Chapter 7

Kylie's POV
Listening to my boss chat my ear off about my behavior at the last event wasn't really how I imagined my morning going. I woke up to my dog licking my face which honestly didn't start my day off too nicely.
Don't get me wrong, the little shit is the cutest thing on this earth but when it decided to lick my face it's the nastiest thing. I showered quickly and got dressed ready for work. The buzz around the weeks event literally just calming down which made my job slightly easier.
As head of a recipe company I do a lot of work for the company that isn't seen but Mr Smith my boss has decided that he wants me going to events to meet with people and make myself known in the industry.
This I am incredibly thankful for.
But turns out it isn't such a good idea. Since some amateur worked thought they vocally spread lies and a random accusation about me. It was known that I don't come out to these events because honestly, I don't have the patience to deal with these idiots. That have somehow landed themselves a place in this highly competitive industry. I have other things to think about and my life is somehow at is spec.
Things were really turning bout as I never expected it to, starting from Mark's finance Betty who now has a job at my work place, she now spread all kinds of lies about me at the office and even when we go out for an occasion, presentation or and event, fee days ago she didn't know that I would show up that night. Safe to say I didn't take the comments well since she even had the audacity to make racial comments about my main model for the line. Say shit about me but talk absolute crap about my models or anyone who's working for me and I will willingly spill my drink all over her cheap dress.
That's exactly what I did. Didn't she deserve it as well?
"No, not a fucking chance Luke," I say slamming the door shut, I walked out of his office grabbing my bag already needing that lunch break. Unfortunately, I heard the faint sign of Luke walking up to my office.
"Kylie, it's a business event I really need to go to this one you're making a speech" Mr Smith decides to spill on me. I couldn't have spun my head around any faster than I did. Could he not have told me this earlier.
He winced at the look I was giving him. Good. Even though he is my, I know I've got that effect on him. That's what happens when you practically helped build this company up to the standard it is at now.
"A speech? what the fuck do they want me to say I just create a recipe " I could tell Mr Smith with annoyed with my voice. He rubbed his eyes before settling himself on my table.
This is a common scene with me and him. Nothing out of the ordinary.
"You're a divorcee turned international Cook, and a creator of Recipes, this is what everyone wants to hear" yeah, of course, they want to hear how I failed at me marriage. Yes, I get that I made it somewhere on my own but c'mon a speech.
Now I was the one rubbing my eyes, well not as rough since I have mascara on and I don't really want to be looking like a raccoon.
"Fine, but I'm only doing this because I've got nothing planned tonight," I tell him checking through my emails quickly before I head out.
I drain Mr Smith's voice out as he begins to thank me.
"Well you look like shit" he comment walking further and wrapping his arms around rme. I laughs unto his shoulder. I went into Sara office, and decided to go get a dress for the event, hopefully Mark will be there since it has been ages since I last saw him.
" I haven't been home in three days Sara cut me some slack" she whacked me on the arm. I loved this girl. We worked on a collab about a year ago and have been good friends since.
"Heard that you've been around the city looking for a dress," she says pulling me towards another room. Her building looked similar to mine but she had fewer people working here so she didn't need all the space.
"How did you know, what it that obvious" I laugh wondering what's being said about me now.
She practically drags me into a room smiling. I was too busy watching my steps that when I lifted my head I was in awe. The room was transformed into a woman's dreams. There were mannequins covered in beautiful gowns from simple to complex. Pretty to sexy.
I could feel her gaze on me, I knew she was probably nervous about what I would say but fuck that I had no words.
"You're definitely making one huge comeback" I mumble stepping forward to admire the closest dress to me. The dress was simple and elegant. A white and black silk gown that had a beautiful neckline. I was in awe.
"Do you think they're good enough, it's not too much right" she mumbles here eyes glancing from each dress.
I turn my head
"I could slap you for that statement" I say angered that she doesn't think this is worthy. Technically were competitors but fuck, she has truly done justice with these gowns.
" I always know you're honest when you get angry" she laughs I can see her body relaxing finally. I'm pretty sure she hasn't shown anyone her work yet.
" I want you to wear one tonight, " she says walking around the room. She had to be careful not to bump into any of the dresses and oddly that was humorous to see.
I did a double take. "what" I exclaim my eyes widened. I mean I wasn't betting on it but I was hoping she would let me wear a dress. But not from her brand new collection.
"Oh yeah, this dress is designed for your body come here" she beamed at me too excited. I could only laugh at her chirps of happiness as she pulled a dress out from behind a hidden section.
I don't think I was mentally prepared for the dress she was about to reveal but as soon as the sheet was removed as she stood aside. My heart took a turn for the worse.
From the look she was giving me she knew exactly what I was thinking I didn't need to spell it out for her. She takes a sip of her drink before focusing on me.
"Look, Kylie, that event was nothing compared to tonight. This one is full of elite businessmen and woman who envy your hard work and talent. These are your type of people and you will be just fine okay, and don't forget Mark will also b there" her words were comforting but it didn't stop me from feeling anxious about tonight.
" I just can't help it, you know how anxious events get me" she nods her head in understanding. I wanted nothing more than to have her there tonight but I wasn't going to get in the way of her relationship. Shes finally found a man that she likes and I'm happy for her.
We ended spending a whole two hours in the restaurant. Sara went back to the office whilst I caught a ride back to the city.
"Thanks, Dave, I'll call you when I'm done," I tell the driver as I step out of the car. I swear if I don't find a good dress today I'm going to be pissed. I ended up going from one shop to another not finding a dress that meets my liking.
