Page 31 of Always Been You
“So,” Aria’s voice breaks through the noise, steady and direct. “Lawliss and Elisa will take the lead on negotiating with the new suppliers. Lauren, you and your team will work on calming public concerns and ensuring we maintain consumer trust.”
She pauses, looking around the table. “Everyone clear?”
There’s a chorus of nods and murmured agreements. Aria takes a breath, her tone firm but final. “Good. Let’s make it happen. Meeting adjourned.”
The members of the board trickle out of the office. We also clear our things and leave the conference room. Everyone goes their separate ways, with Elisa and I heading to one of our main suppliers that changed hands.
“When are you having a housewarming party?” Elisa asks as we walk toward the car park. Since I returned from my trip, I haven’t gone back to my old apartment, where I used to live with Derrick. I leased a new place and my family is yet to visit where I stay but with Eddie being the other tenant, I don’t know what to do.
“Elisa, Elisa, when will you not party? I’m surprised you get your work done so well. Please tell me your secret.” I reply to her.
“Work hard, play hard,” she says with a grin. “Just live by my motto, and you’re set for life.” I smirk and pause as I take in her latest car, a Koenigsegg Gemera.
“I guess we’re going there separately,” I remark and she laughs because she knows I prefer safety to luxury. I know hers is also safe but there’s no way she will drive according to my definition of safe driving.
“Come on. This is one of the rarest cars on the planet, with curves as striking—”
“Exactly why we’re not going together. If anyone asks, I don’t know you. Besides, it’ll be so late that you’d have to drop me off, which is far from your party hub for tonight.”
“Fine. You win,” she concedes with a dramatic sigh. “I’ll lead since I know the place.”
She gets into her car, and I get into mine. Her engine roars to life with a low, powerful hum, a stark contrast to the quiet purr of my sedan. She pulls out of the parking lot first, her car gliding effortlessly onto the road. I follow behind, keeping a safe distance as she weaves through traffic like it’s a sport.
Before I can switch the radio on, Lauren’s call comes through.
“Hey, Law, I have an update for you girls.”
“We’re not together at the moment. Elisa’s driving her car and vice versa.”
“Figured as much,” she chuckles. “Anyway, the company you’re heading to is owned by M Industries now.” I brake suddenly, nearly hitting the back of Elisa’s car as she slows to turn into the lot.
“What the hell?” I hear Elisa shout from outside. I glance up to see her glaring at me through her rearview mirror while she searches for a space.
“What’s happening?” I hear Lauren ask over the phone.
“Nothing. You were saying….” I trail off.
“Ah, yeah. That M Industries owns the company now.”
“Why?” I ask flustered.
“How would I know why a company in the engineering industry is dubbing into the textile here? I mean, it’s not out of the realm since over the years, they’ve ventured into many businesses all over the world.”
“Of course,” I mutter, massaging my head to prevent the headache from trying to present itself. Does this mean I can no longer avoid Eddie? Is he doing this because I’ve been avoiding him? No, that makes no sense. It’s not like I’m worth that much.
I shake my head. “We’re here now. Will talk to you later.” I say to Lauren, then up the call. I get out of my car to meet Elisa, who is already standing at the entrance of the company.
“Is that not your crush, Edmund’s friend?" Elisa says, spotting Josh at the foot of the stairs.
“I don’t have a crush on Edmund.”
“Sure you don’t,” she murmurs, walking toward the reception desk.
“ELISA!” I shout, causing heads to turn in our direction. I mouth an apology and glare at her.
“Hey, no need to be defensive.” She raises her hands in surrender but smirks anyway. “It’s just that I saw the way you looked at each other the last time.” I roll my eyes, but she doesn’t seem to care.
“It’s true,” she goes on. “What’s he doing here anyway?” she asks, not waiting for an answer as she walks up to the receptionist. I hesitate; Elisa notices and steps in to take charge, going to speak to the receptionist.
