BETA

MACKENZIE Sighing, I leaned back into my chair, resting my head against the headset. My neck muscles were so taut that they felt like they were made of wood. To design and gather ideas from your mind for something unique that will intrigue people, for hours is a tough job. Picking up my phone and opening the camera, I looked at myself. As I was lazy and tired to walk to the bathroom to see my reflection. I looked like a racoon with dark circles under my tired eyes. I haven't slept for whole two days! Making a face at my reflection, I put down my phone not ready to face the reality of how I look today. I am very conscious when it comes to my dressing and look. Neat and presentable that's how I like it. Looking down at my crinkled clothes, I cringed at myself. I was far away from looking neat and presentable today. Whatever! I don't care. I put my head down on my arm and shut my eyes for a while before any client comes. I must be deep in sleep that I didn't hear my phone ring, when I woke up I checked my phone to see a missed call from Quinn- my best friend. Rubbing my eyes to wash the sleep from my eyes but as I did that, I remembered I had eyeliner on me. "s**t!" Cursing, I rush to the washroom and was met with my expectation. Half eyeliner erased and half present miserably alone on my eyelid. Sighing, I opened the tap and put my hand under the cold water enjoying the coolness of the water. Washing my face and quickly redid my makeup. Fixing the bangs on my forehead, I looked at my look. Short black hair cut in a bob style with bangs hanging neatly on my forehead, blue hue in my eyes were enhanced by the eyeliner, a light red lipstick staining my thin small lips. Moving my hand over my dress, I smoothed the creases and walked out of the washroom. As I sat down in my chair, my hand automatically reached for the nose pin on my right nasal ala to rotate the nose pin a few times, which was a habit of mine. A message popped up on my phone from Quinn. Hey, what's the plan for today?? You better reply to me right now. :| Chuckling at her message, I typed in a message letting her know, I was free today before I get back to my work. Thankfully my client liked my work and transferred money to my bank. Which made me sigh in relief. Being independent and living on your own is such a good feeling that you are no longer a burden on your family. Well, many people have a different opinion regarding this. I was a certified home interior designer. Soon after my graduation, I was offered a job at a big decor firm. Gaining knowledge, experiences and money, I opened my own Studio. I had two teams, one who work closely with architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and construction labourers and helpers to determine how interior spaces will function, look, and be furnished. And the second team looks after the layout, specify materials and furnishings, such as lighting, furniture, wall finishes, flooring, and plumbing fixture. Create a timeline for the interior design project and estimate project costs. Place orders for materials and oversee the installation of the design elements. It was getting difficult for me to handle all of the things alone and luckily I was offered to join my firm with another firm. Luckily, I managed to hit a jackpot. The other firm was run by Jack, who happened to be my class fellow. We joined our firms but not our studios, we chose a new name for our firm- Crafty Decor and kept running our studio, which was present in the same city under one firm. We both were the heads of our firm Jack was the head of the 1st team and I looked after the 2nd team and sketching/ layout. It was past six pm in no time and I need to hurry up before Quinn eat my head. My workers bid their byes and took their leave. While I winded up the work and locked the studio. My apartment was located nearby the studio so I mostly walk on foot to my home. As I walked down the stairs, my ears ringed with Quinn's words about today "double date". He likes simple women who listen to him and doesn't talk rubbish. What a load of garbage!. Who does he think he is? I thought to myself, where does Quinn find people like that. Don't talk rubbish? Stupid. A shudder ran down my spine thinking about meeting this 'person ' today. I already felt disconnected from this person before meeting him. I can't imagine what it would be like to talk to him. Today either he is running home with a flustered face or I will end up fuming. Let's see what happens. Shaking my stupid thoughts and looking to my right and left, finding no vehicle coming, I crossed the road. Giving a warm smile towards my building neighbours as they waved their hand at me, I walked past them into the lift. Punching in the number 5, I leaned back against the mirror plastered on the lift wall. Taking