Collide

French Kiss

My eyes were locked to the crowd where the Claude guy disappeared. I felt like I was in the 7th heaven. It took a while until someone nudge me on my ribs, who was surely Jill, and my mind was brought back to earth. I blinked several times.

“What the hell was that, Veronica?” Jill said in a stern voice, but I could sense that she was trying to suppress her laugh.

“s**t, I don’t know Jill.” I said, with a bit of joy in my voice. Finally I looked at her. “I don’t know what happened.” I murmured, my head still in cloud nine.

“What the hell did that mean? Mr. Claude just kissed you! He kissed you! Twice!” She said while beaming. She was obviously more ecstatic than I was. I couldn’t hide my happiness until I realised what really happened.

“Oh my gosh Jill! I didn’t even know who the hell he was!” I said while covering my face. f*****g hell, I let a stranger kiss me, twice! What happened to the modest Veronica?

She nudge me again, this time handling me a tall cup of strawberry sherbet. “Hey it’s okay. You’re freaking single now, so you don’t have to worry…” She seemed to notice my expression. “You have to let yourself to be happy, Ron. Bryan’s happy now, isn’t he?” I nodded slowly. She have a point. I was done moping in my house, hoping that he would come back, but he didn’t. “He doesn’t deserve you Ron.” She said sternly, her gaze examining me.

“Yeah he was an…” I paused.

“An asshole. A freakin’ asshole.” She continued. We both laughed and clicked our drinks. I really love this girl. “Well let’s celebrate this night. The ever virgin Veronica was just kissed by the ever hot Mr. Claude.” She grinned.

“Wait, I didn’t even know who the hell he was? Was he a bachelor or something?” I said, my words fading while I bit my lip. Jill’s eyes widen in disbelief and she nearly spitted her drink. “You’ve got to be kidding me, Veronica!” She exclaimed. “You let someone kiss you, yet had no idea who he was? She continued while her voice was in high pitch.

“Oh God Ron, he might be an axe murderer or something. He may be having AIDS and you let him kiss you, with all the tongues and…” I flushed in the latter. I remembered his tongue doing all the magic in me. I was positive I was blushing at this moment.

“French kissing.” I murmured. She scoffed. “That was not counted as French kissing.” She said plainly.

“Why not?”

“Because you were not responding. You just stood there like s**t and let him do all the job.”

How did she knew I was just… My eyes widened at the realisation. “ You were watching?!”I nearly spitted my drink at her and she just shrugged. The background music became louder and louder, sweaty bodies were scattered on the dance floor.

“Um, Jill?” I asked softly.

“Yeah?”

“Who’s that Claude guy, really?” I mumbled under my breath while taking a sip at my drink. Her eyes widened. “You don’t freakin’ know him? Really, Ron? When were you born? Yesterday?”

“Hey. I didn’t really know.” I shrugged. Jill took a deep breath and settled her drink on the bar. “The guy that kissed you a while ago, he was Dylan Claude.”

Dylan who?

“Please elaborate.” I said, obviously not picking her up. She clicked her tongue. “Well, he is a very well-known man for being a silent partner. As what I heard, aside from being the CEO of the top grossing advertising agency in New York, he is acting as a silent partner in some big industries in North America and Asia.” She said a matter-of-factly. So he was really that rich. Rich rich. “But I haven’t heard of him.” I replied, shrugging my shoulder. Or maybe he was all over the news but I were busy watching Chick Flicks and The Walking Dead. “It’s because you’re busy watching shits in your television. But actually, he is really a silent guy, you won’t hear a thing in the news that reports about his private life and shit.”

“So he is… not famous or something?” I asked, curiosity filled me. He must be famous with that mouth-watering looks. She ordered Dr. Peppers this time and she was not yet answering my question. I thought she was waiting for me to say that I was interested in him. Damn right. My voice echoed in me. Shut up, b***h. Finally, I sighed. “Okay Jillian, tell me everything you know about that man.” I said in defeat.

Jill raised an eyebrow and I rolled my eyes. ”Everything?”

“Hell yeah.”

“Thank God my shift is done.” She shrugged off her black vest and drank a mouthful of Dr. Peppers. I adjusted my seat so I was focus in her. Dammit, why was I interested in the first place about this guy.”

