When Lauren finally opened her eyes, there were a few people gathered around her. Many of them were concerned about her, but were trying to not get in the way. She suddenly spotted Xander leaning over her and he appeared to be concerned as well as he spoke to her.

“Lauren,” he started, “How are you feeling?”

“I’m a little dizzy,” She said, rubbing her head with her hand. “What happened?”

“I think you fainted,” Xander said, as he helped her sit up. “Don’t try to stand just yet. Give yourself time to focus and get your bearings.”

It was at this moment a woman who worked for the museum walked over. She was carrying a bottle of water and quickly handed it over to Xander.

“Thank you,” Xander said, as he took it from her. He opened it up and handed it over to Lauren, “Just take small sips at first.”

“Okay,” Lauren said, as she took the bottle and sipped it.

“Is there anything else we can do, Mr. Hopkins?” the worker asked.

“That will be fine, thank you.” Xander said, “She probably hasn’t had anything for breakfast and it just caught up with her. She’ll be fine.”

The people started to clear away, and Xander finally helped her to her feet. She sipped the water and looked back at him again.

“She called you Mr. Hopkins.” Lauren recalled.

“She did,” Xander confirmed, “Because that’s my name.”

“I need to sit down,” Lauren said, and Xander walked her back to the bench and she sat back down.

“I hate to bruise your ego,” Xander started, “But you’re not the first person to faint on me. I’ve got more experience with this than I’d like to admit.”

“Do a lot of women swoon over your painting?” Lauren asked.

“Well, it’s not just the painting.” Xander replied, “Most women have a hard time dealing with the fact that they’re dating a billionaire. I’m just sorry that I didn’t catch you before you hit the floor.”

“I’m sorry,” Lauren interrupted, “Did you say billionaire?”

“It’s just a word,” Xander said, with a playful tone, “It won’t hurt you, I promise.”

Lauren felt a little faint again and she reached out and grabbed Xander’s arm.

“I’ll be alright,” Lauren said, looking back at him. “You were right a few minutes ago, I skipped breakfast.”

“So did I,” Xander said, “Why don’t we go out and continue this conversation while getting some much needed sustenance?”

“That sounds nice,” Lauren said, smiling back. “Your treat I assume?”

“Of course,” Xander said, “I invited you to join me. Proper etiquette dictates that I cover it since it was my idea in the first place.”

“Sounds good,” Lauren said, “Cause I can’t afford it.”

“Hold on,” Xander said, as he looked around. “Where are the kids?”

“They’re not here,” Lauren said as she got to her feet. “That’s why I can’t afford breakfast. I was fired yesterday.”

“You were fired?” Xander repeated, as he was clearly shocked to hear the news. “What the hell for?”

“I’ll explain that over breakfast,” Lauren said, “Let’s go, cause I’m famished.”

Xander walked Lauren out of the art gallery, and hailed a cab. Once inside, he gave them an address that she wasn’t familiar with. Once the cab came to a stop, Xander got out first and opened the door for her, and she looked around. There were a few places that could have been their destination, but Xander led her in the opposite direction.

“Where are we going?” she asked him.

“Somewhere where we can have a little privacy,” Xander said, leading her into the lobby of a building. He walked her to the elevator and there was a man in there waiting for someone to enter.

“What floor, Sir?” The man asked as they entered the lift.

“Top floor please,” Xander answered.

Once they reached the top floor, there was a massive dining area and a table with people waiting to be seated.

“I thought you said we’ve have privacy here,” Lauren said, looking around. “This place looks packed!”

“I don’t use this place often,” Xander admitted, “But the few times I’ve been here it’s been rather good.”

“Excuse me, Sir.” the maître d’ said as Xander and Lauren approached. “Do you have a reservation?”

“I do not, but I don’t need one.” Xander answered.

“And why not, Sir?” the maître d’ inquired.

“My father is Alexander Hopkins,” Xander replied, handing the maître d’ his business card, “And I have a standing invitation to eat at his table, which is kept reserved for him twenty-four seven.”

“Monsieur Hopkins,” the man said, making a slight bow. “Right this way.”

Lauren and Xander followed the maître d’ to a table that was off in the corner of the hall, and was nicely located right beside the window which had an amazing view of the city. Once they were seated, he handed each of them a menu and informed them a waitress would be there shortly to help them.

