Chapter Four

Straightening out my green suit, my eyes darted from one corner of the restaurant to the other. I'm supposed to be seeing Fabrico Zunino's PA any minute now. I hear she's a fashion designer as well as a loyal assistant to Zunino. They're quit fondly and if I can get along with her, Fabrico Zunino won't be a problem.

"Would you like anything miss?"

I looked up to my side where a waiter dressed in green khakis stood. He had a note in his hand and a smile on his face, awaiting me to order up.

"Not yet. I'm waiting for someone" I said sharply. He turned on his heels and retreated from whence he came. I glared at my phone, somehow praying that it rings because I really need to talk to Kay right now. Or even Corby.  I'm feeling just a bit anxious.

The door to the restaurant finally slid open again and a tall brunette with long curls stepped in. I would've mistaken her for a model but I know she's got to be the PA, Corby spoke of. She even has on a Gucci sandal and that unmistakable designer smile.

She made her way for my table and I got up to shake hand. Her eyes moved all over me and I shrugged noticing my green suit does not compare to even her earring.

"Karen Garby" She took my hand firmly and gave it a short shake before letting go.

"Selena Brookes" I smiled. "Thank you for coming"

We both took our seat and I watched as she stared round the restaurant in appreciation.

"I understand you're here in the name of your company, yes? " She asked and I nodded. "Well, I'm here in place of Fabrico Zunino. I'm his PA and would be seeing to your every need until you meet with Fabrico himself on Friday"

Friday!...that's too far. I was hoping to even see him tomorrow even. I placed my hand on the table making sure I don't loose her stare.

"Why that long?"

"He's a very busy man. The day he gets up and says he's work free, he's sick. And that has never happened." Karen smiled at me. I wasn't so sure why but I smiled back. The waiter from before came back to us, and this time we placed our orders.

"Or maybe you just don't know when he's sick" I said prior to what she stated before the waiter interrupted our discussion.

She nodded in confirmation. "True.  But I also know Fabrico almost as well as I know the palm of my hand"

We stared at each other a good while, both of us daunting in each other to look away. Make a good impression, Selene.  She's your fucking gateway to meeting and earning Fabrico's favour.

I pulled out a green book from my bag and placed it on the table. Karen finally took her gaze off of me and stared down at the book. She looked thoughtful as she slipped it open. It was our company book. It holds a lot of information on our product and I'm sure it could also enlighten her a bit.

"I believe you've already made your research on our company but I'm here if you need to know anything. Also, that book would help you a lot" I said to Karen.

"How many sales does the company make in a month?" She surprises me by asking. I'm not about to tell her how I spend the whole night shouting into my phone for products to be bought but I get hung up on.

"Um...a lot of sales"

"That's not an answer." Karen said. The waiter came back with our orders, I cringed when I saw octopus soup in her plate.

"I can assure you that we make lots of sales but I don't work in the accounting department so I do not keep tabs. But if you want me to find out, I can call just for you"

Karen shot a brow up before slurping an octopus tentacle,... i guess. I'm not sure what it was but she's having an octopus soup and this is a beach for godsake.

"There's no need for all that. All those, would be discussed with Fabrico when you meet with him, on friday"

What?! So why is she here exactly if I'm going to be selling the idea of the product to her boss. Sigh. This people just have damn stupid protocols.

...

"No success yet" I said into the phone. Corby made a whinny odd voice. It didn't suit him so I pulled the phone away from my ear a bit just to shrug.

I was standing on the balcony in only a lacy black robe. I wonder how I even have that because sexy things are not a part of my wardrobe. Oh yeah, I know. Kay got me it on my birthday and it's comfortable to sleep in.

"What's taking so long. I had hoped by now, you'll be on your way back to Seattle" Corby groaned.

"It's that easy huh?" I rested my elbow on the railing looking toward the beach side I also tried standing on the decorative but any slip up, and I'll tumble over. "I get the vibe that his PA doesn't like me"

"That's not the kind of news I want to hear, Selene"

It's not my fault she's difficult to please. The way she even looked at my suit when she walked into the restaurant, was a bit daunting.

"Be strong girl. I know your tough. Just hold on till friday"

I almost asked him what Michelle did when she found out I took on an assignment she was supposed to take, but a movement on the next balcony just some few meters away from mine, caught my attention.

"Selene?" Corby called

"Yes yes!...I'm sorry I got distracted for a bit" I returned my stare to the other balcony again and watched as a man finally come into view. His back was to me but I think he was trying to take a picture, get connection, high fiving to the stars?...I'm not so sure but his hands where in the air.

"I'm going to call back Selene" Corby said, a bit irritated. "And remember, more work, less dicks" He said and hung up. I may have chuckled on the last part because I got the attention of the man and when he looked at me, I slipped from the decoration and tumbled over the balcony to the sandy beach floor. Ouch!.

...

I struggled to get up but I felt a sore pain at my lower back. What was Fabrico Zunino doing here?...I'm pretty sure it was him I saw on that balcony and he was staring at me. God!...

"You ok miss?"

"Just a sore back" I said as I got up. Fabrico smiled at me and I felt less awkward. He's not as bad as the public point him out to be. The media paints him as a man who is heartless and only loves his business even more than himself. But he seems...nice

"Sure I can't get you a med doctor?"

"Nope. I'm fine" I said, I waved my hands at him warding him off of me. "I'll just get back to my room now" I said with a redness to my cheek. This is so embarrassing. He looked at me as I scurried off back to the balcony and when I was safe in the confines of my room, I relaxed against the door and let out a harsh breath.

He probably thinks I'm an idiot. What made me stand on that damn decorative?! Here I was, thinking to make a first good impression but I had to go and mess it all up.

The shrill of my phone on the balcony made me rush to it, despite the pain I felt at my lower back. Kay's name flashed on the screen.

"Hey babe!" She squealed when I picked up.

"You're so loud.  What?" Leaving the balcony and walking back into the room, I sat on the armchair.

"Be nice girl...you didn't call me since you arrived so I decided to call."

"Great.  So what's up?"

"It appears our research wasn't complete"

I could've swore she meant the research she did when I was back at Seattle. The one on Fabrico Zunino.

"I met him. He's here in Chesterfield palm beach" I groaned, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

"He couldn't be there, Selene. I read on Instagram that he just attended a mask ball at Palms hotel in Las Vegas , baby"

What? I just saw him outside right now and I would've introduced him to our company if I hadn't made a fool of myself. And did she say Palm hotel in Las Vegas?...that's the richest and most expensive hotel in the world. It costs $100,000 per night.

"Kay, I just spoke with Fabrico just now. I fell of the balcony and..."

"Oh my gosh! Are you alright?" She caught in with that squeaky voice again.

I rolled my eyes even though she couldn't see me but I'm sure she knows I did it. It's my best attitudinal expression so far. "I'm fine Kay, so what are you saying?!"

"It appears Fabrico Zunino Valenquez, has a twin."