Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 47: New Friends And New Endeavors
Zach held himself in control until Draco was out of the room. Then he went in full tilt on Bonita.
"I don't know what additional offering Draco Malfoy had because my right hand witch was in a very visible snit. This is a business I have built from the ground up and want to see succeed. If one of the most recognizable businessmen in London wants to assist, I think you can spare him a moment without looking like you smell something foul. If being here at Magical Mobiles is not where you want to be, I suggest you do what needs to be done."
For several seconds, Bonita stared at Zach without responding. However, when she spoke it was a business relationship and friendship ending statement.
"I've been by your side from the start yet when something arises, you turn to someone outside our company or when you register the company, you register it in your name only. I don't want to be some afterthought. I've looked at starting a company of my own. It might not be today or tomorrow but I will start it. Nothing against you Zach, but I am as brilliant as you. I wish you well but I need to do what is best for me. I'll pack my things."
Zach was dumbfounded. Never in a million years did he think he was treating Bonita unfairly. As far as registering the company under his name only, it was his company. Zach sat there for fifteen minutes trying to suss out where he'd gone wrong. However, after those fifteen minutes, he was ready to move his company forward. He walked to the front to confer with Gordon.
After conferring with with Gordon, Zach sent a text to Draco requesting a subsequent meeting to discuss the additional offering. Draco invited Zach to come over when he had a minute. As far as Zach was concerned, for further perks, his minute was now.
/************************************************************************
Chapter 48: Lost One Gained Another
As pleased as Draco was about Zach wanting a subsequent meeting, he was also wary that Magical Mobiles was going through some sort of turmoil which wouldn't bode well for the business. The last thought hadn't entirely cleared his mind when his desk phone rang. The Receptionist Witch rang to advise him Zacharias Smith was there without an appointment to see him. Draco told her he would be right out to collect Mr. Smith.
Zach greeted Draco with a smile and a handshake. "Hello Draco. My curiosity wouldn't allow me to stay away any longer."
Draco grinned. "Hello Zach. Thank you for allowing Malfoy Investments a bit more of your time. I think you'll like what I have to say. Come through to my office. I'd like to introduce you to my Directors. Top wizards all."
As soon as Zach was seated, Draco sent a group text to his Directors to come to his office they were in the building. Draco and Zach made small talk while Draco waited for Henry, George and Roscoe to appear at his door. Zach apologized for the seeming bit of disorder earlier that morning. Draco waved away the apology but listened closely as Zach explained what had gone on with Bonita.
"There you have it. I am now short a right hand witch until further notice. I'll be advertising the position."
Draco had a suggestion. "Far be it for me to step into your business, but perhaps you shouldn't put too fine a point on it."
"How so Draco?"
"Nothing monumental. Instead of seeking someone to be your right hand, advertise for an intelligent, willing to learn witch or wizard. Level Gordon up then put the new hire in his position. That way you are in charge of your company but still have someone reliable at your side who doesn't think you owe him part of Magical Mobiles. As a bonus, you would have the experienced Gordon to instruct the new hire. It would be a win-win all around."
"Excellent idea Draco. You've got me thinking. I might want to wait a bit before doing any big hiring. I'll hire Gordon's replacement let him/her get trained up a bit then hire the rest. For now, I'll make do with the staff I have."
"Sounds like a plan." Draco remarked, rising from his chair.
The Directors had arrived.
"Step in wizards. I'd like to meet the owner of one of our newest accounts."
Zach stood.
"Zacharias Smith, I'd like you to meet Henry Watson, George Randall and Roscoe Fallon my Directors. Henry, George, Roscoe, Zacharias Smith. George and Roscoe will both handle aspects of the Magical Mobiles account."
George and Roscoe were surprised but pleased.
Zach shook hands all around mentioning they should call him Zach. They all congratulated Zach on his amazing product while George and Roscoe remarked it would be their pleasure to handle the account.
"I'm going to move this along because Zach and I still have things to discuss. George and Roscoe I'd like for you to sit in on the rest of the meeting. The small conference room in ten minutes. Henry my wizard go make us some money."
Everyone laughed as Henry threw his hand up in a wave. George and Roscoe excused themselves to check their desks before the meeting.
/*/
"Back to just us then." Commented Zach.
"Just us for the moment. Since we have ten minutes, I'd like to explain what we didn't get to earlier."
"Excellent."
