Not Until Then

Not Until Then Chapter 3

Read Author’s Note Below

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It favored me that we took Jonathan’s car instead of mine. In that case, those psychotic paparazzi still wouldn’t be aware of my newly purchased car. It pained me to let go of my Ferrari before; I wasn’t about to let the same fate ensue with my Porsche.

We made our way back to the office. Throughout the rather uneventful day, Jonathan accompanied me. It surprised me that Jonathan Ramirez was actually a pleasant company. He wasn’t nosy. He wasn’t a pain in the ass. He was simply there. Or maybe it helped that all I needed to do was settle some arrangements in Mix and Match studios.

I remembered seeing Austin when I stormed off Dad’s office that morning so I wasn’t entirely surprised when I saw him come in mine before I was off.

With my bag already slung on my shoulders and Jonathan holding out the door for me, we sat back on my desk. If it were other officers, I wouldn’t have given a damn, but it was Austin, and I knew he wouldn’t make me stay if it weren’t that important.

He set down loads of folders and papers on my desk, making an audible thud. “Department reset.” He stated with a grim expression. His usually neat blonde hairdo stuck out in random places, indicating his stressful day. Not to mention that he must be in some state of post-hangover right now.

I flipped open the folder on top of the pile. It was my portraits with Gucci. “I thought the merge wasn’t established yet?” I looked up at him inquisitively.

“John Ramirez was here this morning, right after you left. They signed the papers and, viola, more work.” He stated. Jonathan’s head snapped to Austin at the mention of his father. “He was here?” He asked.

“That’s what I said.” Austin replied nastily.

“Well, I didn’t know that.” Jonathan seemed to be half-talking to himself now.

“Obviously.” Austin muttered.

I decided to butt in before hangover-ed Austin said more. “So what’s the new theme, then?” I plopped my elbows on my desk as I waited for his answer.

“Department executives’ meeting tomorrow at the board. Meanwhile, save these portraits. Nothing’s concrete at the moment.” I loved all-business Austin. It wasn’t anything like his happy-go-lucky persona outside the office—not that I disliked his easy nature, but this Austin was more appealing, to me at least.

I held back a smile. “Sure, I’ll be there.” I said.

“You should be,” he gave me a knowing look. I returned it with an innocent one. Austin knew I was capable of ditching meetings, no matter how important they may be. “Anyway, I need to check on the Marketing Committee,” he half-turned and arched an eyebrow at me “See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow.” I grinned. He grinned back and stalked off. I took that as a cue to leave too. I’ve dismissed Jane an hour ago so it was me who locked my office.

“So, it’s on then?” Jonathan spoke from beside me, just as the metal doors opened to reveal the almost empty lobby.

“What’s on?” I turned to him with a confused expression.

“The wedding.” He shrugged noncommittally and walked out of the lift with me keeping pace alongside him.

“I haven’t really agreed yet.” I muttered.

“We both know that no one has to agree.” He said impassively.

I looked at him with a sigh. He was right but I refused to yield. Injustice. This was sheer injustice.