Dandelion Lover

"Kate darling, you've arrived just in time. This is Mr. Paul Roman and his lovely wife Mrs. Maria Roman." Rob introduced me to the couple in front of me while wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me closer to him.

"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Roman, such a p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to be invited to join you."

"My p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e Miss Ross, I heard only good things about you. Rob, why don't you take a seat?"

"Yes Rob, is there something wrong?" I asked with my most innocent voice, trying to pretend I hadn't noticed the look of disbelief on Rob's face. It was worth dressing up in this uncomfortable dress and spending hours on my makeup, just to see this reaction.

"No, everything is fine." He replied and took the seat near me.

"I'm happy you could both join us, I heard you've got big plans this year Rob."Mr. Roman continued. "I was a bit reticent on switching companies, but seeing as you and Miss Ross have already made long-term plans, only reassures me of your stability. After all, behind every successful man, there is a strong woman, isn't that right dear?" He looked at his wife lovingly and playfully winked.

Mr. and Mrs. Roman were both a little on the heavy side and they were well ahead in their years, but their eyes were full of life and you could see the affection they carried for one another. The fact that they still had dinner together every night was well known among their friends and associates, as they were the perfect example of an everlasting couple. Everyone knew they valued stable couples more than singles and were a stickler for rules, especially when it was regarding interpersonal relationsh.i.p.s.

"A little birdie me told me you're engaged to be married. Congratulations!" He added and I turned to look towards Rob while wearing a big smile. I knew this was coming since Vivian took care to "let it slip" to Mrs. Roman when they met at lunch one day by sheer coincidence. Rob had suddenly turned pale and I could tell he was looking for explanations when he looked at me, but I wouldn't give him the p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e. After all, his reputation was way too good for how he really was. It was time to take it down a notch.

"Thank you! It means a lot coming from the famed perfect couple." I replied and left Rob to his own thoughts. I'm was sure he would have strangled me by now if we were alone but as expected, he hid his annoyance.

Everything was going just as Vivian predicted, and soon enough Rob was laughing and joking with the older couple while talking about wedding plans and honeymoon. He was so enraptured by the conversation that he didn't even notice Vivian, Jonny, and Adrian coming in. The three took a seat quietly at a table at the opposite side of where we were. They couldn't be easily seen there but could hear the conversation clearly.

Half an hour later, the conversation was already turning towards business topics and I was growing impatient. According to the plan, Ann should have been here already. If she doesn't come at the right time, it will all be for nothing. And just as my eyes were looking for Vivian to see if there were any changes in the plan, I noticed a small woman entering the restaurant, in a red tight dress with a deep cleavage and red high heels. I recognized her on the spot as that was the dress she brought together with me not that long ago. Without hesitating, she marched directly to our table and put on her sweetest smile, the one that fooled me so many times before.

"Good evening! What a surprise, I didn't know you were going to be here Kate. I hope I'm not imposing, I was just in the neighborhood and saw you guys sitting here." Ann said all that with the most innocent look in her eyes. If I didn't know better, I would have thought it was really a coincidence but I was expecting her. Looking at Rob, he was even more surprised than when he saw me coming. Now that both the main characters of the drama were here, it was time to start the real party.

"Indeed, such a coincidence, why don't we all go have a drink at the bar, I heard they have some specially prepared c.o.c.ktails that are just to die for." I offered and soon enough we were all seated at a small table near the bar, each of us with various colorful c.o.c.ktails that the bartender recommended.

"So you three are all friends and work colleagues, that's surprising considering the competitiveness of the field. Lukas has indeed done a good job of leading you all while keeping it casual and friendly, making you cooperate instead of competing. It's rare to see such an approach coming from a businessman."

"Indeed, Luke was such a big support when I told him I wanted to start my own company. That is why he recommended to proposition you the deal we talked about earlier." Rob agreed with a large smile plastered on his face.

I felt like choking on my drink when I heard all the nonsense Rob was sprouting, and Ann was simply looking around the table, making small talk with Mrs. Roman. I was amazed at how naive I've been when all the signs were there. I simply ignored anything and everything that would have taken me off the usual path and this is my "reward".

"Talking about Lukas, you're quite close to him aren't you Kate?" Ann interrupted my thoughts and at once my blood ran cold and tiny drops of sweat started forming in my palms. Why is she saying that? Does she know what happened in the office? Were we seen?

"He's a good mentor, taught me some design techniques in order to better understand the whole process from the ground up." I managed to respond but my insides were screaming to get out of there or just transfer my pain to Ann through a nice, firm handprint on her pretty face.

"Yeah, I believe he's quite hands-on as a mentor and boss." She replied and smiled at me with an expression that made me doubt what I heard. Everything seemed clear then, she knew about Gray, and she probably noticed I knew about her and Rob. This was it, it will be either them or us, and I couldn't afford to lose in any way.

"That means I made a good choice when I first started out with him. I'm glad to see his employees respect him so much." Mr. Roman replied oblivious to the heated stare between me and Ann.

