Hinata choked on her hot chocolate when the words left his mouth. She brought a paper napkin to her lips to clean the spittle that remained. Her eyes were fixed on his. Silver met amber in an awkward, momentary stare down. Her stomach was horribly knotted and mind clouded with confusion.
"I-I'm not sure what to say Mr.Taisho,"she said firmly grasping the warm mug.
"I understand. It's a lot to consider, take all the time you need to think about it," he replied placidly.
Straightening his suit, the elegant man stood. He placed a business card and two bills on the table before leaving. He looked back momentarily before the only audible sound was the bell ringing. All Hinata could do was stare as she turned the business card over in her hands. A petite waitress began to clear the plates.
She looked at Hinata, her features glossed with concern. Feeling the young woman's eyes, Hinata smiled at her. The young waitress patted her shoulder before gathering the dishes and walking away. She tucked the business card inside her purse.
The next day arrived like a diva, loudly announcing her arrival with brilliant rays of sun that gently caressed Hinata's face. Hinata turned over and continued sleeping. Minutes later, the incessant cry of her alarm clock forced her eyes open. She attempted to close her eyes again , but the clock only seemed to gradually become louder.
She threw the blankets back and waddled down the hall to the bathroom. She showered quickly,filling the bathroom with lavender and vanilla before taking her leave. Hinata sighed as she settled behind the steering wheel, adjusting her seat to accommodate her potruding ;pregnant belly. She rubbed her belly and left to her new job. Hopefully, everything would go well.
The receptionist gently guided her to a small, beautifully decorated waiting area. There was a long table surrounded by two black couches, a reclining chair, and a love seat. Behind the mini livingroom was another, taller table that had a box of fresh doughnuts and fresh coffee on top of it. The scent of both was mouthwatering and if Hinata were a lesser woman, she would drool .
She seated herself on the black sofa. It was surprisingly comfortable. She could easily sink into the cushions if she wanted. Her mind wandered to the question she had mulling over since yesterday. A part of her wanted to say 'morals be damned', while the other said 'stick to your guns'.
"Any other woman would just accept it, but I have to be difficult."
As she waged her internal war, she didn't notice or hear the door open. Hinata jumped when she heard him call her name. She looked up at him, her cousin's friend from college, impeccably dressed in a freshly pressed suit and sparkling,black shoes. He took a seat beside her and placed an envelope on the table infront of her.
"Ms.Hyuuga, thank you for your patience. I had an early morning meeting with a client," he explained.
"Your secretary ,Rin I think, told me, "Hinata replied.
"I apologize for such a long wait,our meeting ran a little longer than usual,"he said.
"I know how difficult working with clients can be. It's alright," she replied.
"Thank you for your patience, Ms. Hyuuga".
The silver haired male offered her his hand as he stood beside the door. She accepted and blushed as a large hand was placed on her lower back gently guiding her through the door. Almost instantly, the flimsy framework of her confidence folded in on itself. Whispers assaulted her ears and the ,all too well known, judgmental stares pierced the flesh of vulnerable psyche.