Player vs. Player II

Chapter Two (2)

"Resources say Geoff Corporation opened this new market deliberately to scam innocent people out their money. What do you say about this?" 

"Well we at Geoff pride ourselves in--" 

My phone started vibrating in my pocket and very quiet-like I slid my phone out. It was a text message from Elaine,

I need you, it's an emergency! -E

 

Panicked, I threw my things in my bag and started scribbling my office number on a piece of paper. Keith has stopped talking for a while and looked at me bemusedly.

"Change of plans, something's come up. You can call my office number and we can have a phone interview. I'll see myself out! Bye!" I said already a few feet out his door. I rushed out the building, ignoring the woman behind the desk who waves good-bye at me. I jumped inside a taxi whose parked on the curb and the man turned around and shook his head,

"I'm on break."

"I'm desperate! Can you drive me to New Hampshire, I'll pay you extra."

"I'm sorry but--" he broke off when he saw my face. He started the car and drove off as I texted Elaine reassurance.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

"I'm here! What's the problem?" I said when Elaine opens the door. She hugged me,

"Thank God you're here! Come with me." 

I followed her into the house and up the stairs. I wondered what the problem is--it can't be a murderer or robber, they would've been gone by now. Elaine put her hand up to tell to wait there and went into Johnny's room. Minutes later she came back and put John's bare butt in my face.

"Tell me," she said, "Does that look like a severe rash?"

"Elaine!" I shrieked, "You told me this was an emergency! I rushed out of a meeting!"

Elaine shrunk back. "It was an emergency," she said in a tiny voice, "I didn't my baby having an infection."

"Do you know how much money it cost to come here?! Taxis are expensive!" 

"This is why you should've brought a car. Maybe if you beg, Cam will buy one for you. You have your license for nothing--"

"Elaine!!"

"Sorry," she squeaked.

"I'm leaving. By the time I get back home it should be enough time to prepare myself for a date I have tonight," I said rolling my eyes and walking down the stairs. Elaine held John in her arms while she trailed behind me,

"I didn't know. Usually you're off work fifteen minutes after I contacted you."

"Amy gave me a last minute job, I had to get a story from Geoff Corporation," I explained as I fumbled with the door lock. Finally, I got it open and I zipped up my jacket, "See you and Elaine--"

"Yeah?"

"Next time you pull a stunt like that I'll personally throw you down a volcano."

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

"I love this place, it's so beautiful," I commented to Cam. That's why I eating here, the restaurant was so beautiful and elegant, even the wait staff dressed expensively. When I looked up at Cam he was looking straight ahead with a far away look. When he noticed I was staring at him he smiled at me,

"That's why it suits you."

"You seem nervous, Cam. What's happened?" I asked taking a bite of the lasagna.

"Nervous? Not me, I'm not nervous."

Just as he said that a waiter came up to Cam and whispered something in his ear. Cam nodded and he was handed something. The waiter turned to me and gave me a bright smile. What the hell was going on? Silently, Cam got up from his seat and walked over to me.

"Cam? What's going on?" I asked. He didn't answer me, he took his hand out and held out a small diamond engagement ring. I couldn't breathe anymore, my hands flew up to my face.

"Alex, ever since you came into my life I've--I can't explain how happy I've been. You're funny, beautiful, and you have this vibe around you that makes me proud to know you chose me above everyone. Alex, I'm on my knees asking you, will you marry me?"

A tear slid down my face and I opened my mouth to answer when I heard a man say from across the restaurant, "You better say yes, girl!" It was then I noticed everyone was beaming at us. Unable to speak, I nodded and Cam's face softened in relief. He slid the ring onto my finger and kissed me. I'm engaged!