5.

Vine highlights the commercial vehicle and in front of her is a high rise building. She feels a little uncomfortable as everyone around her not only look rich but smell rich also.

She takes a look at her watch and notices she’s 5 minutes early. She looks around hoping to notice Nathan in the crowd even though she has never met him before.

“Fucking narcissist! Where in the hotel am I supposed to meet you?”

She calm’s herself quickly with a quick breathing exercise, managing to mask her frustration, she raises her head up high and walks into the hotel.

She enters the hotel lobby as is left dumbstruck by how extravagant the interior of the hotel is. She looks all around her in awe as she approaches the receptionist’s desk.

“Afternoon Ma’am, how may I help you?” the receptionist asks her with a warm smile.

Vine feels relaxed as she sees a friendly face.

“Morning, I have an appointment with Mr. Nathan Ross here.”

The receptionist smiles at her and makes a call with the landline to her left. Vine’s mind wanders off as she scans the interior décor once more in awe. The receptionist clears her throat which snaps Vine back to reality.

“Mr. Ross will see you on the 10th floor restaurant.” The receptionist says politely.

Vine nods a thank you to her and hurries off to the elevator.

Vine exits the elevator and heads to the restaurant. On entering she is shocked to find it empty except for a tall, handsome young man by the window slowly savoring his meal. Her eyes scan his features. Her cheeks blush a bright red as she subconsciously admits his good looks. She steadies her breathing.

“Just because you think you’re good looking doesn’t mean you should be a narcissistic asshole! I’ll show you.” She heads towards him with a new found confidence.

On reaching him, his head turns towards her and she pauses in her steps for a few seconds. “Damn! He’s fine!”

She takes the initiative and greets him first, “Good Morning Mr. Ross. I’m Vine, your wedding planner.”

His eyes scan her with max scrutiny. Without replying her he motions to the seat opposite him. Vine obliges with a smile as she sits opposite him. Vine is about saying something but he raises his palm up signaling her to remain quiet. She looks quite shocked at this action. He picks up the napkin in front of him and wipes his mouth.

Vine manages a poker face as she’s decided to be professional.

“So you are the wedding planner, Vine.” He says.

“Yes sir.”

He pauses for a bit as if thinking, “How far have you gone with the planning?”

“Your fiancée has chosen baby blue for the wedding, we’ve yet to decide on the location and the serving of food.” She answers.

“So what do you need from me?” He asks as he looks her right in the eyes.

“I-I need the guest list from you, a location that you’ll be satisfied with, and the servings.” She replies a little flushed.

“Servings?”

“Yes sir, Servings. For the family and the guest list. I need to know what everyone is allergic, what they can eat and what they can’t eat.”

Nathan looks tired on hearing all this work. “I’m guessing the reason Claribelle is leaving to me is because of the movie set she’s on.” He exhales. “[phone], don’t lose it this time.”

Vine hurriedly saves the number in her phone.

”Now on the matter of location I have a yacht, her name’s THE OASIS.” He says oozing with pride. “If I’m getting married it on her.”

He picks up the glass of water in his front and takes a sip. He drops the glass and looks at Vine, she is writing everything he’s said down. He smiles “Someone who’s serious with her work.”

He patiently waits for her to finish writing. She looks up and sees him staring at her curiously, the sides of his lips curved up slightly. She shudders with fear and excitement. She fiddles with the pen in her hand as he stares at her.

“What colour did you say my fiancée chose again?” he asks.

“She hasn’t chosen a colour per se, but it’s between Baby Blue and Sky Blue, depending on the availability.” She replies.

“Sky blue please. No need for dress codes as everyone invited will be a family member or a close friend of the family, 80 at most, nothing more, and I’m sure they all know to dress properly…” he pauses in thought. “On second thought, put a dress code befitting my wedding, men in suits or something corporate, women in gowns or something corporate.”

She writes everything as fast as she can. He smiles as he watches her struggle to write everything down.

“As for the covering of the event, 2 wedding photographers and 2 wedding videographers.” He adds.

“About the paparazzi, it’s hard to keep them away.” She asks as she writes.

“That’s why the wedding will be on my yacht, I hate crowded places and I hate the paparazzi more.” He replies while looking outside the window. She stares at him and then exhales lightly.

“Wow! Is he being cute on purpose? VINE! Get your shit together. He’s a narcissist remember?”

“Oh I’m done, you may take your leave.” He replies without looking towards her. “Oh and do be sure to not lose my work number this time.”

Vine stands up and bids her farewell to him, she leaves.

Vine highlights her cab, pays the driver and walks to her door. She notices it’s still closed and checks her watch for the time. The time being 5pm. She goes in and just minutes later she receives a call from her brother’s school’s principal. She picks it up and after a brief conversation she drops the phone. Her calm demeanor slowly changes into fear and worry. Moments later the door opens and in comes Tony.

