Chapter 1014 - Relationships (4) (1/2)
Charlie is observing Emma who offered to get more food items for the two of them. He is not in the wheelchair, but she still treats him as a disabled.
Charlie remembered how earlier that week Sarah reminded him that he should tell Emma how he feels.
He came up with a plan to start taking Emma out for meals, with an addition of flowers and occasional gifts. Nothing too expensive because he does not want to scare her off, but to start with something small… a keychain, maybe. And then to work his way up.
But all his plans got out of order when his uncle, Jarred, told him that it's time for Charlie to go back to work and into the circle as well.
”You had four months to play around. I need you to come back and take over so that I can retire in peace… Maybe Jeffrey White can keep his business matters contained in a window from nine to five on weekdays, but you are not him, and you need to work on your network until you establish yourself…”, Jarred told him with an expression witch conveyed that there is no room for negotiations.
Another thing that stirred Charlie is that his uncle 'recommended' three girls. They are all from families of big business partners for Smithsonite corp., and a relationship (and a marriage) to any of them would be beneficial in firming up Charlie's position.
”I'm not telling you to get married.”, Jarred clarified his intention. ”I'm asking you to get to know them and see if you like any of them…”
This was one thing that Charlie didn't want to agree on. ”Uncle, I am not interested in any girl other than Emma.”
”Hmph! I'm not saying she is not a good girl, but why are you rejecting others if you didn't meet with them yet?”, Jarred protested but he allowed Charlie to explain further. He was curious to see what will Charlie say about Emma to defend his right to pursue her.
Charlie was relieved when Jarred accepted the view that even though Emma does not have an influential family background, she has a lot of influential friends. All three Hill sisters are close to her which means Orion Enterprise, and one of them is Mrs. White. Emma is also close to Ellie who recently got engaged to Jasper Kiani who is currently leading K Industries.
”She can be added to the list of promising candidates.”, Jarred agreed with a smirk.
Jarred liked that Charlie stood up for something. Even if that something is a girl.
From Charlie's point of view, all this means that he does not have much time. If he does not make Emma his officially, his uncle (and potentially other family members) will start recommending other girls to him forcefully, and he is NOT interested in any other than Emma.
Emma returned with two plates full of food.
”I was not sure what you want, so I got a little bit of everything.”, she said with a smile.
”What I want?” Charlie glanced at the plates and then turned to face Emma. She is as beautiful as ever, relaxed and smiling. And in this light her warm brown hair shines in red hues. Charlie steeled himself. It's now or never. ”I want you to join me next Saturday.”
Emma raised her eyebrows while wondering, why is he sounding so official? ”What is next Saturday?”
”There is an event. Food, dancing, socializing. I want you to come as my date.”
Emma's expression stiffened. ”An event? Formal?”
He didn't want to lie to her. She will find out anyway. ”Dress code is set. But you don't need to worry about it, I will make sure you have a dress and everything else... You only need to keep your Saturday evening open.”
One more point came to Emma's mind, but she was not sure if he realized what he said… and if he said it in the same way she thinks that it should be used. ”As your… date?”