Hallie

Please. Please. Please.

I can't be late. Not again.

I ran as quickly as I can to get to the diner. I've still got a couple blocks to go and I only have a couple minutes.

Damn it.

I can't lose this job. I just can't.

I ran faster even knowing that it would be impossible to make it on time.

When I got there, Henry, the manager was waiting for me with an angry look on his face.

"How nice of you to show up," he sneered.

"I'm so sorry. There was an emergency with my daughter and," he held his hand up to silence me.

Michy has was running a fever the whole night and Sally got back home a little later than usual, and I had to wait for her before I could leave for work. I can't afford not to show up, but I guess it doesn't matter anyways since I came late. Henry will probably fire me. I'll just have to beg him to give me another chance.

"That's the third time this week."

"I know. It won't happen again. I promise. I'll just work later today."

"That's what you said the last time, and the time before that, and the time before that," he pointed out angrily. "You're fired. "Here's your last check and clear your locker and get the hell out."

"No. Please. I need this job!" I pleaded.

"You should have thought of that before coming in late!"

"But," I tried to argue but he stopped me and said, "get your things or I'll call the police."

"I'm so sorry, Hallie," Jenna said, as she touched my arm.

"It's not your fault. Thanks for trying to cover for me," I said.

She nodded.

I went to the back to clear out my locker, all the while trying to keep my tears at bay. I needed this job. Now I lost it.

What am I going to do now? My second job doesn't pay me much. It's not enough for rent or for food.

I checked my locker one last time before grabbing all of my things.

"He's a bastard," Jenna said. "He needs you more than you need him," she said.

I smiled. I doubt that. I need this job. I need the money.

"Thanks, Jenna. For everything."

She nodded. "Don't be a stranger."

I nodded.

"Jenna, if you don't want to be the next one fired then you better do your job!" The asshole shouted.

"I better go," I said and left.

I stepped out into the sun and took a deep breath.

The streets were busy with people passing by, sounds of horns, and cars passing by, and yet everything around seemed to be moving in slow motion.

I turned and bumped into a hard chest.

"Sorry," I said and moved around him and started walking.

Damien

"Sir, Mr. Reid has called asking for a meeting with you," my secretary said.

"Just tell him my schedule is full," I said.

The man is a fool if he thinks I'm going to do business with him after a got wind that he's under investigation for fraud and tax evasion.

If you ask me, I never liked the guy. He always seemed off to me. Like he's hiding something.

"Get me Hansen on the phone. I need to speak with him about what's causing the delay with the shipment from Sydney."

"Yes, sir."

I spoke with Hansen for the next half an hour trying to figure out what went wrong. Some details are still unclear so I asked him to give me a full report first thing in the morning.

"I'm going to step out for awhile. I'll be back for my 10am meeting with our Japanese clients," I said as I walked out of my office.

My security detail, immediately followed me, but I turned around and stopped them.

"I'm going for a walk. Alone," I specified.

"But sir," Clark, my head of security started to protest, but I help up my hand.

"I'll be fine. I appreciate you doing your job, but
I'm going for that walk alone. I'm not going far," I said.

"Sir, at least let us follow you we'll stay far enough behind. You won't even know we're there."

"Trust me. I'll know," I said. "For the last time,
I'm going alone and I wasn't asking," I said.

He nodded even though the expression on his face told me, he didn't like it. Not one bit.

"I won't be long."

"Yes, sir."

I turned around and smirked. He'll be tracking me through my phone no doubt. That's fine by me. As long as they're not walking behind me in the streets of LA.

I stepped out of the office building and breathed in the cold air. Even though the sun was out, it was still chilly. The street was busy with people walking up and down the streets, cars passing by, and horns sounding.

I decided to go for a walk and enjoy the sun. I've never really walked the streets of downtown LA leisurely before.  I either drive or get driven whenever I need to go somewhere for security purposes. Security has always been a must in our family, especially with everything that has happened to us in the past. My dad insisted on having a security detail with us at all times. Of course now that we're older, we are now in charge of hiring security for ourselves. It also helps that my brother in-laws, Nate, Dave, and Allan own one of the largest security firm in the world, along with their best friend Jake. We always know we have the best of the best protecting us. They're also good at keeping a safe distance or maybe I've just gotten so used to having them that I don't even notice them or pay them attention anymore. But still, it's nice to just feel normal and just go for a walk without being tailed.

I looked around me, taking in the people walking by and realizing how easy their life must be. Not having to worry about the paparazzi following them or taking their photos waiting for the next headline. They just seemed so normal. So relax, like it's just another day.

I kept on walking as I thought about the conversation I had with my mom last night. She's helped me realize a lot of things. I learned something new about her relationship with my dad, something I didn't expect, but appreciated nonetheless. She never ceases to amaze me. Her strength and her faith is so strong, it can't be broken. When my mom talked about almost the hard time they went through that almost made her leave, I couldn't help but think that it must have been really bad for my mom to even contemplate leaving like that. Why was my dad feeling guilty? Why does he have to feel guilty about? I wanted to ask my mom all those questions, but decided against it. It doesn't really matter. She stayed. Her love was far greater than the pain she might have gone through.

It just proves that a love like that does exist.

Fuck. Here I go again.

I must be going out of my mind.

I really need my mind off of this.

Then suddenly a body collided with me. "Oof. Sorry," she said. Her voice was warm and sweet. Soothing.

Before I could say anything, she moved around me and started walking.

"Are you okay?" I called out. I don't know why, but I just needed to hear her voice.

She stopped and turned around to face me and I was rooted to the ground as her eyes collided with mine.

She's beautiful. Not in that over the top model like beautiful kind of way... no. She's more beautiful than any models I've ever had a pleasure of meeting. She's beautiful in an angelic kind of way. Her features was soft. Enticing. The kind that would make eyes turn to see a glimpse of her. Her eyes had a softness to it, but contains a mystery that will draw you in.

"Yes," was all she said and started walking again. I had no choice but to watch her walk away.

I shook my head and blinked a few times.

An overwhelming wave of emotions washed over me, but before I could figure it out, my phone began to ring.

I answered. "Hello?"

"Sir, your ten o'clock is here," she said.

I looked at my watch and cursed. Shit. I've only got fifteen minutes to get back. I started walking. "They're early, but go right ahead and send them to the conference room and I'll be there as soon as I can. Have George meet with them first," I said.

"Yes, sir."

"Thank you."

As I walked back, I hoped to catch a glimpse of that woman again, and at the same scolding myself for not trying to stop her or at least catch her name.

I shook my head.

Great, Damien. That's not creepy at all, I told myself.

I did notice her uniform though. I recognize it. I stopped by for coffee there once or twice before.

I smiled. At least I know where she works. I'll just have to make sure to drop by again.

I frowned at myself.

Great. Now you're a stalker?

I shook my head once again.

You really have lost it, Damien.

*****

Hi everyone! Hope you are enjoying getting to know Damien and Hallie.

What do you think of the story so far? How about their characters?

Let me know in the comments section. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Have a great weekend!