Chapter 7: Bathroom anxiety

The restaurant wasn't packed since it was morning. The two associates walked into the dining area, turning around to see rows of empty tables. Three tables were taken, and one of them was where the CEO of the Compskill Company sat. He waved at Nicolas, who grinned, walking towards him. Serene followed, looking around the place. It's been a week in this state and he's already being taken around, viewing new places and people. He's never been to a seafood restaurant so the smell was a bit confusing. It had a hint of coffee and fish - it made Seven feel ill.

"Morning, Mr.Hampton." Nicolas greeted, sitting on the brown cushioned seat," This is my assistant, Serene Ochoa."

Serene sat next to his boss, across the unfamiliar CEO.

"Serene?" he questioned. Seven cleared his throat, nodding as he noticed the expression of the CEO shift into an observation.

"I apologize for my feminine name." Seven commented. Though, he doesn't know exactly why he apologized. He believed people would be confused and probably distracted by it, so he wanted to put it out there that it wasn't his intention.

Mr.Hampton nodded slightly, turning around to call at the waiter. As Serene slouched a bit onto the chair, feeling the tension in his body, Nicolas leaned into his ear, whispering, "And feminine figure."

The assistant felt a lump develop in his throat, his eyes widening a bit at the comment, "Sir, please-"

Mr.Hampton turned towards them and grinned, "They'll be here shortly," he glanced at the assistant and narrowed his eyes, "Why the female name?"

This entire situation was off-putting. The comment that Nicolas whispered but unexpected to the assistant. It caught him off-guard if anything. He thought about it for a second, realizing that Nicolas was probably referencing to when Seven walked downstairs shirtless. Then, the CEO of Compskill asked that question.

Serene's eyebrows furrowed at the topic, "I'm sorry, but I don't find it necessary to respond to such a personal subject."

Mr. Hampton laughed," Of course. My regrets, but I just can't wrap my head around how a male can take on such a job where they take orders from another man."

Serene pouted a bit, disturbed by the comment. He wasn't surprised by the gender remarks when receiving this job, but when he puts it that way, it annoyed Serene. This job, to him, wasn't just taking orders. It was helping the higher person. It was standing by their side when they need the most help. Nicolas peaked at Serene, seeing him clench his fist, "It's a satisfaction to my spirit. Knowing that I'm helping a higher qualified person. Gender doesn't matter to me, Mr. Hampton. Even so, it was the only job that was open for the GamerCave company."

He smirked," Intelligent man." He turned to face Nicolas who stared at the menu that he held," Mr. Anderson, may I ask what this gathering is for?"

He didn't look up, "Go ahead and ask my assistant. I'm still deciding what I want."

Serene's mouth dropped slightly at how his boss responded to the man. It came off as carelessly. Seven was confused as to why Nicolas would answer his question in such an immature manner. It was like the assistant was witnessing a spoiled child talk back to his adults.

Mr.Hampton turned to Serene, his green eyes darting at his. His heart stopped for a moment, well, at least that's how it felt. Serene swallowed harshly, thinking about the information that Nicolas told him beforehand, "As a game company, Mr. Anderson wants you to give him 70% of the profit of your gaming computer."

His eyes widened, "70 percent?" he scoffed, bringing his hands together, "You must know where I stand in this. I have to object."

Mr. Anderson didn't reply. Serene turned to him, seeing that he hasn't even looked up from the menu. He frowned, seeing how Nicolas was just allowing him - trusting him to speak for him on the second day. He gazed back the Compskill CEO in front of him who waited impatiently, making Serene answer to his remark, "Mr.Hampton if there's a problem in the order then-"

"A problem? Of course, there's a problem. My company manufactures computers. I will decline to give your corporation 70 percent of my profit of a technology that you have nothing to offer."

Mr. Anderson dropped the menu and glanced up, "You're right, 70 percent is much too less."

"Too less? Have you gone mad? Is your company in a financial crisis of some kind? If so, I can't just hand you money from something you're not going to contribute with."

It went silent.

Serene believed that the boss that was sitting next to him would speak up, but he just gazed at Mr.Hampton with a smile. It was as if they were communicating telepathically, arguing back and forth. Serene's fists relaxed under the table, sighing, "If I can just.... simplify Mr. Anderson's reasoning."

The two glanced at Serene while the waitress approached the table," Sorry for the delay, what will be your order?"

The three of them neglected her, having the spotlight on the assistant, "This is your first time making a gaming computer, am I right?"

Mr. Hampton nodded.

"Well, I suspect, as Mr. Anderson's company is the only gaming organization in the entire state, you will need him to design video games for your computer." Serene cleared his throat, fearful that he might say something wrong, "The gaming company will have more participation in your computer after it's been manufactured. Therefore, this meeting is a prediction of the future for your device. Mr. Anderson, I suspect already had this argument in mind. You will need his company in order to sell your first gaming monitor. The percentage is, in my opinion, more realistic if it's at 70."

