Chapter 4

• ***
• Writer's POV :
• "We'll be having a lot of things to treat out of the country, Leandro. So many things at a time." Anthonio told his brother one day while they were in the office.
• Two weeks had already passed since the return of Noemi.
• "Really?"
• "Yes. We already have planned rendezvous with some of our most important customers. Plus, it's been long we checked how some of our clubs and hotels in the Untied States and Canada, are doing."
• "And we have to go to China at that same moment."
• "Yes."
• "That shouldn't be a problem. We'll send the twins and Noemi."
• Leandro stared at his brother.
• "Yeah, they're old enough now, after all."
• "Exactly. And they've trained good."
• They were silent for a while, thinking.
• "We'll send them, then. They'll handle the businesses in Miami most especially. And some in Chicago when necessary or if Luis isn't around."
• "Chicago? After all that happened to them there?" Leandro reminded his brother.
• "I know Chicago isn't a place of good memories for them but it's not like they'll be staying there. They'll be in Miami and would only go to Illinois to treat issues if Luis isn't around. Plus, they'll use the opportunity to maybe visit their grandparents. It's been years since they saw each other, that is, unless through video chats."
• "Hmm." Leandro nodded, "Alright. Miami it is. Are they around? So we inform them."
• "They all went out and with Dino."
• "Alright, we'll wait for their return."
• Meanwhile –
• ***
• "I'm sorry we had to end our night so early, Moe. I wasn't feeling well."
• "It's alright." Maude replied as she made herself some tea, "It wasn't your fault. You had an allergy attack."
• "Yeah and it was awful. I didn't know they used nuts as their secret ingredient for that desert. Luckily I had my medicine with me."
• "I know right. It could've ended in a terrible manner. You feeling better today?" she asked, putting her teacup down and leaning against the counter to listen to him.
• "Yeah. And even better now than I'm hearing your voice."
• Maude rolled her eyes in amusement and smiled to herself, her cheeks beginning to burn.
• Maude rolled her eyes in amusement and smiled to herself, her cheeks beginning to burn
• "Stop it, Brendan." she mused.
• Brendan was a colleague of hers who had a deep crush on her. He liked her a lot and was trying to get her to date him. Though she saw him as a friend and only a friend, she was willing to give him a chance to try and woo her. However, it didn't turn out well as their first date had ended up in a mess.
• "I'm serious. I really like you Maude and my goddamned allergies ruined the only chance I had to woo you. Please give me a second chance. I'll be careful this time. Let's go on a second date next weekend."
• Maude rubbed her forehead a little.
• "I don't know, Brendan. We should just be friends as I'd said earlier. I gave you a chance and I really don't want to spoil things between us."
• "Please, Moe. Please. A second date, that's all I ask for."
• Maude sighed a little, not knowing how to tell him a firm no. She'd never really been outspoken or bold enough. She'd remained the same sweet Maude that was afraid of hurting anyone's feelings.
• "I'll think about it, Brendan. I promise." she finally replied.
• "Alright, dear. And I await a positive answer. Please don't break my heart."
• Maude rolled her eyes, feeling cringe at how clingy Brendan could be. She immediately changed topic.
• "I do hope that our demand for our transfer to Miami, be accepted."
• "I hope so too."
• Maude worked as one of the assigned managers of big construction company. She was in charge of finances and funds. Yes, at only twenty four, she was well established and had settled with a great job.
• "I don't understand why you did everything to apply for a transfer. I thought you loved Chicago."
• "I'm tired of it. I grew up here and everything. I want a different environment. A new beginning. A change. Leaving Chicago is like turning a new leaf." she admitted, rubbing her arms when goosebumps suddenly covered them, "They're some memories I had here that I really want to forget. Completely and for good. I'm unable to do so here, that's why I wanna leave."
• "That was deep. Wanna talk about it?"
• "Nope. I'm over the past for good and I want the little I still remember to disappear forever once I get transferred."
• "Okay, dear. Let's get ready, then. See you at work in some minutes."
• "Okay. Bye."
• Maude dropped her phone and sipped some of her tea before rushing to wear her hightop office skirt.
• *
• Maude was more than glad when she was told that she and the few other employees that had asked for a transfer to the company's branch in Miami, had had their requests granted.
• They were going to be travelling for Miami in the next two days and so had to prepare.
• "I'm so happy. Finally." Maude told Karen, her friend and colleague.
• "I know right. I just love Miami."
• "Me too. And I'll get to see my sister. Remember she moved there a few months ago."
• "Right. So you'll be living with her? That's great."
• "Yeah. I miss her so much. She asked that I call her once my request for a transfer was granted. I'll do so during our break."
• "Oki." Karen then giggled, "Brendan has been checking you out from the corner. How did your date with him go?"
• Maude sighed.
• "Awkward, actually. He was being cringe throughout and talked nonstop. As if that wasn't enough, he had an allergy attack at some point. It sure was weird. Plus, he wants a second chance."
• Karen laughed.
• "You told him no, right?"
• "I said I would think." Maude shrugged guiltily.
• "Why? You had to cut him off!"
• "I know, I know."
• "Do so soon, Maude. Or he'll never let you be."
• Maude nodded and rubbed her forehead, exasperated.
• Meanwhile...
• *
• Reena sat in her apartment, resting and taking full advantage of her free day. Unlike Maude (whom she'd never heard of after the Ricardo issue), after getting her masters, she didn't look for a job immediately and decided to rest for a year.
• However, she'd manage to get a little job. A part time job rather, just to spend the time, as swimsuit model for a few fashion houses. She'd not looked for the job but had been walked up to by an agent one day in the streets. Of course she grabbed the opportunity. She'd decided to sign a year's contract with them, for the time during which she was free. They'd told her that if ever she changed her mind, they were ready to take her in as a full time model.
• She posed for Tommy Hilfiger swimsuits and bikinis, Gucci, Versace and so on. She wasn't complaining and was making quite some money.
• ~
• That particular day, she had no photoshoot planned and so she was free. Or so she thought.
• She was resting when her phone bipped a text from her agent. She lazily picked her phone and checked. She frowned a little at the text.
• "What?" she muttered
• "What?" she muttered.
• It read,
• -You have to be transferring to Miami. The agency will be in charge of your lodging and flight expenses. We have to be gone in two days. I'll pass by at three pm so we discuss the photoshoots you'll have with some fashion houses once there. The salary is flattering and better. Call me rn if you got questions.-
• "What the hell?" she frowned and immediately dialed the number.
• "Yes, hello Reena."
• "What's this issue about Miami?? Y'all didn't even ask me anything. Isn't my opinion supposed to count."
• "It's the business, Reena. That's how things work. As a model you should be used to travelling a lot. We already have, a lot."
• "Yes, for shoots. It's never been about transferring, for crying out loud!"
• "I'm sorry but you have to. It's a last minute decision and we just have to abide by the rules."
• "And what if I refuse?"
• "You can't. It's in your contract and you know it."
• Reena shut her eyes and took a deep breath, rubbing her forehead.
• "Don't worry. Every thing will be fine. I'll see you later at three."
• And with that, her agent hung up.
• Reena groaned and collapsed on her bed.
• 'And now I have to transfer to Miami. This is so annoying.'