Chapter 5 Here we go, Again

Morning came along with a serious case of neck cramps for Natalie. She groaned rubbing her shoulders What time is it? She breathed out, not wanting to step out of the comfort of her bed just yet. Stretching, she looked at the clock up her bedside and then closed her eyes only for them to snap open again "Shit." She cursed jumping out of her bed and heading to the living room. Harrison was stretched out on the couch, Tony on top of him as the duo slept. She breathed out in relief when she saw the empty plate on the floor. She went back inside and grabbed her phone.

Realizing it was dead, she let it charge while she brushed her teeth.

No room for clumsiness today Nat. We've gotta make it up to the time lost. There are a lot of things that need to be done and a lot of questions that have to be asked. She spat and rinsed her mouth. She pulled her tee shirt over her head and threw it into the laundry basket. Stepping out of the rest of her clothes she headed for the shower. The cold water that pelted down upon her felt like rain. One of her favorite thing about nature was the rain and the scent it brought. After an hour of scrubbing herself clean, Natalie stepped outside and wrapped a towel around herself.

Unlocking the door, she stepped outside and opened her dresser 'Too Bold. Too dull. Too - why did I even buy that. God damn it...Too black! Too Yellow.' Natalie looked through her clothes and almost whined.

"Big day?" Harrison's sleepy voice echoed from the door. Natalie turned to look at him and pointed accusingly at her wardrobe.

"I've got nothing good to wear today."

"Babe, since when did you care about how good you looked for work?" Harrison walked to her and observed the wardrobe "Unless... You are attracted to a certain someone whose attention you need to catch?" He held up a simple black dress.

Natalie rolled her eyes "Too black."

Harrison placed the dress back and continued to search "You haven't answered my question yet, love."

"Not really." She shrugged "Mariah let me handle a client. It's an engagement party and uh...well, I need to look presentable."

"How's this?" He held up a red dress " I think this will impress him."

"I don't want to impress him," She said taking the dress from him "I want to look presentable."

"Whatever lets you sleep, sweetheart." Harrison chuckled as she slipped into the bathroom to change.

"How are things with Hugh?" She asked slipping into the dress.

"Good. Good. There is a slight development."

"What kind?"

"He asked me to move in with him." Natalie for a second felt a pang in her heart. Did it mean that she'd be losing him forever? Stop it, Natalie. You have to be understanding, not selfish. Be happy for him "Nat? Hey listen, I know what you're thinking and-"

"I'm happy for you." She said taking Harrison by surprise "And yes, I still don't believe in happily ever after but I am really really happy for you." Opening the door, she wrapped her arms around him "I'm going to miss you, seriously but..if you're happy, I'm happy." Harrison wrapped his arms around her.

"This was most definitely not what I expected." He chuckled. Natalie pulled away and pecked his cheek "That too."

"Well, Like I said.." She began going about doing her last-minute touch-ups "I'm happy if you're happy but that doesn't mean that I believe in fairytale endings." Harrison rolled his eyes "Be a little darling and hand me that lipstick would you Harry?"

"Yes, My Liege." He mocked her.

Once Natalie painted her lips red, she gathered her file and her bag "I'll see you later then." She said walking out of her room with Harry wishing her the best of luck. It was an hour's drive to Mathew's office. Throughout the drive, Natalie practiced formally greeting him and going over her forms so she had everything she needed at that point. This time, you get the answers. This is your chance to make Mariah see that you can handle this. You can do this Nat. Think about Harry and Hugh later. For now, focus.

It wasn't until she reached her destination, that she was dragged out of her thoughts. The whole building looked like a glass monument with people buzzing in and out of the complex. She walked in, dusting her dress. Natalie tried slowing her pace when her heels echoed monstrously inside the hall but it was futile given how silent the place was considering the many people who were buzzing in and out.

The interior was decorated beautifully with antique vases, luxury comfort sofas in the lobby, and chandeliers that looked like they were made out of diamonds. Roses occupied every vase she spotted and the walls were white, a grand piece of decorated painting framed on them. Natalie approached the reception "Excuse me, I'm looking for Mr. Mathew Holmes?"

"And who are you, ma'am?" A pretty blonde woman asked her.

"Natalie." She smiled "I'm Natalie Rose. From the Carter Planning Agency."

"Do you have an appointment?" The woman picked up the phone and pressed it to her ear.

"I believe I do." Natalie fiddled with her fingers " Mr Holmes asked me to meet him here today. You could-"

"Sir, A miss Natalie Rose from the c-" She spoke into the phone and nodded and then looked up at Natalie "He's waiting for you. Tenth floor, Room D." Placing the phone back in its place, the woman typed something on her computer and handed Natalie an ID Card that read visitors "It gives you access to the Tenth floor only."

"Thanks." Natalie took the card and walked along the red carpet. She wiped the card in the machine near the elevator that opened. Stepping in, she punched the tenth floor and waited patiently to reach her destination. The elevator door hissed open and Natalie walked out Right, she said 'D...I see an A..C ah! There it is'. She walked towards the door and knocked on it.

"Come in." She heard Mathew's voice echo from behind the room. Taking a deep breath, Natalie pushed the door open.

"Good Morning." She said stepping into the room. Mathew was standing and leaned back on the table. His crimson shirt made him seem like a child of a snowdrop. His piercing blue eyes looked at her, a smile inching on his lips mirroring hers.

"Good morning Nat." He grinned "Welcome. Please, Have a seat." He gestured and pulled out a chair. Natalie quietly thanked him and took her seat. Matt moved over to the executive's chair and sat down "Would you like anything to drink?"

"No, I just had breakfast." She lied, wanting to seem polite.

"All right" He smiled and spoke into the phone "Ginger, I'd like two cups of coffee sent to my room ASAP. Thank you, darling." Placing the receiver he looked at her. Natalie was very aware of how he was observing her every move and that made her even more conscious. "So, what do you think about this?" He gestured at the office.

"It's...Grand." Natalie confessed, "And beautifully decorated." Realizing it was up to her to begin the work-related conversation she added "Just like your party will be. I'd like to ask you a series of questions in order to get the, um, Plan started."

"Okay" Mathew supported his chin with his hand "Shoot."

"Okay so, tell me about the future Mrs. Holmes. What is her name and where did you two meet?" Natalie asked, opening her notepad and looking at Mathew attentively.

"Her name is.. Emily Bookman." His lips were pursed "And we have never actually met."