Mr. Lee and Mrs. Lee smile at each other calmly at the table. They had been prepared for such a statement from their daughter. And frankly, it was a surprise to them that Izo had been so agreeable to the suggestion until the very end. And though their daughter had offered to cover for their financial losses it would be no real loss to them as long as their daughter was happy, they were happy too.

“We’ll transfer half of the business over as agreed by the end of the day,” Mr. Lee calmly stated, before rising to his feet and helping his wife to his feet. The couple happily strides away leaving three surprised individuals at the table.

Luther Duke reflexively clenches his fists in surprise. Warren Lee had been his business rival all these years, but to suddenly win in this manner left Luther feeling like this was a rather hollow victory. Serina Duke pats her husband on the back in understanding. Despite being rivals, Luther Duke rather admired Warren Lee and enjoyed their business spars. It would be a loss to the both of them to suddenly be without their lifelong rivals.

James Duke quietly says, “I’ll be going now.” James climbs to his feet and pauses to ask, “What was her name again?”

“Who?” Serina Duke asked rather bemused.

“The Lee couple’s daughter?” James replied.

“Izo Reed,” Serina Duke rather bewildered replied to her son’s question.

James seems to memorize the name, before departing to the couple’s surprise. The Duke couple stared at each other in surprise and had the uneasy feeling that this topic had yet to be over.

*

Izo is sitting near the plaza having stopped to eat from a local vendor. Sitting on a park bench, Izo munches on comfort food: a hotdog, chips, and a lemonade. Izo silently fumes as she eats her meal and ponders, what her next step should be.

Out of the corner of her vision, Izo notices someone approach her, but Izo fails to notice as she is too busy with her thoughts. Izo doesn’t even pause to glance at the person who takes a seat next to her. A familiar male voice says, “So, is this considered a first date?”

Izo almost spits out the food in her mouth and hastily takes a sip of her lemonade lest she chocked. With watery eyes, Izo glares at the little brat sitting next to her. “What do you want?” Izo growled.

James Duke matter-of-factly replies, “I know that we got on the wrong foot. But frankly, I don’t want this as much as you do. However, I don’t think it’s fair that you parents lose half of everything they’ve worked their entire life for a bet that wasn’t even made by our parents, but by our grandfathers. So, why don’t you reconsider?”

Izo doesn’t respond and instead sullenly takes another bit of her hot dog in reply. While Izo chews her food, she thinks about the suggestion. On one hand, it would save her parents, but on the other hand, she would be stuck with this brat for a year.

However, Izo wouldn’t put her parents in a bad spot because of her. She’d survived much worse than this and she could do so again. Besides how could it be, it was just one year?”

Izo swallows flatly says, “So let’s say, I agree to this, what will happen?”

“Well, the clauses are rather vague so as long as go on one date once per month we should be filling the clause conditions,” James replied.

“I’ll agree to it, but first, let’s set some ground rules,” Izo flatly stated.

“I’m all ears,” James charmingly said.

“First, we keep away from each other’s lives. Whether I am dating someone during this time it is not any of your business as long as I keep it low key, the same will apply to you. Secondly, I won’t do the appearing at functions to accompany you, that’s not my thing. Thirdly, we both have to agree on the date. And lastly, social media or texting will only be used for communication purposes. I’m not going to send love emoji’s to your phone to prove my fake devotion to you,” Izo drily stated.

James ponders the statement and replies after a minute. “Alright, I agree to the terms, but I have some conditions of my mine?” James retorted back as Izo waits uneasily.

“Firstly, I expect you to put some effort into your appearance. How you’re dressed now is quite acceptable. Secondly, I am seeing someone I expect you to not make a scene should you see us in public. But you are correct, I will keep my personal affair low key. And lastly, don’t fall in love with me,” James calmly stated.

Izo snorts at the last condition and flatly says, “I can guarantee there is no chance of that last condition ever coming to pass, you’re not my type.”

“Really?” James playfully said.

Izo doesn’t reply as she climbs to her feet and says, “Call your parents and let them know of the change, I’ll do the same for mine,” before walking away.

With a bemused smile, James Duke watches a tall, thin woman walk away. Shaking his head, James heads back towards his parents. Hopefully, this would put a spring back into his father knowing that the two families were business rivals again.