Seven

Courtesy of the drinks, Olivia was pleasantly surprised with the compliment. She turned around to see her complimenter.

Behind her stood a very delicious looking male specimen. Equally appreciating the sight, she said with a playful grin. "What a pleasant evening today is."

"Indeed." He replied with a smile that tinged with laughter. "I wasn't expecting this encounter but it seems we're fated to meet after all. A very good evening to you, Miss Queneviere."

"Back at you, Mr Kingsley." Olivia greeted with a smile. Gein Kingsley, a very well-known tycoon within their world. Despite his considerably young age, he was one of the billionaires that control the business world. However, it was their first time meeting each other despite their relatively small circle of acquaintances, they had never met, only hearing of each other from the tall tell-tale. 

"I hope you wouldn't mind it if I sit next to you," he said as he graciously landed on the high stool next to her left. Within seconds, he was handed a drink.

"Sure, why not. And you look like you know your way around here anyway." Olivia stated with a raised brow.

Gein chuckled. With a crooked smile, he admitted, "Guilty as charged. I came here occasionally for events and gatherings, enough to be acquainted with the barkeep."

Olivia laughed and captivated the two men with her laughter. Gein snapped out of it quickly but the bartender was clearly still spell-bounded by her.

"You two looked very animated before. What were you talking about?"

Olivia took another sip. "About drinks. He works magic and I love all of it up to now."

"I'm curious." He started. When Olivia signaled him to continue, he asked, "How many glasses have you had, Miss Queneviere?"

"Olivia." She corrected. "Just call me Olivia. That sounds too stiff and tiring." Olivia complaint. "And I've drank about four.. or five maybe?"

"You're at your seventh glass, ma'am," the bartender corrected her.

"Yeah. That."

Gein was clearly astonished with her casual admission. Just how long had she been in the bar?

"I've been here for about an hour or so," she informed, as if she knew what crossed his mind.

"What were you having then?"

She thought for a while before answering. "Both signature glasses and a few more shots in between. Then he mixed me something new. It was great." She counted loosely. "Oh, and this one. You should try it."

Her expectant look urged him to have one. As he watched the bartender mixed it, he suspected that the drinks was rather strong and frowned.

How was she managing her drinks?

"Glacier, sir."

"Thanks." Gein said as he lifted the glass and took a careful sip. He was surprised by the drink's strong yet slightly light taste. "Wow."

"I know right. The taste gets better as you keep drinking." Olivia supplied.

"But isn't this a bit strong?" Gein asked just to gauge what she had been taking in. She didn't look perturbed at all with the drinks.

"Really? This was slightly milder than the previous one." She replied. Then she turned to Gein with a questioning look.

"No, I can perfectly handle this much," he laughed as he answered her questioning gazes. "I was simply wondering."

"Well then, I hope you got your answer Mr Kingsley," Olivia shrugged.

"I did, Olivia. And please, call me Gein."

Olivia eyed him. "Sure."

They fell into a companionable silence. Both with their drinks in hand, and their mind elsewhere.

From a distance, the bartender marveled at the two people sitting side-by-side with ease. And for his long years as a bartender, she was his first customer that he became that drawn towards that fast.

Who didn't know Olivia Queneviere, dubbed as the Queen of the business world.

And there she sat, and there he was in his usual post behind the counter, entertaining each other and talking like they were old friends.

The same could be said for Gein Kingsley, who, in his own right, rivaled Olivia's vicious reputation. He frequented the bar and they were acquainted rather closely. Gein would sometimes dropped by simply to have a small talk with him and leave after a glass.

They really amused and amazed him.

"What're you doing here, by the way?" Olivia broke the silence.

"A little escape. It was getting crowded in there. What about you?"

"I've been here since the beginning. There's a funny story actually. Wanna listen?" She asked with a hint of laughter.

"Sure," Gein gave way for her.

So she told him her story. From the moment she stepped in the hotel until he found her. "It's really funny when I looked back at it again."

Gein shook his head. No wonder she had been gulping all those glasses down. "I saw Faust looking troubled earlier. Maybe you should give him a call to tell him you're doing fine?"

"No. And I've told Carlos." She shrugged. "He'll handle the rest. I'm in no mood to enter the party anymore."

He raised a brow. A lofty grin lit up his face when he saw her masked look. "You're still angry."

"Duh!" She huffed exasperatedly. "He bloody baited me to come and left me all alone. At the entrance no less." She muttered in annoyance.

Gein laughed. Soon, Olivia joined him. It was a contagious one. When they had finally calmed down, he said, " I came by myself."

"And?" Olivia asked with a raised brow. She was enjoying her drink, something to clean her palate the bartender gave her.

"Will you do the honor of being my partner?"

"No."

