"With your permission sir, I would like to express my appreciation for you and also my discretion over this deal," Eric said as he handed over the paperwork. alessandra was also nervous about the deal but stood upright and had the same glassy look she always had when business is being discussed. She knew how to hide fear and anger. "Well of course son, what's on your mind," the Boss asked. "The holiday season is no doubt going to be a time when we are at risk of our enemies being out there watching us and our families, or waiting for a chance to infiltrate our HQ. However, this deal with Migs is just giving me the willies." The Boss looked up at alessandra, who nodded her agreement. 

I will finish this in a second, got kids going ape nuts.

She was not shy about letting the Boss know when she had a different opinion. In fact, the Boss relied on her discretion very heavily. But alessandra wanted to give the Boss proper respect, always, so she broke the silence by saying "sir, we are mildly concerned about whether this protection agency is going to be a wise choice or not." The Boss snickered a bit, then drank a sip of his $20 coffee. He then cleared his throat and said "this is an audition, you see. Life is nothing but one huge audition after another. This company is going to get the Christmas through New Year season to see if we can do further business. If they cannot, we will nix doing business. But if they can, then perhaps we can employ them further. What was the paper signing like this morning?" Eric shrugged and admitted "Migs just doesn't want to know how we pay, as long as we pay, which won't be an issue of course." The Boss was hoping for a peaceful time this holiday season. He wanted to start the New Year with big plans for the West Side port they had gained control of. 

After the meeting had ended, Eric and alessandra headed down the stairs toward the door. Eric admitted he was going to go see Kayte. However, he could no longer contain his curiosity. "Give me the low down, what happened to your guy-related life?" 

alessandra couldn't contain the excitement when she heard that Eric was going to see Kayte, but after he asked that question she frowned a little bit. Same as her Boss, she wanted to have a peaceful time this holiday season but somehow calling a protection agency to cover the HQ doesn't seem enough to satisfy what her heart really wants. She looks down at the ground and scratches the back of her neck. She was a young lady, capable of finding love but she believed that no one could really love her and understand her. A little crush maybe in middle school, but that was it. 

"..... you know me Eric (biotch27). that life is non existent!" She laughs sarcastically, but her laugh died down and it all suddenly came odd to her. 

Maybe one day she supposes. 

Sensing that alessandra had halted the conversation, he hugged her and bid her good-day and got in his car. He drove over to the family owned place that Kayte was staying at. He knocked on the door. A servant answered the door. "May I help you sir," the person asked. "I am here to see Kayte, is she available?" The butler was not convinced that this man was supposed to be here, so he stepped outside and closed the door. "Sir, what is your business here?" From above them, a voice called out "It's fine Leroy, allow him up to my room." Eric climbed up the steps and knocked on the door. Kayte opened it and said "Well hello there, how was the West side?" Eric was kinda surprised that she would ask about family business right off the bat. "Well, uh, its going to be a great profit for the family," he said. Kayte resumed her seat at her vanity mirror where she was brushing her hair. "Would you escort me to a function tonight," she said as she pointed her eyes to where he could see them in her mirror. "What type of function," he asked but then he felt dumb for not jumping at the chance to say yes. "I have a dance that contains former classmates from my private school I attended. I want to have you there to be my escort." Eric nodded and said "I would be honored, what time shall I pick you up?" Kayte looked at the invitation and said "it starts at 8, so 7 would be fine." Kayte turned around to where her real face was pointed at him. "I want YOU to take me. Not as a family person, or as my uncle's main man, but I want the real you, the person who danced with me and protected me that night." After a little bit more talking, Eric left. He was going to make some calls and then head to the coffee house for a brew. With the West Side experience, being a rising star in the family, and a "date" with Kayte, he was wondering how life had turned out this swell.....or has it? 

Eric pulled up at around 645 and rang the doorbell. The butler showed him up to Kayte's room. He was not expecting her to be ready but she was pretty close, she sat at the mirror, doing exactly what she was doing when he left her that morning, brushing her hair. She was wearing a red dress and had her make-up and hair well done. "Madam, your crowd awaits," he joked with her. He held out his hand and she took it and they walked down the stairs and to the car. They had small talk on the way to the dance. Eric wanted to bring up the subject of becoming more serious with Kayte. As they pulled up, servants opened the doors and they exited the car. "Sir, ma'am, welcome to this event," the servant said. As they entered, Eric turned to Kayte and said "I am gonna make a call real quick, won't be long, business." He dialed alessandra and asked her "is there anything I need to be aware of before I start diving into drinks and watching kids dance around?" ....