9. IGNORED

LUCY

''Umm.. You there?'' I asked, waving my hand in front of her face.

She blinked a few times before composing herself.

''Why do you want to know about them? Is it because they are your company's rivals?''

''No, it has nothing to do with the company, it's more complicated. Actually, why don't you have my number? It's too late now, give me a call when you are free!'' I said, giving her my card.

She looked hesitant, but took it with a nod.

''Thanks for the ride Lucy''

''No problem''

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''Who do you think is best?'' Mr. Hottie asked, placing some pictures on his desk.

''We need to select one of them for our new product, I'm counting on you.'' He went back to signing his files after pushing them towards me.

I sat in front of him and went through the pictures. There are some new and some are top models.

After going through their social media accounts and some websites, I selected a new model. She is 5.8ft tall, blonde and has light green eyes.

Her name is Elvira D'Oro and I think she is perfect!

I got up from my seat and stood beside his desk.''Sir, I think she is the one!'' I said confidently, showing him Elvira's picture.

But he looked disappointed.

''I thought you would pick Sibilla Altera, she is a top model right now.'' He said with a frown.

If you already had someone in your mind, why did you even bother to ask me?

''I accept that Sibilla is a top model, sir, but Elvira is an upcoming model, her followers on Instagram and Twitter are increasing rapidly day by day. She is half American and half Italian. She recently got published in Fashion scoop, which has worldwide recognition. So I thought it would help our product to-

''Nonsense'' came a voice from behind, cutting me off.

Rude.

There stood Monica Redaelli, CCO of our company, who is responsible for the companies' reputation, contacting the media and developing branding strategies.

She wore a black dress which complemented her curves. She has black hair, dark brown eyes, and tan skin. She is taller than me. I frowned, looking at her.

She came and stood at the other side of the desk assessing me. Her eyes held distaste when she saw my attire.

I rolled my eyes internally.

It's not like I can't afford to wear designer clothes or something. I'm just more comfortable in this!

''Next time don't forget to knock Ms. Redaelli'' Hottie said, looking at her blankly.

She rolled her eyes, folding her hands.

Woah. Are they close?

''I'm serious!'' He looked annoyed by her behavior.

''Fine! I came to know whether you picked a model or not. But here you are, taking nonsense from your assistant!'' She said, glancing at me.

''Excuse me?'' I clenched my teeth trying to keep my cool.

''Oh and she talks back?'' She looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

''I have every right to talk, especially when I'm asked to!'' Urgh! now she is getting on my nerves!

''Our company already has worldwide recognition. We don't need her for that! Sibilla is more famous than her and has more followers on social media-''

I stopped listening after that and waited for her to stop.

''I thought that but what Ms.Vitale is saying is also right. Elvira also looks more beautiful than Sibilla. If her idea works, we might get more profits.'' Mr.Hottie said to her, making me smile.

''And she will also gain more popularity because of that! We can make her sign a deal with us for our future projects before she increases her remuneration!'' I said, gaining their attention back.

''Sheesh! Did you know that GG is the richest in Italy? We don't need to do all those things! And what if it fails? We'll face losses!'' She said, giving him a pointed look.

''As you said, GG is the richest one! We won't face losses because we are already on top at cosmetic production and this product is a lipstick which is just thicker and brighter than the previous one! I'm 100% sure we won't face any loss''. I said as confidently as possible.

It's true though, we won't face loss because GG lipsticks are the most used lipsticks in Italy and some other countries. I don't know why she is making a fuss about this!

''It's settled then, Elvira D'Oro will be our new model.'' Mr.Hottie declared, closing the argument.

Yay!

I can sense Ms. Redaelli's glare, but I choose to ignore it.

Ha! Take that!

''You could have just called me if you wanted to know who I selected. Now tell me, why are you here?'' Mr.Hottie asked her, resuming his work.

I went and sat on the sofa resuming my work too. Mr. Hottie asked me to go through some files regarding the meeting we were about to have in half an hour.

''Like I wanted to see your face. It's been too long since we had a family gathering, not my words. Mom wanted me to invite everyone, which also includes my grumpy cousin, so here I am''

So they are cousins? Hey! I'm not eavesdropping, I just happened to be in the same room.

