everybody wants you,
but i don't like a gold rush.
—wednesday—
—lunch—
(mari's pov)
--
We sit down at one of the tables in the cafe. I set my crutches flat on the floor, "So, Felix. I was also thinking we should discuss this whole, you know, fake dating thing." I say, trying to sound professional.
I adjust my blazer and smooth out my skirt. "Okay, let's discuss a plan, we need to give the media what they want." he says, while picking up his fork.
"What do they want?" I question him, while a confusing look appears on my face. "Four words, Public Display of Affection." he says, while using his fingers to show me the four words.
A look of sheer terror goes on my face, sure, the hundreds of romance books I've read have had this trope, fake dating. I never thought this situation could actually be real! I'm dreaming right? This isn't real?
"PDA?" I ask him, making sure my ears aren't deceiving me. "Yes, PDA." he says, "Don't worry, I don't mean kissing or anything," I choke once he says the word kissing, why would he even think of that word right now?
"Are you okay?!" he blurts out, his eyes wide and him jumping out of his seat.
"I'm fine, just never though i'd hear kissing in a conversation with my boss." I say, wiping my mouth with a napkin. I take a bite of the pasta they were serving in the cafeteria and just look around the cafeteria.
I see lots of workers with their laptops out, they never get a break. Everyone here seem like they work so hard, I work hard too, but i'd never imagine working even during the only break of the day.
I zone out, looking at my plate of food in front of me.
Zoning out was a completely normal, nearly daily, occurrence. When I was younger, I would zone out in class. My teacher used to call me a romancistist, because I would write short stories in class. I would turn them in to her and she would give me extra credit for being so creative.
I've always been a hopeless romantic, in my teen years, I would read books and long for a lover. I wanted a love, a love that would last forever, a lover that would hold me during sad times, and take care of me when I was sick or injured. I would read to get away from reality, to get away from school and stress.
"Marinette!" Felix says, while waving his hand in my face. "Oh! Sorry Felix, must've zoned out for a minute, i'm sorry." I say, feeling bad. I must've seemed rude just now.
"It's fine, how's your ankle. I forgot to ask when I saw you yesterday." he says, motioning towards my wrapped ankle. "Oh! That? It's fine! I forgot about it this morning though, I fell off my bed!" I say, oh my god why did I say that in front of him? A light blush brushes against my cheeks.
"You really need to be more careful, did you get your prescription for the swelling?" he asks, why does he care so much?
"Yes.?" I say, the answer coming out sounding like a question.
"Alright." he says, looking at his phone, i'm guessing to check his email.
*ding*
"I sent you my phone number, just because, we're doing this fake dating thing." he says, going back to our conversation from before.
"Okay, thanks. I need discuss some rules and concerns for this." I say, putting my arms in my lap, my hands start to sweat, why must I always get nervous? Maybe it's because he's so damn intimidating.
"Okay, tell me, after i'll explain MY rules and concerns." he says, putting his hands on the table.
"Okay, uhm, rule number ONE!" I say, holding a one up with my finger in his face, "No kissing," I say, with a disgusted look on my face, my stomach twists, "Rule two, please don't talk all weird to me, you're my boss, it's weird." I say, "One of my concerns though, how long is this going to last, because again, you're my boss and it's really weird." I say, at this point, i'm ranting like an idiot.
"Okay, I get it, I'm your boss, it's weird." he says, touching his hair. "Some of MY rules, Marinette are, no kissing, no hugging." he says, "but beware, paparazzi will be everywhere, so behave." he says, standing up.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go prepare for my upcoming meeting." He says, adjusting his tie and taking his leave.
What did he mean EVERYWHERE? Now i'm stressed. I grab my crutches off the floor and make my way to the elevator. I stare at the ground while slowly going to the elevator, when I collide to a heavily cologned person.
Ouch, I think to myself, I open my eyes. I see a hand reach for me, I notice they have masculine hands painted nearly with black nail polish. I feel my ankle throbbing, great.
I grab his hand, getting to my feet again, and adjusting to my crutches again. "Are you okay?" he asks, "Yeah i'm fine." I look up, seeing a madly attractive man, his face looks familiar.
"Oh, sorry, I should introduce myself. I'm Luka, Luka Couffaine." he says, reaching his hand out for a handshake. "Hi, i'm Marinette, Marinette Dupain-Cheng!" I say, grabbing his hand and having a nice friendly handshake. "Well, if you'd excuse me Luka, I have to get to Felix's office before he has me fired for being incompetent." I say, starting to slowly go to the elevator.
"Nice to meet you!" Luka says, "See you around Marinette." He says, waving me off.
—
*ding*
My ankle starting feeling worse as I go on, so when I finally get to my desk, I pop 2 ibuprofen in my mouth and I start to get back to work. I make notes for Felix's work and leave them on the corner of my desk.
—
I yawn, putting my hand over my mouth, the sun starts to set. That's my time to go! I excitedly grab all of my stuff and put my purse over my shoulder, this is the worst part of my day though, this heavy purse and these stupid crutches. I let out a groan, why is this so difficult?
I slowly make my way to the elevator and click the button, the elevator opens almost instantly. I see a hand open the elevator door, the skinny familiar hands I see all the time. Felix is coming? I thought the rest of my day was gonna go good. Ugh.
Felix holds his hand out, what did he want? I don't have any money. I roll my eyes, "What do you want Felix?" I ask, "Your purse." he says, looking over at me, looking uninterested.
"Why?" I hesitantly ask, deep down knowing the answer. "Why else?" he shrugs off my stupid question.
I try to hand him my purse, without falling over. Unsuccessful mission, I instantly go crashing down. I feel a strong set of arms catch me, curse my natural bad luck and bad balance. "Marinette, how are you so naturally bad at everything?" he says, while placing me back upright.
"I'll have you KNOW, I am not naturally bad at everything, I happen to be a very good writer." I say, wishing I could cross my arms right now.
He holds onto my purse. This is the longest elevator ride I have ever been on, including the time I had been stuck on an elevator when I was ten years old.
*ding*
Phew, thank god.
"Where's your car?" Felix asks, trying to walk slow next to me, "In parking slot 82." I say, trying to speed up in these god-awful crutches.
We finally make it outside, the smell of spring hits my nose. The flowers Gabriel had planted outside flowed through the air, the roses. I look around me, the trees grew their leaves back and everyone started wearing their t-shirts again.
I unlock my car and put my crutches in my passengers seat, i'm not really used to the whole driving situation, but i'll get used to this soon.
Felix hands me my purse, "Thanks for the help Felix, I really appreciate it!" I smile at him, I start my car. "Oh, Marinette." he says before I close my door, he leans close to me, "I won't be in the office tommorow, I just wanted to give you a 24-hour notice." he says, backing away from my car.
Why wouldn't he be in the office tomorrow? I smirk, no more fat ugly coffee cup to fill tomorrow!
—