When they entered the building it was like time froze, securities guards held the way opened for them since there were a security post at the entry.
the people who was there stood still for a moment, then they all quickly disappeared behind closes doors, while all the receptionists stood up behind the long marble counter, which separate them from the visitors.
Without a word one of the security guard Ameril knew from the house walked their way handing something to Ariana, then walked away without a word. It was like they were all afraid of her.
All of them never looked her in the eyes like she was a sort of zombie, Ameril noticed sadly.
Glancing at her she noticed Ariana used what the guard gave her to opened what seems to be a private elevator in the middle of the lobby.
"Hey!" Ameril tentatively called the woman who was really deep in thought. She didn't reacted directly as she didn't heard, then turned her face to look at her when the word reached her brain.
"Hey, sorry I was out. What is it?"
The business like tone of voice she used was like a cold waters being thrown to Ameril reminding her who she was. A sorry smile on, Ameril shrugged it off, seeing that Ariana turned her gaze back in front her like nothing happened, thinking she just forgot what to said, her mind was too preoccupied by others matter to think about it.
Not knowing what to look at , Ameril went on pilot mode, just like she used to do all those years, she let the gates opened for her after having it close for so many years it hurts to be left down by another person who she cared about.
Pushing back tears she clenched her jaws tight breathing in and out as she always do she knew it will certainly not be the last person who does that.
As they exited the elevator, Ariana was immediately accosted by five people who started talking by turn in which she validated or not, it was like to see an army troop walking, they never stopped speaking even if someone else had her attention only if she said so.
Aware of people stares on her, Ameril ignored them all still on her automatic mode which allows her to be in and out of her head were questions ran wildly not letting her breath.
"What if it was just an act to have her taking care of her children then nothing?" She couldn't stopped herself to think, she would have done it gracefully because she love kids like she did with O'Casey child.
"Why will she acted like we are friends a moment then another turned this cold?"
"Mrs O'Casey said she took care of the interns. The new campaign is around the corner but no model work with her. She said you will understand."
" Tell her to try harder." Was all she said as they arrived in front of a door that said CEO with her name below that she opened just by placing her right hand on the space provided, they all entered the woman still talking.
"... they're waiting in the conference room, I'll tell them you'll be there in five."
Scribbling something on a paper that she pinned on her computer screen Ariana just hummed dismissively taking the hint she left them in a weird silence that Ariana broke when she remembered that she wasn't alone.
"You will be working here with me out of the time or if you want you can occupy the office near mine, Jeanette office is the first we passed when we rounded the corner, the second is Corbin's."
A smile on she looked at Ameril then started gathering things here and there it seemed like she actually didn't care.
"I'll take the office, I don't want to walk on your toes in her."
Stopping for a moment Ariana glanced up at Ameril back facing her. She was about to said something when the phone went off. It was Jeanette telling her that her time was over.
"Okay, we are off for the meeting then."
Just like that the day started, then it was weeks and months throughout the third one with Chinese investors who were trying to have a partnership with her hotels plaza in Amsterdam.
Ariana took a moment off feeling that something wasn't right as she did her eyes settled on Ameril who was sitting at her right, she had on a blank expression, lately she was very professional everytime she gave her opinions or asked a question that helped through the previous meeting.
In the middle of the meeting while Ariana discussed a serious point Ameril pushed a folder in front of her boss then stood up and walked out soon replaced by Ian Marquez who just continued to take notes in the notebook she left.
While talking Ariana opened the folder where a name was written "Martinez Center" surprised she verified the time on her watch just to see that thirty minutes was left before the end of the school day.
They promised the kids to get them ice cream after school. Listening Ariana felt it again, that uneasiness spread under her skin, goosebumps following right after but she couldn't pinpointed what was the cause.
Three months went by just the same falling under a routine, where they'll do the same things, then Ameril would bring them back to the office, she had that idea where they will take the hidden elevator that Ariana used when she wanted to hide from paparazzi.
Unable to keep working now that she figured out what was bugging her, Ariana lifted her head to see Ameril straight face entering her office. Sitting back Ariana breathed out sadness hugging her heart. Like she has done all those months, she smiled but Ameril smile never reached her eyes, it was as fake as it could be on her.
She was not like that with the kids, her normal self poured out for them those moments when her eyes will shine as fireworks, giving Ariana a reason to hope. She tried to remember if she did something wrong but couldn't find any.
" I'm going to Martinez, they have a parents meeting thing with teachers. If you want to go I can stay here."
Clenching her fist under her desk at Ameril attempt to avoid her presence Ariana bit her tongue after rolling it but kept smiling.
"Then they will hate me. Avery wanted you to meet her music teacher if you don't come how will I explain her that? Plus it is Friday dear your boss is giving you the rest of the day off. Plus seriously you work like thousand people give it a rest. We are eating out today. This is a week to celebrate, it is actually an order Ameril I will not take no as an answer."
Defeated she placed the folder she held on Ariana desk, it was the Chinese project, not knowing what to think about it she gave it to Ameril who browsed through everything about them, she couldn't find anything wrong with them but her guts was telling her to not signed that contract even if it promised a lot of benefits. She trusted her intuitive part but how to tell it to Ariana was the problem.
"We have thirty minutes left before going, tell me what do you think about this contract." Ariana said holding the folder in her hands as the young woman was already one foot out of the office. The way her shoulder tensed confirmed Ariana suspicion, SHE Ariana Salton Fox was the problem.
"Or we will do it at home tomorrow."
"No, it is okay, I believe everything is okay, I search everything about them they seems clean."
"But?? What is your opinion that is what I want to know."
Turning around she leaned in the wall near the door deep in thought.
