It's a simple distinction, really, the social class system. The rich vs. the poor. The privileged vs the deprived. All of it, balck and white, really. I mean, you either made it in life or were trying to make ends meet. And yet here I am, trying to figure out which exactly I fall under.
"Your drink, Miss Diaz," said the bartender. "Thank you." I took a sip of the pink bubbly grapefruit beverage. "You here alone?" He asked, striking up conversation as he wiped the marble countertop of the bar. Well, at least it is not made out of diamond. Honestly, with these people , you never truly know what to expect.
"Actually, I am here on work. And speaking of work, would you excuse me," I replied, leaving the empty glass with grapefruit on the table.
Time to work my magic. "Miss Diaz. What a pleasure it is to see you," said Mr Perez as he indulged me in a half-heartedly hug. "Mr Perez. I'm glad you could make it. Mr Vasilios should be with you in a second, but while we wait, can I put you up to a friendly conversation over a drink," I suggested as I gestured towards the bar. "Well, I would be stupid enough to turn down a drink with such a gorgeous lady. It would be my absolute pleasure."
He followed behind me as I walked over to the bar. A loud voice spoke over the intercoms to indicate that the race was about to begin in a few minutes. "So will Mr Vasilios meet us during the race?" he asked as he nodded to bartender. "Something like that. But he did book the VIP seats right above. Oh and that should be one of the waitresses to lead us there," I replied as a lady who looked well around mid twenties, about my age, dressed in a black pantsuit with a skirt instead of pants, making her way to us.
"Ma'am, sir. If you would follow me," she gestured for us to follow her. "After you," I said as I brushed over my outfit.
A slit sleeve satin jumpsuit with a floral pattern. My hair in a half- down style of French braids in the front , paired with simple hoop earrings. I swear by my attire , most of these people would have probably mistaked me for one of the wives of the elite class here, well atleast until they heard who I was here with.
As we reached the VIP section, overlooking the race track, we found a few of the elite already in their seats, in enticipation on who was going to win. I mean, money was on the line for most of them, after all. Mr Perez and I were seated in the front centre cushioned seats as the waitress who attended to us earlier came back to offer us some refreshments. "A glass of cranberry juice will do. Thank you," I asked. Mr Perez, on the other hand, along with many in the room, settled for soem alcohol beverages in hopes to calm the nerves.
"So seeing as Mr Vasilios is not here, could we perhaps talk about what you are looking for in this business deal?"
"Well, I would not want to strain that pretty little head of yours, but since you are asking. A 35% stake in investments for the new hotels he is hoping to build in Egypt. And since I am a native of the country, I figured he might see that I am one of his best bets into the country. Quite simple and smart, is it not, sweetheart?" he whispered in my ear as his finger lightly traced my my skin through my slit sleeve. "Quite simple, sure. As for smart, I would find that rather debatable. I mean, how sure are you that he needs you enough to give you 35% ? I think you would have better luck building your own hotels. Why don't you? I'm very curious. I mean, would you have more profits if you pursued your own route?" I inquired as I focused my attention towards the voice announcements on the intercom.
5 minutes until engines warm up.
"Well, perhaps. But chances are doing business with the Vasilios would bring me more opportunities and wealth. Don't you think?" He continued as he focused his attention ahead, taking another sip of his drink. "Well, I have a proposal for you, a bet of sorts. If a car that I bet on wins the race, will you consider taking the deal at 13% along with offering up your contacts in Egypt?" I instigated him.
He hesitated for a moment as he fixed up his place in his seat. "Say I amuse this offer. What is in it for me?" he asked as he turned his gaze to me once again.
You see, there were endless possibilities that this race could go. Either we lose 35 % stake of the investment to Perez Co. or we gain connections in Egypt while Perez Co. gains only 13 % along with expense payments, of course. But that was discussion for the official contract siging. Well, actually, there were many possibilities this race could go. You see, two weeks back, the Vasilios had invested in a new and unnoticed race club that recently joined the league. It's unworthy of a bet since they lacked experience or so many thought. That is exactly why I was gonna choose that specific car for this race.
