Page 4 of Tyrant

“We haven’t even launched yet and I am still waiting on my Japanese investor to sign the deal. Moreover, it will be launched in Japan and US first. Where is this store?”

“Dubai.”

“I don’t know. Japan was supposed to be our Asian launch.”

“Look babes, it’s not just one store. My cousin and his husband own a chain of stores in Dubai, London and some other place I don’t even know.”

My eyes bulged. “You’re talking about your cousin Ian?”

“Yes!”

“Oh my God. It’s Italy, you idiot. He also owns a store in Italy!”

“Oh, I forgot you knew Ian. So, you also know his husband, Alex.”

I put down my fork. “Have you been smoking weed or something? What do you mean, ‘so you also know his husband Alex’?” I mimicked. “Giiirrrllll, stop playing. You romp too much!” I said when I noticed the twinkle in her eyes and the amused smirk.

“So, what do you think.?” she asked seriously.

“I suppose we can add them to the suppliers list. That would be so snatched!”

“Then it’s settled, you’re flying to Dubai this weekend for a meeting with Alex and to meet your new boyfriend.”

“You booked me a flight … what?” I almost choked on my oxtail. “Repeat that.”

“Yes, I booked you a flight to Dubai.”

“And?”

She lowered her eyes and took a bite of her food. “You’ll meet with Alex?”

“And?” She swallowed and took a long drink of her juice, mumbling under her breath. I nudged her and asked again. “And?”

“Alright, you’ll meet a new man from the Boyfriend Agency?”

“What Boyfriend Agency, and the hell you mean I’ll meet a new man?”

“I got you the perfect match and he’s in Dubai.”

I shook my head adamantly. “I’m not going to Dubai. You go and meet this man of yours.”

“I knew you’d say that. Hold on.” Linda reached into her handbag and grabbed her phone.

“Who you calling?”

“Aunt Beryl.”

I grabbed for her phone. “You wouldn’t!”

“I’ll do anything to get you away from Gary and married to the ideal man. Should I call my auntie? She already knows about this, and she’s prepared to drag you there if she must.”

I pointed a finger at her nose and scrunched my face. “I swear, you’re gonna pay for that, and all this.” I swept my hand across the table indicating our lunch. “And I want dessert!”

Usually, we split the bill whenever we went out unless otherwise indicated beforehand, or on special occasions. Today I was acting like it was my birthday and it was her treat. She was blackmailing me with her aunt who I could never say no to and that wasn’t fair at all.

“I swear, I’ll get you back, Linda McCoy.”

Chapter 3

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