my phone out of my jacket pocket to look at the time. It was 5 pm. Quinn told me to be ready by 7. Ah. I have a lot of time. I said with a smile. Opening Snapchat, I realised I haven't sent today's streak. "Oh damn," I said with a roll of my eyes. If I didn't send the streak today, most of my friends will go crazy and make me go crazy along with them. Quickly finding a cute filter, I posed with a smile on my face, bangs decorating my forehead and nose pin glittered in the selfie. Typing in... I got off early today!! Yahoo!?? Fighting back a yawn, I dragged my feet towards my apartment. Patting my bag and heard the rattling of the keys. Opening the bag, I rummaged through things in my bag and finally felt my finger touching a cold irregular metal thing. Taking it out with a sigh, I locked open the door. Putting my bag on the table near the door and take off my shoes. Putting them on the rack which was located under the table as a part of it. I designed it myself, the left side had a medium-sized full-length mirror and on the right side was a table with a shoe rack underneath. I had decorated it by placing some antique items. The shoe rack contained the shoes which I wear while I am running errands like sneakers, joggers and clean slippers for the guests. Until I clean the joggers and sneakers I keep them there so that my apartment doesn't get dirty. I am strict in aspects of cleanliness. The only thing that I can't control in the house was the dust, that seems to come in through the mini gaps between the windows. I sat down on the chair in the kitchen and poured myself a glass of water and chugged it down in one go. What I was thirsty. My phone chimed with a message. The screen lit up and looked down at it to find Quinn's message. What are you wearing? Show me! ? I sighed, she seems to be excited about this date. I hope it works out for her this time. I typed in a message... Let me breathe. I just came back, girl. ?? Whatever. Hurry up.?? Rolling my eyes at her, I put the phone on my bed and went hunting down a dress in my closet. Finally, after some time, I picked the outfit for today. White High waisted wide leg pants, black halter neck top and brown jacket with black Chelsea boots and matching handbag. Quickly sending a picture of my outfit to Quinn, I started to get ready. First things first, I went inside the bathroom to empty my bladder. What? It is the most important thing to do! If you don't poop then you die. If you don't believe me go search it on google. Taking a hot shower, seemed to drain away all my tiredness. Putting my hair into a towel, I started doing my make up. Quinn and I always fought on this one. Should a lady wear the clothes or do makeup? I always do makeup first and then wear my clothes but it is the opposite with her. What's the point of wearing clothes first? The clothing will be ironed out and will end up creasing. And in the worst-case scenario, your foundation or mascara can fall on your shirt, then what? The dress will be ruin and you cry your eyes out! That's why to be on the safer side, I do my make up first and yes it's a struggle to wear small neck shirts careful not to smudge my make-up. I apply the lipstick in the end after wearing my clothes, smart right! I can do my makeup only when there is music in the background. You could say it's a habit now, I have been doing this when I was a teenager. Habits die hard. Bobbing my head at my favourite song, Me like yuh-Jay park. I turned around to look at the clock on the wall, it was six forty. Like always. I get ready before time is up. One thing that I was proud of myself, I am always punctual in my professional life as well as my daily life. I decided to ring Quinn when 2 bells rang I cut the call. It was a sign from me to her that I was ready and she needs to hurry up. She called me right back immediately, putting it on speaker, I looked at myself in the mirror. My black hair was shining under the yellow light, bangs sat perfectly on my forehead. Red lipstick tainted my small lips which were broadened by me by using a technique I saw on **. "I am a ready girl. On my way to yours." She said, heard faint noises of cars passing by. "Wow. That's new." I chuckled and grabbed my jacket and phone. She scoffed and cut the call, probably embarrassed. Locking the door, I went inside the lift. I went through my schedule for the coming week. I had only a week to rest then I had a new project taken care of. We were introducing wedding planners as part of our business. All the ideas, stuff, decorations were all ready. We just have to strike a deal with a well-known businessman or a political figure to showcase our new project to the world. The new store for this project was built closer to our building. I walked slowly, my eyes glued to the phone reading a document