Thin Ice

In a hurry to get out of the cold, we went inside a small but posh cafe as it was the nearest one in the company. I'd have preferred the usual self-service cafes instead of being waited upon but at least there's not much people since my usual go-to places would be crowded by now.

Someone immediately came to take our order and Ethan immediately gave our usual pick so I was just staring dully into space while I tried not to fidget.

"Is pasta alright?" My mind was jolted out of its reverie by Ethan.

I blinked in confusion, "Aren't we just getting coffee?"

After looking at his watch, he raised one eyebrow, "You didn't eat yet, did you?"

I nodded in resignation since I could see that it was going to be a losing argument while I avoided his piercing stare as I looked at anything in his face except for his eyes. I'd like to think that we waited for our food in companionable silence but in reality, it felt terribly awkward. Though, maybe it was only on my end as Ethan looked anything but that on my brief stolen peeks.

Thankfully, Ethan didn't mention anything about my irrational behavior these past few days. I felt bad about it and it was like a big elephant in the room that I couldn't talk about. This was a spontaneous decision and half of me wanted to run out the door right this moment. However, I felt the need to confront this head on but it was easier said than done when I can't even acknowledge it right now.

We just did random small talks about everything without approaching that topic to my relief. Gradually, I relaxed after a while and I knew it was all because of him. Casual but not forced, he managed to smooth back the strain like before. Though, I knew deep down that this thin ice that we're walking would crumble soon. The only question was who would break it. I just hope that I know what I'm doing by then.

He led me back to the taxi stand and held the door while I got in. I was about to say goodbye but he bent down with his hand still on the car door so we were eye level.

"Am I picking you up tomorrow?" He asked quietly. His words were normal but we both knew what he was really asking.

All that avoidance but I still ended up looking at his gaze straight on. In the weak light, it was so mesmerizing that I couldn't look away.

"Yes," I heard myself responding faintly.

A few hours ahead of the fashion show of Regal, I arrived in Casa de Arte with plenty of time as Mr. Lee told me that he will let me have a look behind the scenes to give me an inkling on how design houses operate and the know-how on who to approach among the attendees.

It was a big establishment though it only had five floors. The museum was painted white all over with spotlights outside in strategic areas that illuminated it in the dark. It was a classy but expensive venue to host a show, nothing less for Regal.

I walked a few steps and noticed that Ethan didn't get out of the car when we arrived at the entrance. I realized that I forgot to tell him my plans. I went back and he opened the window.

"You're coming with me," I signaled that he should get out of the car.

"I have to go in too?" Ethan asked, surprised evident on his face.

I nodded as he left the key of the car to the valet at the side, "Follow me. I think this would be interesting to you."

My mind was still on that modelling idea from back then when we visited the suit shop. I thought if he can see how it goes from up close then he can consider it better. With training, he would be on par with professionals, especially if he modeled suits.

My mind flashed an image of that night at the charity party.

It really wasn't bad. . .

"Hey Miranda, someone's waving at you," Ethan snapped his fingers in front of me while his head was bent to the side, looking at my reaction.

I blinked and tried with all my might to not change expressions. I can't believe my mind flew off in the middle of business. The worst thing was the distraction was just right beside me. Fortunately, I couldn't dwell on it for too long since we finally reached the lady that signaled us to go to her.

"Hi, I'm Tina! Mr. Lee's assistant. He sent me to welcome you first as he's preoccupied with something at the moment," she greeted with an upbeat voice as she ushered us somewhere.

Unlike the neat style of her boss, she was dressed in that trendy pastel yellow coat and its matching short that billowed enough to look like a skirt in the same color with her hair in a pixie cut. It was right in the middle of corporate style but interesting enough to be fashionable.

Her words seemed to imply that there were unexpected problems. Despite her bright disposition, I noticed some tightness in her eyes.

She dropped us off on what seemed to be a waiting room, complete with refreshments and plush sofas.

"Mr. Lee will come in a bit. Please help yourself to the refreshments and I'm sorry that I have to leave you alone here," she explained but she was already backing her way to the door like she couldn't wait to leave.

I hurriedly told her, "No problem. I hope everything's alright."

"We have to make it work no matter what," she said one last time before finally leaving.

"That was weird. She was like a hurricane that just swept through," Ethan commented with a grin, throwing an amused look in my direction.

"Something must've happened," I guessed as I met his glance.

We settled in comfortable silence while I checked my phone for any unread emails to pass the time. My phone rang just as I finished with Lila's name on the caller ID. I wore my earbuds before I took her call.

"Miranda, can you talk?" She opened.

"Yes, I'm free right now," I answered readily as I already expected her to call.

"I need to reschedule the meeting. Can you let me know when it's good for you next week?" She replied as I heard the flipping sound of paper on her end.

"Hang on. Let me check my calendar," I swiped at my phone to check my free time.

Just then, the door burst open with the entrance of Mr. Lee. He was usually composed with his smart suits but there were traces of agitation in his countenance.

"I'm sorry for the wait, Miranda. We have a problem at the moment with the models. The backstage is a mess right now so I can't show you around today," he hurriedly apologized.

"It's not a problem. Don't worry about it. Is it something I can help with?" I reassured him.

"Thank you for asking but I think we're too pressed for time now to even come up with a proper solution. The model that was supposed to do the opening and closing run suddenly couldn't come last minute without even saying why. I just knew that Ashley would give me trouble. I was aware of her attitude problems but I didn't know that she had the guts to do it on my show. How unprofessional!" he ranted furiously to my shock.

"Is there no one to substitute?" I managed to get some words in between his rants

The scowl on his face went even deeper to my dismay, "I have grand plans for this show so I wanted a supermodel to showcase this line but now I have to settle for mid-tier models. I don't think we can get anyone in Ashley's caliber in such short notice. This whole situation is infuriating."

A voice suddenly spoke in my ear, "I'll attend instead."