Beauty and the beast

5

Mr Hernandez wrapped up the meeting and escorted the men out as I cleared the table. I made sure the room was clean before I returned back to my office.

I sank down into my chair when my intercom went on.

"My office, now Matthews," he stated in his usual monotone voice so I couldn't tell if he was angry or not.

I wiped my sweaty palms on my jumpsuit as I rose from my chair. I shuffled to the door and opened it with shaky hands.

Am I about to be fired? Did I do something wrong? Maybe he's going to remind me that I'm not in his league before kicking me to the curb.

"I want you to book lunch for two at La Cucina. We'll leave in fifteen minutes," he stated not sparing me a single glance as he typed something.

Wait he said "we'll leave" am I the plus one?

"Yes sir," I replied and hurried back to my office.

I search the number for the restaurant he wanted and called them. When I had told them I would like to make a reservation, the host immediately shut me down. Claiming to be fully booked. I told them Mr Hernandez wanted the table and the host on the other side quickly said it'd be ready when he arrives.

Why would he want to have lunch with me?

Shit, I was going to have lunch with Jess.

"Hey girl, I have to cancel today's lunch. The boss man's taking me out to lunch :(,"  I sent the message to Jess' contact and not even five seconds later she replied.

"WHAT????!!! I want updates when you return,"

"Of course " I sent back and a knock on the glass startled me out of the conversation.

"The car's downstairs, if you're done smiling at your phone," Mr Hernandez scowled and walked away.

I gathered my things and bag before I followed behind him. We passed Jess on our way to the elevator and she winked at me as I shot her a silent look for help.

The elevator ride consisted of me staring at the floor while Mr Hernandez looked at me. We reached the lobby and I watched everyone part as he walked through. The women looked at me following him and I just know that I'd be today's latest lunch gossip.

We reached his car and a man stood at the open door.

"Afternoon Mr Hernandez, ma'am," he greeted and nodded at us respectfully.

I uttered a quick greeting and slid into the black Rolls Royce. The driver closed my door before Mr Hernandez entered through the other side.

"To La Cucina please Henry," Mr Hernandez told through the intercom to Henry and the car started moving.

I looked out of the window as the busy streets of Los Angeles passed us. Many people looked at the car as it drove by and I'm thankful for the fact that the windows are tinted.

We reached the busy restaurant in ten minutes and Henry opened my door. I thanked him as I stepped out and Mr Hernandez put his hand on the small of my back as we walked in, skipping the long line outside.

"Welcome, Mr Hernandez, ma'am. Your table is ready, please follow me," the host greeted and led us through the restaurant.

Everyone here was in some sort of formal wear and I was in a flimsy jumpsuit. I feel seriously underdressed right now.

We went up a flight of stairs and entered a room on the balcony with about ten tables. All spread out more than the one's downstairs. The room was empty and we were led to a table close to the actual balcony with the right amount of sunshine shining on it.

Mr Hernandez pulled out my chair and I sat down, thanking him. He took the seat opposite mine.

"Here are your menu's. A server will arrive to take your order's soon," the host said and turned back, exiting the room.

I picked up the menu and thanked the heavens that it's in English and Italian. I scanned through the pages as someone entered.

"Good day ma'am, sir. I'm Anthony and I'll be taking your orders for today. what would you like ma'am?" the waiter asked looking at me. I was about to speak but Mr Hernandez interrupted me.

"We'll have a bottle of Barbera, along with the lasagne and pesto," he stated in a stern voice making Anthony look at him and nod before writing the order down.

"Actually, I'll have the spaghetti bolognese," I corrected bringing his attention back to me as I stared at Mr Hernandez with a smirk to his scowl.

Serves him right.

"Your orders will be here soon," Anthony said and left me with the one person I wouldn't want to be left with.

To make it worse, he asked the one question I dread the most.

"Tell me about yourself, Matthews. You as a person, not what's on your resume," he stated and leaned back into his chair.