CHAPTER THREE

AN UNCANNY FAVOR

GEORGE MYLES

I didn't want to do it but she insisted, you might think we're having an unhealthy friendship right? Well, I'm no one to judge and so are you. I hesitated when she asked me to go ahead.

" What if you both get stuck doing this forever?"

" What if you're ready to move on but this creates an unbreakable bond between you two? "

" What if there's another lady you'd want to spend the rest of your life with? "

" What if you end up falling in love with her? "

So many questions clouded my mind but when I saw how much she wanted it I decided to go ahead with it.

I heaved a sigh of relief when her phone buzzed from ringing. God! What was I about to do?

That phone call saved me from doing something I might've not been able to pull myself away from.

Yes, I want her… I want her so damn bad. We're getting steamy and all but we agreed not to go all the way so I was a bit startled when she gave me the go ahead.

" What's wrong? " I asked with concern.

" it's my mom… she got into an accident. " She said with worry as she grabbed her clothes, the young erected man in-between my thighs died off upon hearing that news.

" I'll drive you to the hospital. " I insisted as we both rushed out of the building. She was half dressed and had to adjust her clothes in the car.

" I pray nothing bad happens to her. " She cried.

" She'll be fine. " I said gently holding her hand with my right hand with my left hand on the steering wheel.

We arrived at the hospital few minutes later and rushed to her ward.

" Mom!" Chloe cried.

" Did you end up in an accident because of our argument? Look I promise to come home right from here. In fact I'm staying here with you until you get discharged. " She added.

" I'm doing fine Chloe, it was just a minor injury. I don't know why Dr. Sheila even called you, I told her not to bother you with my silliness. "

" How can you call an accident a silliness. You're the only family I have left do you think I would've forgiven myself if something happens to you? " Chloe cried and I gave her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder.

" She's doing fine. She just broke and arm, the doctors said she'll have to take her pills and come for some X-Ray scans during the course of the week. It was a minor fracture in the forearm. " I said to her and she wrapped a hand around my arm as the other held on to her mother's .

" Listen to George sweetheart. I'm absolutely fine . They probably need you at work so you have to attend to your business okay. I don't want you slacking off on your job because of me." After Miss Hayford had ended her statement, Chloe's phone began buzzing and it was a call from work.

" See, go… I'll be fine. " Miss Hayford sad to Chloe.

" Don't worry, she's in good hands. She'll even be discharged tonight. I'll make sure to take very good care of her. I promise. " I promised and she nodded. Planting a kiss on her mother's forehead, she followed by planting a kiss on my right cheek.

" thank you." She whispered before walking out the door.

The atmosphere got a little bit intense after she left.

Clearing her throat, Miss Hayford turned to me.

" Do you like Chloe?" That question was so out of the blue! My eyes grew wider and I gulped turning to her completely stunned.

" Huh? " I asked.

" I've noticed the way you look at her, you like her don't you? " She added and I heaved a very depressing sigh.

" No Miss Hayford. What I mean is , I really like her. I do like Chloe a lot but as friends. We're nothing more but friends. Besides we all know that she's not ready nor willing to settle down. " I replied.

" So that's why you haven't made an attempt on proposing?" I nearly chocked on my own saliva from those words.

" No Ma'am, That's not the case. "

" Okay, if you say so. I guess if you're not in love with her then Alex might stand a chance. I wouldn't mind having anyone of you as a son in law. " She said to me, her eyes moving from one corner of the room to another. I cleared my throat and smiled weakly when our eyes met. That, well I have no idea what that conversation was about but do I look like I'm in love with Chloe? I know we get all frisky but I don't have that kind of feelings towards her. We promised not to develop anything silly from our you know, intimacy. Why on earth will Miss Hayford think I have feelings for Chloe?

Does that look visible on my face?

I was interrupted by a phone call.

" Yes Camila? " I said answering the phone. Camila is my secretary.

" There's been a change in your schedule. " She said at the other end of the phone.

" What? Who did that? " I asked with confusing.

" I'm sorry but your father the chairman arranged for a board meeting and got you on a blind date at 5:45pm. "

" What! "

" I'm sorry sir but the meeting is in an thirty minutes time and you're expected to be present. It concerns the deal we will be signing with Rayvin Foods. They will be closing the deal today." She added.

" I'll be there right away. " I said hanging up the call and turning to Ms. Hayford who smiled at me

" She'll understand, I'm not a baby. " She said rolling her eyes.

