In California, Bridgette and Felix were on their way to the gallery to help with the little things Emily needed done. Felix just took in the sights of the city. It felt different compared to Paris. Paris had more history behind each building, with a unique design to it. Los Angeles was certainly a more modern city and it reflected that in its architecture. The weather was pleasant and Bridgette let the windows down letting her hair and Felix's blow in the wind. It felt nice for Felix and he even let his hand wave with the slipstream. Soon the ride was over as Bridgette pulled the car into the back parking lot of a simple white building. They entered into what looked like a small office space. Two girls were seated at large round table in the middle. One was wearing a pink ensemble with pixie cute blonde hair and expressive blue eyes. The other had black hair with a purple streak on her side sweeping bang. Said bang was covering one of her amber colored eyes and was wearing a black top and shorts with hints of purple green. They looked up from their work of what seemed like folding brochures.
"Hi Rose, hi Juleka," greeted Bridgette.
"Hey Bridgette! Hey Adrien," greeted the cheerful blonde Rose.
"Sup," greeted Juleka quietly sweeping her purple hair back.
"Are these the brochures for the event," asked Bridgette.
"Yes, we've barely made any progress but with the four of us we can do it," said Rose enthusiasticly.
"Well, let's get started," said Felix.
The four worked in silence for a while till Rose spoke up.
"Say Adrien, how's that physics project coming?"
Felix and Bridgette fumbled a bit. Bridgette knew very little of the details since Adrien wouldn't tell her and Felix had no idea what to say in regards. So, he tried to be vague.
"Pretty good so far but there's still some kinks to work out."
"You said there shouldn't be any more problems," said Juleka.
"Oh, well, turns out I was wrong. Still a lot of work to do," he said nervously.
That seemed to satisfy their curiosity and they continued to work. Another person came in.
"Hey guys," greeted the male voice.
They all looked up to see a young man with black hair, short ponytail and a goatee. It looked like he had a green and white striped stick in his mouth as well. Felix noticed this guys gaze settle on Bridgette and for some reason, he didn't like it.
"Hey Theo," smiled Rose.
"Sup," greeted Juleka.
"Bridgette, I see you're back from your trip. I hope things between us are cool now."
Bridgette tried to keep herself from grimacing but she managed to smile back at him.
"We're cool, Theo. Don't worry about it," she said in a strained tone.
Felix could tell something went down between them and he was determined to find out. He then noticed Theo was looking at him now.
"I don't believe I've met you yet. I'm Theo," he said extending his hand.
Felix smiled and took it.
"Adrien."
"Oh, you're Adele's son. I've heard her mentioning you."
"She's never mentioned you," Felix answered back.
"Adrien, Theo's a sculptor. His exhibition is the big event in a week that Micah is promoting," said Bridgette.
"I see. You mind if I see some of your work," Felix asked."
"Sure, follow me," beamed Theo.
The two of them left to enter the main gallery. It was a wide open space with a few benches here and there and some sculptures were on display and some didn't look set up completely.
"How long have you been doing this," asked Felix.
"I've been sculpting since I was a kid. Started with Play Dough and it evolved from there. There's just something about creating things with your hands. Making something beautiful come to life. I especially love the small details that can make it more realistic."
Felix was examining a white clay bust. It was a young woman with flowing hair. Her eyes were small and round. Her nose was a cute button shape and her lips plumped in all the right places. Her cheeks round; she looked familiar. He saw the name plate for it said, "True Beauty".
"I take it this was inspired by someone," stated Felix.
"Yes, I actually finished this one faster than my other pieces. The moment I saw her, I knew I had to sculpt her face. I had never seen a more truer beauty than her and I couldn't work on anything else until I finished this."
"So who is she?"
Felix was dreading the answer, already having an idea. Theo had a soft smile on his face.
"You're friend Bridgette. I have to say, she's got my attention."
Felix was never one to be jealous about anything or anyone for that matter. He never had a reason to be since he was able to get what he wanted, even if he never asked for it. But the look on Theo's face when mentioning Bridgette sparked something in Felix and he didn't like it at all. They were interrupted by another voice.
"Ah Theo, showing off your works I see."