So what was in it for him?
"If I lose the bet, you get your 35% share with the deal with the Vasilios and trust amongst their business partners. Technologies. Energy and mining. Hotels. Any connection you could possibly think of. Just as you said. "
He sat back for a moment as though to see if he should really take the deal. "How about I make things easier. I'll choose the car first and then you can decide whether or not to ,what is it you said? Oh yes, 'amuse this offer'. I stood closer to the glass wall. "That one. The violet car," I pointed at the race track team.
Racers to the starting line.
"Miss Diaz. Are you sure about your choice. Are you really going to bet on the 'Violet Royallies' ?" he asked, a sense of mocking in his tone. "Very. So, do we have a deal?" I asked as I finished my drink. "I think we do. May the best club win," he shook my hand. "May the best club win," I agreed as I engaged in his shaking of hands.
Racers start your engines. And with that, the checkered flags were waved. Let the race begin.
The race began at an anticipating start, everyone in an uproar. In the stands, VIP area; everyone was excited by the extraordinary racing on the track. Cars being byspassd while others that started behind, making their way to the front. 'Violet Royallies' is one of the byapassers.
I could see Mr Perez getting anxious in his seat. The problem with him was underestimating my betting skills, but unfortunately, they weren't really the most to be thankful today. You see, the Vasilios had invested in the Roayllies for one clear reason. Miss Vasilios. Chloé Vasilios. And we were about to find out why.
The 24 year old driving vigilanty, taking driving lessons from a young age. Already building her own engines alongside her twin brother at the age of 16. Though the technologies were mainly handled by her twin brother, she was the prodigy behind the wheel. Well, the mysterious prodigy who was making her official entrance to the racing society today. Always hiding behind a masked helmet and skilled driving with the fastest and state of the art inventions by the Vasilios , today she was claiming her title.
Violet Roayllies and the Red Tigers are taking the lead. Who will take the cup? Will it be the legendary Red Tigers or the fresh meat in the race, 'Violet Royallies' ?
"Are you feeling alright?" I asked Mr Perez as I could see the droplets of sweat forming on his forehead as he loosed his tie, shifting aggressively in his seat. "That 13% should be enough. Don't you think sweetheart?" I mocked him as I finished my second glass of cranberry juice.
And the Violet Royallies cross the line. Some remarkable driving. And who was behind the wheel? The one and only, Chloe Vasilios.
"Oh, Mr Vasilios. Mr Perez should be ready to sign the contract now. Oh, don't worry, Mr Perez, I made the liberty of calling your lawyers for you to come oversee the signing, sweetheart," I said as Mr Vasilios walked over. My boss.
Dressed in a designer high wasited tailored pants and a shirt, with the top buttons let loose and a Violet Royallies jacket in hand. "Miss Diaz. Mr Perez," he greeted as he stooped by our side. "Mr Perez, if you would follow me," I said as Mr Vasilios made way to his office. I led him to the office, stopping outside as he walked in, making sure to lock the door on my way in. I took my seat in the chair on the far side of the corner office.
"But how? How did you know?" Asked Mr Perez in confusion and disbelief. "It's pointless to explain, don't you think. But considering we are going to be business partners, I will share a secret with you. Family is the greatest ally. Because when we have each other, we have everything," replied Mr Vasilios as he stood up, putting on the Violet Vasilios jacket. "I do believe you have met my sister, Chloé" Vasilios. Well, I have her, and of course, Miss Diaz to thank you for this deal. They were the key pieces, after all. Though you also had a key role, thank you. You agreeing to Miss Diaz's deal was the most crucial key. So really hiw did we know ? Well we're the Vasilios.I look forward to doing business."
Mr Perez looked utterly chocked and played, but still, he signed the papers, knowing that you never double crossed a Vasilios. Never. His lawyers left with him as I unlocked the doors when the papers were signed. At their exit, I released a breath I didn't know I was holding in. It worked. Our plan actually worked.
