The Love Exhibits

chapter 1

"A divine interpretation of the arts. Mr. Sebastian Blanc of the London Academy of Art organised a once in a century exhibition, exploring societal constructs interwoven into day to day life. The eye opening exhibition is up for many awards and has received many excellent reviews. All this begs the question, what will Mr. Blanc do next?" He slapped the newspaper onto the long conference table with gusto. Like he was some olympic gold medalist.

It's sad actually. Not having anything other than work, being at the office constantly, not being liked. The demeanour Sebastian carried around with him, the 'stay away from me unless you're competent and successful' was getting old. "Jeez, Alissa what was that for?" I looked up at her and saw everyone looking at me.

Clearing his throat Sebastian glared at me, "What did you think about the exhibition, Mallory." Oh. Well the arrangements of the portraits were all off, the lighting made it feel like you were about to get layed on one of the velvet sofa's dotted around, and the art was all the same. "It was unique, and as we heard quite successful."

The jerk tutted and pushed up his glasses while he went to Tomás. Mr Big Shot Sebastian has it out for me, constant lectures, prolonged glares, keeping me late. But everyone seemed to be charmed by his determination and success. Meanwhile I just wanted to give him a slap across the face.

"Hi everyone, I am Alissa from HR. We have gotten complaints from employees that there is not enough check in meetings going on." Alissa looked down at me, " So weekly one on ones with your boss will be commencing as of today. You can pick whatever time but it is essential that you have the meetings regularly. Thank you!" She squeaked and practically shot back to her chair. Alissa usually wasn't in meetings with our department, hence the nerves. "Well then, that will be all. My team please stay behind." Sebastian ordered.

Everyone started to gather their things when Alissa turned to me, " Wanna meet at the café floor for lunch, Mall?" "Sure," I nodded, "I'll be right out." I motioned my head to Blanc. She nodded and slipped out of the room with the rest of the employee.

Cruella AKA employee of the month AKA suck up AKA Millicent was sitting across from me trying to look busy. Leonard was simply twiddling his thumbs, he was an intern so no one payed him much attention. Adam the office gossip was there looking pristine as usual next to his supposed boyfriend (you didn't hear this from me) Steven.

And of course Sebastian Blanc was there. " Team, we need to stay on top of those meetings, so Millicent meet me in my office today at 12 o'clock. Steven tomorrow at 1 o'clock. Adam Thursday 10 o'clock. Mallory Friday 9:30." He looked around and checked everyone was writing it down and when he saw me sitting there, lovely as ever, he just had to tell me off. "Is there a problem Mallory? Or should I add in another time for you?"

God what a jerk! "No I'm alright I find my memory to be somewhat competent." I stood up from my chair said a quick goodbye and made my merry way out of there.

Making my way to the elevator to go up to the cafe, the doors couldn't close fast enough because me hot shot Sebastian marches his way in and stood behind me. His muscular arms which I refuse to acknowledge closed around me like a cage. Leaning down, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine" I think you need a second meeting Williams. Tomorrow 10 o'clock."  " No thank you."

He sighed right behind my ear, blood rushing to my cheeks. "Fortunately, I'm your boss and its already been decided." Sebastian pressed his lips in a thin line stepping back and then beside me. Choosing not to look at him I looked straight ahead.

"So Mallory, what did you really think of the exhibition?" His sultry voice repeating the question from earlier. Was this a trap or did he actually want my opinion? I couldn't tell so I weighed out my options, tell him the truth and perhaps hurt his feelings, or lie and flatter him?

" First of all, it's Mall. Only my Father calls me Mallory. Secondly, the arrangements of the portraits were all off, the lighting made it feel like you were about to get layed on one of the velvet sofa's dotted around, and the art lacked emotion." He blew put a breath beside me and I tried to keep a smirk of my face. "Well, Mallory, what if I told you that was the intention." He questioned, I could feel him looking at me, so I said, "To produce a boring exhibition?"

He let out a humourless chuckle, "No. The part about getting layed."

The elevator door opened and he stepped out, without saying anything at all. "What the fuck?"