Hello and happy Thursday! Thank you all for the support and I'm sorry updates have been slow. School is getting busy and I'm writing when I can.
lucayafrihart: Haha, right?! Thank you so much, I like Maya and Farkle in here too and don't worry…I'm also working on that too!
Discursus: Thank you and oh, yes!
KillEmWithKindness02: Aw, thank you so much and me too!
violet1429: Thank you and I know right! He's keeping it real!
Enjoy!
Eloise returns later that night with pizza, hot wings and beer as she and Riley get ready for another meeting.
"So, what's this meeting about?" Riley inquires, skimming through Eloise's notes and her stack of files.
"This will actually be your easiest meeting," Eloise smiles. "You're just meeting with Mr. Feldman, catching him up on our latest projects and showcasing future ones."
"That's it?" Riley questions with uncertainty and a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, pretty much. Mr. Feldman's not one for details, but he likes to see his investments going to great causes and projects. Our father's made damn sure that we align ourselves with good, honest people. And Mr. Feldman is one of those people. He likes to see change and changing the world is what we do," Eloise expresses with such heart, Riley never doubt her.
"You're right. We do change the world and Mr. Feldman sounds wonderful. I look forward to meeting with him," Riley grins, taking a sip of her beer.
The two talk a little bit more about business and then move on to the more personal side of things, getting to know one another better.
"So, what's it like living in Los Angeles?" Riley wonders with wide, excited eyes. "I always hear so much about it."
"It's like any other city, except for the fact that there's a ton of celebrities everywhere," Eloise chuckles, stating the number one truth.
"That's pretty cool. Have you met any celebrities?" Riley pushes with a smirk.
"Not really. I've just seen a few in passing and it's okay, I guess. I mean, LA is always so busy because everyone comes here to see famous people. And, I'm sure it's the same in New York, right?" Eloise questions, assuming Riley deals with the same craziness.
"Um, I don't really know. I mean, of course we have celebrities, especially with Broadway and all that, but if I were to walk down the street in New York City, I wouldn't be able to spot anyone out," Riley replies with a hint of embarrassment.
"Oh, same here. I didn't grow up watching a whole lot of television or movies, so most times I'm in the dark when it comes to celebrity gossip," Eloise admits with a similar guilty smile.
"Me either. My friend Maya was the one who told me everything," Riley adds with a light chuckle, seeing even more strongly that she and Eloise will be friends, even when she returns home.
The conversation continues on with a fun girl talk when the sudden ringing of Riley's phone interrupts the two. Glancing at the screen and seeing an unrecognizable number flash across it, Riley then notices the time with more confusion. 'It's close to ten. Who would be calling at this hour?' she thinks to herself before answering cautiously.
"Hello?" she greets politely.
"Good evening, Ms. Matthews. It's Jordan Wong. We had lunch together this afternoon," Mr. Wong introduces himself again in a friendly tone.
"Mr. Wong," Riley cheers happily. "How are you?"
"I'm well, thank you. I hope you are too and I'm sorry for calling so late," Mr. Wong apologizes.
"I'm glad and I am, thank you as well. Don't worry about it. What can I help you with?" Riley waves off, nervously awaiting his response.
"Mr. Lennox just emailed me his schedule and the only time he's available to meet is tomorrow night, right before his dinner party that you are also invited to. I know it's last minute I do apologize for the inconvenience, but I do hope you can make it," Mr. Wong explains calmly as Riley hears shuffling on the other end.
"Dinner party?" she questions, surprised by the invitation.
"Yes, a relatively small group this time. Just potential clients and old clients getting together, having a few drinks and a nice meal," Mr. Wong expresses.
"Okay," Riley agrees. "I'll be there. What time would you like me to arrive?"
"Well, the dinner party starts at seven. Mr. Lennox can meet you at five if that works for you," Mr. Wong offers.
"Five is fine. Thank you for the invitation and for the meeting. I'll see you tomorrow," Riley rconfirms, appreciative for both opportunities.
"Not a problem, Ms. Matthews. Like I said at lunch, you have potential. I'll see you tomorrow," Mr. Wong finishes as he hangs up.
Replacing her phone back on the table, Riley looks up to see Eloise smiling. "So, you got the meeting?"
"Yes, I got the meeting. And, an invitation to his dinner party," Riley shares with a shocked smile.
