Don't Forget To Breathe

Chapter 20

"Does this mean I have to go back to Canada?"  Alessia asked "Because I've grown pretty fond of New York" 

"You're not going back to Canada," I said 

"She could" Dinah mumbled 

I shot Dinah a glare as she shrugged innocently "What?" she asked.

"Shit" Camila mumbled "It's too hot in Mexico"

"No one is leaving the country!" I say a bit louder than anticipated 

"Says you" Dinah mumbled as she assisted setting up the dinner table 

Alessia focused her eyes on her and it wasn't until this moment that it occurred to me how strong both Alessia's and Dinah's personalities are. This could result in a beautiful friendship or Camila and I having to pull them apart while they try to yank each others hair out. 

"Who the hell are you anyways?" Alessia asks, clearly becoming annoyed. 

As I set down the plate on the table I immediately regret not giving them a proper introduction in their time of arrival. 

Dinah's body language shifted in an instant. She went from comfortable and borderline goofy as I know her to be when she's in the penthouse, to the same powerful pose she had when she entered the conference room just a couple days ago. 

Her hand landed on her hips and her eyes shot lasers through my best friend. 

Fuck, I thought

"Dinah," she said "Dinah Jane Hansen" 

The instant her full name fell from her lips you could see the expectancy on her face. I'm sure she was accustomed to her name being a powerful bomb she could drop to get people to shake in their boots. 

Alessia, however, has never been one of those people. 

"Ohhh," Alessia said dragging it out "I guess that's why you think you can say whatever you want"

Abort mission, Alessia, I think. Abort the fucking mission

"Rich girl entitlement" she nods as if she finally understands. 

A smirk lands on Dinah's lips as her arms fold across her chest "And who might you be?" she asks in return. 

I feel Camila stand beside me as we both watch the interaction in awe, not knowing what's going to come out of any of the women's mouth.  

"Alessia," she says "Alessia Cara" 

My attempt to fight away a chuckle fails. I had to admit that my friend has courage for mocking the way Dinah introduced herself. 

The blonde woman stands up straight and makes her way to Alessia, their faces only inches apart. 

"Think you're tough shit?" she asks "You know I could have you fired if I wanted to, right?" 

Camila and I shared a frightened look before we heard my friend respond 

"What does it matter?" she said "According to you I'm going back to Canada anyways" 

They stood in the same position for a few seconds before unexpectedly, a closed lip smile appeared on Dinah's mouth. 

"Ballsy," she said "You have my respect, Cara," 

With that, she walked away and continued with the table. 

I shot Alessia a look of disbelief and she shrugged as if she didn't just put her job at risk for those couple of minutes.