Our conversation was interrupted by a phone call. It was my mother.

"Are you okay, Mom?" I asked.

"I'm perfect!" And she sounded so happy. "Your father and I talked. He wasn't having an affair. He was planning a surprise for me actually. A little anniversary celebration. He'd like to reaffirm his love for me. He's been so secretive about it, that I thought he was having an affair! I'm so... stupid."

"Wow! That is great! But I'm hurt! Why didn't he tell me? I'm a wedding planner! I could have arranged everything for you!"

"He doesn't want to bother you, he knows you're too busy with work already because you've just started. Plus, it's a small event. You and Ryder are expected to be here next weekend for our family reunion. If you don't come, I will disown you."

I laughed. "Alright, mother. We'll be there." I said after my mother told me what day and time we are expected. After I hung up, I stared at Ryder. "Are you busy next weekend?"

"Your mother talks quite loudly, I heard half of your conversation already." He said chuckling. "I'm glad they're okay now. And yes, I will come to your family reunion... as your fiance."

I smiled at him. "Thank you, Ryder. You've been... so patient with me. I don't even know why you're doing this."

He smiled at me. "Someday, I'll tell you."

I don't know what he meant by that, but I didn't insist.

"Okay, so pick me up at three on Friday? Is that okay with you?"

He nodded. "I'll be here. On the dot. Promise."

I smiled. Then I reached out for his hand and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you, Ryder."

"You're always welcome." He smiled.

Chapter Twenty.

ARRANGED MARRIAGE:.

A marriage born out of a business arrangement where both parties aim to benefit from the other.

Adam asked me to have dinner with him. I knew my cousin better. He only invites me over for dinner to either drop a bomb on my head or he'll touch base on what's going on with the business. So even though it was casual, I was ready with the figures in my head, just in case he asks.

"Business is good?" He asked casually.

"I knew you took me to dinner for a reason!" I accused, pointing a finger at him.

He chuckled. "Just asking."

I smiled at him. "It's great!" I said. "In a few months, you'll see those figures going green."

"Maybe it's time to expand."

I stared at him. "What do you mean?"

He shrugged. "Well, my investor saw the last reports we gave and he... was impressed. They see opportunities in bigger cities and asked if you were willing to take the business there."

"Adam, it's too soon." Although I admit I have been thinking about this.

He smiled. "And yet look how far you've gone! The numbers you're giving me plus the ones on your pipeline are pretty impressive."

"Wow!" I breathed. My heart jumped for joy. It's always good to be complimented for a job well done... especially by Adam. "Tell them, I'm flattered. It's good to know that your investors understand that businesses take time to earn profits, but we are going on an amazing rate."

"That's why he's serious about branching out." He said.

Talk about luck. It seems so timely for Adam's friends to think about branching out. Just a couple of weeks ago, Ryder was mentioning the same thing to me.

"I'm thrilled, Adam! But it's a huge step! I don't think I've even proven myself here."

He smiled. "I think you've proven yourself enough for him to believe that this idea will work if taken upscale too."

"It will take a lot of money!" I said wearily.

"And my investor has deep pockets!" He grunted.

"How... soon?"

"As soon as you say yes, I guess. You can work out the proposal."

"What will happen to this branch? Will they close this down? I don't think I can bear that. This is my baby."

He laughed. "Relax. You can run two branches, can't you? This branch will still stay. You can hire someone to oversee everything so you don't need to be hands on, and then you can build the second branch."

We discussed the possibilities. By the end of dinner, he convinced me that this may be a big step, but it's a great opportunity for me. I told him I'll hire Nicole to manage the Malibu branch. Ryder crossed my mind, and I knew the first city I'll look into.

"Can I choose where to go?"

"My investor already has a city in mind."

My heart sank. What if I don't like the place they want to go to? I hope Adam doesn't say Timbuktu or anywhere outside the country.

"Wh-where?" I asked wearily.

"New York. Manhattan."

Wow! Talk about luck! Or... fate!

I do have my heart set on Manhattan. Because Ryder is there. I've been there. Ryder already showed me the places where I could get supplies.

That was really good! But you know, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

My hands started getting cold. A thought played in my mind and I didn't know what to do with it. I was afraid to ask Adam. I know I still have to, because if I don't, that thought would not let me sleep at night.

When Adam took the check, I asked, "Adam... you have very rich friends don't you?"

"Well, yeah. It's good for my job."

"This investor or investors, aren't they asking to take some profits now?"

"The red figures on the report decreases every month. Now we're on breakeven. When you invest here and there, you know the rules. I'm sure the pressure to see the green will not come until after three months or more."

"How many investors were there?" I asked.

"One." He replied. Then he stood up. "Come, let's go."

While we're waiting for the valet to bring Adam's car, I asked, "Is there another investor who came up to you and suggested a branch in Manhattan would be a good potential? Or is this the same guy?"

He looked at me and drew his brows together. "Why are you asking these questions, Ash?"

I shrugged. "Putting up a new branch takes a lot of money. I just want to know if we'll answer to more than one guy if we branch out in Manhattan. Different people respond to different types of news."

"Same guy, Ash. Let me worry about that. You just do what you do best." Adam replied in an irritated tone.

The car came and Adam and I drove to my place. I was still lost in thought. Adam's news is great! But somehow, I find it too great! And just too much of a coincidence!

"Why so quiet?" Adam asked.

I took a deep breath. "I'm thinking, Adam."

"Hey, you can think!" Adam said with a feigned shocked expression on his face.

"Ha-ha! Very funny. And I'm usually smart too! That's why I feel compelled to ask... You have one investor. Is his name Ryder Van Woodsen?"

Adam didn't answer. I stared at him. He was staring ahead at the road. I counted. One, two, three... it seemed to go on forever. Nine, Ten. Still Adam didn't respond and that alone told me the answer I was waiting for.