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A.N. Hey everyone I hope you are having a great week!
KagamiPINKAgreste: Thanks again for the reviews they really make my day :)
Chapter 4
Marinette smiled as she walked into the bakery. Kagami looked up and smiled. Marinette quickly crossed the room to give her a hug.
"Adrien, Chloe, and Sabrina will be over after supper" Kagami said
"Awesome," Marinette grinned, "Ro should be around somewhere. I ran into him earlier today."
"So how was your coffee date?" Kagami teased,
"It was really good to see him. And you were right"
" I am always right"
"Juleka, Luka and the others will be here around seven"
"Okay," Kagami smiled, "so any luck on a location yet?"
"I found two with potential," Marinette said, "I took pictures to show Ro before we make a final decision"
"Really," kagami said impressed, "any preference of the two"
"Maybe," Marinette frowned, "but it needs some serious renovations and it has no security system right now. Granted it can all be done it is just a matter of if it will be done on time"
"And the other one?"
"It is newer and in better condition. It has great security"
"But"
"But I am not sure about the location. And the building is much smaller. Granted we could renovate and rearrange to add the space but it would take away floor space in the shop"
"Sounds like it will be delayed no matter what you choose"
"Yeah" Marinette sighed
"Was there any other options"
"Nothing in the area we want or the size we want,"
"That sucks"
"Our best bet is one of these two locations"
"Oh"
"Ro needs to put his input bit after that we can decide on renovations"
"So what is your deadline" Kagami asked
"Next month"
"That is cutting a bit close I suppose"
"It is," Marinette agreed, "so how are things going with Adrien?"
"Good," Kagami grinned,
"Have things with his dad improved?"
"No," she admitted, " if anything he has been a lot colder since Adrien moved out"
"That sucks," Marinette said before changing the subject. They chatted for a bit until Marinette's parents called them for supper. They were just sitting down when the bell rang. Marinette offered to go get it. She walked to the door expecting to find Jordan. But as she opened the door she gasped in shock.
"Tiny, what are you doing here?" she demanded. Her parents heard the tone and without a word ran to the door. Kagami quickly behind them.
"I invited myself to meet your family and the ever elusive boyfriend" he smirked
"You should probably leave now," Tom said, nudging Marinette behind him.
"Really Marinette?" He said, "that's how you act"
"Let's step outside Tiny," she said, stepping around her father and nudging Tiny back. He stepped back and she followed him out the door shutting it behind her. "Why are you here"
"You can't hide forever Marinette, eventually everyone will know your secret" he sneered, "the great creative perfect Marinette…"
"Hey, is there a problem here?" A voice called out from a shiny blue motorcycle. Marinette smiled as the driver pulled his helmet off and stepped off the bike
"Luka you have perfect timing" Marinette said, nearly launching herself at him. He quickly wrapped his arms around her, hiding his surprise.
"Whatever," Tiny said, "Marinette, when you fail don't expect me to pick up the pieces." With that Tiny took off.
"Are you okay," Luka asked, looking her over.
"Yeah let's go inside" she said grabbing his hand, "that is if you have time to eat with us"
"Sure" he said, following her in.
"Who was that Marinette?" Tom asked, "Luka come join us for supper"
"That was Tiny," Marinette said, " and I am not talking about it anymore tonight"
"Family discussion tomorrow then?" Sabine smiled
"Yes," Marinette agreed before setting up another place for Luka. They all sat down and quietly ate. Marinette quickly realized that the atmosphere was awkward and uncomfortable. "So Kagami, how was the fencing championship this year? I am sorry I missed it"
"It was eventful," Kagami said, understanding that Marinette was trying to break the tension. Within a few minutes everyone was calm and relaxed. They talked over the meal. Marinette and Luka were clearing the table when the doorbell rang. Tom insisted he would be answering the door. Marinette shrugged and told him to go ahead. A few minutes later he led Adrien, Chloe, and Juleka into the den.
"Hey guys" Marinette smiled, hugging each of them.
"I love the look, Marinette," Chloe grinned playfully, "it reminds me of someone else though. Maybe that musician you were gushing about a few months ago"
Marinette quickly turned beet red and attempted to respond but before she could Juleka started laughing.
"I missed something," Adrien said, confused, "didn't she choose the color because…" he was abruptly cut off by Kagami covering his mouth.
"That wasn't nice," Chloe laughed, "you should have let him finish talking"
"I don't think Marinette can take anymore teasing," Juleka grinned, "if she blushes any more she might explode"
"Remind me why I missed you people," Marinette teased. She heard Luka chuckling and blushed again. Juleka was about to say something when the bell rang again.
