Now that we've reached May, the venue has been progressing in construction. The piping repairs are almost finished. Once that's done, we will be painting the venue. We can't move in anything else due to the piping repairs and until after the venue is painted.
I'm sitting in our family limousine with my father late this afternoon. He's looking through his planner, flipping through the pages.
"It was a good business meeting this morning," he compliments. "You've gotten even more confident."
"What can I say? I learn from the best," I give him a smile.
"That's my girl," my father lightly squeezes my cheek.
"Any other business meetings today?"
"I've got a few more," he scans his planner. "But you can leave those to me. You can enjoy the rest of the day off."
"Hm. Don't really have any plans on this Wednesday afternoon..." I wonder for a moment.
"Oh, actually, darling," my father looks at his planner in surprise. "There's one business meeting I won't be able to make. Do you think you can handle it for me? It's very minor."
"Sure! Just tell me where to go, what time, and what business it's regarding."
"It's for an investment proposal. Vox has proposed a partnership."
I'm surprised at hearing Vox's name.
"Just hear him out, take a look at his proposal, and report back to me when you're done," my father continues. "I'll make a decision based on that."
I think for a moment, wondering if this is a smart idea.
"Can you do that for me, Ellie?" My father gives me a smile.
"Sure dad," I can't turn my father down. "For you."
"Thank you, darling," he kisses the top of my head.
I'm sitting at the end of a black leather couch. Lounging across from me on another black leather couch is Vox. His suit is nicely put together as usual. I'm wearing a royal blue satin, long sleeve dress shirt, tucked in with a grey pencil skirt that reaches down my to knees. A pair of black kitten heels matches on my feet. This is some formal business attire I wear while on business dealings.
"Well, everything looks fine," I set a folder down on the glass coffee table. "Your proposal looks appealing. I'm sure my father will consider your offer."
"I'm happy to hear that," Vox smiles.
"Is there anything else you want to discuss?"
"We've talked enough business," Vox sits up. "Care for a glass of whiskey?"
"I don't see the harm in it," I shrug.
Vox heads over to his cantina bar and pours us two glasses of whiskey. He hands me one and takes his seat back on the leather sofa across from me.
"So tell me, Ellie," Vox begins. "Are you seeing anyone?"
"Not at the moment," I sip from my whiskey. "I don't see the need for a relationship anytime soon."
"Such a shame," Vox smiles. "You really have no interest in anyone?"
"Let's just say I'm recovering from a past relationship."
I gaze down at the glass table, Alastor coming to mind.
"Though I do have a gentleman in mind," I admit.
"Oh! Who's the lucky guy?" Vox is excited.
"I don't wanna say. Word gets around and the last thing I need is for him to find out."
"Ugh. You're just like a friend of mine, hiding your secret admirers…" Vox has a pouty face as he sips from his glass.
"What about you, Vox? Settling down anytime soon?"
"Not a chance. I'd rather mingle with the ladies and enjoy my time as a single bachelor."
"Don't you ever wanna find a lovely lady, settle down, maybe even start a family?"
"That sounds nice and all. But where are you gonna find a partner to do that with in this hell hole?"
"I hear ya on that one…" I sip from my whiskey.
Just then, the double doors open behind me.
"Master Vox," the butler says. "A guest is here to see you."
I turn my head to see who it is. Walking into the living area is Alastor. My eyes widen a bit as he and I make eye contact. Despite his permanent smile, I've gotten better at reading him. I can tell that he's just as surprised as I am, but we both keep our cool.
"Ah! Alastor!" Vox gets up to greet. "How nice of you to drop by."
"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" Alastor asks.
"Not at all. We've just finished some business affairs. Speaking of which, let me introduce you to a dear friend of mine," he gestures to me.
I stand as Vox brings Alastor over to me.
"Alastor, this is Princess Elena Magne," Vox introduces me.
"A pleasure to meet you, Alastor," I smile.
"The pleasure is all mine, mademoiselle," Alastor carefully takes my hand and kisses the top of it.
I'm losing my mind but keep a calm demeanor. Even Vox is surprised to see Alastor so charming.
'He's bold for that…' I think to myself.
"A drink, Alastor?" Vox offers.
"I'll join you both," Alastor sees we've been drinking.
Vox heads over to his cantina. I give Alastor a raised brow and he just gives me a devilish grin. After Vox hands Alastor his glass of whiskey, we all take our seats. Alastor is at the opposite end of the leather couch from me. Vox sits across from us, sipping from his glass of whiskey.
"So what brings you here on another surprise visit, Al?" Vox asks.
"You said you needed my help with an investment proposal," Alastor replies.
"Yes, actually, this is perfect timing. Elena is here on Lucifer's behalf to submit my proposal."
"And how is the proposal looking?" Alastor turns to me.