"Wow, Riley. Look at you girl. I thought the dinner party was the meeting, but now, it's even better. We have to get to work. I'll email your father and Mr. Minkus. You call him and we'll get everything together," Eloise grins as she jumps up to grab her purse and the IPad inside.
Riley knows it's late, but she calls her father anyways and leaves him a message about the meeting, knowing he'll be please. Next, the two go through Riley's suitcase and closet to find something fancy to wear, but come up empty handed as she didn't pack anything like that. She wasn't expecting an invitation out nor a 'fling' on the side. This was definitely bad planning on her part. In the end, Eloise gives Riley a list of shops and stores that she could visit after her meeting. Oh, what a lifesaver Eloise is.
After getting everything settled, it's after eleven-thirty and Eloise retreats back to her room, wishing Riley luck on tomorrow's agenda. Grateful, Riley thanks her for everything and then remembers Lucas' offer dinner tomorrow night. Quickly rushing to the phone on the nightstand, Riley follows the instructions on the notecard and dials his room number as it rings a twice before he hesitantly answers, "Um, hello?"
"Lucas?" Riley says softly, biting her lower lip.
"Yes?" He responds in a deep voice that makes her knees go weak.
"It's Riley," she says in a happier tone and easing awkwardness.
"Riley, hey," Lucas cheers, his voice changes as he's thrilled to hear from her.
"I'm sorry to bother you. I know it's late," Riley apologizes, feeling bad for possibly waking him.
"Don't worry about it, I'm still up. What can I do for you?" Lucas wonders, half excited, half nervous.
"I know I never gave you an answer for dinner tomorrow night, but I'm going to have to decline. I have a last minute work event I need to attend. I am sorry and thank you for the offer. It was very sweet of you," Riley explains, not realizing until now that she's actually a little sad about turning him down and not seeing him.
"Oh, okay. I understand," Lucas sighs. "Well, can we maybe meet the next night? I really want to see you before you leave, Riley."
"I would like that too," Riley surprisingly finds herself saying. "Can I get back to you tomorrow or the next day?" hoping he'd still agree.
"Of course. I'll talk to you then. And Riley, don't have too much fun tomorrow night," Lucas teases, but his seriousness was evident.
"I'll try not to," Riley promises, a smile gracing her lips. "Goodnight, Lucas."
"Good night, Riley," Lucas whispers gently as she feels small butterflies in her stomach.
OoOoOoOo
Sleep came easily that night and when Riley awoke the next morning, she was ready for the day. At eight-fifty, she was already seated in Mr. Feldman's office and right at nine, he enters with a friendly smile. The two exchange pleasantries and then get right into business as Riley enlightens him on how their work is thriving. Mr. Feldman is very pleased with the outcomes, asks a few follow up questions and within twenty minutes, Riley's outside and waiting for her driver.
Eloise was right. That will probably be the easiest meeting she will ever do and it truly helped that Mr. Feldman was so welcoming. He was like your grandfather and Riley definitely saw why her dad and Mr. Minkus sought him out.
She was now on her way to Stello's, a very high end dress stop that was first on Eloise's list. Once arriving at the sleek white building, Riley stands outside the shop for a moment and just stares in the window, getting a glimpse at the dresses that look way out of her price range. This was totally not her scene, but after a taking a deep breathes, she enters and is immediately met by a sales associate.
The woman, a very wealthy looking woman Riley notices, gives her a quick layout of the store and after a few minutes of light chitchat, the two separate and Riley takes off to the back section. Looking around at all the elaborate dresses, Riley doubts she'll find anything but in less than a half hour, she discovers a beautiful soft pink, high-low, lace dress and is in love.
The woman is next to Riley in seconds after she sees the dress in her hand and swiftly ushers her to a dressing room. As soon as Riley puts on the dress and stares at her reflection in the three folded mirror, she knows this is the one. It's not too flashy, but elegant enough for the dinner and to top it off, she feels glamorous and sexy.
Quickly changing back into her clothes, Riley makes her way to the register to pay as the woman smiles and compliments, "Wonderful choice, miss."
"Thank you. I think so too. I'm in love with the dress," Riley beams, feeling a new wave of confidence.
"I'm glad we could be of service to you. Your total is $876.52. Do you have an account with us already, miss?" the woman continues.
