Our meals sat on the table in front. Everyone thoroughly digging in and enjoying their food.
I couldn't quite shake a feeling. A cold uncomfortable feeling washes over me. I glance around the room, noticing a couple of people staring before murmuring between each other. A frown presses against my lips. Shifting again in my seat, I face forward, my eyes meeting Sierra's from across the table. She gives my foot a nudge with her own from under the table. Pressing my lips together, I give her a tight smile.
The unsettling sensation stayed with me throughout dinner.
The chatter around the room hushes as the stage lights up and the room dims. A stylish french man walks onto stage. He gives a big smile as he introduces himself. Mr Blanchet leans in to whisper something in my ear.
"We won too many awards last year, we won't win tonight." He chuckles as he leans back and I raise my eyebrows. He just gives me a smile, "watch!" I shake my head in response and focus back on the well dressed man. He was tall, aged. His french was strong and he walked with purpose. A confidence I admired.
Sitting in silence we watch the ceremony take place, running over all the awards and who was nominated. We were nominated for four different awards and won none. Just as Mr Blanchet predicted. A smug smile plastered over his face as I look back at him. He mouthed the words 'told you' and I chuckled before turning back around.
Once the awards were dispersed we were free to mingle and chat. My nerves getting the better of me as Mr Blanchet tugs me over to talk.
He introduces me in french, "This is my new P.A. Eden." He puts a hand on my shoulder and shows me off like a child.
His acquaintances look between us, clipped expressions as they speak in English, "You're the Manuel girl." A tall shrewd woman clips. Her voice judgy as I clear my throat and take in the large chunky jewellery sparkling against her pail wrinkled skin. I nod in response and she faces my boss, "Are you not worried?" she switches to french.
I stare in confusion between them only picking up a few words between. I watch the man remove his hand from my shoulder and chuckle as he takes her hand. "Not at all. Never."
I clear my throat, "It was lovely meeting you all, but I am going to go grab a refresher," Stepping back, Mr Blanchet tilts down looking at me knowing that wasn't the only reason for my departure. "I need the restroom," I whisper and he frowns seeing through my lie. "I'm fine."
He nods and I speed walk off towards the toilets. When I push through the smell of lavender surrounds me and I check to see if all the stalls are empty. Not that I was going to have a breakdown, but I don't want anybody seeing me camp in the toilets due to me being a pussy.
It's my own fault that people act hostile towards me. I could've just not slept with my boss it is that easy. I don't have an urge to sleep with my new boss and I wish people wouldn't hold my past against me.
I stare at my reflection the lavish blue restroom made me feel as if I was in a bedroom instead of toilets. When the wooden door pushes open from where I just entered, I pretend to wash my hands turning on the sink and going through the actions. When I look back up in the mirror my eyes catch Sierra's.
"Hey." Her voice is quiet. I turn around to face her, leaning against the counter.
"Hi," I tilt my head to the side watching as she walks towards me. When she stands in front of me she lifts her hand up. Thinking she was going to cup my cheek I swallow the lump in my throat and go to lean into her touch as her hand moves behind my head and grabs tissues from the dispenser. Pulling them back and holding them out for me.
A smile pulls at her lips as I stand up straight and take the tissues out of her hand. "Ignore them. They don't know you." She keeps her voice low, quiet.
"But they do." I stand tall. "I'm Eden, I slept with my boss and it kept me in a job." My heart strains. Let them think what they want because I know what's real. "You never know, might work to my advantage."
She chuckles and follows me as I push out of the restroom ready to take on the world. I have my friends with me and that's all that matters.
For the rest of the night I mingle like how Mr Blanchet wanted, I talk and drink and laugh with my friends. After a couple of hours we're standing next to the bar, having a casual conversation about various topics.
A man walks up to me in a tight fitted suit. When my eyes catch his I do a double take. He was tall, classy. Tall, dark and handsome type. Hello sailor.
"Eden," He smiles and I raise my eyebrows.
"Do I know you?"
He chuckles, "No, but I know you." I look to my friends with slight apprehension. They look at him as if he was a local celebrity. And then I stare at him worried that he in fact was a local celebrity. He senses my apprehension, "My names Jaque Bryant."
"Is that supposed to help?" I fail to hide my confusion.
He shakes his head, "I'm a business partner of Manuel's." My heart sinks and I feel my eyes glaze over. "She had great things to say about you." It was as if my head was pushed under water as he hands me a business card.
"Oh." I nod as he gives me a wink, "Thank you." He nods back before moving away. I turn to my friends in shock. Sierra frowning.
YOU ARE READING
Stay Peachy
Romance----- Sequel to Just Peachy ----- Even though Eden's whirlwind romance with famous lawyer, Julia Manuel, had become a nightmare; she still wanted to try her best to rebuild it. Although due to Julia's new surprise fiancée, Eden quickly realised she...
