Hello lovely readers. Thank you for the comments and reviews. One of the guest asked if I can updated often, unfortunately I can't. This story is in progress and don't really have the chapters pre-written. I know not my usual M-O...I shall try to update twice a week but don't quote me on that...I'm kinda struggling, my muses are keeping quiet-not really happy with the way I'm writing these days. My summary sucks and well, I just don't know. Please review and leave your comments.

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Chapter 3 – Warning: Calamity Riley

"I'm not clumsy. It's just the floor hates me, the tables and chairs are bullies, & the wall gets in the way."

"What do you mean you run him over?"

Riley rolled her eyes. "I bumped into him Maya."

"You sure peaches?" Maya asked, flashing Riley a mischievous smile. "I can't recall you just bumping into someone."

"You crash into them."

"Not helping Farkle."

"You have to admit Riles, you were never light on your feet."

Riley let out an impatient-sounding breath. 'Look, I know I'm not very graceful but seriously? I bumped into him okay?'

"Fine. You bumped into him, then what?"

"He asked me where the fire is and pointedly told me to be careful. I swear that man is infuriating."

"Can't blame the guy. If something happened to you while at work he'll be liable."

"Gee, thanks Farkle. Nice to know you're on my side."

Maya grinned. "Peaches, of course Farkle is on your side but he can't help himself, he just had to be logical."

"Is there a problem?" Farkle asked.

"No. Why would you ask me that?"

"I don't know. You seemed on edge since you start working and I haven't heard you say anything nice about your boss."

"I don't say bad things about him."

"You don't, but usually you describe people positively. So what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong." There was, but Riley knew Farkle wouldn't needle her about it further. Except he did.

"What are you not telling me Riley?" he asked.

"I may or may not have made a bad first impression," Riley said, "and my boss doesn't know that it's me. Well I didn't lie about it I just didn't tell him."

"You know about this?" Farkle turned and asked Maya who nodded. "And you obviously suggested she doesn't say anything."

Again, Maya nodded. "And now, Riley's guilty conscience is making her uncomfortable and squeamish."

"That's really good Farkle." Maya said.

Riley stopped listening to her friend's conversation. More like argument. Instead she looked at Farkle and can't help feeling nostalgic. He's been their best friend forever and in a couple of months from now, he'll be getting married to their other friend, Smackle. Maya is not far off from marriage bliss as well.

Riley also can't help feeling jealous. Her mom had been bugging her to bring home eligible, trustworthy, elementally studly bachelors with the intent of pressing Riley into marriage. This would start a rollerball of reactions: namely, babies and families, new blood in their ever growing family.

"The guy doesn't even know Riley exist." Maya said, jarring her back to the present.

"He knows now." Farkle argued.

"Please. So what if she ru—bumped into him? It's not like that never happen every—" Maya saw Farkle raised an eyebrow, "you're right. She's in his radar now."

Maya reached out and took Riley's hand, "Just keep out of his way peaches. Besides, you wear your hair up and glasses every day, I doubt that'll remind him of biker Riley."

"Biker Riley?" Farkle put his hands up. "Never mind. This smells Maya all over."

"I'm insulted Farkle."

"Who taught Riley to ride a motorcycle? Who budgered Riley into getting a motorcycle license? And let's not forget. Who helped Riley choose her beloved motorcycle? I'm surprise Hambone still lets you inside his home."

"He doesn't have a choice. Topanga loves me and I'm engaged to his baby brother."

"What am I going to do with the two of you?" Farkle groaned.

"Love us?" Riley asked.

"I do. I love you equally."

Both Riley and Maya walked to Farkle and gave him a hug. "And we love you back."

…..

Riley ignored the rumble of voices from her team members and their manager, Gene, who looked like he was about to have a conniption. Spencer remained composed and silent. Coolly composed. How he must be enjoying this. He must have known this would be the outcome of the meeting. Why else would he suggest to change the fabric of Mandy's design concept and then use the said fabric for his own designs. Riley is starting to see how skilled Spencer is at getting what he wanted by fair means or foul.

'I'm not working with him!' Mandy said, flashing Spencer a livid glare.

Gene gave Mandy a placating look. 'I can place an order for extra fabric. You just need to wait another week or two.'

'No.' Mandy said. 'He did this on purpose. He wants to ruin me.' Mandy jerked her head towards Spencer without looking at him. She couldn't bear to look at him and see him sitting there gloating. 'He does this to everyone. You know how hard I've worked to—'

'As do I,' Spencer said, clicking his pen on and off as his gaze tethered Mandy's.

"No you don't!" Mandy shouted.

The door opened and in came the last person Riley wanted to see, causing no less of a shock to the assembled group.

"What's going on?" Chloe, their boss asked in a clipped tone.

Gene shot to his feet so fast his chair rolled back and hit the wall behind. 'Ms. Friar. Mr. Friar?'

