Hollow

Thirteen | Fetish

Two weeks later...

If there's one thing I did not anticipate after graduation; it's the amount of work I was going to deal with. I have thrice the work I had before and do not let me get started on the work that comes with chairmanship.

I shift my gaze to look at the men and women in front of me bickering. People are sitting on both sides of the conference table, clearly arguing over how much money we can generate with each deal. The men are the ones in the lead and the ladies look like they are done arguing, except Nova and Lauren, our PR, who look they are ready to pounce.

I sigh, placing my hands in front of me. "I'll meet with both firms and we'll see from there. Now, I suggest we call it a day."

With that last remark I grab my belongings and start to walk toward the door.

"Zahra, I insist you reconsider! Knight & Associates don't cut it." Terrence Karlsson, the Head of Finance says, irritation covering his features.

"Do you have better ideas?"

"W-what?"

"Email me your proposal and we'll talk about it as soon as I get back, alright?"

Terrence gives a firm nod. "Of course, have a safe trip."

"Thank you."

On that note, I leave the conference room and walk down the empty hallway, the only sound coming from my heels against the black titles. Walking back to my office, I return a couple of greetings sent my way with a smile.

Finally, in the comfort of my office, I settle in my chair and rub my temple to ease my throbbing headache. Just when I though I was going to catch a break, Alex walking in with a stack of papers in his hands.

"Please sign these before Luca hangs my head on a stick, I should have sent these to his office an hour ago." He says hurriedly, placing the papers on my desk.

I sign the papers and hand them back. "Is everything ready?"

"Yeah, I'll meet you downstairs." He states before running out.

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

Barcelona, Spain

"Bienvenida a Barcelona, señora Pierce."

"Gracias. ¿Como estas?"

"Muy buena señora." She replies, a small straying at her lips. "We have to hurry, señor Palma doesn't like to wait."

"Well, that makes two of us." I laugh.

I fix my attire and take off my shades as she leads me to a table where I spot a man in his late forties, reading a newspaper. I mumble a brief 'thank you' to the hostess as she pulls out a chair for me.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."

"Had Daniel told me I'd be meeting a goddess, I would have arranged for us to meet sooner." He replies in a thick accent, kissing my hand.

I smile, pull my hand away, discreetly averting my gaze to his left hand to check for a wedding band. There's none. "You're too kind, Mr. Palma."

"Please call me Adrian."

"Adrian...I love what you've done with this place. It's absolutely breath-taking." I comment, looking around. The hotel has a perfect blend of both a Victorian and modern style.

"My daughter is the artist behind the designs."

"She's very talented." I smile before clearing my throat. "If you don't mind, I'd like to get down to business."

He nods, smiling. "Of course."

"You want to expand to Miami, am I right?" I pause to look him for confirmation. He nods and I continue. "I want to venture into the hotel business myself but I only want to work with the best; you. I truly believe this can be the start of a fruitful collaboration."

His eyes widen and then a smile stretches across his face. "You know I've done my research on you, Ms. Pierce."

"Is that so?"

He nods. "I like what you've done with your company and you have earned my respect but I'm afraid, I've already found a collaborator."

"How much?" I taunt.

"It's not about money."

"Todo se trata de dinero."

"Well, Zahra, I believe this is the start of a beautiful friendship." He mutters, sipping on his coffee.

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

I hear more people with cameras screaming, whistling for me to pose for the camera as I walk inside a renowned club in Barcelona. I look around for my friends and when I spot them, I start making my way towards Jasmine and Paris. I greet them with hugs before jumping into a conversation.

"Killian Ferreira was sitting a couple seats from us so we walked over there and I accidentally poured my drink on him. And what did I do?" Jas whines, hiding her face in her hands. "I just stood there like an idiot."

"Not too mention her cocktail had glitter in it." Paris adds, chuckling.

"It was an accident!"

"Did you at least apologize?"

"Yeah. He's actually super sweet, Z. He actually got me another drink." Jas squeals, raising her daiquiri.

I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing and luckily, Paris starts telling us about her show —which was a total success.

A while later, I excuse myself to go get a drink and head to the bar, who offers me a smile as I give her my order. I avert my gaze over to the girls and chuckle, bringing my hands to my mouth and letting out an encouraging cheer as my tipsy besties dance to reggaetón.

The waitress soon places the glasses in front of me. I turn back around to wave the girls over when my eyes land on the Killian Ferreira standing next to me, talking to the waitress.

I think I'm going to pass out.