The Only Exception

Chapter 4

We all sit in the waiting area and moments later, the rest walk through the door. The waiter immediately recognizes Mr. Swayze and leads us to our table. He sits us at a round table that is more secluded, and away from the other people.

I sit between Colin and Colette, Lorenzo is sitting to the left of Colin, following Madame, Rosalie and Mr.Swayze. We make small talk as we wait for the food to arrive, and everything is fine until all the attention turns to me, when Mr. Swayze starts asking me questions. I'm internally squirming, but as usual keep my face stern.

"I'm aware that you are completing your MBA at Columbia. Has business always interested you?" Easy, I clear my throat before answering. "Yes, I like every aspect of it. From working with different people, for the same cause. To experiencing new technologies, and being able to invest in them. It's amazing, business is definitely what makes the world go round, and it makes me happy knowing that I will be part of it." I finish my small speech with a smile, and lean back against my chair. Mr. Swayze looks over to his wife surprised.

"Impressive, I have also reviewed your transcript, you are a talented girl. Have you considered taking the EMBA (Executive Masters of Business Administration) course, it will do you much more than just an MBA." Duhhh, but we don't always get what we want. I don't have 175,00 dollars to pay for an EMBA.

"Of course I would love to, but I got this job to pay for my MBA and everything else in my household, I can't afford any more expenses" He takes a deep, analytical look at me, and then looks over to his wife who nods. What the hell.

"I can make a few phone calls and make it happen. How does that sound like to you?" Wait a second, did i hear that properly.

"I can't thank you enough Mr. Swayze, but you really don't have to--" before I can finish my protest he interrupts me. "Consider it a gift for getting along with my children so well. Besides, people like you should be supported. You will do great in the business field." I think i'm dreaming now. Madame clears her throat getting everyone's attention.

"Shall we make a toast, in favor of Elise Evans, our new addition to the family!" Alexa, play Part of your World.

"Remember, Colette and I are underage, so technically we can't make toasts. . ." Colin says, we all let out a small laughter.

"Lemonade will suffice my dear."

. . .

The rest of the night went pretty well, it was all laughter and good vibes, but you can never leave out the awkward eye contact with idiot-hotness. Especially after Madame got him to take the car with me . . .

"I'll take an uber don't worry." I insisted.

"That's not safe at all, and unnecessary, the driver will take you home and then proceed to take Mr. Sergio wherever he's spending the night." Madame ordered. Just great.

When dinner is over I give the kids, Rosalie and Madame hugs, and shake hands with Mr.Swayze.

Then I turn around and Sergio is holding the car door open for me. He's really damn good at making appearances. I mutter a small thank you and he just says, "Mhmm." and gets in on the other side. I get close to the door and look out the window as the car starts moving. I unconsciously start tapping my foot, because i'm a bit anxious.

"Stop that." He says harshly. I sit up in my seat. "Stop what?" I ask confused.

"The tapping of the foot, it's annoying, and it's not helping you calm down . . . has it before, I think not, so stop." Well damn, i'm sorry. I decide to change the topic.

"What's the EMBA course like?" Silence. I clear my throat. Silence. "Hmmm?"

He straightens himself up and looks over to me, "Do you even know what EMBA stands for, what it represents?" I was about to speak, but he interrupts. "It goes like this, Elsa, May, Be, Aggravating, so be warned. There you have it . . . EMBA." Oh my god, the hostility.

"My name isn't Elsa, it's Elise, I think you're too block headed to pronounce it. Do you need me to pronounce it for you too, her, it goes like this, Ehh-Lee-Sss." He stares at me with a blank face

"I didn't ask, but you want to know what EMBA also stand for. Mmmm, do you sweetheart? It stand for 'Lorenzo doesn't give a shit', meaning Elsa should try and be quiet for once. How does that sound to you?" What have I ever done but try and be nice, and he just insults me. Why am I taking his crap? Elise doesn't take bullshit from anyone, so why should he be an exception. He's exceptionally good-looking but, he's also an exceptional jerk. I am done.

I grit my teeth and wait for the car to reach my apartment. When it does, I grab my purse, and get out, he start rolling down the window. I slam the door as hard as I can, and I glare at him one last time. He doesn't even flinch.

"Goodnight, sweetheart. . ."

Maniac . . .