𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 (𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐡)

chapter 11

"Gabriel Agreste's number one assistant," he said with a nod, "you're a pretty big name in the industry, with a pretty big title. I've heard great things about you.

Nathalie smiled at him. The smile was just a bit too wide for her liking, but she went with it. It had been a while since someone had recognized her or her work.

"So, who are you representing at this show, Lloyd?" Nathalie wanted to know more about him, since he was an unfamiliar face. "I haven't seen you around before."

"Well, I'm actually here for myself- looking for inspiration, that is. I'm also trying to speak to some of the big designers, and show them some of my designs."

Ah, so that's what this is about. Nathalie thought, dejected. He's just trying to do some self promotion.

"Well, it's quite impressive that you are creating your own designs."

Lloyd must have noticed the shift in tone of the conversation, because he spoke up.

"Hey, I didn't want you to think that this was just me trying to sell you on my design, I just wanted to sit here because you're one of the few who aren't boasting about their success with their stuck up colleagues. It's really nice to know that there are still some kind people in this line of work." Lloyd sat a bit closer to her now, so that she could hear him without talking too loud. He might not have noticed, but Nathalie was certainly aware of their close proximity. "I'm new to the game, but I can still tell a real genius of the craft when I see one."

"Really?" Nathalie said with a smirk, "And how is that?"

"Well, take that guy over there for instance." Lloyd slightly nodded in the direction of a man on the other side of the empty runway to the left of them. "He's been moving from group to group for the last fifteen minutes making small talk. Now, because of his nonchalant expression, one might assume he's slightly uninterested. But," Lloyd stuck a finger in the air, very matter of factly, "he's actually been taking notes the whole time. When he leaves one group's conversation he starts discreetly jotting things down as he moves to the next. I would assume, he's taking bits and pieces of inspiration and the 'what's in style' updates from each person so that he can use some of these ideas to formulate his latest designs."

"I see, kind of like he's gathering a broader perspective for his work. Very clever of him- and also clever insight on your part." Nathalie smiled warmly. She had been enjoying his playful conversation, and at times, her thoughts would drift off to his perfect smile, or the movements of his long, smooth hands as he motioned extravagantly.

"Why thank you madame." He playfully bowed. "That guy isn't the only fashion genius that I could sense here- there is a reason, after all, that I chose to sit here."

"Oh, and why is that?"

"Because I could see that you were a person who, instead of wasting your time with those groups of inflated egos, you came to work. The show hasn't started yet, but you're ready to report everything for when it does start. To me it seems that you have great attention to detail. You're incredibly focused. Not only for your work though. You're a woman who is truly focused and steadfast to something she wants in life.

Nathalie was almost taken aback by how much this related to her strong feelings and devotion to Gabriel. Not only the work for his brand, but him. Snapping her out of her reflection, a voice came over speakers welcoming all of the attendants, and shortly after, the lights faded out, and stage lights came on to highlight the runway.

"Looks like the show's starting soon, so I'd better find my original seat." Nathalie admittedly wished he could stay here, she really enjoyed having someone to joke with; opportunities like that weren't often for her recently.

"Well, it was truly nice meeting you, Lloyd."

"Again, the pleasure is all mine. And maybe, this doesn't have to be the last time we meet. What do you say to dinner tomorrow night? I can send you the address of the restaurant but, disclaimer, it's not France's finest food. Being a designer who's starting my own business and all-"

"Perfect. I'll be there."

"Really?! Um, great! I'll give you my number right quick, but does seven o'clock work for you?"

"Works great." Nathalie smiled genuinely.

"I'd better get back to my seat, but it was great talking to you."

"Same here."

Nathalie exhaled deeply as he walked away. What have I gotten myself into? She just realized that she hadn't even thought about if Gabriel would need her, much less if he asked where she was going. It really wasn't his business anyway, but she somehow still felt guilty deep inside. And what about Adrien? She worried about him being alone with Gabriel after all that had transpired the previous day. He was at school now, but when he returned he might need assistance with homework that Gabriel wouldn't give. She also thought back to how Adrien asked that yesterday's events not affect how she viewed Gabriel, and that Adrien didn't want to stand in the way of their relationship. She knew that Adrien had done nothing wrong, but if Adrien knew that she was going on a date with another man, Adrien might think that the way Gabriel treated him affected Nathalie's love for his father, and she didn't want Adrien to bear that burden. She breathed in again. You're overthinking this way too much. It's just one date, you're not offering him your hand in marriage. She also knew, though, that part of her wanted to do this to get back at Gabriel. No matter how deep her feelings were for him, he had still hurt her deeper. Truthfully she hoped that Lloyd could be a temporary bandage that covers the wounds on her soul that Gabriel had left.

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I FINALLY UPDATED!
but really though, sorry for the incredibly long wait, life has been putting me through it.

i think i'll be getting back to being more consistent and also starting some other stories, so stay tuned comrades!

also, shameless plug, but if you want you can follow me on ig and tumblr @ blckfang, (i'm more active on tumblr on that account) and also @ ballsackremover (more active on ig on that one)

thanks for reading, hope 2023 treats you well!