"Saved by the bell Marinette" Juleka teased,
"MARINETTE!" Rose shouted, tackling her. Marinette didn't stand a chance. Unfortunately neither did the friends next to her. In a matter of seconds they were all in a pile on the floor laughing. Marinette smiled at Luka and gestured for him to help her up. As soon as he grabbed her hand she pulled him into the pile. The others joined as they arrived.
An hour later they were all spread out in the den talking. Marinette smiled in bliss surrounded by her friends. She glanced up at the door and noticed Tikki and Vikki watching them. She smirked as she realized that meant Jordan was upstairs.
"Hey there is someone who I want you all to meet" Marinette smiled, "let me go holler for him."
Kagami and Adrien smirked knowing what Marinette was about to do.
"JORDAN ELIZA MONROE PUT THE HAIR GEL DOWN AND GET DOWN HERE"
"Jesus christ woman I am pretty sure they heard you in California" he called down
"If your not down here in 30 seconds I will tell you know who you know what"
With that Marinette walked back and plopped down next to Luka.
"You're mean," Jordan said, making his way down. Marinette looked up and rolled her eyes at his state of undress.
"Hey Ro," she smiled sweetly, "you may want to look down at your outfit before you embarrass yourself"
He looked down...and happened to catch Chloe's eyes before seeing what he was wearing. He grinned at the look.
"Nope I'm good if Queen Bee is giving me that look" he smirked
"Ro dear," Marinette said laughing hysterically, "seriously at least put some pants on...or go look at a mirror"
"Why I look great," he smirked
"Ro," Marinette said, shaking with laughter, "you are…"
"Nope if the boy thinks he looks good let him be," Kagami laughed, "besides I think everyone is enjoying the show. Especially Chloe"
Adrien nearly spit out the soda he had just taken a drink of. Marinette couldn't hold back anymore and burst into hysterical laughter leaning on Luka for joined in her laughter. Juleka pulled out her phone and quickly snapped a picture of them before taking a picture of Ro posing on the stairs. She smirked showing Marinette the picture which caused her to laugh harder.
"What in the world is going on?" Sabine said coming from the living room where she and Tom had been watching TV. She looked at everyone laughing and Ro standing on the steps...before turning and walking away. Ro chose that moment to look down and screamed like a little girl before he dashed back upstairs. Everyone burst out laughing.
"Oh my god that was hilarious" Kagami laughed, "so how long do you think it will take him to come back"
"Given that the poor boy just realized he is in nothing but a towel maybe next year," Adrien laughed
"Give him ten minutes and he'll be down pretending he knew" Marinette said as she tried to stop laughing.
"No way it will be at least an hour," Adrien said
"Sure if Chloe wasn't drooling over him," Marinette grinned before turning to Chloe, "hey Chloe you should totally go for it. He is single, a fashion designer and part owner of JAM Fashions"
"Really?" Chloe smiled, "guess we will see what happens,"
"Heads up though he doesn't handle jealousy well. Totally freaks him out"
"Why are you telling me this"
"His ex Rae will be here at the end of the month. She works at JAM with him. But there is nothing to worry about. They are just friends."
"Okay" Chloe smiled, "thanks Marinette"
"Hey guys it's almost 11" Ivan said, shocked at the time.
"Holy shit it is," Marinette winced.
"I am back," Jordan smirked, coming down the stairs until he saw them cleaning up, " and you will all be leaving soon"
"How about we meet at Andre's on Saturday guys?"
"I am in," the group said.
"Cool, let's plan for 1?"
"Sounds good"
"Hey Juleka can you hang back a sec," Marinette asked. She nodded.
"Thanks," Marinette said softly as most of the group left. " I have a huge favor to ask. The end of next month we are having a grand opening for the new store and Ro and I want to kick it off with a show. Would you be willing to do some modeling for it? We will totally pay you"
"Yes" Juleka yelped in excitement
"That's great I will meet you later this week to talk details"
"You are the best Marinette" Juleka grinned
"Only Cuz I have the best friends" Marinette smiled, "anyway Rose is probably waiting for you"
Juleka gave her a hug and dashed out the door. Marinette smiled when she saw Ro and Chloe talking. She looked around and noticed Luka picking up the last of the dishes. Marinette smiled and started picking up the blankets and cushions and putting them away. She noted that she would have to vacuum the next day but decided to leave it for the night. She looked up to see Ro walking Chloe out and Vikki dashing to get into his pocket. She saw Luka leaning against the railing watching her. She smiled, pink staining her cheeks as she approached.
"Hey thanks for inviting me. It was fun" he smiled
"Yes it was. I am glad you came"
"Hey, would you like a ride to school tomorrow?"
"Yes she would" Ro answered walking past them.
"I would love a ride," she said, ignoring Jordan.
"Good I will see in the morning" he smiled, kissing her cheek as he left.