The most popular mall in the city as of late was bustling. It was around eight thirty, and the tamer rays of the morning sun were distilled into soft multicolored gleams refracted by the giant glass tower standing in below the large opening in the roof as if in defiance to the high vault shining a bright azure.
Though it seemed like the giant hole above would make rain become a problem during the seasons dominated by it, the wide circular pool at the foot of the glass tower was a glaring solution prepared to repurpose the water from the sky. And at the edge of the hole above was a transparent ledge with a curve to minimize the troubles from wind blowing the rain. And snow would only give a picturesque look to the mall during winter.
Sharon looked at the place, but could not admire the beauty of its design and its architecture with the uncertainty weighting on her mind. Still, as she followed a step behind Alex, she didn't look unfamiliar with the place. She didn't look surprised when Alex led her to an elevator that had less crowd waiting for it after sweeping a card to get access.
Noticing his glance, she took the initiative to explain:
"I have been here to look for opportunities, so I'm familiar with the mall."
Alex took his eyes back and looked at the digits above the door of the lift. Given that it was still early, not many card holders were present to share the elevator with them, so they got one for themselves.
"It is not easy getting in here."
Sharon silently acknowledged the comment and followed Alex inside.
Alex casually asked:
"What do you think of the mall?"
Sharon didn't think much. She calmly gave her opinion:
"The mall is new, but already has its place on the world stage. Its traffic and conversion rates are among the best, making its available spots heavily contended for by famous brands. Moreover, there are rumors of the Group it belongs to having further plans centered around it, though nothing seems to have been confirmed."
*Ding*
Alex nodded, showing neither satisfaction nor dissatisfaction as he left the elevator. Sharon followed after him, this time, with her curiosity getting the better of her:
"Where are we going?"
"To get you new clothes."
Alex's answer was curt. He glanced on both sides, then seemed to have decided on where to go. His steps were more assured as he walked in the direction he had chosen while Sharon hurried behind with her confusion barely kept in check.
"What's wrong with my clothes?"
"Nothing, they are simply not good enough."
Sharon looked down at herself and bit her lip:
"You don't need to pity me. I'm the one who sold any one of my things that I could. I'm already grateful for the job you have given me."
Alex turned to give Sharon a faint glance:
"I thought you would take it for granted."
Sharon smiled wryly:
"I know that most of what happened between us has been my fault. It is already good enough that you can tolerate my presence without taking drastic measures, so how can I take the job you gave me for granted?"
Alex gave the blonde a deep look, and turned away with a slight smile at the corner of his lips:
"Don't worry, you proved that you have the skills, so you deserved the job. Though that also means that if you disappoint me I will fire you."
Sharon replied with a soft, grateful smile:
"Yes."
For the first time, they had communicated with no barbs in their words, like just two adults interacting. And it was the first time in a while that Sharon was feeling the warmth of a helping hand, even if that hand only gave her an opportunity, nothing more.
Nevertheless, the conversation had distracted her until they arrived at a large shop, a beauty salon complete with a clothing store just as high end, and entered inside.
Sharon snapped out of the emotional moment and she looked around the shop. An attendant was already walking toward them, and she looked at Alex not knowing what to say.
He met her gaze, then dismissively looked away.
"Don't think too much. I'm not doing it for you. You represent me, my image. The better you look, the better it will reflect on me."
With that, he stopped caring about her and focused on the beautifully smiling attendant who just arrived before them:
"Get her the complete treatment, hair, nails, make-up, everything. I want her to shine bright, but she must be elegant instead of vulgar. Don't disappoint me."
The demanding order actually made the smile of the woman deepen, and she bowed respectfully:
"Yes, sir. We will make sure the result satisfies you."
The shop was already high-end, but vague orders like this one were those that practically screamed that the spending power was not a problem, and the more expensive the better.
"Wait, Alex, what about the office? Won't we be late? Are we going to waste two to three hours just for this?"
Alex glanced at Sharon, but paid her no mind. He looked back at the smiling attendant trying to appear polite instead of happy:
"While you are at it, send someone to bring clothes for me to choose from. I want a look that will dominate the scene and attract all the gazes."
"Understood, sir. I will send my colleague over soon. Madam, please come with me. Let me lead you to the salon to start with your hair."
The last part of the words were addressed at Sharon. With a polite smile, she was hurried in. Alex waved her away and walked to the side to take a seat. Sharon deeply looked at his back. The more time she spent with him, the more she was finding her impression of him subverted. For a moment, she wondered what happened to him ten years ago that had his friend worried, and she did so not out of curiosity, but out of sympathy, concern, pity for him? She could not quite tell. She did not try to tell.
She pushed her emotions back down with a breath, and turned away. She followed the attendant deeper inside the shop to start sooner and finish sooner with the process she must go through before they could go to the office.