~*AN*~
I think since school is out I'll have lots more time to write. I'm even in the mist of a second story! Hope everyone enjoys this chapter.
~*Chapter VIII: Run Way*~
"Enough about me," I said, wondering what he was doing up at this time anyway. After he shut up, I placed a cup of coffee in front of him. "What are you doing out of bed so early?" I questioned him, curious to know.
"I thought you'd need a wake up call since you were out so late last night," he answered, silently sipping his coffee.
"Sometimes you are an enigma to me Jason Payne," I told him, getting started on breakfast since it was about the time that Keith normally got up. "So what'll it be? Scrambled or sunny side up?" I asked, offering him the two options he had for eggs.
"I think I'll stick with..." he began as I shut the fridge.
"I want both!" answered Keith, interrupting Jason's reply as he came flying into the kitchen.
"Okay, four of each, coming right up!" I said cheerfully, cracking the eggs open and frying them. I made sausages and toast along with the eggs and completed the meal off with a nice cup of orange juice.
"Can I get another cup of coffee?" asked Jason, eyeing the orange juice questioningly.
"Sorry, you have only one choice for beverage, and that's orange juice," I replied, grinning when his face scrunched up. Jason literally can't live without his coffee every morning, so I took it into my own concern that he would start eating healthier from now on. Sometimes that man didn't know when to stop with all those cups of java.
"Party pooper," grunted Jason, finishing the rest of his breakfast and downing the orange juice. I smiled happily; I always win with him.
"Wonder what's on?" I asked, turning the television set on and flipping through a few channels until I landed on a local news station.
~News~
"It's been notified early this morning that the fashion show in New York will be taking place within a week. Our new stations has been given the chance to get an inside look at this year's fall fashions, so tune in next Saturday evening at 8:00pm to catch a glimpse!" said a reporter eagerly, smiling as the camera faded from her back to the main news anchors.
"Well, there you have it. Some American fashion shows once more that we have been privileged to get a scoop on," said the anchorwoman.
"Yes, I've been told that Moonlight Fashions Incorporated has many new talents and are thrilled to finally showing them off," replied the anchorman beside her. "If you are curious as to know which designers are the hottest this year, please tune in next week," he added with a smile.
"We'll be right back after a few moments," finished the anchorwoman as the channel switched to a few advertisements and previews.
~Sere~
"Wow, how come I wasn't told of all this?" I wondered, looking at Jason curiously. It wasn't like the company to not let me know of any sudden changes that would affect the both of us.
"That's because I just got a fax early this morning. You're portfolio is due by noon today so they can finish off the rest of those gowns," replied Jason, wiping his face with a napkin. I stared at him in shock, how was I supposed to gather all my paperwork and notes by then?
"That's ridiculous, I don't have enough time to let them know how I want the gowns to be made! I have to go back!" I screamed, horrified that my fall line would be ruined. "Oh my god! I'll lose my job and be humiliated!" I cried, running to my room and gathering my papers.
"Calm down Sere, the company already had all your previous notes, they just need the last few designs to finish up what you started before you left," said Jason, walking into my room and helping me get my things together.
"This is my first line on my own in Moonlight Fashions, I have to make it perfect!" I explained, nervous now more than ever.
"Don't worry, it'll just be a preview. The boss said the real show would come to you," said Jason, taking a step back for me to take in the news.
"What? Come to me? What does that mean?" questions flew out of my mouth one after another as I started to become extremely nervous.
"Take a deep breath and sit down Sere," suggested Jason. I did so as I watching his every movement like a hawk. "Moonlight Fashions decided to do a show in Asia, and they chose Tokyo since it's a major spot for all broadcasts," he told me in a composed voice.
"What the hell? Since when did we decide on this?!" I yelled, springing up from my seat on the bed. How the hell am I supposed to show my fall line in Tokyo after it's already been displayed in New York? The thought was entirely against the idea of surprising fashion viewers.
