M&M's: Malfoy's and Mudbloods
Chapter Eleven: An Interested Client
Thoughts
The next morning Hermione woke up in her bed, still in her chef's uniform. She rolled over and realized it was five in the evening. She was right about to roll over and go back to sleep when she felt four very distinct presences in her room. "Hey Gin, Pans, Daph, Millie." She mumbled without even opening her eyes.
"Hey Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed happily, "We decided to come and visit you today since you bailed on our sleepover last time!" she jumped on the bed, as Daphne proceeded to sit on the sleeping brunette, who yelped,
"Alright! Alright! I'm up! I'm UP!" she rolled over, causing Daphne to fall off the bed. Millie, Ginny and Pansy burst into a fit of giggles while even Daphne cracked a smile. "Make yourselves at home, while I shower and change, then I'll take you guys around the city."
While Hermione was in the shower, the girls made themselves at home in her spacious living room. They had just settled into a nice conversation of how well Hermione was doing here in the States when there was a knock on the door. After a muffled yell from Hermione to answer it, Ginny opened the door.
Standing there was a deliveryman holding a huge bouquet of red roses, pink gerber daisies and white lilies. "A delivery for Ms. Granger."
Hotaru was momentarily stunned at the size and beauty of the arrangement. Geez, it must have cost a fortune… Lilies aren't even in season! She thought as she signed for the delivery.
"Who's at the door Gin?" Hermione asked as she emerged from the bathroom, fully dressed, and a towel on her head.
"A delivery for you." Ginny walked into the living room, struggling to carry the huge floral arrangement.
The sight of the bouquet made the older women turn to Hermione, "Is there something you want to tell us about Hermione?" Millie asked teasingly.
"Or rather someone?" Pansy added slyly.
Hermione's face flushed, "I have no idea what you're talking about, or who they're from." She picked the card out as she stopped to smell a rose. Before she even had a chance to read it, Pansy grabbed it out of her hands and began to read it aloud,
Dear Hermione,
Thanks so much for the wonderful meal, it was such a joy to get a taste of home. You're culinary talents are far beyond compare. I don't know what it is about you that draws me to you, but I'd like to find out. Please join me for dinner at The Ivy tonight at 8, I'll be waiting.
With hope,
Andrew Felton
"Ooohh! Hermione's got an admirer!" Ginny teased, causing Hermione to turn an even deeper shade of red.
"Who is this Andrew Felton?" Daphne questioned as she handed Hermione back the card.
"He's the owner and CEO of the architectural firm I catered the party for last night."
"Hermione's got herself a sugar daddy!" Pansy burst out into even more giggles.
"Isn't he a little old for you?" Millicent questioned.
Ginny's eyes flared, "Some old pervert is hitting on you?"
Hermione sighed, shaking her head, "No, he's actually only a few years older than me… he's 29 I believe." She handed them a copy of Forbes, to which Andrew was gracing the cover.
"Oh my God, Hermione! He looks just like Draco!" Pansy exclaimed.
Hermione groaned, "I know, that's why I won't go out with him."
"Hermione it's not fair that you won't even give him a chance simply because he looks like Draco."
"I know, but until I can look at him and not see Draco, I can't."
"So are you going to meet him?" Millie asked softly, "It wouldn't be nice to stand him up, especially after he sent you these wonderful flowers."
"I guess I should go and meet him to at least say thank you." She flopped onto the couch, "What am I going to wear? The Ivy is kind of ritzy." Pansy smiled and waved her wand, a pale blue dress appeared, Hermione looked at the raven haired Slytherin, "Thanks Pans."
"Don't mention it kiddo." She looked at the other three girls, "And we'll be at The Ivy too, just in case you need an out."
"And to check out all the celebrities that supposedly frequent the place!" Ginny squealed.
Hermione smiled once more, "Thanks guys."
Hermione got dressed slowly, not really sure how she felt about a date with Andrew Felton. Sure he was sweet, charming and oh so gorgeous, but so was Draco, and look at how well that turned out. Hermione, it's not fair to you or Andrew if you go into this thinking he's Draco.
