RECIPROCATED LOVE

CHAPTER 4

OH, HAIL THE BEEPER KING!

Maybe it was just him, but it seemed that a multitude had taken over the hall. But even when he began to get desperate, he stopped himself before cursing. 'You Must Never Curse Your Clients', was one of his private creeds, and of course he believed this principle as if written by the hand of God… well…maybe not that much... maybe like... like some of the… he … well, he kept it in mind. Okay?

But now what he had called 'a quick stop' was taking longer than he expected, and he was sure 'the bomb' would explode any moment now . He wished he'd forgotten about coming here and had made first what he was supposed to do first but now there was no point in regretting. Now, it was the rush hour, people was starting to greet him and soon his help gonna be needed.

Bob Pataki cursed under his breath.

The spacious hall was organized in a way that people could be scattered all around the place. Beepers were past now, but still they had a small group of devoted, so the center was for them. For the rest of visitors there were laptops, desktops, video games, tablets, MP3 players, cell phones, blacks, GPSs, blue ray and DVDs players, recorders, speakers, headphones, flat screens, anything, all of them in display.

The most popular trademarks, like that South Korean or those overrated music players, were in the corners or over the walls, displayed in such a way the center could be left clear. The Pataki Emporium was not anymore that old shabby space with cheap posters adorning its walls and that worn counter in the center with himself behind it. No. It was now this fancy, ample white and green hall with glass displays and counters, twenty employers by shift, six point of sales, tech support, customer service and all that jazz.

His expert gaze monitored the small army of sellers and technicians evenly distributed in the hall, wearing green polo shirts and khakis, making sure they'd be attentive to the customer requests without being oppressive in the exact way he'd taught them; just providing the most complete information possible and letting them to touch the item wished. Pataki's Electronics never forced a purchase. People knew they could come in, ask, see, try anything without further compromise; then go to their homes and spend the evening thinking of the chosen gadget, letting that the need of possessing this brand new shiny good simmer in their minds. They would back when they wished, and usually this happened the very next day. That was the easier part of the deal. In the second visit people seemed always to know exactly what they 'needed'.

Big Bob was very aware that it was the secret of his company success. Desire.

Looking through the crystal panel of his front office, he noticed that 'the bomb' was still at ease, looking over her papers and talking to herself. It had been a good idea that she had asked him to leave early. It had been a bad idea that he had decided to send her car to the garage this very day and offer her a raid. Cars need to be send to service at least twice a year and she hadn't taken care of hers this year. The auditorium was only five minutes away from the store so he thought there wouldn't be a problem.

They had come to the store because a supplier needed to met him, but the geek-bait was stuck limpet-like to his phone since their arrival. He let himself be soaked in the surroundings once again noticing that the crowd was tighter and he began to threw desperate glances at the damn supplier. He needed help, right now, but the delivery boy was out in some errand. Then for a fleeting second he remembered Nick, who was in the back store, but dismissed it immediately remembering that he couldn't entrust him either dealing with the supplier or taking Helga to the Auditorium. Helga would never let to be left alone with his old friend under any circumstance. The only solution was that she took the Humvee but with only to think in that little skirt of hers...

Bob knew it was his fault. Why did he decide to send her car to the garage this very day? And why had he to offer her a ride? He should let her take Miriam's old car and forget about the whole business. But no way! He needed to catch up whit his usually absent daughter and happily thought today would be a good day to reconnect with her; he'd wanted her to see the store and feel it...

Bob turned to see his watch. Thirty five minutes and ticking... For a moment he wondered if she was aware of the clock. Bob was losing his patience. He cursed under his breath when he saw two black, sober cars stopping just in front of the store. 'We've a parking lot you assholes!' and several goons getting out.

"This is exactly what I need!" he said aloud.

He cursed again failing this time to respect his private creed. He cast his sight over the crystal panel again. Helga was collecting her stuff. Then he looked over his shoulder to check the supplier who now was saying goodbye to whomever the hell he… cared. Then he directed a knowing look and a veiled sign over the manager to let her know about the latter arrival. Ex-Mayor Dixie and her crew were attracting the attention. She was running again, this time for Governor. Big Bob was thinking fast if he could escape before they spotted him… Too late! One of the members of her crew was waving and making his way to him.

