Chapter 6

A few weeks later after her intense fight with Ethan, things were finally starting to calm down. Just in time for Ethan’s 31st birthday!

She starts her day with an important meeting with Ethan’s business partners as he was yet to arrive at the office. After the meeting, Isabella gathered together with the rest of the employees at the cafeteria. In spite the fact that her and Tyler had a high rank at the company, they still hanged around the other employees under them. “What do you think we should get him, Isabella? I see you're really close to Mr. Grayson.” Olivia spoke excitedly as she stared at Isabella for a response.

“Who? Me? No... I doubt that... you should ask Tyler, he's more closer to Mr. Grayson than I am.” Tyler raised a brow, gawking at her. “You know that’s not true Ms. Jonathan. These days you are--”

“Okayyy, it’s not about who's Mr. Grayson’s favourite. Now, let’s start with what kind of person he is.”

“Handsome,” lily admitted, sighing dreamily. Tyler couldn't help but laugh. “What? It’s the truth.” Lily stated nudging Tyler’s shoulder. “Grumpy, melancholic?” Olivia mentioned. Isabella palmed her face as she sighed. “You guys aren't helping. I admit what lily has said is kinda, sorta true. Olivia too but Mr. Grayson is also down to earth and hardworking. He likes simple, practical solutions and has a lot of common sense, so maybe.... A nice simple party, cooked meal and some gifts?” They all exchanged looks. “Now you believe why I told you you're really close to Mr. Grayson?” Olivia reminded her. Isabella gave Olivia a pointed look as Tyler threw his head back laughing heartily.

“Okay, back to business. We don't have any gifts,” Tyler spoke after he had restrained himself. “Olivia, Tyler and I are going to get some gifts for him while, lily and the rest plan the birthday party, it shouldn't be much, okay?” Lily nodded her head to her as she smiled. “You can count on me, ma’am.”

On their way out, Isabella excused herself to grab her jacket. She encounter with Ethan around the corridor leading to her office. “Good morning and happy birthday.” Ethan looks at her intensely. He already felt aroused. “Hope your morning is going great.” She contemplated whether to hug him or not but she decided not to. To be on the safe side. “Could've been better, Ms. Jonathan. How is your day going?”

She smiled as she nodded her head. “I do want to know your secret. For someone so ancient, you look pretty incredible.”

His eyes lingers on her for a moment too long before he restrained himself and cleared his throat. “I’ll see you later, Ms. Jonathan.” Ethan briskly walks away and she tries to shake off the suspicion that he didn't say thank you to her because he's trying to keep his distance....

Later that day, they walk down through a local farmer’s market. Isabella looked for inspiration for Ethan’s birthday dinner. “Alright, what ingredient should we get for his birthday dinner?”

“I don't know pizza? I like pizza.” Tyler shrugged his shoulder, and Isabella playfully punches his shoulder. “Or mozzarella sticks,” Olivia suggested, mouth watering. “Okay, I’m not sure we’ll be able to find those here. And I doubt Mr. Grayson would like that. C’mon Tyler, you know Mr. Grayson better than we all do. You have any suggestions?” Isabella asked, this time being serious.

“Well.... Mr. Grayson is a man with a sophisticated palate. You can't go wrong with a gourmet meal made from fresh ingredients...” Tyler finished speaking and glanced at his wrist watch. “We are surrounded by fresh ingredients...” Isabella walked further into the market. “But he’s also a man who appreciates the simple things in life,” he spoke again tailing behind her. “I've been to business trips, restaurants with him. You can't go wrong either way.”

“In that case... the chef will make something down home. Lets make it simple, but delicious. A basic appetiser with yummy homemade burgers, huh? What do you think, Olivia, Tyler?”

“Burger? I’m an expert on burgers!” Tyler cheers as they stopped by a vendor. “Then let’s get started.” Isabella starts putting ingredients in the basket as Tyler and Olivia followed close behind. And before they know it, they were back in Tylers car, heading back to the company. After getting Ethan some gifts.

Isabella fiddled with the box wrapped with an enticing paper. She heaved a sigh, hoping Ethan would like her gift. “Okay I am 100 percent sure Mr. Grayson is going to like this. At least we’ll see him smiling today.” Isabella glanced at Tyler and smiled. “Are you always joking about everything?” Tyler let’s out a hearty laugh as his gaze never left the road. “We all know that’s true, right Olivia.”

“I have to admit. I’ve been working at Grayson Enterprises for three years now and I can count the times I've seen that man smile. He's always looking stern!”

Later that night, after the cafeteria chefs has done what Isabella has asked for, everyone helped out with the decorations and preparations in the cafeteria. They finished the decorations and there was nothing to do but to wait for the chefs to finish cooking.

“What time is Mr. Grayson getting here? Do we still have time to get ready?” Lily asked. Tyler gave her a puzzled look. “I'm not changing into anything. I still look fresh and clean.” Tyler dusted his shoulder. Isabella rolled her eyes and looked away. “I'll go get ready, I'll be back soon and try not to touch anything, Tyler.” Isabella saunters out with Tyler ranting at her.

Isabella briskly changed into a pink glamorous pink dress which has a slit at front. “Hopefully this is ‘fancy’ enough for the party... and Ethan.” She sauntered out and headed back to the cafeteria which was beautifully adorned with balloons and ribbons. “Isabella, you look beautiful!” Tyler complemented. “Almost as charming as me,” Olivia cheered twirling around in her alluring dress. Isabella chuckled and straighten Olivia’s hair. “You all look glamorous.” Isabella commented looking around.

The sound of Mr. Grayson’s voice out the door interrupts her. “Is that Mr. Grayson? He's not supposed to be back yet!”