False Pretenses

Chapter 17

(A/N): Ayeeeeee This is a long and a very 'happening' update because a LOT is happening. Kindly pay attention.

Happy reading!

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Mr Johnson.

He was here.

Upon seeing me his smile transformed into a full blown grin. I couldn't believe my eyes, which were getting moist for some reason.

"Mr J?" I croaked.

I had just been back for less than two days. What was he doing here? When did he arrive? How did he know I was here? Why was he here?

All of the questions automatically found their answer: Calum.

But how? Where the hell was Calum when I needed him? That bloody Australian.

"In the flesh." Mr Johnson grinned.

I came up to him but stopped short in my tracks as I contemplated if I should hug him or not. Would it be too inappropriate?

As if sensing my inner dispute, the old man spread out his arms, inviting me in.

I accepted it wholeheartedly and bear hugged Mr Johnson.

"Well, someone definitely missed me." Mr Johnson chuckled as he let me go.

"Oh Mr J, its been a terrible couple of days!" I snivelled.

He patted my head and smiled comfortingly "Lets talk it over a cup of tea, shall we?"

Fifteen minutes later I had spilled out all my problems regarding my boss to Mr Johnson while chatting in a small coffee joint called Dani's which also happened to serve a delectable cup of tea.

"I see." He said thoughtfully "He has left a great deal of work for you. Where is he again?" Mr Johnson sipped on his second cup of tea.

"I don't know. Nobody knows. He just... disappeared. Again." I munched on a cookie with annoyance.

"Then I reckon its a good thing he called me, eh?" He looked at me.

"I guess so. But it will be such a hassle for you." I said somberly.

"Its quite alright child. I'm happy to be at your service." He nodded and my worries vanished.

"But, won't you have trouble driving around America?" I asked hesitantly.

"Oh love, my job isn't as fancy as yours but I've had my fare share of travelling and driving around the world." He laughed. "Don't worry. This isn't my first time in New York." He winked.

On the way to the airport to pick up, as Calum had said, the lousy photographer Paulo Lopez, Mr Johnson told me that Calum had contacted him after a day and proposed a job offer. Knowing he would be working with Calum and me, he couldn't resist and after all the arrangements had been made, here he was. In the flesh on the US soil.

"In all honesty Violet, I'm glad Mr Hood called me here." Mr J bought the car to a stop in front of the terminal and smiled.

"Now go get that wicked photographer so we can get these tasks done." He shooed me away and I obliged, laughing.

As soon as I entered the waiting area for arrivals, I spotted Paulo Lopez waltzing out with with his bags. He looked boring, exactly like the previous time. He wore a navy blue shirt with beige pants and black converse.

Boring.

The only thing good on him was his hair but I wouldn't admit it.

A slimy smirk found its way on his face when he saw me. I wanted to scowl but for the sake of my job, I put on a nonchalant expression and welcomed him.