After a few minutes she left, but not before giving me a stink eye.

Jeez, what's her problem?

●●

This is torture, pure torture!

It's time for me to go home. Mr.Hottie usually works late, but today he is leaving early because of that family gathering.

I should have pressed the closed button when he said stop, but me being me, waited for him to enter the elevator.

He is standing too close, right behind me!

He isn't touching me, but my traitorous body wish he was.

Aish.. it's exhausting actually! Wanting something badly and can't have it, because it's injurious to your health!

And he is injurious to my brain and heart. So, it's best to keep my distance.

Goosebumps erupted across my whole body when he sniffed my neck.

What is he? A werewolf ?

''Why do you smell like a coconut?''

Huh?

''I never knew it smelled so good'' he said, sniffing me again.

I stopped breathing when his nose touched my neck.

Move forward Lucy! Don't give in!

I took a step forward and released a shaky breath.

''Am I being ignored? Too bad, I don't like that'' my heart started to beat fast when his lips brushed my ears.

10 more floors!

I clenched my jaw and tapped my feet impatiently waiting for this damn elevator to open before I turned around and jumped into his arms.

He needs to know that I'm serious.

Even if I want to give in secretly, he doesn't need to know that part.

4

''Why do you always tie your hair up? I like it more when it's down, just like on a plane'' he said, chuckling in the end.

1

I sprinted out as soon as the elevator doors opened and huffed when I reached the parking lot.

Urgh... why does he have to bring up about plane? It's so embarrassing!

I picked up Jay and Vicky on the way as usual. I didn't get any call from Ria.

It's OK, it hasn't even been 24hrs.

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I straightened my hair and tied it into a neat bun.

I like it more when it's down.

Psh, why am I remembering this now?

I hesitated for a second but eventually untied my hair.

I smiled. He is right, I do look better.

Should I go like this?

What if he thinks I did this for him?

Well, you are doing this for him.

I tied my hair back again.

Nope! I'm not going to do anything for anyone. That is too much for a crush!

Everything went normal for the next few days. He didn't try anything. We aren't alone after office hours.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. But this is to protect myself from heartbreak.

Today is the day of shooting that lipstick ad. Mr. Hottie asked me to check if everything is going right.

Good thing that they are shooting in this building itself! That saved a ride.

I reached the 20th floor, where the photoshoot was held.

Woahhh.

It's a chaos! Some are moving, some are shouting, some are carrying equipment. I passed through all of them and went near the shooting area.

I met the lady in charge, who is in her late 30's and asked if there was any problem. Fortunately there aren't any.

When I was about to leave, a man came and introduced himself as Elvira's manager, and asked if she could meet Mr.Hottie for lunch to thank him for selecting her.

It's me who argued to select her dumbass.

''I don't know if he will agree or not, I'll call him and let you know'' I said, giving him a fake smile.

I called Mr. Hottie and he picked after the 2nd ring.

''Is everything OK there?''

No hello? Hi?

''Yes sir, everything is going accordingly. But Ms. D'Oro wants to meet you for lunch to thank you for selecting her. What do you want me to tell her?''

Please say no, say no!

After a few seconds of silence, he said ''Lunch? Okay. Make the arrangements, Ms.Vitale. I want you to join us as well'' and hung up.

I looked at my phone in disbelief and amusement.

I told her manager that he agreed.

''Do I need to book a table at a restaurant or have you already done that, Ms.Vitale?'' Her manager asked, looking happy.

I smiled at his excitement.

''No need Mr. Baresi, Mr. Ho- Ganovese doesn't have time to go out. It will be within the building where his usual lunch meetings are held.'' Oops, I almost called him Hottie.

His face took a total 180° turn. He looked disappointed, but nodded his head, giving me an awkward smile.

Shooting took another hour to complete. I went to Elvira after she changed into her previous clothes.

She is gorgeous.

I totally don't like this lunch arrangement. What if he loses his interest in me after seeing her? Hell, I think he has already lost! Told you he hadn't tried anything in the past few days.

Deep breaths Lucy, deep breaths.

Isn't this what you want? It's best this way.