Meeting gone wrong
(ARIELLE'S POV)
The car soon pulled up at the restaurant's parking lot, and Ashley killed the engine. The sound of the engine dying was a clear indication that we had arrived. I glanced up from my iPad, taking in the familiar sight of my establishment. The parking lot was already filled up with cars, and I could tell that business had begun in full swing.
"You good?" Ashley asked, turning to me with a questioning look.
I nodded, my eyes now fixed on my iPad again as I scrolled through my notes. "Um, yes, I have a meeting with a supplier in like a few minutes, so I'm going over some details."
Ashley nodded and patted my shoulder. "All the best with that. I have to leave now so I don't run late for work."
I nodded, and we shared a side hug. "I'm gonna miss you," I said, feeling a little sad.
"Me, too," she replied smiling. "But I'll see you later, okay?"
"Alright, bye, and have a nice day," I said, grabbing my handbag, and tucking my iPad under my arms firmly.
I alighted and waved before walking ahead and entering the restaurant. As usual, I was welcomed by the aroma of food and the bustling demeanor of the dining area.
I waved to the workers as I made my way to the reception area leading to my office. But just then, Rebecca came into view, exhaling in relief like she had been expecting me. Her eyes lit up as usual as we exchanged pleasantries. "Arielle, thank goodness you're here," she said.
"Hey, Becca. How's it going?"
"Very well," she responded, and then her tone turned serious. "The supplier has arrived."
I was surprised and paused, glancing at my wristwatch. "He's not supposed to be here until 30 minutes."
Rebecca nodded in agreement. "But he said there was a change in his schedule, and so he decided to come earlier."
I frowned, feeling a bit annoyed. "And he didn't think to update me about the change in plan? Some people truly lack basic social etiquette," I mumbled under my breath.
Rebecca looked sympathetic. "I know, right?
"Anyway, where is he now?" I asked, shoving the anger down, deciding I was not going to let a stranger ruin my day.novelbin
"Stephen led him to the meeting room to wait," Rebecca replied.
I nodded, making a mental note to speak with Stephen on how to handle business partners like this supplier next time. "Can you take my bag to my office? I think I'll just head to the meeting from here." Rebecca nodded. "Of course."
I handed my bag to her, and she took it with a smile. "Good luck with your meeting."
I smiled back, taking a deep breath as I prepared to face the supplier. "Thanks, I'll need it."
I walked to the meeting room, my pumps clicking on the floor. As I entered the room, I saw Mr Zeke, the supplier I was meeting for business negotiation, already seated.
However, what caught my attention was his nonchalant demeanor. He had a leg placed on the table, scrolling away on his phone, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he was in a meeting room.
I frowned at the display of such mannerless behavior, my eyes narrowing on him.
He looked up to see me and smiled, bringing his leg down as he rose from his seat. "Miss Meyers," he said, outstretching his arms for a hug.
I noted this as a third red flag. You
don't hug business acquaintances, not those you're meeting for the first time. It was unprofessional and crossed the boundaries of personal space. But I didn't say it out loud; instead, I stretched out a hand for a
handshake, trying to maintain
professionalism.
He laughed and took it, holding on for too long before I withdrew my hand and took a seat. His handshake was firm, and it felt like he was trying to make an impression. Whatever it was, I wasn't interested. "Welcome, Mr. Zeke," I said, trying to sound polite as I took my seat.
"Yeah, I don't appreciate being kept waiting," he said, his tone slightly biting. "I've been waiting for minutes."
I stifled a scoff, feeling a surge of annoyance at his audacity. Our meeting was not due until 20 minutes from now, and he had arrived without informing me. He had kept himself waiting, not my fault.
But I didn't say it out loud as usual; instead, I put on a smile and asked, "Shall we discuss business now?"
He responded, "Sure," and sat up, assuming a serious face.
"So, Miss Meyers, I believe we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement. My company can supply your restaurant with the best cooking products at affordable prices, considering you'll be buying in bulk."
I nodded, intrigued by his proposal. "That sounds interesting. What kind of products exactly are we talking about?" I asked, setting my pen ready to write on the iPad notepad.
He smiled, like he had been waiting for that moment. "We have a wide range of cooking oils, baking supplies, and spices. All our products are of the highest quality, and I'm confident that they'll meet your restaurant's standards."
I listened intently, asking questions
where necessary and jotting down
points. Mr. Zeke seemed
business oriented and knowledgeable about his products, and found myself becoming more interested in what he had to offer; his obnoxious behavior earlier had been completely forgotten.
Just as we were about to wrap up the discussion, he made an unexpected move. His hand suddenly slid dangerously close to my thigh, his fingers brushing
elbet
against my skin that was made
visible by the skirt that had ridden a
little up.
I felt a shiver of unease and shock run down my spine as he leaned in, his voice taking a suggestive tone.
"You know, Miss Meyers, I think we can come to a very... satisfactory agreement. One that benefits both of us," he said, licking his lips as a sly smile crossed his features.
I was taken aback by his move, my eyes widening in shock. "What do...do you mean?" A warning bell was already ringing in my head as I drew my legs backward.
"All I'm saying is that you don't have to pay money-wise when you can pay physically," he said the last words with his eyes trailing up my thighs lecherously.
That was it! He had come out straight, and despite not spelling his intentions out properly, I sure as hell knew what he was insinuating.
I instantly felt a surge of anger and disgust hit me as I shot to my feet, putting a distance between us.
"You're shameless, Mr. Zeke! I'm calling the security on you, pervert!"
But before I could reach for my phone, the door to the room burst open and my eyes widened at who barged in.
"Jared?!"