This ones going to be fun,I realised I actually HAVE improved. That makes me happy n_n also I'm watching master chef USA season 6 too bad Derrick didn't win like I wanted :(

***

One month had passed since Erica had joined The Fox. It was amazing!she couldn't believe the exposure she had by being at The Fox,she was still a beginner but she had picked up quite a few things from Mrs. Fox. Well whenever Mrs. Fox was around it seemed that Mrs. Fox liked to work at her house,away from the noise and chaos of the office.

Speaking of which,Mrs. Fox hadn't opened up to Erica as much as she had wanted. Erica had hoped Mrs. Fox would lose her stony attitude within a few days of working with her. Which hadn't happened unfortunately,but to some extent Erica understood Mrs. Fox's distrust of her and everyone else for that matter. She had been dealing with media,rivalling companies,and fake people who wanted to use her for their own benefits. The woman had built up an empire,first with the help of the Late Mr. Fox and after he passed on to the afterlife,she put in all the hard work possible to make sure she'd succeed,and she did.

She made a name for herself. She didn't let the trash talk people forced her way to bring her down. She didn't let the rumors spread about her to define her life and to Erica,she was a perfect role model. Classy,professional and successful.

Even then,Erica wondered what made Mrs. Fox that way?why did she seem so..alone?more importantly what was her relationship with Lawson?she had an odd fond ness for him,not the sexual kind,but almost as if she were his mother..though Lawson must have his own parents,wouldn't he?and the fact that their last names differed.

All those thoughts had occupied Erica's mind,when she should've been concentrating on getting ready, and she had zoned out.
She was brought back to earth by Jessy's call.

"Hey girl!you ready for the party yet or what?"

"Uggh,I'm almost ready,I'm just a bit nervous... So many people will be there. I know I'm being a sissy but..."

"Don't worry sweetheart,its going to be fun,too bad my asshole boss didn't hand me the invite."

Of course her boss didn't hand her the invite, she had harassed the same customer again. The one she had previously told Erica about. Erica knew her friend very well,she just laughed at her friends utter hate for her boss.

"I'm sorry you won't be there Jessy,it would've been fantastic with you."

"I know it would have been!but don't worry, Dylan called,we're going on a date...again."

Erica could sense her friend smiling all the way in her bedroom. She met Dylan twice now,there was something she couldn't understand though.. It's like she knew him but didn't. She told herself she was being too paranoid,and didn't bother Jessy with her thoughts.

Dylan was a complete softy,his eyes were always on Jessy and he was doing his best to win her over with his boyish charms. Erica always cooed at her friend and her boyfriend,much to Jessy's embarrassment. They were too cute together and she couldn't help herself!

"That's amazing!where to?" She was happy that for once Jessy was forming a stable relationship,and not just one night stands.

"He says its a surprise. Surprises are disgusting." Jessy made a weird noise trying to convey her dismay at the surprise, but failed.

"Hahaha oh Jessy,I know you secretly love surprises."

It was true Jessy adored surprises,and now that her-might be- love interest was going to surprise her,well,she was ecstatic. The bitter woman attitude was just a facade,and Dylan had supposedly seen through it bit by bit. Yes,Dylan definitely is a great man for Jessy.

"Well I'd love to chat,but I still have to put makeup on and then Sasha and Derrick will be here to pick me up."

"I got ya girlfriend, I have to get ready too. Bye."

"Bye."

Erica put her cell phone in her clutch and started on her makeup,Sasha was NOT a patient woman. At all. So she had to finish her makeup before she arrived and honked up a storm.

***

Right now I was standing inside an extremely gorgeous hotel hall. it reminded me of an  English ball room,with its  beautiful crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The walls were cream colored and candle like bulbs were present near the entrances with an incandescent glow surrounding them. The large room was filled with chatter,and occasional laughter could be heard amongst a ton of people that were inside,and it seemed more and more were coming. This was a business gathering,an annual event sponsored by the elite class to form acquaintances,spy for potential alliances in the business world and to find possible information to destroy competition. Since, Mrs. Fox couldn't make it,Lawson and Nigel were representing along with myself,I mean I was her official assistant.

Designers and other business related people alike were present. It was an enchanting evening. The main point of this event, as I've said is to gather as much good graces of snobby rich people and business personnel's as possible. So,to say I should not screw up,was an understatement.

I had met with some pretty successful designers. I wanted to squeal like an idiotic fan girl when I saw Natasha Hart with her posse,but Lawson was close and I didn't want him to murder me, yet... I'm sure if angry enough he may attempt murder, and with the way he kept his eyes trained on me,I'd be the first person I believe.

It felt like hours I smiled at people Lawson introduced me to,watched as they gave me a once over after he'd told them I was representing Mrs. Fox and then some of them genuinely smiled back and had a small chat while majority gave me a condensating look and talked to me as if I were the lowest of low all the while thinking they were being subtle,or maybe they understood exactly what they were doing. I didn't let them get to me as much,because Nigel had given me a small Q and A on Friday as to what I should expect.

