Keep You Around For Entertainment

Virgil's phone rang as the lift reached our floor. After leaving, we stopped to wait for him to conclude his conversation.

"I'm sorry, ladies. I have a task that needs to be completed. His office is straight ahead. He asked you to walk in without concern. "

He appeared regretful, so I dismissed his worry.

"No issue. Virgil, it was good to see you again."

"You as well, Miss Ta...er... Mrs. Rowe."

At his error, I flushed. He gave a wink before getting back on the elevator.

Courtney nudged my arm and giggled. "Mrs. Rowe, get moving. Let's meet your man now."

We had just begun to walk together and were appreciating how Nicholas' office was decorated when we were abruptly stopped.

"Excuse me. You can't just walk in here. This is not a shopping mall."

A tall, platinum-blonde woman was staring at the two of us like we were insects. I turned around, surprised by the smug female voice. I couldn't figure out why she was acting so upset as she stalked over with her fists on her hips.

I answered, "We're here to visit Nicholas."

She gave a head shake and indicated the elevator again. "I can't allow that. Due to his hectic schedule, Mr. Rowe is unable to attend unplanned meetings. You must depart and schedule an appointment.

"But we-"

She interrupted me, and I was left stunned.

"All appointments must go through me, and I am aware that he is not scheduled to meet two women. You are not even permitted to come to this floor without an appointment. Please leave before I call security on you for disrupting business."

What a snob!

When I turned to Courtney, she shared my shock.

Before we could finish our sentences, Geoffrey, Nicholas, and two other men emerged from his office laughing. As they came near us, Nicholas' eyes locked on mine and he gave me a bright smile.

The secretary began to apologize immediately, pointing towards Courtney and me. Nicholas disregarded her and drew me into an embrace.

"Willow! I'm glad you came." He kissed me on the neck for a brief moment before pulling back. He still kept his arm around my waist. "I'd like you to meet Francis and Dorian. You already know who Geoffrey is."

Francis had a quizzical smile on his face as I shook each of their hands. I became aware that Dorian wasn't just any Dorian when I gave him a closer look.

It was one of the greatest investors in the motion picture business. He had previously performed in action films. A real-life legend.

"Oh, um, hello." I didn't know how to respond.

Nicholas hugged me more tightly as Geoffrey laughed.

"I'm glad to have met you, Willow. Earlier, Nicholas spoke highly of you."

In order to avoid embarrassing myself further, I simply nodded. Nicholas was so normal at home that it was easy to forget he worked with famous people.

"Who is your beautiful companion, Willow?" Geoffrey questioned as he took Courtney's hand.

Another round of introductions was made before Dorian took his leave... after thanking Nicholas for a pleasant cooperation.

"Let's get some lunch, sweetie."

The five of us headed to the elevator together after I gave Nicholas a nod. I did cast a quick glance over at the obnoxious secretary who was sitting behind her desk and glaring at me. I restrained myself from giving her a sweet smile. Barely.

On our trip downstairs, someone Nicholas informed me that the building housed not one, but two distinct restaurants as well as a cafeteria.

If his staff decided to eat on-site, Nicholas wanted to provide them with choices. I smiled at him as he gave a thorough explanation, not caring in the slightest that he was a little boastful. How could I stop a man who clearly wanted to impress me and be the cool boss?

The employees were a little reserved with Nicholas sitting in the same cafeteria as them. We found a seat and it was hard to not be bothered by the ogling and talking that was going on around us. Nicholas didn’t mind, but it was hard for me to ignore.

I contained my laugh when I noticed Geoffrey trying to woo Courtney with every pick-up line he could come up with. Therefore, Nicholas, Francis, and I were left to speak amongst ourselves. We placed our orders and I then looked over at the person across from me.

"How long have you and Nicholas known each other, Francis?" I questioned before I sipped on my iced tea.

He was no Nicholas, but he was a really handsome man. His typical blue eyes and blond hair excellent looks went well with his carefree demeanor. He seemed to lighten the mood, which was necessary with Nicholas being dark and broody all the time.

It's a good thing I enjoyed that dark and broody side of his.

Francis grinned as he relaxed in his chair. "Well, it's been, what, nine years?" Nicholas, who was looking at him, nodded in agreement. "After my father's death, I took over Hampton Media, and Nicholas and I started hanging out in the same circles. We got along, I believe, because, in contrast to some other businesses, we were more concerned with invention than with revenues. After that, we started having real conversations about merging our companies a few years ago. What follows is history."

Before proceeding, he winked at me while slouching over the table.

"He needs my fresh perspective to keep the progression of the company according to times."

Francis was older than I thought, but I refrained from asking because it was impolite. I could always search for information about him on the internet.

Nicholas chuckled while shaking his head. "I only keep you around for entertainment value."

I enjoyed their friendly dynamics. They resembled siblings more than colleagues. Francis appeared to bring out Nicholas' lighter side, at least when they were in a friendly environment.

It was too sad that his silly side didn't come out more often.

"So what was this deal you promised Dorian?" I inquired.

Francis grinned before turning to face Nicholas. "I believe Willow has a crush on someone."

With a grimace, Nicholas slung his arm around my shoulders.

"I'm not. Just a question, really." Francis laughed, and I crossed my arms across my chest.

Nicholas whispered in my ear to get my opinion. "You don't have a crush on him, do you?"

I wanted to chuckle at how ridiculous it was, but Nicholas sounded legitimately worried. I turned my head and pressed a kiss on his lips before responding. "I only like you."

He grinned and drew me in.

Nicholas's insecurity was extremely strange. I began to wonder if it had something to do with Rosemary's incident. I had to find out exactly what transpired between them.

"God, the two of you are charming together." We were pulled out of our bubble by Francis.

Nicholas tapped the table with his fingertips. "We just finished a meeting to discuss a new production that Dorian wants to start. We've already collaborated with him, and it was a great success. The decision to get him onboard for this new project was obvious."

I hummed. "So creating new shows is a part of what you do?"

Both of them nodded.

"Among other things. Development of new programs is one of the best things about running this enterprise," Francis admitted. After a waiter gave us our food, he spoke again. "Nicholas tells me you are attending QCU this fall. Have you decided that you want to pursue a degree in?"

I put the olives from my salad on Nicholas' plate since I knew he would enjoy them.

"I'm not yet certain. I have to start out with a lot of introductory classes. I'm hoping I'll have a plan in mind before I need to declare my major."

Francis spoke with enthusiasm, "Well, you could always get into the entertainment business and assist us out here."

After a moment of silence, I turned to look at Nicholas and was taken aback by the tiny frown and furrowed brow.

What was the issue? Was he outraged when Francis recommended I join the company?

It hurt that he reacted so aggressively to a small joke Francis made. Francis glanced between the two of us, unsure.

"This place looks to be running pretty smoothly, in my opinion." My tone was chilly, and I didn't try to hide it.

I quickly speared my lettuce as I returned my focus to my salad.

While Geoffrey and Courtney continued talking to one other, the three of us remained quiet for a while, focusing on our lunches.

After clearing his throat, Francis again broke the ice. "How do you feel about Quentin thus far?"

I sighed and shifted my weight away from Nicholas. "I have not had the time to see around yet. When my best friend gets here tomorrow, we're going to visit as much of the city as we can before the semester starts."

I disregarded the noise Nicholas made when I spoke. When he put his hand on my knee under the table, I shrugged it off.