Post by Mattie Cormier on Oct 4, 2019 0:56:55 GMT -5
Greenwich Village
Manhattan, New York
Out on the rooftop terrace of her studio apartment, Mattie Cormier was hard at work. Standing in front of her easel with a large canvas set on it, she had a look of concentration on her face as her brush flew across the canvas, while her agent Gabriel Vazquez looked on with a smile.
“As much as I admire your work ethic, I’m terrified I’m gonna walk in one day and find you collapsed on the floor from exhaustion or something,” Gabriel said, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe.
Mattie smirked as she dragged her brush across the canvas. “Yeah, because if I’m dead I don’t make you any money.”
He feigned a look of shock, holding a hand over his heart. “I am hurt that you would think so little of me. I would call you an ambulance...and then bring your materials to you so you could work in the hospital.”
Mattie laughed, but before she could retort the chime of her phone drew her attention. She set her palette and brush down, wiping her hands on a rag before picking her phone up. A grin spread across her face as she read the messages, and Gabriel smirked knowingly.
“Loverboy on his way over?” he teased.
Mattie’s cheeks immediately flushed pink. “Jeez, you’re as bad as the rest of them. Mack and I are just...hanging out. No labels, no pressure.”
“Uh huh,” Gabriel gave her a knowing grin.
Mattie just rolled her eyes and proceeded to shove him into the apartment and towards the front door. “Yes, he is on his way over and I don’t need you here making it weird, OK? Now scat!”
Gabriel laughed as he was herded towards the door. “Alright, alright! Can’t be too mad at the guy anyways, he’s been good for business. Haven’t seen you pump out this many pieces since finals week.”
As Mattie opened up the door to usher Gabriel out, the two were greeted by the sight of Mack standing in the entrance way, hand raised as if he were just about to knock. “Uh, bad time?” he asked.
“Nope, Gabe was just leaving!” Mattie said, giving him a shove.
Gabriel stumbled slightly, giving Mattie a glare over his shoulder before extending his hand to Mack. “Don’t believe we’ve formally been introduced. I’m Mattie’s agent, Gabriel Vazquez.”
Mack shook his hand. “Mack McKane.”
“OK, you finally met him, you can go now Gabe,” Mattie said, somewhat impatiently.
Gabriel gave a roll of his eyes. “I’ll call you with the details for the meeting with-”
“Kay, you do that, bye!” Mattie pulled Mack inside and then slammed the door shut in Gabriel’s shocked face. When she turned back around, Mack was giving her an amused grin.
“Well, you know how to make a bloke feel special,” he said, chuckling.
For the second time that night, Mattie’s cheeks turned pink. “Gabe can be just as bad as our friends when it comes to his insinuations,” she explained. “I didn’t want him to make it all weird and awkward. I can do that just fine on my own.”
Mack laughed. “Well, at least I find your awkwardness quite charming.”
She smiled bashfully, twirling a lock of hair around her finger. “Wanna come see my newest piece? Been working on it out on the patio.”
He nodded, and they headed towards the French doors leading outside. Along the way, Mack reached out and held Mattie’s hand as they walked out to the patio. She led him over to the easel and held her hands out towards it with a flourish. “Ta-da!”
The half-finished picture on the canvas was a rendering of Mack’s official championship portrait after he had won the Collateral Damage title. Mack was speechless for a moment, staring at the painting in shock. “This is...wow.” He turned to her, smiling broadly. “You really do have an incredible talent.”
Once again, Mattie’s face burned crimson as she looked down bashfully at her feet. “Well, it helps when you’ve got an incredible muse for inspiration.”
Mack reached out a bit hesitant, but then softly brushed his fingers along Mattie’s cheek, making her look up at him through her lashes. Just as it seemed they were about to share their first (official) kiss, they were interrupted by the French doors opening with a loud bang, causing both of them to jump and turn towards the source of the sound. A tall, impeccably dressed man wandered out to the patio, looking around before his gaze fell on Mattie and Mack.
“Well, there you are Matilda,” the man boomed in a thick Southern accent, striding over to them. Mattie’s eyes went wide as she took a few steps towards him.
