Chapter 56_ Loss

Getting back to the hotel room, Arya found it empty, Kane wasn't there. Pulling her phone from her handbag, she called him, “Hello, sexiest man on earth speaking.” Kane said through the phone as soon as he answered the phone, making Arya giggled.

"Are you sure? Because you really sound like the funniest one.” She said, a smile dancing on her lips.

"I can multitask." Kane said proudly, and Arya rolled her eyes even when she knew Kane wouldn't see her.

“Your cooking skills tell another story, my dear. Where are you, by the way?” Arya asked,

“I'm taking care of business as a responsible man that I am, but don't worry, I will be back in time for our dinner.” He said, and Arya fell quiet for a moment at his words.

"Yeah, about that….I won't make it." She said, and Kane cocked his brow at the other side of the line.

“Why not?"

‘I can't tell him I am going to have dinner with another man.’ Arya mused silently, knowing how possessive he could be. Instead, she said, "Just some work stuff came up, you know."

Kane rubbed his temples and thought, She's just too focused on her work, sighing, he said to her, "All right, we can reschedule but don't let work burn you out, okay?”

“I promise."

“Bye, Babe. I love you!" Kane said, and hung up while Arya smiled but realizing she just lied to Kane, the smile slipped off her face.

‘He would have just got jealous and maybe even made a scene. I had better focus on business and prepare to amaze Al- Hakim. My Job is on the line.’ With that thought in mind, Arya opened her luggage as she prepared for the evening.

At exactly 7:58 pm, Arya came out of her apartment, looking stunning that even the driver that came to pick her up held his breath as he looked at her, mesmerized by her beauty. Arya was putting on a black bodice jumpsuit with a long sleeve that has red flames. The top was a daring plunging neckline, drawing attention to her collarbone, and it showed a pattern reminiscent of tiger stripes. The down was plain black pants. The sequined red and black outfit extends to her wrist, showing off her elegant hands.

Her overall look is both fierce and glamorous. She styled her long hair in a sleek ponytail that cascades down her back, showing off the graceful curve of her neck. It's a look that says, ‘I'm in control – confident, yet enigmatic. She paired the outfit with a nude heeled sandals.

‘With this outfit I can close any deal. Take your pen and prepare to sign, Al- Hakim. Arya is coming.’ She mused silently as she got into the backseat of the car, and the car drove off.

When she arrived at the restaurant, Al- Hakim was already waiting for her, and upon seeing Arya, he stood up to greet her. “Miss Cobbler, you are right on time and ravishing like the sunrise over the desert.” Al- Hakim complemented as he pulled a chair out for her, like a gentleman and sat down opposite her.

“Thank you, Mr. Al- Hakim. You are very kind.” Arya said, and just then, she heard a familiar voice she could recognize at any given time in her life, she turned her head to look behind her and saw Kane speaking with a middle aged man, who seemed to be the manager of the restaurant.

“As usual, we saved your favorite spot.” The man said to Kane but he shook his head glancing towards Arya's table with Al- Hakim.

“Thank you, but I will join my friend and her date at that other table. I'm sure they won't mind.” Kane said, as the man bowed at him and led him towards their table.

‘Oh, God, I’m so screwed.’ Arya mused as she watched Kane approach them. Despite Arya's fear of a scene, Kane sat quietly with them, unfolded the napkin on his lap and smiled at Arya before turning to smile at Al- Hakim as well.

“It's real pleasure to meet you, Mr. Al- Hakim. I'm glad I made it. Sorry for being late, but I was analyzing technical reports.” Kane said, and Al- Hakim turned to look at him.

"Oh, so you are a colleague of Miss Arya. Are you into cars and car racing as well?” Al- Hakim asked, and Kane nodded at him

“Asking me If I'm into racing cars is like asking a mouse if it likes cheese.” Kane said with a chuckle, and Al- Hakim’s eyes sparkled at his words.

"I love the spirit at Maranello Enterprises. Everyone feels very positive and committed to their work.” Al- Hakim remarked, and Arya chimed in.

"That's the only way to get the work done, right?”

"Right. And the hands- on approach is important as well.” Al- Hakim replied, and turned back to look at Kane, "You know, I’m a pretty good car racer myself. Everything started when I was very young and I couldn't believe that I had assembled my first engine from three different motorcycles.” Al- Hakim said, as he shared his story with Kane, and Kane also telling him of how he began, the both of them completely ignoring Arya's presence as they discussed their love for cars and racing.

Arya glanced at her watch, and was stunned to see that two hours had already passed with their discussions. Looking back at them, she couldn't help but mused silently, ‘They look like old buddies, not strangers who just met each other.’

Arya said nothing, letting Kane do his thing with Al- Hakim as she helped herself with more wine, and relaxed against the chair. After some time had passed after the dinner, Kane looked at the watch on his left wrist, and achieving what he had come to do, he said to Al- Hakim. “I am really sorry to cut this lovely dinner short so abruptly, but there is more work lurking for me and I should really take my leave.”

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm so impressed with you. Maranello Enterprises has got gems working for them. I need to see this concept car you are working on first hand. Can we arrange a test drive tomorrow?” Al- Hakim said, stunning Arya as she whistled and thought to herself.

‘So that's why he came. WOW, he’s a natural born salesman.’

“Of course, Mr. Al- Hakim. It will be a pleasure and an honor.” Arya responds while Kane smiles and nods before waving goodbye and leaving.

Al- Hakim followed him with his eyes before getting back to look at Arya, “That’s a very nice and capable man. He reminds me of my older son.”

“Does your son like cars as well?" Arya asked, and Al- Hakim's expression turned sad for a moment.

“He did. But he died a long time ago.” He said, and Arya felt like zipping her mouth.

Oh, shit. I hope I haven't offended him with my question. She thought, and said to him, “I am very sorry for your loss.”

“Cars are beautiful and cruel at the same time. It's a passion that sometimes can burn hotter than life. Now, I think I should go as well. Do you think 9 am sharp could be a good time for our appointment tomorrow?” He said,

“Sounds perfect. I will be as punctual as the sun.” Arya remarked, and Al- Hakim let out a small laugh.

"I'm happy to hear that. Punctuality is a beautiful concept, it marries respect and efficiency.” Al- Hakim said, as he stood up and extended his hands to Arya.

"See you tomorrow.” Arya said, shaking his hands and watched him slip out of the restaurant before sighing in relief as she mused, ‘The meeting went great. Al- Hakim is a true gentleman, and Kane? Wow, he sure impressed me and kept his composure. Now, let's go home to him.’