A Business Lunch: Mirsada and Aramis

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I laughed. "Only in this respect," I said. "Hardly ever when it comes to my business."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“I’ll remember that,” I said, smiling.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I took some more bites of my food. "What kind of businesswoman are you? Do you have a particular style?" I asked.

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Aggressive and opportunistic,” I replied. “Others have described me differently, but I think that sums it up.” I took another bite of curry. “What sort of businessman are you?”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"Generous, but conscientious," I said. "I like to give free samples when I can, but I am always mindful of the numbers."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“I can see how samples would be a wonderful practice with the items you stock. Often people won’t buy something unless they know how it tastes,” I said, nodding.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I nodded. "It varies from day to day," I said. "Sometimes, if I am overstocked, I will put out free samples for anyone who walks in. Other days, I will only give samples if a customer shows real interest in an item. But I've noticed that it certainly helps with bringing in repeat customers."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“That’s a very good business plan,” I said, smiling at him after I’d swallowed another bite. “Did you learn business from someone or is this all self taught?”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"Self-taught, mostly," I said. "I have read a lot and talked with many people, but I never formally studied business." I took another bite and swallowed. "What about you, did your parents teach you how to run the business?"

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Yes, some directly and a lot just by letting me observe everything that went on,” I answered.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I nodded. "When did you know that this was what you wanted to do?"

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Since I was born, I guess,” I answered. “There was never really another choice for me. what about you?”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"Well, nobody made me do it," I said. "I could have sold the whole thing when I turned 18 if I wanted to." I shrugged. "I don't know why I didn't want to. Maybe because it's the only thing left I have of my parents."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“I can understand that,” I told him. “I feel my parents in my shop. I think that’s why it was easier on me when they moved away, it was part of them was still here.”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"That must be difficult," I said. "Where did they move to?"

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Illyria,” I replied. “Back to my father’s home town.”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I whistled. "That is far," I said. "I hope you are not too lonely with them gone."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“I was a little at first, but I have gotten used to it,” I answered. I was lonelier now than I had been when my parents had moved away.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"Well, you are welcome any time in my store or in my home, should you have need for company," I said. "I'm afraid I don't get out much, work keeps me busy."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“I can understand that,” I said, smiling softly. “And thank you, that is very kind of you.”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"You're welcome, it would be my pleasure," I said.

I took the last few bites of my meal. "Whew, I am stuffed," I said. "That was delicious. This restaurant was a good choice."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I said, smiling honestly. “Perhaps we can do this again another time.”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I nodded. "I would like that," I said. "Will you be having dessert?"

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Not today, I find myself rather full,” I said, chuckling. “The desserts here are quite good though if you were thinking of enjoying one. I find the fruit tart especially lovely.”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I shook my head. "I couldn't eat another bite," I said. "Shame, really, I do like fruit tart."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Next time,” I said, smiling. I took another drink of wine then set my glass down. The server noticed we were done eating and came over to clear our dishes.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I thanked the server who cleared away the dishes, before taking out my coin purse, putting enough to pay for both our meals on the table.

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Thank you,” I said, smiling and inclining my head to him when he paid.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"You're welcome," I said. Standing up, I moved to pull out her chair for her.

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Thank you,” I said again as I rose. I really had enjoyed myself and looked forward to doing this again.