Reaching into his inside pocket, Draco pulled out a packet wrapped in brown paper and returned it to regular size. Pulling apart the paper wrapping, he laid out a few of the Mobile Modifiers on the desk.
"Have a look at these. The inventor Mr. Patrick Yurman with the blessings of Malfoy Investments, has named them Mobile Modifiers. They will be branded with wizard Yurman's mark somewhere on the case. These fantastic items are what we will be discussing in ten minutes or less."
Picking up one after the other, Zach couldn't keep the grin off his face. Malfoy Investments certainly knew how to take care of their clients. "These are amazing Draco. They are beautifully crafted and bring a whole new level to my mobiles. Protection, beauty, security. I'll have some of all."
Draco chuckled. "I'm glad you feel that way because we are offering them to your company at a very fair price. It's also fortuitous that they will be available in time for Gordon to study up so he can teach whatever protege you hire. Roscoe and George should be in the conference room by now. Let's go see what we can work out.
/*/
Once Zach and Draco were seated, Draco began to speak explaining it all. George was amazed while Roscoe sat there beaming over what he considered his baby. Draco spoke for several minutes before turning the floor over to Roscoe who explained about the Colovaria charm if the need arose. Zach was even more enthused. He would be able to offer more than just simple, black mobiles. A sad thought flashed quickly through his head. Bonita was going to miss out on the best thing to happen to Magical Mobiles since their invention.
At the end of the meeting, Roscoe and George knew exactly what their part would be in servicing Magical Mobiles as did Zach. Zach walked away with a bundle of Mobile Modifiers, instructions for casting the Colovaria charm and a very wide smile.
Having had what he thought was a great idea, Draco left the conference room to text Hermione. Roscoe left the conference room to contact Patrick about the order for thirty of each mobile cover he had in his hand. George left the conference room to study up on his newest client's needs. It had been an extremely successful meeting.
/*/
Draco pointed his wand at the door to his office wondering if he was getting ready to do something mad. Pushing the button beside Hermione's name, he sent her a short text asking her to get to his flat as soon as she could after work.
Draco sat with his mind wandering over what Zach had shared and Hermione's new friend who needed some kind of step up in life. Perhaps Magical Mobiles could give her that step up. Another thought; Belinda had mentioned being a receptionist in a top shop but did she have the… Draco didn't finish the thought realizing he'd been sitting staring into the air for a good fifteen minutes. Hermione should have received his text fifteen minutes ago. It had become obvious she wasn't going to respond until she felt like it.
"Bah! Arbitrary witch."
Raising his wand, he opened and unlocked the door. It was time for him to do his daily review.
/*/
Hermione and Wes were in Leeds doing evidence collection when Hermione's mobile beeped. She took a quick look at the sender and put the mobile back in her pocket. She was in the middle of a collection. She'd text Draco back when they were finished. Unfortunately, there were several other stops she and Wesley had to cover so it was after 5:00 pm before she sat down to read Draco's text. Get to his flat as soon as possible, as if. I work for a living Draco. However, instead of being rude, she texted she and Blue would be there as soon as she could.
At 5:20 pm, Draco was just finishing up a meeting with the recently promoted managers. The reports he had received on them had been positive. He had called the meeting to tell them so and remind them to keep on point. Short and sweet. Because he had turned off his phone during the meeting, Draco didn't see Hermione's answer until almost 6:00. After tying up loose ends, he sent a group text to the Directors to have a good weekend. Draco didn't even take time for an after work pee. He'd do that at the flat. The last thing he wanted was for Hermione and Blue sitting there tapping foot and paw waiting for him when he was the one who asked for an early arrival.
"Hermione will have my arse." He mumbled before stepping into the personal floo.
/*/
Luckily for Draco, Hermione and Blue hadn't made it to the flat. Breathing a sigh of relief, he headed to the bathroom to shower and change into something more casual.
"La Dee Da. La Dee Dee. I'd try naked casual but my witch would hex me." Draco sung as he soaped up. Laughing at his own nonsense, he nearly had a stroke when he pulled back the shower curtain to find Hermione standing there giggling like a mad witch.
"La Dee Dee is it?" Hermione remarked still giggling.
Draco was holding his chest. "Damn Hermione. You surprised the shite out of me. I didn't expect you until later."
"It is later prat. It's almost 7:30. Hurry up and dry that shriveled thing off so you can tell what is so important Blue and I had to get here at all speed."