“Thank you,” Xander said, taking the menus.

“This place is really nice,” Lauren said, as she took a menu and started to look at the items and their rather inflated prices. She was suddenly very happy that Xander was buying because she was pretty sure she couldn’t even afford the bread sticks. “There are some many amazing options. Do you recommend anything?”

“I don’t mind the eggs benny myself,” Xander admitted, “But you can order anything you like. I’m kind of curious to see what you do order, because you can tell a lot about a person by what they like to start the day with.”

“Is that so,” Lauren said, “Well, I’ll try not to disappoint you.”

“There are no wrong answers,” Xander added, “Unless you put ketchup on your eggs. That would be rather embarrassing.”

“If the kids were here, I wouldn’t be able to make an promises.” Lauren said, thinking about the two kids she looked after so long. “Nathan put ketchup on everything as if his life depended on a daily supply of it.”

“I know someone who owns a part of Heinz,” Xander added, “She loves kids like Nathan because they’re the kind of people that keep the lights on.”

“He’d IV it into his arm if he could, I swear.” Lauren said, laughing.

“What happened yesterday?” Xander finally asked. “Why aren’t you watching them right now?”

“My boss say the video,” Lauren said, “The one of you grabbing Nathan and saving him from the bus. He likes you a lot probably, but as far as I’m concerned… the words child endangerment was grounds to send me packing.”

“I’m sorry,” Xander said, taking a deep breath. “You seemed to be really good around them. I think that’s your client’s loss in my books.”

“Thank you,” Lauren said, “But I’m afraid work will be hard to find since I’m the woman that nearly turned a kid into a pancake.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Xander countered, “There are plenty of good people out there who will not think of it that way.”

“I hope so,” Lauren said, hoping he was right. “Let’s not talk about it, I prefer to keep the talk happy while we eat.”

“Fair enough,” Xander agreed, “Do you know what you want to order?”

“I think so,” Lauren said, “How about you?”

“I believe so,” Xander said, as he waved for someone to come over.

To her surprise, a waitress was waiting for Xander to make the gesture and rushed over to offer them specials and take their order. It took a few moments for both of them to make an order and she whisked off to get their drinks and place the orders with he kitchen. Xander tossed the menu he kept onto the chair beside him and relaxed into his chair.

“What about you?” Lauren suddenly asked. “Don’t you have a job to get to?”

“I do,” Xander playfully answered, “But it will still be there when I get back.”

“What would your boss say if he knew you were here?” she asked him, “Or at the art gallery instead of being at work?”

“He won’t say anything,” Xander said, smiling back at her.

Lauren saw that smile and knew something was up. “What?”

“Remember I said I was in good graces with my boss?” Xander asked.

“Yes, I do remember.” Lauren said, recalling he said that at the picnic.

“Well, that’s because I am the boss.” Xander added, “I can’t be fired because I’m the guy who would be in charge of doing that.”

“You’re the boss?” Lauren repeated, “What’s your title?”

“Promise not to faint again?” Xander asked.

“What is it?” Lauren asked again.

“It’s a standard boss position,” Xander cryptically answered before deciding to just rip off the band aid again. “Chief Executive Officer.”

“You’re the C.E.O.?” Lauren asked, “Of course you are. What exactly are you the C.E.O. of?”

“It’s called Xander Communications,” Xander answered, “It’s a fair sized conglomerate that deals with many medias of communication like radio, television, and other various outlets.”

“The company’s named after you?” Lauren added, noticing that detail.

“Well I am the founder that built it all from the ground up,” Xander said, gloating just a tiny bit.

“Fair enough,” Lauren said, very impressed. “So while you do have work to do, you have no one to answer to.”

“I guess one could say the shareholders,” Xander confirmed, “But I’m not that important. The company won’t sink without me, but it doesn’t hurt to show up and help out every now and then.”

“Fair enough,” Lauren said as she waitress showed up to deliver their food. “Thank you very much.”

“Yes, thank you.” Xander concurred. “This is a very pleasant way to start the day. Great food, good company and enjoyable conversation.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Lauren said, holding up her drink. “Cheers.”

“I just feel terrible about your job,” Xander confessed. “Doesn’t seem fair that you’re the only one being punished for what happened.”

“Don’t feel terrible,” Lauren said, reaching across the table and taking his hand in hers. “I was happy you were there to help Nathan. We were very fortunate, and not having you there would have been a real catastrophe.”

