AFTER : Derek and Alexandra Jones

Some changes

During this time

Most of the time, those fancy events were for Alex. But this time, it was for Derek. Within a short period of time, and especially with his health status, he reached the elite. The mayor reunited a circle of important people, once a year around a brunch. He had a reputation of being more of a celebrity than a politic figure, but only ignorant were seeing it as his true face. In reality, Los Angeles was his city. He was smart. Mayor Minch knew how to get his black voter.

Derek and Alex arrived a little while ago and even if it was an event for Derek, some fan recognized his wife and he just decided to step aside. This is where Mayor Minch saw the young man and walked to him, followed by a small group of men

" Mr Jones" he exclaimed, opening his arms like he was about to take Derek in his arms. He was just so dramatic , loving making big appearance " I'm happy we're finally meeting " The mayor gave Derek an accolade, like he was actually meaning what he said of being happy to meet him. It was just an act. Of course, he needed to appear as over welcoming

" Thank you for inviting me Sir" Derek answered, softly. He took a sip of his mimosa, to relax himself. He wasn't used to be the center of the attention, or being around powerful and rich people, simply being one. But Derek knew how to behave and be polite. It was in his nature.

" Of course" said Mayor Minch " I only heard good things about you and your recent activities. What you're doing for the community is simply amazing" A new guy in town. Rich and innocent, working for the community. That is what Derek represented to the Mayor. It was unnecessary to precise that Minch was about to run for the mayor office, again. " I have a project that I would like to realize. Someone as motivated and driven like you might just be the perfect fit at the front desk....but we're not here to talk about work. I also heard you recently got married. Congratulations "

" Thank you" Answered Derek, not a ounce of excitement. He was maybe new to this but he wasn't dump. Why mentioned this project if it's to talk about his marital status a second after. Why invited him if it wasn't to talk about business ? The mayor was smart enough, not saying too much but enough to raise Derek's curiosity. Mayor Minch quickly crossed his look with his closest neighbor and Derek recognized him right the way. Jean Lemarque. A french business/multiple millionaire. Derek remembered where he saw his face. On a cover magazine with some stupid headline ' the sexiest single man in LA' . Apparently that Jean was a part of the mayor private circle.

" Do we have the chance to see Mrs Jones" Jean said. Derek couldn't tell why buy he didn't like the way Jean speaks. Stand....or even breath. The french look arrogant, cocky and well too sure that money can get him whatever. The husband felt a hand on his shoulder and couple second after, Alex appeared next to him, at his arm

" Did I heard my name ?" She teased, with such a beautiful and charming smile. Too charming for Derek. Yes it was a pride to introduce a woman as your wife, even more when she was such of a woman. Independent. Talented. Incredibly beautiful. Sweet

" Gentlemen...." Derek introduced, against his will, to be honest " Alexandra Jones, my wife "

Alex gave a look to the group of male, quickly, to say hello because she didn't want to distance herself from her man. Her all body language was speaking by itself, wrapping her arms against Derek's one, her head almost in his neck. This kind of closeness was easy and natural to them. But the group of male took a longer time and a specific one , even a longer time. He stepped ahead, giving a hand to shake to the woman, ignoring Alex's body language. Forced, Mrs Jones released Derek's arms to answer the hand shacking

" Well for once the rumors were true" commented Jean" She is delightful Derek"

Derek didn't get it wrong. That Jean guy was cocky and bold.