A sunny bright smile appeared on Draco's face. "Shriveled thing is it? Only because you scared it to death. Come over here and give me a kiss."
Hermione backed away. "Information first, kiss after the dry off and the revelation."
"Fine Hermione. Perhaps I won't want a kiss after the revelation." Draco grumbled as he pulled on a tee and jeans. "And just maybe, I won't reveal shite."
Hermione called out to Blue between her renewed giggling. "Come to mum Blue. You Da is out here acting like a madman. I'll need you to set him straight."
Right on cue as if she'd understood every word Hermione said, Blue jumped down from Welles lap and ran up to Draco where she let out three yowls before heading back to Welles.
Draco was standing there with his mouth hanging open while Hermione was just about rolling with laughter.
"Did my daughter just tell me off?"
"No love. I believe that was just Blue's way of letting you know she didn't appreciate your song. She has sensitive ears."
"Sensitive ears my arse. That was a telling off. Enough nonsense. Come here and give me my kisses before I share my thoughts."
Hermione sat down on the couch, patted the cushion beside her and held out her arms. "Come on then. I want to hear your story."
Three steamy kisses later, Draco was enlightening Hermione about all that had gone on between Zach, Bonita and Magical Mobiles.
Hermione was quiet for exactly five seconds. "Unbelievable. Zach actually said Bonita accused him of taking unfair advantage, being less brilliant than her and to look for her business in the near future. What an idiot. With all Malfoy Investments is doing or going to do for Magical Mobiles, I believe she walked out on a golden opportunity."
"Those were my thoughts as well, and I…." Draco remarked before Hermione cut across him.
"You know Zach asked me for assistance yesterday. I went there thinking they needed me to assemble devices or something. Turns out, they wanted to know my special spells."
"What special spells?"
After giving Draco a brief stare down, Hermione gave a cheeky retort before continuing. "Looking for some Granger demerits then? I know special spells Malfoy. Yesterday afternoon Wesley taught me the Knockback Jinx, so keep signifying and you'll find yourself knocked back."
Draco leaned over and left a kiss on Hermione's neck giving her a leering look. "We can't have that. But, if I look at it in the right light, I can't think of anyone better I'd like to be knocked back by than you."
Hermione gave him a good pinch on the thigh. "As I was saying. I thought I was at Magical Mobiles to assemble, but Zach wanted me to show them the Parchment and Speak Nothing Jinxes to keep their proprietary information and property private. They were surprised when I revealed that jinxes of that nature were basically obsolete. When I shared that, Bonita glared at Zach. I pretended not to notice. I then suggested they just register each different mobile prototype with the Ministry. Presto! Anyone could speak about mobiles and mobile function until they were red in the face, but couldn't act against the registered owner. This time Bonita glared at me but turned a full blown glare at Zach. I was glad to get out of there. I think Bonita is just a miserable piece of work. Sorry I went on so long. What else were you going to say?"
"I might be reaching a bit but Zach now needs a new person. He wanted to hire another so-called right hand person. However, me in all my brilliance suggested he not hire another Bonita. I proposed he raise Gordon up a level, immediately hire an intelligent witch or wizard with business experience to be trained by Gordon and go from there. That way he'd have Gordon at his back and a potential Gordon being trained up. Win-win for everyone."
Hermione grabbed Draco around the neck and kissed him up and down his face. "You are the most brilliant boyfriend. Do you think Zach will take your advice?"
Draco nudged Hermione to look over at the doorway. Blue was staring. Hermione hid her face in Draco's neck.
"Our girl came out here to make sure I wasn't hurting her Da. I think I should leave her here for a while to get some lessons from Welles. He'll set her straight."
Draco laughed. "As if you'd let our little darling out of your sight for days on end. We'll just have to go with her protecting her daddy. To answer your question, I don't know if Zach will follow my advice but that's where you come in."
"Me? If Zach won't listen to you, he certainly isn't going to listen to me."
Draco hesitated for the briefest of seconds. "That's not quite what I meant."
"Alright Malfoy, I'm intrigued. What did you mean?"
From there, Draco laid out a plan to have Hermione introduce Belinda as an applicant for the open position along with a subtle reminder of what I have proposed.
"Belinda explained her work history as a receptionist in a top shop as well as her need to find a position. Since she is feeling so much better, my suggestion has merit."
Hermione went quiet.
"What love? If you don't like the plan, we won't step a foot in. Nothing is set in stone."