that my secretary send to me. I looked up and found myself at the entrance of the building, leaned my back against the wall, I replied to my secretary, Lauren. As I pocketed my phone into my bag, I heard a loud honk which made startled me. I found the car which had me grinding my teeth. Realising it was Quinn, who was grinning from ear to ear. Rolling my eyes with a scoff, I opened the car door and sat down. "Haha, I go-" "Shut up Quinn," I said, cutting her off and putting on a song. She huffed and started the car. Crossing my arms over my thighs, I locked my eyes out of the window, looking at the scene. Though my eyes were seeing stuff in front of the car my mind was somewhere else. A flashback of my previous date appeared in front of my eyes. That enchanting smile which captures you, that touch which freezes you in your feet, those lips which brought fire to mine. But the toxicity he had within him was enough to pull me back to reality and crush my world. I tried withstanding it and thought maybe I could change him but instead, it was draining me mentally. It was mental torture. After five months of dating, I gave up and left him. He left saying he didn't a f**k. But he kept coming at me, using different phone numbers, coming at my workplace only to be thrown out by my guards. Finally, after 2 weeks, he left seeing I was no longer coming under his charms anymore. Shuddering with the flashback, I blew air from my mouth. "Are you okay? You look upset." Quinn asked, lowering the volume. "Yeah, I am fine. Just had a flashback of that asshole a moment back." I spoke with a sigh and laughed at her gagging face. "That poop face. Forget about him, Mackenzie." She said with seriousness. "Don't worry. I am fine worried about today's date. I hope I don't find another s**t person." I said, cracking my neck to relax the neck muscles. "Let's see." I sighed and got lost in the scenery outside the window. Shortly after we arrived at the destination. I looked up at the board sign- Jardin Restaurant. What a fancy name. Glancing at myself in the side mirror once before I got out of the car. I watched as Quinn was spraying her mouth with a mouth freshener. "Didn't you brush your teeth?" I asked, rolling my eyes at her. "I did. You never know what happens next. Things happen and it may lead to other things." She said with an excited smile on her face. Her loose wavy hair moved slightly with the breeze. Looking at herself once in the mirror she nodded at herself, probably liking what she sees. Meanwhile, I was going through my emails and checking Quinn in between. Wishing she could hurry up, she is dolled up already. I took out my phone and leaned against the car, putting one hand in my coat pocket. "I am going in. It's been five minutes now." I said, clicking my heels on the floor and walking towards the Restaurant. I heard her gasp in surprise, she must have looked at the time. We were ten minutes late. It's not a big issue being late, but I like punctuality. And I don't want to give a bad impression by being late. Putting my phone in my coat, I approached the counter. Clicking heels behind me told me Quinn was behind me making me chuckle. "Good Evening, Ma'am. Any reservations?" "Yes. By the name Mackenzie Miles," I told him, the waiter nodded and looked through the list in his hand. Meanwhile, I looked around the restaurant, it was pretty spacious and nicely decorated. The colours painted on the wall and the furniture colour and design went well with each other. I nodded my head as my eyes scanned every painting and decor. "You look satisfied," Quinn commented, nudging my arm with her elbow. "Yes, the colours and everything seems good." "Yes, Maam. Please follow me." The waiter said politely and gave us a kind smile. We followed him through the rows of tables and finally reached our table. "Thank you" I spoke, giving him a polite smile. "No problem Maam. Would you like to order or are you waiting for someone?" He asked, looking at us in question "We are waiting," Quinn answered, Putting my bag on the floor on the right side under my seat. It is table etiquette to put away your belongings when meeting someone. Only my phone was on the table and I sat back comfortably in my chair. Quinn poured water into the glass and passed it towards me. Thanking her, a smile on my face as I grabbed the glass. How thoughtful of her. I took a sip and looked to my right where the full-length mirror wall was. I looked outside to find there were sitting arrangements on the outside as well. Greenery surrounded the sitting area and a small pound was made where birds were drinking water from. "They are here," Quinn whispered, making me look at her. Her composed figure and expressionless face had me laughing for a second. She was faking it. "Shut up." She said with a slip