Chapter 3: Becca
The blaring sound of my alarm clock woke me up. It was a very important meeting so I couldn’t miss it, which was why I’d set my alarm at the highest volume.
I got ready quickly, wearing my favorite outfit combination of a silk top and a bandage skirt. I wanted to look my best for this very important meeting. I got ready just in time and I was glad. I didn't want to be late like I was for our first meeting.
We met at the hotel's lobby, and it was pleasant, but I had to admit I was always a bit flustered around him. He was handsome, eloquent, and focused. He seemed so perfect. Beside him, I felt like a rambling little girl. He was so handsome with a chiseled jawline and a hint of designer stubble. His hair was slightly tussled, and I could tell that he ran his fingers through it a lot. His piercing gray eyes shone like silver every time they glanced my way.
We made it to the meeting on time and the delegates were already waiting. My job was to take notes and hand Gareth the appropriate files at the right time. Several times during the meeting I got distracted just watching him. He was so mesmerizing to look at and watching him inspired me. I could see how he built a multi-billion dollar company all by himself. Thanks to him, the meeting went really well.
We parted ways and I went back to my room. When I entered ,there was a note on my bed, and I opened it quickly, intrigued. The note was from Gareth. He was inviting me to dinner. I was really happy because dinner with Gareth would be such a pleasant end to a beautiful day.
The time came and I got ready for dinner and then there was a knock on my door.
"Hi," I said to Gareth who was looking gorgeous in a black suit and a burgundy shirt.
"Hi. You look beautiful," he answered, with a dashing smile. I blushed, probably looking as red as my dress. "Shall we?" he asked.
A limousine was waiting for us at the front of the hotel and It drove us to the restaurant which wasn't very far. The restaurant was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. Gareth had reserved a table for us and we were led to it.
"You did really well today," Gareth said out of the blue. We had been eating our dinner in a comfortable silence until then.
"I did well? I barely did anything."
He laughed, sipping a glass of his wine. "Well, I've been doing this for years."
I nodded. "How did all this start though?" I blurted out before I could stop myself. I didn't know if that was a proper question to ask.
"Oh…" he trailed off looking deep in thought.
"It's okay if you don't want to share."
"No, it's fine," he interrupted, taking the last bite of his dessert. "It all started with my sister. She has Down Syndrome and a lot of times, when we were younger, it was kind of hard to talk to her. We usually connected when we were listening to music. We even had a band that we played in the neighborhood. One day she told me that the only thing that made her feel 'normal' was music. That was when I decided that I wanted everyone to feel connected to others with no differences, through music. And that is why I decided to create a music production company. To help people feel less lonely and to connect them with others, even with their differences."
"Whoa," I said, not knowing what else to say. Seeing this side of him made me even more attracted to him. He was such a thoughtful and caring person.
"Enough about me, how about you? What are your dreams?"
"Well," I started, "I actually sing. I'm part of a band too." My cheeks were red at this point, it felt kinda weird to be talking about my life outside work with my boss.
He looked confused. "Why do you work at my company then?"
"Actually, I work here so I can learn all I can about the music industry and I can be successful with my band." I paused for a while before I continued.
"My father was a musician, but he died when I was very little. Playing music is one of the only ways I can feel close to him. When he was still alive, we had a jazz band and we entertained my mum and other members of the family during family occasions. I have such beautiful memories of those times. We would all laugh, dance, and sing together. I remember the joy it brought to people's faces. That's why I went into music. To follow in my father's footsteps."
There was a short silence before Gareth spoke. "Wow, that's amazing. I'm so sorry about your father." He reached across and squeezed my hand, and I immediately felt a surge of comfort through the gesture.
"You know." I started looking at him. "I think you should build a foundation for children with Down Syndrome. It would really help their integration into society with the help of music."
"That's a great idea, Becca." He smiled a sincere smile.
Time passed very quickly. So quickly that I didn't want to go back, but I knew I had to.
He dropped me off at my room and we said our goodbyes. He was such an amazing man that I found myself falling more and more for him.
I went to sleep that night with a smile on my face. I couldn't wait to see what tomorrow had in store.