I gave Chloe a call before heading for the meeting.

" We'll have the products thorough checked and go through the right process but there's no way we'll be changing the labeling." My father stated turning away from the projected screen.

" If we want to promote it on the International Market then it must be authentic and they should now the origin. That's what creates the authenticity of each product made. " He added focusing his attention on the board of directors.

" I have no objections to that. Since your company came up with the idea and recipe, we will let the label be according to you preference then. What do you say Mr. Watt? " Mr. Ray(Owner of Rayvin foods) said to my father turning to Mr. Watt who nodded with agreement.

" We have a deal then. " My dad said with a smile and they agreed, exchanging handshaking hands signing some paper works.

" Dad, why the blind date?.__ I thought we talked about it. " I pointed out the minute we were out of the board room.

" You didn't show any improvement, did you bring any lady home? We agreed to a two months stretch and if you haven't found anyone. You failed at that so you're back to going for another date. " he replied totally tensing me up.

" who is it this time around?" I asked as we got to his car.

" You'll know when you get there. There's been a reservation at D'Angelo Restaurant and you have to be there on time."

" But father… "

" No more George Myles, I'm giving you this chance rather than getting you an arranged marriage." He said as his chauffeur opened the car door for him and he slid into his seat.

" Have a wonderful day son. " He said rolling up the car window and he was gone before I could even cringe.

The only thing I could do was just hope that he didn't set me up with those rich girls that have their lines rehearsed before a date.

I was going through some business files in my office when my phone rang.

" Oh my God, I can't believe he asked you to go for another blind date. " Chloe had finally read the message I sent her.

" Don't… just don't. " I said loosening the grip of my neck tie .

" I bet this one's gonna be interesting. What if she ends up being your spec, what if she turns out all natural and beauty too. You know, with those hot long legs you so admire in a lady. " She teased.

" Come on Chloe." I replied rubbing my fingers against my forehead.

" So you gonna go right?" She asked.

" Do you what me to go?" I asked after a minute of silence. What the fuck! What am I suddenly asking her if she wants me to go?

" Why are you asking me this all of a sudden? " She asked.

" you know, just forget I asked. I don't know why I even asked. Well it seems the chairman will stop at nothing to get more grand kids despite having five already. "

" Those are your siblings' kids , he needs yours too you know . You're lucky he didn't ask you to meet a lady he arranged marriage with. Just get your lazy ass up and be a good daddy boy. "

" Chloe! "

" Sorry, my bad. Have fun at your date tonight. " She said with a teasing giggle.

" I sure will, maybe we might have some intense fun, who knows, we've got spoilt rich girls who won't mind getting steamy on the first date. I hope she'll be one of 'em. Catch you later." I said and hanged up.

What am I going to do with my dad!

I arrived at the restaurant and she had already arrived ahead of time.

" Good evening. Sorry for my unpunctual behavior. " I apologized occupying the seat opposite hers.

" No need to apologize, you're actually on time. I'm too punctual to handle. So never mind. " she uttered.

She was quite the beauty, a slender figure from what I observed when I walked in. Her skin well toned, she had a caramel complexion, she wore a peach lipstick on her full lips and a bright diamond necklace matching her ear rings. She was in a black dress which had a petty coat on top covering her upper arm.

She sipped on the glass of water batting her eyes carefully. I knew exactly who she was.

" You just be Nancy Timberland, the daughter of Mr. Austin Timberlake and the prestigious owner of BélleBeau Fashion Agency." I said signaling a waiter over.

" Precisely, but I do not fancy being referred to as my father's daughter before my own profession. It makes me feel as if his name got me where I am." She said handing over her order to the waiter and so did I.

" Why do you say that? " I asked and she chuckled.

" Despite bearing my father's last name and being his youngest daughter, I made it this far without his help and I'd appreciate it if people were to see me that way. I don't know why I'm spewing this before you buy my father was never a fan of my business ideas since infancy. So it'll only be fair if I'm recognized by my hard work and not by his influential name. " She made her point known and I nodded in agreement. She's a tough one. Interesting.

The waiter returned with our dishes.

" I apologize for the uneasiness caused and for my father having you here in the first place. "

" oh that's not a bother. My dad was on my throat and I had to agree to come. I wasn't expecting to meet such a fine gentleman since your identity was kept a secret from me. "

" Are you calling me handsome Miss Nancy? "

" I wouldn't be too marveled. I'll admit you're a fine looking man but that doesn't mean I'll compliment you that easily. " She said cutting through the piece of meat on her plate.

