Raising Donna

The New Guy Part 2

The girls, except Ruby who found someone to mingle with, walked me over to where two people were in Karlie's wide patio. I was instantly hooked by the amazing scenery before me. Almost like an escape to a cozy outdoor camp out. She must've got the inspiration from Aunt Mal's home.

The same two people, a girl and boy, were sitting under a red umbrella in front of the fire. Only one group of people were hanging about here. "Hey Mi Sun!" Lilli called, referring to the girl. She had long darkened hair and looked up. "Ay, Lilli, Nat." She spoke. We approached the chair circle where they sat together. "Hailey, this is Mi-Sun, she is our top editor for our web brand and...." She trailed off turning to the curly-dark haired boy. "Marcus, the video game designer and Nat's brother. Guys, this is Karlie's cousin Hailey." She finished. Mi-Sun smiled, putting her hand out. "Hi! Nice to meet you." She said. I returned the gesture. Marcus put his hand out while smirking. "Hey." He spoke in an English accent. I nodded. "So, what's it like being in a family of fifteen kids?" Mi-Sun asked interestedly. Hearing that familiar question made me sigh deeply. Marcus chuckled. "A lot of chaos." Is all I joked but in a serious tone. Lilli shrugged. "I think it's awesome. Having a hundred people to talk to whenever you need to." She said. Natalie side-eyed Marcus who played a game on his phone. "Yeah, I need to." She whispered in her ear. Mi-Sun grinned amusedly. I chuckled. "So, what kind of job you have?" She asked. "I'm a (anything you imagine), I do (what the job requires)." I told her. Nat smiled impressively. "Cool! Talk about power broker." She said. "A female power broker." Mi-Sun corrected. I couldn't help but laugh. Wouldn't exactly be a power broker but I suppose it's what it is. "Guess so. Most of the time I work at home where it's more easier. If there's a business meeting or party, I dress and go." I explained. They chatted in understanding because there would be a couple parties or meetings they'd have to attend. Nat sighed happily. "I'd feel super happy when we have days off. We could plan a summer trip or a vacation." She told me. Lilli instantly gasped. "Yeah! As a matter of fact, I'm trying to plan a trip for us to go." She mentioned. "Where?" We asked in unison. "Where?" Marcus asked excitedly. She smirked. "Karlie and I discussed that we should go to Paris." She told us. We smiled happily except Marcus. "Paris?!" We blurted in unison. He groaned. "I was hoping downtown Tokyo." He mumbled. Nat cheered excitedly. "I always want to go! Everything is so beautiful there!" She beamed. "Good thing I aced language class. I'm very good at French." Mi-Sun added. I laughed. "Me too!" I told her. Marcus scoffed disbelievingly. "Prove it." He quickly said. We looked at each other knowingly then back at him. "Besoin d'une preuve?" I spoke in French. Mi-Sun scoffed. "Nat avait raison, il est idiot." She joked. Nat bite her lip amusedly while Lilli began snickering. "What? What did they say?" He asked confusedly. Mi-Sun chuckled. "Bonjour, idiot!" She joked. Marcus rolled his eyes and went back to his phone. "And I'm done." He mumbled. I smiled and shrugged. "Told ya." I said. Lilli cleared her throat. "Alright, I'll talk with Kaylie. The second we find a specific week, you all have to let us know if you're gonna make it or not. Ruby will handle finding the hotel and hotel suite." She said. I nodded in understanding. "I'll check my schedule and give me your numbers." I told her. She nodded. They exchanged numbers with me. Nat lightly coughed while rubbing her throat. "My throat's dry, I'll go grab a drink." She said and got up. I realized I was feeling crazily hungry. I've actually hadn't ate since I got here. "I'll go find something to eat." I added while getting up. Lilli nodded as we walked back in the house.

In the kitchen, Nat made herself a glass of juice and I helped myself to a plate of squared sandwiches on the counter. She smiled. "So, mingling with anyone? Or enjoying the single life?" She teased. I covered my eyes and snickered. "This again?" I said. She shrugged innocently. "It's my first question. Unless Kaylie asked you." She joked. I nodded my head no. "Been asked many times. At least you asked without any intention to kick my nerves. I am definitely enjoying being single and will in Paris." I explained, smirking. Nat returned the gesture while chuckling. "It's called City of Love for a reason." She joked. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I chuckled. "Thanks. But I don't really feel like dating now." I told her. Nat nodded in understanding. Deep and loud laughter were beginning to echo. A group of four guys entered the living room. Cracking jokes, sipping wine glasses and talking amongst each other. Honestly, it sounded rather annoying. I massaged my ears softly. "And I thought Kaylie was loud." I muttered through gritted teeth. Nat smirked slightly. "You get used to it. Want an introduction?" She asked. "Oh lord." I mumbled helplessly. She hid an amusing grin. "Ben, Peter, James, KJ. James is best friends with Marcus, he's also from England. Ben, Peter and KJ works in Blake Enterprises." She introduced. I looked at her confusedly. Blake Enterprises? Never heard of it. "Umm, Blake Enterprises?" I repeated. Nat sighed apologetically. "Sorry, I thought you'd already know. It's this huge enterprise company in the Upstate. Everyone knows about it, considering it's quite popular. And they're surprised that Noah Blake is the youngest owner." She explained. I snickered and bite a sandwich. "Youngest owner? How old is he?" I asked. "Twenty-one. Don't let his looks fool you, he's had many girlfriends left and right. After all, he is another rich and powerful man." She said, smirking. I put my hands up in surrender. "No argument here. I don't need that." I agreed. She smirked proudly. "Atta girl." She muttered. We talked more while finishing our snacks. To my surprise, the guy with jet black hair, whom must be James whistled. "Mate, over here!" He called. I looked up from my sandwich and noticed a six-foot tall man with brown hair coming in. He rolled his eyes and smirked. Nat nudged my shoulder. "There he is." She whispered in my ear. He didn't had a wine glass nor cracked any jokes. I was expecting him arriving in a suit but instead he dressed quite casual. We made eye contact. My cheeks seemed to get hot. He simply stared before turning back to his friends. Nat hid a teasing smirk. I rolled my eyes and sipped my glass. Mi-Sun came in the kitchen. "Hey, what's up—She paused noticing the boys including Noah. "Oh my goodness." She muttered annoyedly. Nat simply shrugged. "They were invited." She told her. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a text from Mom.

Mom: Donna keeps saying Mama☺️🥰

I smiled warmly, looking up to notice Noah's intriguing stare. He simply grinned. I rolled my eyes and left the kitchen. He chuckled.

******

9pm.

The girls, Karlie, and I planned to meet up next weekend to discuss the Paris trip. Whilst driving home, Donna fell asleep. I closed the door quietly and put her to bed. After a shower, I did my night routine before getting under the blankets. My phone buzzed on my nightstand. I mentally prayed it's not a drunk Karlie text. Yet this random number was rather sudden and annoying.

: Hey, you're the (h/c) girl, Karlie's cousin? It's Noah. Call me tomorrow. :)

I huffed, knowing Karlie gave him my number. I ignored the text and focused on falling asleep.

******

Mi-Sun, 20, Editor of SHEIN

Marcus Parker, 19, Game Designer