Welcome back for chapter two. Hope ya'll enjoy.
PS: We're starting in Adrina's point of view but it will switch to Bruce's about halfway through. Enjoy. : )
Not Just Another Bank Account
There was a knock on my door around nine am, the smell of fresh coffee wafting into my room had successfully woken me up. "Good morning, miss."
"Morning. Mmm, what brew is that, Tessa?"
"I'm not sure, miss. It's been in the cabinet for a while, to be honest." I just laughed as I sat up in bed.
"So if I get sick, I will know why." We both laughed and enjoyed our coffee, paired with biscotti that Tessa had managed to sneak onto the tray. "Biscotti, Tessa?"
"I couldn't help myself, miss." I just rolled my eyes and smiled. We finished our coffee and while Tessa took the dishes, I decided to peruse my closet for an outfit to wear. After about ten minutes, I chose a teal one shoulder dress with a grey bottom. At first glance, it looked as if it were two pieces, a top and a skirt. I changed and headed towards the bathroom to freshen up. Another ten minutes passed and I emerged from the bathroom with my hair straightened, teeth brushed and make-up applied. I rummaged through my jewelry, picked some pieces that matched my outfit and walked towards my shoe collection. I grabbed a charcoal pair of heels and headed downstairs.
"Tessa? Where did you go? I need to be leaving shortly." Tessa appeared in front of me with a smile on her face. "Oh, there you are. Why are you smiling, Tessa?"
"I saved something for you, miss." Tessa pulled out a charcoal grey leather handbag with a rhinestone buckle with the letters 'A' and 'M' on it.
"I just found this last week. How did you come across it so fast?"
"I have my ways, miss. It's yours." She handed me the bag and gave me a hug.
"Thank you so much, Tessa." I threw on my shoes, grabbed my phone, wallet and keys, and followed Tessa out the front door to the waiting Bentley in the driveway. "I'll see you after work."
"Have a good day, miss." I flipped through an Italian Vogue as my driver, Henry, drove me to my main office building. Forty minutes later, we arrived at the building so I threw the magazine on the floor. Henry opened the door for me and I grabbed my bag before getting out of the car.
"Thank you, Henry."
"You're welcome, miss. What time am I coming back?"
"Between 5:30 and 6:00."
"Will do, miss. I shall see you then."
"Goodbye." I headed into the building and was greeted by quite a few of my older employees. I was actually quite shocked that there weren't more younger faces, seeing as fashion is an ever-changing business and older views tend to be overlooked. I rode the elevator to the floor where my office was and stepped out, thoroughly shocking my secretary.
"Miss Maroni! It's been too long." She ran out from behind her desk and threw her arms around me, engulfing me in a warm hug.
"I know, Shirley. So, how has he been running the place?" Shirley rolled her eyes and I laughed. "That bad?"
"He's straight. What the hell does he know about fashion? His damn assistant is doing more for the company than he is."
"You mean the one with the boyfriend?"
"Yes, him." I just smiled. Mr. Leon's assistant, Lance, was the epitome of a homosexual and it was a crying shame because the man is gorgeous. His boyfriend is equally gorgeous and when the two are in the same room as me, I tend to be envious and crushed because of their love for one another. I sighed and tried to push the lack of romance out of my head for now.
"Alright then. Let's get this straight man out of my office." I threw my handbag over my shoulder and was about to walk into my office when Shirley stopped me. "What's wrong, Shirley?"
"That bag is gorgeous. Where did you get it?"
"My friend Tessa got it for me so I don't know. Isn't it great?"
"Definitely. By the way, you look phenomenal."
"Thank you. Can I kick the straight man out of my office now?" Shirley nodded and smiled. I grabbed the handles on my office doors and pushed them in, making quite a big entrance. I thoroughly scared my interim manager, Mr. Leon, and his mysterious guest. "Hello, Mr. Leon."
"Ms. Maroni? What are you doing back?"
"I created this business. It's where I belong." I scanned my office and cringed. It screamed 'fashion nightmare'. I turned my attention to Mr. Leon's guest, who was quite dapper looking and very attractive. "I apologize for my rudeness. I'm Adrina Maroni."
"I'm Bruce Wayne." Get. Out. There is no way that the Bruce Wayne is in my office.
"Oh, my. It's a honor to meet you, Mr. Wayne."
"Please, call me Bruce."
"If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here? I didn't think someone like Bruce Wayne would have any use for a fashion studio." A look of confusion crossed Bruce's face and I just laughed. "You had no idea?"
"Not at all. Mr. Leon just called my secretary the other day to tell me that he wanted to discuss some business. I honestly had no idea you were right across the street, actually." I looked past Bruce, even though it was very difficult to do, and looked at my interim manager.
"Ms. Maroni, I can explain."
"No need. One thing you need to do, however, is get your things out of my office."