"It's okay, they just thought that it would be more appropriate if you could be present for the unveiling of your fall line," said Jason, trying to calm my nerves down. He gently pushed me back down and shook me lightly.
"God, how am I going to do this?" I asked, tears wracking my body. If I did the show, they would know I was back and it's still too soon.
"Don't worry, I'll help you with as much as I can. The entire crew is flying over to get the show together for you," replied Jason in a comforting tone. I took a deep breath and looked up at him nervously.
"I hope this goes well, if not, I won't be able to show my face anywhere again," I whispered, taking another glimpse at my drawings.
"Mama, why are you crying?" asked Keith, standing at the doorway with a sad look in his eyes. It always makes him sad to see me in a state of distress. Trudging over slowly, he sat down on my lap and hugged me tightly.
"Don't worry baby, mommy is just a little stress for time. She has to do her show here in Tokyo instead," I told my son, explaining things to him.
"Shouldn't that be good? Now everyone here will know that you did better than they said you would! You can show them up!" said Keith, smiling mischievously. He was always trying to find ways to get back at all the people who hurt me back then. It was a sweet gesture, but I in no way wanted my son to grow up thinking that bragging or revenge was ever acceptable.
"No sweetheart, you know that is not why I came back here. We talked about this before remember?" I reminded him, placing a kiss on his head. "Why don't you go get washed up while Jason and I finish up a few things?" I told him, gently nudging him in the direction of my restroom.
"Okie dokie, have fun!" he replied, smiling as he skipped into my bathroom and turned the facet on. I smiled and turned back to Jason, who could only smile at my son's antics. He may be a smart kid, but he was still a child nonetheless, so we're not surprised that sometimes he talks the same way any other kid his age would.
"So how about we get to it?" suggested Jason, pulling up his sleeves as I walked over to my desk and set down my artwork. One by one we organized my fall line by order of appearance during the show and worked on details that needed to be fixed. Keith had already long finished cleaning up and went back to his room and play while we worked. It took us two whole hours to get everything in order and make a few changes to accessories for my gowns.
"There," I finished, cleaning off the sketch board and placing the drawing in with the others. I stood back and smiled at my pride and joy, this line of gowns had taken me almost a year to come up with, let alone find the courage to agree to the unveiling. I was very proud of myself for finally completing it, so with a sad smile, I turned and handed them over to Jason. "You can take them now, I've done all that I can with them. Now it's up to the critics," I said, pretending that I didn't care what others thought by shrugging it off.
"You know they'll love it. So far, I've seen elegant yet intriguing ideas that no one has ever imagined before," replied Jason, taking the portfolio from my hands and setting them aside gently. He gave me a hug before grabbing the binder and heading back to his suite.
"For your sake and mine, you had better be right Mr. Payne!" I yelled as he closed the door behind him with a laugh. I paced the floor for a few moments before deciding to get dressed and heading out with Keith. We had to go find something nice to wear to my fashion show since we had only brought so little clothing when we left from New York.
~Darien's~
'Fashion show? Hmm, sounds interesting. I suppose I'll receive note on this from the board sooner or later,' thought Darien as he turned his television set off and finished his cup of coffee.
He worked all his life to become a doctor, but that was not made him the person he is today. Ever since Darien had turned 18 years old, he had inherited his birthright, which just happened to be a business corporate. He decided he would not run the company, so long as he made all the decisions. Society knew there way a young bachelor who was head of the Shield Corporation, yet none knew of the person behind the chair. In a way, Darien wanted it that way, so women he dated wouldn't become attached to his dowry. With dishes set aside, Darien headed to his office, where he found a fax waiting for him.
Mr. Shields:
As discussed between your lawyers and the board of directors, we
urge you to attend this upcoming event. We feel that it is time that you let society know who you are and that our company is not one to be taken lightly. If it is not a problem, we suggest you not bring a date so that the news will not make a scandal out of nothing. We hope you enjoy the show along with the banquet that is thrown afterward.
