Chapter Twenty
I'm on a high as I make my wayup to the 63rd floor. Being all pressed up against Jake has got to be the best form of transportation ever. Ultimately, I'm happy he swayed my mind and pushed me to trust him on this. There was something relaxing in the sways of his bike, the air against my limbs, his deep breaths that I felt within me…
And on my leg, I can still feel his fingers softly dancing across my skin every time we were at a stop.
I tried. I really tried to stay professional and just head to the building, but my desire to kiss him won over. And now, I'm struggling to quench my elated grin. Friday can't come soon enough.
By the time I arrive at my floor, I'm more composed and my face is a mask of indifference as I step into the open space. A few people greet me on my way to my office, and I reply with a polite smile and a nod. Just as I reach my door, Daisy gets up from her desk.
"Good morning! I was about to text you to make sure you were alright," she explains while we enter my office, holding a clipboard.
Right, shoot. I'm a solid twenty minutes late. "So sorry about that. I've had a rocky morning."
"It's alright. It's just that you're usually here before most of us, so I worried."
"I appreciate that, thank you," I say genuinely, giving her arm a little squeeze. "You have something for me?"
"Oh, yes! Mr. Sinclair came by ten minutes ago. I think he wanted to see you about the merger."
I cringe, glimpsing at my colleagues behind the glass wall. Of course, the one day I'm late, my boss visits me uncharacteristically early.
"Okay, I'll go handle him. Anything else?"
"The reports you asked for should arrive within the next two hours." When she bends closer to me, acting suspiciously secretive, I brace myself for something bad. "Also, Mr. Hoffman came earlier. He wanted your schedule. I think he's planning a surprise for you or something."
My entire body tenses with dread. What is Edward doing? What does he have in mind?
"What did you do?" I ask, hoping my worries aren't too noticeable.
"Well, I know you two aren't together anymore, so I told him I couldn't share personal information with him," she whispers. I can't quite contain the relieved sigh that sinks my shoulders. "Did I do the right thing?"
"You did the perfect thing, Daisy. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome, Miss Kensington. Since you usually already have a coffee with you when I arrive, do you want me to bring you one?"
"Thank you, but I'm alright. I already had a couple," I explain, still surprised by Jake's appreciation of robust coffee.
Daisy nods and brings the clipboard closer to her chest. "Let me know if you need anything."
"I will."
Once alone, I settle my bag by my desk and boot up my computer. I take a few moments to check my emails, and then I go to the other side of the floor to see what my boss wants. When I arrive, his door is wide open, and Ralf Lowell is talking with him. I knock on the panel, attracting their attention.
"Ah, Genevieve, there you are. Had a little pillow incident this morning?"
"My apologies for the mishap, sir. I had to handle an unforeseen circumstance. My assistant told me you were looking for me?"
"Yes, do come in. Ralf and I were talking about the merger. He told me he finished crunching the numbers yesterday."
"Actually, I did that," I correct.
"Anyhow, the odds are looking good for us. They want a detailed report upstairs; we have about a fortnight to produce it. Do you think you two can get your teams to finish it for the ninth?" he asks. Ralf and I nod, confident in our departments' abilities to do it in time. "Perfect. Genevieve, I know you have asked for a day off that Friday. Can you push back whatever plans you have?"
After a few seconds of frantic thoughts mixed with confusion, I shake my head. "I'm afraid I can't, sir."
"Really? This is terribly important, Genevieve."
"I'm sorry, but the request was approved months ago. I can't come in on the ninth."
"What could be more important than this?" Ralf snickers.
My annoyance for the man was somehow contained because he didn't open his mouth, but since he has, I don't hold back the glare I give him. "A personal matter that doesn't concern you."
I turn to my boss again. "Sir, I'm sorry for the terrible timing, but do trust that I will have everything you need ready by the eighth. My absence the day after won't pose an issue."
His lips are pinched in a displeased manner, and I expect him to argue again and force me to come in on the ninth. I didn't complain in the past about Christmas and New Year's, but this, I can't.
Mr. Sinclair eventually sighs and walks around his desk to sit on his big leather chair. "Alright, you two take a seat. We need to organize ourselves."
I nod and move to the closest chair while Ralf approaches the other one. For the next two tedious hours, we listen and take notes. The report needs to be much more detailed than I expected, and it would be a challenge even if I were coming on the ninth. But I've handled worse in the past, so I know I can make it.
