Chapter 55 The nicest man on earth
CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA
AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT
“Will you come in and have tea or coffee or soda?” Ria asked when Ian pulled up in front of her home. She thinks inviting Ian in for a drink is fair enough to make it up to him.
Their visit to the store went well. Ria was able to pick out good materials to make the dress samples for Amber Foundation. Ian was right there with her and he was even the one that picked the hot pink colored silk at the store and they both went to the workplace after buying the necessary materials. Ramsey introduced the designers to Ria and Ian and they were able to discuss on how the place should be set.
On their way back home, Ria told Ian her plans of using whatever she makes from the Amber Foundation’s deal to pay the designers. But Ian insisted that Ria should save up the money or use it to purchase the equipments she would be needing for her business. In a nutshell, Ian just wants to pay for the setting up of Ria’s sewing business. In the end, Ian was able to convince Ria not to bother herself about the workplace. They both agreed that Ian would pay for the setting up because Ria doesn’t have any money to set up such place. And Ria doesn’t know how she would thank Ian Bryant for everything he has done for her.
Ian checked his wristwatch. “We can do that some other time.” He replied.
Did Ian Bryant just say no to a drink invitation with Ria?! She never expected him to reject her offer for a drink!
Ian went on to studying Ria with those eyes that were so intense. “I need to see someone before calling it a day.” He added quickly.
Seeing someone again? And who is he seeing this time? Ria pondered. She shut out the thought of asking him about the person immediately. She shouldn’t be bothered about it! They are just business partners so whoever he is seeing is none of her business! Ria reminded herself.
“Alright.” Ria replied.
“Just give me a call if you need anything.” Ian said.
Ria just simply nod her head even though she won’t be calling him for anything. “Bye, Ian.” She waved at him. Ian started the car and drove away.
Ria met Cassidy when she stepped into the house. “Hello Miss Ria!” Cassidy greeted with a bright smile on her face.
“How are you, Cassidy?” Ria smiled.
“I am fine. And-”
Ria interrupted her. “Oh Cassidy.. I am really sorry for not calling.” She apologized.
“I understand. Ma’am Elise told me that you have been really busy with work.” Cassidy replied.
Ria shook her head in agreement. “What do you have in there?” Ma’am Elise pointed to the bag she was holding.
“It is the materials for the dress samples.” Ma’am Elise collected the bag and set it down on the couch to check it.
“Ma’am Elise told me about your contract with Mrs Perla. I am so happy for you!” Cassidy clapped in excitement.
“Yes Cassidy. I planned to call you to ask if you would be chanced to help me with the dresses.” Ria requested.
“Oh yes! I would be happy help you!” Cassidy grinned as she joined ma’am Elise in checking out the set of materials.
“But what about school?” Ria asked.
“We are on break now. I wrote my last paper yesterday.” Cassidy answered.
“Really?” Ria sat on the couch to pull off her sandals.
“Yeah. We are on three weeks break. Oh! It is so good to be out of school! No morning classes! No test! No exams!” Cassidy huffed a sigh of relief.
“The break happened at the right time.” Ma’am Elise said.
“So that means you will join I and ma’am Elise to make all the dresses.” Ria heaved a sigh.
“Miss Ria, do you remember that my aunt I told you about? The one in Denver.” Cassidy asked.
“Your aunt that taught you how to sew.” Ria said.
“Yes.. yes.. she is moving in with us tomorrow. I purposely came here to ask if she can work for you.” Cassidy itched her eyebrows.
“Is she a seamstress?” Ma’am Elise asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes! She knows a lot about sewing!” Cassidy answered.
“Wow! Miss Ria, that’s a good idea. We don’t need to place an advert on the site anymore. Cassidy can talk to her aunt to work with us?” Ma’am Elise demanded.
“Yes.” Cassidy nodded.
“Well we don’t need to place an advert anymore. But will your aunt agree to work with us? You know she is an experienced seamstress and she might just decide to work on her own here.” Ria stated.