Both guys turned to see an older man walk up to them. The alarm bells were ringing in Felix's head. He knew a charlatan when he saw one; thanks to his father's business dealings and those in high society. Felix observed the tall man wearing a light gray suit that looked sharp and crisp and black shoes. A dark purple shirt that was open at the top popped against the neutral suit. The man had just removed his sunglasses to reveal cold, calculating blue eyes. His smile was a devious one but still looked friendly. Like a predator eyeing its prey to gain its trust. His slicked back light blonde hair was styled perfectly against his tanned skin.
"Hey Micah, just showing Adrien here a sneak peek."
"So you're the famous Adrien I've heard about. Pleasure to meet you, I am Micah Blake."
Micah held his hand out for a hand shake and Felix hesitantly shook it.
"Hello, Micah Blake," he said simply.
"Your mother talks about you a lot. I feel like I know you already."
"Really, wish I could say the same for you," Felix said tersely.
Micah balked a bit at his tone but slipped back into a friendly faces when he saw Adele coming towards them.
"Oh good! You've met," she cried happily. "I'm sorry I haven't had the chance to introduce you to each other."
Adele made her way beside Micah and smiled brightly. Felix noticed how quickly Micah's arms wrapped around her waist and how closely he leaned in.
"That's alright, my dear," he purred to her and kissed her cheek. "May I treat you to lunch?"
"Of course and Adrien you should come as well," Adele said.
At first, Felix didn't want to. But if he wanted to get his parents back together, he needed to know what they were up against in order to formulate a plan with his brother and Marinette and Bridgette. So, he agreed though he knew he wasn't going to enjoy it.

Back in Paris, Marinette reluctantly agreed to help with the photo shoot. It was a romantic setting, perfect for lovers enjoying a day at the park.
"I want to see love, passion, romance, tenderness! Give it all you got," cried the photographer.
For Adrien, it was already easy. He developed a bit of a crush on her and was shy about it but not enough to let her know he was interested. For Marinette, she thought he was just being flirty, not really serious about it. Plus, she had to pretend he was Felix and Felix was supposed to be her best friend which made a setting like this a bit weird. But she saw how good Adrien was acting so she acted right back. They smiled at each other, held hands and leaned into each other. The photographer was eating it up.
"Wonderful! I am loving the chemistry, but I need more! Put your arm around her Felix! And you dear! Look at him like he's the greatest thing in the world!"
Adrien smiled gently as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. Marinette began to blush a bit but gave him a sweet smile. Adrien felt his heart skip and on instinct, kissed her forehead. That really turned Marinette red and the photographer was very pleased.
"Yes! That's what I am looking for! Perfecto! Magnifico!"
The photoshoot ended and Adrien walked Marinette home.
"Thanks for helping out," he said.
"No problem. I am used to being behind the camera making the clothes. Getting to wear them is a nice change," she smiled.
"You looked great in them."
Marinette blushed again at the compliment.
"Would you like to come up? Papa made some fresh croissants," she said sweetly.
"I would love that," beamed Adrien.
After a quick greeting to Tom and Sabine, Adrien and Marinette were sitting on her chaise eating the pastries. Well, Adrien was inhaling them while Marinette ate them.
"Slow down, we're not going to run out anytime soon," Marinette giggled.
That sound made Adrien's stomach flutter but he did slow down.
"But these are so good," he praised.
"Well, I may be biased but Papa does make the best pastries in Paris."
"I would have to agree with you on that," smiled Adrien.
The two of them just looked at each other, unsure of what to do next. Something in Adrien's mind was screaming to kiss her but he knew she probably wouldn't appreciate it but, her lips looked awfully tempting. Marinette noticed how close Adrien was getting and while she wanted to move back, something else said to lean in more and see what happens. Both their gazes dropped to the other person's lips and back to each other's eyes.
"Princess," Adrien whispered as he leaned in more.
They were just about to touch lips when they heard bells chime. The two jumped back, trying to calm their heart beats. Adrien was a bit miffed at the interruption while Marinette was both relieved and disappointed. Marinette realized it was her phone and quickly retrieved it to read the message. It was a text from Adrien? But he was next to her...oh, it has to be Felix.
"I think it's Felix," she said as she opened the message.
To group chat
Adrien: Marinette, you and Adrien need to Skype chat with us right away. This is an emergency! Mom's in love!
"What's wrong," asked Adrien seeing her worried expression.
"We've got a problem."

Now I know you're probably wondering; where is Gabriel at? Good question and I plan to add him in the next chapter.