Possessed - Bucky Barnes x OC

Part 12

"Thank you for stopping by!" Maggie called across the lobby to the couple that just finished up perusing the inventory of the gallery.

Business had been fairly slow for the day, not selling anything. She didn't mind though, her thoughts were fully consumed by the night before. James had made her feel a way she never had before— thoroughly and obscenely turned on. She wanted to invite him up to her apartment so badly, but she felt like he was trying to be a gentleman by cutting the kiss short before things got too out of hand. Although, she was thankful for that, she was left wanting more.

As she sat doodling on her sketch pad, the front door opened, cutting it short. An artist stopped by, dropping off their portfolio to be considered for the next showcase. She was kind and Maggie genuinely enjoyed her work, excited to show the binder to August.

Speaking of, the platinum haired jerk was prancing into the lobby shortly after she left, donning his classic black turtleneck and trousers. He had on dark shades, a Yves Saint Laurent purse slung over his shoulder, clutching a large iced coffee.

"Hi, August." Maggie said sweetly.

He spared her a quick peek, pulling down his glasses a smidge to look over her outfit, critically. Maggie was irritatingly positive and a little too wholesome for his taste. He truly disliked her, but she was the best employee he ever had, so he kept her around. She did everything for him without any complaints.

"Um so, I just had someone drop off their portfolio. She was hoping to be featured in the next showcase." She extended the binder out to him.

He walked over at a leisurely pace, ripping it from her hands. He flipped through the first two pages before he slammed it back shut. "Her work is nothing groundbreaking. Call her and tell her we'll pass." He turned and walked by, heading up to his office on the second floor, where he would most likely just sit on his phone for an hour or two before packing up and leaving again.

Maggie nodded, brows furrowing, feeling bad for the girl.

The next few hours were spent with the world's most difficult customer. The woman came in, nitpicking everything around her. Maggie swore, people just left the house some days to pick a fight. She tried her best to stay kind as always and smile through the backhanded comments.

The woman was obviously an extremely wealthy socialite, using her husband's credit card to fill her meaningless days, but Maggie would never dare think that. She tried to see the best in everyone. The woman was throwing a fit because of the fees for delivery and the fact that sales tax was applied to the art. Insults were hurled Maggie's way, fully disregarding any attempt at compromise. She simply wanted to accommodate her customer. No matter what she did though, the woman was harsh.

"You clearly aren't very competent, young lady." She spat.

Maggie stuttered, trying to hold back tears. "I— I'm so sorry, m'am. I can wave the delivery fees, but the sales tax—"

"Do you even know who I am? I could have you fired in a second."

Eyes widening, Maggie glanced around the room looking for help, despite the building being completely empty besides her and the woman. "I— I don't know who you are, I'm incredibly sorry. There's nothing I can do about the taxes though. Perhaps I can give you free expedited shipping?" She offered.

Huffing out an angry sigh, the woman agreed. Maggie rushed it though the system and waved the fees. After she finally settled on the most expensive piece in the studio, she left.

Emotions hitting her like a ton of bricks, Maggie ran to the bathroom to let herself break down. She slunk down the closed door, feeling tears streaming down her cheeks. Hiccuped breaths stuttering out of her pink lips.