Ch.2

I usually hate places with a lot of people and no space to move mostly because that was basically my whole job with the constant bustle of people around me (also one of the reasons why I hate clubs, no matter how much my friends and Garth try to get me to like them) but with all the positive energy, I couldn't help but feel kind of warm inside.

The happy families screaming with joy and laughing uproariously, the fact that friends had to talk over the booming music as Thanksgiving themed parade cars passed by, and the smell of food was intoxicating.

I snapped a few pictures of the wonderful chaos. My mom always told me to capture moments everywhere I go, and besides she always loved to go to these things the least o could do is take pictures of it. I was suddenly grabbed by my bicep. My boss looked stressed-well, more stressed than usual- his lips pressed together, his eyes hard as he surveyed me.

"Where did you go off to?" He asked, I barely heard his voice over the noise, but I imagined it would the epitome of exasperated.

I have that effect on people.

"Sorry sir, I was taking pictures..." I trailed off pathetically as I gestured around me, my fingers twitching awkwardly.

He rolled his eyes. "It's Patrick, Biffany. Just call me Patrick tonight alright?"

I strained to hear him completely but I got the gist of what he was saying. I didn't trust myself to say anything so I just gave him a thumbs up, as my camera hit my chest, the strap around my neck making sure it didn't hit the ground where people would most likely trample it to death.

"Alright then, they're this way."

I carefully smoothed out my skirt and followed him to wherever he wanted me to go, and I almost lost him twice within the crowd, but it's all good because I have a good sense of direction. Lie...

We move a little a ways from the crowd and more upon the side-lines, separating ourselves from so much noise but not completely to the point where we can't hear it.

The first thing I see is the food stand, because...well, food! But then I see these well-dressed yet kind of casually attired men eating a few shishkabobs and conversating amongst themselves. There was about three of them, which made me kind of suspicious. My boss-err, Patrick went through all this trouble, even gave me a raise for Odens-sake, to impress just three men? There must be more on their way.

I subconsciously run my fingers through my short locks and smile warmly at the three men when we get close enough.

"Well look who it is!" The one in the middle happlily yelled over the music, food still within his cheeks, it was obvious he was drunk, to which I was instantly envious of, I would love nothing more than to down a few shots of vodka to relieve some of the tension in my shoulders. "Patrick! How the hell are ya?"

I instantly sense the confident aur about them all but that may be just the alcohol, and maybe a little bit of something else I couldn't pinpoint.

"Roger, my man!" My Boss-Patrick, yelled back warmly (a tone I've never heard him use before) and he wrapped an arm around my broad shoulders, leaning down to me, which was far too intimate for my tastes, but I merely raised my eyebrows at him as he whispers in my ear "These men are sharks, just follow my lead, and refrain from saying too much."

"Yes Patrick, sir." I smile sheepishly at him.

He rolls his eyes at me but puts his friendly mask back on as soon as he faces the men and goes in for a good natured hug to Roger and did the same for the other two dizzy-looking men. I can practically smell the expensive wine they most likely bought themselves.

I just stood there awkwardly behind Patrick, already kind of regretting agreeing to this whole thing. I flashed a smile when they all turned their attention to me.

"And who is your beautiful friend, here?" One of them commented.

I ducked my head bashfully under the older man's admiring stares. "Stop-I blush." I joked, feeling happy from the cool autumn air and the joviality of the people around me, I received a glare from my boss most likely for talking, as he said I wasn't really allowed to do. "My name's Biff-"

"This is Biffany Nelson," he finished for me, turning back around to face said sharks, he whispered the last part of his statement to them as they kind of naturally huddled around one another. I couldn't really hear it but I get the feeling I wasn't supposed to. All I know is that the three business men thought it was funny because they all snickered-almost childishly to each other, reminding me of the kind of boys who bullied me in middle school.

They all took a moment to simultaneously eye me up and down and snicker again. It was obvious they were talking about me, and by the looks of it, the things they were saying weren't exactly appropriate.