"Rather appealing," I reply. "The proposal looks good enough to appeal to my father. Of course, he has the final say," I sip from my drink.
"Do you really think he'll approve it?" Vox asks.
"It depends on his mood and what I report back, I suppose," I mess with Vox.
"Surely you'll report a pleasant proposal."
"I don't know Vox…"
"Ellie," Vox grins at me.
"Voxy," I retort.
Alastor takes note of how familiar Vox is with me by calling me Ellie. He hadn't realized that Vox and I are close enough for him to address me that way. And the fact that I retorted with Voxy raises a bit of an alarm for Alastor.
"Relax, I'm joking," I smile. "As I said, your proposal is well thought out."
"Stop messing with me, Ellie," Vox shakes his head in relief. "The last thing I want is for Lucifer to see my business dealing as weak."
"Oh, on the contrary. He's actually taken notice of your business affairs. He likes what he sees."
"That's more of a relief," Vox sips from his whiskey. "Is your father having any trouble with the rebels?"
"There have been a few recently…"
"Can you believe there are overlords stupid enough to challenge Lucifer?" Vox turns to Alastor.
"I believe it," Alastor sips from his drink. "Not everyone is bright enough to know any better."
"Does your father have any idea on how to handle these rebels?" Vox asks me.
"Oh trust me. He's got his ways," I sip from my drink.
"I can't imagine what," Vox looks down in thought. "So you plan on following in his footsteps as heir, huh?" He eyes me. "Is the lovely, soft-hearted Ellie really going to rule with such power and intimidation?"
"If I need to, then so be it," I give Vox a threatening gaze which Alastor catches.
"Whoa, no need to show me," Vox chuckles after seeing my stern gaze at him. "You've got nothing to worry about with me. Alastor, on the other hand, I'm not sure…" he smiles at Alastor.
"I'm sure a powerful overlord of his stature is wise enough to know better," I turn my gaze to Alastor.
"I'm flattered," Alastor chuckles.
"You've never officially met Lucifer, have you?" Vox asks Alastor.
"We bow our heads but there is no conversation," Alastor replies. "It's a mutual respect, as far as I know."
"It's best to keep it that way," I say.
"Agreed!" Vox holds his glass up.
"I hear your father is quite the performer," Alastor turns to me.
"Yes he is," I reply.
"I'm a performer myself," Alastor has a smug smile.
"I can imagine. You seem to carry yourself so confidently. You're someone who's so reassured of himself."
"That I am. And I hear that you're a woman of high business stature. Your business handling skills are well known."
"Thank you, I'm flattered," I give him a smile.
"Perhaps we can discuss a business proposal of our own."
"If you're up for it," I play along.
"I'd like to see your business handling skills firsthand."
"I can show you all I know," I give him a smirk.
Vox has been watching the exchange Alastor and I are having in awe. I notice Vox is studying us so I decide to end this.
"Unfortunately, I'll have to cut this short," I finish my whiskey and set the glass on the table. "I've got other business to take care of."
After picking up the folder on the coffee table, I make my way past Alastor.
"Alright, Vox," I wave a hand at him. "I'll keep you updated on the proposal."
"Sounds good," Vox nods.
"Maybe I'll see you around, Alastor," I press my hand on his shoulder sensually as I pass by him.
Alastor gives me a side glance with a smirk as I walk by him. I exit through the double doors and close them after me.
"What the hell was that?" Vox sits up in amazement.
"What are you referring to?" Alastor plays dumb as he sips from his whiskey.
"I just witnessed you and Elena flirt. Princess Elena Magne. Daughter of Lucifer. Heir to the throne."
"And what about it?"
"First of all, you never flirt. Second of all, she touched you on the way out. The last time I saw a lady touch you, you scared her away with an evil scowl."
"And?"
"What do you mean and?" Vox is more worked up. "You and Princess Elena hit it off! Do you not see it?"
"I guess not," Alastor continues to play dumb.
"Even I can't get that reaction outta her. And I'm a professional when it comes to courting the ladies."
"Perhaps she's not attracted to men who sleep with every woman he meets."
"True. Elena is a classy gal," Vox puts a hand to his chin in thought. "But still! Do you not realize you and Elena got some spark! I gotta hand it to you, Al. I didn't think I'd ever see you court a woman."
"If that's what you want to think."
"Come on, you should give it a shot!"
"What do you mean?"
"Ask her out on a date and see if you get lucky."
"I'm not sex driven like you."
"But it looks like you have a chance with Elena," Vox grins. "How about a bet?"
"Hm?" Alastor raises a brow.
"Whoever woos Elena first wins."
"Are you joking?"
"Not at all! It's just a little fun."
"There's no chance she'd ever sleep with you, let alone myself."
"There's no harm in trying," Vox shrugs.
"Whatever you say, Vox," Alastor sips his drink.
"The bet is on."
