CHAPTER 9

6:48pm

We wrapped up our work. We headed out to meet up with my father in the lobby as he was talking to Gladys.

*******

I was a bit nervous presenting the project. It's been a while since I spoke before a lot of people so Chris agreed he would do it.

I looked around at the large structure in front of me and followed my father and Chris in. We met up with 6 members from Peterson & Lark on the top floor and we were shown to a conference room that was set up with a banquet table with snacks and drinks.

We sat at our respective seats and waited for my father, Winthrop, and Peterson that had stood out in the lobby still talking.

Finally, they entered; I looked around for Matt but didn't see him. Then I watched as Winthrop stood and began to speak. He finally made an introduction and welcomed us. At that moment he mentioned that Matt was currently on bed rest due to an accident. I was confused because we just were interchanging emails of our work.

Then he announced that another designer will be working on the bid.

"I would like to present the design for P&L by my daughter Stephanie Malone Winthrop." He smiled.

My eyes like the rest followed his gaze and they landed on her.

I did a double take and my eyes landed on the girl from the frat party.

This can't be. Holy Shit! Am I dreaming right now? I sat back as dumbfounded as ever. I watched as she stepped forward and the lights dimmed at that moment and Chris stood to join her with his work. I sat back, mesmerized by her. She was just like I remembered her.

I listened to her and watched her every move. Thanking the saints that the room was dim as to not show my face as I hung off of every word that came from her lips.

As the meeting came to a close, I shook myself out my apparent stupor and slowly stood then walked to where my father was talking with Winthrop and his daughter. My heart raced with every step, but I needed to approach with caution. Our situation was a wild card at best and I needed to control myself.

"Ah, Bernard, there you are. Come here, I would like to introduce you to Gregory Winthrop, and his beautiful young daughter Stephanie," he stepped aside and pulled me forward.

I immediately shook Winthrop's hand, but the moment I turned to shake hers, our eyes met and my world spun on its axis double time. I could tell she was just as surprised as I was. Her hands soft and warm held mine and reluctantly I had to let go.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Winthrop, Stephanie," I said my eyes quickly combed over her.

"Stephanie did the design for P&L. Since Matt is out, you will be working along with her on this account," my father said.

Immediately I looked at her. It was her design. I was amazed.

"It was an awesome design, incredible technique," I told her.

"Thanks yours was too," she said with a beautiful nervous smile.

Her voice was so sweet and so soft.

"Have you been in the design department for long Stephanie?" My father asked, breaking away my gaze from her.

"Actually, no she hasn't I've been trying to get her to start working with this old man, but she seems to have taken another interest." Her dad chuckled.

My father followed.

"It seems I had to do the same here with Bernard, he has other interests as well." He pats me on the shoulder.

Suddenly I felt uneasy praying that they weren't going to start comparing who was the best child. Laying out our achievements like prized possessions.

"What are your interests Stephanie?" my dad asked. Her eyes rested on mine, then quickly looked at my dad and answered.

"Pre-Med. I want to be a Cardiologist," she answered with a smile.

Immediately my eyes met hers again and I was so stunned.

"Well, I'll be damned Winthrop it seems as if we both are predetermined to have Doctor's in the families," my father boasted.

Her father chuckled and looked at me with a wide smile.

"Bernard? You're into medicine as well, I take it?"

I smiled and nodded looking at him, then at her.

"I'm in my 3rd yr. After that, I have one more year to complete my Bachelors in Science and then I will be able to take my MCAT exam, but I'm taking a year off to help out my father," I watched her eyes widen in awe I could tell she was amazed.

At this point, I was aware that I needed to talk to her. We needed to be alone, we had a lot to discuss.

"That's amazing Bernard," Gregory said, smiling at his daughter.

"I hate to interrupt you guys but I was wondering Mr. Winthrop if maybe I could talk with Stephanie a bit more about the design for the bid. I mean so we can get a head start on it," I asked.

That was as smooth as I could make it without losing my mind.

"By all means, yes, you guys need to get a jump start on this," Gregory said immediately looking at his watch.

"If it's ok with you, I'm starved maybe we can go get something to eat, I mean with your permission Mr. Winthrop and of course if Stephanie wouldn't mind, my treat," my eyes landed on hers.

"Yes, yes, call me Gregory you kids get out of here, I have to get the Mrs.'s anyway from the country club." He said.

I turned to look at my dad.

"Let me know how it all goes, I need to return to the office and then head home, your mother made arrangements to go to the opera and is dragging me along," my dad said shaking his head.

I let out a slow breath of relief that there were no obstacles to this plan.

I turned to face her and for the first time, I felt nervous. Large brown eyes nervously looked up at me; she looked as if at any moment she would run.

*******

I stepped aside and showed the way as we left the conference room. We said nothing to one another.

I walked with her to the elevator and stepped into the conveyance with her. I watched her fidget. She did not once look up at me. I wanted so bad to stop the elevator and talk to her ask her what she was thinking. A part of me wanted to stop the elevator and continue where we left off at when we were interrupted by Josh.

I wanted to kiss her, run my hands all over her, make love to her here all over again and be grateful I'm as sober as they come to remember it this time.

The only things that deterred me were: the security cameras and watchful guard eyes monitoring the feed in the lobby.

We exited to the outside of the building where Wilson waited with the Bentley. He gave her a dazzling smile and with a courteous nod, he opened the door for her. She slid in and I followed.

"Take us to Haiushi's Wilson," I said as he climbed in and slid behind the wheel and started the car.

The Bentley pulled away from the curb and we melded into midtown traffic.