I grimaced. I don't like being outwardly disrespected like this because I'm only doing this asshole, a favor. I loudly cleared my throat, which worked kind of efficiently, considering they stopped and turned to face me, professional facades graving their features. I don't think I like these men.

"Would you like a drink my dear?"-stop the presses, I take it all back, these guys aren't so bad.

"That'd be lovely, thanks!" I say all to eagerly.

"We've brought our own cooler." Roger gestured to the big, white, cube-like refrigerator at their feet. "Chardonnay? Or Champagne?"

"Sure!"

They politely laugh at my cheesy joke which earns me a few self-esteem points.

They pulled out a few wine glasses from seemingly out of nowhere and poured beautiful red liquid into them. I guess this is the more fancier sounding wine.

"Wait, I don't know if that's such a good idea-" boss started, making a move to take the glass from my hands.

"Nonsense Patrick! Your father would want us all to have a good time!" Roger declared, waving him off, succeeding in getting him to take a few steps back in defeat and off my case.

I beam at the older man.

I took a sip and cringed a bit at how dry it was. Wow. I slosh the liquid around a bit in the glass.

I suddenly feel a long arm drape across my shoulders again but because of my attention being occupied by the wonderful drink in my hand, I don't notice the weight.

We start conversing together as the night goes on, growing more and more aquainted and comfortable with eachother. I learn that two of the other Shark's names were James and Adam and I soon forget what Patrick said about not talking. Because dude, I couldn't stop my mouth from spilling out word vomit.

I felt kind of dizzy. Which is weird because I don't think my glass had been emptied yet. How could I be drunk if I haven't even finished my first glass yet? It was probably the strength of the drink.

Oh, who cares.

Anyway, I start to enjoy these guy's company (surprisingly even my boss's company is proving to be not so horrible) I guess he's a pleasant drunk. It doesn't take long for me to laugh at almost everything each and everyone of them say. I can only hope they enjoy my company at this point. I'm told I can be quite talkative and maybe even annoying sometimes when I'm drunk.

So this is what it's like to be rich.

I'm not sure how long it's been but I'm sure it's been about an hour or two before I start inwardly questioning why are we still just idly standing here?

To whichAdam (or was it Roger?) replied with "We're waiting for the Dino Haul float to come through, dear." They then all diverted their attention away from me and continued to chat about Patrick's pioneer father or something.

Wait, did I ask that out loud?

"Yes you did, sweetheart." Patrick replied, which probably had an annoyed undertone because of this fact but I was too out of it to detect it or care.

Well this can't be good.

It has become increasingly hard to control my actions, maybe drinking wasn't such a good idea after all.

In fact, maybe coming here at all was a big mistake, and I find that I've been changing my mind a lot about how I think this night is going. It's either I think it was a great idea because of the endless wine or I think even agreeing to do this was the stupidest thing I've ever done because I'm practically on a date with my boss. I'm probably going to end up embarrassing myself by the end of tonight.

I feel a tickle on my left shoulder and I twist my head to see if a bug was on my shoulder, fingers at the ready to flick it off but it wasn't an insect, no, it was a hand, the index finger making small circles on my bare skin.

My eye-brows knit in confusion as my eyes follow the arm that the hand belonged to and I come face to face with Patrick. My boss.

Uhh...Fuck?

He wasn't looking at me so I was staring more at his ugly ear.

I was about to comment on his unrequited affections but I suddenly become engrossed at the way his mustache moves as he talks. I don't even know when I actually attempted to poke his mustached face but that's what happened.

He whipped his head towards me, wide-eyed with surprise.

"Looks like your woman wants some lovin', Pat."

It was my turn for my eyes to widen in surprise by Roger's words. "What is he taking about?" I say under my breath.

I think Patrick heard me because he bites his lip in a way that can only be described as distressed and angry.

I'm scared out of my reverie by James's booming voice. "There it is!"

