The Court of Redemption

Chapter 8

Adrian laughed at something Arabella said. For the past half hour they have spent the entirety of it together. The lounge area they were seated at had several sets of furniture spaced out. Each set consisted of a grey mixed white couch, a small rounded table, and two grey-blue chairs.

The rented out floor, where Kassandra's event took place, was decorated with things that represented her brand. The portraits on the walls were either the sketches of the designs of her clothing line or images taken during photoshoots and events. The models in the images wore an outfit from Kassandras.

Lights and potted plants hung from the ceiling, at least in the lounge area. The white floor was partly covered in a grey rug of various shades. The walls were either fully white or a beige mixed brown depending where you were. Arabella and Adrian were seated in one of the many couches with enough privacy between them and the rest of the guests.

"So which has been your favorite place to visit?" Arabella asked. Adrian had told her about the few places he'd traveled to whether it was for work or vacation. He loved to travel no matter if it was through car ride or plane, in state or out.

"Puerto Rico," he answered. "I'd say the beaches are much better than the ones you find here in America. I've actually been there three times for both work and vacation. I love the culture, especially the architecture. My mom loves their food so I had to take her there." He chuckled at the thought. "What about you?"

"It's been a while since I've traveled, both in and out of America. I'd have to say Canada. The first time I went, Chloe and I drove through the border. The landscapes were so beautiful. If I had to compare it with America, they were much more clean and took better care of almost everything—or at least from what I saw."

They continued talking about the topic. Both giving their own stories of places they've traveled to and adding to the list of places they each wanted to see for themselves. Arabella learned that Adrian loved to hike. The journey was never always easy, but the things he'd see while on it and after were what he looked forward to.

Arabella knew the experience, having been on one long ago. Her and some close friends, who two were professional hikers, ventured into the Yosemite National Park in California. That month she had been in the state for a runway shoot with three other models who Dae also managed. Trinity, one of the models and friend of Arabella's, knew the two hikers and suggested the four day trip to the group to do after the runway. After a few hangouts and getting to know the hikers, the group agreed and planned for it—making sure their schedules didn't conflict. They hiked until they had enough hours to set up camp, sleep, and repeat. But it was worth it.

Their conversation came to a halt when Adrian spotted Alonso. Arabella stood with Adrian as Alonso approached them. "Alonso," Adrian clasped a hand on his friend's shoulder. "This is Arabella Rosa. Arabella, Alonso."

They shook hands.

Alonso Rivera-Sanchez could've been mistaken for a model himself. He wore a similar black suit white dress shirt as Adrian minus any tie or bow. His brown hair, although curly, wasn't messy and his brown eyes gleamed as bright as his smile. His complexion had a tan to it. It looked more natural than as if he'd gone tanning under the sun, although both could've contributed to his skin color.

"Adrian told me you were the photographer for most of Kassandra's launches. Which ones are yours?" She gestured at the frames on the walls. From the moment he spoke, Arabella knew he was Hispanic or had had many years of practice to speak as if it were his first language.

"Almost all of them," Alonso chuckled. "Kassandra actually helped start my career in photography."

"And you helped her business grow as well," Adrian butted in.

Alonso shrugged, "Kassandra would've accomplished it whether I actually helped her or not. I'm just thankful we both did." He turned to Arabella, "I could show you the ones I took. Unless I interrupted something." He shifted his gaze between her and Adrian.

Arabella spoke, "I'd love to see them." She turned to Adrian. "I wouldn't mind if you joined us. Sorry if I've kept you from everyone else." She gave him a small smile.

"You didn't keep me from anyone," Adrian shook his head with a chuckle. "I was afraid I was keeping you all to myself."

Arabella laughed, "so will you join us?"

"Definitely," he turned to Alonso. "Lead the way."

The three made their way through the floor. Alonso pointed out the photographs he took and stated who took the rest. The sketches were done by Kassandra herself and magnified with Alonso's digital skills. Alonso pointed out what collection each frame was for, even if he hadn't taken the pictures himself or hadn't worked with Kassandra for that launch. Long story short, Kassandra had reached out to Alonso early in her business. She didn't have the reputation she had now, but her small business sold. Alonso at the time was a college student majoring in of course photography. Since their collaboration, both of them had gained a reputation that has only risen.

"I don't know what Kassandra saw in my work at the time, but I can't thank her enough." Alonso said, "I didn't have the skills I have now, but my photography mostly consisted of people from campus that agreed to it. I took pictures of objects every now and then, but mainly people."

"She saw your potential," Adrian said. "You took some great pictures back then, even without much skill."

"How long have you two know each other?" Arabella asked, curious.

The men eyed each other. "Through Kassandra," Alonso answered.

Adrian added, "I was actually a model for one of her launches when we met. Alonso was the photographer for that same one. We ended up seeing each other in a few other projects and somewhere along we became friends."

Alonso patted Adrain's upper back. "I think putting us together did more bad than good." Both men grinned widely and the three of them laughed.

At that moment, Chloe approached the group. They all turned to her, but Arabella spoke first. "Enjoyed your drink?"

Chloe nodded, "much needed."

Chloe had always had a higher tolerance to alcohol than Arabella and most people. They never abused it, only tapped out when the effects began to hit them. 'Something a part of their family,' Chloe's father had told her which she told Arabella.

"What did I miss?" Chloe smiled at them.

The group of three became four and for the rest of the event, they remained together. Kassandra eventually joined them, after having spent considerable time with her other guests. They dined and drank, Arabella sticking to non alcoholic drinks.

Arabella enjoyed herself for the evening. With her best friend and new friends—and connections—she forgot about all her problems that waited her the next day.

____

Thoughts?

Alonso & Kassandra are part of a story I'm working on. But will they get together? 🤔 We shall see. It'll be a billionaire romance and most likely will be just one book. I'll announce more about it sometime at the end of this book.

Thank you for reading! ❤️