MIGUEL’S POV
It had been a week since I disclosed to my mother about my "girlfriend," and she had been incessantly pestering me ever since. The relentless pressure and inquiries about when she could meet my girlfriend were wearing me down. I was fatigued and running out of lies to offer. The charade was becoming unbearable, and it perturbed me that my mother would not desist from dwelling on the subject. I released an exasperated sigh and rested my head on my desk, awaiting a phone call to confirm the finalization of the deal.
"Ah, there you are, dear brother!" Bryan, my brother, exclaimed with a shrill voice as he entered through the doorway. I emitted a loud groan as I lifted my head from my desk. I reclined into my chair and glared at him, making no effort to conceal my displeasure at his loud entrance.
"Where else would I be?" I questioned, unamused. I was experiencing a slight migraine and could not muster the enthusiasm to reciprocate his energy.
"Why the long face, Miguel?" he inquired as he settled into the chair opposite me, helping himself to a candy from the bowl on my table.
"I am simply awaiting a call from the company with which we were supposed to enter into a partnership. Once this transaction is concluded, we will be financially secure for life, Bryan," I stated, gazing into the distance, envisioning what the future held for us. Despite our billionaire status and lack of material needs, we continued to pursue financial opportunities and secure business deals.
"Is it the Sterling Tech Corporation?"
"Indeed, Bryan. It is indeed the Sterling Tech Corporation. Are you not part of this organization? What prompts you to inquire about something you are already aware of?" I retorted pointedly.
"Right! That is precisely why I have come to inform you that we are going out for drinks tonight to celebrate," he declared with a wide grin.
"This is not an appropriate time for celebration, Bryan! We must finalize this deal first. Moreover, have you contacted the bank regarding the charity cheque we were to issue? Did you ensure that a standing order was established?" I inquired, sifting through papers on my desk.
"Yes, yes, and yes. I have taken care of all that. Let us set aside work talk and enjoy ourselves. It is Friday night. When was the last time you truly indulged in merriment? I miss the carefree brother who could down ten tequila shots in one sitting, not this workaholic version you have become," Bryan whined with a childlike pout which prompted me to roll my eyes and offer a faint smile.
The prosperity of the company hinged on my shoulders, and it was my responsibility to ensure smooth operations. My father left the business in good standing, and I aimed to elevate it to an even higher level for my children. I simply wished Bryan could comprehend this reality. He did not bear the burden of having our mother incessantly pressuring him to find a spouse, nor did he shoulder the weight of the company's success and future.
I sighed deeply, "Bryan, we have outgrown our youthful days and can no longer indulge in life's luxuries as we once did. I..." I started to say but was interrupted by the shrill sound of the telephone. We exchanged glances for a moment before turning our attention to the ringing phone.
"Hello?" I inquired calmly as I answered the phone on the fourth ring. I listened raptly and let out a heavy sigh.
"Ah, I see. Indeed, I understand. Thank you very much," I stated as I replaced the receiver once the call concluded.
"That was quite a concise conversation!" Bryan remarked, eagerly waiting to hear the news.
"That was the Sterling corporation we were meant to collaborate with," I remarked, feigning a remorseful expression. His ears perked up, eager to know the details of the conversation that ensued.
"Yes, I gathered that. But what did they convey?"
"I am at a loss for words."
"Come on Miguel! You know I detest suspense. What was the outcome?" He inquired impatiently.
"WE SECURED THE DEAL!" I exclaimed with joy, leaping into the air and performing a small victory dance before embracing Bryan in excitement. I retrieved a bottle of whiskey from my cabinet and poured us each a glass.
"I had a feeling! Congratulations to you, my brother," Bryan exclaimed with joy, gulping down his whiskey in one go. He winced from the burn in his chest.
"No, Bryan. Congratulations to all of us! It was a collective effort, and I could not have achieved it without everyone's assistance. I am proud of you and proud of us. I am a proud CEO!" I declared diplomatically, my eyes sparkling with delight and my smile radiating pure ecstasy. The dedication displayed by everyone throughout the week to ensure the success of this partnership, along with their resilience under pressure, was undeniable.
"We have indeed done well!" He acknowledged.
"Cheers to that!" I exclaimed, raising my glass to clink with his. We both took a sip of our whiskey.
"I relish the taste of triumph... and whiskey," Bryan remarked with a grin, taking another sip. Perhaps it was time for a break, considering it was a Friday night. What could possibly go wrong?
"Now this is the perfect time to celebrate. I might just take you up on that offer," I said with a chuckle, patting him on the shoulder.
"That is what I am talking about," Bryan agreed, and we both chuckled.
" will join you downstairs. Just give me a moment to attend to a few things."
Bryan nodded and left while I remained in my office. In that moment, I felt immensely grateful and accomplished. I made some calls, instructing my business manager to increase the salaries of everyone involved in the deal by ten percent, as promised. I believed in recognizing hard work, a sentiment that highly resonated with me.
