AN - holy shitballs guys thank u so much for 4k I am honestly so happy :) I didn't think anyone would read this book so I'm excited that people actually enjoy it ha! Double update today in celebration. :) thank you all for the support! x

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"If you want to learn what someone fears losing, watch what they photograph."

As we reach the giraffe section, Poppy removes her sunglasses and puts them on her head. The puffiness is still evident, but her mascara coated eyelashes makes her eyes pop.

I sigh, why was she crying? And when was she crying? How could I not have heard it?

"Poppy," I force myself to say, softly gripping her shoulder and turning her small body to face me. She puts a hand on her hip and raises her thick eyebrows.

"Were you crying last night?" I ask her. I watch her face drop, and her eyes grow cold. This is a sight I've seen far too many times to understand she's hurt, angry, sad, or all of the above.

"No, what makes you think that?" She almost demands, placing her sunglasses over her eyes again.

I sigh, removing my hand from her shoulder. "You look like you've been crying, why were you crying?" My voice is soft, almost inaudible. I can't help but feel bad for her.

She just stops in her tracks and crosses her arms over her chest. "It's really none of your business."

I chuckle, "It kind of is, I was paid to take care of you. Plus, I care about you Poppy."

She purses her lips, "How about you stay in your lane and worry about yourself."

My heart softly clenches, but I just ignore it and shake my head. I can't force her to open up to me. It's not in her nature. I've learned that if she doesn't want to tell you something, she won't. That's how Poppy works.

We just stay silent and move up in the line until we're finally at the front. I pay for some lettuce to feed the giraffe, and we're led closer to beautiful animals. I've never seen them in person, they're much bigger than I expected.

As Poppy excitedly feeds the very large giraffe, the sun beats down on my skin and I feel hotter and hotter every passing second. Jesus. You'd think I'd be used to the heat.

"Oh my god!" Poppy squeals in laughter. I turn to face her and notice the giraffe is licking her small hand. She smiles brightly, and watches my face carefully.

I smile back at her, and grab my phone out of my pocket before snapping a few pictures. It's a sight too damn cute not to take pictures of.

She continues to feed the giraffes, and I feed them as well with a couple pieces of lettuce. The giraffes happily munch on the greens and I smile. It's sad to think they're being held captive against their will, but that's life. Nothing I can do about it.

Once we're done taking pictures and carefully petting and feeding the giraffes, I look down at my watch and see that it is 3:13 pm.

Almost on cue, my stomach grumbles in hunger, and Poppy laughs at the loud noise. Embarrassed, I place a hand over my stomach with a small smile.

"Lets go eat?" I ask with a chuckle, Poppy just laughs quietly and nods.

As we make our way to a little food cart, I instinctively take Poppy's hand in mine, noticing a couple of people staring at us.

Poppy looks down at my hand, but doesn't do anything. She looks up at the menu unnoticed with a slight pink tint in her cheeks.

"Um, I'd like a hot-"

"Are you Poppy Winsley? The Poppy Winsley?" A girl around Poppy's age gasps, walking up to Poppy and I with a group of other teenage girls.

"Well, that's what it says on my birth certificate." Poppy smirks. I laugh, shaking my head.

"So like, your parents are the designers of Winsley Designs? I love their line!" A tall, skinny brunette squeals. She has short curly hair and big brown eyes.

Poppy just smiles, and I notice her hand is still interlocked with mine. "Well, I'm glad you like it. They're currently in Paris designing their new summer line."

The girls excitedly squeal, and take out their phones. "Can we get a picture?" A short redhead asks.

Poppy just smiles, taking her sunglasses off. She poses with the girls in multiple pictures, and I stand there awkwardly.

After a couple snapshots, a cute blonde points to me. "Is that your boyfriend?" She smirks. I blush, and Poppy looks down at our hands, slowly tearing them away. I frown.

"No, he's just.. My friend," she laughs quietly, licking her lips. The girls just nod, staring at Poppy in admiration.

"Oh okay, well it was nice meeting you! You're so pretty in person wow!" The redhead squeals, laughing in between most of her words. 

"Thank you," Poppy chuckles, smiling.

The girls just look at each other and laugh in joy before taking a couple more pictures and running off. I roll my eyes, fangirls.

"Well look at you, little miss celebrity." I smile. Poppy rolls her eyes, ordering her food.

After we both order, Poppy sighs. "It happens quite often, my parents line is getting bigger and bigger. People start to recognize me from all of the events I attend, articles I'm in, things like that." She shrugs.

"Wow," I breathe out. "So how come you haven't been busy with any special events lately?"

Poppy laughs. "I will be, in June. I have a couple fashion shows to attend since my parents won't be able to, I have one art gala, an anniversary of a charity event, and the annual brunch that I have to host next week."

"I forgot you guys have that brunch in June," I recall, remembering the famous Winsley extravaganza. If you are anybody in the state of California, you will be there. Even the mayor shows up sometimes. I unfortunately have not attended the past few years due to working on the expansion of my hotel.

We finally receive our food, and I lead Poppy to an empty table underneath a large umbrella type thing. Yes, some shade.

"I can't wait for my friend Louis to come into town," Poppy gushes, "You have to meet him! He is my closest friend. He will be at the brunch" She smiles but I narrow my eyes at this.

I nod, Louis... A boy. A close boy friend. Interesting.

"Any other friends?" I ask.

"Well, I'm also friends with this girl named Chloe, but I don't like to hang out with her because she's really annoying sometimes," Poppy laughs.

"So you do have friends, they just annoy you?"

Poppy nods, taking a drink of her slush. "Except Louis. He's funny. You'll meet him next week," She smiles, once again bringing up this Louis guy. I feel..jealousy?

Yes I guess I will meet him.

"I have a couple friends," I decide to change the topic. "I have many. In the business world, you've got to be friends with multiple people to make it anywhere. But close friends, I have three that I really enjoy."

Poppy smiles. "What are their names? How come I've never heard of them?" She asks.

"Well, I usually am busy working, so we don't get to hang out as much, but how about tomorrow, I'll see if they're busy." I need some 

Poppy's eyes light up. "Really? Okay! My house or yours?"

"Mine," I chuckle at her excitement. "You're never at my house, it will be a nice change. Also, I haven't seen them in a while."

"Do you think they'll like me?" Poppy says, finishing up her meal. I roll my eyes.

"Of course they will, how could they not?" I smile at her. Her beautiful blue eyes sparkle and her lips are pulled into a smile.

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;)

chapter dedicated to the two beautiful people who recommended poppy so have Louis as her sassy BFF, y'all gonna be seein him soon ;) thanks for the idea!! x