Chapter 2

It's been HOURS...

And Lorenzo has been in his office signing documents, approving projects and rejecting offers...

He hasn't moved a muscle since he sat down in his chair in the morning..

And it wasn't hurting him at all, he was used to staying stiff for hours on end... And now it's even much more easier.. locking up all his emotions he was like a log of wood...

It wasn't even up to five minutes when a knock came on the door.. "What!?.." he's voice dry, icy and cold..

Showing no emotion at all..

Except Anger..

It sent shivers down Mickey's spin..

"u-Uhh...Boss you have a meeting b-by Five O'Clock.. with the shareholders..." Mickey stuttered as she stepped into the office..

"I didn't ask for any meeting..." Lorenzo said still motionless..

"Yes Sir...it was actually one of the shareholders that wants this meeting to hold he even called your mother, Mrs. Savannah to be present today..." "My Mother?!.. what does she has to with this?.." Lorenzo asked with a little thunder in his voice.

"i-I don't know Sir, i-I guess he just wants her presence to be known.." Mickey stuttered..

"Who's holding the meeting?.."

"It's Mr. Novà Sir.."

"Mr. Novà?..." Lorenzo muttered.. "Do you know what the meeting's about?.." Lorenzo asked as his attention now on the paperwork on his desk..

"No Sir, even his secretary wouldn't talk no matter how hard I pressured her.. she wouldn't tell me what the meeting's about"... Mickey said as she held a blue file tight to her chest..

Which of course Lorenzo noticed..

"What's that file about?..." He asked pointing a the file...

"Oh Sir.. I almost forgot " Mickey sighed as she walked closer to Lorenzo's desk... "The head of marketing department... wants your signature on the budget of their new project.." She dropped the file on the desk, Lorenzo took the file and looked through it... He's eyebrows soon arched in irritation..

"What in h*ll do they need three hundred and fifty thousand dollars_($350,000)_for!?.." Lorenzo thundered as he banged the file on his table...

All the materials they'd wrote in there was purely cheap..

And they're still trying to fool him into sighing a out a document that could drain his almost falling company...

He won't be an idiot twice...

"THE HEAD OF THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT I WANT HIM HERE!!. NOW!!"...

"y-Yes s-Sir..." Mickey stuttered as she literally ran out of the office... *

Leyna's POV

Jesse and I were in the kitchen preparing snacks, dinner wasn't going to be ready for the next two hours...

We're having rice dumplings and a hot steaming bowl of my Mom's famous veggie soup..

It's gonna be deliciously Sweet!!..

Jesse popped up some of her honey covered popcorn while I sliced up some watermelon for my Mom..

We both walked out of the kitchen to the living room.. Where we were living was a two bedroom apartment. Really cozy and warm regardless of the rough neighborhood..

I can't wait to finish college and get a job then I'll be able to get my mother out of here!.

It wouldn't be easy but I'll give all I have for my mother..

"Here you go..." I said placing the tray on the stool and moving it in front of her ...

She removed her glasses and dropped the newspaper she was reading on the couch...

Newspapers?... Who still reads those anyway?!.

"You know she hates watermelon right?.." Jesse said as she bounced on the couch crossing her legs once she landed...

"I know that.. but it's still good for her health Mom needs to remain strong and healthy!. I sat in front of the Television trying to watch my favorite show...

*Everybody loves Raymond*

It's the most hilarious comedy show I've watched so far, every time I'm sad or feeling down.. I just switch on the TV and put on the show..

But I don't think Mom approves of the show she says in her opinion of course... Thinks it's a precious waste of time...

"I'll just have an Apple instead.." Mom said trying to stand up...

My head snapped towards her, away from my show. I stood up with lightening speed and I was in front of her in seconds...

"Mom, your blood pressure.. you need to eat the fruit.." I said as I held her shoulders pulling her with me to the couch...

"But I'd prefer an Apple!." She protested as she sat down...

"You'd have an Apple after we've had dinner.." I said as I took a fork carried a watermelon and directed it to Mom's mouth...

"Fine!." Mom snapped taking the fork from me to eat the watermelon by herself..

I smiled as I focused my attention back on the program playing on the TV..

Everybody loves Raymond...

I mean who wouldn't!..

The guy's hilarious!!.

Especially his father..

That old man's the best..

I almost peed in my pants one time..

** Lorenzo's POV

Mickey brought the so called head of the marketing department and I've been glaring at him for the past five to ten minutes..

