The Hurting Kind

Loathe on Sight

Whispers could be heard within FCI as Caroline, Thomas, and Maya entered the room, but Caroline flashes a stern look throughout the room and everyone become quiet.

"I hope you all know better than to believe what you read in the gossip rags."

As she looked on at the small group of staff members, Caroline continues, "As you all know, Maya Avant is no longer working with Forrester Creations - in the US. Though she has agreed to be our guest lead model for Paris Fashion Week next month. How clutch is that?!"

More whispering starts again and this time it was Thomas that put an end to it with a wave of his hand.

"Yes, after several private discussions, we have secured Maya as a surprise guest model for our runaway here in Paris, with me as the lead designer for the Sweet Life line. So get ready to work hard and ensure that this collection is at its best. Our clientele will accept nothing less!"

The staff began clapping as the trio stood in front of the crowd. Soon Maya steps forward and everyone ends their side chats to hear her speak.

"It seems that I just can't stay away from Forrester, uh?"

A few staff members chuckled at her statement before Maya went on, "With that all being said, thank you all for your support and I look forward to doing my best as the lead model for Paris Fashion Week."

 __

Thomas leads Caroline and Maya away from the workers, grinning from ear to ear.

"Are you ready to take on Fashion Week in Paris?" he asks Maya, with a twinkle in his eyes.

Caroline looks between the two and scoffs. "If she can take on my uncle, then I doubt that there is nothing that our Maya can't handle."

The three of the share a laugh as they exit the room.

Though their warm and joyful mood was short lived as they turned the corner to return to the executive offices. They looked on as Rick Forrester stood waiting in the lobby. He took his time walking towards them as he greets Caroline first.

"Looking beautiful as ever Caroline." Rick says, reaching out to kiss his ex's cheek.

"Rick! W-we weren't expecting to see you here." Caroline sputters out.

Now looking between Maya and Thomas, Rick's smile fades as he responds flatly, "Clearly."

___

"Rick, how are things in LA?"  Caroline continues in vain, as she sees the steel stare down taking place between her two ex's.

"Great. Thomas, a word?" Rick says, never once laying eyes on Maya.

Caroline did not see this reunion of sorts ending well at all. From the look on Maya's face, she wasn't sure if she should laugh or cry for her frenemy. Maya hadn't taken her eyes off of Rick and Caroline notices the tremble in the model's hands. Though before Rick and Thomas could leave to have what Caroline was sure to be a heated exchange, Maya stands between them.

"I would like to speak to you first, privately please."

Caroline and Thomas' are both taken aback when Maya grabs Rick's hand and quickly leads him inside Thomas' office, shutting the door. Thomas begins to walk to his office door, but Caroline stops him.

"They really  do need to talk all this out, and she did say it was to be private." she reminds Thomas.

He looks at Caroline and then back to his closed office door.

"Fine. I'll give them 10 minutes."

Looking at the closed door, Caroline lets out a deep sigh. 

Can those two say all that they need to say in 10 minutes?  I wouldn't be too sure about THAT...