Truths and Lies Duet

“I agree to your terms, Proserpina,” I growl. “But you better run fast. When I catch you, I’m going to fuck you hard, wild, and rough.”

She grins and flashes me a wink.

And then she’s gone.

Watching her ass bounce up those stairs, knowing I’ll be ripping her yoga pants off very soon, is worth the shitty meeting I just endured.

Talia’s ass makes everything better.

Talia

Sitting at Kostas’s desk in his home office, double-checking my book of ideas a.k.a. my restaurant proposal to present to Aris, my mind wanders to a recent conversation with him. When I approached Aris a couple weeks ago regarding the budget, he explained I wasn’t prepared, and once I was, to schedule an appointment. Asshole.

After taking fifteen calming breaths, I knock on Aris’s door and wait for him to grant me access.

“Talia, what can I do for you?” He closes his laptop and gives me his undivided attention. My heart is beating so fast you would think it was in a race, but luckily, Aris’s door is open and is surrounded by other offices. Including Kostas’s.

“I’m here to speak to you regarding the budget for the restaurant.” I stay standing, hoping this will be quick and painless.

Aris’s lips curl into a smile, and I’m taken aback. It’s just like the smiles he would grant me before… “Okay. What do you need from me?”

“I guess I just need to know who I order from and how to pay for things.” I shuffle from one foot to the other nervously.

Aris laughs and then starts firing questions off at me. “Have you decided what the theme will be? What the menu will look like? Contacted any chefs for interviews? Have you put together a plan? How about an estimated budget?”

When I don’t say anything, shocked and dumbfounded at how formal he’s behaving, he says, “I take it you didn’t think about any of that?” Aris stands and walks around to the front of his desk. Instinctively, I back up so I’m almost out of the office, afraid he’s going to try to close the door and trap me in here. He stops and leans against the desk, completely unfazed by my actions. “In the world of business, Talia, one must come prepared to a meeting with all the information needed. I know my brother told you there’s no budget, but that doesn’t mean you view it as a shopping spree. The Pérasma Hotel has a reputation to uphold. The restaurant needs to be cohesive with the rest of the wing, which will be finalized at the same time, and Hilda, who is in charge of that, actually has a budget. She’s going to need to know what your intentions are so she can work alongside you. And while my brother doesn’t seem to care how much you spend, we still need to turn a profit. It is a business after all.”

I refrain from rolling my eyes. We both know damn well this restaurant, hell, this hotel is nothing but a front. Sure, they turn a profit, but Aris doesn’t really give a shit about how much I spend. He’s only doing this to stick it to me.

“Once you have all your ducks in a row, give my secretary a call to schedule an appointment and we’ll sit down and discuss it.” He steps toward the door, opening it wider, silently indicating he’d like for me to leave. So, this is how he wants to play this game… Fine. He might’ve won this round, but I will win the war.

After leaving his office, I was more determined than ever to make this restaurant a success. First step, I had to come up with a theme. Once I figured that out, I started researching everything. From paint, to décor, the restaurant kitchen appliances. I’ve created an item analysis of everything I’m planning to purchase and what the estimated cost of labor will be. I’ll be damned if I’m not prepared for the meeting today.

Going over everything one last time, I gather everything I’m going to need for our meeting, including my big girl panties and five-inch heels, and head over to Aris’s office. His secretary has rescheduled me twice now, so hopefully this meeting sticks. I could’ve told Kostas the games Aris is playing, but I almost think that’s exactly what he wants me to do—run crying to my husband, who I know will tell Aris to stop his shit. So, I haven’t told Kostas anything, except that I’m, as Aris said, ‘Getting my ducks in a row.’

“Talia, how are you?” Carlene, Aris’s secretary greets me.

“I’m good. How are you?”

“Ready for five o’clock to come.” She laughs good-naturedly. “I have a date tonight.” She winks playfully, reminding me of my friends back in Italy. Maybe Carlene and I can hang out some time. “Mr. Demetriou is ready for you. Just go on back.”