Life All Over Again.

Chapter II | Business Proposal.

E L O U I S E ' s P. O. V.

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I had a Saturday 1 p.m. appointment at the Kosmos office building and I was far from making a good first impression as a business partner. At first, I had plenty of time to get my apartment close to being spotless ; get myself and Josephine showered, dressed and fed ; I even crossed off a couple of episodes from my favourite show. That was till Becca set it all off track for her fiancé.

12:43 p.m. — I found myself navigating through lunch time traffic, en-route to Cindi's Corner to drop off Josephine with Ian. Blessedly Ian's shift was almost over so he could find something fun and cute to distract her whilst I was busy.
12:56 p.m. — I was circling the visitors parking lot for a space large enough I felt comfortable to squeeze my SUV. Considering it was lunch time, the Kosmos' employees seemed dedicated which was disappointing on my end if we were to compare our work ethics.
1:07 p.m. — I sprinted into the office building. There was no need to panic. I did not need to panic. I would simply explain the babysitting situation. It was just Adonis after all not the big shot CEO he was I needed to overly impress, I dismissed. Surely Adonis would understand that ... I mean he did have a soft spot for Josephine. Or maybe not so much. How was I even being professional in that moment when the main reason I was here was about our ' professionalism ' ?

A blast of air conditioning hit me as I entered the lobby. It was an open space bustling with staff and in the middle of it was a huge receptionist's desk with five intimidating beings stationed there. The wall behind them was the colour of money : a green with black bold words that read ' Kosmos Body Works Group '. I paced for the desk choosing to face a lady who looked nothing past her early thirties. Her round honey coloured and wide toothy smile made her the most welcoming among the rest.

" Good afternoon, ma'am. How may I help you ? " She asked with a sarcastic smile. Nevermind.

" Hello. Elouise Vagaa. I have an appointment with Mr. Kosmos -- Adonis Kosmos. "

" Alright ... " She reluctantly nodded. " Just a moment. "

I hummed a response and took a step back. I knew very well how much I looked nothing worthy of their boss' time in my faded yellow sundress, flip - flops and worn out leather hand bag but Adonis had not exactly specified on any kind of dress code. All he asked for was I be there, comfortable, and I was here in my idea of real comfort.

" Miss Vagaa ? " She called out to get my attention. " Mr. Kosmos will see you now. Elevator is to your right. Twenty fourth floor. "

I nodded. I said a quick thanks not missing the look they all shared. As surprising as it was that their boss, the CEO, was having a meeting with a lady of my nature the least they could have done was wait till I was gone at least five steps. For all I cared they would then be free to feast their hearts out on any kind of pure judgement. Speak of professionalism ... I rolled my eyes. Thankfully the elevator was empty when I punched the button for the twenty fourth floor.

When the elevator doors opened I finally came to face my last obstacle, Adonis' secretary. She had short, straight black hair, dark brown eyes and was dressed in a neutral suit the only thing exciting about her being her pink rimmed glasses. I approached her desk with the hope she would be an easier access. Considering the mini hell I had endured in just a short space of time to get to this very moment, my whole being was begging for mercy.

" Hello. Elouise Vagaa here for my 1 o'clock ish appointment with Mr Kosmos. "

As if I was not directly in front of her she appraised my look. And then again. And again.

She cleared her throat. " You're 21 minutes late. Mr. Kosmos is currently taking a bathroom break. You've been allowed into his office where you can wait for him. I'll let him know you're here as soon as he's out. Follow me please. "