Their car stops in front of a tall skyscraper, endless rows of glass shimmering in the sunlight. The words TECH EMPORIUM written boldly in gold letters adorn the building. The parking lot greets them with fleet of exotic rides ranging from limousines, to benz, to Audis, to any freaking ride you can think of.
Their flashy pink car, an absurd contrast to the dark, sleek rides in the parking lot, Maya and Alison both seem unfazed,like they were already used to it. After a vain attempt at finding space in the parking lot, Alison decides to park on the highway, behind a royal blue porsche.
Ashley turns down the ignition and heaves a big sigh, nervousness clawing at her insides. Maya noticing her uneasiness wraps her arms around her " You're finally going to be given the biggest title in the company, in front of all tech dignitaries, what's there to worry about!" Alison relaxes in her arms "Thanks sis, I couldn't have done it without your help" she replies warmly, hugging her back. Maya pulls away, a sly look on her face "I can't help but get scared at the tons of hot guys that'll ask you out" "shut up Maya!" Alison scrunches her nose in disgust, making Maya bursts into laughter.
They both pull out their seat mirrors, adding finishing touches to their makeup "I sometimes wonder what jewelry and long hair would look like on me.....sigh" Alison voices out her thoughts "you shouldn't be thinking about stuff like that" Maya warns with an edge to her tone "I'm sorry " Alison whispers giving a weak smile "Now your mood is ruined! I don't think any hot guys'll be asking for your number like this" Maya complains, faking a frown Alison chuckles softly "like I care about that" she rolls her eyes dramatically "a'ight! we'd better get going now" "yeah we've wasted enough time already" Alison agrees grabbing her bag as they exit the car.
As they are about to enter the building, Maya gives Alison's palm a tight squeeze "you got this" "thanks" Alison replies squeezing Maya's palm back before slipping her palm out of the hold. They walk into the reception exuding an aura of confidence and composure. The receptionist who was busy with some files quickly stood up to welcome them, a big smile making it's way to her lips and eyes "Miss Alison! Miss Maya! welcome. you both look very stunning" she compliments them genuinely, They smile warmly at her "thanks belle, you don't look bad yourself" Alison replies "watch out for 'em hot guys " Maya says to belle with a wink. Belle blushes softly at Maya's words, they both smile at her behavior as they make their way into the large hall
The room is filled to the brim with people dressed in various expensive tastes, chatting away in groups,different smells of cologne and perfumes occasionally wafting through the air, waiters and waitresses going about with assorted wines on silver trays. They both search the crowd, with their eyes, for any familiar faces "My babieeessss" A smiling late fortyish tall handsome looking man is walking towards them , his arms wide open, his slightly balding chocolate brown hair combed back in french style. Ashley rolls her eyes and Maya beams with smiles as he engulfs them in a tight hug "you're choking me" Alison croaks "oh I'm so sorry, I just couldn't control myself. It's been ages since I last saw you both" he said cheerfully, softly pinching their cheeks, Alison slaps his hand away from her cheeks "I've told you to stop doing that!" she spits out giving him a deadly stare. Maya shoots her a warning look "I'm very sorry sir she's just a bit nervous about today" she flashes him a teethy smile "No it's fine. She's still the same, strong and feisty just like her father" he smiles at her "I'm not and will never be anything like you" she retorts sharply. He flinched a little at her words but quickly regained his composure "Alison, I don't expect you to understand but I hope you do soon." Alison gave him a fake smile "I already understand all I need to". Maya irritated by Alison's rude comments grabs her arm roughly "show some respect!! Even if you don't value him I do!" Maya's rising voice attracts some attention from the crowd, Alison yanks her arm from Maya's grip "respect my foot" she mumbles. Not wanting to attract more attention, He clears his throat "Now, Now calm down girls. Alison, enjoy the party. Maya come with me" His smile not faltering for a second despite Alison's tongue lashing. Maya nods and follows behind him, she quickly turns to give Alison a middle finger to which Alison just rolls her eyes, watching them disappear into the crowd.
She takes out her phone and earpods, looking through her playlist for a song that'll calm her nerves. She plugs in both earpods but decided to use only one since she's in public space. She puts the phone back in her pocket , slowly bobbing her head to the beat. She gestures at a waitress carrying a tray of glasses and bottles containing only blue coloured champagne, she takes a glass and a bottle, and heads for her office since the event hasn't started yet and she wasn't in any mood to exchange pleasantries. As she snakes her way through the crowd, someone shoves her from behind and 'splash' all the contents of her glass empties onto the shirt of the person in front of her "shit! I'm so sorry....I didn't mean to.... I'm so so sorry...." She continued apologizing, dropping the glass and bottle on a stand and fishes for a handkerchief in her bag and hurriedly dabs the stain "It's fine" A deep calm voice says, peeling her pushing her hand away from him. She looks up at the owner of the voice and her hazel eyes meet a pair of cold silver ones, a shiver runs through her spine, He makes to leave but she insists on cleaning the shirt "No sir! It was my mistake so lemme handle it" she continues trying to get the stain off. He yanks her hands away from him"I said it's fine" His voice still calm as before an indifferent look on his face. She opens her mouth to say something but he walks away before she could, she glared murderously at his back "everyone's just trying to get on my nerves today" she clicks her tongue and picks up her bottle and glass, continuing to her office but before she could take two steps "We gladly welcome you all to today's event." She sighs and pulling out her earpods, she pulls out her phone and pauses the song. She rests on the stand eliminating all thoughts of going to her office.