How could we?

Chapter 17

Zac POV:

We are on our way to the celebratory dinner, Fatima is looking damn good! Today, more than on other days, I want to just damn everything and have my way with her. In as much as I have been on the fence with this whole divorce thing, I think this week with Fatima really solidified this decision for me. I really wanna pursue Fatima and in order for that to happen, I gotta sort out this divorce first. I will get the process started as soon as we get back to Atlanta. 

The car pulls up at the restaurant and I get off, walk around the car to Fatima's side and open the door for her. She steps outside and we enter the restaurant. The hostess leads us to the private area where the dinner is hosted and we make our way inside. Everyone is already in there so we start greeting, sharing hugs and handshakes as we go along. We all sat down and the waitress took our drinks orders. I ordered a glass of Hennessey neat, coz I need something to take the edge off. Fatima ordered a Tart-Cherry Hibiscus Refresher. We're sitting next to each other and the Head of Marketing, Brian, is sitting on her other side.

Brian: Miss Wilson, looking beautiful tonight! 

Fatima: Thanks Mr. Harris 🙂

Zac: (in his thoughts: The fuck is she smiling about?) Any idea what you're having for dinner, Fatima?

Fatima: I never know what to order, what are you having? 

Zac: Haven't decided yet, I was hoping to copy you this time around.

Fatima: Well at least they have a limited menu so I can - (gets cut off by Brian)

Brian: I'm hosting everyone at my house after this, you're welcome to join us Miss Wilson.

Zac: (In his thoughts: Brian if you wanna fight, just say so) Fatima and I have an early morning flight tomorrow Brian, so she can't come. And don't ever cut her off when she's speaking, that's rude.

Fatima: (In her thoughts: Oh Lord) Thanks for the invite Mr. Harris but as Mr. Taylor has mentioned, we gotta leave early tomorrow.

Brian: Just Brian please.

Fatima: Excuse me?

Brian: You can just call me Brian.

Fatima: Oh okay, Brian.

Brian is steady pissing me off right now, I wanna punch him right on his neck. What the fuck is he playing at? I mean sure, Fatima is not mine but she came here with me. That counts for something, doesn't it?

Fatima: As I was saying Zac - (gets cut off by Brian once again)

Brian: Fatima, may I call you Fatima?

Zac (ready to lose it): Brian! 

Before I could continue, the waitress interrupts us with our drinks.

Waitress: I have a Tart-Cherry Hibiscus Refresher and Hennessey neat here.

Fatima: I'm the Hibiscus Refresher.

Zac: Hennessey.

The waitress places our drinks in front of us and I feel Fatima's hand on mine squeezing. I looked up to meet her eyes and she had a look that I interpreted to be a pleading look. I take a deep breath and nod at her and she lets my hand go.

Right then, Preston stands to welcome everyone and make a toast.

Preston: Ladies and Gentlemen. Today is a momentous occasion, one that marks a significant milestone in the journey of our company. As we stand here today, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible team that has made this achievement possible.