1. The one with the Monday morning

I run from my problems. I've always done that. I was feeling light on my feet. I felt my chest burn as I picked up the speed. Eyes on the jogging trail. My legs and arms swing in rhythm as I run harder.

My baby sister Celia was a druggy, Papa didn't know about this. It would break his heart if he found out. He had never been the same after Mama passed away, giving birth to Celia.

I was on the verge of losing my job. I couldn't lose my job, I've put too much time into the company. Since it's been downsizing, I haven't got the time to look for other jobs. I've been so swamped with work. Ironic. I know.

My legs were straining, I was getting tired but I kept on running.

Derick the fucker, told me yesterday that I should date him. It was his subtle way of saying that I should fuck him if I want to keep my job.

Moving back home to Papa was not an option. I love him dearly. But I need to prove to him that I could do this, that I could make it in the big bad world.

Fuck! Deep breath. Deep breath. I need to slow down. I was panting, I was out of breath. I pushed myself too hard.

Damn it.

I was running back to my apartment. Jogging along, eventually slowing down my pace. I must remind myself that I was not a health freak. I don't exercise, never went to the gym and I don't eat like a health freak. I just ran. And sometimes I forgot and pushed myself too hard.

I slumped behind my apartment door, seconds after locking it after me. Celia was sleeping on the couch. She just got hours ago and was still in her clubbing attire when I shook her awake.

"Celia, honey, you need to get to your room and go get change. You reek of alcohol. Do you have class today? Come on, I'll make you a cup of coffee."

Celia was groaning, slowly getting up from the sofa. "Jeez sis, I just got back. So leave me alone, will you? No class. No coffee. I'm going to sleep. See you later." She walked away from me and went straight to her room.

I sighed and turned on the coffee maker, then went to my room to take a shower and get ready for work.

Ah...work, so fucking great...

I must get this contract, Derick said so. He had been dangling this date issue forever. Not that he was bad-looking. He was handsome, tall, tanned, and blonde, but he lacked a certain kind of oomph for my taste. Maybe the fact that he was a momma's boy.

And I certainly didn't have the time to date. Between my job and looking out for my little sister, I got my hands wrapped. I was still hoping, that her recreational drug use thing was just a phase.

The day I found out that she was using, I was hella pissed at her. Celia said the drugs help her with her study. She said she needed the extra boost to help her concentrate. But when she started failing a couple of her classes, she made me worry.

Sometimes I felt that she was carrying the burden of our mom's death for giving birth to her. We talked and cried about this. I thought it was done and over with. Maybe I should have another chat with her. She used to be my sweet little baby sister. I love her to bits, I would do anything for her.

*****

Finally!

I was at the house, I was balancing my folders. Heavy folders. God! Maybe I should start going to the gym. My arms were like boiled spaghetti. What was taking this guy so long to open the door?

Though I was definitely not ready when he did open the door. He was like Ken, smoking hot Ken in scrubs.

Eh...I know I didn't play Barbie much growing up. It was more of Celia's favorite than mine. Hmm... maybe I should start favoring them. This Ken was fucking gorgeous.

I knew I put too much thought on the beautiful man when the folders decided that it was a good time for them to slide off of my noddle arms.

I cursed as I bent down and started collecting the folders. It had samples of pictures and materials, they were scattered on the porch. I was wearing my pantsuit, and jacket with a loose nude camisole underneath. I could see him peeking through my camisole as he was trying to help me with my folders.

"Mmm...right then. Mr. Markov. I'm Emilie Dubois, the consultant from Martin Design & Decor." I blushed looking at him. He looked startled before quickly taking my hand.

"Call me Maxim, come on in. And let's get this meeting started. I have to leave for the ER in fifteen minutes."

"Woah... you're kidding, right? I'm sorry Mr. Markov, but this consultation thing usually takes a minimum of one hour. Look at my poor folders." I pouted non gracefully.

"You know what. Screw it. I'm done anyway. So, let me just quickly look around your house, give me five. After that, I'll give you ten minutes of my consultation time. Afterwards, if you have to go then it's all good. We won't be seeing each other anyway. May I?" I didn't wait for his answer. I put my folders on the dining table and started walking around his house.

I was fucking done. If I have to be fired from my job because this guy was too busy for my time, then maybe it was the universe's way of saying to suck it up! I would get another job. Maybe I should start stocking up on cheap canned foodstuff, probably some instant pasta or ramen noodles, for the next couple of months. But I could survive. I just need to save up my money.

The man remained quiet as I walked to the other side of the room. I took my pad and started scribbling my notes. I looked at every room, wall space, and counter. I asked him about the budget, the time length, and his preference.

I have been doing this for five years now. His house was big, but not too large or too grand. I was kind of liking it, actually. It had a kind of modern rustic, homey feel to it. It just needed a couple of touches here and there. His architect did him good. He told me that he just needed a change. Yes of course. He probably has money to throw around while making peasants like me more likely to lose their jobs over his decision.

Obnoxious Ken distanced himself a few steps away from me. Yes, the man is obnoxious Ken. He'd stay so until my future employment status is decided. The man walked by my side as I kept on scribbling away on my pad. I finally finished right at the five-minute mark.

Yes. I can walk that fast in heels. It's one of my great accomplishments in life. Super. I know.

I looked straight at him and looked at my watch. "Should we sit down?" I told him about all my recommendations and opened my folder. I showed him the materials, the looks, and the vision that I imagined his home to be. It would be a beautiful house once I was done with it. However, it might not be me who supervise the renovation if I didn't get his Yes in this meeting.

He looked at me, and daydreamed?

What the fuck?

I was talking and spitting flowery words pitching my idea while at the same time trying to explain everything within his time limit, and he was fucking staring at me?

"Mr. Markov? Did you get what I was saying? My ten minutes are up. So, do I get a yes?" I was getting fucking annoyed by now. Yes, he was a freaking hot Ken doll. But I needed this job and Obnoxious Ken was not making me happy.

"Yeah, sorry. Everything looks good Emilie. Why don't you email me the details." I sighed and took his email details. Derick was pretty clear on getting the client's Yes in the house. By going back and forth via email, there would be a chance of losing the contract.

"Okay then, Mr. Markov. Nice meeting you today. I'll forward your details to my superior. He will take care of you should you decide to use our company."

Fuck! This was a lost cause. I'd better cancel my lunch appointment with the girls, and start stocking up on boxed wine instead. I might just buy one on the way home.

I gathered my stuff and excused myself from his home. But then he suddenly grabbed my spaghetti arm and my folders decided that it was another great time to crumble down the floor. Again.

Damn you, Obnoxious Ken!