Chapter 40: Over It

Ricardo's POV

"Take all the time you need to get yourself together and heal," Derick advised as he sat across from me in my office.

"Heal, I'm not hurting over anything," I responded.

"You're not, so you didn't even love her a little bit, you didn't even care?"

"She made it difficult. Penelope's main agenda was making me miserable. She was too stubborn and insecure."

"But can you blame her for being insecure, Ricardo, when almost everyone around her was whispering about you and one of your maids?"

I tented my fingers and laid back into my chair as I looked into my own actions. I felt something for Adani Prime and I realized I admire her more than I did Penelope.

"We're better apart than together, that's the bottom line," I spoke up.

"Hey, you know I'll have your back no matter what and we're real with each other, right?"

"I know. Is there a point to your statement, Derick?"

"Are you going to date your maid?"

"Her name is Adani."

"So you do like her?"

"Derick..."

"Ricardo, is that really a good idea, she's an employee. Your employee.. And she's a.." he hesitated to finish.

"She's a what, a black woman?"

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to!"

"Look, I'm just trying to look out for you and steer you into the right direction. If you want to date Adani, by all means, go right ahead but prepare for the baggage that's bound to show up sooner or later."

"Trust me, I'm capable to handle any baggage. Penelope was a cargo holder."

Derick laughed aloud. "You had your hands full with her alright."

My cellphone rang and my sister's name flashed across the screen. "Hey Rockett, what's up?" I answered.
Derick edged himself closer, eyes expanding and ears tuning into my end of the conversation until I ended the call.

"Damn, Derick, do you want me to call her back?" I asked him.

"Nah, I'm good."

"No you're not. You still have a thing for my sister."

"I still miss her!"

"You're engaged to Eloise who is just as vicious as Penelope. No offense."

"Man, I don't know what I was thinking when I proposed to her. I thought that would make Rockett mad and want me back but it only pushed her further away."

"Clearly you don't know anything about Rockett! And this is coming from the guy who wants to steer me in the right direction."

"Help me out here, you're her big brother. How do I get her back?"

"I'm not going to get into the middle of that one."

"Man, Rockett is so beautiful. Just the way she carries herself is priceless. The way she walks, talks and smiles always made me twitch."

"You do realize you're talking about my sister!" I scolded.

"Oh. Sorry."

"Get over it."

I stood, took my jacket and we left for lunch.

~

The company's annual Autumn Gala was approaching faster than I anticipated. It was less than two weeks away. As I sat in the back of my car and allowed my bodyguard to drive, I retrieved my tablet and started browsing online retailers for a new suit.

~
Arriving into my peaceful home, I was greeted by Adani at the front entrance.

"Good afternoon Mr. Parriston. I managed to salvage a few of your clothings, mostly the whites. The carpet is difficult to clean from the glitter. I've been trying."

"Please don't worry about it. I'm having everything redone and replace. Thanks for your help though."

"You're welcome," she answered with a smile. There it was. The smile that brightened up my day, the one I looked forward to seeing.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked.

"You don't need my permission to ask me any question. Just go ahead and ask me," she said.

"My company is hosting it's annual autumn gala and I was wondering if you would.."

"Oh. Yes. That wouldn't be an issue. I can work at the event. I'm capable of bringing drinks and food to people's tables, and clean up afterwards."

I was taken aback. "You didn't let me finish, Adani."

"I'm sorry."

"I don't want you there as a help. I want you to be my date."

I thought her eyes were going to pop out from her head. Her mouth opened with  stunned surprise.

"Me, as your date?"

"Yes, you, as my date."

"I.. I don't know."

"Please say yes."

She hesitated.

"You can take some time to think about it," I quickly added after seeing the pondering on her face.

"I'll accompany you," she answered.

"Are you sure?"

"I am."

"That's great. I'll buy you the outfit and accessories of your choice as my appreciation."

"Thank you."

"No. Thank you."

~
I had finally ask her out and although she wasn't my girlfriend... as yet, it felt wonderful knowing I was going to have her on my arms.

I slept happily that night.

The next few days, the upcoming gala had everyone buzzing and busy at work. Then the day finally arrived.

I was in my Grand Master adding the final touches to my suit. After being satisfied with the way I look, I left the room and took the elevator down.

Adani was waiting in the main living room area. She stood up as I walked in, her eyes roaming me from my hairstyle to my dress shoes.

"You look amazing," she complimented.

"And you look astonishing," I returned.

The gold dress hugged her small figure perfect at the top and flowed down her body in style. Her lush Afro was styled into a sleek bun with golden accessories to highlight.

"Shall we?" I asked and linked my arm into hers.

"We shall." Together, we walked to the limousine.

~

The event was already in full swing by the time we arrived. To avoid the press, media personnels and paparazzi, Adani and I took the VIP back entrance route and entered the building.

"I should let my colleagues know that I'm here. I could introduce you or I can escort you to my private VIP table where you wouldn't be bothered."

"I think I'll sit at your table."

"Right this way."

I led her there, ensuring she was comfortable before leaving the greet everyone else.

~
"Ladies and gentlemen, the man of the hour, and our CEO, Mr. Richard Parriston!" the emcee announced.

Applause and a standing ovation were given as I walked up to the stage to address the employees of Parriston's Industries and Technology.

"Pleasant Good Evening everyone. It's a pleasure to be here at another Autumn Gala. I know the lot of you look forward to this event every year. The drinks, the food, the music.. the awards."

"Woww," they cheered.

"It's like The Grammy in here."

"Best dress goes to you, sir!" the lobby secretary shouted from across the room.

"Thank you but tonight isn't about the looks or attires. Part of tonight is to give recognition to the hard working men and women of Parriston's Industries and Technology. The company my father started from the ground up when almost everyone around him told him it was going to be a waste, that the competitors were going to eat him alive and he should take a different route. He was terminally ill and still gave this company, his company, one hundred percent. In honor of my father, this event was brought," I announced.

I fought back the tears, "And I'm pleased to announce tonight's first. Most Outstanding Employee Award goes to," I opened the little gold envelope, "Pen," I stopped myself, "This must be a joke," I mumbled into the mic.

"No. It's not a joke. Go ahead, you can say it." Penelope walked onto the stage and walked right up to me, "After all, I am an employee. You didn't fire me nor did I resign. So, say my name and hand me my award."