Lawson was satisfied. Yes,satisfied. I have not been able to use the word "happy" for him yet. When he's with Lauren he's,I guess content?but not happy. Which was kind of surprising because in my opinion they looked really cute together ,well,ignoring Lawson's anger and hatred for everyone.

Back to the point, Lawson was satisfied because of the progress he had made,he made a few new contacts that could serve as a benefit to the company. Nigel and I hadn't done anything stupid as of yet,the wine served was great AND snacks were open to the guests,dinner would be served later.

"Imbecile,you look like a half eaten brain,go eat something. I can't have you incompetent fools fainting on me. My suit is to expensive for that idiocy."

I think Lawson has a fair chance in beating Gordon Ramsey's insults.

"And you Nigel that pink haired haired brat keeps staring at you its annoying me,go kiss her or something."

"You really think so sir?"Nigel asked with so much hope in his eyes it was kind of scaring me.

"Have you heard me say things I don't mean yet?"

"No sir."

"Then?" He irritably inquired,to which Nigel grinned and replied,

"I'll see Sabrina right now Sir! Thank you very much Sir!"

With that he left for Sabrina.

"Are you playing a match maker Mr. Lawson?" I couldn't help myself from asking or the grin making its way on my face.

He looked at me for a micro second,"Shut up imbecile and do what I said."

He wanted to be stern ,but his ears were turning pink and that eiden. I was right he was playing match maker,and was cute!I smiled, nodded and started making my way towards the back where the snacks were laid out on a table.

Of course me being me,I slipped on thin air.

"For fucks sake woman,could you walk ten steps without tripping like an addict?"

Just brilliant I thought,as strong arms slipped from behind me and helped the clumsy me from landing face first on the floor. Though what in the heavenly heaven was antique man doing here? This wasn't even a criminal like establishment,in fact I don't think any one here even says "damn"in anger hell,they probably say "oh why such blasphemy!" Point is this gathering contained rich snobs and elite business men and women,antique mans vocabulary was worse then a pirate!

"Well are you going to turn around or not woman?"he asked rather irritated,I'd be irritated too if I had to keep saving a klutz from falling.

I turned around slowly,preparing myself for admonishment but Holly Saints was I not prepared to see this!antique man didn't look like a criminal drug lord at all!he had copper colour hair almost falling on his eyes,not overly pale skin and soft brown eyes. He should be a model. He must be a model.

"Oh fucking great another mute fan girl who probably wants me to do her."he said with a loud groan and looked towards the ceiling.

He may be gorgeous but he was a total jerk,I hated men who swore or thought they were too good for everyone else,but since I wanted to do nothing with him,I calmly replied,

"I'm not mute,and I don't know you so I'm not a fan girl either BUT I am thankful that you saved me from embarrassing myself in front of so many people. So,thank you anti--i mean sir."

He looked at me weirdly,like he didn't expect me to be kind to him. The truth is he deserved my kindness,he didn't have to do anything for me but he still helped me out every time he saw me falling.

"Yeah well.."he was at a loss of words "..whatever just don't go falling like an idiot everywhere."

After that he went ahead to get some snacks,while my mouth was hanging open. I quickly recovered and started walking towards the table with the fruit punch and a variety of cakes,antique man must've thought I was following him so he stopped mid step and faced me.

"Are you following me or something?"

"What? Oh no,I just wanted some fruit punch and cake,why would I follow you?"

"Nothing."

This has to be the weirdest encounter I've had,actually all encounters I've had with antique man(I need to find out his name)have been pretty weird.

We both started walking towards the table now,it was awkward but I tried not to show. When I got there I put up my fruit punch and a slice of amazing looking chocolate cake and subtly scooted to the side, I was hungry and I wanted to enjoy my cake. Ironically,antique man also took a slice of the same chocolate cake and scooted in my opposite direction. We were the only ones eating chocolate cake,the rest of the gathering was too uptight to eat some divine chocolate cake,I bet they're jealous of us eating and enjoying cake.

"You like cake?"this question was from antique man,he was looking at me with curious eyes,

I swallowed the huge bite quickly and nodded in his way,

"Yeah,chocolate cake is great,and this ones just amazing! I might order from the bakery if it isn't too expensive ha ha..."

"They're not too expensive,and yeah this does taste... good."

"Do you buy from them often?"where are these questions coming from Erica?!

"Well.."he hesitated a bit'..you can say."

"Oh that's nice." Was my award winning answer. How intelligent.

We both started eating again,though the quietly,the silence was comfortable now,not as awkward as before.

When I'm uncomfortable I start looking around,like that one time Mrs. Patty the resident cougar in Texas, was shouting at me and Jessica for selling lemonade. In summer. She's too old for lemonade,so obviously she wasn't going to get any,we were having a great time so she had to create drama and ruin our fun,like always. Joshua Ramon my first crush was going to buy from us!!but Mrs. Patty had to destroy my budding romance by screaming at us for "creating a damn ruckus!" I still shudder from the reminder. It was horrible and Joshua didn't buy lemonade,hell he didn't even look at me and ran with his friends. why am I saying this? well Brianna was all over antique man,it was getting very very uncomfortable. He seemed so distant and uninterested in her,it was cringe inducing truly. She kept purring and whispering in his ears. Outwardly he appeared calm and collected,but his cake eating speed had increased ten times!I was mildly shocked and mildly awe inspired at his speed. I wish I could eat that fast during breakfast.

