Chapter 9 The meeting with the new guy

Riele and Charlotte had finished what they needed to do and were heading to Kim's office when Jay approached Riele. He grabbed her hand and Riele had to stop. She turned to look at who dared to touch her without her permission and to her greatest surprise, she saw it was Jay.

Charlotte was shocked. "Um... I'll be in the office while you join me later". Riele nodded. Charlotte went to the office leaving Riele with Jay. Immediately after she left, Jay left Riele's hand.

"Isn't there anything I can help you with?". Riele asked politely.

Jay stared at her for a while before replying. "Yes... actually, I need your help".

Riele didn't want to seem rude because he was cute and he's the model her boss volunteered. She folded her arms staring at him to state what he needs her to do for him.

"I am new to this whole modeling thing so I was wondering if you could tutor me". He lied.

Riele couldn't believe her eyes neither could she believe her ears. She knows she is in charge of the models but tutoring them about modeling, that's a new one. "Um...". She paused. She took that moment to look at him wondering if perhaps he was just joking but he was looking so serious. "Sure.. I'll help you". How bad can that be? she asked herself.

"Can we meet somewhere after the meeting is over?" Jay asked.

All of a sudden? Riele thought. "Of course." She replied.

Jay took her phone from her pocket. Riele wondered how he knew her phone was there but she kept her thought to herself. "What are you doing?".

Jay didn't reply. He was dialing his number on her phone after, he pressed the call button and her number appeared on his phone, he returned her phone to her. "What should I save your name as?". He asked. He looked at her before typing something on his phone. "I'll call you". He said after he was done saving her number.

"What did you save my number with?". Riele asked putting her phone back into her pocket.

"Trust me, you wouldn't want to know". And wit,h that he left.

Riele sighed before she entered the office. The moment she entered, Kim's eyes were already glaring at her. Riele noticed but decided to ignore it. She sat down next to Charlotte who whispered to her. "What took you so long?".

"I'll explain later". Riele whispered back.

"And what was that?" He asked.

Riele didn't understand the question. "I don't understand".

"I told you to come in with Charlotte, why didn't you come with her?".

"I did... just that um...Jay needed my help with something and I ..."

"And you decided to stay and chat with him instead of coming to meet me?" his voice going higher.

Riele was shocked to see he was angry even though Charlotte had the same expression.

"You told me I'm in charge of the models... I'm just doing my job".

"And I gave you an order to come with Charlotte for a meeting".

"Well, I'm here now, am I not? why not just let us start the meeting instead of picking fights with me".

Charlotte pinched Riele's thigh trying to signal her to shut up.

Kim looked at Riele not believing she talked back at him. "You know what, get out!!" He pointed to the door.

Riele stood up and left his office. She stood outside his office trying to calm her beating heart. She was angry and boiling inside. "What the hell is his problem? He told me to take care of the models and when I'm doing my job, he complains about it?". She was talking to herself when Jay came to meet her.

"Do you want to go somewhere?". He asked her.

"Just leave me alone Jay. I'm in this situation because of you". Riele was about to leave when he held her hand.

"You have to tutor me remember? and I'm not taking no for an answer".

"Let me get my things". She said and they went together to get her things. Immediately, she took her bag, Jay held her hand and led her out of the company.

Kim could see everything that was happening through the transparent glass. He didn't know why he was even angry. I wanted to give her the job back but with this, it's better she remains in charge of the models that way I won't get to see her often. He thought as he focused his attention back on Charlotte and some other people that were with him.

They discussed about what needs to be done tomorrow for the photo shoot; the clothes, the hair, the types of equipment they will use, and the design.

"I need everything to be perfect". He said. "Any question?" He asked.

Charlotte raised her hand. He gestured for her to speak. "I want to take permission that I won't be coming tomorrow"

"And why is that?" he asked.

Charlotte was scared to say she was pregnant so she tried to coop up a story.

"I need to um... check for something..."

"I need you here tomorrow, no excuse". He cuts in. "You can all leave".

Charlotte was the first to leave. She got to her desk looking for Riele. Austin knew she was looking for Riele so he came to meet her. "She just left with Jay". he paused. "Or he pulled her out of here". He paraphrased.

Charlotte was feeling so tired and she needed to go to the hospital for a check-up. She was thinking of telling the boss she's pregnant but with his recent outburst, she is scared to.

She tried calling her number but she wasn't picking up the call. "What is she even doing with that guy that she won't pick up my call?". She asked herself.

"Charlotte". She heard someone call. Looking at the person, she saw Madison running towards her.

"What is chasing you?". Charlotte asked.

"Have you seen Jay?". She asked.

"No".

"Dang it!" Madison said before leaving.

Charlotte tried calling again but Riele didn't pick up. "Just wait till I get hold of you tomorrow". Charlotte said as she got ready to leave.