Nana Jean.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"I'll be stepping out now, please ensure that nothing goes wrong in my absence," I said, as I took off my chef apron and hung it on the rail in the kitchen.

I had just finished teaching the chefs a new delicacy and was about to rush off because I had somewhere important to be.

"Don't worry, Arielle. Everything is in control," Rebecca said with a reassuring smile.

I nodded, "thank you," and walked out of the kitchen, heading to my office. Inside, I grabbed my bag, but as I made to leave, a thought struck me and I paused, retreating my steps to the restroom connected to my office.

I stared at myself in the mirror and realized that true to my instincts, some things in my look needed to be straightened. I immediately got to work, straightening my hair, reapplying my lipstick, and spraying perfume. The scent of lavender filled the air, calming my nerves. As I looked up at my now perfect self in the mirror, I nodded and walked out.

In the hallway, as I made for the exit, I bumped into Stephen. Oh, no, I cried inwardly. Now was not the time, I do not have the time to engage him.

"Hey," he greeted, his face lighting up with a smile as we drew closer.

"Oh, hi, Stephen," I replied hastily. "Um, have you been in the kitchen today?"

"No, not yet. Is there a problem?"

"Not really a problem, but you should. Rebecca needs your attention with something." And before he could say a word, I hurried past him, patting his shoulder.

"Go tend to Rebecca," I called out over my shoulder, not slowing down.

I could feel his gaze on my back, but I didn't look back. I had to get out of there before he delayed me further with his chit chat.

I quickened my pace, my heels making funny sounds on the floor as I made way to exit. But just as I stepped out, I bumped into Big Joe.

Oh shit, I cussed, wanting to take another route but he already spotted me and was approaching me now.

it was when he initially arrived. Now, I feel babied and would always look for a way to outsmart him and go anywhere I wanted to, without him. But I guess today

was going to be more firm with my request to Dwayne to terminate his job, especially with this thing with Jared. It's going to be awkward, having him follow me

I cared, but I just don't want Big Joe feeding

forcing a smile when he

nod, "Hi, Ma." And then he added,

but I don't need company because it's just across the road," I added, pointing to some unknown direction to drive home my

be a

gaze. I can't outsmart him today, so I'm left with the

be somewhere, and I do not want you with me. I promise to be

-" but I cut him short before he started one of those

if I don't keep to time," I said, pulling off every facial expression I

face softened. "Fine,

Thank you," I said, and tapped

the opposite street. I spotted the car where it was parked, and

and that was only because today is the day we pick up

too, Mr Smith," I said sarcastically, rolling my

Arielle. How're

let's leave already," I

turned the car on, as he careened

airport was in silence, save for my brief responses to

we arrived at the

our way for the arrivals, Jared suddenly pulled me close, wrapping his hand around my waist. I froze momentarily, totally

my ear, tickling. "If we're going to

fog that had clouded my mind.

messed up with my head, stirring up old memories. Memories of our past, and

I quickly shoved them aside. The sound of luggage carts rolling and passengers

the arrivals gate, and Jared's and I scanned the crowd with our eyes. Simultaneously, our eyes spotted

turning to

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