Gein was expecting a quick reply but not a refusal. Especially a split second refusal. A frown creased his face and earned him a lilting laugh.

"I don't mean to offend you by refusing. I simply have no desire to step in anymore," Olivia explained herself to answer Gein's puzzled look.

"Don't worry, I was just surprised by how fast it cane." He went back to his drink.

In the silence, Olivia glanced to her side and took her chance to take in his profile while Gein was nursing his glass. In an immaculately tailored tan tuxedo and black shirt, he looked absolutely dashing. Even as he simply sat at the bar, he exuded power that she didn't feel often coming from people around her. Not many wore their confidence around them like a cloak after all.

That was when he returned her stare with his own glance.

"I'm hoping that you're enjoying the sight."

Olivia smiled and calmly averted her eyes. "I'd be damned if I blushed," she murmured playfully.

Gein chuckled. He did noticed her stares for a while but decided to let her have her share. He did, after all, had his share of staring. In a snug crimson long dress, she could get everyone's attention to linger. Her hair was styled in a high bun, revealing her bare neck, and with simple makeup that accentuated her beauty well.

"I'm blushing. Please stop it," she stated in mocked-shy voice.

"It did nothing to tarnish your beauty, don't worry."

"What a sweet talker you are, darling. I simply wish it wasn't just a passing thought." A breathtaking smile was given as she added, "Though I must say I don't dislike it."

"Glad to know you like it."

Once again, silence settled between them. Each was more comfortable to dwell on their own thought.

Then her phone rang. And again. And again. On the tenth consistent and consecutive ringing, she picked it up.

"I was wondering if you had somehow disappeared into thin air, Miss Olivia."

Sarcasm dripped like venom in Carlos's sickly sweet voice. Olivia laughed. "I haven't yet Carl. Don't worry."

"... You aren't drunk, are you?"

"I've never been drunk," indignation rang in her voice. "You know full well how good I am at holding my liquor."

"Just how many have you had, precisely, Liv?"

Carlos had never tolerated her drinking indulgence, for as long as she could remember —which was rather long. And she could hear the danger lurking in his voice.

Even worse, he riveted to her nickname.

"I'm not a kid, Carl." She huffed.

"How many?" He repeated patiently.

"You should thank the liquor you so much hate, Carl," she muttered loud enough. "No more than 10..."

"10..!"

"Save your peep talk for later. Tell me why you called."

A sigh of forced resignation could be heard. When he talked, Olivia was quite sure she would be facing trouble when they met later. "There are currently three matters that might be of interest to you, Miss Olivia."

"What is it?"

"First, we have Mr Gennadi at hand. He insisted on meeting you personally and have been close by in case you decided to grace us tonight."

Carlos sure was getting more sarcastic. He probably had his share of drinks too, Olivia mused to herself.

"Well-"

"Then we have a rather frantic Mr Faust," he interrupted smoothly. Olivia raised a brow. Carlos hadn't done that with her for almost forever.

"I see—"

"He did cover it rather nicely since others weren't as perceptive to his nerves. And then we have a rather unexpected... guest."

"Do tell, Carlos," she drawled out lazily.

"The Roswalds' are here."

Olivia straightened up. If there was anything that could possibly doused her good mood, that might be it. She noticed Gein giving her an inquiring look.

She somehow managed to tightly reign herself in time. "Carlos."

"Yes, Miss."

"You ought to be grateful that I had had all those drinks in my system."

"Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't even dream of that but I guess this is not the ordinary..." Carlos murmured with clear reluctance.

Olivia chuckled. "Exactly my thought."

"Then—"

"Very well, dear Carlos. Expect me in a bit. Do what you can to entertain them while I'm on my way." She said finalizing the discussion.

Without even waiting for a reply, she ended the call. She considered her options and they were very, extremely limited, apparently.

"Say, Gein," she started.

"Yes?"

Olivia gave him a side glance before turning full body to him. "I was just wondering..."

"About what?" He probed when she didn't continue. He was swirling his glass of brandy with interest.

"Regarding your offer." She gave him a small, business-like smile.

Gein couldn't help a laugh escaping his lips. "If they haven't heard the beginning of our talk, they might as well say I've proposed to you."

Olivia stared dumbfounded. She was rather serious and the man in front of her had the nerves to laugh. Frowning, she folded her arms and gave her best smile to him. Although she could see the merriment still dancing in his pair of expressive molten honey orbs, at least he wasn't laughing anymore.

"I was saying, are you still willing to take me inside as your partner?"

"It did sound different when you said that," he mumbled silently. "I was planning on how to win you over. May I know why the change of heart, my dear?"

"Circumstances,"

"Circumstances," he echoed her.

"Yes. And while I would very much prefer to enjoy more drinks with you, I'm afraid my presence is needed immediately inside."