Ginny knocked on the door, "Mione', are you ready? It's almost eight."
Hermione opened the door and Daphne smiled, "Oh la la." She teased.
"Shut up." Hermione playfully shoved the blonde, "Come on guys, the café's only a few blocks from here." Hermione grabbed a light jacket and slipped on some low pumps. She plucked a lily from the floral arrangement and tucked it behind her ear. She was ready.
Andrew sat at the best table in the café, the one that overlooked the street, a perfect place to see the multitude of people passing by. It was twenty past eight and he was beginning to think she wasn't going to come. The little hairs on the back of his neck began to stand up, he looked up for the cause and was stunned speechless. There standing in the doorway was a vision in powder blue. Her hair had been pulled partially up, the rest flowing down in soft auburn waves. Her dress was modestly cut, fitting her lithe form to her hips where if flowed down to her knees. It was a simple dress that she had managed to make utterly irresistible. He realized he was staring when her exotic golden brown eyes locked with his. She gave him a shy smile as she headed towards him.
Andrew couldn't help but be drawn to the rhythmic movement of her hips. The skirt of her dress swished back and forth with her every step.
All male eyes were on her, yet she seemed completely unaware of the effect she had on the men around her.
Andrew stood as she approached; he smiled, she extended her hand, and he loved the way she blushed when he raised it to his lips. It took everything he had not to sweep her into his arms and kiss her senseless. The unique scent of her intoxicated his senses; no woman had ever had this affect on him before. Instead of fearing this fierce passion for the brunette, he felt strangely comfortable with it.
"Thank you so much for the flowers Mr. Felton, they were beautiful."
"Please, call me Andrew, Ms. Granger, and you are most welcome."
She blushed a soft pink that Andrew found only too adorable. "Then please, call me Hermione." Her eyes sparkled brightly.
"God you're beautiful." He whispered his thoughts out loud, causing them both to blush furiously.
"You really are too kind Andrew."
Just then the waiter arrived, saving them from any further embarrassment. He handed them menus and took their drink orders before leaving the two alone once more.
"So what part of England are you from?" Andrew questioned as she sipped on her water.
"London, but originally from Surrey."
"Really? My parent live in Surrey, maybe they know your folks. What part of Surrey?"
Hermione looked down at the hands, "My parents died in a plane crash when I was seveteen, that's when I moved to London." It was sort of the truth... she couldn't very well come out and say they were murdered by deatheaters now could she?
"Hermione, I'm so sorry," he reached across the table taking her hand inn his.
She smiled appreciatively, "Thanks, even after eight years, it amazes me how it can sometimes feel like it happened yesterday."
Andrew smiled back at her, "So, you're 25?" she nodded, "When's your birthday? If you don't mind me asking."
Hermione shook her head, "No not at all, I'll be 26 on September 19." She smiled mischievously at him, "How old are you?"
"Twenty-nine, although I'll be 30 on September 22."
"Wow, the big 3-0," she laughed lightly, "Do you have a big bash planned for it?"
"Nothing as of yet, but if I do, I'd be honored if you would come." He winked, eliciting another fit of giggles from her. Her laughter was like the sound of chimes rustling in the breeze. Everything about her, Andrew realized, was graceful and light.
In a corner obscured from Hermione's vision, four pairs of eyes watched the couples every move. "I still can't get over how much he looks like Draco." Ginny mumbled.
"I know, if I wasn't sure that Draco was an only child, I'd swear they were twins." Pansy agreed.
"All I know is that if he hurts Hermione the way that Draco hurt her, I'll have no problem hurting him." Millicent voiced her opinion as she looked at the other girls at the table who nodded in agreement.
"I'm glad that she agreed to meet him, it's been a while since I've seen her that happy." Daphne observed as Hermione giggled at something Andrew said. "She must feel comfortable around him too."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because he's been holding on to her hand for the last five minutes and she hasn't seemed to mind at all."
