The Hurting Kind

Feelings and Facts

After finishing their drinks, the trio step outside of the café to wait for a personal driver to take them to Forrester Creations International. While waiting outside for their driver to pick them up, two teenagers recognized Maya and asked to take a photo with her. 

"We are HUGE fans of the California Freedom line! Can't believe that you are not with Forrester Creations anymore." One of the younger girl said sadly.

Maya was still not use to being recognized by her fans, and it must have shown on her face. Just as she was thinking of what to say to the young girl, Thomas stepped in. 

"Oh, I'm sure Ms. Avant will be involved in even more groundbreaking collections in the future. You haven't seen the last of her. I can guarantee it ladies."

Their driver had finally arrived, and Nicole quickly opened the door to get inside. Maya silently thanked Thomas with the biggest smile before getting inside the car next to her sister. 

"We hope so. Thanks for taking a picture with us!" The other fan squealed.

Thomas made his way inside the car as well while Maya waved goodbye to the young girls.

 "Look at you! Getting recognized and asked for photos!" Nicole exclaimed. 

Maya let out a nervous laugh while shaking her head. "It's still crazy when it happens. You would think that I'd be used to it by now though... Thanks Thomas for helping me out back there."

"Don't mention it. Just glad to be of service." He added. 

Finally arriving at FCI, Maya was strangely much calmer than she first thought that she would be. Maybe it was the appearance of the office – it looked nothing like FC. It almost blended in with the other older buildings surrounding it. Though somehow it seemed to be even bigger on the inside. It had warm dim lighting and antique yet playful furniture placed throughout the space. Nicole looked at Maya before letting out a low whistle. 

"Whoa...THIS is FCI? It's SO not FC." She whispered.

Maya nodded in agreement. "It's breathtaking." 

Once Thomas got them their visitor badges and found out where the designers and interns were, he led them down the hall. Nicole was practically bouncing with energy and it was beginning to rub off onto Maya. The two sisters had linked their arms together and were grinning from ear to ear by the time the trio had reached the conference room. Thomas opened the door and held it for them before closing it again. A few gasps and some shocked murmurs were heard as they entered, causing Maya to grip her sister's hand a little tighter. Nicole looked up to her.

"It's okay sis. We totally got this." She whispered confidently. 

Sensing the need to put everyone at ease, Thomas began to speak. 

"Hello everyone. I know that you were all expecting my father, but due to a shipping emergency overseas, he was not able to make it." He explained. "As you all have noticed, I did not come alone. This is the lovely Ms. Maya Avant, former lead model of Forrester Creations, who is currently visiting Paris. She is here as my guest. I hope that is okay?"

Maya saw a blonde woman quickly making her way over to the and knew exactly who she was. Even though she knew that she would be in attendance, it still set Maya on edge a little. 

"It's fine Thomas. Let me introduce you to the designers and we can start the meeting." Caroline said.

Maya hadn't seen Caroline in quite some time. She looked...happy. Really happy. Nicole eventually let go of her arm to join the other interns and that left Maya by herself. She smiled at a few people and took some pictures with members of the international staff before finding a seat at the far end of the room, away from everyone. While staring out into the window, Maya finally started to relax.

Thomas was right. It's no big deal. Soon Nicole and I can leave and see more of the city and...

Maya could feel someone watching her. She tried to ignore the feeling, but couldn't. Slowly Maya looked over her shoulder and ended up locking eyes with Caroline. Seeing that she had been caught staring, Caroline sent her a small bashful smile before joining her. 

"Hello Maya." She said. "I didn't know that you were still in Paris."

"Hi Caroline. Nicole called and asked if I could come back for a visit. Didn't want to miss my chance to see her." Maya explained. 

Caroline continued to smile softly in understanding. "Do you know how long you'll be in the city?"

"No. Not yet – I mean – not for long."

"Okkkaaaayy, so there is no chance of me talking you into coming back to Forrester? Not even for one teeny tiny photo shoot?" Maya's eyes widen after hearing that question. "Seriously?"

"Why not? Look, I know that you and I aren't BFFs, but...I..I respect and admire the courage that you have. To be so brave and live your life on your own terms." 

Is Caroline...complimenting me?!

"Thank you, Caroline. Of all people...I really didn't expect to hear praise about me coming from you, so actually hearing that means more than you'll ever know." She told her honestly. 

"Well, it's true. And you're welcome." Caroline replied.

The two fell into a slightly awkward break of silence until Maya noticed Nicole making her way back to them. 

"I know that you all are here on work related business, but if you're free later and want to chat, I would really like that." Maya offered. 

 Caroline's eyes went wide and she threw her hands over her chest in typical Caroline dramatic fashion. "Le gasp! Avec moi?!" 

Laughing almost to the point of tears, Maya assured her again. "Yes! If you want to, my offer stands."

"I soooo want to! It's a date!"

Nicole linked her arm through her sisters before she playfully asked, "So, who is dating whom now?" 

Maya bumped her side softly before answering. "No one is dating anyone. I just asked Caroline if she wanted to catch up later."

"Oh, okay. Thomas announced a minute ago that we're all done for today, so we can leave. Good thing too, because I am STARVING!" 

Another round of giggles broke out as Nicole rubbed her stomach. "We better get you something to eat then! You want to dine like the French, or go straight for burgers and fries?" Maya suggested. 

"Fries were French first Maya!" Nicole said gleefully. Before they made their way out of FCI, she gave Caroline her new number.

While waiting for their car, Maya looks back at the building. "You okay sis?" Nicole asked gently. "Yeah. Coming to Forrester Creations International was better than I expected."

1 hour later...

"Thank you guys so much! Let's call this meeting to an end." Caroline announced. As everyone gathered their things to leave, she checked her phone. 

He didn't waste any time getting back to me. She thought. 

The text was only two words, but she knew just how much he meant them.

"Thank you."

2 hours before – in Los Angeles

Word about Maya arriving back to Paris and to FCI with Thomas had reached FC before the meeting there ended, so when Rick started calling her she knew why. Caroline finally answered him via text.

Sorry. Can't talk – in a meeting. 

Then he started sending her rapid texts soon after.

Is she there? Really there?

How is she?

Will she be in Paris for long?

Caroline didn't want to get involved, but she found herself wanting to know the same questions that Rick was asking her. And since she didn't have any answers for him, Caroline did the only thing that she could think to do. When she scanned the room for her, she saw that Maya was sitting alone by the window. Before anyone would notice what she was doing, Caroline quickly took a picture of her and sent it to Rick.