Chapter 2: Found you

Asher's POV

Asher and David arrived at Milan Restaurant at six sharp to find their newest prospective business partner waiting for them. 

"Michael." Asher greeted sticking out his hand for a shake.  "I hope you didn't wait for too long."

Michael Andrews was an impressive man from a very powerful family.  That was one of the reasons Asher had worked so hard to get him on board with cooperating with them.

That and the fact David had insisted that working with such a big name would make their company reach new heights. 

His dark eyes glinted in the last remaining sunlight as he studied Asher who was still waiting on a handshake.  Seeming satisfied he stretched out his hand and clasped Asher's.

"Nice to finally meet you Mr. Roth." Michael spoke slowly revealing a slight accent.  "If you are both ready shall we head in?" 

Nodding Asher and David stepped inside following Michael. 

They made their way through the bustling ground floor of the restaurant where many families sat enjoying their meals and each other's company.  Wait staff rushed around doing their best to keep up with the dinner rush.

Making it to the back of the establishment they arrived at a set of elevators.  Pressing the up button Michael kept his back to them.   It didn't take long before the elevator arrived and he motioned for Asher and David to enter.

"I rented a private room for us to discuss our cooperation in." Michael explained as he hit the button for the highest floor.

"No problem." Asher responded before shooting a look to David.

David simply shrugged back in response. 

Shaking his head Asher turned his attention to the floor numbers as they rose higher and higher before arriving at their destination.  Stepping aside Michael allowed the duo to exit first.  

Once out they continued to follow Michael down a hallway before finally stopping in front of a door that read VIP.  As they entered they were greeted by a waiter who had clearly been waiting for them to arrive.

"Welcome distinguished guests. " He greeted leading them to their table.  "You have full access to the bar over here," he motioned to a self serve bar sitting to the side.  "Menus are on the table for you to browse."  He continued.  "Can I start you with our signature appetizer for the evening?"

Michael nodded, "three sets please."

"Right away." The waiter beamed before scurrying away.

"Would you like a drink?" Michael asked standing. 

"No thanks." Asher responded while David nodded that he would.  "I'm the driver tonight."  He explained when Michael lifted a curious brow.

"Very well." Turning Michael headed to the bar and began pouring himself a glass of whiskey then did likewise for David.

As he sat down again their waiter returned pushing a cart with three covered plates on it.  Smiling he lifted the plates one by one setting them in front of each man seated at the table before pulling off their lids revealing shrimp skewers and lobster tail.

'This is an appetizer?' Asher thought to himself examining the plate before him as their waiter began pouring a white creamy sauce across the crustaceans before them. 

"Are you gentlemen ready to order or would you like a few minutes to decide?" The waiter pulled out a pad and pen while watching the three men expectantly.

"Three of the chefs special." Michael responded before waving a dismissive hand at the man.

Nodding and giving a bow the waiter rushed out.

"Now shall we get down to business?" Michael asked lifting an already speared piece of lobster meat to his mouth.

"Certainly." Asher responded relieved that their reason for the dinner was finally here.  "David if you would pass Mr. Andrew's his copy of the agreement."

David nodded pulling a folder from his briefcase, he proceeded to pull out some papers that he then handed to Michael who was already looking expectantly. 

Papers in hand he began to look over them his dark eyes skimming each and every line. 

After a few minutes he placed the paperwork down on the table and fixed his gaze on Asher.

"Now tell me why I should agree to joining hands with you Mr. Roth."  He urged clasping his hands on the table before him.

Nodding Asher jumped into his already prepared explanation. "Our technology is nothing like any other.  We provide full proof understanding and the best security system out there.  Even if you have clients who don't quite understand how to install and run your product with our technology added in they will find it 100% easier to do.  With that promise you will gain more clientele because those who were usually afraid of buying won't have to fear doing so with what we provide."

As Asher continued to speak he kept his gaze fixed on Michael, making sure to pay close attention to his facial expressions.  As long as his gaze continued to show interest then they had a better chance of signing the contract. 

Michael listened politely keeping his face neutral until Asher finished.  Only then did he show his interest in what had been said.

Clapping Michael stood, "bravo Mr. Roth you have my interest."

Asher let out a sigh of relief before nodding. "Can I take that as you are willing to work with us Mr. Andrews?"

"I have to discuss it with my fiance first since it is her father's company and I am simply the middle man." Michael admitted.

Frowning Asher tried to process what had just been said.  As far as he knew Michael was the only party involved, so why was there suddenly another?

"Don't you worry Mr. Roth she should be here any minute." Michael began as a soft knock on the door sounded.  "Speak of the devil and he shall appear."

Standing Michael walked over and opened the door before stepping aside as someone walked in.  Someone Asher would recognize anywhere.  He had seen that same face in his dreams for the past six years.  The same face that he had been missing for so very long.  

She hadn't changed a bit since the last time he had seen her almost like she was immortal and would forever be young and beautiful.   Her bright blue eyes scanned the room before resting on Asher, her expression remained flat as she studied him for a minute before she returned her gaze to Michael.

"Summer these are the men I told you about that want to work with us." Michael said as he gave her a quick welcome kiss.