I pushed the documents towards him, he was sitting in front of me so he took the papers looking through it..

"What are those?.." I asked..

"Uh, Sir this is the project that we've currently been working on it really needs your signature..." He said with a stupid smile on his face..

Can't still believe that this low piece of trash is trying to reap me off.. "I looked into the materials, and I noticed that they were a little bitmassive.." I said.. Normally this would be a piece of cake to spend this amount, but not in my situation.

"Sir that's how it is in the market these days... I personally went through every single detail in here and I can assure you that these are quality materials.." This son-of-a-b*tch!!. He thinks I'm an idiot.. "YOU REALLY THINK I'M THAT STUPID!?.." I yelled..

"s-Sir i-I don't understand w-what y-your talking a-about–... "Sir!." Mickey called out as she opened the door letting her head peak through..

I sighed.. "What is it?.."

"The meeting is about to start Sir, it's already four fifty eight.."

"Alright then.." I said as I stood up.. I rubbed my temple walking towards the door..

"I'll be back after an hour.." I said to the man still sitting in my office...

Walking towards the meeting room with Mickey behind me.. She asked.. "u-Uhh what should I do with him Sir?.."

"I want him fired! And out of my office.. make sure there's someone else to fill in his position with immediate effect.."

"Of course Sir.. I'll do that right away"... I don't want people like him in my company... I'll filter this place if I have to..

Someone like Sarah wasn't able to destroy me.. what makes the rats in this place think they can..

I've learned my lesson and I'm gonna use it to get back on my feet...

A million times stronger than before..

No one's gonna put me down again..

And that's a promise I'm gonna keep.. *

It was as silent as a grave yard and freezing too as the air-conditioner was on full blast..

Cold, Rude, Arrogant and Manipulative are the best words that could be used to describe the men and women seated in this room..

Savannah already arrived and was giving off a very mean aura letting them know that she was not to be messed with..

As always..

It's just Nature..

In the business world there's not space for weaklings, If you were to show the slightest sign of weakness... You'll be crushed and casted aside like a piece of trash..

Everybody knows that..

"Where's that son of yours Savannah he's making us wait!.." Mrs. Hart one of the shareholders said looking irritated..

"It's only been nine minutes... I'm sure your little bottom can sit through a few more.." Savannah mocked..

"Oh you little old witch–!...

"Ladies please!..mind your manners" Mr. Novà cautioned..

"Tell her to keep her mouth shut and wait for Lorenzo.. he is the CEO! After all.." Savannah smirked..

"Him been the CEO doesn't give him the right to put the company at stake..I mean we all have shares here" Mrs.Hart hissed..

Mummers filled the air as the others seated at the table agreed to her statement..

"Well, I don't think it's very polite to talk about someone behind their backs.."

Everyone kept their mouths shut immediately Lorenzo's Cold icy voice boomed into the room..

Even Mrs. Hart who was busy giving Savannah a death glare...

If looks could kill Savannah would've been six feet under by now.. "Lorenzo I'm glad you finally showed up.. took you a few minutes.." Mr. Novà laughed full of sarcasm..

Lorenzo sat down on his chair emotionless ignoring Mr. Novà's remark...

His secretary seating behind him ready to take important notes..

While Mickey was sitting on the chair right beside him.. "Shall we start.." Lorenzo said.. Looking at Mr. Novà Lorenzo shrugged "You called for this meeting.. what's so important that you'd go to the extent of holding a meeting without informing me.." Lorenzo asked..

Even though it was just a question it still holds the authority and the chilling power of a leader..

"Do you really think you still have the right to ask that kind of question Lorenzo?.." Mr. Novà smirked..

"What are you vomiting Mr. Novà.." Lorenzo said with so much calmness that was hard for Mr. Novà to believe...

He was expecting Lorenzo to bark like before but guess he was disappointed..

"I'm not vomiting any thing Lorenzo.. I'm just saying the truth..." "You don't deserve your position!.."

"Excuse you?!.." Savannah hissed..

"Spare me the lectures Savannah!.. You know what I'm saying here is true." Mr. Novà smirked.. "This young man almost pushed the entire company into bankruptcy making us go almost bankrupt.."

"He didn't do that it was!–...

"I was stupid to let that happen.. I admit to that" Lorenzo said interrupting Savannah..