Chloe turned to look at Gene. 'Gene, what is going on?'

'We're just having a team meeting.' Gene replied.

'Lucas?" Chloe said. She waved him toward the doors. "Let's reschedule, I would like to sit in on this team meeting."

Lucas looked around at the room. "Good idea, I wouldn't mind joining this meeting myself. It seem especially important since we can hear the discussion all the way outside." He eyed his sister. 'Go on ahead, you guys continue while I sit over there."

Those eyes ran over Riley for a moment, then turned away, disinterested. He strode to the conference table and sat. As Lucas settled into his seat, Chloe finally turned to face the assembled group.

"Gene?"

"We were discussing about ordering additional materials for the new collection and—"

"That's not what we were talking about." Mandy interjected.

With a raised eyebrow, Chloe pointedly gazed at Mandy. "So what were you talking about then?"

"We were talking about how a team member can be such an ass!"

"Miss Taylor!"

"What? It's true Gene. Spencer is a slimy snake! He steals design ideas, he purposely sabotage other people's design and now he's sabotaging me by using up all the fabric for the dresses that Ms. Friar approved for the next collection. We all know that the success of the dress design is greatly based on that fabric."

"It's not my fault that you lack talent Mandy. Don't go blaming me for your failure." Spencer spat back.

"I'm the one who lack talent? When was the last time you had a design approved? If it wasn't for Riley you won't even see that jacket of yours in the stores."

"You little—"

"Don't even finish that sentence." Riley startled at the sound of Lucas' voice. "I heard enough. This department had acted unprofessionally for as long as I can recall and I am done with your childish dramas. This is a place of business, if you can't pull yourselves together the exit door is wide open." Lucas' voice was strict but not harsh.

Riley held her breath, waiting to see what they would say.

"Well then," Lucas explained, "we start playing nice. Ms. Taylor, arguing about a fabric is moot at this point. You're a talented fashion designer and I have complete faith that you will be able to come up with an idea that will save your previous concept. As for you," Lucas turned to Spencer, "I want to see your design portfolio for the last quarter and I expect them by the end of business day."

When Riley turned to look at Lucas, she noticed a sparkle of interest in his eyes and a hint of amusement curling a corner of his full lips. He was no longer just studying her, he actually seemed…intrigued by her.

"Ms. Friar and I was discussing of expanding our client base. We need fresh ideas for the growing number of hipsters. I think the newbie should be given a chance to show us what she can offer to the table. It's your choice, Ms. Matthews."

…..

So this was Riley Matthews.

Lucas had to admit he was surprised. Her name had been dropped hundred times since she started working and he vaguely remember hiring her. He didn't know what he was expecting the Ms. Matthews to look like, but young, slender and prudish had not been on the list.

Her practical gray suit hang unflatteringly. Her chocolate-colored hair was twisted back into a professional bun at her nape and half of her face is covered with a black rimmed glasses.

The longer he sat watching Riley, the more curious he became about her. There was something about her that was so familiar to him, but he was certain he would have remembered meeting a woman like this.

She was not the kind of woman he would forget. Especially dressed as she is.

"Lucas," Chloe called out.

Lucas deliberately ignored Chloe and once again asked Riley, "Ms. Matthews, are you up for the challenge?"

Riley's shock leveled out, "I am Mr. Friar, although—"

Chloe cleared her throat, "Lucas,"

"Yes, Ms. Friar?"

Chloe's smiled hardened. "I don't think Miss Matthews is right for the job. She only started working for us and had barely gotten acquainted with how things are run here. To trust her with a brand new project might be over the top don't you think?'

"I don't think so Chloe. I am certain Miss Matthews is right for the job," Lucas commented with raised eyebrows. "Look at her, she's a perfect blank canvas. She's young and still has a lot of fresh ideas that seasoned designer like Gene can tap into."

"True." Chloe conceded the point with a nod. "Well then, we will have Miss Matthews head the new line and of course all the responsibilities that goes along with it."

Riley wiped her clammy hands on her skirt and prayed the pompous Mr. Friar didn't notice. Riley's not sure whether she wanted to cry or laugh. She'll finally get a chance to showcase her talent but it will alienate her from her co-workers and she's pretty sure that Mr. Friar's reference to her appearance is far from a compliment.

"Is there anything you'd like to say Miss Matthews?"

Thinking on her feet was not Riley's strong suit. A quiet no is all she can say.

"Very well, that concludes the meeting."

Riley watched as each of her co-workers walk to their work stations. Anger, disappointment, and frustration swirled in a torrid whirlpool that was palpable in the air.

But before she can walk away Lucas was at her side with a firm hand placed on her elbow. 'You do realize that Chloe just issued a challenge to me didn't you? Not trying to pressure you or anything but you better make sure that this project is successful,' he said. "And, don't forget to pick up those buttons from the floor."