The Wedding Planner

Chapter 16

"Marinette! Over here!" Margie calls out across the bar.

The interior is clean and classic, with an original wooden bar top and stools. It has a low ceiling and is only frequented by locals who know about it, resulting in an intimate but not crowded environment.

Marinette had changed out of her business dress into a more casual back skirt, red tank top, and jean jacket; an outfit she debated over for a good 15 minutes, not wanting to over or under dress for this rare excursion out. A sigh of relief escapes her as she spies Margie and their other coworkers dressed to a similar degree.

"I'm so glad you came!" Margie hugs her as Marinette joins them at a standing table.

She smiles nervously, "Yeah, you were right, I could use a drink, or two," she mumbles the last part, wondering if Margie could sense how her life had been turned upside down since she last saw her.

Magie smiles delightedly, "I knew it! I'll get you a drink, on me." She and the other girls head to the bar to order while Mari holds their spot at the table.

It had been a while since Mari participated in any sort of night-life, she wasn't even a big fan of it during her time at university. She sighs, realizing the reason she can even afford to go out right now is because business is slow. When they were busy, it wasn't unusual for Mari to stay up till midnight in her office or review sketches on her couch while some reality show played in the background. She longed to be that busy again.

She couldn't understand the sudden drop off in business this past year or so. She knew that they were lucky that the Boutique was sustainable at all during the five years they've been open. Margie and her had to work second jobs during the beginning; now she worries that they may be returning to those circumstances soon.

Her spirits lift as the ladies return with glasses in hand, Margie slides Marinette a glass of vodka-cran. "Thanks."

They all clink their glasses together and take their first sips of their drinks of choice. As Mari lifts her glass to her lips, she spies a familiar figure over the rim of her glass. She chokes on her drink, only calling Adrien's attention to her faster.

Margie pats her on the back as she coughs, clearing her airway. "Are you that out of practice?" She jokes.

Marinette recovers herself, her eyes drifting up. Margie follows her pointed gaze and gawks at Adrien approaching them. "Oh my god?" She says under her breath, everyone at their table unable to hide their stares.

Still dressed in a dress shirt and slacks, he sticks out like a sore thumb, as if his famous face wasn't enough to draw attention. Visually assessing the situation he's walking in on, he puts on the charm, "How are you ladies doing this evening?" He says in a voice like silk.

The half-dozen of their coworkers just continue to stare awestruck at him. Margie is the only one to form words, "We're all well, Mr. Agreste, thank you. What brings you here tonight?" She says in her work-voice, a tone she reserved for talking to clients. It probably helped steady her.

"I needed to consult with 'M' on a... project we discussed earlier. I was told I could find her here." His eyes drift from Margie to Marinette.

Everybody manages to tear their eyes away from Adrien to stare, even more wide-eyed, at Marinette.

Her toe taps on the floor, she clears her throat, "It seems whoever told you I was here neglected to mention my office hours?" She retorts, making her co-workers jaws drop at her tone.

He's unwavering, "They understood the importance of our discussion." He turns to the ladies surrounding her on both sides, "I do apologise for interrupting your night out, but I would like to borrow 'M' for a while."