They all turned to look at the couple, and sure enough, Andrew's hand was resting gently over Hermione's who didn't mind at all.
"Thank you for dinner Andrew, it was wonderful." Hermione smiled as she stood up, stretching her long slender body, unknowingly making Andrew want to drool.
"Thank you for meeting me, would you care to join me for a tour of Hollywood?" he asked as the headed out into the night.
Hermione shook her head, "I'd love to but I can't, I have a few friends in from out of town that I promised I'd show around."
"Oh." Andrew tried to hide the look of disappointment but failed miserably.
Hermione felt something tug at her heart at his crestfallen expression, "But I'd really like it if you walked me home." She smiled as his face brightened up.
He offered his arm to her and after a slight hesitation she took it, "Lead the way."
The walk was slow and lazy. Neither of them saying much, both strangely comfortable with the silence and one another.
"Well this is me." Hermione sighed; almost disappointed the walk hadn't been longer. "Thanks for a wonderful evening Andrew, I haven't had that much fun in a while."
"It was my pleasure Hermione." He stepped closer, "Perhaps we can do it again sometime?"
"I don't know Andrew, I don't know if I'm ready to jump into another relationship just yet."
"Oh." He backed away obviously hurt.
"I'm sorry, it's just that… well it's complicated," she paused, "Thanks for a wonderful evening." She quickly leaned in and left a soft and tender kiss on his cheek before disappearing just as quickly into the building.
The gesture was simple, just a chaste kiss on the cheek, but it was enough to light Andrew's entire being. If a small peck on the cheek gave him shockwaves. He wondered what kind of damage a kiss on the lips would do.
Andrew Felton sat at his desk thinking about the enchanting brunette he had met with the night before. The evening had been a little too short for his liking, but he was happy to have seen Hermione, even if the time was brief. He smiled as he thought back to how cute she looked when she blushed, thanking him for the flowers, and the way her eyes lit up when he praised her delectable cooking. "Tom," he called his assistant in, "Call the Culinary Institute where Ms. Granger attends and set up an appointment for me. Do not tell her my name, simply tell her an interested client would like her to cater a few dinner events." Tom smiled, knowing his boss had a crush on the brown eyed beauty. "You can wipe that silly grin off your face Tom."
This only made Tom's smile grow, "Andrew's got a crush!" the brunet teased, as Andrew glared playfully.
"Yea, so?" He stuck out his tongue.
Tom chuckled, "I don't blame you, she's hot and really sweet." Andrew nodded in agreement, "So when did you want me to schedule this meeting?"
"As soon as possible, cancel and reschedule meetings if you have too."
Hermione, had a hard time concentrating in class, the girls had teased her about Andrew, while Ginny had told her to go easy on the guy, that Andrew wasn't Draco. They had left that morning, and although Hermione had a blast with them there (Taking them to Six Flags and scaring the bejebus out of them on the 'rollie toasters'), she was glad to have a little peace and quiet. But with all the quiet, she had a chance to think about a certain blue-eyed man that was beginning to plague her thoughts.
Hermione was more than a little shocked when Mdm. Angelou called her into her office after class and instead of scolding her for her lack of attention today, she told her that she had an appointment with a potential client to attend after class. She had hurried and changed into something a little more presentable than her chefs uniform and headed down to the conference room. She took a deep breath before opening the door, revealing the man that she had been trying to get off of her mind, Andrew Felton.
Andrew looked up as the door opened, there she was Hermione Granger. He was amazed at how she managed to look just as beautiful in low-rise-hip huggers and an off-white, wide necked cashmere sweater. The sight of her silky smooth skin that was exposed from her shirt, made Andrew want nothing more than to climb over the table that separated them to and nip at her neck. Shaking himself from his little fantasy, he stood up, "Ms. Granger, we meet again." He smiled charmingly as he motioned for her to sit.
