The meeting

Alanie and I arrive at the office around 10:30.

Zinnia and Seraphina are seated next to one another on the same chair.

Alanie placed the two folders that we have on the table. The two of them are both in her gaze. "I'm sure you're wondering why I called a meeting with you?"

Initially, Seraphina stares at me, and then she looks at Alanie. "Yes,"

Alanie breaks into a broad grin as he looks at you. "I heard about the new line you created, and I was wondering if there were a chance you'd like to add other things to it."

Zinnia's posture is forward. "I would love to hear your ideas about the new line."

I give a slight nod as Alanie glances at me. She opens the folder at the top, which belongs to me. "Katherine and I have been sketching things for a while, and I was thinking that maybe I could show you some designs that could make the launch." She then introduces the folder to Seraphina and Zinnia.

They take a quick look through the folder.

My signature is at the bottom of the page, ensuring no one may remove my belongings without my permission.

The eyes of Seraphina find me. "You are right, Katherine. Why did you not inform me that you were able to draw?

"It's a hobby of mine." The handbag that I designed for her is in front of me. "They're not great."

The focus of Zinnia's attention shifts to me. "They are flawless. We require it to complete the new line. Bags and clothes are included. Are you confident in your ability to design shoes?

I cannot design shoes, but Alanie is. In addition to that, you ought to look into her stuff. Indeed, they are remarkable.

Alanie brings the folder to them by sliding it over.

The moment they take it in their hands, a grin appears on each of their faces.

Zinnia stares at us with awe. "These are fantastic. We have located the second collection that we will be launching.

Seraphina smiles. "The collection will be called Breathe and have all your designs."

"Really?" Alanie has a question.

"Yes," Zinnia says as she extends her hand to one of us. "Welcome to Miller Industries as our new collection designers."

According to Seraphina, "If you need to fix anything, do that today and have the entire collection on our table by five this afternoon."

"I don't need to change anything on mine," I tell them both.

Alanie removes her folder from their possession. I need to make some changes to some things I have. At five o'clock, I will present them to you. Would having lunch at the same time be appropriate if Kathy and I were to have lunch together? My goal is for her to get to know my partner.

The door was knocked on, and Miguel stood there when I looked up.

Seraphina approaches the door and walks over to it. "It's acceptable. Have a good time." She hugs Miguel and says, "I'll see you later." They leave the room together, and she follows him out.

Zinnia flashes a grin. "She's getting soft because of that teddy bear."

Likewise, I have observed that.

When we were younger, Zinnia and I had many conversations, but now, it appears that Seraphina is the one who wants to chat with me about things.

It is heartening to see that she is also content.

********

Colter Cafe is the place where Alanie and I enter at one o'clock in the afternoon.

A glance around the room reveals four men in suits holding cups of coffee.

Each of them is seated by themselves, and their backs are straight. They don't let their gaze linger for an extended period while they look about the room.

It is Paul Gotti who is with them.

A man dressed in a suit is seated in the café, and Alanie comes over to talk to him.

His jacket pocket contains a holster, and I can see the gun.

A kiss is given to the man. "Hey, Paul."

To her, he gives a grin. Oh, my sweetie. Where exactly is your sister?

Alanie makes a gesture toward me. "She's coming over now."

I approach the table and sit down. "Hey, I'm Katherine." I extend my hand to speak with him.

He takes my hand and shakes it. He controls it with a tight grasp. "Don't cause a scene." His hand is released from mine.

Why would I want to make a scene with a guy who is a member of the Mafia or organized crime? While four other men accompany him, he carries a handgun concealed in a holster inside his jacket pocket.

If I were to do that, I would be a suicidal person, but I am not.

He says it pleasantly while a smile grows across his face. Hello, Katherine! It's a pleasure to meet you. It's me, Paul.

As I raise the question, I look around the room at the men. "Is your brother here?"

His pupils are wide open. "You know about us?"

I do, without a doubt. It would be irresponsible of my sister to allow me to stroll in here alone. For every one of his guys, I point my finger. "All of them don't belong here, so I know they're here with you, and you're packing."

Alanie gives me a look, and she makes a mouthful. "Shut up."

"Are you trying to threaten me, or are you trying to protect yourself in a public place?"

It is a laugh. "Hey, Alanie, I like her. The fact that she is truthful is something that I very much appreciate, particularly in situations where I am meant to be the one who is threatening the other.

"Oh, is that what you intend to accomplish? I had the feeling that you wanted to leave a favorable impression. Can I grant my sister the blessing that she has been requesting?

Suddenly, one of the men dressed in suits approaches Paul and whispers something in his ear.

As he nods. "Alright, we'll leave in a moment." As he looks at me, he whispers. Please join us for dinner tonight. I am interested in getting to know you, and I assure you that I will not be leaving this dinner to go.

"That's good because you have a lot to prove to me. I hope you will safeguard my sister if something unfortunate occurs in your line of employment.

He kisses Alanie on the head. "I would accept a bullet for her," she says. Bring your fiance into the room if it makes you feel more at ease. My brother, along with his wife and son, will be present at the event.

The boys leave the cafe, and I gaze at Alanie as they go together. "He didn't tell me where he lives."

And she laughs. "This is because he does not want you to know him. A car will pick you up, and he will send you to your location. It's a fortunate circumstance that I shall be there with you.

"What do you mean by 'you'll be with me?"

"To get ready, I will be traveling to your apartment. I was aware that he was going to extend an invitation to you to join him for dinner. I would not have wanted to tell you because I was concerned about how you would respond.

For placing me in this predicament, I would want nothing more than to beat the living daylights out of her.

After removing my phone from my bag, I called Melvin.

What's up, Kathy? Melvin asked

Alanie's boyfriend has invited us to eat dinner with him tonight.

Alanie's boyfriend? I responded

As I have just stated, she did hide it from the rest of the family.

On the day we went to the beach, Melvin: What happened to the guy she ran as fast as she could to see?

I had completely forgotten about him. My responsibility is to wake her up about him.

I don't know, I'm sorry.

What time is the dinner?

Taking a look at Alanie, I inquire now. "What time is dinner?"

"Seven, but the limo will pick us up at six."

A limo will pick us up and arrive at the house at six o'clock.

All good, I'll see you when I return to my house next time.

Me: How are things going with the table reading?

It's excellent, Melvin. She is an outstanding actress, and I had the pleasure of meeting the girl who will play my love interest. Be sure to love her.

I do not doubt that I will.

I will see you later, I promise.

Hello, Kathy! I love you, Melvin.

No, I love you just as much. Melvin responded

Following my sister back to the office, I hang up the phone and head back there.