“Duly noted,” Xander said, as he wanted to modestly change the subject while at the same time avoiding his own reason for being out there that day. It was not something he wanted to speak to Lauren about just yet, so he was more than willing to help Lauren change topics as they continued to talk and mingle. It was nice to be around Lauren again, especially since Xander thought he’d never see her again. Fate had brought them together again, and he was hoping it would last a little longer this time. All he wanted to do was spend more time with her and get to know her more, but he felt so nervous and felt like a bumbling fool around her sometimes.

“Are you alright, Xander?” Lauren asked, sensing his unease.

“I’m good, thank you.” Xander said, “But I need to hit the little boys room, so if you’ll excuse me.”

Lauren watched as Xander excused himself and left the floor towards the bathrooms. She couldn’t help but chuckle a bit at his reference to the lude, which was a word she didn’t hear that often anymore but let it pass. She sat there at the table alone and ate a few bites while watching the others in the hall, some who were staring at her for no particular reason. She knew it was likely because of Xander, and Lauren couldn’t help but wonder what kind of staring that Xander had to endure all the time, and pretty much everywhere he went. It would also explain why he enjoyed hanging out with her and the kids the day before. No one looked at him that way and he was just there like everyone else. She didn’t want things to be different now, but it was kind of hard to forget what Xander did and the company that he ran. She was deep in thought about what she learned until a man walked up to her table. Lauren thought it might have been the staff, but it was an older man who was just looking at her.

“Good morning,” She said to him, giving him a pleasant smile.

“Hello,” The man replied, not taking his eyes off of her.

“Are you alright?” She then asked him.

“I suppose so,” The man answered.

“Is there something in my teeth?” Lauren then asked.

This time rather than reply, the man laughed.

“No,” the man answered, “You’re sitting in my seat.”

“I’m sorry about that,” Lauren said, “I had no idea.”

“It’s a nice spot,” the old man added, “It’s a very strategic spot.”

“Believe it or not, I noticed that too.” Lauren informed him, “I picked this chair because the sun would be at my back and not in my eyes, and it also give me a better position to do a little people watching if things started to get boring.”

“Well said,” The old man said as he walked closer to her on her left. “Since you clearly appreciate its value, I’m going to let it slide this time. That is if you’ll allow me to join your people watching.”

“Of course,” Lauren said, trying to be friendly. “I’m Lauren Carter.”

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Ms. Carter,” The old man said, as he huffed himself down in the chair on her left. “I’m Alexander Hopkins.”

“Oh, you’re Xander’s Dad!” Lauren said.

“You know my son?” Mr. Hopkins asked.

“I do,” Lauren confirmed, “I’m here with him. That’s his spot right here. He just needed to use the little boys room for a moment.”

“Oh, I see.” Mr. Hopkins said, as he seemed pleasantly surprised. “Then it is an even greater pleasure to meet you, little lady.”

“The pleasure is mine as well,” Lauren said, “So how does someone get their own chair at a fancy place like this?”

“It’s easy,” Mr. Hopkin’s answered, “I own the place.”

“That would do it,” Lauren said, as they both shared a good laugh.

It was at this point where Xander returned to the table to see Lauren sitting there and laughing it up with his father.

“Dad,” Xander said, as he walked back.

“Alexander,” Mr. Hopkins said, “I apologize for the interrupting your breakfast with Ms. Carter, it was unintentional. I merely came here to eat myself, as I make it a habit to be here as often as I can.”

“You seem in good spirits,” Xander said as he took a seat back to where he was before he left for the bathroom.

“I am, and I want to apologize for something else.” Mr. Hopkins continued. “I was rude to you yesterday and I wanted to say that it was my emotions getting the best of me. I will support your decisions, and give my full support.”

“I assume this is a matter I know nothing of,” Lauren assumed.

“Yes,” Xander said, “And I prefer to keep it that way as the subject is a tad inappropriate for the table.”

“He’s right, not pleasant for breaky.” Mr. Hopkins said, looking back at Lauren. “So how did you two kids meet?”

“It’s such a great story!” Lauren answered.

“I can’t wait to hear it,” Mr. Hopkins said, as he was thoroughly enjoying his breakfast thus far.

All Xander could do was sit there and not say a thing, for those two were already getting along too well for his liking.