“No my mom didn’t mention it that she is going to start her sewing business here in Chicago. Trust me, Miss Ria your designs are amazing! I am sure my aunt will be glad to work with you!” Cassidy enthused.
“Okay. When she arrives talk to her about it.” Ria took out her phone from the bag.
“Should I bring her over if she agrees to work with you?” Cassidy questioned.
“Sure Cassidy.” Ria answered.
“Okay.”
“This color of silk is pretty.” Ma’am Elise complimented.
“Ian picked that color. He told me that it is called hot pink among the shades of pinks.” Ria clicked on google on her phone.
“Really?!” They gasped.
Ria moved to the couch they sat to show them the color. “Look at it.”Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.
“The lace and color of silk fits in perfectly. And I am sure the kids will like the dress when we are done!” Cassidy commented.
Ma’am Elise snapped her fingers in the air. “Not just the kids but Mrs Perla, Madam Charity and everyone at the event will love the dresses! And when Miss Ria’s place is ready rich and classy people will patronize us!” A happy smile grazed her expression.
“Celebrities too.” Cassidy added and they all laughed.
“So what was the outcome of the meeting with the designers?” Ma’am Elise asked after packing the materials back into the bag.
“They said the place will be ready in a month time if they get paid soon.” Ria responded.
“About the payment we can’t pay them yet because we are still yet to discuss price with Mrs Perla and I wish I had the money so I can pay them and they can start work soon. But setting up a place like that is a whole lot of money.” Ma’am Elise said soberly.
“Ma’am Elise, you don’t need to worry about the payment. Ian promised to pay for everything.” Ria said.
“Really?!” Cassidy eyes widened.
“Yes.” Ria mumbled.
“Oh! That’s so kind of him!” Ma’am Elise face brightened.
“We both agreed that he would pay for setting up while I also contribute to the payments of the equipments.” Ria clicked on her note to mark the things she spent her money on for today.
“That’s how he is.. I mean Mr Ian…” Cassidy said. “He is really kind.. and nice.” She completed.
“Cassidy, if I may ask how are you related to Ian? Because I found out that Mr Griffin is not your dad.” Ma’am Elise asked.
Ria and Ma’am Elise exchanged glances. They haven’t had the chance to talk about it with Cassidy.
“I am sorry, Miss Ria.” Cassidy said in an apologetic tone.
“It is okay, Cassidy. You don’t have to feel bad about it.” Ria replied sincerely.
“The truth is I am not related to Mr Ian or Mr Griffin. Mr Ian used to be close friends with my late brother. And ever since my elder brother’s demise, Mr Ian took on our responsibilities. He is the one paying for our college fees, he gives us monthly allowances and also paying other bills too. Plus he even bought a house and a car for my mom.” Cassidy stated her clear relationship with Ian Bryant.
“He is doing all that for your family?” Ma’am Elise asked with a surprised look on her face.
“Yes. Mr Ian said that he is making it up to my brother for being a good friend to him.” Cassidy answered.
Making things up to people must be part of Ian. Ria said within. She had thought he was only doing the making up thing with her with a hidden motive but she was wrong! And being nice and kind must be part of him too!
“Miss Ria, don’t be surprise if Mr Ian insists on doing everything for you. That’s just his personality. In the Bryant family, Mr Ian is known for being Mr Responsibility.” Cassidy giggled. “And I am sorry for deceiving you. I also want you to know that Mr Ian is not pretending to you! He really wants to help you.” Cassidy was sincere with her words.
She is right! Ria already realized that a long time ago. Ian isn’t a pretender! Everything Cassidy said about Ian proves a lot about him which Ria has seen but she is refusing to acknowledge it. She was doubting him but not anymore!
Ria had to admit that Ian Bryant is the nicest man on earth! Ria already grew fond of Ian and along the line she has learnt that there are still good men in the world. Men like Ian Bryant and not the type of men she knew.
The category of men Ria had met were monstrous in mature. She saw men as beasts in humans clothing! And maybe things would have been different if Ria didn’t go through what she went through eight years ago.
Her perspective about men was beginning to change because of one man-Ian Bryant.