TWO WEEKS LATER


“How’s New York treatin’ ya?” Gretchen questions me, “I haven’t heard from you in about a week.”

“I’ve been busy, my publisher set me up with a new agent and she’s been getting me in every charity event imaginable.” I reply as I look through the clothing my new agent sent over for me. Tonight was another charity event, this time it’s about keeping the arts in schools; something close to my heart.

“Have you had any time to write?” She asks, “I’d love to read what you have done for Miss Fire.”

“Gretch, I haven’t even had time to breathe. I’ve been too busy “getting my name out there”. My new agent is a lot better than Mary.” I reply, “tonight I get to rub elbows with the finest in society; I hope you can envision my eye roll.”

She lets out a laugh, “don’t you have such a horrible life,” she jokes. “Maybe you might be able to meet Tony Stark.”

“I highly doubt he’d be there; saving art programs in schools doesn’t seem like his sort of thing…”

Tony Stark

“Why am I going to this thing?” I whine to Pepper as I get ready for the current charity event I’m being forced to go to.

“One public scandal equals two charity events to attend too; that was the deal Mister Stark.” Since our last break up Pepper has been cold -frigid if you ask me- and has been acting like the last couple years haven’t happened.

“How was I suppose to know she was a cop going undercover as a hooker!” I defend myself, earning an annoyed eye roll from Pepper. “Seriously are you going to act like what happened between us never happened?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She coolly says, “I’m just returning to our professional relationship, that’s what you wanted.” She put an extra emphasis on the you, making me feel guilty. Yes, at the time of the break up I wanted us to keep a professional relationship. Now I just want me right hand man -er woman- by my side.

“Come on, you know me; I’m always changing my mind.” I chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

Pepper walks over to me and adjusts my tie, “just finish getting ready; you’re already late.” With that, she walks out of my room; leaving me there alone…

Daisy

An annoyed sigh escapes my lips when I feel the limo stop, quickly followed by someone opening the door. I put on a fake smile as I get out of the back seat and am instantly greeted by the flashing flights of the cameras. Paparazzi, lovely, I think to myself as I make my way to the swank hotel where the event is being taken place. I ignore the countless questions about my new book and just smile as they take my picture. I can’t wait to get inside and start drinking, I know it’s going to be a long night.

Countless boring conversations and a horrible dinner later, I find myself make up excuses to leave in my head ranging from I have a horrible headache. to the most blunt I’m bored out of my fucking mind so I must go. I’m sure the second option would get me in trouble with not only the press but my agent as well.

Knowing I can’t get out of this, I head to the hotel’s bar. I put my empty champagne flute on the bar as I sit down; gaining the attention of the blonde haired bartender, “what can I get you?” He asks.

I look at my champagne flute then back at him, “you wouldn’t have anything stronger than champagne, would you?”

He lets out a chuckle as he takes the glass away, “yea we have stronger things. Having a rough night?”

“You could say that,” I reply with a smile. “Can you get me a scotch on the rocks?”

“Wow, you must have havin’ a rough night. I’ll be right back with your drink.” He strolls away.

“I guess it’s safe to say I’m not the only one that doesn’t want to be here.” A voice to my right says. I turn my head and see a very handsome man sitting next to me. He’s the definition of the perfect; well almost. He’s dark and handsome but from where I’m sitting, he doesn’t seem to tall. He has gorgeous brown eyes that seem to look deep into your soul and his slightly messy brown hair tells me he’s not like the rest of the stuck up people here.

“My agent said this would be good publicity for my new upcoming book; I just think it’s boring.” I whisper the last part to him, earning a laugh. “So why you here? Forced or are you just hear because you truly care about the kids like the rest of the trust fund people here.”

“I had a public scandal and the CEO of my company forced me to come here and whatever other charity event comes up.” He informs me as the bartender places both of our drinks in front of us. “I usually don’t attend these things. Normally I just send in the money and be done with it.”

“Well at least we’re not totally alone.” I smile, “cheers to sharing the misery.” I raise my glass. The man smiles and raises his; clinking our glasses together.

“Cheers…”

**

“Did you have fun tonight?” Gretchen asks as I walk into my apartment. I had to call her after the evening I had, I need to talk to a normal person.

“It was boring,” I inform her, “the only good part was meeting this guy at the bar. He was the only down to earth person there. Sure he seemed a little larger than life but after a few drinks, we had a decent conversation ranging from AC/DC to weapons of mass destruction.”

“Sounds like you had a fun night,” she chuckles, “and at least you get to keep the dresses your agent sent over; that’s a definite plus.”

“I’m probably going to end up sending you most of the clothing she wants me to wear,” I tell her as I unzip the dress I’m wearing and letting it fall to the ground, “they’re more your style than mine.”

“What they’re not country enough for you?” She jokes, knowing my style too well.

“I’m a small town country girl, I don’t do couture.” I laugh.

“Daisy, you seem a lot happier than you have been,” Gretchen notes, “it’s nice to hear that laugh again.”

“I’m a lot better.” I agree with her, “maybe this is what I needed. If I stayed there, I would still be in a rut; everything would remind me of Mike.”

“I’m sure he’s happy that you finally got out of this God forsaken town and working on Miss Fire. I’m sure whatever you come up with, he would have loved.” She assures me, causing a smile to tug at the corner of my lips.

“I just hope I do his idea service, it’s an amazing idea.” I state, “in fact I’m going to be working on the first couple chapters tomorrow. I have the next couple days off so I’m going to use that time to walk around New York and gather ideas.”

I hear Copper’s barking in the background and a smile grows wider on my lips, “hey I’ve got to go before Copper eats my mom. I’ll talk to you tomorrow and send me whatever you get done for Miss Fire, I’d love to read it.”

“All right, I will and tell your mother I said hi.” Both of us mutter a goodbye before hanging up. I toss my phone onto my bed, nearly hitting Crue’s head, before I take off my bra and panties then heading into the bathroom to take a quick shower; that’ll be one less thing to worry about in the morning. Tomorrow’s already going to be a hectic day for me, I’d hate to have to add onto that…

Notes