Laying her head on Draco's shoulder, Hermione told him how much she loved him when he was being brilliant and sensitive all in one.
"I think it's an excellent idea. I'll first have to have a conversation with Belinda to see exactly where her head is. I don't want us to foist someone on Zach who can't keep up. I have the perfect idea of how to start."
"Okay, but let's have dinner before the new moon rises. I'm starved."
"Alright, to be continued. Why don't you have Welles set us up? He's always so happy when he can help."
"Done. Welles, please set us up for dinner. We'll be eating in the kitchen."
"Yes Mr. Draco. Dinner set up will be quick."
Five minutes later, Welles was calling them to the table.
/*/
Hermione excitedly waved her fork around as she explained how they would purchase a mobile for Belinda under the guise of them being able to chat in the evening.
"When my lovely boyfriend visits Magical Mobiles to buy said mobile, he will reiterate the suggestion he made while informing Zach we might have an applicant for the position. If I'm satisfied with what I hear from Belinda, we'll have her turn in an application to Zach. That way, Zach gets to have a look at the prospective candidate. If everything isn't up to snuff, we'll tell him the candidate fell through. Simple. I'll Owl Belinda as soon as we're finished eating to ask if I can stop by tomorrow. May I use your owl?"
"Excellent. I'll buy the mobile tomorrow morning and you can deliver it tomorrow afternoon or evening. You may use my owl if he's still alive. I haven't used him in ages."
"So silly. You may not have used him in ages, but I'll bet Welles keeps him well cared for."
Draco laughed. "True, very true. Are we sleeping here tonight?"
"Be there in a minute Draco. I want to be sure your owl knows exactly what to do."
"Okay love. Since our daughter couldn't tear herself away from Welles to have dinner with us, I'll just put some food down now."
Hermione returned to the living room.
"We'll wait for Belinda's return Owl here, but we'll be sleeping at Casa Granger. Thank you for feeding our girl. I think we should have a drink while we wait for Belinda's reply. Accio wine, brandy. Accio two glasses. And now we wait."
Pulling Hermione's feet into his lap, Draco agreed. "And now we wait."
/*/
Draco and Hermione didn't have too long of a wait for Belinda's response exclaiming she would accept their offer of a mobile only if they would allow her to pay them back. She was also fine with a visit suggesting 4:00-5:00 would be the perfect time.
Hermione confirmed she or she and Draco would come through by 4:30 pm to deliver the mobile and have a visit.
/*/
Theo's work day ended around 6:00 pm. By 6:01pm, he had closed his office, wished the remaining staff a good weekend and apparated to the flat grumbling about still being in London when he should already be in Wales. Even though he'd just bitched about running late, Theo took a few minutes to sort out when and how he would present the gifts to Jessie. Should he hand them to her at the door or once he's inside her flat or…..
"For fucks sake Nott you're being obtuse. You get in the door, get that first kiss then hand her the gifts while explaining how your dumb arse didn't mean to say those three important words over the phone. Then you pull her close and say your words. Period, the end."
After sending a quick text to Jessie to let her know he was on the way, Theo laughed at himself. Big, bad Theo Nott was stressing over saying I love you to his witch.
"Enough of this."
After grabbing his weekend bag and safely wrapped gifts, Theo grabbed a round trip Portkey from his top drawer and was on his way to Wales.
/*/
5:20 pm.
Jessie kept glancing at her Wonder Witch Clock as she rushed around waving her wand in corners, on furniture, on floors casting cleaning and refresh spells chiding herself for not doing it every day. After casting a scent spell in the bedroom and bathroom, she called it done.
5:30 pm.
Jessie was stepping out of the shower and into her newest purchase, a lovely, green, sleeveless sundress. She wanted to look fresh and enticing for her wizard.
5:45 pm.
Jessie was moving around her kitchen pointing her wand left, right and center gathering ingredients for the honeyed lamb with roasted potatoes and greens. The last time she fixed it for Theo, he loved it.
6:00 pm.
Jessie took several deep breaths to calm herself. She didn't have any concrete proof, but her witch intuition was telling her this would be a special night.
6:02 pm.
Jessie opened a text from Theo. He would be there in minutes.
/*/
Theo landed in Jessie's apparition area chuckling to himself over his scattered thoughts about handing Jessie gifts at the door. He didn't use the door. What a prat. Then, there she was standing at the kitchen door gazing at him. Theo closed the distance in a flash grabbing his witch as he came.
