Chapter 2 THE UNEXPECTED MEETING

Derrick had seen Taylor approaching the door while looking down at the flier in her hand. He had suspected a collision,and had taken a step back just to avoid it. He couldn't help but notice her eyes, which were the color of a deep chocolate, and hair with a rich shade of brown that fell in waves around her face. But that wasn't what drew his attention,it was an aura of strength and grace that she exuded that intrigued him. As he stood before her, he found himself wanting to know more about this woman who caught his eye in the most unexpected way. "Are you okay" The question cut through the fog of her thoughts bringing Taylor back to the present. "Y_yes, thank you" she managed a smile  He stepped aside, gesturing for Taylor to pass by. He was tempted to turn around and watch her go, but with a subtle shake of his head, he made his way into the coffee shop. As Taylor waved down a taxi, her mind couldn't help but drift back to her brief encounter with Derrick. The way he'd looked at her, his soft smile, his gentle but masculine voice, had all stirred something within her. She dug her fingers into her left palm, took a sip of her cofee, and stared at the flier in her hand. Something caught her eye "CONTRACT MARRIAGES" A spark of realization lit within her. She'd heard of such arrangements, a marriage of inconvenience . The reason for her urgency in seeking a well paid job, was to secure a source of income to pay for her father's chemotherapy. Taylor's thoughts kept racing with possibilities, she  thought that If she ventured into this marriage of inconvenience, she was going to be able to finally solve  her financial worries. Her thoughts were stopped abruptly as the car pulled to a stop. She got out of the car and paid the driver. Suddenly a wave of panic hit her as she looked at the skyscraper that stood in front of her. This was her fourth job interview for the post of a receptionist, and the last three had ended up in disappointment. Her thoughts were in a frenzy as she nervously adjusted her resumè and practiced answers to potential questions in her mind. "Please let this be the one" she whispered to her self and took a deep breath  As Derrick ordered cofee , his mind trailed back to Susan time and time again. "Here is your order sir!" Mrs Sandra's voice brought him back to reality  "Thank you!" He said turning to leave  " Oh.. please have this "   Mrs Sandra said handing  Derrick one of the match making pamphlet. He took it from her, barely looking at it's contents , he made his way to his car. As he made his way to his car, he glanced at the flier in his hands and the bold words "LOVE ARRANGEMENTS"  caught his eyes. After staring at the flier for a while, he smiled and slid into the driver's seat of his car  "Your grandfather sent you this" Mrs Smith said with wide eyes  Derrick nodded in the positive  "And to think your brothers have not called" "They probably haven't gotten it" She rolled her eyes. Apparently he was her favorite  "There's gotta be a way around this"  she muttered 'Well I have to find one , and fast. Before that, is dinner ready? Oh God! I miss  your cooking " He said leaning to place a kiss on her cheek She chuckled lightly and then her face lit up  " I think I have an idea... We should hostel a dinner ! She said her voice full of conviction. I will invite all my dearest friends and their eligible daughters. We'll find you a bride in no time " Derrick chuckled at her enthusiasm  "Mom, I appreciate the gesture, but a dinner party . That's a bit old fashioned don't you think? Besides I just want a short term marriage, I mean long enough for grandpa to give me full control and custody of the company.... And I don't want to be hooked". He said with a note of finality  "Nonsense, darling! Think of it as a speed dating,  you might find someone who matches your taste ", she pronounced every word with a thick British accent  then winking at him  Not wanting to argue further, he smiled and gave her a hug It was almost 3:00pm when Taylor arrived home, her shoulders slumped in defeat. She closed the front door, and found her mother seated  on the couch in the living room. She gave Taylor a sympathetic smile with concern creasing her features. "Oh dear! Her mother said her voice gentle. How did it go" " I was told I will get a call back hopefully next month " she said with worry hatched all over her face .  "Oh dearie! Don't worry too much. I've got news though" she said has her tone changed to one with a hint of mischief  " I was chatting with Mrs Sandra today , guess who's back in town! Susan looked up a glimmer of curiosity flickering through her eyes . "Who" "Remember Steven, that boy you had a crush on when you were younger? She said with a playful smile tugging at her lips. ....Well he's back and he promised to drop by to say hi to you "  " He what ?" Taylor Said almost screaming