“OMNISCIENT NARRATOR”
Mr. Blackwood dropped his glass and readjusted his position. “Ratan, now that we have concluded on your deal, I would like to make a proposition of my own, but completely distinctive from what we have just discussed.”
Mr. Singh nodded. “Sure, I would love to hear it. Anything that brings income and strengthens our business relationship is welcome, my friend.”
Maxwell smiled. “Okay… So as you know, I've been expanding my operations further in the mining and production of raw materials. I've recently acquired a particularly promising diamond mine in the heart of Botswana. The quality of the stones is exceptional, and I believe they have the potential to yield a significant profit.”
Mr. Ratan Singh hummed. “Intriguing, Maxwell. But what does this have to do with me?” he asked curiously.
“Well you see, I'm offering you a partnership. I believe that your expertise in the jewelry industry would be invaluable in bringing these diamonds to market. Together, we could create a line of jewelry that is both exquisite and profitable.” Mr. Blackwood explained.
“I must admit, Maxwell, your proposal is tempting. But I'm not sure if I'm the right man for the job. I'm more of a jeweler than a businessman. I don’t know if that even makes sense but I know little about the raw material and its market.”
Maxwell Blackwood made a hand signal, like waving off his opinion. “Nonsense, my friend. You have a keen eye for beauty and a deep understanding of the Diamond Jewelry market, so you can as well expand it to the raw material itself. I have no doubt that you would be a valuable asset to this venture.”
“Well, Maxwell, you certainly know how to flatter a man. But I'll need some time to consider your offer.”
“Of course, my friend. Take all the time you need. But I hope you'll give my proposal serious thought. I believe it has the potential to be a truly remarkable collaboration.” Mr. Blackwood urged, he knew he needed bigger investors if he wanted to pull this off.
“Sure I will, Maxwell. I promise you that. And in the meantime, let's raise a glass to friendship and the possibility of future endeavors.”
The conversations between the two business tycoons were moving swiftly, slowly becoming personal as they had nothing else to discuss Business-like, but then Mr. Singh received a call that his attention was needed elsewhere and it was an emergency, so he had to leave.
Mr. Blackwood became bored after a while, he turned towards Anna who had been quiet for a while now and she seemed to be busy on her phone, she had a smile on her face and so Maxwell guessed that she was having a good time, he decided to let her be.
He could already feel the alcohol melting his body on the inside and so he relaxed and began watching a movie on his phone. It was still early evening hours, there was no hurry to get back to New York.
An hour later, he was done with the movie and wanted to start going. He wondered why Anna hadn’t started pestering him about leaving as it was past seven pm already but he got the answer to his question when he turned to his side and saw her sleeping with her head on the table.
“Great!” he mumbled with a look of disappointment. “I know you have not been in such an expensive environment but you don’t need to sleep here,” he said loudly, hoping to wake her.
But Annabel did not stand up or react, he called her name twice but when she didn’t respond, he was forced to touch her shoulders. Annabel groaned like a child and sat up.
“Whattt…” she whined.
“Don’t what me, it is time to go.” Mr. Blackwood said and stood up.
“Go? Go where?” she groaned again.
“Oh good lord, are you drunk?” he asked abruptly as the realization dawned on him.
He immediately lifted her bottle and his jaws dropped when he realized that she had almost finished the long bottle of White Russian. Did she think it was fruit juice?
“Drunk?” Annabel scoffed and chuckled. “No, I am not.” She laughed.
“Yes, you clearly are. Fuck! How do we go back to New York if you are drunk?” he queried.
“What… What are you talking about? I… I am fine,” she stuttered in a tipsy voice and lay down her head on the table again.
Mr. Blackwood growled lightly and began pacing around the table in confusion. He knew he couldn’t take her out of the hotel like this or stories will be told, even if he made it past the prying eyes, the media and the police. What happens if she is still tipsy by the time they get to New York?
He could easily find her address but what if she stays alone? How would he manage to keep her safe there till she was back to consciousness? The only option was to keep her there till she was fine, but that might mean that they would have to spend the night here in Jersey.
“Alright come here, let's get you inside.” Mr. Blackwood said and walked back to her, holding her up. “Let's go back to the room.”
“The room? But I want to stay here…” she whined.
“Well, you can't. Now get up,” he ordered and pulled her up.
Annabel immediately held on to him for support. “I can't feel my legs,” she complained.
“That is because you are drunk, why did you have to drink, huh? Couldn’t you just accept being boring and save me this stress?” he queried, clearly vexed. “You are not so tough when you are drunk.”
He knew he was to be blamed for this, he had pushed her too hard but she also had some portion of the blame, because why did she stop? It was White Russian, not coconut juice.
Mr. Blackwood cursed out loud as he grabbed her handbag, then he made her hand her arm around his neck but she couldn’t make five steps in ten minutes. Feeling frustrated, he had no other choice than to carry her on his back. This was going to be a very long night!!