" You're a hard one aren't you, but I am quite impressed by your looks as well."

" Don't try to flatter me Mr. Myles."

" No am not. You're gorgeous and "that" is a "compliment"." I emphasized on those two words.

" Thank you. It would be rude of me not to show gratitude to that. "

" You're welcome. " I said and we both chuckled.

" I know you hate this whole set up blind date thing, so do I but.. " Nancy blurted out.

" No need to feel uneasy around me. I don't like this as much as you do but why don't we make the most of it? Besides my father is the one paying for the meal and the reservation. "

" Really? " She asked with shock.

" What do you expect from a man who drags his son to a blind date. If he doesn't okay, I ain't paying either . "

" Oh my, I like you already. That's the vibe I'm talking about. " She said laughing her heart out.

" I guess this is going well ."

We had quite a good conversation and I must admit that , it was one of the best blind dates I've ever been on.

I bounced on my bed tired from the evening, exhausted and took tired for a shower. I only opened my eyes to the rise of another morning.

Without wasting much time, I showered and got ready for work. I fetched my phone only to meet a missed call from Alex so I called back as I parked my car in my parking space.

" To what do I owe this early morning call? " I asked when he answered his phone.

" Good morning to you too George. " He said with a chuckle.

" Good morning Alex, I hope you slept home last night. "

" You do know that I'm currently being a good boy since I have my eyes sent on the golden prize. "

" Chloe is now a golden prize? " I asked pressing on my car key and locking the doors before heading for the office building.

" Of course, she's my sole purpose for living. "

" Stop being dramatic Alex."

" I am not. By the way, do you have a tight schedule today? " He asked and I knew he was up to something.

" No, from what I received from Camilla yesterday, my schedule for today is loose."

" Then can we have a drink today after work? "

" Okay. I'm in. Will catch up later. " I said.

" Sure man." He said and I hanged up heading for my office.

That night, I met you with Alex at our favorite spot.

He walked in, wearing his grey suit over his white long sleeved shirt, a black pair of pants and a neatly polished loafers.

" Good evening man. " He said and we bumped fists.

" One glass of whiskey please. " He ordered joining me on the counter.

" You mostly don't call me out unless it's to ask for a favor. " I pinned out.

" You know me too well man. But I do invite you to parties and clubbing don't I? " He tried defending himself.

" Well, let's get to the point. " I said to him and he chuckled.

" You know, it's about Chloe. George, I think I'm in love. "

" What? "

" Yeah, I can't get my mind off her. She's always on my mind every passing second."

" Oh that's quite intense. Are you sure you aren't seeing her playing hard to get as a challenge on your end? " I asked to be certain.

" Despite her compelling appearance, I hold her not as a Business challenge but dude, from the beginning I was intimidated by her capabilities, her flawlessness. She is a woman but she's the winder woman of our time George, I sat down and realized that our competition in the business sector was just something we both yearned for but deep down, I realized that I want me this kinda lady. She's the woman I want in my life. I… I am in love George. "

" You do know she detests you, big time right? " I asked and he nodded.

" But she listens to you. Please help me with this one. Just this once George, help me win her over because I feel I might not survive if I don't have her. "

" Now you sound like an obsessed stalker. " I teased.

" Not funny. I really need your help in winning her over. You know her better than anyone. We didn't get along in high school and she wouldn't even glance at me when we meet for the awards. Please be my wingman. I really want her. " he confessed.

" Now you two are getting me in a very tight spot. She wants nothing to do with you but here comes the case that we're friends and I'm the one she wants around and not you."

" Please George, just one favor for a fellow man. One favor for a brother. Help me get on her good side * He pleaded and I nodded.

" Fine, I'll help you with her."

" Thanks bro. " He said with excitement filling his whole being.

" But if you mess up, I'mma kill you, and you know I mean it." I warned and he nodded.

" I promise. " He said as we clung our glasses of whiskey.

" So how was your date yesterday? " He asked.

" She was an interesting lady. We might meet again but I'm not going to fall into my father's trap that easily. " I said and he chuckled.

" These old men won't allow us have our peace of mind. "

" They'll seize being our fathers the day they do. " I stated and we both laughed.