone. He is like that if he meets someone for the first time."

That made her smile without fail. And she gave a grateful nod.

"Okay, thanks." She expressed gratitude.

When they arrived at the table, Patrick was alone, seated in a quiet area of the eatery, holding only his tablet. He was tapping something on it.

When they arrived at his location, Alex, his PA, said, "Mr. Patrick, she's here."

He raised his head from his phone. His gaze shifted from Alex to the woman sitting next to him, who just happened to be Phina, the driver's daughter. And the woman smiled courteously at him.

She wore a blue blouse resembling a shirt with a black skirt. Even though it lacked sophistication or even class, she looked great in it. She was Mr. Wallace's daughter, as he could tell. Her father's face looks just like hers. Her father was tall, but she was merely average in height. Her body proportions were just right—neither too little nor too huge. As she was, she was fine. She also inherited every curvature. It occurred to him that she could not be older than twenty-four years.

He put his tablet on the table before him and turned his back on her. Then he spoke.

"Please take a seat," Patrick stated formally.

After glancing from him to his PA, Phina sat down in front of him. He got to the point and didn't bother making small talk. Despite her discomfort in the area and Patrick's cold gaze, she could accept it.

He looked at her closely and said, "I won't waste any of our time. Your father said you need a job. So what are your qualifications?"

Before responding, she made an uncomfortable movement.

Quite ashamed of herself, she said, "I'm a high school graduate. I have just my AP result."

She was curious to know his thoughts on it. And she prayed for a positive outcome.

Patrick's face was expressionless as he glanced at her. He would have been taken aback if he had not read the report he had ordered Alex to provide.

Because of her qualifications, he had yet to learn what kind of work to provide her. He had assumed she was capable and most likely a graduate.

"I have few vacancies for now. But with your qualifications, getting a decent job will be hard because of the jobs available now. If you don't mind, I will get back to you." Patrick said.

Phina's expression became dejected. Given her age and qualifications, she knew finding good, quality work would be difficult.

She merely gave a nod.

He observed her disappointment and remarked, "I will call my friends or colleagues if they have any good job available." "And I will get back to you through your father."

"Alright, thanks, sir." She expressed gratitude.

***********

Patrick glared at his best friend, Philip, as he got closer to his seat. Even though he had advised Alex not to enter, he had nonetheless forced his way in. But he was aware that it was not conceivable.

The man in question was rolling his car keys around his finger and smiling at him. He was adamant that this was a ploy to tell him about his recent car purchase and to flaunt it. He was aware of his passion for cars. And aside from his wife and child, he loves them more than anything in the entire world.

However, they were similar in that regard.

They are both car enthusiasts.

Philip mocked his friend, who was still looking at him, saying, "You're scaring me, Ricky." He sat down across from his pal. He patted the table and nodded, satisfied, "You've changed your desk. This is quite expensive, Ricky." "Always the best."

All Patrick did was roll his eyes.

He grinned, "So best man, long time no see."

Patrick bluntly rubbed his head and muttered, "I'm busy, Phil."

"Then tell me when you are never busy. I feel bothered when you are busy, Ricky. You are so busy that you didn't even come to see my wife and daughter. Except for calls on the phone. I'm hurt, Patrick." He murmured with a palm on his breast. Hmmm…

Patrick's expression went to regret. His friend wasn't kidding, as far as he knew. He was indeed wounded. After their wedding, he never fulfilled his vow to see her.

"I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry, Phil. I have a lot on my plate. There is this contract that I am after, and I need to get it." He said to his companion.

"Apology not accepted," declared Phil, drawing a blank stare from Patrick.

He thought he would get it. However, this is different.

Angry, he said, "What else do you want me to do?" It wouldn't have bothered him if it had been someone else. However, it was closest to a brother and his best buddy. He had benefited much from Phil.

"Okay. I'll come over to your place this weekend and spend the night. I'll sleep over. Okay with that?"

Phil nodded and replied, "That would be so nice, Ricky. But no thanks."

With tight teeth, Patrick questioned, "What else do you want?" Phil was in his workplace at the wrong time and had a lot on his plate.

Phil gave a broad smile. He was aware that he was irritating his friend pushing too many buttons. For now, though, he was content to watch his friend in that manner, and he believed that it made up for his lack of visits.

Phil said, "Let's go clubbing."

Patrick frowned at his friend, balling his hand into a fist. "I'm at work, Phil."

Phil cocked a questioning eyebrow at him and continued, "I know that. I also have work, Ricky. And that is what I want... unless... no apology." Then, when he observed Patrick considering following his desires, a sly smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He said, "And on top of that, you need the break."

Patrick exhaled deeply. There was nothing for him to do. He owed his friend an apology; if he genuinely wanted to make amends, he would have to give up one day to spend with him. When he gave it some thought, he also realized that it had been a while since he and his best friend had attended a club. He also had a lot of catching up with his closest buddy.

While not ideal scheduling, none of the times—aside from part of his weekend—was. However, he has different plans for the weekends.

At last, he said, "Alright."

Phol drummed his fist on the table, saying, "Whoa!"

Patrick shrugged his head while feigning a faint smile. He truly missed his greatest friend.

Patrick enquired, "Are you sure you are married?"

With a big smile, Phil presented him with his wedding band. Patrick gave a headshake.

"You were the best man, remember?"

Patrick scowled at the screen.

"Whatever."

"Me or yours?" Patrick inquired.

Phil answered. He patted Patrick on the shoulder and said, "My car. It would be fun like in the old days. You are lucky to be the first to drive with me in my new car. Can't wait for you to see it."

Patrick grinned precisely what he had imagined—a brand-new car.

