Love, Vogue and the CEO

The next morning, I pace back and forth in my hospital room, in my hospital gown. I need to know who the man who murdered my parents is. Is it someone I know? I think of all Dad’s work friends and associates. Damn it! He was going to tell me who it was the next day, before the fire happened.No one really stands out as someone capable of murder. Dad only took me to work events with mum, if he absolutely had to. His associates and colleagues would always stare at me or attempt to flirt with me otherwise.I ignored their advances, and pretended I didn’t hear them or notice them. I instead focused on listening to the speeches.Dad would always thank me for being so graceful and attentive at work functions. He was proud I didn’t give any attention to the ‘hungry men’ or ‘beasts’, as he would call them. I assured him I was there for the function, and not the men. I wasn’t interested in pursuing a relationship with anyone anyway.I’ve never had a romantic connection with any man I’ve met. P

The next morning, we arrive at the cafe, and Hailey focuses on taking orders and learning how to make the coffees, while I wash the dishes, and wipe down the tables.Mark and Grace arrive just after eight o’clock, and sit down at the table they were sitting at the day before.Hailey takes their orders and makes their coffees. It’s getting quite busy, so I tell Hailey to keep taking orders while I serve people their coffees.‘Good morning. Your latte and your cappuccino,’ I say, as I place each down in front of them carefully.‘Good morning, Zurielle. How are you this morning?’ Mark asks, sipping his cappuccino. I freeze for a moment. Did this handsome man just ask me how my morning is? No man has ever asked me how my day is. I’ve been standing here gawking at him in admiration. I blush a little, and look away at Hailey who is taking orders.‘My morning has been very good,’ I reply, happily. Mark nods and smiles.‘Good to hear,’ he says.‘Enjoy your coffees. Call me if you need anythin

Hailey begs to come with me to the Snake Pit for safety reasons, but I really want to spend some time alone afterwards, so I go alone.At 6pm, I leave the shelter and walk to the Snake Pit, after half an hour I arrive at road where the Snake Pit should be, there are people arguing, alcohol bottles lying on the ground, and lots of people standing around smoking, and speaking loudly.Even in my oversized hoodie and my skinny jeans, I get a few wolf whistles and men saying, ‘Come over here sweetie!’I keep my head down just enough to avoid eye contact with anyone, and look at the address again to find the right place. The Snake Pit must be around here somewhere… There are a lot of old and rundown buildings, and many drunk people staggering around.I hear the sound of motorbikes stopping, further up the road, and walk in their direction. Outside the Snake Pit are at least fifty, if not more, Harley Davidsons, and their owners, who are smoking and socialising.Hanging above their heads is

Goosebumps appear on my arms, and my hands tremble with fear, and I drop the note. I stand and look around, at all the people coming and going in the street. The man who murdered my parents could be any of these men!Fear fills me, and I’m scared, so I rush past people, needing to get away. He is here somewhere, watching me and I don’t even know where.My breathing is heavy as I hyperventilate, I pace in circles, looking all around me, panicking. A car horn beeps and someone’s arms latch onto my waist, pulling me out of harm’s way. The car speeds past with the horn still blaring at me.Having warm arms around my waist is soothing; my breathing returns to normal, and I’m feeling more relaxed until someone shouts in my ear.‘What is wrong with you?’ A man yells. I look into the eyes of the man I spilt my coffee on and register him still holding me. I glare at him, and he steps back, and releases me from his grip.‘What is wrong with you?’ I yell back.‘You can’t just go around grabbing

On Tuesday morning, I wave to Hailey as she steps onto the bus.‘How did you go at Pure Fashion Industries, yesterday? Did Mark make a move?’ She asks, wiggling her brows.‘No, he didn’t; he’s a gentleman. The work is easy. I always get it done, on time,’ I answer.‘Do you think Mark will ask you out on a date?’ She asks, and I roll my eyes.‘He is very handsome, but I’m not interested in him that way. I’m just enjoying normal conversations with him. It’s nice not getting asked what bra size I am, and other lewd questions,’ I explain.‘Fair enough. I won’t be surprised if you hook up with him eventually,’ she says, grinning.We get off the bus, enter the cafe, and I get straight to work, taking orders; Grace and Mark are not in yet. Mr Fulton asks Hailey and I if we can work a few extra hours, and we say yes.It’s just after midday when Mark comes running into the cafe, huffing and puffing, trying to catch his breath.‘Hey, is everything okay?’ I ask him.‘Hey. I need a take away latt