She runs towards him and hugs him, “Tony are you okay? Where you hurt?” tony hugs her back and tries to change the topic. She holds him by the shoulders and looks him dead in the eyes, “Young man don’t you dare change the topic” she says seething with rage “Now, tell me what happened.”

Tony recounts the story of some minor bullying over the fact that he’s an orphan. “I wanted to ignore it but I just couldn’t, plus if I had done so it would have gotten worse! They’ll see me as a wimp and do worse.”

She pulls him in for a long, warm hug. Rage is written all over her face. “It okay Tony, it’s okay. I’m glad you fought back. You made the right decision.” She says warmly. “I know things haven’t been easy since we lost mum and dad, but thank you for being strong.”

She lets go of him and looks at him with pride in her eyes “Anyone who tries to walk over us like we’re trash will get it.” They both laugh and bump fists.

“So, are you just getting home?” he asks her.

“Well I got home about 5 minutes ago but haven’t gotten the time to freshen up.”

“Oh. I guess I’ll go change.” He tries to walk away but she grabs his arm.

“Tony, promise me you’ll tell me whenever something or someone is bothering you.” She says with worry written all over her face. Tony defuses the situation by laughing, “You look funny.” He says while laughing, “Sis trust me, we are in this together, I rely on you as you should rely on me. There is no such thing as secrets between us siblings.” She smiles happily with pride colouring her face. Tony heads upstairs to go freshen up.

“You idiot! You’re supposed to be the elder sibling but you let you kid brother assure you when it should be the other way around!” she thinks to herself.

She smiles, “He said I should trust him and so shall I.”

She trots happily to her room/

------------------A WEEK LATER---------------------

Nathaniel Ross sits in a business conference listening as much as he can to the ramblings of the board of directors and he himself does look bored. His face looks like he’s fighting a yawn. The person presenting to the board begins talking about a business take over on the projected screen points at some red dots as he explains the dangers surrounding that.

Nathaniel almost fails to hide his elation when his phone vibrates. He looks at the screen and sees an email from Vine.

Good afternoon sir, I got these two photographers for your wedding. I have attached their pictures and a show reel for you.

Vine.

His lips curves into a smile as he silently thanks her for the distraction. He clears his throat and the entire board looks towards him.

“You say that it’s a risky gamble but isn’t that what business is about? Let’s take this risk but the money would be coming from me.” He says confidently. “And as for the frozen foods company, convert 50% of the irregular workers into regular workers, that should quell the problem for now, and if our profits rise within 3 months then convert the remaining 50%.”

Some of the board members look shocked but they all agree with him.

“This concludes the meeting.” He says as he stands up and leaves the board room.

Outside he gets into his car and views the information of the two photographers. “Wow! She’s quite thorough and good.” 

He looks out of the window with a look of one who enjoys freedom.

Vine on the other hand is at home eating a bowl of mac and cheese. She doesn’t the door open nor does she hear Abuelita coming in. Abuelita sees her watching TV and smack her in the back of the head.

“Oww! Abuelita!” She exclaims.

“I’ve been knocking for quite some time now.” She says as she takes a sit. “You know my memory isn’t as good as it once was.”

“You forgot where the key was?”

“It’s supposed to be under the plant pot not inside the plant pot.”

“Abuelita if that’s the case smack Tony not me, he was the last to leave.” She complains.

At that exact moment she receives a call from Clare, she rolls her eyes and answers.

“Good Afternoon.” She musters a happy greeting.

“What’s so good about it?” she replies rudely And why weren’t you at work today?“

“I was planning your wedding Clare.”

“Oh, it still doesn’t explain why you didn’t let me know.”

“I sent you and email Clare. I know I did.”

“You are my personal assistant, it your job to tell me what emails I have. Anyways do be sure to turn up by 8 this night.”

“Okay, what’s the occasion?” she asks innocently.

“Because I’m your boss that’s why!” she hangs up the call.

Vine sighs as she stares at the phone “You fucking bitch! You’re not paying me enough to tolerate your bullshit! You fuc….”

Abuelita throws a pillow cushion at her “Watch your language! You’re a lady!”

Vine rolls her eyes and groans childishly “Tony isn’t at home Abuelita and my boss is a basic bitch! There I said it.” She rants. “I wanna ask how she and Nathaniel are getting married to each other but it seems like the perfect fucking fit! Made for each other, A narcissistic asshole for a fucking bitch!” she stands up like she’s about to throw a tantrum but sees Abuelita’s stern glare and sits back down. She exhales and rests her head on Abuelita’s lap who in turn pats her head.

“Abuelita I wish things were different.” She says as she hugs Abuelita tightly. “I’ll be heading back to work soon, there’s some mac and cheese.”

“You expect me to eat that American junk?” Abuelita replies. “I’ll cook some proper food.”

She smiles as she gets up. She goes to freshen up. 30 minutes later she’s dressed smartly and ready to leave. She stops by the kitchen to kiss Abuelita goodbye and she leaves.