Signed,
Chairman of Board of Directors
"Now why was I not wrong about this?" Darien said, smirking as he tossed the fax into a nearby trashcan. Now he'd have to go find a new tux along with making his first appearance as president of Shield Corporation. It was truly a hassle in his opinion. Once society found out, he'd be running from reporters left and right. Not to mention the women!
~Andrew's Office~
"Wonder what Sere is up to right now?" thought Andrew, looking through his files halfheartedly. He found himself lacking concentration ever since she had return to Japan. She looked so lovely that first time he saw her in his office, standing there blushing from being caught. It was truly a sight he'd never forget. 'What am I thinking? She'd never understand how I feel,' he mentally told himself, snapping back to reality and going this his files more seriously this time around.
"Mr. Forbes? You have a call waiting for you on line two sir," said the secretary over the intercom.
"Thanks," he replied, quickly setting aside the folders and picking up the receiver to answer the call. "Hello, Andrew Forbes speaking," he said.
"Hey Andy," I replied, smiling at the sound of his voice. Every time I'm on the phone with him, I can't help but smile. It's come to be a habit of mine now, and I didn't mind either.
"Hey Sere, what's up?" asked Andrew, cleaning up the stacks of folders on his desk so he'd have some room for other things.
"Not much, just called to let you know that I'm having a fashions how here in Tokyo," I told him calmly, like it was an everyday thing.
"What? Seriously? Wow, I can't wait to see you at work!" he responded happily. Since I had left Tokyo, Andrew had always been so supportive of my decisions. One night he told me how proud he was of me for becoming a designer, and from that day on I never stopped striving to become better.
"I'm excited that you're looking forward to it, but I'm so nervous at the same time!" I answered, laughing to hide my uneasiness.
"It'll be great I'm sure. Anything you do will make me even more proud than I already am. You've come so far since then," Andrew started, sounding like a father speaking to his child.
"I know, thanks for all the support. Wouldn't have gotten this far without you," I stated quietly. "Anyhow, did you know it was broadcast all over the news this morning?" I said in a bubbly tone, changing the subject.
"No, I didn't get a chance to watch. Wow, so all of Tokyo are going to be anticipating this then, are you scared?" he asked me, knowing what I was already thinking about.
"To be honest, I'm ready for what ever comes my way. I have you and so many people who love me to back me up that I shouldn't be scared," I said with so much confidence in myself. I was shocked at what came out of my lips next. "If it's bound to happen, then lets get it over with already right Andy?" I said as I got more and more into it. Andrew laughed and agreed with me, it was nice knowing I had so many people who loved me and were willing to do anything they could to protect me from getting hurt again. We talked for about half an hour over things that would be coming up.
"So hey, I've got to get back to work. These files aren't going to straighten themselves out," said Andrew, trying to multitask. "How about I take you out to dinner, a nice evening just the two of us?" he suggested sincerely. I smiled and agreed, it had been a long time since the two of us had gotten the chance to spend some quality time along together. "Great! Then I'll pick you up tonight at 8pm sharp!" he replied after I answered him. We hung up after agreeing to see each other later on tonight.
"Whom are you picking up tonight?" asked Darien as he walked in just when Andrew was hanging up the phone with Sere. He looked over at Andrew curiously and took a seat before a response was even made.
"None of your business. Why don't you ever call before you show up unexpectedly like this Darien? I have work to do you know," stated Andrew, his mood changing quickly.
"My, grumpy aren't we?" responded Darien, taken back by Andrew's gesture towards him. For the past week or so, he noticed that Andrew had gotten colder when it came to the two of them coming in contact. It made Darien think that something might just be going on that Andrew is trying to hide from him. "So, did you hear about that show?" he asked, getting to the point.