“Everett! How...what are you doing here?” she stuttered. “How did you even get in to my apartment?”
Everett gave her a smarmy wink. “Money talks, little kitten. And your landlord was definitely listening. Though why you’re living in some roach-infested dump like this when you and I could have the most exclusive penthouse condo this city could offer…” He looked around with his lip curled in distaste, before his gaze fell on Mack. “And you must be the ‘interesting’ character my future mother-in-law was telling me about from the gallery showing.” His smile grew a little more sinister as he held out his hand toward Mack. “Everett Jacobs.”
Mack just glared at Everett, staying silent. Everett lowered his hand, chuckling. “Ah, the tall, dark and silent type, then?”
Mattie stepped between the two men, trying to get Everett’s attention. “What are you doing here, Everett?” she repeated. “I thought you were in New Orleans.”
“Well, as it turns out, Father’s looking to open a distribution centre for the company up here, so he’s got me overseeing the deal. Besides, I figured it would be a good way for you and I to spend some time together, now that you’re done playing student and all. We can finally get started on these wedding plans.”
Mack gave a sideways look to Mattie while Everett was distracted with looking out over the city, and Mattie rolled her eyes and made a gagging motion. Everett turned back to them with a clap of his hands. “So, what do you say you send your little friend along home, get yourself all dolled up and you and I head for dinner at Del Posto, hmm? Their reservation list is as long as my arm, but luckily I know a few people who can get us a table at a moment’s notice.”
Mattie took a sideways step closer to Mack. “Actually, my friend and I already have plans.”
Everett stared between the two of them for a moment. “You...cannot be serious, Matilda,” he said. “You would choose to spend your time with some homeless-looking degenerate over me?”
“In a heartbeat,” Mattie shot back with no hesitation. She reached out and took Mack’s hand firmly, leveling Everett with the most defiant stare she could muster.
“Alright, I’ve had just enough of your little rebellion as I’m going to take, Matilda,” Everett started.
“It’s Mattie!” she yelled. “God, how many times do I have to say it before it gets through your thick skull! And I couldn’t give a flying pig shit what you think! For the first time in my life, I’m happy, and I won’t have you barging in and thinking that you own me! Now get out of my apartment and leave me the hell alone!”
Everett was speechless for a long moment, before his face twisted into a look of rage. “I don’t know what kind of nonsense this hooligan has poisoned your mind with, but this is far from over, Matilda.” He stormed through the apartment and tore open the door. But before he left, he gave one last vicious glare over his shoulder before slamming the door so violently it rattled the picture frames on the wall.
Once the door slammed shut behind him, Mattie let out a long sigh, before turning to Mack. “I’m so sorry about all that. I told you he was a giant-”
“Fuckin’ arsehole?” Mack supplied.
“That’s putting it mildly,” she said. They walked back out to the patio, sitting down on the loveseat. Mattie curled her feet up underneath her body and snuggled into Mack’s side, laying her head on his shoulder. “Just so you know, you shouldn’t believe a word that comes out of his mouth. He’s just pissy that he’s not getting what he wants, so he’s throwing a temper tantrum.”
Mack put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in a little closer. “I figured as much.”
“I’m serious though. What he said about planning a wedding was nothing but bullshit. I’ve hated his guts pretty much forever.” Mattie sighed heavily. “Though I’m pretty sure he was right when he said this wasn’t over. If anything, he’s a stubborn bastard.”
“Well, let’s not dwell on it for the moment. I believe we were in the middle of something before we were so rudely interrupted…”
This time, Mack didn’t hesitate in the slightest as he cupped her cheeks in his hands and gently pulled her face towards his, giving her a breathtaking kiss that seemed to last for ages. When they finally parted, Mattie’s eyes fluttered open as she stared at Mack in shock, her mouth slightly open.
“Wow…” she breathed. “I’m glad I was sober for that one.”
Mack gave her a little grin. “Yeah, you’re much better at it when you’re not sloshed.”
Mattie glared at him and playfully shoved him a bit, before settling back beside him as they looked out over the lights of Manhattan together.
“Ugh, just thought of two things I’ll need to do tomorrow,” Mattie said.
“What’s that?”
