Then seeing you in the office made my heart beat a thousand times faster. I felt like GOD was blessing me for my patience and obedience. I know you may be wondering why I'm telling you all this. Well, I just don't want to live my life wondering what would have happen if I had talked to you. At least this way, I will know and will have no regret for whatever the outcome is."
After taking all that Allen said in, Gwen responded with her
customary million-dollar smile.
"Whoa," Allen said to comment on Gwen's response. "A smile after
spilling my heart. That is interesting."
"Well all that you said was a bit sudden and I had no clue that you
felt that way."
"How could you? I have never had the opportunity to talk to you
since I first saw you and I have regretted that until today. I felt as
though the opportunity presented itself and I had to seize the moment."
"Allen," Gwen began, "I am flattered that you are interested in me. To
be honest, I thought about you once or twice and I lied a little when I
said that I didn't remember you at the store. But there is one problem."
"A problem?" Allen questioned.
"Yes. We are working together."
"And I guess you've promised yourself that you would never date
anyone that you work with?"
"Yes I have. To date, we would be crossing lines that I wouldn't feel
comfortable with."
"That is understandable. I guess we have had enough small talk,"
Allen laughed as he suggested that they begin with the business aspect
of the meeting.
"Are you bothered by my decision?"
"No not at all. I know now. That is what I wanted to do. At least I
know."
"Then I guess we should begin the meeting."
Allen and Gwen discussed the case in detail. They covered every
possible scenario searching for a way to find innocence in Mitchell's
actions. There were none. After covering the case file for the third time
and with it being close to 9:00pm, they both agreed that the best course
of action would be to settle out of court.
"That is the only way that we can get the victim to drop the charges."
Gwen said. "I can contact his attorney and give them an initial offer."
"What do you feel would be a fair offer?" Allen asked.
"Judging from the severity of the crime, I think $50,000.00 would be
just."
"Well, I think if you feel that would be a just offer, then we should go
for it. How long before we get a response?"
"I will send the offer to his attorney first thing in the morning and we
should have a response by Monday afternoon. I think they will accept."
"Then I guess this will conclude our business?" Allen said, as he
looked deep into Gwen's eyes.
"Yes, I guess it does."
"Well, since we are done with our business relationship, doesn't that
mean we are no longer working together?"
"You are good." Gwen smiled to show her approval of Allen's
persistence. "We will be working together until this case is over."
"When is that?"
"When they accept the offer. Then the case is over."
"Well when this case is over, can I reserve a table for two at your
favorite restaurant?"
"That would be nice, but I still see one little problem."
"What is that?" Allen asked.
"You don't know what my favorite restaurant is." Gwen said.
"May I ask what your favorite restaurant is," Allen said smiling and
sensing victory.
"Your kitchen." Gwen said pulling out her business card and writing
her home and cellular number on the back of it before gathering her
things and heading home.