I stop for a coffee maybe caffeine will give a boost of confidence. Scrolling through Instagram I found this post from another designer. She was in the middle of creating her line too. I like the picture and commented.
New Project? I'm already in love
It wasn't long before I got an instant reply.
I smiled into my phone and I instantly had a message come through. She had sent me an address with a wink face. With that in mind, I finished my coffee and headed out. Dave was here in 5 minutes. He had a frown on his face when he realised I had no shopping.
Wanna check it out?
"Don't give up on me yet Dave, take me to this address will you?" I ask him shoving my phone into his face. He purses his lips slightly probably figuring out where this address actually is.
"Sure," he says already pulling out onto the main road. Dave is honestly the best driver you could have. He was working for my family and now Dave works for me ever since I moved to California, but sometimes most especially when whenever I am going out with Sara, is either she drives or I drive….. that is.
Dave and I have a unique working relationship. I use Dave for work-related journeys but for my own leisure and weekends, I drive myself. I made the mistake of forcing Dave down town California to take me to my parent's house.
My parents weren't too happy and sent Dave on his way with some food of course and money for fuel. I remember seeing the disapproving look they sent me.
Once arriving I told him to head home. Once I entered the building, Loveth who was Sara's designer met with me. She had jeans on with a simple vest top and she looked exhausted. We had a nice time and she was very good when it comes to her work. I wore one of the best outfit for the night, and I was a bomb. While at the event so many people presented their speech, and sane as me.
I fidgeted in my seat as the mere thought of Mark walking towards me of it crossed my mind.
"Delicious" I whisper, my eyes never leaving the man as he saunters off the stage and down the steps.
Much like every single female in the room. I was fascinated.
"This looks yummy! Thanks for having us over Mr Smith." Betty thanked my my boss, the very minute Mark walked up to our sit, she was all over him and I felt irritated even though I wished I was the one with Mark right now, or maybe I should say I was jealous.
The event planners really did a great job, they made pulled pork in the crock pot. The smell has my mouth watering.
After we got everybody situated and in their seats, I had the sudden urge to pee. I excused myself and used the upstairs bathroom. On my way back down stairs, I heard a knock on the door. My first instinct was to get it. I pulled it open, Betty and Mark were standing on the other side. Mark was carrying Betty on his arm like an accessory. It made my stomach turn. I wanted to run away and hide, but that would be suspicious. Instead I stood there speechless. Mark smirked at me. The same overused smirk that he gives to every girl he sees. He knew I was freaking.
"Oh you got it." Betty said when she noticed I had already opened the door.
"I forgot to tell you Mark and I were coming over, and we were coming to be real couples." She turned to Mark and gave him a peck.
"Come in. We set up more chairs." They obeyed her command. I followed slowly behind them. Seated at the table now was Mr Smith, Luke, Sara, Kim, Clara, Betty, Mark, and some friends and business partners.
I took small nibbles of my food to make it look like I was eating. I didn't really have an appetite left as I sat across from the coward that took my virginity.
"Kylie, why don't you tell everybody about yesterday?" I looked at Sara clueless to what she's taking about.
"About what you got in the mail yesterday…"
"Oh… I got my acceptance letter from The Harvard University, for my master degree, I got in….but I will be having per time classes because of my job" I summoned a fake smile. I'm not exactly passing the test of whether or not I'm over the whole thing. I am excited to go! Phoebe got hers two weeks ago, so we're both going to the same place. We really want to get the full University experience when we're there, like join a sorority and stuff. This is our last summer to really be teenagers, we plan on road trips and spending time with our families.
"Congrats Kylie." Mark's voice joined on among the others. Everybody else would think that it's a friendly gesture, but I could tell it was very sarcastic.
"What are you studying to be?" Like he cares.
"Why didn't you tell me? Congratulations!" Betty praised me as she held Mark's hand. Luke and Kim added their congratulations. I thanked them.
"Well I will be going for my Master, and my focus will be on health science..I really want to know how my recipes affect or how they have an effect on people after been taken" I said while Mark and Betty were busy romancing which other.
"Aren't they so cute together?" Mr Smith cooed. Everybody nodded their heads in agreement except for me.
"I've already overheard them discussing their plans for their perfect life together. Three kids, two dogs and a white house with a nice yard for their kids and dogs to play on." Betty's cheeks were tomato red and Mark kissed her forehead. He's good at acting like he cares.
After dinner, all of us girls helped clean up the table and the guys went out front to start a fire for s'mores.
The event was not over even though everyone was fine eating, they decided to have a campfire. For me I felt like going home, but I already promised Mr Smith that I will stay till everything is over, and since Sara, Luke, and Kim is here, it will be rude to leave them alone because they all came to hear my speech.
Third Person's POV
Kylie sat uncomfortably next to Mark and Betty around the campfire. She didn't mean to give dirty looks, but it disgusted her to see them kissing and holding hands. Mark on the other hand was as comfortable as could be and acted like nothing ever happened between the two. That's what bothers Kylie the most and he knows that.
He'd look over at Kylie every now and then. He remembered the day, it may have been satisfying to him, but Kylie doesn't care about that as much, she was hoping her first time would be meaningful. She couldn't help but feel like Mark took that away from her, but she also knew she allowed it and participated in the act.
Mark would look at her observingly every time Kylie would stand up or move. She's extremely uncomfortable being around him because she feels like he can undress her with his eyes considering he's seen her naked several times, remember he was her ex. He wasn't shy to look at her. He doesn't think she's ugly by any means, but she was a one time thing for him.