"Yeah, what about it?" asked Andrew, tired of having to deal with Darien all the damn time. Every time he was in a good mood because of Sere, Darien always showed up to ruin his frame of mind.
"Well, the board says I have to attend to make an official appearance so I came over here to ask if you'd like to join me," Darien told him, lighting a cigar as they spoke.
"Sorry, this is a non-smoking office Darien. And no I can't go with you, I already have other plans for that evening," stated Andrew in a monotone voice, grabbing the cigar from Darien and putting it out.
"What? Big Date?" asked Darien, laughing at the idea. Ever since Andrew had broken it off with his last girlfriend Rita, Darien noticed that he never took any other girl out afterward. As if he was already involved with someone else, that he never let the world know about or something. It was quite mind boggling, and Darien wanted to know who or what it was that had changed Andrew so dramatically after all these years.
"I guess you could say that. I'm escorting someone to an event that same night, so I won't be able to attend with you," answered Andrew, putting away his files for the time being.
"Okay, I won't push any farther. Maybe we can find some other time to hand out, it's been so long," suggested Darien, getting up from his seat in one quick movement. "Catch you later man," he said before disappearing.
'Thank God! I thought I'd have to hurt him,' Andrew mentally said to himself, heaving a sigh of relief that Darien had finally left. He decides to get back to work so he could leave early to get ready for his date with Sere tonight. Working diligently away in his office, Andrew finally completed all the files that had to be worked out and left his office around 6 o'clock. He rushed home and hopped into the shower. "Maybe I should try out that new dark gray D&G suit I had ordered last month," Andrew said, talking to himself as he rummaged through his closet for an outfit to wear. After an hour of getting ready for his date, Andrew hopped in his car and headed over to the hotel to pick Sere up for dinner.
~Jason's Suite~
"Hey, the papers were received and the boss said that things are in progress," Jason told me as I entered his hotel room. Keith ran off with his backpack and made himself at home as I spoke with Jason. "Wow, where are you going? You look sexy," he said, causing a blush to appear on my cheeks.
"Out to dinner with Andrew," I answered, smiling as I set Keith's bad down by the door. "You think you'll be okay watching him tonight?" I asked, making sure he didn't mind. I lightly brushed over my black evening gown and took a seat at the bar. It was a gown my friend Jenny had designed for me when her first line had gotten unveiled in Milan last year. I never got the chance to wear it and I finally thought now might as well be the only good time. It was long and low cut in the back, the front had an empire bust line that hugged my waist perfectly. It appeared to be a tube, but two thin straps of lace lay on my arms gently, taking place of an actual sleeve. I smiled remembering the time I first tried on the gown for Jenny's show. The train was so long I had almost tripped on stage, so she had to redesign it so that the end of the train looped through one of my middle fingers easily for walking or dancing.
"Hope you have fun and enjoy your day off because tomorrow the girls are coming over and we'll be rehearsing all day," said Jason, handing me a drink as I sat there waiting for Andrew.
"I know, rehearsals are killers," I mumbled, dreading the day ahead of me tomorrow morning. It would consist of twelve long hours of rehearsing, then a few hours to tailor the gowns to the girls' body sizes. I had exactly one week of work to do within two days, because the show in New York would start in five days, then the show in Tokyo would start a week after that so I'd have to give it a whole new look. Oh how I hated being a designer sometimes, you always had to out due yourself over and over. What if one day I ran out of ideas to use? I laughed, knowing that would never happen, being that I had such wild and crazy ideas at times. Suddenly I was brought back to my conversation with Jason as I heard a door open and shut.
"Hey Sere, ready?" I heard Andrew call out to me. Looking up, I saw him standing there looking so handsome. Had I forgotten how gorgeous Andrew looked up until today or something, because wow, he looked so good tonight! Smiling I nodded and grabbed my black evening bag and wrapped my arm around his extended one and off we went.
~*AN*~
Okay, that's it for now. Hope this wasn't too disappointing!