Nicolas crossed his arms, leaning back into his seat with a snarky grin. Mr. Hampton, however, stared at Serene with annoyance, "Can you summarize what you just said. You did talk remarkably fast." he asked.

Serene nodded," My fault. I talk quickly when I'm timid," he brought his hands together, rubbing his right palm with his left thumb, putting pressure on it to calm his anxiety, "To paraphrase, your gaming computer will need games obviously. Mr. Anderson's corporation is the only gaming company in the state. We can also offer you the GamerCave program in which allows customers to purchase our games online."

Serene exhaled softly, staring at Mr.Hampton who narrowed his eyes at him. It was unreal for Serene. His second day on the job and he's already having the tightness thrown at him. Nick didn't hint at him that he was going to be put in the spotlight. Seven didn't know what to say. Having Nicolas trust him to take charge of the meeting was unexpected. It was scary. His body quivered, feeling the glares of the ghosts that he imagined. He closed his eyes, standing up from his seat, ignoring the waitress who stood, smiling awkwardly, "Excuse me. I have to go wash my hands."

Nicolas stared at his assistant who rushed towards the bathroom. He frowned slightly, acknowledging that he probably made him nervous. Of course, he's done this with many of his assistants before, putting them on the spot to see how they react. Nicolas often did this to see what goes on in his assistant's head. It was enjoyable to observe whether they failed or not, but what Serene had stated...

it wasn't wrong. It was well said, making Nicolas impressed. Though, before, when he often did it, he enjoyed seeing the assistants tense up, but Nicolas felt guilty once Seven ran into the bathroom. Like he just embarrassed him.

Mr. Hampton sighed loudly, "I presume this meeting is over?"

Nicolas raised an eyebrow, not looking at the other CEO, "Indeed. I believe my assistant has said enough to convince you."

He nodded, "Yes, sir."

Nicolas stood from his chair, smiling down at Mr. Hampton, "I'll be off then."

He strolled past the waitress, feeling his heart race as he got closer to the bathroom. Passing by empty tables, his eyes directed to the door. He heard the running of water from inside the room. It got harder to breathe, now standing in front of the bathroom door. He inhaled strongly, relaxing a bit.

The CEO opened the door roughly [on accident] seeing Serene splash water to his face. Nicolas' eyes widen, seeing the slim boy standing across him. The assistant looked up at the mirror, water dripping from his face, his freckles becoming clearer. Serene looked at Nicolas' reflection from the mirror, noticing him standing by the entrance, "Mr.Anderson-" he spoke, standing straight, away from the sink.

Nicolas stepped forward, letting the door close from behind him. He felt the need to congratulate him for actually convincing Mr. Hampton on the first try. It was unexpected, and honestly, his past assistants have never said anything more similar to Nicola's ideas. He stared into Serene's eyes, not saying a word. His heart raced, his palms getting sweaty as he walked towards the three stalls in the bathroom, pushing them open to see if they were empty. Serene spoke quickly, watching his boss clear the bathroom, "Sir, can I just apologize to Mr.Hampton. I went off guard. I lost track of who I was talking to and-"

Nicolas stopped at the last stall, walking slowly to stop at Serene's tracks. His eyes narrowed, feeling a weight on his shoulders, pulling him down. The two stared at each other as if nothing else was around them. Nicolas felt his lips curve into a small smile, staring down at his assistant. He stepped forth, closing the space between them, pinning Serene against the wall.

His breath warmed Serene's slender neck, grabbing his wrist and lifting them above his head. The assistant's eyes were sealed, breathing harshly. He was vulnerable.

The CEO leaned closer to the assistant's neck, hearing a harsh gulp from him, making Nicolas close his eyes, knowing this wasn't what he was intended to do. It wasn't even thought out. Nick didn't mean to go this far. He didn't mean to get this physically close to him. It was like his body moved on his own, forgetting that he was doing this to his associate. Mr.Anderson stepped back, avoiding eye contact with Seven, "You're not in trouble, Ochoa." he spat out, shakily.

Seven didn't speak. He was frozen on the spot, his freckled cheeks glowing red. His heart dropped, legs becoming shaky.

"We're leaving. I'll drop you off at your loft. I'll be in the car." Nicolas spoke, turning away from Serene and walking towards the door, not saying anything else.

Serene exhaled deeply as if he held his breath the whole time. It was surprising. Confusing. He didn't know whether that was a punishment or congratulations. It wasn't something he'd expect on the second day of work. His legs finally gave up, sliding against the wall, staring at the wooden tiles.