Gathering myself and beaming with smiles, I exited my office and headed to the car park where Bryan awaited me by my car.
"Shall we?" He inquired.
"We shall," I agreed.
A few hours later, as we sat comfortably in the VIP section of the bar, Bryan asked, "Are you enjoying yourself now?"
"You were right. It has been a while since I ventured out of my comfort zone," I replied with a gentle smile.
Bryan's phone rang, interrupting our conversation, and he excused himself to take the call.
"I met this girl, and she is the most enchanting woman I've ever laid eyes on. Her smile, her manner of speaking, her poise and her charm. She's simply perfect!" Bryan gushed upon his return.
"Was that the person you stepped away to speak with on the phone?" I inquired with a smile. Bryan nodded, and I playfully punched his arm.
"Way to go, brother! So, who is this charming lady you speak of?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and sporting a mischievous smirk as I watched his eyes light up with amusement.
"Oh, yes! June is truly lovely," he dreamily described, and my mind snapped to attention at the mention of her name.
"June?" I questioned, wondering if she was the same June I had encountered at the coffee shop.
"Yes, June. That's her name. She is intelligent and eloquent. A tad stubborn, to be honest, but incredibly kind. She's so compassionate, Miguel," Bryan described, eliciting a peculiar sensation within me. I tried to calm my racing thoughts. It couldn't possibly be the June I had met at the coffee shop some time ago.
"Do you have a photo?" I asked casually. Despite my desire to disclose that I had met her first, I didn't want to appear too eager.
"Not really," he replied, but proceeded to check his phone. After browsing through his gallery, he exclaimed, "Here's one!"
He handed me the phone, displaying a picture of her in front of a ferris wheel. She was just as stunning as I remembered, her blue eyes remaining enthralling. I let out a deep sigh and returned his phone. I downed three shots of tequila in quick succession, attempting to maintain a composed demeanor.
"What are your thoughts?" Bryan inquired eagerly.
"She is exceedingly beautiful," I remarked honestly. She was angelic, exquisite, extraordinary! She embodied all the synonyms of beauty, I thought to myself but bit my lower lip to prevent me from saying something else.
"I know!" Bryan exclaimed with a grin, taking a sip of his drink as I sloshed mine in my mouth before swallowing.
"How did you two meet?" I inquired sincerely.
"Interestingly, my driver collided with her car on the way to that meeting," he explained, rubbing the back of his head. I blinked rapidly, trying to suppress the tingling sensation that coursed through me. What was this feeling?
"Is that why you missed the meeting?" I asked as it began to dawn on me that June could have been the reason he missed that very important board meeting the other day. My June! I thought to myself but quickly dismissed that thought as it seemed inappropriate to consider her mine even though we had barely had any conversation
He nodded in response. My heart pounded, and my breathing quickened. I downed another shot of whiskey to steady my trembling hands.
"Are things serious between you two?"
"What! No! We have hardly even embraced. She is guarded and struggles to trust me, or anyone for that matter. I wonder what experiences have made her so reserved and cautious," Bryan shared before excusing himself to use the restroom.
Why didn't I follow her that day? Why did she decline my job offer? Why...? My thoughts trailed off as I recognized the sensation that had been plaguing me - jealousy. Jealous of my brother for being involved with the woman I was drawn to.
Why was I envious of someone I barely knew? Why did it matter? It was absurd, I chastised myself.
Bryan returned, instructing the bartender to replenish our table.
"You know, I am scheduled to see her next weekend. You should join us," Bryan casually invited me to their upcoming gathering.
"Really? Where does she reside?"
"14th Avenue, NYC," he replied, taking another sip of his drink. I made a mental note of her address and decided to pay her a visit. The connection I felt with her was genuine, not a mere figment of my imagination. I knew she felt it too.
"Enough about girls. Let us revel and be merry!" Bryan suggested enthusiastically. I smiled, though I knew deep down that my smile did not reach my eyes.
Lost in thoughts about our impending meeting, I contemplated how to explain my presence at her home. Would I disclose my relationship with Bryan? What would she think of me?
A myriad of questions swirled in my mind, and I imbibed more alcohol in an attempt to drown them out. It was preposterous that I was envisioning a future with her. I needed to focus on the present and enjoy the night as Bryan had suggested. Tomorrow's uncertainties would resolve themselves.
Despite my best efforts to enjoy the moment, the presence of June in my thoughts cast a shadow over the evening. I knew that I needed to confront these feelings and address the situation head-on. The prospect of seeing her again filled me with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, but I was determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As the night drew to a close and we bid farewell to the bar, I made a silent vow to myself to unravel the mysteries surrounding June and to discover the truth behind the connection that bound us together. The journey ahead promised to be filled with twists and turns, but I was ready to embark on it with an open heart and a resolute spirit.