"Alright." John nodded slowly but with finality. "Give twenty-four hours. I’ll have my team review the docunts. If the numbers hold up, I’ll send a revised draft for approval."
"That’s fair," Gray replied. He let out a sigh and nodded.
’That’s a better response than no. At least I got a chance.’ He thought as he continued to show a formal smile on his face.
Aaron, who was still seated to the side, began collecting the pages John had looked through. His hands moved quickly, his eyes flicking between the pages and Gray like he wanted to ask sothing but knew better than to interrupt.
John stretched his arms slightly and loosened the top button of his collar, the formal look in his posture was finally relaxing. The eting had gone well and there was no ti wasted.
Now that their agenda was done, the atmosphere in the private room also beca lighter.
"I’ll admit," John said as he sat back down, this ti with less formality, "it’s not every day I walk into a eting expecting a basic review and end up getting hit with a full-scale negotiation file."
Gray gave a short laugh. "Sorry if that caught you off guard."
"No, no." John chuckled as he waved his hand dismissively. "It’s actually a pleasant surprise. I heard that you’re still new, but I didn’t expect you to be this prepared. It’s really nice looking at it"
"I appreciate that," Gray said. He pulled his chair in slightly, settling more comfortably. "I’m still new and not that experienced so I figured I’d better not co to this eting half-ready."
"That’s good. At least, you’re learning aren’t you." John let out a soft chuckle.
"Yeah, I’m also surprised at how smooth our conversation went." Gray smiled a little.
"So, how are you finding it? Is It nice or challenging?"
Gray shook his head. "Definitely challenging." He answered, followed by a soft sigh.
John smiled at that, nodding. "Well, you handled it well. If your branch keeps up this trajectory, I don’t doubt we’ll be seeing more of each other."
"That’s the plan." Gray paused, then added, "And honestly, I’m hoping we can build sothing steady, a good working relationship."
John gave him a knowing look. "We’ll see, but I’m also looking forward to it.
"That’s good," Gray said. "It’s a partnership at the end of the day."
"Glad we’re on the sa page." John turned his head slightly. "Oh right, I want to introduce soone to you."
"Aaron."
The younger man flinched like he’d just been caught daydreaming. He quickly straightened up and looked at them.
"This is Aaron," John said, motioning toward the younger man. "He’s working under for now. It’s part of a training rotation."
Aaron quickly gave a bow.
"It’s a pleasure to et you, Mr. Adams."
"Just Gray is fine," he said, offering a hand.
Aaron shook it, still looking slightly tense. His grip was firm, but Gray could still feel the tension in his fingers.
"You don’t need to be nervous," Gray said casually, offering him a reassuring smile. "We’re just talking."
"Thank you, sir," Aaron replied quickly. Then, realizing his mistake, he corrected himself, "I an—thank you, Gray."
John chuckled under his breath. "He’s still new. Been with us just under two months."
"No worries," Gray replied easily. "I’m also new."
"Yes, Gray." Aaron uttered, still nervous but was trying his best to not show it.
That made both Gray and John laugh.
"Well, then I guess we’re all learning together," John said with a grin. "Anyway, I don’t know about you two, but I haven’t eaten yet. I was in another eting this morning, so I skipped lunch."
"Oh," Gray blinked. "You want to order sothing?"
"Yes, let’s order," John nodded, already reaching for the small nu card by the side of the table. "Let’s keep the conversation going over so food. We might as well enjoy the rest of the ti."
Gray nodded. However, on the inside, he was imdiately regretting it.
’Shit. I just had lunch. A full one too,’ he thought grimly, picturing the grilled sea bass and roasted vegetables that were still sitting happily in his stomach.
"Sure. Sounds great." Still, he smiled politely, even though on the inside, he was crying.
Knowing how important this was, he couldn’t exactly say no.
John waved a waiter over, and soon they were placing orders. Aaron quietly asked for a simple pasta dish, while John went for steak and salad.
Gray, unsure of what wouldn’t push him over the edge, settled on a bowl of clam chowder.
Just sothing small.
"Are you just ordering soup?" John frowned when he saw it.
"Uh... yeah."
"Why? Don’t be shy, Gray. I know that our eting took a ti. Don’t worry. It’s my treat."
"Uh—"
Gray was about to say no, when John personally ordered for him.
"2 orders for the steak please."
"No need for it, John. I’m fu—"
"It’s fine, Gray. I insist. Don’t worry."
"dium rare for the two of us." John motioned to the waiter, leaving Gray speechless on the side.
’Fuck...’
Gray kept his polite smile plastered on as the waiter scribbled down the order and left the room, but inside?
He was dying.
’What the hell... I should’ve just ordered coffee...’ he thought, staring blankly at the water glass in front of him.
He didn’t know what was worse—the idea of offending John by refusing a free steak... or dying slowly at the table trying to eat a second full lunch while his stomach was already near capacity.
’I should’ve just had half the damn fish. Why did I finish the plate? I even ate a dessert..’
He shifted in his seat slightly, loosening his tie just a little. He also patted his stomach secretly.
Across the table, John seed relaxed now. He was scrolling through sothing on his phone while making a casual remark to Aaron about an upcoming trade show next month. anwhile, Aaron was nodding seriously like his life depended on understanding it.
Gray, on the other hand, was ntally preparing himself for war.
’Alright... okay... worst-case scenario, I’ll just eat half the steak and pretend I’m pacing myself. That’s reasonable, right? That’s a thing people do?’
He glanced at his phone briefly and pretended to check sothing, but in reality, he was giving himself a silent pep talk.
’Focus, Gray. You can get through this. Just... chew slow."
After a few minutes, the door opened again. And the sll of grilled at hit the air. When he saw the steak, his eyes widened at how massive they were.
’God help .’
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