Page 41 of After Hours

Yeah, I loved it there.

Dillon

As the memory of that kiss with Azzarria continued to haunt me, I couldn’t help but wonder about her motives. I dreamt about her, I accidentally called my housekeeper her name and I even opened her messages with the thought of texting her. I didn’t though, but I thought about it and that was enough to send me off the deep and.

Why had she ran away from me? Despite the confusion, I had a seminar to attend, and I was eager to shift my focus and it was good to be away from the office for a day.

Arnoldo and Mikkel, my reliable friends, met me for the day’s event. Arnoldo was here on a legal standpoint as he’s always present at these things, he’s my lawyer after-all and Mikkel was here because he’s my driver. I had no problem driving but he said he wanted to be here, so who am I to stop him?

Ronan was to be here but he had back to back patients.

The seminar revolved around the technology program and scholarships we were awarding to gifted children. It was a cause I was passionate about, and I couldn’t wait to see the impact it would make.

Navigating through the crowded venue, a reporter approached me. She asked me about my involvement in the scholarships and the main focus. I responded by telling her that the seminar’s centered around our technology program and the scholarships we’re offering. We discussed the impact of technology on society and how nurturing young talent in this field can drive innovation. Of all the things I’ve been asked today, these questions were the most on target and topic.

The interview continued, delving into the seminar’s various discussions and the broader implications of supporting youth in the field of technology.

We delved into a brief yet informative conversation about the scholarships and the importance of nurturing young, talented minds. The reporter diligently jotted down notes while occasionally flashing me a flirtatious smile.

As the interview concluded, we moved away from the reporter, and I couldn’t help but notice a sly smile on Arnoldo’s face. “You certainly have a way with the press, don’t you?”

Raising an eyebrow, I wasn’t surprised by Arnoldo’s observation. “It comes with the territory, Reyes.”

Mikkel, who had been eavesdropping on our conversation, chimed in. “But it seemed like you weren’t the only one doing the charming back there.”

Arnoldo chuckled, his self-satisfied grin intact. “It’s all part of the game, my friend. You know how it goes.”

Mikkel and I exchanged knowing glances, and I couldn’t resist a light-hearted tease. “Manwhore.”

“At least I’m not single.”

“At least we possibly don’t have STD’s.”

He gasped. “Firstly, I’m tested every three months, and secondly, both of you are single. Ronan, Lucio and Alex are the only taken ones.”

“And Bryce,” Mikkel added.

“Him too, but he’s barely our friend.”

Silence filled the space and then laughter ensued, momentarily easing the tension that had lingered from earlier.

The seminar carried on, featuring inspiring discussions and the announcement of scholarship recipients.

As the event came to a close, we left. Mikkel dropped Arnoldo off and we continued driving around the city.

“Where to?” Mikkel asked as we stopped at the four-way crossroads.

“Equinox.”

I didn’t exercise very often, nor was I going there to exercise.

The complex has three different floors. The first two were the gym, but the top floor was one of my bars, and this month has been about going to my establishments and being present, as Arnoldo kindly put it.

Aside from owning that one floor, I owned the whole complex. My grandfather gifted it to me in his will. I held equal amounts of love and disdain for the man. He was the most callous person I’d ever met, yet I admired him profoundly. I respected him in every way, even as I despised his actions.

The majority of the Xander family’s assets had been inherited from my grandfather and subsequently enhanced by me.

Mikkel seemed puzzled as he stared at me through the rear view mirror. He knew I hadn’t visited that location since my grandfather’s passing. Even during meetings or new opportunities, I would send a representative. But today, I had to.

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