of chuckle from her lips. She never ceases to amaze me. While I remained my normal self. Calm and composed. Two men came into my line of vision. The former one was normal looking. He had common features with normal height. He must be 2 or 3 inches longer than me. He had a soft smile on his face, looked easily approachable and easygoing The latter was a bit stylish as compared to the former one. He was tall with a la ean figure and haan d expresionless expression on his face. Making me lean in to read him. "Hello, ladies. Hope we didn't keep you waiting," The former one said, voice polite as he lowered his head in respect. "Oh, no problem. We just got here as well." She said, casting a glance at me, making me raise my eyebrow at her. Liar, we were here fifteen minutes ago. They are late! But I kept my mouth shut and only nodded my head in silence. The tall guy moved forward and took a seat beside me and the other followed him taking a seat beside Quinn. "I am Ribuio." The man beside Quinn spoke, glancing at both of us. "I am Quinn. Nice to meet you." She said, with a smile on her case. I could see her jumping on him after a while. She liked him from how he looked. She needs to learn, the exterior isn't always the truth. "Hello, I am Elier," came a gruff voice from beside me. Moving my neck to my left where he sat and found his black eyes staring back at me. "Name is Mackenzie," I said with a nod of my head. I felt a shoe hit on my shin, making me frown. It didn't hurt but enough to gain my attention. I looked straight to find Quinn glaring at me. I simply rose my eyebrow at her. She rolled her eyes at me. I knew what she meant. I should be more friendly with my so-called date. But that's not who I am. I am a reserved person more than before now. I can't fake it and be friends with him. If the talk goes well, I might lighten up a little. He nodded beside me and folded his arms over his chest. "Let's order!" Quinn said, already calling a waiter over. Ribuio started having light chat with Quinn, they both seemed to be interested in each other. My hand reached forward to grab the half-filled glass with water, which Quinn poured me a while ago. I felt eyes on me from my side, Elier. After taking a sip, I tried to see him from my peripheral view instead of facing him. "I heard you are an interior designer," his deep voice made me look at him. He held a kind look, no creepy or desperate look. I nodded my head and looked down and then back at him, making eye contact with him. As soon as our eyes met, he gave me a small smile. "What is your profession?" I asked, slightly tilting my body towards him. His kind gestures made me interested in him. He eyes my movement and followed suit. "I am a businessman. I managed to look after my pharmaceutical companies," he spoke with the movement of his hand in the air. "Nice," I stupidity said, not findings any other words to say. My lips opened and closed trying to say anything but no words came out. He chuckled at me, probably finding me stupid. I cleared my throat and looked towards the couple in front of us. Quinn and Ribeiro. One of my eyebrows raised in question as I stared at her giggle. This i***t was overdoing her acting. "What do you do in your idle time,?" He asked, to keep the conversation going. I brought myself to focus on the man beside me rather than two horny people in front of me. I adjusted myself on the seat that I was facing him. His black orbs met my blue ones. Nothing. No spark or attraction. That's how I felt right now. "Well, I like to travel. Mostly alone. Sometimes a few friends of mine join me in this adventure," I told him, looking down at his hands. His hands were neither large nor short but in between. A fancy-looking watch decorated his wrist. "Oh, thats good. I don't like travelling because I had so much now, I just want to sit back and relax." He says, with a deep sigh, his fingers ran through his hair. Making them a bit messy in the process. "That's sad," I said, without showing any remorse and drank the leftover water in my glass. "Yeah," I heard him whisper which made me feel bad about how I responded to him. "That's not a big issue. You can rest now and then later you can either go alone or best if you find a good tag along partner." I said softly, looking up at him and meeting his black eyes which showed no emotions for me to read him. He nodded his head and looked down at his phone which chimed as a message popped up. He excused himself and left to talk to someone on the phone. Leaving me alone with two weirdoes. They both were smiley and all giggles that made me feel weird. Elier's vibe was more of like a friend or a client. He was like me in conversations. He was a closed-off person like me. I sighed mentally, we are not a match. I guess this is a fail as well. ~~~~~~