It was a beautiful summer day. The roses were in full bloom. Their sweet fragrance filled the air. Blue lavender added more color to the lush garden. Mrs. Middleton was throwing one of her extravagant Garden parties. Guests milled about, chattering and admiring the rows of flowers which lined each pathway. She stood by the weeping rose which stood where the four pathways intersected. Everyone was there by invitation only. For her part, she was there because she worked for Emma Middleton, the hostess’s eldest daughter. Come to think of it, she hadn’t seen Emma for a while now. Sighing, she was starting down the path which led to the pond when she heard her named called. She turned around. It was Emma hurrying towards her.
“Oh, there you are,” Emma exclaimed. “I’d been wondering where you had gone off to. Come, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.” She grabbed her hand and hustled her over to where a tall, well-built man stood talking to a group of people. Emma drew him away from them. “Remington, I’d like you to meet Talisa, my assistant.”
Remington looked at Talisa. His amber eyes studied her. He was blown away by her eyes which were slightly slanted and the most striking features of her face. She wasn’t a beautiful girl but she was stunning. She looked to be in her early to mid-twenties. Her hair was pulled back in a hairdo which didn’t quite suit her. It seemed rather severe but the dress she wore was very flattering to her figure and her complexion. He held out his hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Talisa.”
She smiled as they shook hands. “Likewise.”
Emma tucked her arm in his. “How’s my favorite cousin?” she asked.
“Busy. I just got back from Singapore.”
“Business or pleasure?”
“Business.”
“Hmmm. Well, I’ll leave you to tell Talisa all about it. Excuse me.” And she was gone.
Remington and Talisa stood there for awkward minutes and then, he smiling apologetically, said, “You’re not obligated to hear about my trip to Singapore, you know.”
“Actually, I would like to hear about it,” she said. He was extremely good-looking with his dark hair and amber eyes. He looked elegant in a white silk shirt which accentuated his olive complexion and navy blue trousers. She realized that she was staring and looked away. “Was it your first trip to Singapore?”
“Yes, it was.”
“And how did you find it?”
“Pleasant. The Singaporeans are generally very open but it’s best to avoid topics like religion, racial issues and politics.”
“What did you think of the women? I read somewhere that they are ranked the 4th most beautiful in the world.”
“The ones I saw were attractive, pretty and beautiful but as far as them being the 4th most beautiful women in the world, I don’t know if I agree.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to put you on a spot.”
“You didn’t. Where are you from originally, if you don’t mind me asking.”
“Luanda, Angola. I came after high-school and came here as an international student. I studied at the University of Brighton and after I graduated, I moved to London after applying for and getting the job with Emma.”
“How do you like working with my dear cousin?”
She smiled. “I like it very much. She’s a great boss and friend.”
Remington was about to ask her something when a woman’s voice exclaimed in delight, “Remy, darling!” They both turned to see a vivacious blonde with outstretched arms and a big smile on her face. She brushed past Talisa as if she weren’t there and wrapped her tanned arms around Remington’s neck. The hug lasted for a few minutes and then she drew back to look up at him. “You’re back from your trip. Welcome back from the world’s priciest city.”
“Thank you, Evie–”
“Are you free this evening? Please say yes.”
“Well, I am free but–”
“Good. There’s this new Italian restaurant I’ve been dying to go to. I have a friend of a friend who knows the manager and she could get us reservations this evening.”
“Fine. Evie, allow me to introduce you to Talisa.”
It was the first time Evie even acknowledged that someone else was there. Her green eyes swept over Talisa. There was disdain in them. Without offering her hand, she said rather grudgingly, “Hello.”
“Hello.”
“Remy darling, I’m starving. Let’s go and see what there is to eat.” She clutched his arm possessively as she said to Talisa, “Excuse us.”
“It was nice talking to you, Talisa,” was all he managed to say before he was hustled away.
Talisa watched him go, crestfallen.
This was written for the #writephoto Prompt at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo.
Sources: Denmark in Singapore;
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