I think since school is out I'll have lots more time to write. I'm even in the mist of a second story! Hope everyone enjoys this chapter.
~*Chapter VIII: Run Way*~
"Enough about me," I said, wondering what he was doing up at this time anyway. After he shut up, I placed a cup of coffee in front of him. "What are you doing out of bed so early?" I questioned him, curious to know.
"I thought you'd need a wake up call since you were out so late last night," he answered, silently sipping his coffee.
"Sometimes you are an enigma to me Jason Payne," I told him, getting started on breakfast since it was about the time that Keith normally got up. "So what'll it be? Scrambled or sunny side up?" I asked, offering him the two options he had for eggs.
"I think I'll stick with..." he began as I shut the fridge.
"I want both!" answered Keith, interrupting Jason's reply as he came flying into the kitchen.
"Okay, four of each, coming right up!" I said cheerfully, cracking the eggs open and frying them. I made sausages and toast along with the eggs and completed the meal off with a nice cup of orange juice.
"Can I get another cup of coffee?" asked Jason, eyeing the orange juice questioningly.
"Sorry, you have only one choice for beverage, and that's orange juice," I replied, grinning when his face scrunched up. Jason literally can't live without his coffee every morning, so I took it into my own concern that he would start eating healthier from now on. Sometimes that man didn't know when to stop with all those cups of java.
"Party pooper," grunted Jason, finishing the rest of his breakfast and downing the orange juice. I smiled happily; I always win with him.
"Wonder what's on?" I asked, turning the television set on and flipping through a few channels until I landed on a local news station.
~News~
"It's been notified early this morning that the fashion show in New York will be taking place within a week. Our new stations has been given the chance to get an inside look at this year's fall fashions, so tune in next Saturday evening at 8:00pm to catch a glimpse!" said a reporter eagerly, smiling as the camera faded from her back to the main news anchors.
"Well, there you have it. Some American fashion shows once more that we have been privileged to get a scoop on," said the anchorwoman.
"Yes, I've been told that Moonlight Fashions Incorporated has many new talents and are thrilled to finally showing them off," replied the anchorman beside her. "If you are curious as to know which designers are the hottest this year, please tune in next week," he added with a smile.
"We'll be right back after a few moments," finished the anchorwoman as the channel switched to a few advertisements and previews.
~Sere~
"Wow, how come I wasn't told of all this?" I wondered, looking at Jason curiously. It wasn't like the company to not let me know of any sudden changes that would affect the both of us.
"That's because I just got a fax early this morning. You're portfolio is due by noon today so they can finish off the rest of those gowns," replied Jason, wiping his face with a napkin. I stared at him in shock, how was I supposed to gather all my paperwork and notes by then?
"That's ridiculous, I don't have enough time to let them know how I want the gowns to be made! I have to go back!" I screamed, horrified that my fall line would be ruined. "Oh my god! I'll lose my job and be humiliated!" I cried, running to my room and gathering my papers.
"Calm down Sere, the company already had all your previous notes, they just need the last few designs to finish up what you started before you left," said Jason, walking into my room and helping me get my things together.
"This is my first line on my own in Moonlight Fashions, I have to make it perfect!" I explained, nervous now more than ever.
"Don't worry, it'll just be a preview. The boss said the real show would come to you," said Jason, taking a step back for me to take in the news.
"What? Come to me? What does that mean?" questions flew out of my mouth one after another as I started to become extremely nervous.
"Take a deep breath and sit down Sere," suggested Jason. I did so as I watching his every movement like a hawk. "Moonlight Fashions decided to do a show in Asia, and they chose Tokyo since it's a major spot for all broadcasts," he told me in a composed voice.
"What the hell? Since when did we decide on this?!" I yelled, springing up from my seat on the bed. How the hell am I supposed to show my fall line in Tokyo after it's already been displayed in New York? The thought was entirely against the idea of surprising fashion viewers.
