The Royal Contract

"I want an update of all the files placed on my desk early Monday morning," Alex ordered the team that was handling their new requisition. "If there are no more matters that needed my attention, we can adjourn for the night."

It was already late, and he was sure that his people were dying to leave this room. He, himself, could not wait to see his people gone so that he could also dash out of the office.

He was already itching to see Dani, who already texted him several times earlier, saying that she missed him already. He could already imagine the way her face would light up once she saw him walking into the room.

"Sir, there are some issues that we need to address regarding the substandard materials that our suppliers delivered last week." The one in charge of the procurement stated. "I suggest we change to another supplier after such an irresponsible mistake."

"Did the matter got resolved immediately?" Alex asked, not wanting to make any haste decision on the matter. At the same time, he was hoping that he would not have to deal with it tonight.

"Yes, Sir. But it still cost us certain lost because of the time wasted because of the mishap." His man reiterated his findings.

"Well, let me decide on it next week after I carefully review all the facts," Alex told him. 

In his opinion, it was not an urgent matter that needed his attention right away. It would be better to decide on its fate when his mind was fresh and not distracted.

At the moment, he was concerned that Dani was not answering his calls. But maybe she was just busy, or like most of the time, left her phone off or in silent mode. He figured as he readied himself to leave the conference room.

"If there is nothing else urgent, then all of you may go," Alex announced in the room. Fortunately, Marcus was not part of the meeting. He did not need another distraction to his plans.

He quickly returned to his office to get his things. "Just sent me only important and urgent messages. The rest hold it till Monday. I won't be in tomorrow." He told his secretary.

Since their company was conducting several projects, at the same time, some of his staff had to work overtime on a Saturday, including him. But he decided that this weekend would be different.

He wanted to surprise Dani with a weekend getaway. He missed pampering her with his time and giving her surprises. That included the one in his hand right now. He quickly got out of his office in a sprint, hoping to see her, not soon enough.

Back at the apartment, Dani felt so relax and refresh after her long bubble bath. She chose a simple light dress for their dinner. She only wanted comfort and not to feel overdressed inside her apartment.

I'm on my way. 

That was the only text she received a few minutes ago, coming from him. But there were several missed calls that she failed to answer because she was in the bathroom. 

She texted him back, saying that she was already waiting. But her nerves were already on edge with excitement. She could not wait to see him and give him her surprise. She hoped that he would like it.

The knock on the door alerted her of his arrival. She could not help but smile at the gift that she had stashed away for him later. She quickly moved to the door to answer it.

"Hi." He quickly said when she opened the door.

To her surprise, she was not able to reply fast enough. Her mind was not expecting to see the man in front of her.

"I'm sorry to bother you." He apologized with his hand, palm flat on his chest and with a boyish grin. "But I was hoping if you can help me."

"It's no problem. What do you need, Troy?" She wondered why he was knocking at her door at this time of night. 

She usually only saw him in the morning in the few times that they jogged together and the other night in his club. So, she was slightly startled to see him now.

"I'm truly sorry for being a bother, but I am hoping if I can borrow a few tablespoons of sugar. I forgot that I already run out of stock, and I badly need my coffee before I leave and drive." He showed her the cup that was in his hand.

"Oh." She suddenly felt relieved that it was nothing serious. "Sure, come in. Let me give you some." She opened her door for him to step inside.

"You have a cute apartment. Clean and organized, unlike mine." Troy stated as he looked around her living room.

"Thank Jacky for that. She usually does most of the cleaning." She spoke to him over her shoulders as he followed her to the kitchen.

"Oh, I hope I am not about to disturb anything." He said, seeing the beautifully arranged table with flowers and candles on top.

"Oh, yes. Alex is coming over tonight. I plan to surprise him." She explained the reason for the setup. "Let me have your cup." She extended her hand to grab the cup. 

"Ok." He handed it to her as he stood by the counter.

Once in her hold, she slowly put one teaspoon of sugar in it. "I'm sorry, but how sweet do you like your coffee." She asked before she scooped more to his cup.

"Just two scoops." He checked her measurement and nodded on the second teaspoon. "Perfect."

Simultaneously, the door to her apartment opened. "Dani, are you here?" She recognized the voice as he entered her apartment. 

Immediately, Dani answered him. "I'm in the kitchen." She hollered at him.

"Why is your door open? Are you alright?" He asked as he walked past the living room towards the direction of her voice. 

He only stopped when he finally saw Dani standing behind the counter, and her neighbor stood on the other side.

"You remember Troy." Dani suddenly felt awkward with Troy and Alex standing in her kitchen.

She knew that she had nothing to be guilty about since she did nothing wrong. But from the expression on Alex's face, she suddenly felt like she was about to be put on a firing squad.