CHAPTER THREE

CONFRONTING THE PAST

THE MEETING

Leon sat at a polished black wooden table in a well organized conference room, the buildings of Los Angeles stretching out behind him. He had dressed in his best suit which looked cheap in quality, trying to mask the nervous attacks hitting him within. Across from him sat Mark Turner, a prominent investor known for his keen eye for innovative startups. Mark's reputation was intimidating, but Leon knew this was his chance of a life time to prove himself.

Mark leaned back in his chair, looking at the proposal Leon had meticulously prepared. The silence in the room was intense it was only being hindered a little by the traffic sound outside the building down the main streets of Los Angeles. Finally, Mark looked up, with an unreadable expression written all over him.

"Leon, I’ve seen a lot of pitches in my time," Mark began, "but yours stands out to be one of the best I have seen. The automotive industry is ripe for disruption, and your ideas are not only innovative but practical. Tell me more about what inspired you to pursue this path."

Leon took a deep breath, trying to adjust himself and his cheap suit. "Thank you, Mr. Turner. I’ve always been passionate about mechanics and automotive engineering. For years, I worked as a mechanic, dreaming of ways to improve car parts and repair techniques. It wasn’t until recently, after a significant personal setback in my life, that I found the motivation to take those dreams seriously and turn them into reality."

Mark nodded, he felt a sort of satisfaction with the answer. "Personal setbacks can often be the trigger for great achievements. Tell me about your team. Innovation isn’t a solo endeavor."

"Absolutely you are right," Leon agreed, feeling more confident. "I’m collaborating with Lena Paul, an exceptional engineer who believes in our vision. We’ve also been working closely with Samantha Greene, an automotive engineer with a wealth of experience. Together, we’ve developed a prototype that we believe can revolutionize car maintenance."

Mark’s interest was heightened. "I’ve heard of Lena Paul. Her work is impressive and commanding. And Samantha Greene, you say? Quite the dream team you’ve assembled."

Leon nodded, grateful for the acknowledgment. "Yes, we’re very fortunate to have such a talented team. Our goal is to create products that not only make automotive repairs more efficient but also more accessible to a wider audience."

Mark sat forward, with an intention written all over his eyes. "Leon, I’m going to be blunt. I like your vision and your team. I think there’s real potential here. I’m willing to invest, but I need to see results. Can you deliver?"

Leon met Mark’s gaze steadily. "Yes, we can. We have a prototype ready for demonstration, and we’re confident it will exceed expectations."

Mark smiled for the first time, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Alright, Leon. You’ve got yourself an investor. Let’s make this happen."

Leon’s heart soared as they shook hands, sealing the deal. He left the conference room with a spring in his step, his mind already racing with plans for the next phase of their project. He texted Lena and Samantha, sharing the good news. Their responses were immediate and jubilant.

"This is amazing! I knew you could do it!" Lena congratulated him with a text.

"Incredible news! Let’s celebrate tonight!" Samantha said.

Leon smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude for his team and the opportunities ahead. He was one step closer to realizing his dreams.

AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

Later that evening, Leon walked into the restaurant where he had agreed to meet Lena and Samantha for a celebratory dinner. The place was buzzing with energy, there was a warm ambiance that made it look different from the air outside the building. He spotted Lena waving at him from a corner table, her face was filled with excitement.

"Leon, over here!" she called, with an infectious smile written all over her face.

As Leon approached, he noticed Samantha already seated, raising a glass in his direction. "To new beginnings!" she toasted, and they all clinked glasses, the mood was nice filled with promises and hope.

They ordered food and began to discuss their plans, the conversation flowing easily. Lena and Samantha were both brimming with ideas, and Leon felt a sense of belonging and being loved and he became more determined to pursue this goal of his. They had the talent, the vision, and now the backing to make a real impact.

Midway through their meal, the atmosphere shifted as a familiar figure walked through the door. Leon’s heart sank as he recognized Clara, her eyes scanning the room. She hadn’t seen him yet, but it was only a matter of time. He glanced at Lena and Samantha, hoping to avoid a confrontation.

But fate had other plans. Clara’s gaze landed on their table, and her eyes widened in surprise. She made a move towards them, with an unreadable expression written all over her. Leon braced himself, unsure of what to expect.

"Leon," Clara said, her voice cool but filled with something he couldn’t quite place. "I didn’t expect to see you here."

"Clara," Leon replied, with a neutral tone. "We’re just celebrating some good news."

Clara’s eyes shifted to Lena and Samantha, assessing them quickly. "I see. Congratulations, I suppose."

Leon nodded, trying to keep the conversation brief. "Thank you. We’re very excited about the future."

Clara hesitated, then took a step closer. "Leon, could we talk for a moment? In private?" she gestured with her head.

Leon’s heart raced. The last thing he wanted was a public scene, but he couldn’t ignore her request. "Alright," he said, standing up. "Excuse me for a moment," he told Lena and Samantha, who both looked very concerned but also they were understanding.

He followed Clara to a quieter corner of the restaurant, the noise of the crowd fading into the background. Clara turned to face him, with a softer expression more than he had seen in a long time.

"Leon, I... I heard about your recent successes," she began, her voice was wavering slightly. "I wanted to say congratulations. And... I’m sorry. For everything."

Leon blinked, taken by surprise by her unexpected apology. "Clara, I appreciate that, but it doesn’t change what happened. We’re both moving on with our lives now."

"I know," she said quickly. "But seeing you here, hearing about your achievements from people and thr news... it made me realize how much I took you for granted. I was wrong, Leon."

Leon sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. "Clara, it’s in the past. We both made mistakes. But I’ve found a new path, and I’m not looking back."

Clara’s eyes filled with unshed tears. "I understand. I just wanted you to know that I regret how things ended. I hope you find happiness."

Leon nodded, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "Thank you, Clara. I hope you do too."

They stood in silence for a moment before Clara turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd. Leon watched her go, a sense of closure settling over him. He returned to Lena and Samantha, who welcomed him back with relieved smiles.

"Everything okay?" Lena asked gently as she rubbed his hands with hers.

"Yeah," Leon said, his smile genuine. "Everything’s going to be just fine." Leon said looking into her eyes. Samantha felt a little bit jealous. It was written all over her the way she tried not to look at Leon and Lena share a moment.

As they resumed their celebration, Leon felt a new sense of purpose. He was surrounded by people who believed in him, and he was ready to embrace whatever the future held the past was behind him.