"It's okay, they just thought that it would be more appropriate if you could be present for the unveiling of your fall line," said Jason, trying to calm my nerves down. He gently pushed me back down and shook me lightly.
"God, how am I going to do this?" I asked, tears wracking my body. If I did the show, they would know I was back and it's still too soon.
"Don't worry, I'll help you with as much as I can. The entire crew is flying over to get the show together for you," replied Jason in a comforting tone. I took a deep breath and looked up at him nervously.
"I hope this goes well, if not, I won't be able to show my face anywhere again," I whispered, taking another glimpse at my drawings.
"Mama, why are you crying?" asked Keith, standing at the doorway with a sad look in his eyes. It always makes him sad to see me in a state of distress. Trudging over slowly, he sat down on my lap and hugged me tightly.
"Don't worry baby, mommy is just a little stress for time. She has to do her show here in Tokyo instead," I told my son, explaining things to him.
"Shouldn't that be good? Now everyone here will know that you did better than they said you would! You can show them up!" said Keith, smiling mischievously. He was always trying to find ways to get back at all the people who hurt me back then. It was a sweet gesture, but I in no way wanted my son to grow up thinking that bragging or revenge was ever acceptable.
"No sweetheart, you know that is not why I came back here. We talked about this before remember?" I reminded him, placing a kiss on his head. "Why don't you go get washed up while Jason and I finish up a few things?" I told him, gently nudging him in the direction of my restroom.
"Okie dokie, have fun!" he replied, smiling as he skipped into my bathroom and turned the facet on. I smiled and turned back to Jason, who could only smile at my son's antics. He may be a smart kid, but he was still a child nonetheless, so we're not surprised that sometimes he talks the same way any other kid his age would.
"So how about we get to it?" suggested Jason, pulling up his sleeves as I walked over to my desk and set down my artwork. One by one we organized my fall line by order of appearance during the show and worked on details that needed to be fixed. Keith had already long finished cleaning up and went back to his room and play while we worked. It took us two whole hours to get everything in order and make a few changes to accessories for my gowns.
"There," I finished, cleaning off the sketch board and placing the drawing in with the others. I stood back and smiled at my pride and joy, this line of gowns had taken me almost a year to come up with, let alone find the courage to agree to the unveiling. I was very proud of myself for finally completing it, so with a sad smile, I turned and handed them over to Jason. "You can take them now, I've done all that I can with them. Now it's up to the critics," I said, pretending that I didn't care what others thought by shrugging it off.
"You know they'll love it. So far, I've seen elegant yet intriguing ideas that no one has ever imagined before," replied Jason, taking the portfolio from my hands and setting them aside gently. He gave me a hug before grabbing the binder and heading back to his suite.
"For your sake and mine, you had better be right Mr. Payne!" I yelled as he closed the door behind him with a laugh. I paced the floor for a few moments before deciding to get dressed and heading out with Keith. We had to go find something nice to wear to my fashion show since we had only brought so little clothing when we left from New York.
~Darien's~
'Fashion show? Hmm, sounds interesting. I suppose I'll receive note on this from the board sooner or later,' thought Darien as he turned his television set off and finished his cup of coffee.
He worked all his life to become a doctor, but that was not made him the person he is today. Ever since Darien had turned 18 years old, he had inherited his birthright, which just happened to be a business corporate. He decided he would not run the company, so long as he made all the decisions. Society knew there way a young bachelor who was head of the Shield Corporation, yet none knew of the person behind the chair. In a way, Darien wanted it that way, so women he dated wouldn't become attached to his dowry. With dishes set aside, Darien headed to his office, where he found a fax waiting for him.
Mr. Shields:
As discussed between your lawyers and the board of directors, we
urge you to attend this upcoming event. We feel that it is time that you let society know who you are and that our company is not one to be taken lightly. If it is not a problem, we suggest you not bring a date so that the news will not make a scandal out of nothing. We hope you enjoy the show along with the banquet that is thrown afterward.
