False Pretenses

Chapter 13

#unedited

"You've gotta be fuçking kidding me! I can't believe that actually happened."

"No. I'm not kidding you. This is the truth Nora."

"Gosh, Violet."

"I know."

I was on a video call with Nora and getting dressed for the day. No biggie. We did this a lot. Besides I wanted to tell her everything - from my discovery of my boss being Club Calum to how we were in Zurich and about our little shopping spree. I also told her about the breakfast encounter but skipped the part where I found Calum crying. That felt wrong to share.

"So, when do we get to meet him?"

"What do you mean?" I leaned in the mirror to check my make up closely. Hmm. Unequal blush strokes. Gotta fix this.

"Oh you know, the friends get to meet the annoying boss who, as a matter of fact also comes as a future choice of boyfriends. Or at least, a fling."

I stopped mid blush.

"Stop right there. Nuh-uh. Not happening. He's my boss and a top level jerk. Not to mention a complete asśhole. Arrogance practically runs through his veins."

"Oh cmon. No one's that irritating. I mean, seriously. We have Gus."

"Hmm. Agreed." I looked at Calum's beanie and my heart fluttered.

"He has his soft moments though." I whispered.

"Huh?" She cupped her ear. "What was that? Violet confessing her undying love for her boss? What?"

"Oh shut it. Like that's ever gonna happen. Haha. No."

"Whatever."

"Sure. I gotta go. Laters." I sent her a flying kiss.

"Bye!" She started to make out with her front camera and I took that as a cue to disconnect the call. I strapped on my heels and went out of my room. And at that same moment, Calum walked out of his room.

He was dressed in his usual formal attire but his blazer was missing. His hair was styled in a quiff. He looked good, really good but the dark bags under his eyes told a different story.

We were just about to head out to meet Paulo Lopez, the photographer. Don't photographers look at their models with a keen eye? Calum was obviously not a model but he could easily be mistaken for one if he replaced his usual arrogant smirk with an angst-ridden grimace. But, would it be unprofessional of me if I offered him my concealer?

"Stop staring Ms Morgan. It's impolite." He commented in his usual brash tone.

"Look who's talking." I muttered under my breath.

"Heard that." He said without looking up, already busy with his cuffs and cufflinks.

I stared at his eyes. He could really use a dab or two of makeup.

"You're doing it again. Stop staring."

"Sir, Mr. Hood?"

"Yes?" He answered with an exasperated sigh.

"Would you please come with me for a second?"

"Why? What's the matter?"

I went to my room and came back my concealer and compact.