It took only a second for Bob to recognize him. He couldn't be just one of her crew. He was this very well-known preppy boy. Bob snorted to himself. 'To think once upon a time I wanted him be my son'. He and Olga had dated several summers ago. They tried to get to know each other, of course, under the complacent gaze of their fathers. Bad luck that they decided they weren't interested. Bad luck indeed, because this was a very fine young man, son of a current senator for the proud State of New York and an ex-partner of him.

"Good Afternoon, Mr. Pataki. It's nice to see you again."

'Haughty stance, deep voice, green eyes…' Bob started to count his qualities…

"It's Bob, son. You already know me," Bob smiled politely '… firm grip, attractive smile... Seems that all that high education didn't go to waste, huh?' "Summer again, I guess..." he pointed out "Another year, another phone"

"That's right, sir. Another phone. You know me; I'm a loyal customer. I always come to buy them in here, since my very first, I think," The young man dug into his jacket pocket and took out a lackluster device. "I think this time I need urgent replacement."

Bob took a look at the old item.

"James, I really appreciate you waiting 'til your annual visit to town to buy your new phone with us; but we have the other store in Jersey..." Big Bob was checking the device. "And you also can check our site. Just pick something you like and we'll send it to you... anywhere, son"

James smirked.

"Yeah, I guess... but you know... it's always nice to come and take a good look to old Hillwood. I need to come here to recharge forces..." his smile seemed sincere "You don't have idea how much I enjoy coming back home and find that there are places that remain the same. There's something about this town..." The young man's sight swept the surroundings "Besides, it's good to see that your… place… has grown up... nicely" He cleared his throat and kept looking around, then over the goons and lastly over Dixie, who was trying to reach them while still being greeted by people. "By the way, I don't live in Jersey. Why everybody seems to think that?"

"Really? I don't know why I thought that..." Bob replied without paying too much attention "However, I heard somewhere you live in Washington now. I guess you're homesick, huh? It's strange, because most of young people fly away from this town as soon as they can. Your father must be so proud of you." Bob returned the cell phone then, adding. "Working fine, I guess, but has seen better days... so…" then looked around "Do you have something in mind?" Bob took him to one of the counters "By the way, how's ole Robert doing? Haven't seen him in years. Is Washington treating him well?"

"Yep, really well, I must say." The young man took a look over the items in display, almost indifferently. "He should know from the beginning that politic was his thing. Sorry for that bad time he'd put you through; I mean about that thing with the store in Jersey. He almost loses it"

"Oh, don't worry. I guess he's not a businessman". Bob took a quick glance at his office again but was not able to spot his daughter in there. "I thought he was leaving it to you, the store I mean. I knew back then you were recently graduated and I assumed you wanna try business..." Bob patted his left shoulder forcefully, making him bend slightly. Then stretched out his thick arm and swept the air in front of him "...but not partners for me anymore. Big Bob Pataki works alone"

James nodded.

"I think he was drawn to believe that I wanted to run business since my so called lack or interest in politics, but no. Unsurprisingly I'm following the path of my bloods"

"Is Big Bob Pataki looking for partners?" Ex-Mayor Dixie finally made her arrival and greeted him effusively. She delivered hugs and cheek kisses to him "I just can't believe that!"

He smiled inwardly seeing the old tricks of the politician. She was good at that.

"You misheard it, Ma'am; I was telling James that I like to work all by myself."

"Yeah, That's what I supposed. Big Bob, you're a tradition here. I can't imagine this place with another name added to your own, right over there" Dixie signaled outward.

'Flattery, huh? Classic.'

"That's something you'll never see!" Bob replied quickly. The supplier chose this very moment to make his appearance. At least, the jerk was smart enough to do not demand his immediate attention, just limited himself to join to the group and greet around, happy to be amongst such important people. Bob went on then "In fact, I was asking James about his father…"

He trailed off when heard another office door being closed. 'So there she was' he exhaled. He needed to think fast. Humvee? Too high. Nick's car? Too dirty. Delivery boy? Not here. Nick giving her a ride? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Any of the IT support kids? Well... if nothing else works. A cab? ... A cab? Really?

