I offered him a small smile while I shook his hand. Mr Van Kline had dark brown hair that was riddled with grey strands. He had a neatly trimmed grey beard and stern eyes that shouted 'business'.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Van Kline." I gulped and could feel Kiara staring into my skull.
"I heard whispers that your grandmother will leave her company in your name. Is it true that she is thinking of finally retiring?" Mr Van Kline asked.
"We all know how stubborn my grandmother can be." I awkwardly chuckled and hoped I was right. Mr Van Kline nodded with a small smile. "I know it's time that she retires, but I think she'll work for as long as possible," I added. It was scary how easily lying came to me.
"Uh, yes, that is true. I hope to see you around more often. It appears my daughter has kept you hidden." He stated and looked at Kiara.
"Sorry, Daddy. Mr Porter here claimed to not enjoy such functions," Kiara replied and looked to stare at me. I felt a drop of sweat on my forehead and gulped.
"They can get tedious sometimes, but I hope this luncheon makes you realise it's not too bad." Her Dad shrugged. "Excuse me, I must go mingle with the rest of the guests." He remarked, then walked away with Mr Leuw following after him.
Kiara gripped my arm and pulled me into a chair by the table.
"What the fuck is going on?" Kiara harshly whispered and tried to not show that she was angry.
"I, uh, I... Mr Leuw..." I stuttered as my brain hit a blank.
"Do you even know who Mrs Porter is?" Kiara questioned, and I shook my head. "She is the wealthiest woman in Joburg! Her status and reputation are known across the country. No one messes with her because she can destroy you in seconds. Now, you're going around claiming to be her grandson! You have no idea how badly this will be when she finds out you are impersonating her family name."
"Mr Luew assumed I was her grandson when I helped her walk in. I tried to correct him, but he just kept on interrupting me." I stated and quickly whipped my forehead.
"Okay, stop stressing. Perhaps he won't tell anyone else. Why didn't you tell my father the truth? That's a great first impression, Jason. Fucking lying to my father the first time you meet him."
"I panicked, okay? I'm sorry." I apologised, and she placed her hand on my leg underneath the table to try to calm me down. Kiara could probably sense I was freaking out.
"We'll sort this mess out together. Let's just always change the topic when my father asks about you." She whispered, and I agreed. "I'll tell him the truth eventually, but not today. I'm too tired for that drama."
A waiter walked over with drinks, and I quickly downed one. Kiara asked him to bring over two cups of coffee as we discussed how I was going to answer questions as Mrs Porter's grandson. I had to keep up the façade until the luncheon came to an end.
Breakfast came around, and we were served a plate full of food. Mr Van Kline returned to the table, and we tried to direct the questions off topics of Mrs Porter or me as much as we could. I asked him more questions about his company and how he started off, which he gladly shared with me. Kiara and I had kept him talking even through dessert.
"Jason actually has a love for cars," Kiara added, which seemed to spark an interest in Mr Van Kline's eyes.
"Oh, really? I have a vast collection of automobiles ranging from a 1950 Aston Martin to an Aventador Rev Lamborgini. You should come over, and I'll show you the collection." He remarked.
"I would love that. Thank you, Mr Van Kline." I smiled.
"Please, call me Gregory. I'm sure I'll be seeing you around. My daughter seems quite fond of you, Mr Porter."
"Daddy!" Kiara gasped, and her cheeks shot red.
"I'm fond of her as well," I remarked, and Gregory smiled at me for the first time. He nodded, then sipped on his whiskey.
Music started playing, and couples made their way to the middle of the room to dance. I looked over at Kiara and held out my hand.
"Can I have this dance, Miss Kiara?" I asked, and she looked at her Dad.
"Go ahead, angel. I'll be fine here," Gregory stated.
Kiara looked back at me and smiled. "I would love to." She said and placed her soft hand in mine.
We walked over to the dance floor hand in hand. Couples danced around us, and I held Kiara's hand while my arm slipped around her waist. We were closer than other couples and didn't look like the friends Kiara wanted to act as.
"Do you even know how to dance?" Kiara questioned and stared into my eyes.
"I had to learn how to slow dance for my brother's wedding, so I know a bit," I replied with a smile and started moving to the music. The Van Klines had hired a pianist and singer that started to play 'Let me love you' by Justin Bieber. They changed something fast and upbeat into a beautiful slow song that let the lyrics fill your mind.