"Our plan worked," I let out in excitement. "Correction Misss Diaz. Your plan. This all would not have been a success without you," he approached me at the door. "Why, Mr Vasilios. If I was anyone, I'd think you just complimented me," I replied as I looked up at him. "But you are not just anyone, are you? Are you coming?" he gestured for me to follow him.
We made our way down to the track with Nicholas following behind me. 'Ladies first' was all he said when we exited the elevator. Always the gentleman. Lie. A complete lie, I'll say.
But that's not something to dwell on right now.
"Sophia, Nicholas. How did it go? Did it work?" asked Chloé as we approached her. "Only because of you. Well done," he congratulated her as he handed her a pair of car keys. "As promised."
"Wow. I didn't think you would actually give me the car, and don't worry. I'll bring it back with no scratches," she promised, "Scout's honour."
"Yeah, you better."
"So Sophia, we still up for Girl's Night? I have a car to try out," she teased. "Always," I replied.
"But right now, I have a date to get to. I promised my mom I would come over for lunch," I said as I checked the time on my smartwatch. "Congratulations on your win," I hugged her goodbye.
"Mr Vasilios," I said as I fixed my purse strap on my shoulder. "Miss Diaz."
Unsure of what to do about the awkward atmosphere, I simply nodded and left. I made my way to my matte grey Audi, hooping into the driver seat. I played a RnB mix on Spotify on it phone, connecting it to the media Bluetooth of the car.
Now for the biggest challenge of the day, lunch with Mama.
Bien, aquí no hay nada.
Blasting the music on my speaker as I made my way through traffic, I looked at the time only to see that I may be late. And if there's one thing Mama does not tolerate, it is not being punctual. Hopefully, my sister would make it before me, so we at least one of us could keep her a bit distracted.
My older sister, Lucía, or well better kniwn as Dr.Davis,is a thirty-year-old pediatrician with a lovely family of a loving husband and twins. I wasn't really a disappointment to my mama, but sometimes it felt like it. I mean, I was a personal assistant, and she was a whole PhD girl. I know that I am 6 years younger than her, but I could not help but feel like I had gone wrong somewhere.
Don't get me wrong, I love my job. I mean, I work for one of the most powerful and influential families in the world, but is this what would spend the rest of my life doing? Working as a PA for Nicholas. Not at all what I imagined when I got my dual degrees in business and journalism.
Luckily, I managed to make it on time, well, two minutes before the agreed time. I sat in my car for a good moment or two, preparing for the pestering from Mama but my moments if peace where I interrupted as soon as I saw my niece and nephew run out of the house, their little feet trotting next to Mama.
"Tía!" they exclaimed with huge grins as they held on to my legs. "My two favourite kids in the whole wide world. Ustedes dos se han vuelto tan grandes. No le estás dando ningún problema a la abuela, ¿verdad?" I asked as I picked them up. "Nope," they giggled mischievously. "You better not be lying."
"Sophia. My princessa. I was afraid you weren't going to make it," she hugged me as I let Lucas and Luisa down. They ran off into the house, leaving Mama and me outside. "And dissappoint you? Yeah, I don't have a death wish. Thank you," I teased her as I locked the car behind us. "Oh, very funny. So how was work?"
"It was alright. I-" I got interrupted by a phone call.
Douchebag Boss.
Translation:
Worst Boss Ever. My boss. Nicholas Vasilios.
A phone call from him is never a good thing.
Uggh, just when I thought I could catch a break.
"Miss Diaz."
_______ ఌ︎ 𝙶𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚊𝚛𝚢 ఌ︎ _______
Bien, aquí no hay nada. 𝑊𝑒𝑙𝑙, ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔.
Tía
Ustedes dos se han vuelto tan grandes. No le estás dando ningún problema a la abuela, ¿verdad? 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑤𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑜 𝑏𝑖𝑔. 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑚𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑒, 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢?