Right Person, Wrong Time

"Yeah." Nicole was beside herself. Albert respected her. He knew she saw Chloe and Roxanna as sisters, so he addressed them as her companions, not underlings. He just gives me so much love.

Zachary came holding a glass of wine. "So, what were you talking about, Nicole?" Nicole invited him to the event some time ago. He couldn't come at first, but Nicole said they might never meet again after this, so he came after a lot of deliberation.

Nicole shook her head and sniffled. "Nothing. So, when are you leaving?"

Zachary let it slide. He wouldn't ask Nicole questions she didn't want to answer. "About two days later, why?" He hadn't decided on it, but the ticket was booked for two days later.

Nicole was surprised that they were going to fly off at almost the same time. She was reminded of something which she would need to bring up with Zachary someday, and she decided she might as well deal with it today. "You're starting something in the medical industry, aren't you? You went abroad last time for this, right?"

"Yeah, but I have nothing to show for it." Zachary felt a little ashamed. This was his first solo project and six months had gone by since he started, but he hadn't achieved anything significant yet.

"I have a business deal. Interested?" Nicole cocked her eyebrow. She knew Zachary would be interested.

Albert looked at Nicole, intrigued. This was his first time seeing Nicole at work, and he was curious.

Zachary cocked his eyebrow. He was interested in striking a deal with Nicole.

"I'm going to expand the medical base and establish ourselves abroad, but we need someone to sell the drugs or items we develop. I'd like to strike a deal with you," Nicole explained the collaboration in simple terms. They were friends, so there was no need for formal business stuff.

Zachary wasn't expecting her to cut to the chase. She thinks of me as a close friend, huh? "Sure, I can do it," he said without hesitation.

Nicole was surprised. They might be friends, but they were far from sharing unconditional trust. She thought Zachary would at least take some time to consider, but he actually agreed to it. "Sure you don't want to think—"

Zachary interrupted, "You know I'd never do anything that'd make me a loss. I'm a businessman," said Zachary sternly.

Ah, that was me being rude. Nicole stood up and raised a toast. "Sorry for ever doubting you. Can't have alcohol, so juice will have to do."

Zachary didn't mind. He smiled and raised a toast to Nicole. He actually did think of profit. He knew of the medical base, and it was his honor to work with an organization as good as this one. "Here's to a happy partnership."