By the time I come out of my boss's office, I'm properly drained. The man's ability to talk all the time and get constantly sidetracked is uncanny. And I'm not as good as Ralf at faking interest and licking our boss's ass, so it's torture.
Because I need to recharge, I head toward the break room rather than my office. That coffee Daisy offered earlier doesn't sound like such a bad idea now. My pace slows as I get closer. Every time I approach this room, I'm reminded of the awful words my colleagues spewed about me. Part of me fears it'll happen again, and I'll have to endure more humiliation. That worry gets even more intense when I discern hushed voices in there. More specifically, Isabel's voice.
"I swear it was her. And he had a big motorcycle and tattoos."
"And she kissed him?"
"Girl, she practically swallowed him whole. It was so weird."
No. Not again. They can't be talking about me again—about me and Jake.
"So that's why she was late, then?"
"Maybe, yeah."
Because I've had actual nightmares about what happened last time, it takes a second for my brain to process that this is all true. This is really happening. I'm not making this up.
"Was he hot?" someone asks.
"Eh, I didn't see him because of the helmet, but he couldn't have been. Have you met her? The tattoos were sexy, though."
Oh, if that bitch knew just how hot Jake is, she'd have a stroke.
"Unless he was an escort or whatever," Isabel continues.
"A gigolo? And she paid him for the night?"
"Where else is she gonna find someone? All that harpy does is work," Larry snorts.
The fact that they are insulting Jake infuriates me. With a quick, deep breath, I straighten up and walk inside the breakroom. Their attention instantly falls on me, and they try to act as if nothing happened. I do the same for a few seconds, fetching a mug and moving to the coffee pot.
As I pour myself a steaming cup, I boldly meet Isabel's eyes. "So you were late this morning?" I ask.
Surprise flashes on her face. "Uh, I—yeah. But you t—"
"No, don't even go there. I was late for the first time in three years. You were late for the fifth time this month."
I lower the coffee pot down a little harder than needed, startling them all. The nerve of them to spit their venom behind my back and then act like scared little rats as soon as I'm here. I can't let them do this to me, to my authority, and to Jake. It's my personal life, my private life.
I take a packet of stevia and a stirrer, gathering the little more courage I need, then turn to them again. They think I'm a harpy? I'll show them what that's like.
The temptation to fire Isabel and Larry is great, but I'll need them if I want the report ready by the eighth.
"I let it slide last time because I believe in character growth and hoped you would abstain from gossiping about me again. I see that was naive of me, so this time, I will file a complaint with HR to let them know there's an issue. And the next time I catch someone gossiping about me—or anyone in the office for that matter—they are getting fired. Is that clear?"
They say nothing, staring at me with their eyes widened and their jaws slacked. I can't believe I felt so intimidated by them. They are nothing, just a bunch of overpaid adults with a high school mentality. They aren't worth all the attention and pain I allow them to get out of me.
"Is that clear?" I repeat louder.
They collectively nod, some mumbling "Yes" along with it.
"Good. Now, go back to work. We have a new assignment, so we'll meet in the conference room right after lunch."
They scatter like the cockroaches they are, and I end up alone in the break room, feeling victorious.
Wherever this came from, I like it. It's empowering.
I'm still not over it when I reenter my office with my coffee. Those threats I made weren't just to scare them. I will actually enact them and reach out to HR with a detailed account of the incidents, as well as names. And if I hear more nasty gossip, I'll ensure NexaCorp throws them to the curb, where they belong.
My phone's waiting by my computer when I sit, so I grab it to check if anything happened during the past couple of hours. Hana sent details about her birthday to the group chat, The Times pushed an article in my notifications, and Jake texted. As soon as I see that last one, my heart races, and my lips bend into a broad smile. I open it before everything else and smile even harder when I read it.
Ladder Guy
We could still be in bed if you weren't so rigorous about work.
With a small sigh, I send,
Me
Trust me, I wish we were.
Ladder Guy
Everything alright, red?
Me
People are idiots.
Ladder Guy
And it took you almost twenty-seven years to realize that?
Me
I always suspected it, but today is strongly confirming it.
Ladder Guy
Anyone bothering you? You want me to come and break some jaws?
I giggle again, truly entertained by his attempt at cheering me up. It's definitely working.
Me
I'll manage. It's just frustrating because the day started so well. I was in such a good mood :(
Ladder Guy
I know what you mean. Eli is a twat. The fucker killed my vibe three minutes in.
