231 The FD Studio 1

~ Seattle, the FD Studio ~

Note: 'the FD Studio' stands for 'the Fabulous Designs Studio'

Monday

2:46 PM

Sabrina is in her design studio. She is in her office, staring blankly at color swatches while her mind is drifting toward Ashton.

She exhaled in defeat and leaned back in her chair.

"This is not working…", she mumbled.

Luckily, she had a number of clients today and that distracted her, but as soon as she is by herself, Sabrina is thinking about those dark brown locks and hazel eyes and the way he looks at her and his scent and… Sabrina groaned in frustration. She is thinking about him again!

This whole weekend was a torturous mess which passed in a daze and she caught herself numerous times staring at her phone, on the verge of dialing Ashton's number. And more than once she was contemplating going to his apartment, or maybe just parking on the street in front of his apartment building with hope to catch a glimpse of him. Ah! She is a stalker! His image is wherever she looks and it's driving her nuts!

A quick knock on her door got Sabrina's attention.

"Rina, there is a handsome young man who wants to see you.", Madison said, and Sabrina could see her big grin when Madison's head peeked in.

Madison is one of the workers in the design studio and she gets along well with Sabrina. Well, Sabrina gets along well with all of her employees.

Madison works in the main part of the store where customers can buy various accessories for their home or office space.

Sabrina's heart skipped a beat. 'Is it Ashton? She told him that he can come anytime, no appointment necessary, and he is handsome, and they talked about him coming this week…'

"I see that you are expecting him…", Madison said teasingly when Sabrina swiftly pulled a mirror out of her purse to check her hair and makeup.

Sabrina glared at Madison. "You can bring him here…"

Madison grinned and walked out.

Sabrina placed her hand over her chest while she tried to calm down her heart. 'Why am I this flustered? Ah, I feel lightheaded! Am I about to faint?'

The door opened and Sabrina held her breath.

"It seems that you expected someone else.", Jackson said when he noticed that Sabrina's smile fell.

Sabrina didn't realize that she frowned. It's not that she dislikes that it's Jackson, but the fact that it's not Ashton, got her mood to drop drastically.

"Why are you here?", she asked icily.

Jackson closed the door behind him and sat on the chair opposite from Sabrina. "I came to check on my fiancée." He observed her face. "I didn't realize that I am not welcome. Did I interrupt something?"

Sabrina cleared her throat. "You never come here."

Sabrina has this space for more than a year, and Jackson never showed the slightest interest in what she is doing.

Jackson shrugged. "There is a first time for everything."

"Which brings us to my first question: why are you here?"

"There is an event this weekend…", Jackson paused and gave her a meaningful look.

"You want me to come with you?", Sabrina guessed.

Jackson shrugged, indicating that he does not have any preferences. "I would prefer it if you join me, but if you have other plans, then secure me an invitation."

Sabrina thought how usually Jackson sends her a text about these things. After all, he only wants to get access to potential clients… and hookups. "It must be important if you came here in person."

"I was in the area.", he responded coolly.

Sabrina glanced at the time and she wanted to point out that he should be in his office, and not in the area, but she decided not to bring up this point. She does not want to spend more time than necessary with him, and if she asks why he is in the area, he might say that he saw one of his numerous lady-friends.

Sabrina decided to stick to the topic. When he gets what he wants, he will leave. She checked her calendar. "What event is that? I don't have any event for this weekend."

Jackson got his phone and sent her a message. "This is the information which includes the location and the organizer. I am sure that they will be delighted to have an Anderson on their guest list."

Sabrina exhaled while trying to hide her frustration. She knew that he came only to get something from her, and she was surprised how much that fact bothered her. It's not that she expected him to come because he is missing her, after all, there is nothing between them. But he is obviously exploiting her.

Sabrina wondered if she is acting this way because of her talk with Liz.

'Yes, that must be the reason…', she concluded because after Liz brought up the point that Jackson might be faking his epilepsy, Sabrina noticed that her indifference toward Jackson is morphing into an unpleasant feeling.

Sabrina forced a smile. "I will see what I can do."

Jackson glanced around. "You have a nice place here."

Sabrina was surprised that he didn't leave. Is he staying for small talk? "Thanks."

"Do you have many clients? I would like to see how you come up with your ideas."

Sabrina blinked, surprised that Jackson seems to be interested in her work. They met eight years ago, and this is the first time he is asking about her work. "Uhm… There is no such thing as too many clients." She didn't want to address the point of him seeing her come up with ideas. Thinking about Jackson watching her work is… strange.

Jackson laughed. "You are right about it. There is no such thing as too many clients."

He leaned closer to Sabrina's desk (and her). "You should come and visit me at my work sometimes."

"I will need to check my calendar. Is there anything else I can help you with? I am busy."

Jackson was disappointed with lack of enthusiasm from Sabrina's side, but he knows that for a long time he is neglecting her and that is why she is drifting away, and her behavior during the Fourth of July party proves it. He thought about the current situation, and he decided to charm Sabrina. He has to do it, because he has a feeling that she will back out of their deal if he does not come up with some other way to tie her up to himself. And he can win her heart, he is good at it. He reminded himself not to push it.

"There is nothing else. I came to see you and because of the event. I hope that you can join me. As for the office visit, I would love to show you my office and to introduce you to my employees. Just give me a heads-up so that I expect you." Jackson stood up, walked to her side of the desk, and placed a light kiss on her cheek. "Thank you."

Sabrina didn't respond. She was confused, why did he kiss her cheek? They never do these couple-things when it's just the two of them; those are reserved as a façade for others to think that they are happily engaged. No matter how she thinks about it, something is off.

She watched Jackson walk out of her office and she was upset that he didn't close the door behind him.

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