Cairo: This will be a dinner meeting to take place this evening. 6:00 p.m. At Nick's + Stef's Steakhouse. Remember to be calm, confident, be yourself, and bring your work to life.

I received this text at about 1:30 this afternoon. Thankfully, I had the day off and could mentally prepare. Now to decide on an outfit. Finally, I settled on a black fitted tank top that was lacey on the stomach. Fitted black slacks. A fitted black blazer.

I wrapped my bouncy blonde curls into a low, elegant bun. Decided to leave a few pieces in the front hanging. I have never been one for a lot of makeup. Settled on mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick. I went with a dark nude color. Beige Champagne. Nice. I pulled out my phone and took a photo in the full-length mirror and sent it to Cami...

Cami: Look at that hot momma! Can I be your date?

Me: Not a DATE Cami.

Cami: If that hunky CEO is there guess what. It is a date.

Me: Business meeting Cami.

Cami: Alright, Alright. Still, you know you would take a bite out of him if you could.

Me: CAMI!!!!

Cami: It is the truth and you know it. Now go out there and knock them dead Babes. You got this.

I grab the portfolio I created and headed out. I waited five minutes before walking inside. The hostess gave a toothy smile.

"Welcome."

"Yes, I am here with the Wilde party."

"Yes, they just arrived. Please, follow me."

Raven keeps it together. You got this. you have done this a million and one times to Lorraine. The hostess walked me to a large booth where on one side was Cairo and on the other a young beautiful woman. Business. Business.

"Do you mind?" I asked looking at Cairo.

"Not at all."

He scooted over for me to sit. Butterflies flew through my stomach. Not because I was presenting a design to a possible client but because I was sitting so close to this grey-eyed handsome man. Please, do not forget to breathe.

"Hi, my name is Amelia."

"I am Raven. Nice to meet you."

I shook her hand as a young waiter walked up to our table.

"What can I get you this evening?"

Thank God I already looked at the menu in the car. Thank you, Google.

"Do you need a minute?" Cairo whispered in my ear sending shivers down my spine.

"No."

Amelia was the first to start. "First, I will have your Lobster Bisque to start. Then I will have your salmon with sauteed spinach and a glass of chardonnay."

Cairo nodded at me to go next. "Yes to start I would like your chopped salad. Then the Chicken Milanese. A dark and stormy cocktail for me, please."

Cairo finished it off. "Yes. for starters your slap bacon, then an 8oz filet mignon with truffle oil fries, then an old fashion."

"I will get these in right away." The waiter then hurried off.

I could put Cairo's voice on repeat as my lullaby.

"So, while we dine. What have you come up with Ms. Raven?"

I handed her the leather portfolio for her to look at as I spoke.

"As you can see on the first page it is a 2-d sketch of the surface of your store. Marking where things will be. On the second page, puts your details that were sent through the email into play. Classy with secret Sassy. This will be the first floor. Where you hold the classy, elegant, normal styles of lingerie. The checkout area is straight ahead from the door on the back wall. Allows viewing access to the entire floor for the employee. As you can see there are elegant staircases off to each side."

I gave her a moment to look over the design.

"This will lead you to the third page. The top floor is set up like the bottom floor except this is where you keep the sassier lingerie and items you have in the store. Another cash register as well. That way if you have any in-closet kinks, they have privacy."

Another moment to look over the second design.

"On the last page, there is a comparison of your gross numbers and the monthly revenue of the new store. With the extra floor and more surface area which leads to more products. With this design, it will raise your monthly profit by at least sixty percent."

I could see Cairo's eyes staring directly at me as I finished speaking. Amelia looked shocked and in awe of the designs. secretly, hoping that this is a good sign.

"You did all this in three hours?" she asked

"Yes, ma'am."

"Well however much he is paying you, I will triple it."

My jaw dropped in her statement but Cairo glared daggers at her as she handed him the portfolio to go through himself.

"I think I will be fine where I am. Thank you for the offer though."

"Can't blame a girl for trying. I am sold. I love the design and I want it."

Internally I was extremely proud of myself and could not help but smile trying to keep myself from jumping up and down.

"Seriously, you have a great talent here Cairo."

"That I do Amelia."

I tried my hardest to keep from blushing. We began eating the wonderful dinner talking about the designs and Amelia's plan for her store.

As we were finishing dinner I saw two people walking past our table that I did not want to see. Shane and Beth. My heart dropped into my stomach and I instantly felt sick.

"Please excuse me for a moment," I said to Amelia and Cairo before walking to the ladies' room.

I leaned against the sink taking deep breaths. I patted my face down with a cool damp paper towel. Made sure to regain my composure before exiting the bathroom.

I felt a rough pull at my arm causing me to lean against the wall to not lose my balance. I turned to the source and of course my luck.

"What do you think you are doing Shane?"

"Me. Why are you here Raven?"

"That is not your concern."

"What are you doing sitting by that man?"

"Shane, let me go."

"Not until you answer me."

"That is not your business. Seriously did you not just walk in here with Beth of all people?"

"At least She makes me feel like a man."

"Get off of me now Shane. Stop before you cause a scene and embarrass me."

"Is everything okay here?"

I turned to see Cairo staring at the hold Shane has on my arm. Great this is embarrassing. I was able to pull my arm out of his hold while glaring daggers at Shane.

"No, He was just leaving."

I walked right passed Cairo and back to my seat. Out of all the nights, Shane has to pull this stunt. I swear my luck could not go any more wrong. As I returned to my seat Amelia was gathering her things.

"Sorry, I have to get going. Can you tell Cairo I said thank you for the dinner? Motherly duties to attend to. I look forward to working with you Raven."

"Of course. I look forward to it as well."

I waited awkwardly for Cairo to return.

"Where did Amelia go?"

"She said motherly duties to attend to."

"Of course. Now I have another proposal for you before the night ends. The paperwork is at the office if you are okay with that?"

"Sure. I will meet you there."