A Holiday Mishap
"Richard, you will be staying here until this assignment is complete."
Rick was dumbfounded by his boss's command. "Ma'am, I was slated to depart with everyone else tomorrow."
"Plans change. Someone pulled a rabbit out of a hat and we were able to book a highly coveted model in just the nick of time. She should've been here yesterday but was delayed, late for one reason or another. You know how they are, but she will arrive tomorrow. Someone has to stay and get what will be the principal pictures for the upcoming marketing campaign."
"How long?"
"As long as it takes."
"But-"
"You will get it done and I expect your best work."
"But Ms. Milton, it's almost Christmas and I was planning on spending it-"
"Richard, we all have to sacrifice. You asked for an office position with more money to help with your situation. This is the way you earn it. Do you understand what I am saying?"
"Yes."
"Well, that's the end of this discussion. I expect the proofs in seven days." Pamela Milton sternly stated before she walked away, leaving Rick reeling.
Day One
"I'll try my best to get back as soon as possible."
"I planned on taking him to spend Christmas day with me and Harlon at his family's home, but you begged me to let you have him. And now you can't for some reason."
"Not some reason. Work, Lori. Look, I'm disappointed too-"
"Disappointed? Carl will be devastated. He's told all his little friends at Gymboree you would be spending the day with him."
"I know-"
"Maybe… we should revisit getting a custody agreement."
"No, we decided to work things out on our own regarding our son."
"Yes, but you are running around to god knows where to take pictures."
"It's my job, Lori. One you didn't seem to have a problem with when you were on the receiving end of getaways."
"Look, Rick I don't want to fight about this anymore. I have to go pick Carl up from a playdate anyway. You make a decision and get back to me."
The phone went silent and Rick looked at the screen incredulously to see he'd really been hung up on.
"Shit!"
This was the last thing he needed after being marooned here in Switzerland. Fresh powdery snow coated the village, matching the towering alps that surrounded. Spruce and Fir trees naturally filled the air with fragrance people back home copied artificially with plugins or sprays. Locals showered their homes in holiday cheer that delighted visitors rejoiced in. It was picturesque and most people wouldn't be complaining about an extended stay here in Grindelwald's winter wonderland.
But this was making Rick's life more complicated than it already was. It was imperative that he switch to an office position. He wanted to be as involved in his son's life as he had been previously. Having his ex-wife off his back would be helpful also. He had no choice but to stay and complete the job. He would just work as hard as he could to get this assignment done so he could return home sooner than Pamela expected.
Rick was about to toss the phone on the fluffy twin hotel bed when he did a double take at the screen realizing the time.
"Shit!" he cursed once again as he grabbed his jacket and room key before racing out the door.
He had completely lost track of time. He should be starting out on the right foot and being late to welcome his subject was the complete opposite. He'd offered to meet her at the airport but her assistant refused since a town car with a chauffeur was already booked. Rick instead suggested to welcome her at the hotel's living room, where a complimentary drink would be served with the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. While bell services took care of what would undoubtedly be loads of unnecessary luggage, he'd provide her with a tour. Fawn over her to stroke her ego then she would be putty. All the more malleable in his capable hands, helping to get this over as quickly as possible.
Rick bypassed the elevator and took the steps two by two. He jogged down the hall at a measured pace as to not alarm guests until he arrived in the quaint lobby. Decorated lavishly in gold, silver and cream holiday ornamentation. Fluffy green garland and tinsel lined the pillars and desks throughout the public spaces. Poinsettias sprinkled with glitter sat in corners and on shelves. Holly draped from the perimeter of ceilings with select interludes of mistletoe. It was transformed to fit perfectly into anyone's festive imaginings.
The holiday spirit was not taking hold over Rick while he searched. He looked over at the check-in desk, the bellhop area, near a stoned water feature then the small seating area at the entrance. Sweat began to gather on his brow and he regretted putting on his shearling collared suede leather jacket.
He walked outside deciding the cool air would help while he scoped out the shoveled driveway. He had seen the model in the pages of magazines and advertisements on websites. She was highly coveted but he had not gotten the chance to photograph any runways she walked. But still he knew what she looked like when all glammed up and he didn't see her among the trickle of guests outside in the gardens.
