To Find You

2.

I got to the library and as I was going in, I bumped into someone and was knocked back by the force exerted by the person coming out of the library.

"I'm so sorry-" the person started to say.

"No, its all my fault, I really should have been watching where I was going". So I stepped aside to let the person by; he was an elderly gentleman, probably in his late fifties or early sixties but he was ageing well. He stood at about 6'2 with striking blue eyes and silvery grey hair.

Anyway, he insisted that it was his fault and decided to treat me to a cup of coffee to make up for it. I was a bit wary of him at first but then he didn't really give off a creepy vibe, more of a father or grandfather kind of vibe you know? Warm and friendly. So I raised my half-finished cup of tea and he chuckled, "Okay a croissant then. I know the best place in town"

As it turns out, the best place in town was a little café called 'Vieux Paris' surprisingly close to the library. We found a booth by the window and sat down. The cafe had this fantastic Belle Époque vibe going on, you know? Plush velvet booths, checkered floors and a massive gramophone by the counter. I absolutely loved it.
I stood up and asked him what he would like but he reminded me that it was his treat so he made his way to the cashier whilst I sat, looking out the window and people watching. I caught my reflection in the window as I sighed internally "oh Lexi, what have you gotten yourself into now"

He came back to the booth, setting some plates down and pulling me out of my thoughts. He pushed a plate with a mini croissant, a pain au chocolat and a basket of beignets towards me with a sheepish smile "I can't resist beignets"
A smile split my face as I responded with a conspiratory whisper "Neither can I."

I straightened up and said in a normal tone, "but this is too much I think sir, I didn't even knock you flat on the ground!"

He waved it off with a smile and introduced himself to me "My name is Antoine LaRoux and you're Alexandra Carter."

At this point I started getting worried, I guess he saw the look on my face because he chuckled and said: "I know who you are because you applied to my company, did you not?"

I could actually remember the name of the company because it was one of the big firms my dimwit roommate basically forced me to apply to.
Mr Antoine however, is not the face of the company.

It was a massive company, super prestigious and I basically had little to no chance of getting in. They never employed fresh graduates - always people with heaps of experience, so this was basically a 'dead-end' shot.  Plus, their interview process was gruelling, I haven't fully recovered from it and I'm STILL waiting to hear back from them.  Message to me: maim Jamie later tonight.

So before I could make myself look (more) silly, I quickly replied "Yes Sir, I did apply for the post of a business analyst and I'm currently waiting to hear back from HR." He just nodded sagely, and we continued with our conversation.

Speaking to him was easy and natural. We spoke about life, music and art and we ended up having quite a bit in common! Our love of jazz for one.

As the conversation drew to a close, he studied me for a bit, smiled and said, "you've got the job."

I swear my jaw dropped so fast I'm surprised it didn't fall off.

"What, how-?"

"Consider this to be the final part of your interview process Miss Carter" he said, arms clasped on the table between us, "which incidentally, you did extremely well in. I think you'd be a perfect fit at our company and I'm not usually wrong about people.  Besides, your grades are excellent from what I've seen so far and I'm sure your finals won't be much different. Your work experience recommendations are impeccable and your past employers all hold you in high regard. That's quite enough for me." He smiled. "This is my card. When you graduate just know you have a desk waiting for you at my company." I thanked him profusely but he told me not to worry about it as he would be the one gaining from my expertise.

When we both stood up to leave, he escorted me back to the library like a proper gentleman and then got into his chauffeur driven car and left. I could almost not study because of the excitement I was feeling but I forced myself to calm down so that I can prove him right about this last set of exams too.

The giddy feeling was still there as I unlocked the door to my apartment and I was bursting to tell Jamie the good news. I got into the apartment and saw him by the oven,
"Jamie no!" I screamed

Jamie and cooking aren't the best of friends. They're like a tyre and a sugar cube, completely unrelated and completely useless together.

He looked at me innocently, "what?"

I narrowed my eyes at him "don't you give me that face, why are you by the oven? Step away Jamie, maybe it won't hurt you if you don't offend it by, you know, standing too close." I say smirking.

"Hardi-ha-ha Alex, laugh all you want because you're Gordon Ramsey himself and I'm not even a contestant on the Great British bake-off" he pouted while glaring at me. I swear he's such a child sometimes.

I went up to him and hugged him - needing to appease the gentle giant.
"Jamie my love, I'm sorry for making fun of your horrible cooking skills. But you kind of deserve it for making me apply to LaRoux industries" I said fake scowling.

So much for maiming.

He looked at me confused for a bit,
"what does that have to do with anything?"

I gave a cheeky smile and recognition slowly dawned on his face.

"What aren't you telling me?"

I stalked away from him with a little smirk on my face before he yanked me back by my arm.

"Hey! Easy with the goods toots." I glared at him while rubbing my bruised arm.

"Alexandra Elizabeth Carter what aren't you telling your bestest friend in the world?"

"Only that LaRoux industries is offering me a job!" I squealed.

He spun me around and hugged me tight with a huge smile on his face "I'm so so proud of you Alex, I knew you would absolutely crush the competition."
I then filled him in on the goings of the day- with Mr LaRoux personally offering me the job at the coffee shop.

"Okay NOW we most definitely have to celebrate!"

I sighed "And by celebrate you mean getting drunk"

He looked at me like I was a child "of course I mean getting drunk, not tonight obviously" he rolled his eyes "soon" he continued ominously.

Anyway that's Jamie for you. It's his own way of showing how proud he was of me. Copious amounts of alcohol.

I got ready for bed with an idiotic grin on my face that I just couldn't wipe off.

"Tomorrow is my last day of college and I already have a job" was the last thought on my mind before I drifted into a dreamless sleep.

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Hey guys, how was it? You've met Jamie and Mr. LaRoux now but I think there's someone else you guys are dying to meet *smirks* don't worry children, patience is key!
The picture above is who I imagine as Jamie. You guys can go wild with your imagination but yeah this is who I see in my head :). Please vote and comment so I know whether I should go on with the story or just stop. Thank you so much!

Summer xx