The Arrangement

Chapter 4

Isabella
After my fainting episode two days ago, I managed to convince Victoria that I simply skipped breakfast since I barely had time for it, leaving out my struggles with eating. She went on to scold me on how I shouldn't be doing that and it's unhealthy and dangerous. Victoria then took me to lunch and made sure I ate, which was difficult but I managed. Internally agreeing to deal with the guilt and consequences later.

That day I saw Alessandra/Ms Romano. I can't believe our first meeting, more like first look, was after I'd just passed out. That's incredibly embarrassing. She just stood there observing me like a predator would to its prey. She also had a slightly annoyed look on her face. Like I'm sorry miss ma'am that I passed out and it was an inconvenience to you. 

To sum it all up, my first day was a disaster in my eyes. I went back home that night and Emily was there to listen to all my rants and whines of embarrassment. I did call my mum too but left out the fainting bit since she thinks I'm better. Everyone does apart from Emily.

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Victoria and I are in her office as we wait for her client to show up. She mainly builds the clients defense case after collecting all the information and evidence, basically all the nitty gritty. All that is then handed to a barrister who represents the client in court. If you ask me solicitors don't get enough credit, without them barristers would basically have nothing to present.

My job is to observe the interaction, chime in where I think necessary, and answer any questions Victoria asks me.

So far I've gotten along with Victoria fairly enough, although half her interactions have a flirty undertone, which makes me a hot red mess. Hella weird considering I'm probably the straightest person I know. I've never known how to respond and react when someone flirts with me., no matter their gender. Do I flirt back? Do I thank them and carry on? Even if I do flirt back what in the world am I supposed to say!? 

I've also talked to Nick a few times now, although I've distanced myself from every man I know apart from Antonio, for the past 2 years. I guess my body can sense he's not a threat and I don't have to be in flight or fight around him.

"Darling?" Victoria calls out to me as I sit at my desk staring out the massive windows.

I turn to look at her.

"You feeling ok? Did you have breakfast this morning? Are you feeling dizzy or anything?" She asks me with actual concern.

I chuckle lightly. "I'm ok Victoria, thanks and yes I did have breakfast." I give her a soft smile as I lie through my teeth.

"Ok then! So the client coming in today, his name's Vincent DeMarco, he was charged with Fraudulent Trading in his company. We're going to listen to what he has to say and build a case based on that. Sound good?" She asks.

"Mhm that's fine." I smile. "Victoria? I'm sorry once again about Monday. What happened was incredibly embarrassing and I just... well I'm sorry."

"Isabella, love I told you, you have no reason to be sorry. I'm just worried about you and your health." She looks at me sincerely.

"Uh..Victoria?"

"Yes darling? What's up."  She responds.

"Did Ms Romano say anything... about you know, me and what happened?" I ask her hesitantly, wanting to know if Ms Romano's impression of me has been messed up.

Before she can answer, her office phone rings. It's Diane the receptionist letting us know that the client is here and she has sent him up.

Just on cue there's a knock on the door before it opens, revealing a tall tanned man. He's built and looks around early 50's, with salt and pepper hair and a matching beard. Tattoos crawl out of his grey suit onto his neck and hands.