CHAPTER SIX
1501 Words
I wake up to Daniella gazing down at me. It’s the same suspicious look she has been giving me for the past six days. The truth is, I haven’t told her about Chuck’s despicable proposition. What is there to discuss anyway?
I catch the strong smell of coffee and sit upright. I feel better. The sneezing is gone. In other words, I’m not sick anymore.
“Is this my coffee?”
“It depends.”
“With what?”
“Are you willing to tell me what really happened between you and Chuck Clayton?”
“Come on Daniella. Not this again.”
“I’m not giving up. Gave you time because you were sick and now that you are okay, we can talk about it. What happened? He has even stopped posting photos on IG.”
“It’s not my fault.” I shrug and reach for the coffee. I take a long sip and put the mug back in the tray.
“Why did he stop immediately after the event?”
“Look Danny; I know how bad you have it but the guy is an asshole.”
“Why? Was hoping you would introduce me to him.”
“Don’t waste your breath. He is not worth it. He doesn’t deserve you. Look for someone better.”
“You are not giving me any explanation swiry.”
“He has a fiancee. He wanted me to sleep with him and he would pay me.”
“Whoa! Go slow. What do you mean by he has a fiancee?”
“He told me that. He is engaged.”
“And wants to sleep with you?”
“Yap. That’s why he is a knucklehead. He is totally nuts.”
“ No. He is not engaged.”
“He is.”
“I could have seen on his IG. There has never been a mention of a fiancee on social media.”
“Maybe he doesn’t like making his love life public.”
“He should. Just be careful.”
“I will.”
“You are not interested in him?”
“Oh God no! I like White Fleming.”
“So you won’t be in my way.”
“Nope. You have my blessings.”
“Thanks dear. Prepare yourself. We are leaving for work. Your off days are over.”
“Urgh!” I groan and step out of bed.
“Don’t groan.” She laughs. “Will be waiting for you.” She smiles and steps out.
Can’t believe she wants this guy? Is she deaf or something? She has heard bad things about this guy yet has the guts to want to pursue him? That’s the problem with Daniella. If she wants something, she pursues it whole-heartedly. I just have to seat my ass and watch from a distance. I know better than to interfere.
I'm done with preparing for work in few minutes. I walk to the living room where Daniella is waiting. She smiles and leads me to the door. She step out before me and strolls to her car happily.
“I still don’t understand why I can’t use my car.” I say taking the shotgun.
“Will allow you to do that when you are fully recovered.”
“You always exaggerate everything.”
“That’s because you are like a sister to me. Don’t want you to stress yourself.” She answers pulling out of the parking.
“By the way, have you heard anything about the company?”
“Nope. What’s up?”
“So Mr. Patterson hasn’t told you anything? He is like a father to you.”
“Nope. Nothing.”
“There are rumors that he is selling eighty percent of the shares.”
“What? That’s crazy.”
“I know. I overheard Emmy bragging that her boyfriend will buy those shares.”
“No. That can’t be. It will mean that he will be our new boss. Do you understand what eighty percent means? He will be literally the owner of Queen’s.
“Yeah. And Emmy being the girlfriend, will be more bitchy.”
“I can’t stand her attitude now. What about when she is above us. Some CEO's fiancee or whatever they have. No. This can’t be.” I shake my head and look outside the window. I look at her and turn on the stereo then turn it off again.
“That’s noisy.” I say and lean back on my seat, trying to picture Emily as our boss.
“What the hell? Why would Mr. Patterson want to do that? I thought the company was at a good position right now? Not heard of any losses or bankruptcy.” This is totally unbelievable.
“Yeah. Wondering too. I thought we were doing well. There have been several men visiting the office of late. Maybe there is an explanation for all this. I guess he will open up to you. You are his favorite.” She pulls up in her spot and steps out. I do the same and follow her inside, and into the elevator. She punches the button and looks at me.
“Emmy was really bragging about it. She said she would make your life a living hell.”
“This can’t happen. I'm going to talk to Mr. Patterson.” The elevator glides to a stop with a beep and we step out.
“Be careful darling.”
“I will be.” I give her shoulder a squeeze and walk down the corridor to Patterson’s office. I knock on the door softly and step in when he gives me the go-ahead.
“Lexi dear!” he calls excitedly and stands to give me a hug.
“Mr. Patterson.” I regard him back with a smile.
“Missed you around here. Are you completely okay now?”
“Yes. I'm fine. Thanks for asking.”
“What’s new?”
“Nothing. What’s new here?”
“Nothing much. Just want to sell some shares.” That’s now confirmed.
“Why? I thought the agency was doing great. Any problems?”
“No dear. Just that I’m old and I have to leave the company in good hands before it becomes completely impossible to work.”
“But you are great.”
“Yeah. What if I die? I don’t have an heir so I have to be wise here.”
“Have you gotten a potential buyer?”
“Not yet. I have had meetings with different people but they don’t reach my expectations. Having a meeting with a potential buyer though. If this goes well, eighty percent will be in good hands.”
“I hope you close that deal.”
“I hope so dear. It means a lot to me.”
“Yeah, I know. I will get back to work.” I stand and walk out. I just hope Emmy’s boyfriend is not the potential buyer. This will be tough for us.
“You are finally here!” Emmy says with an eye roll when I walk into our office. We have a office. When not in the changing room, you will get us in the office or the hall practicing.
“Yap.” I plop on my seat and hold my face in my hands. This is bad.
“Have you heard?” she asks with a grin.
“No. Amaze me.” I say sarcastically and glare at her.
“My boyfriend will be the owner if this company soon.”
“Yaay! Good for you.” I say in a bored tone.”
“That means you will soon be working under me and will be out of here when I have had enough.”
“You really think so?”
“Yap. He promised. I will be your boss.”
“Wow! Happy for you!” I take some headphones and start listening to music, ignoring her completely. This is my first day back at work and it’s already hell for me.
Daniella taps my shoulder and removes the headphone from my ear.
“Going for lunch. Coming?”
“It’s lunch time?”
“Yap.”
“Go ahead. Will join you in a few.” She nods and walks out, leaving me alone in the big office.
I turn off the music and decide to step out for fresh air. I run into Patterson and Chuck in the hallway and widen my eyes with surprise.
What is he doing here?
“Okay Lexi?” Patterson asks.
“Yeah. I'm okay.” I say and look at Chuck. He has his eyebrows raised at me. He is surprised to see me too.
“Lexi?” it’s a question. “Is she one of the models?”
“Yes Mr. Clayton. My favorite model.”
“Well.” He narrows his eyes at me. “ I think I will reconsider. I will buy those shares.”
- Writer