"Are you..firing me?"
"That I am. You know, forget that I said to get your things." I walked past Bruce and over to my desk. I took one look at the desk and in one swift movement, threw everything on the carpet. "Please leave, before I have to call security." Mr. Leon took one look at me and dashed out of my office. I smirked, grabbed my bag and sat down in my chair. "Now that you know what really goes on here, are you still interested?" I watched Bruce think for a minute then smile.
"I'm sure I could always use some good fashion advice." I watched him sit down, very smoothly if I may say so, in a chair facing my desk. "You know, this office is directly across from mine. I can see it through your very large window, actually." I turned around, glancing into Bruce's office.
"I had no idea, to be honest. I've been in Italy for quite some time now."
"Really? What were doing there, if you don't mind me asking?" I just smiled and decided to indulge Bruce.
"Creating my own fashion label. About three years ago, I called some old friends I had in Gotham and asked them if they would be willing to help me set up a headquarters here. As you can see, they agreed."
"That's very impressive, Ms. Maroni."
"Please, call me Adrina." I watched Bruce smile and I felt butterflies for the first time ever. My phone buzzed and it snapped me back into reality. "Excuse me." Bruce nodded and turned his attention to his phone. I answered the phone, turning slightly to the side to keep the conversation private. "This had better be good, Shirley."
"Our shipment came in and some of the workers seem to think there is something wrong with the design." Work, it was good to be back but now it was getting in the way of talking to Bruce.
"One second." I covered the bottom of the phone and leaned over the desk. "Bruce?"
"Something important?"
"Not overly but it would involve visitors with demands."
"Oh. Do you mind if I watch you? I'm kind of interested." That was...new.
"Oh. Alright then." I turned my attention back to the phone call with Shirley. "Have them bring it up."
"I thought Mr. Wayne was in there?"
"He wants to watch."
"Date him. Now."
"Taci (Be quiet). Send them up, please."
"Yes, ma'am." I rolled my eyes and hung up the phone. I rummaged through my bag until I heard a knock at my door. "Come in." In walked five men, all carrying boxes. I stood up and began to assess the situation.
Bruce's Point of View
Wow, this woman was stunning. While Adrina was pulling out clothes from the boxes that were brought into her office, I took the opportunity to check her out. Rude? Possibly. Her skin looked flawless and tan, showing definite signs of her extended trip to Italy. Her chocolate brown hair looked silky smooth and I had the sudden urge to touch it but that seemed just a bit too forward. A bit? That's an understatement seeing as you just the met the woman. But she's stunning. It would be a compliment, right? No, it would be creepy and she'd have you thrown out of her building. Oh please, I can take some rent-a-cop in my sleep. Ego trip, much? No, I'm just aware of what I can do. Oh crap, is she looking at you? Pay attention!
"Bruce?"
"Sorry. Did I miss something?" She flashed me a smile and I swear I forgot my name.
"I asked you what you thought was better: with or without the tulle?" Tulle? What the hell is that? It's the fabric that makes skirts poofy and sounds like netting when it moves. Okay, that was not the straightest thing I've heard today. Damn it, pay attention! I ignored the arguing in my head and tried to focus on the looks in front of me. Honestly, they both looked good but I wanted to see it on a body.
"Could you put it on?" Smooth move, creeper.
"Pardon?" See? You blew it already.
"They both look good but I can't really tell if it isn't on a body." Please buy that, you gorgeous little angel. Down, machismo, down! I watched Adrina think about it and then nod.
"Good point, Bruce. Shirley, get me a changing screen." What? What did I just say? Down, tiger. Her assistants stood the screen up and Adrina poked her head out of the side. "Excuse me, Bruce." I nodded and turned around. What are you doing? Turn around. He has morals, you hormonal rabbit. Your insults are lacking as of late, friend. Can it! "Well? What do you think, Bruce?" I turned around and my stomach turned. Oh. My. God. "This is without the tulle." She asked you a question, now answer it! I cleared my throat, trying desperately to focus.
"Wow. It looks kind of flat though, no offense. Could you put the other one on please?" Adrina just nodded and popped behind the screen again. Insert Star Wars music. Put that away! Dear God, you have no dignity do you? None whatsoever. I tried to keep my situation at bay as I turned around again.
"Better?" I smiled and watched her face light up.
"Much."
"That settles it." Adrina began to speak Italian to her assistants and I felt myself get a little excited. A little excited? You are so packing heat right now. You did not just say that! Oh yes, I did. "Bruce?"
"Yes?"
"I have some more orders to take care of. Would you like to assist?"
"Certainly." Best. day. ever. For once, you're right. Gotham just got a little brighter.
-FIN-
That's it for this chapter. Hope ya'll enjoyed it, despite the fizzly ending. Stay tuned for the next chapter, it should be out soon.