Lucien's POV
I wish I had the chance to pursue her somehow and explain but what would I have said? I mean she's clearly not blind and most definitely saw everything, probably even more than she should have but that's the main reason why I just can't get her out of my head. "There you go again Lucien," I got startled and let out a sigh when I realized I had zoned out again. "I'm so sorry Mrs Anderson, I'm going to head out now I desperately need to clear my head." I reach to grab a few of the documents I will be going over during the weekend or at least I hope to.
With this woman torturing my thoughts I wonder if I'd be able to get anything done. "It's fine, I was here to remind you that it was getting late anyway and I was leaving" she said with a worried look on her face, "very well then, we can leave together I'll drop you off and there shall be no excuses" I said on a final note. She smiled and nodded. I got my things ready and we both headed out.
Mrs Anderson lives in the Amazon estate and I was pretty happy when I found out she wasn't just working because she had no money. They were pretty well off and from the little encounter I had with her family, her husband adores her so much and her children all have their lives set and it was a breath of relief.
She simply loves the feeling of having something to do and that was also one of the reasons I kept her in my establishment.
I've always been of the opinion that people who don't have so many burdens to fulfill, are more efficient, I wouldn't have to worry about a case of theft or them trading information with a rival for money because they are already content with what they have and more would simply be a waste.
We got to her neighborhood and she asked me if I'd like to come in, "I'm sorry but I really have something to take care of right now and it requires my full attention" I said, lying through my teeth. Damn it! I've missed visiting Mrs Anderson and now I finally got the opportunity to, I can't because I know I would be badly distracted and I wouldn't want that.
"It's alright then, please take care of yourself Lucien and don't go doing something dangerous…" almost as if she already knows what I'm about to do. I responded while holding my breath afraid she might figure out my true intentions…"I promise I'll take care and you should too, good night Mrs Anderson." She waved and entered her house and I had to suppress the feeling of guilt for lying but I couldn't help it.
Before heading straight for the Three Pigeons, I parked the car at a seemingly lonely spot to fully think about the things I needed to do by tonight and as a man who has been in the business world for a while, it was only reasonable to weigh your options and your benefits.
Of course I wasn't exactly heading for a deal that would bring returns for me buying the Three Pigeons, I was simply doing it so I could help out an old friend so I probably shouldn't count any benefits and even if I do get some, it doesn't form a quarter of my earnings.
There should be a way to make the Three Pigeons better again. If we could re-strategize and approach it from a better angle, maybe change or improve the menu or the staff. Maybe a little bit of orientation for them.
On the other hand, finding out who she was, wasn't a deal I had intentions of getting monetary benefits; I wanted her simply because I couldn't get her out of my head.
I reversed and drove straight for the Three Pigeons Inn. I pray I round up quickly so I can get to the second location. I can't wait to see her again, I really hope I do, I checked the time and it was 7:40 already, shit! I need to hurry up. If she works there then she should be at work right now. Damn it! I really had the chance to find her that day but when I came out, she wasn't at the counter or anywhere near, I had waited until it was too late and I just had to leave.
As much as I would love to head to the restaurant first, I can't bail out on the Three Pigeons either. I've been planning on buying it for the longest and now it's looking like it just might click finally. Gonzalo the owner of the Inn has been a tough nut to crack despite how much I'm willing to pay, but I got a call from him a week ago saying that he was willing to hear me out. Gonzalo and I have been friends for over 10 years. Matter of fact, he built the Three Pigeons the same time that I started my company and he's been such a great guy too. The sole reason why I want to get it is because of him, I know he's broke and the Three Pigeons badly needs some funding but he wouldn't budge and knowing him, he probably wouldn't accept if I try to give him some money.
His pride is as big as his heart and I just wished he understood that sometimes help isn't always a sign of weakness. I know I should probably tell that to myself but right now all I can think about is helping him, I really want to help him out and this is my best chance. I'm going to do everything in my power not to lose it, now that he's coming around.
I'm finally close, the next problem is where to park my car. This place is always full on Fridays, matter of fact it's always full everyday and it leaves me wondering why he's going broke. I'm almost sure that there's something going on and I'm going to get to the root of it today!
I finally found space to park my car,
I pulled into the lot and cut the engine, but my mind was still racing. Gonzalo had always been more than just a friend, he was the one person who believed I could be more than a ruthless dealmaker.
His stubborn refusal to sell the inn, even when money was tight, spoke volumes about his character. Pride and principle, he called it. I'd always admired that in him, even as I tried to talk sense into him. Now, the tables had turned: I was the one with the power to help, and I refused to squander this opportunity.
I grabbed my keys and headed inside because the clouds were getting darker,
I was already a few steps in when I realized I had left the deal documents.
I turned around towards the door and that's when a figure ran into me, she missed her step and was about to trip but I caught her in time and that was when I met those eyes that left me yearning, I would recognize them anywhere. It was her, the object of my fantasies, I found her.