No Time For Love

Chapter 6 - Vienne

I feel better than I have in years. In fact, I'm probably glowing as I walk to the parking lot, my hair still wet from the shower. I almost suggested that we meet again, even though I don't do relationships and I wouldn't start one with a woman if I did. I do not need obstacles in my career. As I start my car, I fold the memory of her into a small rectangle and tuck it away, leaving only the pleasant ache between my legs as a reminder.

It's 6 a.m., so I drive through the Starbucks near Chiaroscuro on my way. I have some new ideas for the dress, and I'm planning to get it done by eleven. Renate will probably be in her office already, so I'll visit her as soon as I'm finished. And I also have ideas for my new line. I frown. Alex was actually right. Enjoying sex does do things to my mental state.

I step into the elevator, holding the new design. It's only eight. I finished it in less than two hours. It's a new record, even for me. And it's the best piece I've made in a while.

Renate's tastefully made glass office reflects the morning light, making it look like it's radiating. Alex is talking to her, probably about the dress I just finished. I knock two times and go in.

"I finished the dress." They both look up at me and frown. "Why are you in yesterday's clothes?" Renate nods at his words. So they noticed. I guess they are more crumpled than I would permit on a regular basis. And I don't have my blazer.

"Maybe I forgot what I wore yesterday and accidentally wore the same thing." I say, knowing fully well it's a lost cause.

"You know you didn't, Vienne." 

I sigh. "What are you asking?"

"I'm asking who you slept with. And I'm actually curious, since you were apparently so caught up in him that you didn't leave 'till, maybe, a few hours ago?"

He isn't wrong. Except for the him part.

"It wasn't anyone's partner."

"You know that is not what we're asking." Renate says, smirking at me. She's more like my friend than my boss, since I've worked here for fifteen years.

"I think this is not a appropriate question for a boss to ask a employee."

She snorts. "Like you are an employee. You know fully well that I wouldn't be sitting here if you decided to walk out."

"Yes, I do know that. So why don't you take the dress that you wanted so badly and let me get out."

"You're actually irritated."

 I glare at Alex. I can't afford to think about Kiera. I need my concentration.

"And where did your jacket go?"

"In my office." The image of Kiera wearing it over bare skin comes to mind. I would give her more than most supermodels get to model the dress I just made. She has a really perfect body, in terms of modeling.

But that will never be possible, I remind myself, tucking the memory back in its place.

"Fine. You can go." 

Alex's tone says he isn't letting it go anytime soon.