“Get my locks changed, then kick my landlord’s ass.”
Manhattan, New York
Out on the rooftop terrace of her studio apartment, Mattie Cormier was hard at work. Standing in front of her easel with a large canvas set on it, she had a look of concentration on her face as her brush flew across the canvas, while her agent Gabriel Vazquez looked on with a smile.
“As much as I admire your work ethic, I’m terrified I’m gonna walk in one day and find you collapsed on the floor from exhaustion or something,” Gabriel said, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe.
Mattie smirked as she dragged her brush across the canvas. “Yeah, because if I’m dead I don’t make you any money.”
He feigned a look of shock, holding a hand over his heart. “I am hurt that you would think so little of me. I would call you an ambulance...and then bring your materials to you so you could work in the hospital.”
Mattie laughed, but before she could retort the chime of her phone drew her attention. She set her palette and brush down, wiping her hands on a rag before picking her phone up. A grin spread across her face as she read the messages, and Gabriel smirked knowingly.
“Loverboy on his way over?” he teased.
Mattie’s cheeks immediately flushed pink. “Jeez, you’re as bad as the rest of them. Mack and I are just...hanging out. No labels, no pressure.”
“Uh huh,” Gabriel gave her a knowing grin.
Mattie just rolled her eyes and proceeded to shove him into the apartment and towards the front door. “Yes, he is on his way over and I don’t need you here making it weird, OK? Now scat!”
Gabriel laughed as he was herded towards the door. “Alright, alright! Can’t be too mad at the guy anyways, he’s been good for business. Haven’t seen you pump out this many pieces since finals week.”
As Mattie opened up the door to usher Gabriel out, the two were greeted by the sight of Mack standing in the entrance way, hand raised as if he were just about to knock. “Uh, bad time?” he asked.
“Nope, Gabe was just leaving!” Mattie said, giving him a shove.
Gabriel stumbled slightly, giving Mattie a glare over his shoulder before extending his hand to Mack. “Don’t believe we’ve formally been introduced. I’m Mattie’s agent, Gabriel Vazquez.”
Mack shook his hand. “Mack McKane.”
“OK, you finally met him, you can go now Gabe,” Mattie said, somewhat impatiently.
Gabriel gave a roll of his eyes. “I’ll call you with the details for the meeting with-”
“Kay, you do that, bye!” Mattie pulled Mack inside and then slammed the door shut in Gabriel’s shocked face. When she turned back around, Mack was giving her an amused grin.
“Well, you know how to make a bloke feel special,” he said, chuckling.
For the second time that night, Mattie’s cheeks turned pink. “Gabe can be just as bad as our friends when it comes to his insinuations,” she explained. “I didn’t want him to make it all weird and awkward. I can do that just fine on my own.”
Mack laughed. “Well, at least I find your awkwardness quite charming.”
She smiled bashfully, twirling a lock of hair around her finger. “Wanna come see my newest piece? Been working on it out on the patio.”
He nodded, and they headed towards the French doors leading outside. Along the way, Mack reached out and held Mattie’s hand as they walked out to the patio. She led him over to the easel and held her hands out towards it with a flourish. “Ta-da!”
The half-finished picture on the canvas was a rendering of Mack’s official championship portrait after he had won the Collateral Damage title. Mack was speechless for a moment, staring at the painting in shock. “This is...wow.” He turned to her, smiling broadly. “You really do have an incredible talent.”
Once again, Mattie’s face burned crimson as she looked down bashfully at her feet. “Well, it helps when you’ve got an incredible muse for inspiration.”
Mack reached out a bit hesitant, but then softly brushed his fingers along Mattie’s cheek, making her look up at him through her lashes. Just as it seemed they were about to share their first (official) kiss, they were interrupted by the French doors opening with a loud bang, causing both of them to jump and turn towards the source of the sound. A tall, impeccably dressed man wandered out to the patio, looking around before his gaze fell on Mattie and Mack.
“Well, there you are Matilda,” the man boomed in a thick Southern accent, striding over to them. Mattie’s eyes went wide as she took a few steps towards him.
“Everett! How...what are you doing here?” she stuttered. “How did you even get in to my apartment?”
