LOVE THE EXPATRIATE

8. Fine Dining Invitation (2)

Edward still could not believe that he would finally invite his own model to attend a banquet from Graha Indonesia. For some women, fine dining is a procession that has a very deep meaning. The man did not hesitate to invite Mikaila, because he already knew the commitment of the woman about their relationship. But what about Anjani? He did not know the woman. Therefore he did not want to do things that could make him misinterpret.

But the man confirmed what his assistant had said this morning. Anjani is a part of them. And this gathering is also related to his business. He believes that the model is also professional as he is. You can separate work and personal matters. The man made his own hypothesis to calm his mind.

Up here he felt safe.

Edward snapped himself in front of the mirror, fixing the tuxedo stand and the position of the tie. Her freshly started to grow on her chin and cheeks she had shaved slippery. The scent of expensive perfumes and pomades rippled into every corner of the room. As a finishing touch, he opened his famous watch collection from inside the drawer, he chose one of them to then wear it. When the man felt everything was perfect, he was ready to pick up Anjani who was waiting at his subscription boutique.

Guests had already started arriving when Erward's car stopped in front of the lobby's main door of The Ocean’s Hotel. A man in uniform opened the door and nodded respectfully as Anjani got out of the car. He did the same thing when Edward handed him the keys. Edward turned to the woman beside him and gave her left elbow. Anjani smiled and immediately slid her right hand to the man's left arm. He entered the lobby with graceful steps to balance Edward's dashing steps.

Edward would be the most hypocritical man to say Anjani is not beautiful tonight. The woman was even very beautiful with a long dress that exposed the upper part of her body and the hemisphere under her dress that showed her level calves. Her long hair in a neat bun. The only accessories she wears are jewel earrings that wrap around her neck. But the focus of attention of all eyes will be on the earrings that sparkle naughty light. While the woman's left hand was toting the handbag.

Edward went to the receptionist to make a reservation. Two women greeted him respectfully.

“I'm a guest for Graha Indonesia Gathering event.”

“Sorry, on whose behalf, Mister?” ask the receptionist respectfully while checking the guest list on the computer.

“Edward Anderson.”

“From Zafora yes, Mr.”

The receptionist asked while handing over the guest book to sign. Edward also agreed.

“You sit at table 52. Please go up to the third floor. Thank you, Mr. Edward.” he said pointing to an elevator door at the end of the lobby handing over a small card.

“Thank you again.” said Edward smiled as he returned to take Anjani to the elevator.

Before entering the restaurant room, they passed through an elongated room. The logo of Graha Indonesia as the host is also several sponsors and supporting vendors seemed to fill the walls of the room. Some of the guests were in the room because the event had not yet begun. Some print and electronic media reporters were taking pictures.

It seems that there are also many guests who come from among celebrities and models. Some men and women who have the same profession as Anjani seem to greet him. She also introduced Edward to her friends several times. Some of the guests were staring and whispering to them.

“I'm a little uncomfortable being here. Can we go directly to the restaurant room?” Edward whispered to Anjani.

“Ya.” said Anjani holding Edward's hand while waving to his friends and some journalists.

Edward sat at a table with the owner of a franchise restaurant that was also in Grand Jakarta Plaza.. The man came with his wife. Edward was regretting it and chatting away. Not long after the fine-dining event began. The waiters circled the tables to serve cocktails to the guests. An appetizer will be served soon.

 

At 10 p.m., Edward left The Ocean's Hotel, although the gathering was not yet over. He was driving a car to drive Anjani back to his apartment. The woman had offered to stop somewhere, but she refused.

“Should we stop somewhere, Mr Edward? It still feels too late afternoon to go home at ten o'clock on this weekend.” said Anjani offered.

“Not necessary. We go home, okay?” edward refused the invitation.

“We can enjoy a cup of coffee first in the cafe.” refer Anjani.

Anjani has no intention of arguing anymore. The woman felt that Edward suddenly turned into a very boring man. It is better for him to open his salary and renew the status on his IG. He's going to show off his dinner tonight. That's what Anjani is thinking. Just let the man's car drive to his apartment.

“Sorry, Miss Anjani, I am less pleased because at the restaurant earlier, you took a few selfies.” said Edward when he knew the woman next to him wanted to upload a photo.

“I don't understand what you mean, sir. Since when there is a ban on selfies.” said Anjani still remains busy with his screen.

“This concerns privacy, Miss Anjani. You've taken my photo without permission.”

Anjani. He only realized that his dinner partner tonight is not a Jakarta executive man who will not protest when invited to selfie ria. He recently posted a photo of himself with Edward and a caption that read ; '#The Ocean, Hotel_Fine dining with Zafora's new boss, Mr. Edward Anderson.’

“I believe your profession emphasizes the importance of maintaining attitude. Isn't that Miss Anjani?”

“Hmm, yes. But am I not your partner, Mr Edward? You don't forget, I model your product.” said the woman tried to defend herself.

“Nona Anjani, you should learn more about your contract with Zafora. What is your duty.”

“Good, then. I'm sorry, Mr.” said Anjani ending the debate.

Ting!

Edward glanced to the side. Caption that is ready to be uploaded is also deleted.

“I am also sorry, Miss Anjani.” Edward said in a sorry tone.

Anjani just silently did not respond to Edward's words. No more discussions after that. Edward's car reached the lobby of the woman's apartment. Seeing that the man was just silent and bowed lazily in front of his wheel, Anjani turned his head.

“Will you stop for a while in my apartment, Mister?" said the woman offered.

“Sorry, maybe next time, Miss Anjani. Don't mind if you just me drop by here?” edward said in a lazy tone.

“Ouh, It's okay! Its alright. I can go to the apartment myself." he said opening the car door.

"Thank you for the fine dining. Good night, Mr. Edward.” Anjani smiled as she closed the door. But Edward immediately held the door so it wouldn't close first.

“Thank you for accompanying me too, Miss Anjani. Good night.” reply Edward.

He looked at Anjani until finally the woman disappeared from his sight.

Edward was self-deprecating for his attitude. And last afternoon he had convinced his heart that this dinner was his business event Zafora and Anjani was part of that business. So what's wrong with him documenting his work with his boss? It's clear! It was wrong because Edward felt Anjani was trying to bring the man into his life.

Up here he felt unsafe.

The man eventually stopped by a cafe and ordered a cup of hot espresso coffee to refresh his tangled mind. It was too soon to go back to the apartment, he thought.