"I'm also working on getting the company back on top–.. "But that isn't enough!..We all know GAL'S ENTERPRISES is number tagged #1 in the entire continent.. or I think the best term to use is WAS! Plus our stocks net worth is now below two million dollars!_($2,000,000)" Mr. Novà thundered..

"Where are you heading with this Mr. Novà?.." Savannah sighed rubbing her temple..

"Where am I heading with this?.." he whispered.. "WHERE THE F*CK DO YOU THINK I'M GOING WITH THIS?!!.." Mr. Novà thundered..

"Mr. Novà please mind your language!.." Mrs. Hart gasped..

"Give me a year.."

Everyone even Mr. Novà went dead silent as Lorenzo suddenly spoke up...

"What?!." Everyone gasped.

"A whole year to bring GAL'S ENTERPRISES to it's former glory infact higher than before.." Lorenzo said..

"And if you fail.." Mr. Novà smirked..

"That's where the deal comes in Mr. Novà if I fail..which isn't going to happen of course.. if I fail to get this company back on track in the space of one year.. I'll give up my position as the CEO.."

"What? You can't do that!?!.." Savannah snapped.. through gritted teeth...

Mrs. Hart smiled with satisfaction written all over her face..

"Your son is a Galveston after all.." Mr. Novà smirked..

"And Galveston's don't go back on their word.." Mrs. Hart smiled.

Other members nodding their heads agreeing to what she says..

"And I'm not planning on doing that.. I will follow through on what I said.."

"A year.. nothing more nothing less.." Lorenzo said as he stood up from his seat..

"I'll inform my personal assistant to get the documents ready it'll be brought to your offices for your signatures.." Lorenzo said before he left for the door.. *

"What went through your head Lorenzo!?.." "What were you even thinking?!." My Mother said for the eleventh time now..

And I answered with the same sentence each time..

"I did what was best Mom.." I said looking through some documents..

I mean if I wanted to get the company back on the highway I better start now right?... "By giving up your position?.." She frowned..

Sitting on the large couch beside the door Mom sighed..

"Look son.. it isn't like I don't trust you or anything.. but what you did was risky I mean what if you fail?!.. what are you going to do then?.." She asked..

I sighed dropping the paperwork on the desk and walking towards her..

"Mom.." I sat beside her rubbing her knee... "You just gotta trust me on this.. have I ever disappointed you Mom?.." I asked..

"Welll.."

Okay.. Maybe I shouldn't have asked that..

"Don't answer that.." I said..

"Look Lorenzo it isn't like I don't trust you or anything but.. it's risky they might try to–...

"I know it's a high risk deal but I won't let them have their way, I'm a Galveston after all we never let those under us take control I can handle this situation it's a piece of cake.." I smirked..

"Fine.. if you say so just know that I'm always behind you, you have my full support.." She smiled pinching my cheeks..

"I know that.. just wish I could say the same with Dad.." I sighed..

"Lorenzo you know your Father loves you.. he adores you he–...

"I know Mom.. Just wondering what his reactions gonna be when he finds out about the company's situation..." I said..

"Oh he knows.." she laughed..

"Of course.. He's the greatest Galveston that ever lived.."

"It's not about been a Galveston.. the name means nothing with out this.." She smiled as she pointed to my Brain..

"And this.." she pointed to my chest..

"Any way it's getting late..I'll be leaving now son..'' she said standing up walking towards the door..

"I'll see you at home.." she said before placing a kiss on my right cheek..

"I won't be home early so don't wait up for me.." I said as I closed the door shut..

Finally..

Now to get some work done.. *

Leyna's POV

"I'll have a cup of black coffee please... with two cubes of sugar.." The customer said..

"Of course Ma'am.." I said jotting down her order..

"Anything else?.." I asked..

"No that'll be all.." She said waving me off.. I walked back towards Jane who was behind the counter..

"One cup of black coffee with two cubes of sugar.." I said handing Jane the written order..

"Right on it.." She said walking into the kitchen..

It didn't take three minutes and she was holding the tray with the cup of coffee in her hands..

"Here you go.." Jane smiled..

I took the tray from her and muttered a *thank you* before going to the woman's table..

"Your coffee ma'am.." I smiled putting the cup on the table..

"Thank you.." she smiled..

"Anytime Ma'am.." I said before walking back to the counter with Jane..

"Slow day huh?.." Jane smirked..

"Tell me about it.. I wish it was as busy this afternoon.." I huffed..

