Stella checked her schedule. Aside from that evening, she was completely booked. "I'm only free tonight, but I have a meeting at six, so it would have to be later. Is that okay?"
"Of course," Foreman's voice was warm. "You handle your meeting. I'm in no rush."
After setting a time, Stella returned to her work. Around five o'clock, there was a knock on her door. She looked up to see Foreman standing there.
"Foreman, what are you doing here?" she asked, surprised.
"I was in the neighborhood for some business," he said with a smile. "I finished early, so I thought I'd come wait for you. You go ahead and work. We can leave for dinner together when you're done."
Stella glanced at the time. "But you'll have to wait at least two hours."
"It's no problem," he said. "I'd either be waiting here or waiting at the restaurant."
Seeing his point, Stella didn't insist. "What would you like to drink? Coffee? Something else?"
"Just water is fine."
After getting him a glass of water, Stella immersed herself in her work. It was the first time since she'd given up the violin that Foreman had seen her in a professional capacity. Her focus was intense; his presence didn't seem to distract her at all. She was clearly busy, signing documents, reviewing contracts, and making decisions on various partnerships.
She gave him a nod and hurried out.
Around six, Aicken returned to the office. He informed Foreman, "Ms. Cameron went straight to her next meeting. She asked me to let you know." Foreman nodded in understanding, and Aicken, who also had to attend the meeting, left promptly.
Once he was alone, Foreman looked around Stella's office. It was sparsely decorated, functional and stark—not at all what he'd expect from a woman. His eyes fell on the thick stacks of files on her desk, and a pang of sympathy went through him. He knew how difficult it must be for her, learning the ropes of business while managing such a heavy workload. He wished he could take it all on for her, to ease her burden.
Suddenly, the sharp ring of a cell phone broke the silence. Stella had rushed off to meet Mr. Sharp and forgotten it. Now, with one meeting leading directly into another, it had been left behind. Foreman tried to ignore it, but the phone kept ringing. He hesitated, then picked it up.
The screen displayed the name "Antoney." Foreman considered answering to let him know Stella was in a meeting.

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