Everett gave her a smarmy wink. “Money talks, little kitten. And your landlord was definitely listening. Though why you’re living in some roach-infested dump like this when you and I could have the most exclusive penthouse condo this city could offer…” He looked around with his lip curled in distaste, before his gaze fell on Mack. “And you must be the ‘interesting’ character my future mother-in-law was telling me about from the gallery showing.” His smile grew a little more sinister as he held out his hand toward Mack. “Everett Jacobs.”
Mack just glared at Everett, staying silent. Everett lowered his hand, chuckling. “Ah, the tall, dark and silent type, then?”
Mattie stepped between the two men, trying to get Everett’s attention. “What are you doing here, Everett?” she repeated. “I thought you were in New Orleans.”
“Well, as it turns out, Father’s looking to open a distribution centre for the company up here, so he’s got me overseeing the deal. Besides, I figured it would be a good way for you and I to spend some time together, now that you’re done playing student and all. We can finally get started on these wedding plans.”
Mack gave a sideways look to Mattie while Everett was distracted with looking out over the city, and Mattie rolled her eyes and made a gagging motion. Everett turned back to them with a clap of his hands. “So, what do you say you send your little friend along home, get yourself all dolled up and you and I head for dinner at Del Posto, hmm? Their reservation list is as long as my arm, but luckily I know a few people who can get us a table at a moment’s notice.”
Mattie took a sideways step closer to Mack. “Actually, my friend and I already have plans.”
Everett stared between the two of them for a moment. “You...cannot be serious, Matilda,” he said. “You would choose to spend your time with some homeless-looking degenerate over me?”
“In a heartbeat,” Mattie shot back with no hesitation. She reached out and took Mack’s hand firmly, leveling Everett with the most defiant stare she could muster.
“Alright, I’ve had just enough of your little rebellion as I’m going to take, Matilda,” Everett started.
“It’s Mattie!” she yelled. “God, how many times do I have to say it before it gets through your thick skull! And I couldn’t give a flying pig shit what you think! For the first time in my life, I’m happy, and I won’t have you barging in and thinking that you own me! Now get out of my apartment and leave me the hell alone!”
Everett was speechless for a long moment, before his face twisted into a look of rage. “I don’t know what kind of nonsense this hooligan has poisoned your mind with, but this is far from over, Matilda.” He stormed through the apartment and tore open the door. But before he left, he gave one last vicious glare over his shoulder before slamming the door so violently it rattled the picture frames on the wall.
Once the door slammed shut behind him, Mattie let out a long sigh, before turning to Mack. “I’m so sorry about all that. I told you he was a giant-”
“Fuckin’ arsehole?” Mack supplied.
“That’s putting it mildly,” she said. They walked back out to the patio, sitting down on the loveseat. Mattie curled her feet up underneath her body and snuggled into Mack’s side, laying her head on his shoulder. “Just so you know, you shouldn’t believe a word that comes out of his mouth. He’s just pissy that he’s not getting what he wants, so he’s throwing a temper tantrum.”
Mack put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in a little closer. “I figured as much.”
“I’m serious though. What he said about planning a wedding was nothing but bullshit. I’ve hated his guts pretty much forever.” Mattie sighed heavily. “Though I’m pretty sure he was right when he said this wasn’t over. If anything, he’s a stubborn bastard.”
“Well, let’s not dwell on it for the moment. I believe we were in the middle of something before we were so rudely interrupted…”
This time, Mack didn’t hesitate in the slightest as he cupped her cheeks in his hands and gently pulled her face towards his, giving her a breathtaking kiss that seemed to last for ages. When they finally parted, Mattie’s eyes fluttered open as she stared at Mack in shock, her mouth slightly open.
“Wow…” she breathed. “I’m glad I was sober for that one.”
Mack gave her a little grin. “Yeah, you’re much better at it when you’re not sloshed.”
Mattie glared at him and playfully shoved him a bit, before settling back beside him as they looked out over the lights of Manhattan together.
“Ugh, just thought of two things I’ll need to do tomorrow,” Mattie said.
“What’s that?”
“Get my locks changed, then kick my landlord’s ass.”