Chapter 7

After getting dressed in a pair of black capris that were cuffed at the bottom and white v-neck, I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. It was Saturday morning so I didn't have to work today, with Sebastian , but that didn't seem to stop him. I could hear him talk on the phone with someone in his office just down the hall.I opened the fridge and searched it for something to eat.Nothing.This man apparently didn't keep much in here or at least he hasn't gone shopping recently.I walked into his office, softly knocking on the opened door to show I was here. He glanced up at me and gave a small smile while holding his finger up signaling for me to wait."I don't care about Bishop's, I want the company. I've been wanting to move into publishing for a while. They're the best fit, bottom line." He told the man he was talking to, his voice unwavering. Sebastian seemed liked someone who didn't lose. He said it himself, he always gets what he wants."I'm hanging up, but do not call me back until a contract is being written up." With that he hung up and slid the phone back in his pocket. "Christy," He greeted happily. A quick change to his previous mood seconds ago."Sebastian ," I greeted back as I took a seat in the leather love seat that was in his office. "you have no food." I said to him."I'll send my PA out today. You can have room service bring anything you'd like up.""You have room service even for an apartment?" I asked, genuinely stunned.He chuckled and nodded. "Yes,""I think I might go sight seeing." I told him. I hadn't gotten a chance to really see New York. I wanted to go visit the key monuments like Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, and all the others."I don't have time today, but tomorrow-""I don't need you to come." I said, cutting him off.He shook his head. "You can't go alone.""I'll put a hat on or something." Even I doubted that that would be enough for paparazzi not to recognize me. Those people were like vultures."If you insist on going then I'll insist that you bring my two men, Drake and Diego, with you."I sighed. "Fine," I said, not wanting to argue. I was just happy that I'd actually be doing something today."But be back by four, we have that gala tonight and you need to get ready."I groaned. I hated dressing up and I'm being forced to do it. "Why don't you people dress casually?"He look down at his black slacks and button up shirt. "I am dressed casual."I scoffed. "You're joking, right?""What? You don't think I'm casual?"I rolled my eyes and got up. "There's nothing casual about you, Seb." I said before exiting the office.I went upstairs to grab my purse and a few other things. When I came back down the two large men, dressed in all black suits who I assumed were Drake and Diego , were waiting at the door with Sebastian standing by them."Keep her safe," he instructed. "If a single hair on her head is misplaced neither of you will have a job."I rolled my eyes. "Relax, Seb. You're acting like an over protective father."He scoffed. "Or your husband."I laughed. "Pretend husband,"He shrugged. "Either way, I want you safe. Have fun," And with that he walked away and back down the halls.I followed them out and we took the back entrance to the building and into a nice SUV. I put on my black ray ban sunglasses that were the classic square shape. I remember saving up all summer for these when I was eighteen.We drove all day looking at the different monuments and buildings. I thought I'd be bored with these two, but it was quite the opposite. Drake was the younger one, only 29. He'd been working as a bodyguard since he was 23, but just started for Seb last year. He's joined the military when he was 18, just out of high school. Drake didn't share too much more information.Diego, on the other hand, was 52, but didn't look a day over 35. He was buff, like huge buff. The guy looked like he could eat me whole if he had to. He was more quiet than Drake , but I'd manage to learn a little bit more about him. He's got two sons, twins, 24. He mentioned his wife briefly, just saying he missed her currently. I guess Diego was only a temporary body guard, filling in for another guy.The two of them as a pair was quite comical. You could tell the age difference between the two in how they spoke. There were always quarreling about something."What the hell you doin', man?" Diego questioned Drake as he apparently took the wrong turn. Diego’s thick New York accent stuck out like a sore thumb in my eyes."Following the damn directions." Drake retorted, pointing to the GPS he had pulled up on his phone."I'm drivin' next time." Diego said."Boys, be nice." I playfully scolded, earning two chuckles. "Where are we going now?""Yeah, where we goin' now?" Diego asked, only to mock Drake.Drake looked over and narrowed his eyes before looking back at the road. "Staten Island ferry to see the Statue of Liberty." He said.I nodded, excited to see it in person.We finally pulled up to the boating doc and climbed up the stairs of the open building, waiting for the boat arrived. The times were posted on screens and it'd be here any minute. The place was packed and we stood in a crowd outside the glass doors, waiting to board.They soon opened and we all rushed on. I followed Drake and Diego, assuming they knew where we were going. We walked to the upper deck and sat on the orange plastic seats, facing the dirty windows looking out onto the Hudson."Used to ride this as a kid." Diego said, looking around. "Still smells like shit,"Drake and I both laughed and nodded. "That it does," Drake agreed.We saw the Statue of Liberty pass as we sailed on the water. It was much smaller than I imagined it'd be, but still cool to see.After we came back we got in to car and went onto our next stop. It had been a long day and after seeing a rat I decided it was time to go back.I arrived back at the apartment a half hour sooner than Seb wanted me here. He walked out of his office when we arrived. He dismissed Drake and Diego before walking over to me."Bye, Christy ," Drake said before disappearing into the elevator. I waved quickly too him as the doors closed."What was that?" Seb questioned, sounding angry.I raised an eyebrow. He better change his tone real quick... "What?""With Drake ," he attempted to clarify, but I still didn't know what he was talking about."Saying goodbye?" I guessed."He called you Christy,""My name? You're mad because he called me my name?""You said you didn't like when people you didn't know call you nicknames." He reminded, still looking annoyed."I know Drake , and I said people I like could." I reminded him.His jaw hardened. "So you like him?""Do you want me to hate him?""Do you like him?" He persisted."What's your problem? Where are you going with this?" I questioned, walking past him into the kitchen. I took off my jacket and slung it over the bar stool before turning back to him."You can't be flirting with-""Flirting?!" I question, not even giving him the chance to finish his sentence. This man had some nerve. "I was not flirting!""I know when a man is flirting, Christiana .""Whoopdie freakin' do for you. You're crazy if you think saying goodbye to someone can count as flirting."He let out a heavy sigh while closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose. "We need to get ready for that gala." He said, this man is going to give me whiplash.I scoffed. "Well I hardly feel like going anywhere after the tantrum you just pulled.""Tantrum?" He questioned, sounding appalled.I nodded and crossed my arms. "Yes, you sounded like a child that was fighting over some toy."He scoffed. "I am not a child."I rolled my eyes. "Alright, Sebastian , whatever you say, right?" I mocked.His facial expression softened and he leaned his head back, letting out a breath, and then looking back over at me. "I'm sorry,"I stay quiet for a moment but dropping my arms and nodding. "It's fine, just don't get crazy like that." I hated passive aggressive personalities."I'll let you get ready. Rose, the stylist I hired for you, will be here any minute. Just come get me when you're done." He said before walking away.