"Good evening sweet Jessie. I've missed you."
Wrapping her arms around Theo's neck, Jessie gave him a searing kiss. "I've missed you too my London wizard. Go put your things away while I check on dinner."
As Jessie turned to walk away, Theo pulled her back into his arms. "Dinner can wait Jess. I have a few things to say. First, I want to say, looking directly in your eyes that I love you and in love with you. I apologize for shouting out something so important over a mobile. I love you. I intended to shower you with gifts, and I still intend to but not because I felt like a prat. I've said those three words to your face. Gifts really don't matter."
Jessie was overwhelmed. Her London lad had just expressed his feelings and she was emotional. Theo Nott was not and had not been playing her for a fool. Gayle was so wrong. The tears came unbidden. She was trying to speak and sob at the same time. Squeezing Theo tight, she finally got the words out.
"I love you as well Theo. Thank you for being a righteous and stand up lad."
Theo wrapped her in his arms entreating her not to cry. Then he stepped back and pulled the gifts from his pocket. Bringing it all back to size, he presented it to the witch he loves.
"These are for you just because I think you deserve them. I believe we both know where this relationship is going. When I meet Matilda and Aaron Collier, I intend to ask them for your hand. However, no matter their response, I intend to have a ring on that finger before the end of May. Be prepared to say yes."
Suddenly, Jessie was trembling and shaking with tears coming down in earnest. Her life was becoming too good to be true. "I'm so happy Theo. No matter what Aaron Collier has to say my answer to you will be yes. I'll just put away my gifts. The flowers are gorgeous. If you are feeling half of what I feel, you need a drink. Help yourself. I'll be right….."
Theo stopped Jessie in mid sentence. "You are my intended. From here on out, never walk away from me without leaving a kiss."
Squeezing Theo with all her tiny witch strength, Jessie mashed her lips against his. "Duly noted Mr. Nott. It won't happen again."
/*/
Theo summoned drinks and was sipping as he watched Jessie flit from one end of the flat to the other. He had mucked it up again by expressing his intentions without having a ring to present, but it would all be rectified after he spoke to Aaron and Jayson Collier.
/*/
After a very long Friday, Zach was on Laurie's couch with feet up and drink in hand. Laurie was concerned that her normally positive wizard seemed to be in a slump. She was giving him time to unwind before inquiring about what had gone wrong. She had busied herself with unimportant tasks when Zach asked her to come sit with him.
"Be right there love."
Zach sighed. He was thankful for Laurie. Not only was she a loving witch, she was thoughtful as well. He reached for Laurie's hand as soon as she was beside him.
"I apologize for not being at my best. I wouldn't blame you if you sent me to my own flat. I don't want to shunt the load on my shoulders to your shoulders but I need your opinion on certain things. To be clear, parts of my day were fantastic. Other parts, not so much."
Laurie laid her hand on Zach's thigh. "We support each other whether good or bad and we don't judge. Share what you need to share love."
"Bonita walked out today."
"Walked out? Walked out to where?"
"She walked out on me and Magical Mobiles. She accused me of treating her unfairly, not recognizing her worth and disrespecting her. She also said she would be opening her own shop in the near future.
"Merlin help us. That's total bullshite Zach. You and I have discussed her snits and attitude. I thought I was being harsh, but it seems I was correct. I know you aren't stressing over things said, because….."
"Yes, you and I have discussed Bonita, however, this time I was the instigator. She knew we had a scheduled meeting with Draco Malfoy at 11:00 am. She chose to run an errand leaving me with my arse hanging out in front of Draco. When she did show up, she had an attitude do disrespectful, Draco declined to go any farther. You can imagine I was furious. At that point, I suggested if Magical Mobiles wasn't the place she wanted to be, she should do what needed to be done. She blistered my ears before quitting."
Laurie was at her most solicitous. "I would have done the same."
A smiling Zach leaned over to kiss Laurie. "You would have never done the same. You're too levelheaded for that. I have run my right hand witch away."
Leaning her head on Zach's shoulder, Laurie had an excellent response. "You didn't run anyone away. She obviously already had one foot out the door. Sounds like a bit of black mail to me. I believe she thought by threatening to quit you would fall on your knees and consent to everything she thought should be corrected. Surprise, you didn't. I'm proud of you for that. It's your company to do with what you wish. Good riddance to bad rubbish. Now, let's have dinner while you regale me with the good parts of the day."
And so he did.