Signed,
Chairman of Board of Directors
"Now why was I not wrong about this?" Darien said, smirking as he tossed the fax into a nearby trashcan. Now he'd have to go find a new tux along with making his first appearance as president of Shield Corporation. It was truly a hassle in his opinion. Once society found out, he'd be running from reporters left and right. Not to mention the women!
~Andrew's Office~
"Wonder what Sere is up to right now?" thought Andrew, looking through his files halfheartedly. He found himself lacking concentration ever since she had return to Japan. She looked so lovely that first time he saw her in his office, standing there blushing from being caught. It was truly a sight he'd never forget. 'What am I thinking? She'd never understand how I feel,' he mentally told himself, snapping back to reality and going this his files more seriously this time around.
"Mr. Forbes? You have a call waiting for you on line two sir," said the secretary over the intercom.
"Thanks," he replied, quickly setting aside the folders and picking up the receiver to answer the call. "Hello, Andrew Forbes speaking," he said.
"Hey Andy," I replied, smiling at the sound of his voice. Every time I'm on the phone with him, I can't help but smile. It's come to be a habit of mine now, and I didn't mind either.
"Hey Sere, what's up?" asked Andrew, cleaning up the stacks of folders on his desk so he'd have some room for other things.
"Not much, just called to let you know that I'm having a fashions how here in Tokyo," I told him calmly, like it was an everyday thing.
"What? Seriously? Wow, I can't wait to see you at work!" he responded happily. Since I had left Tokyo, Andrew had always been so supportive of my decisions. One night he told me how proud he was of me for becoming a designer, and from that day on I never stopped striving to become better.
"I'm excited that you're looking forward to it, but I'm so nervous at the same time!" I answered, laughing to hide my uneasiness.
"It'll be great I'm sure. Anything you do will make me even more proud than I already am. You've come so far since then," Andrew started, sounding like a father speaking to his child.
"I know, thanks for all the support. Wouldn't have gotten this far without you," I stated quietly. "Anyhow, did you know it was broadcast all over the news this morning?" I said in a bubbly tone, changing the subject.
"No, I didn't get a chance to watch. Wow, so all of Tokyo are going to be anticipating this then, are you scared?" he asked me, knowing what I was already thinking about.
"To be honest, I'm ready for what ever comes my way. I have you and so many people who love me to back me up that I shouldn't be scared," I said with so much confidence in myself. I was shocked at what came out of my lips next. "If it's bound to happen, then lets get it over with already right Andy?" I said as I got more and more into it. Andrew laughed and agreed with me, it was nice knowing I had so many people who loved me and were willing to do anything they could to protect me from getting hurt again. We talked for about half an hour over things that would be coming up.
"So hey, I've got to get back to work. These files aren't going to straighten themselves out," said Andrew, trying to multitask. "How about I take you out to dinner, a nice evening just the two of us?" he suggested sincerely. I smiled and agreed, it had been a long time since the two of us had gotten the chance to spend some quality time along together. "Great! Then I'll pick you up tonight at 8pm sharp!" he replied after I answered him. We hung up after agreeing to see each other later on tonight.
"Whom are you picking up tonight?" asked Darien as he walked in just when Andrew was hanging up the phone with Sere. He looked over at Andrew curiously and took a seat before a response was even made.
"None of your business. Why don't you ever call before you show up unexpectedly like this Darien? I have work to do you know," stated Andrew, his mood changing quickly.
"My, grumpy aren't we?" responded Darien, taken back by Andrew's gesture towards him. For the past week or so, he noticed that Andrew had gotten colder when it came to the two of them coming in contact. It made Darien think that something might just be going on that Andrew is trying to hide from him. "So, did you hear about that show?" he asked, getting to the point.