“Okay. Let’s start with the basic. Mr. Claude is one of the most eligible bachelor in New York, but he’s only 27 years old.” Wow, he was f*****g young. “He has big headquarters around USA, but his major HQ is in New York. As far as I know, he have HQ in Australia, Brooklyn, Paris, Singapore and Japan, so that means he’s really. f*****g. Rich. And from what you have asked earlier, nope. He’s famous. But he’s staying outside the radar of press as much as possible. And mind you, he’s really famous around ladies. “I have noticed that. I said to myself. “He’s a well-known womaniser son of a b***h. He’s dated a lot of women, all famous. Celebrities, Duchess of God-knows-what-country, and a lot of models.” Huh.

“Oh, by the way, he’s latest girlfriend is Myrtle Williams.” She added.

My head was throbbing painfully. There was no way I was gonna drink myself up again. I haven’t even drunk vodka! I reached for my drawer and blindly search my medical box. I put out a box of Tylenol and drunk one, firmly keeping my eyes shut. I heard a chuckle near me, and I found Megan laughing at me. I managed to ignore her, I didn’t have time to spare for you, you cow. I returned my gaze to my computer screen, thank God I have finished the latest report that Mr. Morgan needed. Sudden flood of memories fuzzed in my head. The kiss. Oh. I instinctively touch my lips with my fingers, and I can’t help myself to smile. Again, I had the funny feeling in my stomach again, and I manage to keep my face straight, despite the fact that I wanted to swoon. Slap yourself Veronica, you’re not a freaking teenager!

“Since you are having your time to daydream, I’m sure you have finished the compilation report I asked for you to do, Ms. Brooke.” A voice brought me own back to earth. I quickly grabbed the folder on my right side, handling it to Mr. Morgan. Well, looked like he’s having a new set of perfume. Giorgio Armani this time. Showing off asshole. I managed a fake smile to him, and he walked back to his office.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I answered it without looking who the caller was. “Ron, how are you?” Jill’s voice filled my ears. “Fine. I guess.” I replied after a heavy sighed. I heard her chuckle.

“Good. You was completely wasted last night. You’re a s**t, d’ya know that?” She chuckled.

“I wasn’t that drunk drunk yet.” I said, rolling my eyes. Yeah, I was definitely s**t last night.

“I know, sweetheart. And Ron?”

“Yeah?”

There was silence in the other line. “About your kiss with Claude. Um, don’t take it seriously, okay? As I told you last night, he was a born son of a b***h womaniser. And kissing women is a normal routine for him.”

I was taken aback with what she said. I understand what he was. It was just… he surprised me with that kiss. I took me long before I could answer to her. “Yeah, I know that. It was nothing. The kiss was nothing.” I lied. God, I was an awful liar. “I don’t want my best friend’s heart to be in shred again because of some prick.” I was overwhelmed by her concern. I smiled sadly. “Thanks Jill. I just hope I don’t get to cross with him again.”

“I hope too. Look, I was glad you’re okay. I gotta go, babe. Bye!”

“Goodbye Jillian.” I said then hung up. Oh God. I shouldn’t be thinking of that kiss anymore.

Bloody Mary and Strawberry. A good combination.

Shit, now he has gotten into my system. I shut my eyes hard, hoping his voice would stop poking my brain.

Phoebe Anderson stalked inside the office, with a folder in her hand. As always. She was a petite blonde girl with bloody red lips. I guess she’s spending her pay-check buying Max Factor. She asked everyone for attention, and even Mr. Morgan came out of his office. “Mr. Davidson is asking for everyone to come in the auditorium in…” She glanced at her watch. “In exactly 10 minutes. “She eyed everyone pointedly, meaning our attendance was a must. “Ms. Williams will be coming here for a congratulatory party and we’re lucky to have her attend her own party, so… I’ll expect each one of you upstairs.”

Ms. Williams. Myrtle Williams. Oh great.

After 10 minutes, everyone was in the auditorium, and Myrtle’s huge portraits were everywhere. All of the portrait was a close up of her face, emphasising her features. She was very, very beautiful. A natural blonde with striking ocean of blue eyes, her bottom lips was full, that I knew, every guy in the room would be in heat. So this was his girlfriend. They suit each other. Very well. A super rich bachelor of New York and a Victoria’s angel was a very good match. I felt the pain in the back of nape because of my continued looking up with her portrait. Suddenly, the buzz that filled the air became quite, and all I heard was clicking of heels on the floor. Looked like the model was here, with her personal assistant, two utterly huge, muscled man, and a guy in tux, looked like he was her manager. The crown gathered around Myrtle but I managed to throw glances at her. Oh. My. God.

