You're a Metaphor

Chapter 8: Headlights

Flashback

Nadine scurried on her high heels to catch the lift. A hand appeared in between the gaps just before the doors completely slid shut.

"Thank you!" She genuinely expressed in between deep breaths.

"Which floor?"

"25...oh." She noticed the level was already pressed, flashing him a smile as she tucked her hair between her ears. She felt her face flushed when she noticed his intense stare.

He looked like someone who just stepped out of a photoshoot - him being the dapper model that everyone swoons over just by his stare. His eyes were a confused mix of grey, green and blue. He wore a military jacket over plaid shirt, grey tweed pants, dark brown oxfords and maroon tie that matched his socks. He closely resembled James Dean except for the piercing on his left eyebrow. He flashed her a smile and she noticed his mouth moved animatedly. A few more seconds and she realised that he was actually talking to her when the rest of her senses, other than her sight, were finally functional again.

"...Meadows and you are?" He asked as he looked at her intently.

"I'm...I'm sorry?" She asked confusedly.

"Hi sorry, nice to meet you." He winked at her with a smirk on his face. She felt her undergarments dropped all the way to China.

"Oh! I mean, hi I'm Nadine Lustre. Nice to meet you Mr. Meadows?" She tried her luck, praying the gods would be in her favour and save her from embarrassment.

"You don't have to be so formal, call me Michael."

The lift door opened, Michael nodded at her gesturing for her to make her way out.

"After you."

Nadine's heels clicked and echoed across the hall. She heard another pair of steps behind her. She turned and saw Michael tailing her. All eyes were on them as they walked from the lobby to the meeting room. Why is this gorgeous creep following me? She asked herself and felt relieved when she finally reached the meeting room.

"Oh there you are Michael! Nadine! You know each other?" Came from the woman with red nails and everything black. She kissed Michael left and right.

"Yeah, we go way back....right Ms. Lustre?" Michael gave her the sweetest smile, she thought perhaps she could skip dessert for the whole week. Though Nadine never looked so clueless as she was at that moment.

"Alright everyone," the woman in black, clapped her hands to get everyone's attention, "I would like to formally introduce the infamous Michael Meadows, he will be helping us with a few of our accounts as a freelance creative photographer. He's too expensive to be a regular in our firm." She tried to whisper the last sentence, everyone were forced to laugh at a poorly delivered joke. She fake coughed and directed her attention to Nadine in particular. "Nadine, you will be working closely with Michael for the Chopard campaign. So I'm glad you both have already made acquaintance." Her tone became stiff, Nadine was more used to this side of her.

Nadine felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around to see lovely eyes and glistening teeth.

"Nads, have you two hit it off?"

"Aning! My dear Annie, welcome back!" Nadine hugged Annie tightly as if they have been separated for years.

"I was only gone for a week."

"I was eating all alone for a week!" Nadine hurled back. They both sniggered as they walked out of the meeting room.