Billionaire Flawed 2(204)

The rich marble walls reflected the light passing through the skylight in the main lobby and illuminated the vast entry space. Brent, my driver for the day, stood by the front door with his crisp black suit and driving gloves at the ready.

I can’t say that I’m incredibly used to being driven around just yet, but it’s something I could grow to enjoy.

I snatched my briefcase from the entryway table, and Brent threw open the front doors for my exit.

“Thank you,” I muttered.

He ushered me into the black sedan, and I took a moment to look at today’s schedule on my phone. I was running a little late and was hoping that Mr. Ellis wouldn’t be too upset over my tardiness.

Brent was a safe driver and quite quick as well. Before long. we had left the grand estate of Mr. Ellis’ and were downtown. Perhaps I wouldn’t be late after all.

We arrived at a new dig site that was to be christened today. It was a notably large site in the downtown area and currently a parking lot. However, the location was excellent for what he was planning to build.

After exiting the car, I walked with purpose to meet with my newest employer. He stood beside a reasonably large stage where several members of the media were setting up for today’s announcement. I could tell he wasn’t nervous in the slightest and actually looked more excited than anything else.

If only people knew what his nightlife was like.

“Good Morning, Mr. Ellis,” I said as I approached.

He waved and continued to talk on his phone. I couldn’t tell incredibly well, but it sounded like he was speaking Italian. He held up a hand for silence as I approached and I waited for a moment taking the small amount of time I had to look over the day’s schedule.

I couldn’t help but look up from the schedule a couple times to admire the man who gave me such an auspicious position. He was quite handsome, if you’re into tall, clean shaven men. His short, cropped hairstyle eschewed his professional businessman persona, but his slightly unkempt tie and unbuttoned white dress shirt belayed what little professionalism he tried to exude. His dark brown eyes were piercing when he looked at me as I looked at him. And, as I distracted him he finished his call, and I produced a portfolio with some particulars he needed to look over.

“Mr. Ellis, this was faxed over from legal this morning. They need you to look it over before they make final arrangements.”

He looked down at the folder, opened it for a moment and folded it closed.

“What do you think, Nia?” he asked.

I made it a point to look over all legal documents; it was good practice for my business degree.

“They want to close it out at 15%, a 4% increase from the last proposal. You’d make an estimated 4 million from signing, and that’s before ground is struck,” I said confidently.

He opened it back up and sifted through a few of the papers. “What do you think? I want your opinion.”

I paused and thought. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was testing me, or if he really did just value my opinion. I considered a lie and thought I should agree with the numbers on the page but had a distinct feeling he wouldn’t enjoy his personal aide lying to him.

“The numbers are a little rough, but it’s a good deal. I think we could come up 3% on the back end but it’ll be a good investment either way, Mr. Ellis.”

He handed back the portfolio, and I stuffed it inside my briefcase. “Tell them to come up 3% or I won’t sign.”

I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy that he’d taken my advice and I also couldn’t help the shallow feeling that I may be wrong and might have cost him the deal.

“Mr. Ell-“

“Nia, I know you haven’t been working here long, but, after a month, you’d think that you’d get over the formalities with me. Just call me Tom like everyone else does.”

“Of course Mr. El-.” He shot me a look and I realized my mistake again. “Tom”

 Another well-dressed man approached from the other side of the stage. “We’re just about ready for you. Another five minutes and we’ll be set.”

“Good, good. I have to get back to the office as soon as possible,” Tom replied.

The stranger disappeared into the small crowd that began to swell.

“Tom,” I said, feeling a little more personal, “come a little closer.”

He leaned in, smiling, and I took the opportunity to straighten up his collar. I couldn’t avoid the amazing smell that wafted from him; the cologne he wore must have cost more than my old apartment. He seemed not to be paying much attention to his clothing as he lingered a little longer than was needed.

“You’re all set,” I said. “I’ll have the documents drawn up again for the meeting later.”