Alastor shakes his head with a smirk as they both continue to drink from their glasses of whiskey.
Later in the evening, Alastor and I are meeting at his estate to look over the venue construction and repairs. I park my car in front of his estate and prepare to get out. Alastor opens one of the double doors as I make my way up the stairs.
"Good evening," he greets.
"Hi there," I smile as I adjust my bag strap over my shoulder.
I enter and Alastor closes the door after.
"That was quite the act back at Vox's place earlier today," I grin.
"It was," he nods.
"We really got Vox fooled!" I laugh. "He actually thought we were flirting!"
Alastor laughs a bit with me.
'Was it really just an act?' He thinks to himself.
"You did very well," I smile up at him. "Did he say anything about our interaction?"
Alastor remembers the bet Vox proposed.
"He was just really fooled," Alastor hides.
"Ha! Love it," I smirk and make my way over to the living room. "Anyway, I've brought you something."
Alastor and I take a seat on the sofa. I pull out a small radio from my bag and set it between me and Alastor.
"What's this, a radio?" Alastor examines it.
"Yup!" I excitedly say. "It plays CDs! And I've brought you some too!" I pull out a handful of CDs. "I couldn't decide which one to bring you, so I brought all of these!"
Alastor sees how excited I am over this and can't help but softly smile.
"Hopefully you get a chance to listen to them," I gaze at all the CDs.
"I'll make sure to do so," Alastor nods.
"I guess we'll get down to business now," I pull out a folder.
I hand Alastor some papers.
"So here are the costs so far for the work being done on the venue," I explain. "It's all pretty unexpected, but nothing too bad. The venue is making progress!"
Alastor is in awe at how driven I am over the venue. He keeps quiet as he listens to me explain the papers.
"But yeah. That's pretty much it," I shrug. "This could all be easily discussed over the phone, but you don't have one."
"I prefer to meet in person," Alastor replies. "It's more formal and personal."
"True. I get ya," I nod.
I agree – I do enjoy spending time with Alastor. I prefer our in-person meetings.
"Back at our meeting with Vox…" Alastor says. "I noticed he calls you Ellie."
"Hm?" I raise a brow.
"Only people who are close to you address you by that name… Is Vox really that close to you?"
"Eh. We're not that close. He mostly uses it to tease me and piss me off or when we're joking around. Same way I call him Voxy. It's just to tease him. It's not like he and I are so close like that."
"Oh…"
"Why?"
"Just wondering…"
I see that Alastor isn't being too honest about his answer.
"Think he'll steal me away as your business partner?" I tease.
"I doubt that. But knowing Vox's nature, he would try to pursue you in another manner…" Alastor trails off.
"Oh, you mean his flirtatious nature?"
"Yes…"
"Pft! That man doesn't stand a chance!"
"Really?"
"He's too much of a womanizer. He's not my type."
Alastor is relieved to hear that from me. I stay quiet for a moment in thought at his questions.
"Why so worried?" I finally ask.
Alastor is a bit surprised. He knows the answer to that question but doesn't want to say it.
"I just want to ensure my business partner's wellbeing," Alastor replies.
"Business partner?" I raise a brow. "Can't you just call me your friend?" I laugh.
"Is that...how you want me to call you?"
"Yes, you know I consider you a friend of mine. In fact, one of my closest friends at this point," I shyly look down.
Alastor wonders at that for a moment.
"I apologize then," he says.
"Hm? For what?" I'm confused.
"For not referring to you as a friend."
"Oh Al," I playfully punch his arm. "You're really a gentleman."
We laugh lightly together.
"My parents will be going on a trip tomorrow night," I say. "Why don't you come over to hang out?"
"If you're alright with it," Alastor responds.
"They'll be leaving in the late afternoon. You can come over sometime in the evening. We always hang here at your place. It'll be nice for a change. I'm sure you're getting tired of me being here."
"No, not at all."
"Sure," I give him a playful grin. "Anyway, I gotta get going," I put my stuff away in my bag.
"You haven't been here long. I hate for you to come all the way here for such a short time. You only dropped off the radio and CDs."
"That's okay! I don't mind. For me to personally give it to you means a lot more, even if I am here for only a short amount of time."
I give Alastor a cheeky smile and although he doesn't show it, he adores it.
"I'll see you out," Alastor stands up with me.
We make our way to the door and stop before opening it.
"Thank you once again, Elena," Alastor says. "For the radio, the CDs, and for keeping me company… I'm so used to being all alone in this vast estate. It really is nice for a change."
"No problem," I give him a soft smile. "Next time we get the chance, we'll fool around with Vox again!"
"I look forward to it," Alastor chuckles.
"Bye!" I wave as I head out the door.
Alastor watches me enter my car and drive out of his estate.
'Although it would be nice to have you here more often…' Alastor thinks as he watches me drive away.