Checking his watch, it was now forty minutes past the time she was due. Rick started to worry if she was even coming. What would he tell his boss? Would he have to remain even longer awaiting her arrival? This was not happening! Back inside, the queue for check-in was too long to assuage his nerves. But luckily he saw who he recognized as the hotels manager making her way from the terrace to the grand living room and Rick rushed to intercept.
"Hallo, konnen sie mir helfen?"
"Ja." she smiled brightly while she waited for his request.
"Ich suche nach…" But Rick realized he didn't know how to say what he needed in German. He'd learned some basics for the trip. He pulled his smartphone out to get the translation app open.
The manager chuckled politely. "I speak English. Does that help?"
"Yes, it does. I'm looking for a woman."
"Ja, aren't we all." she joked but Rick didn't have time to fully enjoy it.
"She was supposed to check in a while ago. Her name's Michonne…" then he realized he didn't know what the hell her last name was. She was a model and she only went by her first name.
"What's your business with Michonne?"
"I'm with Milton Marketing, we were conducting the photoshoot here. Michonne is the last model to arrive and they left me behind to complete the task."
"Come with me." Rick followed the manager to the check-in counter where she picked up a phone away from the other employees and guests. After a moment of talking she waved Rick over. "Wie heiBt du?"
"Rick Grimes."
She returned to the phone then looked back at him. "Is Rick short for Richard?"
"Yes."
She continued speaking on the phone for a minute before hanging up. "She's in room 306, Mr. Grimes."
"Danke."
"Gern geschehen."
Rick was relieved as he took the elevator up and walked all the way to the end of the hall. She was actually here and he could get this job done. The tension mounting in his temple had eased and it was time to put his plan into action. After a deep exhale, he tapped on the door marked 306. He waited a minute, perhaps two and there wasn't any answer. He knocked again and waited but there still wasn't any response. He backed up to get a clear look at the rooms number and he was in the right place. He pressed his ear to the door and no sounds came through. Maybe he was knocking too softly he decided so this time he put a little more knuckle into it. And before he could get his hand lowered the door whipped open.
Immediately, Rick had to remind himself that he had in fact seen her in print and on the internet before. There was no doubt Michonne was beautiful but this was something different. Seeing her in person was a whole other thing he now comprehended.
Her famous locs must have been recently cut into a low faded style that highlighted the exquisite bone structure of her face. Almond eyes, perfect nose and full heart shaped lips rounded out her features. Her dark skin glowed even under the horrible hotel lighting. Rick could tell she wore no or very little makeup. Meaning she would be additionally stunning when all done up. If it was even possible to be more breathtaking than she already was.
Only one thing was dampening this face to face meeting. The scowl on hers. She was beyond irritated as she gripped the door's edge tightly in hand. She looked to be debating as to whether she should slam it in his face or not.
"Oh, you don't like to be kept waiting?"
Rick started to open his mouth with a rebuttal but she cut him off. "Yes, I don't either."
Rick swallowed hard while he nervously adjusted his stance from the full-body scrutiny he was under. His curls were no doubt tousled from his frantic actions. And he couldn't tell what she was thinking of his worn in cowboy boots, black faded slim fit jeans and trusty suede jacket. He wanted to let his eyes roam down her body as well but debated it too long. Her locking eye contact returned for some silent battle and he wouldn't, couldn't look away.
"You can apologize now."
Rick snorted at her audacity, his confidence returning when he recapped the current situation. "I think you owe me one first."
Michonne balked at him. "How do you figure?"
"You were late first. Or should I say delayed."
He watched her eyes squint with resentment. "You think I purposefully arrived after schedule?"
"I wouldn't put it past you."
"You don't know anything about me, Richard. And I'm sure your agency can easily look up the flight details since they booked my tickets. That also reminds me I need to make sure I submit the hotel bill for my unexpected night's stay due to my canceled connecting flight."
Rick exhaled from the chastising. She was correct, he was making assumptions based on his own irritation. "You are right. I don't know you. I apologize if-"
"If?" she chuckled mirthlessly and crossed her arms under her bosom, raising them higher. Her décolletage could be seen through the undone top buttons on her soft pink Henley. But Rick resisted and kept his eyes planted on her face.