He sighed. Right now, it was impossible for him to leave the place. It was sad that he has to do this to her again. He just expected she didn't take it against him in public; that at least she showed good manners.

Dixie's answer died with almost every other noise in the hall, except the sound of Helga's steps. Bob grunted inwardly because he knew her walking on heels was followed by most of the heads in the room. To the staff it was not unusual to see her around, but after a six months' absence she was a novelty again, besides, it was a good chance to take a look to the 'heiress'. And to the customers, it was the most natural thing in the world to keep their eyes stuck to a beautiful woman walking by. Fortunately, Helga was now used to be observed. He looked at her as she was getting close; struggling with her handbag and with all the stuff in her hands. She seemed nervous.

He marveled at what a shrink could do. A shrink, the money to pay for her and the Patakis gens. What a good mix!

Bob observed proudly that she had inherited all of him but she was finally well settled. She was wearing a white, buttoned, long sleeved blouse and a navy blue skirt. Too tight for his taste, but she looked pro and it was okay to show off a little every now and then. The girl was usually stuck in jeans and polo shirts. Her golden hair was lose and perfectly straight, and wore light make up. Helga was very tall for a woman. Bob was proud of her 5'10" and her very well proportionated body: long legs, slender waist, and everything else well sized. She was different somehow from her mother and sister, who were also beautiful but in a sweeter way. They were thinner, shorter and not that… full…. To everyone who knew her from childhood it was hard to believe she was the same scrawny little girl with tied hair, permanent scowl and trademark unibrow; the only item she kept from the past was her temper, but she was now very skillful at keeping it at bay.

Bob cleared his throat when she reached the group, proceeding to greet his partner, and even being warm towards Dixie. Bob thanked heavens that she was programmed in 'nice' today.

"I can't believe this is the little girl who saved the historic neighborhood long ago!" Dixie exclaimed "My, my! I only recognize you for your eyes. Look at them! They must be bigger than your stomach!" Helga smiled bashfully. "Big Bob Pataki, I can't believe how beautiful is your daughter!"

"What else would you expect from me, Dixie? I'm a perfectionist. I always do everything perfect." He said with his thunderous voice, throwing a possessive arm over Helga's shoulders and pulling her to him. "I don't know if you remember my little girl, James?" Bob didn't hide the smug in his face.

"Of course I do, Bob! How could I forget little Olga?"

Bob smiled politely before correcting him, but then he saw a strange glint in the green eyes that made him become wary. Helga seemed undisturbed and against her best nature, she didn't correct him by herself. But the calmed way in which she avoided James's gaze and shook his hand made Bob realize that he was missing something; something that made him to be alert.

Helga finished greeting around. She included Nick who had arrived, and now was telling them about her hurry and the issues with her always busy father.

"I'm leaving now, miss; you know I can take you anywhere"

Bob was well aware of the discomfort in Helga's eyes at Nick's offer. He made up his mind.

"Take my car, Helga…"

He was giving her the car keys, when Dixie spoke.

"Why don't you…?" She turned to James.

"Yeah, I think you read my mind, Dixie" James said nonchalantly, then turned to him "I can take Helga to her meeting, Bob, but only if it's okay to you," James held his palm before Bob to stop him from giving the keys to Helga. "I don't want to pry, but if she's in such of a hurry, taking the car would only be an extra problem. We all know very well how hard is to find a parking spot in those old buildings."

Big Bob saw his daughter's deep eyes almost begging him to dismiss his help, but he had already made up his mind. James' offer sounded almost fallen from heaven.

"I really appreciate if you could do this favor to me, James"

"There's no need Bob, I'm not on duty now," he shrugged "Besides, it'd be a quick drive. I'll be back in no time to keep on our business" then turned to her "Are you ready to go, Miss Pataki?"

