Going Up - Now On Amazon

Chapter Twelve

I opened my mouth to say no, but before I could josh accepted the invitation.

“Great, I’ll have the staff move a few seats over.”

Nick walked back to his table and Josh looked at me, his eyes full of amazement.

“Wow, Dinner with the boss! This could be great for our careers” He exclaimed

I smiled, there wasn’t much else I could do. I didn’t want to stamp all over his dreams, or expose my own feelings by saying that I was pretty sure Nick inviting us over was all about me. It sounded conceited to even think it anyway.

“Miss, sir…. Your seats with Mr Jackson and Miss Ann are ready” a waiter said, interrupting my thoughts. Josh and I stood up and walked over.

“Roxy, Josh… Thank you for joining us” Nick said with a  smile

“Rox – “ Josh began, in a confused tone. I elbowed him to remind him who I was. As far as Amelia knew I was Roxy Levi. Not Sarah.

“So Mr Jackson – “ josh began

“Nick, please”

“Nick, thanks for inviting us over. I actually have some ideas to run past you about the website” Josh exclaimed.

I smiled, our ‘date’ had quickly turned into an idea pushing session, it didn’t bother me though, in fact I was more than grateful for the distraction from myself. I didn’t have to explain my platonic feelings for Josh just yet.

“Sounds great, we’ll schedule in a meeting about that tomorrow yeah?” Nick smiled

“That’ll be great, thanks Nick.” Josh replied, a wide grin spread across his face.

“I’ll be right back, I need to freshen up” Amelia announced, she stood up and headed off to the bathroom. The three of us sat there like awkward school kids. The conversation was non-existent.

“I might go order some drinks at the bar, uh… you guys want anything?” Josh asked standing

“We could call the waiter couldn’t we?” I questioned, dreading the thought of being left alone at the table with Nick.

“I don’t mind, Nick, would you like a drink?”

“Sure, rum and coke please.” Nick replied, turning his gaze to me

I looked away from him, and at Josh

“Whatever the wine we had at home last night, I’ll have that please.” I said finally, shifting in my seat failing miserably at hiding my discomfort.

Josh walked off to the bar and Nick and I were alone. I withheld the urge to sigh deeply and instead swallowed hard and looked back up at Nick. His eyes were hardened, and cold. He looked angry at me, now that we were alone.

“On a date huh?” Nick glowered

“It’s not really like that….” I started, my voice uneven, until suddenly I remembered he had no claim over me “Hold on, it’s actually none of your business” I said, frowning.

Nick laughed, but it wasn’t a happy laugh, it was more of an amused at the situation laugh.

“We both know that isn’t true Sarah.”

“Why did you invite us to your table? Actually, come to think of it, why did you come here tonight. I know about your deal with Josh. I know you asked him to befriend me, I know he had to use his favour to get the booking here tonight.”