"Nice to meet you." She said smiling.  "Michael has told me a lot about you and the contract that you have been discussing."

Asher wasn't sure if she was feigning ignorance to their past relationship or if she truly didn't remember him.  His mind was going a mile a minute trying to process the situation.  How after six years was she suddenly here?  How could she not have any reaction to seeing him? 

He was on the verge of asking until she met his eyes and gave him a small almost unnoticeable sad smile.  Just as quickly as it appeared it was gone and all expression disappeared as she turned to Michael.  "Shall we sit honey?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry baby.  I was so distracted by your beauty I forgot we were still standing." Michael responded wrapping an arm around Summer's waist and leading her to the table.

Summer went to pull out a chair beside Michael only to be roughly pulled onto his lap instead.  A strong pang of pain and jealously surged through Asher as he tried his best to pretend nothing was wrong and that this was infact his and Summer's first time meeting.  

It took all his strength to not start bombarding her with questions.  Ones that he had piled up since the day she disappeared from his life six years ago.  Where had she been, what happened to her all those years ago, how did she suddenly have a rich and powerful father, but most of all how could she suddenly have a fiance?!? 

Had she completely forgotten about him and it was only him one sidedly holding onto something that could never be again.

"Sweetheart."  Michael spoke pulling Ashers mind back to reality.  "I was quite pleased with their proposal, but I told them the decision is ultimately yours to make since it is your father's company."

Nodding Summer smiled, "I trust your decision my love."

Asher could feel his heart stop the minute the words left Summer's lips.

Her love.

How could this possibly even be happening.  He had been missing her, so much so he felt like at times he was going mad, and here she was snuggling up to another man and acting like she didn't even know him.

"Well then gentlemen." Michael said breaking Asher from his torrent of thoughts.  "Since the boss seems in agreement, shall we meet in your office Monday, say nine AM?"

"Sounds like a plan."  David chirped happily completely oblivious to Asher's internal struggle beside him.

"Mr. Roth?" Michael asked setting his dark gaze on him.

Startled for a moment Asher just stared before finally composing himself.  "I will write up the final agreement and have it ready by then."

As upset as he was he couldn't possibly let this deal slip through his fingers.  He and David had worked too hard to get this far after all.  Also, he realized if they worked together it would give him the opportunity to see Summer again.  If he could just meet her without Michael around he could finally get some answers to the questions that haunted him for years.

"Well then," Michael spoke while standing "I will see you gentlemen Monday.  Feel free to continue your meal, everything is on us tonight."

"See you Monday." Asher said quietly.

With one last nod Michael with his arm wrapped around Summer headed out of the room leaving only Asher and David there.  

Feeling anxious Asher tried to remain seated reminding himself he just needed to bide his time until Monday and then he could hopefully see Summer once more. 

He had to ignore his burning urge to follow them and take her away right then and there.  He had just gotten the deal he couldn't ruin it.  He desperately knew that but his mind and heart continued to scream at him to follow.  

"Asher?" David asked finally noticing something was very off about his friend.  "You ok man?"

Gritting his teeth Asher nodded, "I'm fine." 

He took a deep breath and let it out trying his best to compose himself. 

"I'm fine."

THE HELL I AM!

With this thought he jumped up and raced out of the room leaving David completely stunned. 

Not wanting to wait on the elevator Asher quickly located the stairs and started running down them as quickly as he could, at times skipping multiple at a time. 

Huffing over the exertion he slammed through the door when he reached the bottom floor causing it to hit the wall with an audible bang.  All the patrons in the restaurant before him looked his way with curious and shocked expressions on their faces as they watched the now rabid looking Asher standing there while breathing in deep gulps of air. 

Not caring Asher started across the floor hoping it wasn't too late and he would somehow magically find Michael and Summer once more.

Exiting the restaurant Asher looked around desperately hoping to catch a glimpse of the figures he was looking for, but all he was greeted with was an empty street.  Anger flaring he wanted to scream.   

Seeing that Michael and Summer were truly gone already he could only find himself wondering if they were going to the same home, after all they did say they were engaged.  Of course they lived together, and when living together things happen.   

Unforgiving images began flashing in his head causing Asher to feel such anguish it nearly took his breath away.  

Near collapse Asher suddenly felt a hand touch his shoulder.  Whirling around he half expected to see Summer. 

Disappointment gripped him as his eyes met David's brown eyes instead of Summer's blue ones.

"What's wrong with you?" David asked concern dripping from his every word.  "I haven't seen you this distraught since...."

David stopped mid sentence his eyes widening.  He was aware of Asher's past love and how she had disappeared from his life.  He didn't know the whole story but he knew enough.

"No way."  David whistled.  "Please tell me that she wasn't."

Asher watched David silently before giving a slight nod.

Letting out a long breath David ran a hand through his bleach blonde hair.  His face contorted into one of discomfort.  

"Small world."  David murmured.

Small world, too small for Asher's liking.   He had found the girl he missed for so long, but it seemed like she was still miles away from him and forever out of his reach.  At that moment all he could think was, fate was truly a cruel and heartless bitch.