The Unlikely Couple [COMPLETED]

Chapter Six

The town car stopped in front of a tall, gray building. Black and white posters were plastered on the sides with colourful graffiti covering them.

“A bit of a shady place,” I glanced at Hilda, who nodded.

“Hopefully she’s as nice as I’ve heard.” Her tone was unsettling.

“And this is Jeslen Pierce?” We stepped out of the car, shivering under our coats. The weather had become unpredictable, for a moment the air was still. Seconds later the wind hammered against our bodies and chilled our bones.

“It is,” Hilda pressed the intercom button and waited.

“Can I help you?” A crackly voice answered.

“My name is Hilda Dezmo and I’m with my colleague Stacey Harris. We’re from Melbourne Residential.” She shouted.

“Oh, yeah please come up.” The door clicked open, and we rushed inside to escape the wind. A shiny elevator awaited us at the end of a short hall.

“Looks can be deceiving of course.” It didn’t look so shady now. This Jeslen character lived on the third floor. Apparently she didn’t have the guts to go higher.

“I don’t know how we approach this.” Hilda gulped.

“I guess we take a look around and write it as we go. You can start with the fashion stuff of course.”

“Thanks, I shouldn’t take too long.” The elevator creaked loudly to a stop. As the doors opened, a tall burly man looked down at us. Hilda was terrified.

“Hi, we’re from Melbourne Residential.” I stuck my hand out immediately.

“I’m Dennis, please come in.” A soft voice rolled over us. We felt relieved to know he wasn’t that scary.

“You’re an employer of Ms Pierce I believe?”

“Sort of,” his smile was awkward. Dennis had insanely curly brown hair that was fading to blond. His huge arms, like his body were massive. On the plus side, he was quite good looking. Dennis led us down a hall with brown walls into a studio that spanned most of the floor.

“Wow,” beside me Hilda gasped.

“Dennis, is that them?”

“Yeah Jes!” The bulky man sauntered over to a table with a spread of snacks.

“Hello there!” Through glistening white doors a woman approached. Her features were identical to Dennis, but more feminine.  

“Hilda Dezmo, it’s fantastic to meet you Ms Pierce.”

“Just call me Jeslen. And you’re Stacey Harris of course.” The fake brunette gleamed at me. I noticed her skin was radiant and fresh.

“Yeah, nice to meet you.”

“I’ve read many of your articles and wow,” her hands came up, “you’re such an amazing writer. When are you coming out with a book?” Oh dear.

“One day,” I tried so hard to laugh convincingly.

“Your designs are spectacular.” Hilda was gobsmacked. Dresses and fabrics hung on endless racks. Papers with sketches and notes were pinned to every wall with post its surrounding them.

“It’s a bit messy but I love it. Oh and this is Dennis, my brother. He helps me out most days since this happened.” Jeslen patted her stomach.

“Congratulations!” We shrieked.

“How far along are you?” Hilda squealed excitedly.

“Seven months. It’s my first time and ugh I love being pregnant.” So that’s why she was glowing.