"I'll be leaving for the day, Alex. Cancel the rest of my schedule for today and take care of the office," his assistant responded.

The young man gave Phil a wave and nodded.

Phil said to his friend PA, "Bye, Alex. Sorry for my attitude."

"No issues," Alex answered. "I get you."

"Thanks, bro," he said, returning to head in that direction.

Patrick pushed the button to access the underground park as the two men entered the elevator simultaneously.

Patrick inquired, "So, how are Eva and the baby?"

Phil sneered, "You don't even know the name of your goddaughter."

Patrick did not respond to him, and as the elevator door opened, he left. Phil laughed and ran after him.

Patrick grinned and said, "You sure haven't changed." He laughed.

A beep was heard when Phil hit the button on his car keys.

It was a brand-new, crimson sports car. Patrick smiled at his friend. He was confident that he had blown a lot of cash on it.

Patrick said, "You beat me to this." He also threw his suit on the back seat, rolled his shirt sleeves, and undid his tie.

Phil gave him a sly smile. "How I miss the good old days. It's nice to have my old best friend back for a day."

"I didn't go anywhere," Patrick declared.

Phil refused, saying, "Not really." Patrick then shrugged. "Let's go clubbing best man."

And they got into the vehicle and headed out onto the street.

***********

When they arrived at the club, they were given their finest wine, and they sat in the VIP area while admiring the patrons, sipping drinks, and chit-chatting downstairs.

"I miss those days at the club. You worked hard, and at the same time, we still party and club. What change, Ricky?" Phil asked.

"I run a multi-billionaire company and have several hotels and clubs now. I have a lot of work to do now. More responsibilities. So what about you? What change? You never stop going to clubs and parties like me." Patrick responded as he took a sip from his

"I got married, Ricky. I'm now a married man. I have to live responsibly for my wife and daughter," he clarified. Patrick gave a sympathetic nod. He stared at his friend's face, trying to gauge how his friend was taking what he had just told him. "And Ricky, your Mom called me." His expression lacked.

He told him, glancing down at a couple laughing and chatting: "She is very happy for you."

"She also talks about..."

Patrick finished, "Marriage."

Phil gave a nod of approval. He stroked the tip of his glass and said, "So you know, Ricky." "If I hadn't seen you with ladies, I would have believed you to be gay. But you are not. Why are you not letting any woman into your life? And I don't mean those you use just for pleasure."

With curiosity, Phil gazed at him, waiting for a response.

"To be honest, I'm kind of....afraid of women. I'm afraid to commit to them. They are nothing but a pain in the ass. You know what I have gone through with women. Most of them are after my money." He looked away.

After dropping his drink, Phil looked at his pal while crossing his arm across his chest.

"I know Ricky. I also don't even understand women. I'm more scared of them than you. I have a wife, but sometimes I don't know her. It's hard to understand. So go along with the flow and your heart. Solitude is tiring and boring. Do you know how I feel to return home with someone waiting for me?" He stopped.

He went on. "I feel blessed, honored..... unexplainable to have someone who loves and cherishes me. I don't even have to pay women for sex. And my baby. My princess. Do you know how beautiful it feels to hold her in my hand? I have never felt so proud and accomplished in my whole life whenever I carry and look at her. I can't trade her for anything, not even my cars. You deserve to know such feelings, Ricky. Why don't you give yourself a chance to be happy? Every woman is not the same. There is surely one that's meant for you." Phil advised his friend.

"I appreciate your advice, and I am happy for you. I am a friend. But I am not ready for that." Patrick replied.

Before Phil spoke, there was stillness.

"It's her. It's her, right?"

Patrick turned to face his companion and questioned, "Who?"

"You know you've been acting weird and keeping to yourself since she left you."

"Are you talking about Lily?"

"Who else will I be referring to?"

"Lily is my past. It has nothing to do with this. I've dated other girls after her." remarked Patrick.

Phil laughed sarcastically. "But no one captures your heart like Raya and Lily. Those other ladies were just excuses. And they are not the reason for anything. Raya was so proud of herself. And selfish. Lily was literally after your money." He finished his drink. "But you need to move on from them. One is happily married, you know. You should also be happy. That is what your mother wants for you. I could feel it when she talked to me."

Patrick dropped the glass cup on the table and said, "I know. I just can't. I want to make her happy. I know she is disappointed in me."

Phil was right when he said, "She is not, but you should make her happy, Ricky. I know you don't want her sad. I understand how much you love her." He knows his friend.

Patrick stated, "I'm thinking about something."

"What is it?" inquired Phil.

He had been thinking about things after his mother's last visit. He needed to find a way to win everyone over and make his family happy.

Phil inquired, "What are you planning, Ricky?"

"It's just a thought. I am still deciding. But.."

Curious, Phil inquired, "What is it?"

And he disclosed every detail of his scheme to his pal. Phil, meantime, was listening intently.

Finally, after Patrick had explained his idea to him, he said, "Are you crazy, Patrick?" "That is not a good idea. I'm not in support of this. You need a serious relationship. A serious one if you want to get married."

He addressed his companion, saying, "And who is talking about marriage? This is to help the situation at hand."

"This is not a good idea, Ricky. It can hurt you and your Mom. And what if the person disagrees?" He inquired.

He said confidently, "No one says no to money. If one person doesn't agree, another will."

With a loud sigh, Phil swallowed a big gulp of his beverage. "I don't know Ricky. I don't like the idea."

His friend's suggestion could have sat better with him. However, he felt compelled to encourage him and hold out hope that his foolish scheme might succeed.

"I promise you, nothing will happen," Patrick reassured his friend.