I now had to decide, would I back away and let Ann and Rob win or risk getting found out by others for our little indiscretion. If I thought only about Gray, I would have probably left it as it was and raised the white flag... But for some reason, I couldn't do it. We had to win, even if that meant my secret would come out.

"Indeed, however, he couldn't compare to your helpful approach." I bit back and with a swift move I raised myself from the table with a small pardon started towards the bathroom.

"I'll come with." Mrs. Roman said and her husband automatically raised himself and helped her up. Just seeing them act with such care towards each other was heartwarming, and for a short second, my anger was dismissed only to flare up again when my eyes went over Ann.

"Are you okay dear?" Mrs.Roman asked after we reached the small bathroom. "You and Ann seem a bit tense." I was surprised that she noticed the hostility between us, but then again I really wasn't made for acting. It was hard for me to keep my anger under control and at the same time, I wanted to run away from this fight so bad that it was painful.

"Yes, I'm sorry we must have ruined your evening. I apologize for the spectacle."

"Nonsense, I enjoy talking with you just as much as with Vivian, and I know all about Rob and how he acts." She replied with a matter-of-fact tone while powdering her nose.

"You know? Then does Mr.Roman know?" I asked stupefied at the discovery.

"No, I am one that won't meddle in his business, it's a rule of ours. In order to have a long-lasting relationship, certain things are off-limits. It doesn't work for everyone, but for us it did."

"I understand. Is that the secret to your love? Limitations?" I couldn't help myself from asking. After all that happened with Rob and Gray, I was doubting myself and the people around me.

"You can say it helps. But everyone is different, you just have to find your own key to understanding, without imitating others."

"But what if I'm not sure?"

"Not sure of what exactly?"

"Everything, and nothing. I am confused about what others think and feel but most of all about my own feelings and intentions."

"That's something that occurs naturally when you have something or someone to cherish. Doubting others and yourself just means you let them enter your life and are therefore an important part of you. Cherish these feelings as they often lead to small miracles, just like for me and Paul."

While she was talking, my thoughts went over to the memory of that night. The many questions and doubt I had when Gray first touched me. The attraction we both shared and the frightening feeling that came afterward. Was this part of something bigger?

"I'll tell you a little secret." Mrs.Roman pulled me back from my wandering thoughts. "For both me and Paul, this is our second marriage. We were both coming out of unhealthy relationsh.i.p.s with our respective partners and we found solace in each other.

Our life was in shambles, people were looking at us weirdly, judging us because we had the strength to step out of an unhappy life. Nevertheless, after years passed, no one even remembers that. All they see now is an older loving couple. But we managed to become what you see after years of ridicule and being pointed at.

So just remember my dear, the most important thing in life is to find the only one for you. It's okay if it takes time, or if you're unsure. After all, time will let you know if your choice is the right one."

She left me speechless for a second and underneath all my hesitation, I felt a sprout of hope rising within me. Maybe she was right, there is still time to think and debate, whether to embrace or to run from my feelings and Gray. Right now, I must concentrate on the task at hand and finish it successfully, for me, Vivian, Adrian, Jonny and even Gray.

"Thank you!" I simply replied and we made our way back to the table.

Ann was already seated next to Rob, leaning towards him, her deep cleavage was even more obvious as she kept shuffling in her seat, touching Rob lightly from time to time.

"Excuse me, that's my seat," I spoke in a low but demanding tone and this time the meaning was clear. The confidence and peace of mind that I gained as a result of the short conversation I had with Mrs. Roman made it easier to dominate the dirty looks Ann threw towards me.

"Ah, you're back. I ordered us a new round of drinks." Ann said meekly and returned to her seat. I sipped from the sweet beverage and noticed an uneasy look on Vivian's face. She was trying to say something but I couldn't understand.

"So you've been together for over thirty years, that's such a miracle." Ann squeaked and soon enough Mr. Roman's expression darkened.

"Why is it such a miracle?" He asked obviously annoyed at the disbelief in her voice.

"I was just saying that in this day and age, it's rare to see someone stay together for a lifetime. You must have been each other's first loves." She tried to correct his mood but only made it worse. I could see her dig her own grave every time she opened her mouth. If only she knew the little secret I was just made aware of, she wouldn't have said anything.

I wanted to smile, to sneer at her mistakes, but I couldn't find the power to do so. After drinking the c.o.c.ktail, I suddenly felt sleepy and slightly dizzy. Maybe it was one drink too much. But I had to stay alert and steer the conversation in the right direction, I could rest afterward.

"Well, here you have a good example of a perfect couple, Miss Ross and Rob, you two are really a good example to follow." Mrs. Roman said and soon enough Mr. Roman's mood changed to a cheerful one.

"Indeed, I hope we'll get to come to your wedding soon." He added and nudged Rob slightly with a cheerful laugh.

"Yes, we're planning on it," Rob replied, now relaxed that the mood was better. Everything was going well for Rob, in spite of all the unexpected problems, and he was sure he'll get Mr. Roman as a client for his new company. However, blinded by his own greed, he failed to notice Ann's rapidly growing anger. And with a single statement, he highhandedly forced her outburst...