Beauty From Ashes

Chapter 28: Wedges

Character pictures up top, we have Billy, Skyler and Freddie from the Reno LionHeart youth.

So for this chapter, we're gonna leave Cheyenne, Albert and his friends alone. I know, you're all freaking out, after I left a cliffhanger on who was knocking at their door. But before we continue the rest, we'll take this chapter to build up to it. 

Los Angeles is getting the worst of the rain showers. And unfortunately, it all started before Brazzoms was locked up for the night. Which means that Storm X Malcolm and a few of his other workers are stuck inside. And despite the fact that people have been advised to stay off of the street and remain indoors, a eed sports car has rushed into the working parking lot. 

A young man exits the car and makes his way into the building just in time before the front doors lock up. He shakes the rain off his arms and head as he walks to the front desk. "Excuse me?"

"Uh, can I help you sir?"

"Yes. I'm here to see Mr. Malcolm."

"That's X Malcolm. And I'm sorry but we're closed for today, tomorrow, and you can only request a meeting during work hours after a proper call or a formal-" 
The young man lays down a ticket invitation and a VIP Reservation Pass. 
"-application…? Did you just- How did you get a hold of this? We've only sent a few out to-"

The front desk man seems to stop when he sees the young man unzip his hoodie, showing a particular shirt underneath. 
"How about now?"

Storm stands in his office talking to his wife on the phone. 
"Yeah, I'm not surprised that they've instructed everyone to keep their cars off of the roads tonight. Yup. Alright, well, then I guess I'll hold the fort at work for the night. Wouldn't be the first time. Mm-hmm. Sure thing. Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. Uh huh, love you too." 

As soon as he hangs up, his new assistant sighs. "I'm sorry Mr. Storm. I totally should've put a weather check on my agenda."

"Nah, that's my fault, Melissa. I always have a bad habit of not checking the weather before coming to work," Storm said. He sighs. "But, it looks like we're sleeping over at work for the night. So, feel free to borrow a bed from one of the sets downstairs."

"Uh, are you sure?"

"Yeah. Oddly enough, they're much more comfortable to sleep on than they look. I'll meet you down there in a little bit."

Melissa the assistant widens her eyes. "I- I have a boyfriend, boss sir!"

Storm puts on a big grin and chuckles. "We'll be sleeping separately! It's after hours, and you're not even a model." Storm then approaches her. "I know you're new, but we're not just fucking machines. And I appreciate your work for me despite your…..boundaries," he said pointing to her Jewish necklace. 

She nofs nervously, but then smiles. "I'm…..shocked that you're so understanding." 

Storm smirks. "Get some rest." 

"Yes sir." 

Then the office phone rings. Melissa flinches and picks it up while Storm watches in confusion. "Hmm? Yes Winslow? Uh-huh? Uh…..okay, just- give me a second." She turns to him. "I think you should take this. Good night." 

She hands over the phone and Storm speaks out. "I didn't even know you were still downstairs."

"Uh hey, Storm? I- I know we closed up and all but, there's a person who just walked in downstairs, and he's on his way to your office right now."

Storm squints. "Wait….. Who would drive all the way to our studio at this time of the night with this weather? Who is this guy?"

"He had one of the VIP invitations we just mailed out for our upcoming press." This only makes Storm more confused.