"They're from Eliot, oh my god, how exciting," he says nervously, practically bouncing in his seat, "he's inviting you to dinner at a charity gala in two weeks."
Trinidad puts a piece of spring roll in her mouth and doesn't flinch. Adrian looks at her dumbfounded.
"Is there anyone less emotional than you?" asks the young man, letting his shoulders fall dramatically.
"Believe me, I get excited, but this doesn't seem exciting at all," responds Trinidad while picking up a grain of rice that has fallen on her immaculate desk.
"How not? He's handsome, kind, rich and most importantly, he knows how to dress well," he says rolling his eyes, "and of course, he likes you, otherwise it wouldn't be the third time he's sent you a bouquet and I hope it's not the third time you reject him too."
Trinidad arches an eyebrow, remembering how well the previous two bouquets looked decorating the reception, this one will occupy the same position.
"Come on, boss, I'm not saying you have to have anything with him, but going out and taking a break wouldn't hurt you either. Not everything in life is work, you know? There's a world beyond these walls."
Adrian is not at all aware of the impact his words have just had on the businesswoman, who has felt something like an anxiety burst in the center of her chest upon hearing him. Her fingers tense around the chopsticks while a shiver runs down her back. Trinidad searches her memories for how long it's been since she's allowed herself to have a real date and can't even remember. She misses conversing with someone, spending time surrounded by other people and forgetting for a moment how reduced her social life is. The self-imposed solitude falls on her like a slab.
"Oh my God, you're thinking about it," Adrian claps so hard it makes the bracelets on his wrists tinkle.
"Maybe," Trinidad acknowledges. "I'll talk to Benjamin, if he thinks it's okay, tell Eliot I'll go with him."
"Why does Benjamin have to decide?" Adrian dares to ask.
The young man understands that, given his boss's purchasing power, she always goes accompanied by her bodyguard, but sometimes, like now, for example, it seems to him that Trinidad is a bit eccentric.
"Because I say so," Trinidad cuts off, who doesn't intend to give him any kind of explanation.
Her tone, although soft, has that steel nuance that Adrian knows well and that indicates the conversation is over.
"What should I do with the bouquet?" Adrian dares to ask as he stands up.
"Whatever you want, you can keep it or place it at reception."