8

Marie

My dream was interrupted by a familiar Beyoncé song playing in the background, a song that also happens to be my call ringtone. I groan against my pillow and grab my phone. Without checking the caller ID I press answer.

"Hello?" I ask. Who the hell I disturbing me at 9:00 am on a Saturday?

"Marie?" A raspy British accent speaks. Mr. Allan. Why is he calling me? Did he want me to come in today? Oh please no!

"Mr. Allan? Why are you calling me this early on a Saturday morning?" I ask sitting up and leaning against the headboard.

"Marie, I want to ask you if you are free tonight" Is he asking me out? I crinkle my nose in disgust. He's met Daniel. Who does he think he is? Or think I am am?

"Sir, I have a boyfriend and I think this is very unprofessional-"

I was interrupted by rather loud chuckling, "Marie, I'm not asking you on a date love"

Almost immediately my cheeks redden, Of course he isn't. Why am I so stupid. "There is actually a charity event I have to attend tonight. This is a yearly thing. I always take my assistant with me as this is a work event. It actually slipped my mind to inform you so if you already have plans you will be excused but if you don't then you would have to come."

An event? I remember Carl used to take me to those as well, they were always work related. I don't have any plans tonight I mean as much I don't want to see him but free food so why not?

"No Sir, I don't have any plans." I say.

"Perfect then. If you can text me your address I will pick you up at 7." He says.

"Okay" I mumble.

"I'll see you later. Goodbye Marie" Before I can even say anything else he hangs up.

At around 6, I took a quick shower and wore a floor sweeping, white off-the-shoulder maxi that Nina had gotten me a year ago for my birthday. I compliment the dress with sliver heels and emerald teardrop shaped earrings. I let my hair fall to my right shoulder in natural long waves. After applying light makeup, I admire myself in the mirror. I think I look pretty nice, chic-elegant and simple. Like I prefer. I decide to take a sliver box clutch that looks very well with my dress.

Exactly at 7:00 the doorbell rang. I look at myself one last time in the mirror before walking to the door. I opened the door and there stood Karter Allan in a black tuxedo. I have to admit, he looks dashing. Like over the top dashing.

Karter looks me head to toe with glistening eyes, "Wow, you look beautiful. More then usual Marie" my cheeks start to redden as I stare at the ground. Why does he have this kind of affect on me?

"Well shall we go?" He asks. I nod unable to speak. I close the door behind me and follow him.

Standing outside is black limousine. Why am I even shocked? This guy is a billionaire. He opens the door for me for which I thank him and smile.

How is he being such a gentleman today? First the compliment then opening the door for me? He walks in from the other side and takes a seat beside me. Well with enough space to make me feel comfortable.

"Let's go Richie. You know the way" Karter says to the driver.

"Yes sir" The driver says and closes the partition that separates the passengers from the driver.

I just stare out of the window as we the driver starts the car. We sit there in silence for awhile until Karter speaks.

"I'm assuming this isn't your first time?" Karter asks.

I turn my head to look at him, "It's not. I used to accompany Carl to these events all the time"

He simply just nods. "Is he going to be there?" I ask.

Karter raises an eyebrow at me confused, "Carl?"

"I'm afraid not. He was invited but he had other plans. I talked to him a while ago" I nod.

After an entire hour later we arrive at our destination. Karter gets out first, I move to open my door but Karter beats me to it and offers me his hand. I smile and take it.

I pick up my floor sweeping dress a little and walk up the stairs beside Karter. Before we enter the building Karter looks at me," Stick by my side. This place is huge and you're probably not familiar with anyone so we don't want you getting lost." I nod as Karter opens the door for me yet again. This gentleman thing is actually pretty nice. If only he can always be like this always.

We walks beside each other, Karter stops by several people to greet them. "So that was Earl, a long time investor of ours. He was actually one of our firsts." Karter tells me about the man we had just met.

"Karter Styles!" We hear a manly voice with a British accent behind us. We turn around and Karter and the man endorse

themselves in a hug. The man was a few inches shorter then Karter, with light brown hair, blue eyes and tan skin. This man was attractive that's for sure. The man moves away and smiles at me.

"And who might this be?" He asks extending his hand. I extend mine hoping to shake his hand but he places a kiss on the outside of my hand causing my heart flutter, not in a romantic way but like in awe.

"This is my assistant Marie Rodrigo and Marie this is my long time friend, Liam Knight" Liam smiles at me and I do the same.

"How long have you been working for Karter love?" Liam asks.

"About two weeks now" I say.

"Oh, so you're fairly new" I simply nod.

"I actually stole her from Carl, she was his assistant for a year" Karter says.

"Oh, how is Carl?" Liam asks.

"He's good. Doing well. Sophia's expecting!" Karter says.

"Oh, that's terrific. Good for them! How was Carl as a boss Marie?" Liam asks looking at me with a polite smile. He seems too nice to be a friend of Karter's.

"Honestly, he was the best boss ever. Everyone loves him. I honestly don't think I can work for a more fair and kind man" I say with a smile.

"Not even me?" Karter asks with raised eyebrow.

"No offence Mr. Allan but Carl was way nicer then you" I say confidently.

Liam chuckles, "Woah! Marie has guts! I'd be surprised if you still have your job by the end of the night." Liam says slightly elbowing me making me chuckle.

"Nah, I'm not firing anyone" Karter says seeming unfazed by my comment.

"I guess Karter really likes you!" Liam mutters. I simply shrug.

"Devin and Alex are also coming" Liam says looking at Karter.

"Oh are they now? Haven't spoken to either of them in awhile. It'll be nice to see them" Karter says smiling.

The rest of the night was pretty nice, I met the rest of Karter's

friend's Devin Michaels and Alex Stewart. I even met Liam's wife Ellie and Alex's fiancé Jennifer. They both were very sweet. Karter seemed to have a great time as well, this first time I'd ever seen him smile and laugh properly. Tonight made me realize that Karter really has a soul. Which is strange. I guess Carl was right, he really is a nice man he just chooses to hide it and puts up a tough man act for others.