Hermione bowed her head nervously, "Mr. Felton"
"I thought I asked you yesterday to call me Andrew, there are no need for formalities Ms. Granger."
She smiled hesitantly, "The same goes to you Mr.- Andrew," she corrected herself, "Call me Hermione." When he still hadn't said anything she began, "To what do I owe this meeting?"
Andrew snapped out of yet another little daydream, "Oh yes, I, um, have a series of dinner meetings coming up over the next two months, at least a dinner a week, at the most three." He smiled at her, "I'd like you to cater them. They won't be very big affairs, five people at the most." When he sensed she was going to turn him down, he pressed on, "I'm willing to pay you a thousand dollars a night."
Hermione blinked, "A grand a night? You're willing to pay me up to three grand a week to cook for you and some guest?"
Andrew frowned, "Is it not enough? I was told it was other chefs charge."
"Yea but I'm not a chef, that's way too much money to be paying a culinary student."
Andrew reached out and held her hand, "Please Hermione, I've never tasted anything as exquisite as your cooking. The business associates that I am going to be dealing with are used to the best."
"Then get them the best." She replied, the feel of his touch sending shockwaves through her body.
"That's what I'm trying to do." He smiled as she blushed, "Please Hermione, I promise I won't use it as an excuse to win you over."
She couldn't help but giggle at his last statement. She sighed as she looked at how pathetically charming his expression was. He's quite cute when he pouts. "Alright I'll do it."
Andrew smiled, "Thanks Hermione," he stood up and shook her hand.
She smiled in return, "No problem, when's the first dinner?"
He grinned sheepishly, "Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" she raised an irritated eyebrow to which he smiled his devastatingly handsome smile at her and shrugged, "Alright, come on." She led him out of the conference room.
"Where are we going?" he questioned as she led him towards the outside, "Not that I'm minding spending more time with you…" he added, causing the faintest pink blush to rise on her cheeks.
"If I am to cook a meal tomorrow, I'll need to know what to cook and I need to go shopping, and since you're here, I nominated you to help me."
Andrew could only smile at her take charge nature and follow her out the door, like a puppy to its master.
Went to my cousins wedding earlier today, and it was so pretty! Being home rocks, spent the last two days being a beach bum, my tan is looking soooo good! But I digress, I don't own any of the HP characters!
As always if you see any mistakes let me know!
Thank You's:
Slytherin-Ice-Queen22: Thank you for the review! Sorry it
took me so long to update! And if you're rooting for Hemrione to
hook up with Andrew then I'm sure you'll like the chpaters to come!
Aria DeLoncray: Yes Draco is screwing everything up, and yes I
did get the name from the guy who plays Draco in the movies... Thomas
Andrew Felton is the actor who portrays Draco Malfoy in the HP
movies... he's quite the handsome bloke if I do say so myself :)
Eliza: Yes, my roomates, ah... life would be so dull without
them! Thanks for the review on the last chapter! Sorry the
update took so long! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
m0v1aNg3l: Yes, Hawaii is full of beautiful men and I've had to
carry a bucket around to contain my drool... there's nothing like a
tanned surfer boy... but story wise no, Andrew is not Draco, although
that'd be an interesting story to write, can you imagine how pissed
Hermione would be if she falls in love with Andrew only to find out
it's Draco in disguise?
xOonethousandtearsshedxO: Thanks for the review hun! I love you too!
RavenandRobin4ever: She was mad at herself more so than at
him... she was mad for letting things get that far with him knowing
that he was back with Cho, plus she was angry at him too for basically
trying to have his cake and eat it too
Watch out for Yellow Moon: Thanks for the uber sweet
review! I read it on my mobile web and gushed! The people
in the airport around me must have thought I was crazy (In which case
they would have been right but they don't need to know that!)
Thank you for all your continued support!
WannaBArtist: Thanks fo the review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
I can't believe that I have 79 reviews! I'm so happy! Keep reviewing guys! I'll hopefully have the next chapter up midweek!
One Love,
NelStar
July 8, 2006
