Gillaume Men #01: Ranzar Craestok

CHAPTER 7: Buffet Lunch with a Stranger

~ Julliane Laurent ~

It was already 10 a.m. when I woke up this morning. I slept so late last night that I woke up late. And rather than ordering room service for breakfast today, I decided to go downstairs and eat at the hotel's buffet. They did mention in the hotel's brochure that their buffet is to die for when you stay here.

I took a quick shower and put on a simple white long skirt, tube top, and a cardigan. And by 11, I went downstairs to the lobby.

The lobby at this time and day is quite packed with people. There were several tourists and businessmen around and a ton of media and paparazzi outside taking pictures of some person. I took this time to look around while I waited for the people to get up to their rooms or visit whatever business they had.

I sat down at an empty seat in the lounge area and looked at several sculptures and books decorated around the place. I just noticed these things for the first time. Since the night I came here, I went directly to my room and didn't have time to take a look around. 

I stood up after several minutes as I noticed the crowd died down. I was still busy looking around the place when I bumped into someone all of a sudden.

"Oh, I'm very sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going", I apologized and turned to look at the blonde man I bumped into. I think he was the one the media were taking a picture outside earlier.

"It's fine, no worries about that Miss", he said as he shook his hand to gesture to me that it was fine. "Are you by chance going to the buffet as well?" he added and then smiled at me.

"Yes actually", I replied.

"Then can I suggest that we walk there together", he suggested and offered his arm to lead me to where the buffet is.

I was quiet for a second since I think this man is quite fast on his moves.

"I don't have any other intention than just taking you there Miss. I promise", he added while doing a cross-my-heart gesture and smiled again.

I chuckled a little before replying. "Sure, why not", and took his arm so we walked together to the hotel's buffet.

The hotel's buffet area left me speechless. I will say that this place is huge and filled with many variations of food from different countries. The place is not as jam-packed as the lobby before so it's much easier to move around. 

He led me to the selection area where I also let go of his arms and picked up a plate. I looked around the foods they displayed and picked up different pastries. Since I kept myself busy choosing what food to put on my plate, I didn't even notice the intense stare of the guy I bumped into until he spoke up.

"You should go for the salad here. It's the best", he said as he pointed at the salad area.

"Hmm... I'm not much of a salad girl, unfortunately. But I'll take their onion soup", I said and reached for the onion soup.

After a few while, we finished picking out food together. I got some pork cutlet and ham, as well as some bread, butter and onion soup. He then offered that we sit together at one table, which I agreed on.

"So can I know the name of the lady who bumped into me? Or you're also not a first-name-giver kind of girl?" he asked as he finished the chicken he got. I softly laughed at him.

"Lucky for you, I like introducing myself to people I tend to bump into", I replied and he smiled at me. 

"Hello mister stranger, I am Julliane Laurent", I said and reached out my hand to him. He laughed at that and took my hand to shake it.

"Hello Julliane Laurent. I am Roswell Westbrook", he answered and let go of my hand.

"Westbrook? Then you're Mr. Dennis' son", I said and he stared at me with a somewhat shocked expression.

"Oh, you're already well-versed with my family but I am not with yours", he replied, then mumbled something that I didn't catch.

"Our father's quite familiar with each other I would say. My dad owns Laure-Verve Hotels in France", I said. 

My father and Mr. Dennis Westbrook have a friendly relationship with each other since they work in the same industry of Hotel chains. That's why I became familiar with the surname 'Westbrook'.

"Oh really! I'm surprised I haven't seen you in their several meetings", he stated.

"I have my own business in Marseille so I haven't had time to accompany my father in his meetings", I reasoned and took another bite of my cutlet.

"I see, then it's fancy seeing you here in California Miss Julliane. What brought you anyway?" he asked.

"I have to do a favor for a friend and look for an area to open my business", I said.

"Oh, what business do you do?" he continued to ask.

"Fashion", I replied as I finished the muffins I got earlier.

"Oh it's great timing then, I do modeling for several brands. So if you're in need of a model to hire, here's my personal calling card", he said excitedly and gave me his calling card. I looked at it and was shocked.

He's affiliated with Bellows Entertainment Agency. Bellows is one of the biggest agencies here in America and being friends with one of their talents may be an advantage for me. 

I smiled at him and took it. I was about to comment to him that he looks like a model since he has the perfect description of someone a fashion magazine and companies would look for to wear their clothes. Nessa would have been delighted to work with someone like him and display him on the front page of Pantheleone.

"Thank you for this. I might take advantage of this in the future", I said and he laughed.

"Please do. I would want you to take advantage of that", he said while looking at me. He only looked away when he felt his phone vibrate.

"Sorry to cut our conversation Miss Julliane. My friend texted me that he's currently at the lobby waiting for me", he said.

"No. it's alright, I'm almost finished eating anyway", I replied.

He smiled one last time and stood up, but before turning back, he waved goodbye to me. I followed him as he left and saw him greeting his friend. They started talking and I saw his friend look at me and smile --- and he seemed familiar to me for some reason.

After finishing eating, I went back to my room and started working on Laurentis' new collection again. The next showcase for the Paris Fashion Week is coming soon and we are only around 25% in progress.

Though this could be considered a vacation for some, I can't enjoy it much since in order for me to relax, I need to finish my work first. I started searching for designs and patterns then ended up with me searching for a color palette suited for Mr. Craestok.

I was shocked when I looked at the clock and it's already 6 p.m. I decided to eat outside for dinner and searched for a place to eat.

~ * ~