"I'm sorry for being late and my rudeness. Can we start over? I would like to get started on the photos today. We've lost the daylight but I can set up the lighting for indoor-"
Michonne slammed the door in his face. In his admittedly handsome face. She snorted to herself, watching him through the peephole as he lifted a hand to knock before he thought better. He cursed and finally stomped off so she exhaled in relief.
From Zurich, it was an almost two-and-a-half-hour car ride, leaving the largest city in Switzerland to journey to this village set at the base of the Bernese Alps. After what was scheduled to be a fourteen-hour flight, complete with five of them in Paris, Michonne had finally arrived. She was jetlagged but the perfectionist in her needed to unpack.
As she removed her items from her luggage, she tried to ignore the fact that the aggravating man was attractive. Shit, who was she kidding, he was sexy. He was not what she was expecting. Not that she was expecting anything in particular except to get this gig over with. But once she opened the door, his blue eyes blazed contrasting his haphazard curls. He was authoritative yet instantly softened under her scrutiny. His beard grown in a bit more than a five o'clock shadow but one could still make out the chiseled jawline. His lips were pink and full contrary to anyone's preconceived notions. His body was fit and she could swear his legs curved a bit in the sexiest-
Michonne shook her head clearing these thoughts, she didn't know what came over her. This working trip was to be a precursor to her family and a couple friend's arrivals. A getaway to bring in the new year with the people she loved. It would also serve as a refuge away from the impending news. But for now, she was stuck with a man she didn't know for days when the plan was to decompress.
A sudden rumble in her stomach drew her attention and she hurried through her unpacking. She'd head down to 1910 Gourmet by Hauser's restaurant for dinner and maybe have a drink to relax her before turning in for a good night's rest. She would worry about work and the photographer tomorrow.
A delightful four course meal consisting of fish and vegetables accompanied with two glasses of white wine had Michonne bound for her room. The cadenced twinkle of gold lights had her stopping to admire the fresh eight-foot-tall spruce tree near the fireplace. But the large glass windows of the hotels living room garnered her attention. The scenic view was amazing from here with observations of the mountain range lit up from their bases. Michonne took the suggestion to overlook from the outdoor seating on the terrace. A waiter appeared from the secondary bar, offering options of hot beverages once she was seated at a small square table. A large piping hot cup of tea was her choice, even though her shearling coat was plenty enough.
After what must've been twenty minutes, a shadow appeared at her side. And she knew just who was disrupting her peace.
"I'm sorry."
An American country accent tickled at her ear, opposing the German ones surrounding her all day. Michonne refused to be pulled away from her relaxation. And she definitely didn't want to risk reminder of how good-looking this man was either. She blew on then slowly sipped her chamomile tea. Keeping her eyes on the mountain ridge beyond the black metal lattice fencing, decorated in gold and silver orbs.
Rick decided to take her silence as lenient invitation and apprehensively sat in the brown wicker chair across from her. He appreciated their view of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains. He had been busy over the last couple days and never got to stop and marvel. With a beautiful woman like Michonne, near it made it all the more special, even though she was pissed at him. He had to rectify this and chanced it. But purely to get the work done, he reasoned.
"After your journey here, I should've realized you'd be tired. I was a bit too eager." Michonne simply nodded and he continued, hoping he wasn't pushing his luck.
"Do you think we can begin tomorrow morning? I can have the local team ready. Unless… you have a problem with that approach."
Not breaking her Zen, Michonne finally turned to acknowledge him. Her brown eyes twinkled under the balcony's lighting. "No, I don't have a problem."
Her voice so silky and tranquil Rick almost thought he had the wrong person. He was caught in some trance, the opposite of what occurred earlier. The first time it was fiery and challenging but this time it was spellbinding and acquiescent. A longing to know all the sides of this woman suddenly nagged at him.
"Hallo, can I get you something Sir?" the waiter disrupted his thoughts but before he could respond Michonne did.
"Kein, he was just leaving." the waiter nodded and left before she turned to face Rick. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, Richard."
He got the message and stood to leave her space. "Yes, tomorrow Michonne." he started to walk away then turned back. "And it's just Rick. Rick Grimes."