There were only four to five customers this evening..

Which is very unusual..

"What!?.. do you want me to get a migraine?.." Jane shrieked..

"Well no.. but we'd get paid if there's enough customers they practically pay our bills.."

"Okay.. you got a point on that one.." Jane shrugged..

"So how's College?.." She asked quickly changing the subject.. "Heard you'd be graduating soon.." She smiled..

I sat on the stool right behind the counter beside Jane..

"Yeah.." I sighed..

"In a few months I'll be a graduate.. it's still kinda unbelievable.." I laughed..

"Well.. I'm happy for you.. your a smart lady it's gonna be a piece of cake for you.." she smiled rubbing my shoulder..

"Yeah.. I'm just happy that it'll all be over soon.." I sighed.. *

Jesse's POV

Spending time with Leyna's Mom is the absolute best when Leyna is not around.

She never lets her mom do anything which isn't such a bad thing.. but sometimes the woman needs just a little bit of exercise..

Right now she's in the kitchen preparing a midnight snack..

Leyna just left for her night shift at the restaurant downtown..

It's quite far from where her Mom lives..

"Jesse!?.." Mrs Davis yelled out my name from the kitchen..

"Yes Aunt!?.." I walked into the kitchen.. "What do you need?.." I asked..

"Can you get some milk and eggs from the all night store.. they'll be getting a new crate by tonight I bet it'll be all bought by tomorrow morning.."

The all night store is like a super market.. a really small super market..

It only opens at night and closes at 7am on the dot..

"Sure Aunt.. I'll get it done right away" I said as I rushed to me and Leyna's bedroom to get dressed...

I mean.. I can't wear sweatpants to the store can I?..

In a few minutes I was out wearing a jean short and a black tank top and I was out of the house...

I walked around Raven street seeing vehicles honking really loud..

Lots of people walking around at night isn't anything new here..

In a few minutes I was already in the all night store..

"Good evening Ma'am.." I greeted the old lady behind the counter..

"Good evening to you too dearie.." she replied..."What you buying today?.." She asked..

"Oh.. just a crate of eggs and three cartons of milk.."

"You came just in time sweet cakes.. we're almost out.." The old lady smiled as she placed the eggs in a plastic bag and took another bag placing the milk in it.. "Here you go sweetie.." She said handing the two nylon bags over to me..

"Thank you.." i said giving her the money..

I walked out of the building the fresh air of the night hitting my face..

I sighed...

I'm never gonna get tried of this..

Women yelling at each other.. cars trying not to bump into each other, kids trying to run away from the cops after playing a prank on them..

It's an everyday routine..

It might not be the safest neighborhood around.. but I consider it home..

And I've learned to get used to it..

Living with Leyna and her Mom was practically a blessing to me..

They took me in after my parents died in a car accident since I was seventeen...

I didn't have any relatives that could take me in.. except my grandma from my mother's side..

But she was already close to death, I lived with her for a couple of months before she past away..

Since then I've been living with the Davis's.. they took me in as their own family..

And I'll forever be grateful for that.. *

Lorenzo has been working non stop for hours that one would think he'd actually make he's goals within six months..

He's landed five deals since morning.. and it was heart warming to the employees as they'd be able to keep their well paying job.

Soon a huge knock was heard on the door..

"Come in.." Lorenzo groaned..

Tony Romero walked in with a smile on his face..

"Hey buddy.."

"What are you doing here?.." Lorenzo asked his attention still on his laptop..

"Oh come on can't I come to the company of my friend anymore?.." Tony said as he sat on the office chair in front of Lorenzo..

"Aren't you suppose to be at the office?.."

"I traveled for a business meeting in England, just got back this afternoon still I'm not a workaholic like you.." Tony laughed..

"I love my work but I'm not gonna kill myself for it.."

"Well good for you.." Lorenzo said sarcasm evidence in his voice..

"Come on dude.. let's go out.."

"Can't.. got a lot of work to do"

"Look, i heard what happened I'm not pitting you or anything it happens a lot in the business world there's nothing to be ashamed of.." Tony said..

"What makes it worst is that it was a woman who caused me this problem, a woman who I loved with all my heart.." Lorenzo hissed..

"And that's why we need to go out.. to clear your head you know there's a restaurant that just opened up, they don't know of our status" Tony winked..

"Fine.." Lorenzo sighed..

"But don't wink at me again.. it's just another level of creepy".