Robert Philip Route-Chapter 3

                I came to a bar longue in the basement with Mr.Robert. I’ve some here several times with Father before; it seems like a different place when I’m with Mr.Robert. We sat on a couch. I looked up Robert’s face and he was looking around the bar.

Robert: “…”

Clara: (Something is bothering him) “What’s going on Robert?”

Robert: “No, I’m sorry. I know I’m the one who invited you but I feel a little nervous.”

                Robert smiled like a boy and I blushed.

Clara: “I’m surprised my parents asked you to pick me up just to have some alone time.”

Robert: “They must be happy because you’re considering accepting the offer. Mike is also coming back soon. It is delightful.”

                I looked down because I heard my brother’s name. I sipped the martini glass in front of me so he wouldn’t notice I was upset.

Cara: “I feel like I need to apologize.”

Robert: “For… what?”

Clara: “If I were stronger, I wouldn’t need to trouble you like this.”

Robert: “It’s natural that you feel anxious. My duty is to make you feel confident. Be ready, I’ll train you to make you feel strong and confident.”

                He was being cheeky and made me laugh.

Clara: “Haha.”

Robert: “Did I say anything strange?”

Clara: “No, it reminds me of the first time I came to the Jones. I was an ordinary girl who didn’t know what to do, and you told me the exact same thing.”

Robert: “Oh… did I say the same thing? My vocabulary must be poor.”

Clara: “Because of you I could gain some confidence. Though, there’s still a lot to learn.”

Robert: “You’re doing very well, Miss. I know this will be different when you become the executive. But you’ll be helping not only your father but also Mike. We can do it well if we work together.”

Clara: “Yes…!”

                Mr.Robert’s warm and kind words always encourage me.

Clara: (Mr.Robert’s been  helping me ever since. I don’t want to let him down.)

Robert: “Would you like to order something else? You must be hungry.”

Clara: “Oh yes. I’ll take…”

???: “I’d like some paninis.”

                Suddenly I heard a voice from behind. It was Johannes resting n his cheek in his hands.

Clara: “You’re Johannes…!”

                Johannes jumped over the backrest and sat with me.  He is the son of the BYC Data CEO. The company has business with some group companies of Jones Corp. we often meet at mutual parties.

                Robert smiled and said gently.

Robert: “Mr. Gilbert. What a pleasant surprise.”

Johannes: “What the hell are YOU doing here with the lady? You two stand out. I came here because I heard there was a good looking couple, but I didn’t expect to see you. Yeah, you’re a beauty alright.”

Clara: “I’m not beautiful… and we’re not a couple.”

Robert: “You’re so pure and innocent so a guy like Mr. Gilbert doesn’t leave you alone.”

Clara: “Huh… Mr… R, Robert…?!”

                Johannes held my hand softly. At the same time Mr. Robert grubbed my other hand firmly.

Robert: “No thank you. Shall we leave, Miss?”

Clara: “Y… Yes…!”

                Mr. Robert stood me up and we left the bar quickly. I saw Johannes weaving his hand with a mean face on the way.

                Outside the bar, my uncle was about to get inside of a taxi. Robert picked up another taxi quickly and told the driver to go to my house.

Clara: “Don’t we need to follow him…?”

Robert: “I need to take you home first.”

Clara: “I know you were chasing him for a reason. So…”

Robert: “No, it’s okay. Another time.”

Clara: “Another time might not come!”

                I raised my voice and Robert was surprised.

Clara: “This s for Jones Corp. I want to go with you.”

Robert: “Miss…”

Clara: “I want to help you. I don’t know exactly what I can do to help but, I must do whatever it takes to save Jones.”

Robert: “Miss…”

                Mr. Robert stared at me with a surprised face.

Clara: “I want to be a help. I haven’t decided if I’ll be an executive but I want to help my bro… father.”

                I almost said the word brother. Looked straight at Mr. Robert, he looked confused.

Clara: “Mr. Robert, please.”

Robert: “But…”

Driver: “Hey, the car is leaving now.”

                The driver probably guessed what we were after from our conversation and told us so. Mr. Robert bit his lips and stared at the back mirror.

Robert: “Yes, please follow the car.”

                The driver moved the gear and started the car.

Clara: “…Thank you.”

Robert: “No, thank you for your concern.”

                Robert smiled and said nothing after that. He kept staring straight.

                We confirmed Uncle Sam got off the car and followed him after. The secretary and he looked intimate.

Clara: “Where are they heading to…?”

Robert: “Let’s go.”

Clara: “Y, yes.”

                Robert put his hand on my back with a grim face. I felt like our bodies were closer than usual.

Clara: (What’s going on with him? He’s thinking of something.) “Oh…”

                I gasped. When I turned the corner, I caught my uncle putting his hand over the lady’s waist. I felt heat flooding my face.

Clara: “What should I do…? I need to chase them.)

Robert: “Miss.”

Clara: “…”

                Robert whispered to quiet me down. His low and husky voice made my heart beat faster.

Robert: “Please stay close with me. They might notice us.”

Clara: “Oh…”

Robert: “Please forgive me I’m not someone more handsome. Let’s go.”

                Robert grubbed my shoulder and we started walking again.