Ch. 11
Sitting down in front of Lucas' desk, she had a notepad perched on one arm and a pen in her hand. Lucas leaned back against his comfortable chair as his began announcing his ideas as Haley scribbled them down.
"Our first order of business is the initial meeting. We need to make sure we make her feel welcomed and at ease. As you probably already know, first impressions are extremely important because they leave a strong, lasting memory of a person."
Haley felt herself flush at the reminder of her first encounter with Lucas, well in his eyes. That had to be the most embarrassing moment in her life. Actually all the events she would rather forget about happened to her when she was around Lucas. Interesting. Maybe he was a jinx.
"We need to show her around the company and make it seem so irresistible that she'd be pleased to join our team of fabulous writers. Highlight the accomplishments. All we have to do is find a creative way to do so."
"What about creating a slide show? We can have music to go along with it and you can present it."
"That's a wonderful idea Haley." Pausing he frowned, "Since I'm not great with computers, do you think you can help me create the slideshow?" Giving her a pleading look, she feigned frustration before writing down the ideas. "Well I guess I can do that."
"Perfect. Thanks."
Just then, the phone rang. "Excuse me," Lucas stated before picked the phone up. "Hello, Lucas Scott speaking."
Haley pretended to be focused on the notes she took, when in reality, she was watching Lucas.
"Uh-huh. Yeah, but I don't think I can...okay. I understand." Lucas hung up the phone looking defeated.
Concerned, Haley asked, "What's wrong?"Sighing, Lucas explained, "Stella Shields is coming to meet us in two days so we have our work cut out for us. I was told to go home to work on the project so I won't get distracted or lose any time on it driving to work and such. According to him I need to focus only on the project for now."
"Wow. That's hardly gives you any time to prepare but I know you'll do great."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence. So are you ready to leave?"
"Leave?"
"Yeah. I need your help so we're going to have to work at my house. The order came straight from the top of the company, i.e., Larry."
Not this again she thought as she remembered the last time she spent so much time with Lucas. Giving him the best smile she could muster, she announced, "Oh yeah. I'm ready. Let me just grab my purse and I'm set to go."
"Great."
About half an hour later, they arrived in front of a large, beautiful beige colored house. The walk way was made of stone, with some plants and trees strategically located to provide color and shade to the land.
Getting out of her car, she saw Lucas standing next to his, waiting for her. "Wow," Haley gushed. "This is one beautiful house.""Thanks. Let me give you the grand tour." Opening the door, he waved her to go inside first. Hoping she would like the inside of the house as much as she did the outside, he showed her around as he thought about what it would be like to share a home with her. Shaking the thought away, he continued his tour.
"I wish I had a house as nice as this."
"Well for the next two days, you can consider this place your home."
Haley liked the sound of that. Home. But this would never be her home. "We should start on slideshow now since we don't have much time. Where's your computer located?"
"Right this way," Lucas walked to his office. Turning on his dell computer, he gestured for Haley to take a seat. Then he came back a few minutes later, bringing another chair. Placing it right next to Haley, a little too close for her liking, he sat down.
Trying to not show how he affected her with his closeness, she focused on the screen in front of her. Opening up the slideshow program, she asked, "What should we include on the slideshow?"Lucas suggested some ideas while Haley entered it into the computer. They continued working for hours until Lucas' heard his stomach rumble. Looking at his watch, he exclaimed, "I can't believe it's already nine o'clock! You must starving! Do you think you can continue to work on this on your own while I prepare dinner?"
"Of course, but I can help you make dinner."
"No, that's fine. You're my guest. I'll let you know when it's ready."
Whistling to himself while he prepared dinner, he set out the utensils. When he was about to tell Haley that dinner was ready, he sensed her presence in the room. Turning around from the dinning room table, he saw Haley looking back at him.
"Hey. I was just about to come get you."
"I couldn't wait especially since you made my favorite food in the world." Haley smiled in appreciation.
Pulling out a seat for Haley, she took it.
"What would you like to drink? I have 7-Up, Pepsi, Hawaiian punch, orange juice and water."
"Water would be just fine. Thanks."
Pouring himself and Haley a glass, he set it on the table and sat down.
"This is delicious. Thank you for doing this."
"It's the least I can do for all the wonderful help you've given me." They shared a smile as they enjoyed the dinner in front of them.