Why was she here? Gabriella looked over the restaurant. It seemed fancy, but the menu had everything from Mac and Cheese to milkshakes. She groaned, still not knowing why she agreed to this. A few hours ago she'd been on the line with a desperate Ms. Holton, who had begged and pleaded that she meet with Troy; settle the issue before the next meeting. How much that poor woman still didn't know.
She both straightened and loosened her posture, keeping her back in a flawless line but also propped an elbow on the table. To be completely honest, she had better things to do then deal with his problems. A ton of work was awaiting her return, all of which was spread out on her home office desk. And the cherry on top; he was late, again. "Ok, settle down Montez." She repeated the message over and over. Patience was the key to success; she'd always told herself. But when he arrived 15 minutes later, her patience was a skinny dangling thread, ready to be snapped.
He still wore those dam glasses! How she wanted to rip them off and throw them somewhere! He also still fashioned a stuck frown, along with the same attire from earlier that morning. She felt the need to look away when he sat; more like dropped himself in the seat across her. It wasn't exactly silent, due to both of their constant fidgeting. After a while Gabriella held her hands tight under the table, then eventually under her butt. He wasn't looking at her, or maybe he was; the glasses served as a great disguise. By now, the tension had her missing Pat and her work more than ever. She didn't have the time for this!
"Ok look." She began, eager to get out what she had to say and leave. "I'm the consultant, you're my client. Whatever problem you have with me, let's be grown ups and set it aside. Or you can look at it this way. After December 21, you won't have to ever see me again. So how about we settle our differences and work together?" Knowing him, she expected either no answer or a smart remark. What she got was a surprise. "What's so funny?" She demanded, staring coldly at his face. He didn't even care how rude he was being, laughing in her face.
"Nothing," He responded, trying to cover up a grin.
"Well did you pay attention to what I just said?" As easily as it came, his smile faded.
"I'm not deaf. And you don't have to be so rude."
"I wasn't being rude. I simply wanted to get my point across. As I was saying, as soon as the ceremony is over you won't have to_"
"I already said I wasn't deaf." His mood swings were really pissing her off. Even he should have known how much she didn't want to be here.
"Well then are we in agreement?" He leaned back and shrugged his shoulders.
"Hey, whatever she wants."
"I'm not asking about Ms. Holton, I'm asking about you." She hadn't meant to be so shrill, but she'd grown tired of his useless replies.
"I said whatever she wants." She wasn't one to mimic, but here was a golden opportunity.
"I'm not deaf. And you don't have to be so rude."
"Who are you to say I'm rude? We're hiring you to plan our wedding, and you're talking to me as if I'm one of your little friends."
"Well maybe I wouldn't have to if you apologized like Ms. Holton said you would."
"Well guess what Montez. You're not getting one! I'm not going to waste an apology on some money grabbing workaholic!" Anyone could notice the elevation in their volume. The only thing that stopped her from replying was the approaching waiter with appetizers. She'd lost her appetite.
"May I take your order?"
"I'm fine." He grunted, clearly as 'full' as she.
"You ma'am?"
"I uh, I'm not finished deciding. Can you come back?" He nodded, returning to the kitchen. If it had not been for that minor interruption, she might have done something she'd regret. But boy, was she still fired up.
"Obviously, this meeting has no significance. Why waste my time?"
"Please. I have a lovely, phenomenal woman waiting for me at home. And I could think of a thousand things I'd rather do than look at you."
"Fine then! Go home to your fiancé. Let her know how utterly disgusting this meeting was." It wasn't supposed to, but somehow his comment slipped through her armor and slapped her in the face. How could someone as genially kind as Ms. Holton, end up with someone as ruthless as he?
"Wow." He uttered, rising out of his chair. "Look at you. Finally able to say the F word." With that he left, pushing open the glass exit doors and going. In about the same time, she realized it was raining. She had no jacket. She'd walked to the restaurant.
"Daaaammmnn." She moaned, already agitated. Then her mind returned to him. Some fiancé; he couldn't even fake an apology to resolve things. No client had ever shown her such disrespect. And as easily as she accepted, she should drop the clients; soothe her pain. But of course, her mind drifted back to Ms. Holton. Troy was right about one thing. The woman was phenomenal; she'd gotten on her hands and knees just for the perfect wedding, one that Gabriella promised to give. The memory turned to guilt, and guilt switched to shame until she moaned and groaned, getting up to follow his footsteps.
"Mr. Bolton!" She exited the doors, cursing herself once more as a result of the rain. She knew he came prepared, watching him walk ahead of her draped in a coat. "Mr. Bolton!" She called louder, making her voice more audible over the rain. Now, he either couldn't hear her, or was just ignoring it. The second excuse seemed more probable. She tried the only idea she had left. "Troy! Wait!" It worked like a charm. He stopped in his tracks, turning sharply towards her.
"It's Mr. Bolton," He replied harshly. She closed the distance between then, folding her arms tightly together.
"Troy, Mr. Bolton, whatever_" She stopped short. If she was going to solve the problem she had to be respectful. "I understand that there is tension between us. Believe me when I say that I will take all the blame." Her statement caught his attention, or at least kept it for the time being. She continued. "I'm not asking for an apology anymore, and I'm not saying that we have to be friends. All I ask is that we cooperate in meetings. Otherwise, anything non work related is none of my business. I was only hired for wedding guidance."
"Are you done?" She stared at him, unbelieving. It was impossible.
"Yes, I guess I am." He turned his back to her and walked over to the nearby car. Gabriella shook her head. Here she was, drenched in the rain, with no car or extra clothing. She could only imagine her roommate's face, furious when she told her the news.
"Ms. Montez." She was interrupted from her thoughts. Her eyes laid on him, now seated behind the wheel, one leg still outside the car. What could he possibly say?
"Yes, Mr. Bolton?" She replied in a stressed voice.
"You don't have a car?" His question actually caught her off guard.
"I didn't bring it. I don't live too far from here." He looked like he was reaching for an object in the back. Curiously, she stepped forward.
"I want it back." He extended out his arm with the black object in it. She leaned forward to take it; an umbrella. Why in the world was he giving her an umbrella? She had half the mind to refuse it, but it was pouring heavily, and that would be stupid. She gripped the top of the umbrella, but he held on to the bottom, almost refusing to let it go. Now, she was confused.
"Mr. Bolto_"
"Earlier today, you insulted June." Had she? When? Gabriella waited for him to explain. "You practically called her ideas stupid, ridiculous and over imaginative."
"Oh, no Mr. Bolton, that's not what I meant at all."
"If you're asking for cooperation, show her a little respect." She could do nothing but nod. Her mind traveled back to the other night with Pat. He was absolutely right. "As long as that's settled I'll try and cooperate." She nodded her head again.
"You have my word." He loosened his grip on the umbrella, and she pulled it away, opening the device as soon as possible. He shut the door and started the car, backing out and driving away. She gave no verbal response; only turned on her heels and walked the wet, lengthy path to her home.