Helga nodded and said goodbye to everyone ignoring James' outstretched arm before her, and then walked up to the automatic doors. Bob found hard to imagine what was in her mind, well, other than her discomfort, that's it. She was easy to read when she made those witty remarks or complains, but when she was quiet like now…

Maybe she was really worried by her lecture Maybe she knew James better and he wasn't the gentleman he seemed to be... or maybe, just maybe the presence of this young man disturbed her… 'Nah' , the thought alone draw a scornful smile to Bob's face. It wasn't easy for some guy to make her nervous; not even one as well accomplished as this one.

He watched them leaving the store. Then James talking to one of the bodyguards and the same bloke rounding the car and holding open the passenger door for Helga; then he walked over the other car. James took the driver seat and started the first car. Bob couldn't help but keep looking when he took off and the bodyguards' car followed close, almost glued to them. He then frowned.

"Aren't you seriously worried about your daughter's safety, are you?" Dixie smirked skeptically.

"I don't know what to think..." Bob exhaled "He took all your goons with him..." he then caught a glimpse of Nick. He has to acknowledge that his old pal knew him very well. In a second he realized Nick's thoughts were the same. He nodded to him and watched him flying to the door.

"His goons, not mine." Dixie looked at him, pleased with his reaction to her words. "I can believe what you've just done! You sent your footman after The-Golden-Boy!" She shook her head feigning incredulity.

He grabbed her forearm mindlessly and took her to his office.

"What? What did you just say?" he closed the door and took a peek to the hall through the glass "... And ma'am, Nick Vermicelli is my financial adviser, not my footman"

"Yeah! I can see that..." she scoffed "However, I thought you really knew him... James, I mean" Dixie sneered looking around his office "You're really not updated about politics lately, huh?" she turned to him "James is pure gold to the party; he's the-Golden-Boy; the Fucking Big Star in our party' sky; the Pride of our Proud State. No wonder why they have him so well protected. Even his father's name is behind his now" she patted his back. "Believe me; your Helga is in the best hands. He's not in position to take risks."

"Is he running for something?" Bob was speechless. He couldn't imagine what had become of the confused boy he met some years ago.

"Nope" she replied with a disgusting know-it-all expression "Bob, you're really lost!" she sneered "He's the master of most of the runnings. It's because him that the party has great expectations this year". She looked at him surprised by his ignorance for over thirty seconds before speak again "But don't start getting your head in the clouds. He's always busy, if you know what I mean" she wiggled her eyebrows mockingly but her eyes seemed thoughtful for a moment before mumbling dismissively something about it being just a ride; then turned to him, narrowing her eyes and adding in a flirty way "In the other hand, it was quite a surprise to see you SO over protector over your daughter. You have no idea how alluring looks a worried father to the eyes of a lonely woman..."

Bob's blinked repeatedly. Was she flirting? This politician in campaign? Did she know that was the worst sin a politician could make? When he reacted, he found himself trapped against his office's door. 'Holly shit!' His mind was fight to stay alert while her hand fanned on his broad chest, playfully.

Well aware that they were in a blind spot in his office, Bob thought fast before something else happen; even so, he allowed himself to indulge. She was a very attractive and powerful woman, and at his sixty, he was not used to be the receptor of such attentions from women anymore.

"You know, Mrs. Thomas, I think this is not a good time to…" he cleared his throat "... James will be back any moment... besides, this guy outside the door is waiting for me…"

"Bob! You're not telling me that you never…?" she bobbed her head lightly "… you know..." the expression in ,her eyes was unmistakable.

"Doi, not! I'm not a saint! But I don't take unnecessary risks; and you shouldn't either" he threw a quick glance to the hall. Then he felt Dixie's form drawing back.

"I suppose you're right" she sighed deeply "Gosh! I never thought I'd find something interesting in here" she said to herself as she walked to the door, not before taking one of his business cards from the stack, and smiling predatory to him. "I'll call you" she mumbled opening the door and walking out; leaving an astounded Bob Pataki behind.

I don't own Hey Arnold!

I don't own any other TM mentioned here.

Published about Oct 2010

Revised and Reedited Sep 2013

Thank to you all for reading. Reviews are welcome