AceI normally have Saturdays off, but go into work to supervise a photoshoot with the dress, which is now mended. The photoshoot needs to be done today so the images make it in the magazine on time. The shoot goes well, and I decide to have lunch while things are quiet.I wait at the traffic lights, and across the road, spot the girl I haven’t stopped thinking about. She’s worried and winds her way through pedestrians nervously; she isn’t paying attention to the traffic at all. A car accelerates and she is directly in its path.‘Shit!’ I run toward her, the driver beeps at her, I pull her away from the oncoming car, with my arms around her waist. Her heartbeat is racing and her breathing is erratic. I don’t want to let her go in case she collapses. Strangely, it’s nice holding her, and she starts to relax in my arms. I’m glad she’s okay, but angry she almost got herself killed.‘What is wrong with you?’ I say angrily. She looks up, scrunches her brows at me, and has an angry expressi

ZurielleI wear a suit-skirt with a plain white, button-up blouse, and a jacket that matches the skirt. I put my hair up in a high ponytail, and push my feet into black leather heels. I look at myself in the mirror. Yep, I look like I work at Pure Fashion Industries in this outfit.I hop on the bus, and at Hailey’s stop, she skips up the aisle, and sits down next to me.‘Zuri, you look hot sister!’ She says.‘Thanks! Do you think I’m dressed professionally enough, though? It is a high-end fashion company,’ I say. ‘They should hire you just for looking so fine!’ Hailey says, reassuringly, giving me a wink. We laugh and chat away until we arrive at Cafe Charm. Mark gives me a playful wink as I hand him his latte.‘Zurielle, I hear you have a job interview across the road today?’ Mr Fulton asks.‘I sure do,’ I reply, ecstatically.‘Well, I wish you luck,’ he replies.‘Thanks, Mr Fulton,’ I say, giving him a smile.When my shift finishes, I cross the road and walk into Pure Fashion Indus

I straighten my hair, apply some lipstick and mascara, and contemplate which dress to wear. I was planning on wearing the little black dress, but now I’m not sure, with Mark and Ace joining us. I decide on a different black dress that sits above my knees. It’s strapless, but not as fitted.I put my heels on, and give Lucky, the kitten, a quick cuddle, and make my way downstairs, only to be greeted by a bar full of wolf whistles, from the Savage Snakes.‘Zuri-doll. Looking hotter than ever! You going on a date?’ Boomslang asks.‘I wouldn’t call it a date. It was meant to be just Hailey and I, but she decided to invite that CEO and his brother along,’ I explain.‘You mean the guy you kicked in the nuts?’ Viper asks.‘Yeah, that one,’ I say.‘Good luck doll! Or should we be wishing him good luck?’ Viper asks, and I laugh.‘He probably needs the luck more than I do,’ I say, and they all start laughing.‘You want a lift into the city?’ Boomslang offers.‘Sure, that would be great. If Lucky

AceFreshly showered, I put my dark navy jeans on, with a white, fitted shirt, and a faux leather jacket I designed myself. I’d love to pick Zurielle up in my Lamborghini, but as she was originally going out with Hailey, it makes sense we all go together. As much as I don’t want Mark there. We’ll go in the limo.We wait outside Pure Fashion Industries, where Hailey told us to meet them. The moment I see Zurielle through the back window, I get out of the limo.Zurielle is naturally beautiful, but to see her made-up, in that little black dress and high heels, makes me want to drop to my knees and grovel at her feet. She looks at me, up and down, her lips part, and her chest rises, as she inhales sharply. I don’t get enough time to enjoy or study that look in her eyes, because Mark gets out, behind me.‘Zurielle, you look absolutely stunning,’ Mark says.‘Thanks,’ she replies, softly.‘I can’t believe you’re taking us out in a limo!’ Hailey squeals.‘Well, my Lamborghini only fits two pe

AceAfter my coffee with Zurielle, I’m on cloud nine.I worry she is going to decline my offer of a fresh start, as I’m still waiting for her answer as she stares blankly at me in thought. She does something I’m not expecting: she gets up and walks away. I’m gutted. It’s best if I just leave.After being tapped on the shoulder, I turn around and see her beaming at me, with her hand out to shake mine. I’m shocked.‘I’m Zurielle Summers. Very pleased to meet you. I hope you enjoyed your coffee, and that you’ll be a regular customer?’ She says, so sweetly, igniting something inside me. Concealing my shock, I gently shake her hand.‘Ace Brightly. Pleasure to meet you. I guarantee I’ll be back for another coffee,’ I reply, smiling. I want to stay but we both have to get back to work.With a spring in my step, I cross the road; stopping twice to look back; reassuring myself that what just happened was real and not a dream.I spend the next few hours working on new designs, with Zurielle on