Now Brianna had moved closer and put her hand on his shoulder it was getting quite comical,she said something along the lines of "my bed at 1 am"which made antique man drop his spoon and turn around like lightning,then he looked at her hand with narrowed eyes uh oh shits about to go down!

Literally snatched it off like a glove and then he faced towards Brianna himself,

"Brianna if you touch me again I will call your father and tell him about Kevin."his eyes were alight with anger but he continued

"And next time do. not .ask me to sleep with you. I do not want to catch a bag of STDs from you,understood?"

She was stock still, and so was I, NEVER in my life had I heard someone so forwardly insult a women or matter of fact ANYONE. Antique man was crazy!

"You!"he looked at me and I was shaken out of my shock(figuratively),

"Stop staring I can see half eaten chocolate in your mouth,its gross!"

I quickly shut my mouth,if Lawson's made of gold this mans probably a mixture of gold,pearls and diamonds and other gems I'm too poor to afford.

Brianna covered her shock,or anger or uneasiness,whatever it may be,with ease,she must've have had drama classes. Then she sashayed her way to another victim. Not that antique man was a victim.

***

Dinner was over Nigel and pinky were gone,well I hadn't seen them since Lawson played matchmaker. Must be having a good time. Lawson had dinner with a pot bellied old man who kept slapping his back after pathetic jokes. Lawson resembled a burning tomato,he was very angry. He hadn't broken his patience because the pot bellied old man was a major company asset.

Ironically,antique man was sitting in front of Lawson while having dinner,I didn't look to see who I was sitting in front of,I was too busy stuffing my face with some chicken rice dish.

Every time Lawson was slapped on his back,antique man grinned.if he weren't crazy it might've been cute.

"If I sit next to that old pig again you will be fired imbecile!"

"Yes sir-"

"-Cheer the fuck up Lawson,his jokes weren't so bad." Antique man interrupted with an overly sweet smile. Wait they know each other?

"Oh great you are here too. What next Brianna?"

Lawson knows her too?must be famous.

"C'mon Lawson she isn't so bad!why the face?"yeah not bad at all

"Shut up Lukas."

Oh so he's Lukas.

"Piss off man,its Luke."

Okay now he's Luke great.

Now Lawson was grinning.

"Cheer up!Lukas its a great night!"Lucas was glaring daggers at him,

"I said cheer the 'fuck up',you can say 'bad words'Lawson."

"We both went to the same college,unfortunately you only picked up the word "fuck". Your vocabulary has been limited since then."

" 'Fuck' is a great piece of the vocabulary,pretty boy. Don't you_" he was going to ask me me but he kept looking between Lawson and I.

"What now Lucas?"Lawson inquired with no interest what so ever.

"_if you tell me this is the Lauren I've been hearing about. I'll poke your eyes with the fork I ate with."

"What the hell? How do you know about Lauren?"

"I've got my sources.."he said with a side smile,"..now tell me is she the Lauren I heard of?too bad I couldn't get the picture."

Lawson was seething in anger and he wanted to strangle Lukas.

This is getting bad Erica!!!

"No I'm not Lauren,I am Erica Mrs. Fox's assistant. Nice to meet you."

I said to him and slowly raised my hand to shake his. He looked at me my face and then my hand. Lawson was looking at me with his signature scowl though his anger thawed a bit.

He was making up his mind I suppose and slowly raised his hand to shake mine.

"I heard about you too Erica Jones?"

"Yes."I answered with a forced smile,he was creepy and I wasn't happy to meet him one bit.

"Stop shaking my hand and forcing that smile,you look crazy."

I did just that. His jibes were hurtful and I guess they were intended to be. I will stay away from him. Too much negativity.

"Stop insulting my workers Lucas."
Lawson said with a completely straight face.

Wait is he defending me?!

"Okay fine old man."Lawson raised his eyebrow.

"What?I am not saying sorry to some lady j just met." Lucas sounded offended. I was just confused at everything.

After the silly slightly dramatic conversation Lawson sent me to get him some fruit punch. Most of the guests had starting leaving. The party/meeting occasion had been a success,everyone had enjoyed and we had made contacts,that was good. I was tired as hell.

I was returning with the glass of fruit punch,Lucas and Lawson were in a very deep discussion everything they were saying was in whisper. I didn't know they were friends.

I gave Lawson his glass and was standing. An old man came from behind Lucas,

"Hello Lucas how are you?"

"Oh Fuck!"

****

Drumroll things have happened in this chapter. I am happy with the progress.
Yes Maheen you were right Luke my main man ;) is actually antique man.

Hehehe I feel so cool right now :p
Sorry for taking two weeks,I'm lazy like I said.

Now vote,comment,follow and eat a cookie!