"Um, I'm not sure. This store was recommended to me by a friend of mine," Riley panics, because one, this dress is very expensive and two, someone won't be happy that she spent so much on it.
"Not a problem. I can look it up for you. What's the name of your friend," the woman asks, looking at Riley and then to the dress.
"Eloise Fitzgerald," Riley murmurs, realizing that she doesn't know much about this side of their business and 'special' contacts.
"Oh yes, Matthews and Minkus. Are you a business associate?" the woman probes, her gaze sizing Riley up.
Riley doesn't miss the subtle raised eyebrow and questioning stare but steadily replies with a curt nod, "You can say that. I'm actually Riley Matthews, daughter to Mr. Matthews."
"Oh, my apologizes, Ms. Matthews," the woman hurriedly expresses regret. "I'll wrap this up for you and just put it on your tab."
"Thank you," Riley settles, standing tall and happy that her name carries some weight.
OoOoOoOo
More than an hour later, Riley's back in her hotel room and getting equipped for her meeting as she sees that her father sent over the whole proposal, with a lot of extra side notes. Eloise returns about thirty minutes later and as a team, they work out everything Riley needs to know and what she should spotlight on.
Over the next hour, Riley's head is beginning to spin with all the information, etiquette and rules she's receiving. But by three, Eloise thinks Riley's prepared enough and lets her get ready for the night's event.
Riley showers, applies light makeup and gets dresses within an hour and when she exits the bedroom, Eloise gasps and a smile appears on her lips.
"Riley," she exhales and her hands go to her chest. "You look absolutely stunning."
"Thank you, Eloise. I feel beautiful in this dress," Riley confesses, looking at her heeled feet.
"You are so gorgeous, Riley. Never doubt that. Now, have fun, kick ass tonight and enjoy watching all the guys there drool over you," Eloise giggles, smiling like a fool and hugging Riley tightly.
Riley can't help but laugh along with Eloise as she's getting pushed out the door. She stumbles down the hall in her silver heels, no surprise there, but luckily makes it to her car without falling. The drive is fairly short and as she's walking inside, taking everything in, she puts her game face on, knowing there's work that needs to be achieved.
She knows she's early, but no more than five minutes later, she sees Mr. Wong walking out of one of the room and waving her in. The second Riley sees Mr. Lennox, she tenses as he looks at her with a stern stare, but once they start talking, she relaxes and actually enjoys talking with him about the company and business. They end up talking so long about M&M that some of the guests have already arrived and have gathered in the ballroom.
Abruptly finishing the conversation and telling Riley they'd be in contact very soon, Mr. Lennox shakes her hand and then excuses himself, needing to go do his hosting duties and welcome his guests. Mr. Wong gives Riley a pleased nod and follows Mr. Lennox out as Riley smiles and hangs back for a few minutes taking this whole thing in.
Not believing how lucky she's been on this trip, Riley exits the room and heads straight to the bar, needing and deserving a drink. Taking a sip of her cosmopolitan, she glances around the large room, watches all these important people in their designer suits and dresses and though she feels slightly out of place, after her meeting with Mr. Lennox, she knows she belongs here with the rest of them.
"Is this your first party?" Riley suddenly hears next to her as she jumps at the new voice.
"Um, yeah. You?" she questions, striking up a conversation with a nice looking gentleman.
"No, I've been around the block a time or two. But every time I'm at one of these 'parties', I feel like a small fish in a big pond," the stranger shares honestly. "Is that how you're feeling right now?"
"No, no," Riley quickly lies, not wanting to look nervous or uneasy at an event like this.
"Don't worry, Sugar. It's not noticeable. But like I said earlier, you and me, we're both feeling the same way. Just remember to breath, be confident and be ready to fight. Everyone wants the best, but only a select get it. Investors love the competition," the stranger warns with a soft, friendly smile.
"Thank you. I'll most certainly try. You're very kind, Mr.-," Riley pauses, realizing they didn't introduce themselves.
"Mr. Babineaux. But please, call me Zay. And, it's my pleasure," Zay introduces, extending a hand.
"It's nice to meet you Zay. I'm Riley. Riley Matthews," Riley copes with a big smile, shaking Zay's hand.
"It's an honor meeting you, Riley. Have fun tonight," Zay winks before turning around and rejoining the party.
And, there you go folks. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks and until next time,
Missy xx