"Yeah, what about it?" asked Andrew, tired of having to deal with Darien all the damn time. Every time he was in a good mood because of Sere, Darien always showed up to ruin his frame of mind.
"Well, the board says I have to attend to make an official appearance so I came over here to ask if you'd like to join me," Darien told him, lighting a cigar as they spoke.
"Sorry, this is a non-smoking office Darien. And no I can't go with you, I already have other plans for that evening," stated Andrew in a monotone voice, grabbing the cigar from Darien and putting it out.
"What? Big Date?" asked Darien, laughing at the idea. Ever since Andrew had broken it off with his last girlfriend Rita, Darien noticed that he never took any other girl out afterward. As if he was already involved with someone else, that he never let the world know about or something. It was quite mind boggling, and Darien wanted to know who or what it was that had changed Andrew so dramatically after all these years.
"I guess you could say that. I'm escorting someone to an event that same night, so I won't be able to attend with you," answered Andrew, putting away his files for the time being.
"Okay, I won't push any farther. Maybe we can find some other time to hand out, it's been so long," suggested Darien, getting up from his seat in one quick movement. "Catch you later man," he said before disappearing.
'Thank God! I thought I'd have to hurt him,' Andrew mentally said to himself, heaving a sigh of relief that Darien had finally left. He decides to get back to work so he could leave early to get ready for his date with Sere tonight. Working diligently away in his office, Andrew finally completed all the files that had to be worked out and left his office around 6 o'clock. He rushed home and hopped into the shower. "Maybe I should try out that new dark gray D&G suit I had ordered last month," Andrew said, talking to himself as he rummaged through his closet for an outfit to wear. After an hour of getting ready for his date, Andrew hopped in his car and headed over to the hotel to pick Sere up for dinner.
~Jason's Suite~
"Hey, the papers were received and the boss said that things are in progress," Jason told me as I entered his hotel room. Keith ran off with his backpack and made himself at home as I spoke with Jason. "Wow, where are you going? You look sexy," he said, causing a blush to appear on my cheeks.
"Out to dinner with Andrew," I answered, smiling as I set Keith's bad down by the door. "You think you'll be okay watching him tonight?" I asked, making sure he didn't mind. I lightly brushed over my black evening gown and took a seat at the bar. It was a gown my friend Jenny had designed for me when her first line had gotten unveiled in Milan last year. I never got the chance to wear it and I finally thought now might as well be the only good time. It was long and low cut in the back, the front had an empire bust line that hugged my waist perfectly. It appeared to be a tube, but two thin straps of lace lay on my arms gently, taking place of an actual sleeve. I smiled remembering the time I first tried on the gown for Jenny's show. The train was so long I had almost tripped on stage, so she had to redesign it so that the end of the train looped through one of my middle fingers easily for walking or dancing.
"Hope you have fun and enjoy your day off because tomorrow the girls are coming over and we'll be rehearsing all day," said Jason, handing me a drink as I sat there waiting for Andrew.
"I know, rehearsals are killers," I mumbled, dreading the day ahead of me tomorrow morning. It would consist of twelve long hours of rehearsing, then a few hours to tailor the gowns to the girls' body sizes. I had exactly one week of work to do within two days, because the show in New York would start in five days, then the show in Tokyo would start a week after that so I'd have to give it a whole new look. Oh how I hated being a designer sometimes, you always had to out due yourself over and over. What if one day I ran out of ideas to use? I laughed, knowing that would never happen, being that I had such wild and crazy ideas at times. Suddenly I was brought back to my conversation with Jason as I heard a door open and shut.
"Hey Sere, ready?" I heard Andrew call out to me. Looking up, I saw him standing there looking so handsome. Had I forgotten how gorgeous Andrew looked up until today or something, because wow, he looked so good tonight! Smiling I nodded and grabbed my black evening bag and wrapped my arm around his extended one and off we went.
~*AN*~
Okay, that's it for now. Hope this wasn't too disappointing!