Chapter 6.

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Dedicated to xubydah

MARIANNA

The Sinclair project has gotten me so occupied in the past one month. Researching on various cultures and contacting fashion designers across the globe is what has kept me on my toes.

I am so cranky right now. I haven't gotten laid in this time frame too. Well, I can't say the same for Lucas because he is definitely getting it somewhere else. It's not like our relationship is labelled exclusive, it is just me that thinks of it that way.

Placing my hands on my jaw, I snap my neck in opposite directions and stop when I hear the crack sounds. Stretching next, I close the pages of the document and stand up to grab something from the vending machine; probably chips and sprite because I don't have the strength to leave the building. Plus, sprite and chips is a good combination. An idea comes to my mind; how about I just start cooking and bringing it to work for lunch break, but then, where is the time to do that?

"Hey, Marianna, what's up?" Luego, one of my co-workers stop me on my way back to my office.

"Oh, hi, Luego." I turn around and give him a smile. Well, a fake one actually.

"What's up? Are you up for that lunch date you owe me?" He asks. Is this guy visually impaired? How is he not seeing the things I am holding?

"No. Rain check?" I ask, trying not to be rude.

"You promised, Marianna and yet you keep postponing it." He further says, much to my annoyance.

Now you know why I don't like him. He keeps pestering me. This lunch date was something I had to agree on to get him off my back, we never agreed on a day for the date so I am allowed to postpone it as much as I want to.

To be honest, I am walking on egg shells with respect to his case. Right now, I am mentally doing all I can not to come off rude to him. I force a smile before speaking up.

"See you later, Luego." I walk off even before he could say another word. So much drama being a beautiful lady; just that the person who has piqued my interest cannot seem to reciprocate it. What am I doing? Thinking about it again? I guess I am running out of my mind.

Getting back into my office, I immediately tear the wrap of the chips pack and began stuffing it into my mouth. On cue, my phone starts to ring; Lucas. I ignore it and continue eating.

Focusing my attention back to work, I start studying the comprehensive list of designers prepared to be reached out to and my progress so far.

Impressively, it is over 90% completed. Aspects to be looked into also involves the cultures and norms in the different countries. Also, locations for shooting also matter, which I have done and seeking approval for the time allocated per location.

To give you a brief insight, the Sinclair's project is a slight deviation from our normal activities here. They want to make a fashion magazine that cuts across various cultures using real life pictures and places. Original pictures exclusive to them which means travelling to these locations is neccessary, which is why there is a need for this extensive research.

The planned time frame for this project is six months, which means I would be gone for quite some time. Three countries are selected per continent.

From Africa, there is Nigeria, Botswana and Egypt. For Asia; China, India and Dubai. For Europe; Germany, Switzerland and Croatia. For South America; French Guiana, Venezuela and Brazil. For North America; Jamaica, Haiti and Dominican Republic. For Oceania; Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

This makes it a total of 18 countries. Travel arrangements have already been made and we leave for our trip at the end of this week. Two other of my colleagues would also be travelling with me, so it is a five people trip and guess what? We would be using the St. Clair private Helicopter.

LUCAS

"How is Marianna?" Mom asks when I finally open the door to her.

"Hi, mom. I am very fine, thank you for asking." I reply her, my voice dripping of sarcasm.

"Oh, hey, son." She smiles back at me.

"How's dad and Gioia?" I ask her as she sits on the sofa, crossing her legs and exuding grace. Mom is a very sophisticated woman with class. At least, that is what she potrays to others.

The Mec set of jewellery she has on shines brightly as a result of the tiny diamond stones on them and the huge ruby stone that catches anyone's attention upon a first glance. This particular design is custom made for her. I had the production staff at the company make them as a birthday gift last year.

"They are both fine. Where is Marianna?" She asks again.

"Not heard from her for quite sometime. Any problem?" I ask her.

"Hope you have not finally pushed that girl away?" She asks with one brow raised.

"What are you talking about? She is my bestfriend, so no pushing away." I say in defence.

"Well, what of the things you both do between the sheets?" I roll my eyes at her question.

"I know, so don't deny it." This woman lowkey behaves like an FBI sometimes and there is no point lying to her. She is not an FBI agent but mom sure knows how to dig for information. With her grace and elegance, one would never suspect a thing. Not many people know about that side of her, just the guys, Marie, Gioia, Dad and me.

"Marie and I have an agreement, mom. It does not change anything." I say.

"If you say so. I went over to her apartment and she is not there, tried calling her but it has not been going through." Well, that's strange. I have also not seen nor heard from her in a very long while.

"I have not seen her for some time, either." I state.

"Oh, alright. Let me know when you see her. I have something for her."

"Does that something also apply to me, mom?" I ask, wiggling my eyebrows.

"No, go have your bath. You are going home with me today."

"Okay, mom." I say in mock surrender. I have not been at our home for quite some time now so it would not hurt to actually go there and relax. I'll cancel with the guys, they'll understand. If there is one thing I have learnt from my parents, it will be to always be there for those you consider family.

"And Lucas? You should invite the boys over for dinner tomorrow." Uh, oh. The boys at my parents house, that equals dinner disaster.

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