He's talking about the parade float of course so I'm momentarily distracted and amazed by it. The green sparklers won me completely over, along with the electronic Dino, waving to the cheering crowd and kids who found him to be a hero, I wonder, for a short moment, if the kid from the mall was here, because he'd really like this. The lights and show-girls singing were beautiful and much better compared to the other floats that rolled by. In fact, just looking at the float makes me actually like Dino Haul... Shit, I must be really drunk.

You ever have a moment where a day takes a drastic turn for the worst? And a series of unfortunate events take place? Well what happens next is one of those moments.

I saw his mustache first. Then his closed eyes. He looked almost at peace. I've never seen Boss so relaxed before.

It wasn't until I felt his lips on mine that I freaked out. I staggered back, my hand covering the lower half of my face, and I yelped extra loud.

He looked to be grinding his teeth looking back and forth between me and his colleagues, fustrated at something. I know that something isn't me, he should be fustrated with himself because I'm gonna sue his ass for trying to take advantage of his employee.

"What the fuck, Boss?!"

In reply, he cleared his throat giving me a pointed look as if signaling me to stop because he was so obviously worried about the most-likely dumbfounded three men behind me.

"So what? You think you can use me like this because I work for you?!" I made sure I was heard above the music.

"Biffany-"

"No, no, what about your wife? Huh? You cheating bastard. You know, I know her number and can call her right now, right?!"

"Wait a second." Said a voice behind me. It was Roger. "So you're not his new girlfriend?"

I turned back to my boss, angrier than ever, heat radiating off my body,"Is that what you said I was? You specifically told me this morning that I wouldn't have to do that? You lied to me! You tried to use me!"

I have to admit, seeing the way Patrick gaped, his eyes wide in absolute panic with a twinge of horror as I embarrassed him in front of his little rich friends was totally awesome and a bit too satisfying.

Why stop now?

"Darling. You're drunk, please-"

"You're a peice of shit Patrick, you know that? I despise you with all my being."

Actually in hindsight, maybe I went a little too far with my last statement, but it was only because I never got to tell off an asshole like Patrick before and I was over-excited...and drunk.

"I want you to start respecting me, and to give me ten times more than what you were gonna give me for coming with you tonight, Patrick."

I slurred, gesturing wildly.

"You had to pay her?" Adam asked, a disgusted tone seeping into his words. "Is she like... Your prostitute Patrick? Is there something that you haven't been telling us? Telling your father?"

"I'm not a prostitute, I'm his employee at Dino Haul." I explained.

"Ex-employee." Patrick said, finally saying something after my little rant, his voice oddly even, even after I insulted him in more ways than one, in front of these important people.

"What?" I practically squeak, suddenly feeling sick.

"You're fired."

My heart dropped. "Wait, but-"

"I told you to follow my lead, and that this would be over by the end of the night." He says slowly, now seeming to be oblivious to the three men watching us. "One kiss was all I needed, and you would've gotten your money but since-"

"You told me I didn't have to do that!"

"It was implied."

"You can't do this I'll bring you to court..." I was starting to lose confidence. My head hurts.

"I'd like to see you try considering my father owns this company, and you're just a person behind the mascot. Like I said, easily replaceable."

This must be a dream-no, a nightmare. My head is pounding and I think I feel tears streaming down my face but at the same time, I was going completely numb, as if a film was surrounding itself around me.

"I think it's better if you just go, darling." I think it was Adam who said this, absolute pity gushing out of his words but I only narrowed my eyes towards all of the men who seemed to be surrounding me. "Prevent yourself from being embarrassed any further."

I should've listened honestly but no, I just stood there, tears pouring out of my eyes, my makeup messed up, hair probably pointing in all different directions because I'm like a cat when I'm angry so my fur stands on end.

I was a pathetic mess. But I stood there for what seemed like hours for what was probably just a few seconds. So awkward.

"Fuck you." I finally say to Patrick before my body took over and the Chinese food I ate earlier ended up being projected onto my boss's face and clothes.