Beautifully Damned

thirty-three: marcher sous la pluie

             bad day by justin bieber

Maxime.

After a couple days had gone by, I couldn't live with the uncertainty. I had to go to her. I departed from the plane, the sky was dark and the air was different. Oh the sweet smell of New York. I got into a car sent for me, and gave the driver the address that was said to be Imogen's. I made him stop, as I saw a flower shop. I went in and grabbed Imogen's favorite, orchids.

The atmosphere was different, people were more hostile and less happy. That's the city for you I guess, but there was this quality that it has that you can't get anywhere else. The driver pulled up to the building, and I looked at the address Camille gave me from my guys. The man came around and opened my door, I stepped out.

I fastened my coat as I walked into the building. Looking around I saw a man who looked like he was a janitor.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for the landlord. Or whoever can give me directions" I said

"You're looking at him pal" He turned around

"My apologies, I need the floor Imogen Louis is on" I said

"Who wants to know?" He raised his brow

I handed him my business card, "Now can you please point me in the direction of my girlfriends suite"

"I have to say, I'm surprised Gen would be with you. You have quite the reputation" He laughed

I rolled my eyes, "Her floor?" I spoke annoyed

"Right, Ms Louis moved out just about 2 days ago, that lot is empty" He said

I sighed as my heart sunk, "Thanks" I brought my phone out my pocket

"Do you think I could get a picture, and maybe an autograph? You know, for the wall of famous encounters" He pointed to the wall

I looked at the wall and saw pictures of Gaga, Johnny Depp and Alicia Keys. I rolled my eyes and walked out the building. It wasn't the time but and I was focused on something much more important. I dialed Dominiques number as I stood on the curb.

"Max! Hey ça va?" She asked
[Translation: How're you doing?]

"Dom, I'm fine, and yourself?" I asked entering the car

"Well I'm managing, considering I have to rethink my entire vision for the next couple months. But what's up?" She asked

"I'm looking for Imogen. I came by her building but she moved out? Do you have any idea where she is?" I asked

"Have you tried calling her or Yasmin?" She asked

I lost Yasmins number since I'd only ever called her on occasion, "Did something happen?" I asked

"Um, she went on a sort of hiatus. She said something about going through a lot and needing to healing herself, poor girl" She concluded

I pinched the bridge of my nose. Maybe she was better off without me, after all none of this happened before me. I didn't want to push because I knew she'd be breaking some American confidentiality law or something.

"I'm sorry Max" She sighed

"Yeah no worries. But if you hear from her, let me know if she's alright" I said

"Of course, bye" she hung up

Droplets of rain started to pour and a feeling of defeat came over me. This wasn't me. I traveled halfway across the world for a girl who probably wants nothing to do with me. It was a summer fling and that's all it was, a fling. At least that's what I'm trying to convince myself.

I wondered if she'd even gotten my letter, and if she read it. My next move was to leave, I got in the car and told the chauffeur to head back to the airport. As much as I wanted to hunt down Yasmin, I didn't want to be one of those annoying love struck men, it wasn't my style. I looked out the window, seeing the rain pour down.

Life's funny like that, but it was probably for the best. I could go back to focusing on work and get my priorities in order. I began to think, what would I have even said? Like come on, I'm Max Prince, one of the most powerful men in the world. The relationship is over, and coming here was a mistake. It's time to move on, be myself again.
————

I walked into my office building, absolutely mortified by the sight. Employees sat there, socializing and mellow, as if I wasn't there. Maybe I have gone soft, because the ones who'd hush at my arrival were playing video games in my presence.

This wasn't gonna work, these people have gotten too comfortable. I cleared my throat and straightened my tie, looking around. Everything got quiet and I raised my brow.

"Hey, if it isn't the boss man!" One man came forward, "All those off days, we were beginning to think you left" He said

"Excuse me?" I furrowed my brow

Another woman stepped forward "Well you have been... relâchement" She started "With the distractions and you hanging around 20 year olds" she laughed
[Translation: Slacking]

"Looks like you all have forgotten who you work for, so how's this for slacking?" I started,  "You're fired, you're fired too...you 3 in the back can go. And I don't even know who you are but you're fired. Effective Immediately" I pointed to people throughout the office

Murmurs grew and I put my hands in my pocket, "Sir, I didn't mean—" The man tried to say

I dialed a number on my phone, "Security we have trespassers" I said

"Get the fuck out of my building" I cursed at them

I watched as they each walked off, some cried as they left. As I began to walk to my office, I turned around, "Anyone one else want to be terminated so I know how many jobs I need to fill?" I said cheerfully

All eyes went down and the place got silent, I smiled. "Very well then. Camille go through the applications and find 10 new employees!" I said passing by her office leading to mine

I sat down in my chair, going through proposals on my desk. I occupied myself with these plans until I hear a knock on my door, assuming it was Camille,

"Entrez" I said, flipping a page

The door opened and a woman walked in. Dirty blonde, about 5'5, nothing like Imogen's 5'10. She walked in with a black pantsuit, red bottoms and red lipstick. Her hair was pinned up and I noticed her freckles, The pantsuit did nothing to hide her hourglass built body.

"Can I help you? Are you in the right place?" I asked

"Yes. Léa Francois, I'm your new CMO" she extended her hands

I stood, "And who authorized this Ms. Francois?" I asked

"Actually you. You signed off on it Sir" She said

I shook her hand and motioned for her to sit down. She sat in front of my desk and I couldn't help but notice her cleavage pertruding through her blazer top. I'm newly single and she's right in front of me.

What's the harm in a little fun?
*********

Oooooh make predictions for my girl Léa

Ugh I really wanted to give them their rain kiss when he won her back but as you can see that was not the case. Maybe next time....or not ;)