She was wearing a black cashmere coat around her arms, the collar contrasting the ivory colour of her skin. Beneath the coat was a navy blue cocktail dress that was inches above her knees, exposing her ivory thigh. Her shoes could also kill everyone. Louboutin’s Lady Peep. Oh holy mother of all. I bet that my half year salary won’t be able to buy that kind of shoes. I was just drooling on it over the internet. But her face said it all. She was a complete image of a confident, sophisticated and elegant woman. Her blonde hair was done into a delicate bun, her eyes was covered with a thick cat eye eyeliner, her nose perfectly straight, and her lips tainted in an elusive baby pink lipstick, thanks to her MAC endorsement. Her teeth was all pearl white as she gave everyone a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. In short, she was a perfectly, suitable partner for Dylan Claude.

Megan’s jaw was already on the floor, his eyes never leaving Myrtle’s figure. However, Myrtle seemed used to this kind of environment, all eyes on her, jaws dropped, guys drooling. Mr. Morgan threw himself beside her, I rolled my eyes, and shook her hand fervently, his eyes twinkling. I felt like I was looking at a goddess. She seemed oblivious to the stares around her. Mr. Morgan led her on the stage and she was handed a mike. The crowd went silent.

Before she spoke, she threw the crowd her camera smile, leaving everyone breathless, including me. “Dude, she’s fuckin’ hot.” “I wonder what it would feel if I banged her.” “Look at that legs, man!” The guys in front of said, loud enough for me to hear. I took a deep breathe. f*****g perverts.

“Everyone, it is genuinely my honour to accept your proposal to be a model to one of the US’s leading clothing brand.” Her voice was not in high pitched, I could feel the authorisation of her voice, at the same time her voice was sulky. “I will do my best for this advertisement, and I hope for all you cooperation and hard work. Good day everyone.” With that, she handed the mike to Mr. Morgan and stepped down from the stage. Her PA handed her a glass of water and she sipped it in a social way. I haven’t heard the rest of what Mr. Morgan said because my head was in Mars. I felt a tang of jealously and pain over me. Jealous of her being Dylan Claude’s girlfriend, a guy who kissed me and made me pee, and pain because I can never be like her. I sighed again, deeper this time. I made my way to the table where different kind of foods are laid I was tempted to have a bite of the finger foods, but I was worried if my stomach would accept it. I settled for orange juice. I turned around again, finding Megan talking to Myrtle, she was all smiles, her gums showing, ugh, and as I could see, she was complementing her Louboutin. Unfortunately, she didn’t seem to care, or rather notice her, her attention was to her manager saying something to her. Poor b***h.

Finally, I got tired of drooling over Myrtle’s perfection so i chatted with the other workers. After ten minutes, I got tired of them too, because everything that came out from their mouth was all about Myrtle . She’s perfect. She’s beautiful. She’s elegant. I wanted to roll my eyes to them but stopped myself because that would be inappropriate. I excused myself and headed to the bathroom. It was locked, meaning there was someone inside so I waited patiently. After a few seconds, a gorgeous blonde came out, then I realised it was Ms. Williams herself . I barley reached the end of her nose, and I could smell her perfume. Definitely from France. When I saw her, I threw her one of my friendly smile, and she instantly smiled back. God, she was motherfucking beautiful. She excused herself, and made way to the crowd again. I entered the bathroom. After I finished my business, I looked at myself in the huge mirror. Chubby cheeks, messy hair. My clothes looked ridiculously cheap, my cardigan a little huge to me, and my shapeless skirt hugs my hips lamely until it reaches my knees. Yep, nothing like her. Maybe that’s why Bryan left me.

Fuck, that asshole again. I shook my head and exit the bathroom, then I realised Myrtle and her companions are waving to the crowd, ready to leave the venue. They went straight for the elevator, Myrtle Williams still wearing her camera smile as she wore her huge sunglasses, and I saw that before the elevator door closed, she dropped her camera smile, her face was emotionless, rock-hard, and for me, she looked like a snob b***h.