Second Chances

interview-------->chp4

Interview:

Marinette double checked the address to make sure she got it right. Instead of the large house that she had fully expected an Agreste to live in, she currently stood before a very nice yet reasonably-sized house in the middle of a very nice neighborhood.

She took a deep breath, resituating her black blazer over her red blouse before marching forward to ring the doorbell. She waited a moment for the door to open, revealing whom she knew to be Adrien. One didn't have a shrine of a teenaged Adrien's modeling photos decorating an entire bedroom wall throughout their younger years and not remember his face, after all.

"Mr. Agreste," Marinette greeted. "I'm Marinette Kurtzburg."

His face lit up in recognition. "Ah, yes. Please, come in."

She entered, allowing her a view of the welcoming interior. The warm tan on the walls was enhanced by the dark brown side table and matching hardwood flooring. The white accents, like the baseboards and vase on the table, were a striking contrast against the dark wood, but in her opinion, it was the red hallway rug, red flowers, and red-tone painting in the hallway that made the space pop.

She stared at the picture, swearing up and down it was familiar but unable to place it.

"Isn't that a wonderful painting?" Adrien asked, shutting the front door. "I hired an interior designer after I bought this house, and he found that piece at a local art fair."

Marinette paused. There was a bell in her mind that was ringing, but for the life of her, she couldn't put a label on it. "It's really nice. I love supporting local artists."

"And there is no shortage of them in France."

"No, there certainly is not."

Adrien hummed his agreement. "If you'll follow me to my office, we'll go over all the terms and any other questions you have, then I'll show you around the house and introduce you to Emma."

Marinette followed him through the downstairs into a room just off the main living area. The large, oak desk that sat smack dab in the center of the room had a computer at one side and several completely organized file racks on the other. There were a couple small, framed photos on the matching oak file cabinets behind the desk, but other than that, the room was devoid of any decorations.

"Have a seat, Miss Kurtzburg."

"Mrs." Marinette corrected as she took the offered seat.

Adrien immediately blanched. "Forgive me," he said, looking down at her hands, likely searching for her ring. "I...I'm such an idiot. I meant no offence. I'm so sorry."

"None taken," she said. It wasn't the first time that had happened with her appearance akin to that of a high schooler. She'd forever blame her Chinese heritage for that one.

However, Adrien didn't look convinced. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously as he turned his attention to his computer. The printer that rested on top of a short file cabinet whirred to life before spitting out a few pages. In what was clearly a much-practiced move, Adrien rolled himself over to the printer, snatched the pages, then rolled back, setting the pages in front of Marinette.

By now, the red tinge that had lingered on his cheeks had faded. However, he still didn't make eye contact with her as he began going through the paperwork, explaining what all of it was for before handing Marinette a pen and indicating where to sign.