7 - Business Friendship
When Audrey returned to the museum and checked the answering machine in her office, she found she had messages from Max. Many messages from Max.
"Audrey, it's me. I'm so sorry again for what happened earlier..."
"I wanted to apologize again..."
"I hated our time ending, and so abruptly. I wish it hadn't been cut short..."
His messages made her smile. She rolled her eyes affectionately at his long and apologetic messages - she was touched by how concerned he was.
After listening to all the messages - keeping a couple to listen to again later - she called him back.
"Black Gold Cooperative. This is Max Lord speaking."
"Max Lord," she addressed him when he answered. "I got your messages."
"Audrey! Oh, good, I'm glad. I didn't mean to bombard you with them, however I was very disappointed that we had to cut our time short."
"I was as well, but no need to apologize. Things happen."
"Well thank you for understanding."
"Of course. Thank you again for the tour."
"Oh of course, my pleasure! I also realized we never signed that paperwork..."
She chuckled a little at the hinting tone of his voice. "Yes, I did too. It's all ready for you whenever you're ready to sign."
"Well I'm ready when you are! Let's get this partnership started, as far as I'm concerned! Although, if I'm being quite honest, it feels as though it's already begun..."
"I agree."
"And this means I get to see you again."
She chuckled at that. "Looking forward to it."
"As am I."
There was a comfortable silence, Audrey glad he couldn't see the huge smile she was wearing through the phone line. "So, do you always leave your partners such long and sweet messages on their answering machines?"
Now he chuckled. "No, not all of them. Only the special ones."
"Ah, well I'm honoured."
"Only the very special ones..."
"Very honoured..." Again, that comfortable silence buzzing through the phone lines. "What do you say we arrange another business dinner, then we can get the paperwork done once and for all."
"Sounds good to me."
"How's tonight?" she asked hopefully. "My treat, since you got it last time."
"Tonight sounds wonderful, Audrey."
"Brilliant."
"Excellent - I'm afraid Raquel is signaling to me that I have other calls on hold..."
"Ah, you are a popular guy."
"You bet!"
"See you tonight, Max."
"Tonight, Audrey."
The phone line clicked off, sealing the promise of tonight.
"My dry cleaning was ready," Audrey explained why she was carrying a garment bag with them to dinner. "My dress for the gala."
"Ooo, do I get a peek?" he asked, reaching for the bag's zipper.
"No!" She laughed, turning the bag way from him. "Naughty!" She playfully smacked his hand away, making him laugh. "No peeking! You will get to see it at the gala like everyone else."
"Oh, very well. I'm sure it will be worth the wait." He winked.
"Oh, you charmer."
He flashed a grin. "I try my best. Well I can't wait."
Their playful nature and friendly approach made this feel more like a friendship than a business relationship.
"All right, you know the drill. Read it through and then sign here, here, and here please. And date it here," she said over the paperwork once they were seated at their table.
"You've got it." He took up the pen and began scratching away with his signature.
"Thank you. And there, we are officially business partners. We're now officially in this together."
"I'll drink to that."
"So will I." They raised their glasses of wine and touched them in a toast.
He walked with her home again, and they parted ways in front of her building.
"I will see you tomorrow then."
"Yes, you will. Find me at the gala," she told him.
"Oh, I will. I will look for the most stunning woman there."
"Ha."
"I'm serious. Stunning in both beauty and passion. Kindness and generosity."
"I think the wine is getting to you."
"I think you know I'm being serious." He stared down at her intently. "Have I told you how wildly attractive I think you are?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "No," was all she could manage.
"Please let me know if I'm overstepping-" He reached out to brush some hair away from her face, his hand coming to rest gently on her cheek to complete the action.
"I think, perhaps, in a professional capacity, we are overstepping and blurring the lines. But I don't much care."
"No?"
"No," she confirmed.
"Neither do I." He started to slowly lean in.
She pressed her fingertips to his lips, but was smiling. She leaned in close and whispered, "Find me at the Gala, Max Lord."
His lips were turning up into a smile beneath her fingertips at her words. "I will search high and low for you, Dr. Audrey Laurel." He pressed a kiss to her fingertips to seal his promise.
It seemed to be a night of promises spoken into the open air, savoured and saved for later.
Perhaps they were overstepping their bounds, but honestly, she could care less.
*Raises eyebrows excitedly* Haha! ;)
Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed! :) The gala is up next - see you there!