Me
Do you want me to come and break his jaw?
Ladder Guy
And deprive me of the pleasure of doing it myself? Never. I appreciate the offer though.
Because I have the feeling we could keep chatting like this for the remainder of the morning, I rip myself from my phone and put it in a drawer so I can get back to work. If I'm not rolling around under the sheets with Jake, I might as well make the best of today. First, I email my team, informing them there'll be a meeting in the conference room after lunch. Then, I begin drafting my email to the head of HR, who I know will take my complaint seriously.
I'm in the middle of it when someone knocks on the glass door. My eyes travel up, expecting Daisy, but the masculine figure isn't her. Eddie.
Before I can invite him or recuperate from the shock, he opens the door, taking my acknowledgment of him as an invitation to enter.
"Hey, Gen," he greets me with a small smile.
"Hi. Do-do you need something?"
"No, I just thought I'd come up and have a little chat." When he closes the door, I know it's more than a "little chat".
I notice how riveted people are outside in the open space, and my brain clicks on what's happening. The gossip I heard in the breakroom has spread. I didn't nip it in the bud, catching it too late.
"I've heard rumors," Edward uneasily starts.
"Have you?"
"Yeah. Are they true?"
"I don't know. What are the rumors about?" I ask, feigning cluelessness.
"That you arrived with someone this morning."
"Why is that a problem?"
"A male someone, that you kissed."
I'd understand and accept if he was confused or hurt. But more than that, it's judgment that I read in his eyes. And I can't tolerate that.
"Sorry, but I don't understand what's happening here," I say, standing from my chair. I come around the desk, lean onto it, and fold my arms over my chest. "I seem to recall that you broke up with me, Eddie. So, why is it a problem if I'm seeing someone?"
"I didn't expect you to move on so fast."
My jaw drops. "Are you slut shaming me?"
"No! Heaven's sake, no! I'm just… surprised. I mean, we barely made time for each other, and now you're seeing some guy."
Now, I feel a little guilty because he's not entirely wrong. But the only thing I can think of to explain it is Jake's novelty. Being with him is exciting, exhilarating, invigorating… I feel like I haven't felt since Victoria died. And that sensation is addictive.
Jake once told me I go to him to feel alive, and it's true.
"I'm sorry, Eddie. I don't know what to tell you. I'm trying to take more risks and be bold, not be boring like you said."
Now, he's the one feeling bad. His mouth opens, but nothing comes out of it. When he tries again, his voice is filled with regret. "Gen, I didn't mean it like that. It was just the—"
"No, you were right. I was boring, and now I'm pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone."
"With some random guy?"
"I had to start somewhere, didn't I?"
He sighs, scratching his perfectly shaved jaw—something he does when uncomfortable. I wish I could cater to his hurt feelings more, but I have too much work for that. And in all truth, I want out of this weird atmosphere. I don't know how to handle it, and right now, I don't have the mental capacity to figure it out.
"Eddie, I'm sorry, but I have a mountain of things to handle today."
He lets out a small, mirthless chuckle. "Some things never change, do they?"
"We can talk about this another time if you want. Just not today."
"Yeah, sure. I'll go back to my things, and you'll do yours."
When he turns around, I notice a collective movement outside. The people in the open space weren't working, but spying on us, aware that we broke up and that I'm moving on.
I dismiss how awkward it makes me feel and walk Eddie to the door. Just as he's about to leave, he turns back to me. "Oh, uh, can you wish Hana a happy birthday for me on Saturday?" he asks.
"Yes, of course. You still have her number too, right?"
"Hasn't she blocked me yet?"
I grimace, aware that it's a possibility. Hana was never a big fan of Eddie, so she might have blocked his number as soon as the breakup was official.
"I'll tell her for you, don't worry," I diplomatically offer.
He thanks me with a smile and a nod before walking away. I don't linger there, giving the space a long scan to ensure people are done with the show and back to work.
The fact that it's still morning is preposterous because when I sit back in my chair, I'm ready to go home and forget this day ever happened. What absolute carnage. Actually, not all of it. The first hour was pretty spectacular.
I can't help but fetch my phone from the drawer. The only good thing today was Jake, and I need more of him to cope.
Me
For real, next time, we stay in bed all day.
Ladder Guy
With pleasure, red.
Yes. Definitely a lot of pleasure. On both our parts.