Thank you everyone for all the reviews, favorites and follows. You guys are the best and I'm really excited to see this story grow.

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It's two days later and Riley is on their private jet, getting ready to fly to Los Angeles. There's a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she's anxiously shaking her leg before the departure.

"Miss Matthews," a deep voice breaks her thoughts.

Riley Looks up to see Nicholas, the pilot standing right in front of her. "I'm Sorry, Nicholas. What did you say?" she asks embarrassedly.

"Not a problem, miss. I was just wondering if Miss. Hart was joining us?" Nicholas questions curiously.

"No, not today. Though, she may fly out in a few days," Riley responds, now wishing she took Maya up on her offer of joining her.

But, this was a business trip. Not a girl's getaway for the week. Riley had a very important job and she couldn't be distracted.

OoOoOoOo

Once in the air, Riley starts to pull out every file she has, wanting and needing to be as prepared as possible.

She read up on Mr. Lennox; all the businesses he has and all the success that followed. She also read up on Mr. Walsh, who like Mr. Lennox has a title to his name. Both men were very powerful and Riley knew she couldn't afford any mistakes.

OoOoOoOo

About halfway through the flight, Riley's laptop starts beeping, indicating a call. Seeing Farkle's name blink in the corner put a smile on her face, but also made her bite her tongue as she was apprehensive about what Farkle might say. "Hi, Farkle," Riley finally greets with a small smile.

"Hello, Riley. I see your father finally talked you into doing a meeting. Good. You need this. We all do. I believe in you, Riles and I'm glad to see you helping our business," Farkle responds in a genuine tone.

"Thank you, Farkle. That's means a lot," I thank, grateful for his praises.

"Of course," Farkle nod. "And, I know you already have information on Mr. Lennox and Mr. Walsh. I just wanted to add a few more things that could help you during the meeting."

"Okay," Riley agrees, taking anything she could get.

"Mr. Lennox has an eye for art. Use your conversations with Maya and try to find a common ground. And, Mr. Walsh's daughter is into theater. Which one is right up your alley. You got this, Riley," Farkle assures her.

"Thanks, Farkle. You been a great help to me. I'll call you as soon as the meeting's over," Riley tells him.

"Look forward to it. Good luck," Farkle nods and waves goodbye before signing off.

Riley instantly starts making notes on topics she can talk about, feeling slightly more confident.

OoOoOoOo

Later during the flight, Carmen, one of the flight attendants informs Riley that they would be landing soon as she quickly grabs her bag and rushes to the restroom to change out of her jeans and flats and into her green floral print dress and heels.

About ten minutes later, the plane starts to descend and in about twenty minutes, they've landed safely as Riley exits the plane with a smile, appreciating the fresh air.

Without paying any attention to the waiting white car, Riley starts to walk in off the opposite direction in search of her father's car.

"Miss. Matthews! Miss Matthews!" Riley suddenly hears from behind her.

Quickly spinning around, Riley sees a young woman, probably around her age walking towards her. "Yes?" Riley questions politely.

"Hello, Miss Matthews. I am Eloise Fitzgerald and I'll be with you this week," the sweet girl shares.

"Hello Miss. FitzGerald, it's a pleasure to meet you," Riley replies with a smile and extends her hand.

"Please, call me Eloise. And, the pleasure is mine. Your father, Mr. Minkus and Farkle talk very highly of you," Eloise praises.

"Yes, of course. And, you can call me Riley. And thank you. But just curious, how do you know my father and the Minkus family?" Riley wonders interestedly.

"My father, along with your father and Mr. Minkus are friends. My father is actually a PI and helps your business with these new deals," Eloise explains causally.

"Oh, so are you a PI as well?" Riley inquires.

"Oh, no. I can't do that," Eloise laughs. "I'm actually a manger in your business. I keep an eye on things on the West Coast and tend to anything you need help with. Which, is why I'm here. I'm here to help you this week. Think of me as your personal assistant," Eloise continues.

"Okay, thank you," Riley nods, not sure of what to say next.

"You're welcome. So, if you're ready to go, we can head to the hotel and you could get situated," Eloise suggests with a warm smile.

"That would be great," Riley agrees as they walk back to the white SUV.

On the drive over to the hotel, Eloise fills Riley in on the tentative schedule for the week, gives her more files to read and a list of possible items she may need to purchase before the meeting.

After getting checked in, Riley and Eloise head to the fourth floor, find their rooms, that are conveniently right each other and before they say their goodbyes for the evening, Eloise speaks, "The bar downstairs is really nice."

Riley nod a thank you and then closes her door and gets straight to work.

OoOoOoOo

By seven, Eloise brings Riley dinner and a list of stores in the area in case she needs to go shopping.

During the meal, Riley tells Eloise her plan for the meeting and after changing and adding a few things, Eloise is pleased and then leaves when she's done with her meal.

By nine, even though Riley isn't much of a drinker, she heads to the bar for a drink, needing to calm her concerns.

Taking a seat at the bar and ordering a cranberry martini, Riley takes a deep breath and then exhales all her worries away.

She's only a few sips into her drink when a conversation catches her attention. Now, she's not one to be nosy, but can't help it as a loud voice barks, "I said I'll be at the fucking meeting tomorrow."

She can't help but sympathize with the man as she feels like they are somehow in the same boat.

She's so into her thoughts, she doesn't realize someone is taking a seat next to her until the drop of a bottle startles her. "Mind if I join you?" a deep wonders.

"Not at all," Riley finds herself saying to the stranger.

"So, are you here for business or pleasure?" the strange questions, striking up conversation a conversation as Riley finally gets a good look at the person.

The guy is very attractive and a little older than her, but it's their eyes that get her hooked. It only took one look and she's already a goner.

She then realizes that they asked her a question and she quickly shakes her head, ridding herself of the crazy thoughts as she replies, "Business. Yourself?"

"Damn, that's a shame. I'd be more than willing to join you on your fun," the stranger winks at Riley. "But like you, I'm here for business."

Riley gives a nod and feels an odd connection with the man next to her as the night's only beginning.


And, there you go folks. Please, let me know what you think!

Thanks and until next time,

Missy xx